Rosemary Banks

Wondering whether one hundred years ago, the young men who volunteered to go to war and fight for King and Country would have called at the Volunteer Centre, I called into the jewel that is The East Surrey Museum in Stafford Road, Caterham Valley. The King’s Proclamation was posted at Caterham Station and on the August Bank Holiday special trains ran from Caterham and Upper Warlingham taking local volunteers and those from other parts of the UK and the Colonies to join their battalions. Apparently they were ‘the exceptionally superior class of gentlemen who had enlisted who do not mind rubbing shoulders in the ranks with city clerks, shop assistants and mechanics’! Caterham women formed a Voluntary Aid Detachment of the British Red Cross and the trenches were dug at Willey’s Farm as part of London’s defences against the threat of invasion. There are some fascinating photos in the museum including The Grand Combined Recruiting March of 1915 showing some buildings still recognisable today. Sadly recruitment took place at the old Drill Hall in Godstone Road which is now the derelict community centre close to the Croudace building. I had hoped it might have been from Soper Hall where my office is based, and that this link might encourage you to consider doing your bit for Queen and Country by following a 100 year-old tradition of volunteering in the same building. Caterham is in some ways the same place. It is our community, populated with people who have time and talents to share and those who would appreciate some help and support. Today, I can offer you a diverse range of volunteering opportunities, including helping at the museum or in supporting your local community. For more information contact me, Rosemary Banks, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call me on 01883 344444.