Tandridge Buzz

A security guard in Caterham came under fire after he told soldiers collecting money for war heroes to move on because they did not have permission.

The incident occurred on Saturday outside Morrisons in Church Walk when soldiers were collecting money for three charities — Help the Heroes, British Legion and the Guards Charity — before taking part in a charity rugby game at the Old Cats to mark 15 years since the military left Caterham barracks.

A security guard informed soldiers that they did not have the necessary permission to collect money from the public and that they would have to move on.

The soldiers agreed to move on but witnesses report that several members of the public, having coffee outside at Costa, expressed strong opinions to the security guard about allowing the soldiers to stay.

“The guys agreed to move on but several people in Costa kicked off at the security guard,” said Colour Sergeant Tim Heale of the Grenadier Guards.

“It didn’t bother us, we agreed to move on but the public were not happy at all. He (the security guard) was just being a bit over-officious.”

Heale said that the incident actually helped the soldiers raise more money. “We actually got more support because of it,” he said.

“The manager of Morrisons came out later and apologised.”

He added: “It was really great to see the public on our side — it means a huge amount to us. The whole thing got us even more support and didn’t affect what was a great day.”

Churchwalk centre manager Shelley Filipi said the security guard was protecting the public from bogus collectors.

“No charity group had contacted this office before Saturday 4 September to request space to collect.

“We understand that the collectors were approached by our onsite team but could not produce any paperwork from the Centre, Tandrige District Council or ID to prove they were a registered charity and were therefore asked to leave the site.

“The council department was closed on Saturday so checks could not be made by the centre team to ensure they were registered collectors.”

She added: “It is a shame that this event was not correctly organised. I have a friend who was seriously injured during the conflict and am already supporting Help for Heroes”.

Despite the incident, the soldiers raised £747.15 from the Caterham public and raised over £3,000 on the day as a whole.

The Guards have hailed the support of the Caterham public for helping them get through a difficult job on the frontline, after the community helped raise over £3,000 for injured soldiers.

The Guards returned to Caterham — 15 years after they left the barracks on the hill — to play a charity rugby game against an Old Cats XV.

The twin aim of the day was to raise money for three charities — Help the Heroes, British Legion and the Guards Charity — and raise the profile of the Old Cats rugby club within the community.

Caterham has a long association with the Guards. The Barracks on the Hill — now known as The Village residential development — was home to Her Majesty’s Foot Guards from 1877 until the Ministry of Defence closed the site in 1995. It was previously the largest army depot of the Victorian age.

A raffle and a charity auction, which included a day out with the Guards to experience the changing of the guard first hand, helped to raise money as well as the Guards collecting in Caterham town centre earlier in the day.

The Guards lost the rugby 40-7 but Old Cats second XV captain Paul Tasker said it did not matter about who won. “It was a good day for the cause,” he said. “It was brilliant to see these guys coming back to see us and it was nice to have them back.

“It is good for the lads here to show their appreciation for the lads who are out there doing their day to day job on the front line.

“I think it shows that the public are on their side.”

Colour Sergeant Tim Heale, an Anglian serving with Nijmegan Company of the Grenadier Guards, said he was “made-up” by the support of the public. “It means a huge amount that the public are on our side.

“We know that it is a bit political but the public support is the main thing the guys look for and they are happy to do the jobs they do for their country.

“The day has been awesome and I think we have raised a huge amount of money.”

Old Cats chairman Steve Dalgleish added: “It has been a big day for Old Cats. It is a very positive thing — positive for rugby and positive for the community.”

The Guards are returning to Caterham — 15 years after they left the barracks on the hill.

A team of guards will return to play a special rugby match against the Old Caterhamians to raise money for injured soldiers.

The Old Cats are hosting the charity day on Saturday 4 September with the twin aim of raising money for three charities — Help the Heroes, British Legion and the Guards Charity — and raising the profile of the club within the community.

The day will kick-off at 11am and feature a laser rifle range, assault course, beauty treatments, bouncy castle and a pig roast. The day will be centred around a special rugby match between the Old Caterhamians and a Guards XV.

All sections of the club from under-5s to youth teams to the women and the senior club will be on the recruitment trail and the day will also allow local businesses to pitch a stall and showcase their services.

Caterham has a long association with the Guards. The Barracks on the Hill — now known as The Village residential development — was home to Her Majesty’s Foot Guards from 1877 until the Ministry of Defence closed the site in 1995. It was previously the largest army depot of the Victorian age.

Colour Sergeant Tim Heale, an Anglian serving with Nijmegan Company of the Grenadier Guards, has helped organise the day after joining the rugby club last season.

He has completed three tours of Afghanistan, one tour of Iraq and also served in Northern Ireland, Kosovo and Macedonia.

“It means a huge amount for guys that have come back from operations injured knowing that people are out there raising money for them basically to help them with their injuries, buying equipment and prosthetic limbs. It means a huge amount.

“And on the day I am hoping to have a lot of service guys coming down to cheer us along.”

A second Old Cats player — Dave Claxton — has also just completed a tour of Afghanistan with the Grenadier Guards.

Old Cats chairman Steve Dalgleish said he hoped to also use the day to spotlight the club to the community.

“Basically the day is to raise money for the charities, the club is going to get together with the local community and welcome the Guards back and raise as much money for them as we can on the day.

“The club will also benefit from opening up its doors to the community. We are a much kept secret in the area.”

If you are a local business who wants to take part in the day or someone interested in playing rugby email dalgleishsteven@hotmail.com.