Members of the new Board of Directors, from left: Andy Parr MBE, Beverley Connolly (Chairman), Lorena Oberg and Matthew Baker on the balcony of the Soper Hall.

Following the contentious Soper Hall AGM on 30th July, after which the Chairman of the Soper Hall Committee, Graham Tapley, resigned, some dynamic new Directors have been elected on to the Board who are determined to prove that the historic building in Harestone Valley Road, Caterham Valley, can be saved for Caterham after all.

The Board  of Directors now comprises Tandridge District Councillor, Beverley Connolly, as the new Chairman; local accountant and owner of the Caterham Link magazine, Matthew Baker; Lorena Oberg, owner of Lorena Oberg hair and beauty salon; local resident and Chairman of the Caterham Community Partnership, Andy Parr MBE; Caterham Valley Parish Councillor Mark Jones, the founder of Ridge Radio and Surrey County Councillor for Caterham Valley, Sally Marks.

They will be assisted by a support group that includes Terry Servant and ex-Board members, Tandridge District Councillor Michael Cooper and Chris Camden.

New Chairman, Beverley Connolly said:  “Although Michael and Chris are no longer on the Board they have a great deal of enthusiasm for the future of Soper Hall along with valuable expertise they are happy to continue to share with us so we are very grateful for their continued support.”

The new team are looking to make the Soper Hall a success as it stands, using improved marketing and PR to increase hall bookings and profitability.

Beverley said:  “It is going to be a challenge but I do think the hall could be further exploited, for example, by using it as a wedding venue and by holding more events like quiz nights and craft fairs etc.”

Speaking about the historic value of the hall, new director, Lorena Oberg, said:  “It is one of the last historic buildings left in this town and I think it is important to preserve Caterham’s heritage for our kids, otherwise they will just be left with a lot of new builds.   I feel that the hall is commercially viable but if it turns out not to be then we will have to look at other options.”

Accountant, Matthew Baker added:  “We first need to go through all the figures closely to see exactly how the finances stand then take it from there.  It is no good making a Grand Plan for two years down the line if we are going to run out of money in six months.  However we do not believe things are as bad as all that and we are optimistic for the future.”

The Directors are looking for more volunteers to help with the challenge and anyone with expertise in marketing, PR, building maintenance, gardening, finance, legal or event management would be most welcome. Please call Beverley on 01883 340678 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

For more information about making hall bookings and availability visit www.soperhall.org.uk