What has changed, I believe, is a greater recognition that the Caterham area is a great place in which to live. People understand better all the many, many different organisations and activities that operate here. People also appreciate that many of those organisations are run by their friends and neighbours and that they too have the ability to support and enhance the many different clubs and societies that exist. There IS lots to do for our youngsters with sports facilities, drama groups and youth clubs being run by faith groups or the Council; uniformed organisations abound which are run by hard working and enthusiastic volunteers who give their free time willingly and generously.  

Caterham's youth facility 'STREET' is much used by youngsters who need extra support and encouragement and I was so proud of them when they started their own Duke of Edinburgh Awards Scheme a couple of years ago. 

The local theatre 'The Miller Centre' consistently offers up high quality entertainment - and it is on our doorstep to enjoy. 

The annual Caterham Festival gets better and bigger every year showcasing local activities and providing new ones for people to enjoy or try. From fairly modest beginnings - albeit with huge ambitions- the Festival Committee of which I was pleased to be a founder member - has worked to make the Festival has grow into the amazing success it is today. 

Our own local Radio Station 'Ridge Radio'  based in Caterham - with a studio the envy of many larger radio stations, increasingly offers a wide variety of music and chat and also, very importantly gives an opportunity for people with certain challenges to have a voice. The 'Ridgers' are all volunteers and also help to support local events in many ways. There is now a waiting list for people who want to be radio presenters! 

Caterham Valley Library is now a vital and successful local 'Hub' and hosts some of the Tandridge Voluntary Service Council, the Caterham and Warlingham History Centre AND the Citizens Advice Bureau. 

Caterham's own Soper Hall is now used by many more organisations some of which offer classes and activities for young and old AND is available for hire for private functions - and is even licensed for weddings!

Commuters and travellers have access to a number of main line railway stations - with trains now having more carriages than before - which provide the means to access jobs and leisure activities for thousands of commuters and residents - although the service isn't always reliable and must be improved. One extra challenge to us all is to persuade Network Rail to improve the parking facilities at the stations - if only there was more parking at Whyteleafe Station  (maybe two tier parking there similar to that at Upper Warlingham) for instance this would help so much to ease the congestion in Caterham.

Despite the harsh economics of the High Street retail sector, Caterham Valley continues to generally have good occupancy rates with a wide variety of retailers and businesses (compare Croydon Road in Caterham, for instance, with other nearby towns such as Dorking or Leatherhead which have both suffered over the last few years). The successful Caterham B.I.D. result proves that local businesses are determined to improve the area too. 

There are regular public fairs held in Caterham; some at the Soper Hall and in the Valley a fantastic Food Market in the summer and a great winter event at the beginning of the Christmas Season. 

There are hundreds of people in the area who work hard and play hard and yet also give selflessly to improve and sustain the area for the good of others. 

The Neighbourhood Plan which was worked on by so many people should help to ensure that the area remains a leafy and vibrant place in which to live. The many volunteers who work in so many fields are now better recognised for their contributions - including those who work in the Parish, Village, District and dare I say County Councils. (The  Caterham and Whyteleafe and indeed the Woldingham Parish Councils only started in 2000 - and now their work and contributions are well understood and valued.)

Local schools go from strength to strength and the exciting news that de Stafford is aiming to have a sixth form again is much welcomed. The fantastic Sunnydown School also in Caterham is a wonderful example of a school doing so much to support those pupils who need extra help to achieve their full potential. 

Caterham School itself is a shining beacon of what is a success story. Out-performing it's own records each year this is a school to take very seriously and is increasingly offering its facilities to the general public - not least in securing the adjacent woods for the use and enjoyment of all.

So - all this adds up to a truly fantastic town, full of wonderful people. There are things of course that I wish were better - the Rose and Young saga continues and I must be optimistic that under the new and inspired leadership of the District Council that a good outcome is just around the corner. Parking remains, probably, the number one issue for residents but until people start to rely less on cars then I can see very little improvement in the future - bearing in mind the particular topographical difficulties of our Valley and its surrounding areas.  

The creaking infrastructure is a challenge but the lack of public money means that this is one that we will all have to face and find innovative ways to manage. The NHS continues, despite increasing demand, to provide high quality and timely interventions and the invaluable health services offered to us all at The Dene (especially the walk in clinic open seven days a week from 9am to 8pm) are something to be proud of and to nurture. 

I have loved being a part of the community and thank everyone for the part they play in its success.  I hope my successor - whoever that will be - will work as hard as I have done to remind the 'Centre' that we, in the north east corner of the County, deserve continued support, help and investment for the betterment of everyone."