Did you join us on Saturday 22nd July and help us unravel the history of our church?
We met in the hall throughout the day to explore papers, pictures and documents which give us an insight into our Church over the last 140 years. We hope to sort the items before collating and displaying important items at the Heritage Open days in September.
There is a choice of 3 places to park, all requiring a bit of walking.
1. CROUDACE CAR PARK
Croudace House, Tupwood Lane, Caterham CR3 6XQ
As you turn into Tupwood Lane from Godstone Road, the entrance is the 1st on the right with the car park round to the right of the building. To get to St. John’s Church, come out of the gate, turn left, then left again at bottom of the hill into Godstone Road. Continue to walk until you see the church on the left. Come in through the gate and follow the path to the right of the church to the porch and entrance.
2. UNITED REFORMED CHURCH CAR PARK
2 Harestone Hill, Caterham, Surrey CR3 6SX
Our neighbouring church, the other side of Morrisons’ car park have kindly offered their car park to us, though there is only space for possibly 15 cars. Please park within their bays.
Turn into Harestone Valley Road, continue to mini roundabout and start to go up the hill (Harestone Hill), church on right has the clock tower. There is a gate for the lower car park about 20 yards up, then a wider entrance a few yards further up, for parking the hall end of the building.
To get to St. John’s Church, come back out to the pavement and turn right up the hill for a few yards. On the left, Clareville Road comes into Harestone Hill by a high brick wall. Cross the road and walk along Clareville Road which will turn to the left and downhill. The church is on the right. Come through the gap in railings then walk to the left of the church until you come to the porch and the main entrance.
3. MORRISONS’ CAR PARK
Entrance is from mini roundabout at Harestone Valley Road & Harestone Hill junction.
They have agreed to allow parking after store closes, but the exit will be via the entrance as main exit will be closed. However there is still 3 HOURS FREE PARKING otherwise you’ll be fined.
Turn into Harestone Valley Road, continue to mini roundabout and take 1st exit into entrance to car park. Try to park on the ground floor, or failing that, on the middle floor. DON’T GO TO THE TOP !
When you arrive you can walk through the precincts with Morrisons on your right as you come out of car park. Follow down to road and turn right. By the seats and fountain turn right up Church Walk, to the top. Turn left and cross the road to the church porch and the entrance.
When you return to your car, the precincts will be shut. Walk past the station, turn left into Harestone Valley Road, then left at mini roundabout into the car park. IGNORE Exit signs and go out the gates where you’ve came in.
Disabled access to St. John’s is via the South door, opposite the main entrance.
Hot in the hall, hot outside, hot for the plants, hot for the Bean Bag Bonanza.
It looked easy, three practice bean bags and then the pressure mounted for the three that counted.
30+ points won a prize, the points were:
| Brownie 1 | 75 points |
| Ken | 75 points |
| Danae | 75 points |
| Mr S | 50 points |
| Guides 1&2 | 50 points |
| Susan | 50 points |
| Noel | 50 points |
| Cookie | 50 points (eventually) |
| JW | 50 points |
| Mr D | 30 points |
| Daniel | 25 points |
| Dan | 20 points |
In contrast, the church was cool, the organ played and the bells rang.
The refreshments were popular, the cakes spectacular and the cream teas mouthwatering.
The high point for me, the (rather shy, no pictures) human fruit machine, which behaved like all the others and I won nothing :)
Well done to all those who helped prepare, helped run, helped put away and were patrons to the event.
HOT OFF THE PRESS: When all contributions are gathered in, looks like over £700 will have been raised.
A stealthy scarecrow waits to pounce upon the unwary (only birds of course).
A new member of the Green Club takes post outside St John's, looking to see off any lurking crows.
Your chance to choose your favourite hymn.
You are welcome to speak about your choice or write a short item to be read out at the service. Please fill in the form by 1st July 2023.
The 'Songs of Praise' service is:
Sunday July 9th at 10 a.m. at
St John the Evangelist
Clareville Road,
Caterham Valley
We will do our best to include your choice on July 9th or on a later occasion.