On Friday 17th September an Open Evening was held at the Soper Hall in Harestone Valley Road, Caterham, in order to encourage suggestions and ideas from the public for its future use. The Soper Hall Group, part of the Caterham Community Partnership, is looking to acquire the building for the community through an asset transfer from Tandridge District Council.

The historic building has been under threat of being sold to a private developer, who could clear the site to build new homes. The Soper Hall Group is aiming to save the building, and, as explained by Soper Hall Group Chairman, Graham Tapley: "Enable it to become a vibrant social and community facility that is self sufficient and pays its way as a standalone and thriving entity". Potential users of the hall were represented at the Open Evening, including the Citizens Advice Bureau, the Rotary Clubs of Caterham, East Surrey Museum, Caterham Art Group and local bee keepers. During his speech at the Open Evening, Graham said: "Something has to be done to arrest the decline before the Soper Hall becomes yet another boarded up eyesore on the Caterham townscape."

Graham explained how such a 'Transfer of Assets to the Community' has already taken place in several places throughout the UK and The Soper Hall Group has been awarded consultancy mentoring by Tandridge District Council through the Development Trust Association. The group's new mentor, Dave Newton is CEO of the West Itchen Community Trust and was present at the Open Evening to share his ideas and suggestions with those present.

For more information visit www.soperhall.org.uk/