Next week sees 'Street' Youth Centre in Godstone Road, Caterham opening its doors to local youngsters for the first time. The exciting new centre is the product of local students working together with members of Surrey Youth Service and has been spearheaded by Caterham Valley County Councillor, Sally Marks. Its facilities include a fullyequipped kitchen, computers with internet access, a meeting room and lounge with wide-screen tv.

During a preview event on Wednesday 21st April, a special presentation of a £50 voucher for River Island was made to de Stafford School student, Olivia Payne who came up with the winning name for the youth centre, 'Street' (see photo). Year 10 de Stafford School students, Zoe Holman and Hannah Wingrave form part of the steering committee of local students who are now working hard to promote Street to teens in the Caterham area.

Youth Development Worker, Jo Sturgess, said: "The students have been involved in every area of the development stages and they are now in the process of forming a management committee to help run Street."

Live and Direct

One of the exciting projects taking place at Street is a Music Tech called 'Live and Direct' being set up by youth worker, Mat Lill.

"We need to recruit twelve young people to form the club, which will be accredited so the young people can work to achieve an Open College Network qualification which is recognised in colleges," said Mat. "The members can create their own tracks on a computer or bring along their own instrument if they are already learning to play. We have professional tutors for different levels of ability, including those who have never picked up an instrument. The plan is to be ready to perform live at next year's Caterham Festival!

For more information about 'Live and Direct' e-mail Matt at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.