Page 6 - Oxted Local July 2025

6 July 2025
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Oxted Local 
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New Accessible Space New Accessible Space
Opens in Tandridge Opens in Tandridge
Barn Hub Officially Opened by
His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant, of
Surrey and Tandridge Councillors
Oxted, Surrey – Head2Head
Sensory Theatre proudly marked
the official opening of the newly
renovated Barn Hub with a ribbon-
cutting ceremony carried out
by Mr. Michael More-Molyneux,
His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant.
Speeches were made by Councillors
Saj Hussain, Denise Turner-Stewart
(Chair and Deputy Leader of Surrey
CC) and Councillor Sue Farr, Chair
of Tandridge DC.
Founder Anni Rhodes-Steere
expressed her heartfelt thanks to all
who supported the transformation
of the Barn Hub, acknowledging
the invaluable contributions from
the Rural England Prosperity Fund,
Tandridge District Council and Your
Fund Surrey.
“We never gave up on our dream
to create a community space where
all are welcome,” said Anni Rhodes-
Steere, “but it wouldn’t have been
possible without the wonderful
support we have received over the
past three years.”
Surrey County Council deputy
leader and Cabinet Member for
Customer and Communities Denise
Turner-Stewart said: “We are
delighted that Head2Head Sensory
Theatre were successful in their
application to Your Fund Surrey’s
Large Community Projects Fund for
a grant of £91,225.
By renovating Drewshearne Barn
in Tandridge, Head2Head, under
the warm and loving guidance
of Anni and her dedicated team,
have developed an accessible and
energy-efficient centre, providing
a welcoming space where a wide
range of residents within this rural
community can connect, learn, and
thrive for years to come. This vital
funding will directly support many
individuals and various groups,
including the elderly, young people
with Additional Needs, People
with Autism, and numerous others.
Furthermore, this renovation will
significantly increase volunteering
opportunities, and as we know,
these dedicated volunteers are
absolutely vital to the continued
success of the Head2Head charity.
This expansion will also allow
Head2Head to broaden their reach
and work with new groups across
Surrey and beyond.
This project embodies the very
spirit of Your Fund Surrey –
empowering local organisations
to make a tangible and positive
difference in their communities.”
Established in 2006, Head2Head
Sensory Theatre is a small, inclusive
charity offering multi-sensory
performances and experiences for
children and young people with
disabilities and their families. The
charity also works with schools to
deliver accessible workshops and
productions.
Originally built in the 1950s as a
milking parlour, the Barn Hub has
undergone extensive renovations
to become a fully accessible
community space. The venue now
includes a spacious, multi-use
studio, café and kitchen area, a fully
equipped Changing Places toilet, a
dedicated Sensory Room, and on-
site parking.
The space is also available for
private hire, with successful
bookings for parties and
celebrations already underway.
With an accessible stage platform,
The venue is ideal for live
performances plus, wellbeing
classes, group meetings, and social
events.
The newly launched Barn Hub
is already making a meaningful
difference to the lives of its
primary beneficiaries – children
with disabilities and adults
with dementia – by offering a
safe, inclusive, and welcoming
environment.
For more information contact
reception@h2hsensorytheatre.com or visit h2hsensorytheatre.com