On Saturday 22nd June a new chapter in the legacy history of the Soper Hall began when the South London Branch of the British Horological Institute (SLBHI) opened their new, dedicated, workshop at the Soper Hall.

On behalf of the Board of Directors and Management Team of Soper Hall Chairman, Graham Tapley, welcomed SLBHI to their new home and applauded the efforts of the team that had created a superb new facility out of a former coal hole in the basement.

Graham said: "It is that purpose of the new workshop that is most appealing to the Soper Hall Community Centre. The extremely proactive role of the British Horological Institute in education sits so comfortably alongside our own aims and objectives. Their history of achievement in delivering the specialised knowledge and education in the skills of clock and watch making and repair since 1858 is incredible and has been open to both hobbyists and those seeking a career change. The proposed workshops and courses, training facilities and events will greatly boost our vision of becoming the complete community facility and the place to meet in Caterham, offering much more than just a function venue for parties and meetings. Eventually we will be able to offer a building to fully match all our aspirations, once we have the necessary funding, but in the meantime we continue to invest in the infrastructure to provide the best facilities we can within the limitations of the fabric of the 102 year old building.

"I can see that the partnership provision of these educational facilities is going to greatly enhance our community offering, and wish the South London Branch of the British Horological Institute every success with their workshop here."

After a speech of welcome from Chairman of Tandridge Council, Cllr Beverley Connolly and distinguished guests including Patron of the Soper Hall, David Gold, Vice Chairman of Surrey County Council, Cllr Sally Marks and Vice President of the BHI, David Newman MBE FBHI, who had travelled from Nottingham for the opening, South London Branch President Jonathan Betts FBHI, and Chairman Jonathan Marten, toured the new workshop before cutting a celebratory cake.