Bourne Society Website

BOURNE SOCIETY PLAQUES  

The Society has recently installed two new plaques, the fourth and fifth in the series commemorating places of historic interest in its area. Council is always keen to hear from members, so do please send your suggestions for the placement of further plaques. We like to put them in busy places, where they are likely to be noticed, and on existing premises rather than on specially-erected posts.

The latest two were placed at the site of the temporary operations room used by RAF Kenley during the Battle of Britain, and on the frontage of what - 100 years ago - was Gardner's Pleasure resort. The former plaque can be seen on the wall above the fascia of Lo Cost store (formerly Cordon Bleu - and before that, Dalgety) near the roundabout in Godstone Road, Caterham. The Gardner's plaque can be seen on the imposing double-fronted house by the bus stop more-or-less opposite Little Roke Road, in Godstone Road, Kenley.

The fixing of the plaques was photographed and reported in the press, each happening at a time of an anniversary of the times commemorated. The plaques are designed by members of the Bourne Society, and specially commissioned from a firm in Norbury. Obtaining permission to site them can be attended with difficulty, not least in finding the appropriate agent of the owner! In the case of the RAF Kenley plaque, the shop manager referred us to his head office, where someone referred us to the holding company, who referred us to their property section, who told us they only lease the premises from the property division of another company. However, when we finally get through to the right person, people are glad to hear of the Society's aims and interests and are happy to co-operate in permitting the installation of the plaque.

From: Bourne Society Bulletin 142 (November 1990)