MEET THE TEAM

Meet the people behind the society

Welcome to our Meet the Team page!
Behind every thriving history society is a group of passionate people who bring the past to life and keep our community connected. Our committee is made up of dedicated volunteers who research, organise events, preserve local heritage, and share stories that matter.

Each member brings unique skills and interests — from uncovering archives and leading talks, to planning activities and welcoming new members. Together, we’re here to make history accessible, engaging, and enjoyable for all.

Scroll down to get to know the team behind the society — the people who work hard (often behind the scenes!) to ensure our shared history continues to inspire future generations.

Name: Tim Taylor

Role: Society President

Biography: Tim Taylor is the current President of the Society. He is a retired solicitor having practised as a maritime and offshore energy lawyer in the City for over 40 years specialising in disaster litigation.

He has lived with his wife, Alison, in Walton for more than 35 years when he first became a member of the Society.

His special interests are the history of Walton Heath Golf Club and its impact on the local area. He has also written about vineyards in Walton and given a talk about the Press Barons who lived nearby.

Name: Clive Nelson

Role: Society Treasurer

Biography: Clive Nelson is the current Treasurer of the Society. He is now retired from his former profession as a qualified Chartered  Construction Manager and quantity surveyor for over 30 years.

He has lived in Tadworth for over 26 years and prior to that, Epsom Downs. He had two sons with his late wife Diane, his eldest son recently married, and the youngest one lives with him at home. He joined the Society as a member in around 2019. When the vacancy of Treasure later arose he was head hunted by from the membership by the committee to fill this role as someone well used to the world of finance and spread sheets!

Having had as a school boy by his own admission little interest in history, but a love of maps, his curiosity into where we have come from, how things have been, the landscape & what shapes us into the future has led him in later life to joining not only this Society, but also a local Family Genealogy & History education group. When time allows, he researches his own and others family history and very much enjoys the outdoor life. He is a keen amateur gardener & avid sports fan, loving most amongst others motor racing, football and cricket. He is though never much happier than when he has grabbed a map and is out cycling around the Surrey Hills on either his preferred mountain bike, or if going further afield, his road bike.

Name: Lorraine Spindler

Role: Society Chair

Biography: Lorraine has lived in Surrey all her life and built a career as a professional historian and genealogist, with a particular passion for uncovering the hidden stories of the past. She studied archaeology at University College London, history and literature with the Open University, and Birkbeck College. Her working career began with Reed Business Publishing, before running her own company, Boffin Books, which exported medical and technical titles worldwide.

Her path eventually led her back to history. Lorraine worked as curator of Leatherhead Museum and as part of the team at Dorking Museum, before undertaking research on behalf of the National Trust. She now lectures regularly at the Guildford Institute, writes for Pen and Sword, and leads World War I and II battlefield tours. She is the author of two published books on women’s history between 1850 and 1950 and the First World War, and is currently in the process of writing further books about spies during World War II.

As Director of Passport to the Past, Lorraine carries out historical research, genealogy, and leads tours, sharing her love of history with others. She is also deeply rooted in village life in Walton on the Hill, where she raised two daughters and now lives with her husband and two mischievous dachshunds.

Nearly twenty years ago Lorraine joined the Walton & District Local History Society, and during the Covid lockdown she organised a community archaeological dig with the Monday Local History/Genealogy Group and local children. The excavation uncovered Roman and medieval finds, including a Roman bead, a crotal bell, and pottery. Lorraine’s own favourite discovery was a dachshund brooch, which felt like history smiling back at her.

When she is not researching, teaching, or writing, Lorraine is happiest mudlarking on the Thames, uncovering small fragments of the past that bring history vividly to life.

Name: Andrew Swift

Role: Committee Member

Biography: Andrew has a degree in Modern History and American Literature, with his thesis on Christopher Isherwood and Goodbye to Berlin.

Career in recruitment and training, first with Graduate Appointments, then launched Price Jamieson and Partners, The Training Department and finally as S J and Partners. He ended as a consultant to recruitment companies in the UK, Europe, US and Mexico.

He is now happily retired with two fantastic grandchildren.

Name: Julie

Role: Catering and General Commitee

Biography: Born and raised in Surrey, Julie has always felt deeply rooted in the local community. For the past thirty-five years she has made her home in Walton, where she has built a life centred on care, compassion, and connection. Her professional career was spent in nursing, a vocation that allowed her to combine empathy with practical skill, supporting people through both everyday challenges and life’s most difficult moments. Nursing not only shaped her outlook but also reinforced her lifelong commitment to service and helping others.

That spirit of service continues in her spare time. She is an active volunteer with several organisations, giving freely of her time and energy to causes close to her heart. At Epsom Canine Rescue, she helps provide second chances for dogs in need, reflecting her love of animals and her belief in kindness without boundaries. She also supports Dorking Community Fridge, playing a role in reducing waste while making good food available to those who need it most. In recent years she has further extended her support to international causes, assisting with the White Eagles Ukrainian Support group, which brings aid and comfort to families displaced by war.

Outside of her volunteering, Julie enjoys exploring the past through local history and genealogy. Researching the lives of previous generations gives her both a sense of perspective and an appreciation of the resilience that shapes communities.

At home, she is the proud mum of two lively and mischievous Jack Russells who keep her on her toes and ensure there is never a dull moment. Whether working, volunteering, or enjoying her hobbies, she brings the same warmth, energy, and curiosity to all that she does, making her a valued friend, neighbour, and member of the Surrey community.

Name: Sandie Hunt

Role: Secretary/Membership Secretary 

Biography: Sandie is the Secretary/Membership Secretary of the History Society.

She has lived in Walton since 1976.  Following her retirement from working in Education/Adminstration she has pursued her interest in the History of Art, Genealogy, Arts and Crafts including Calligraphy and Cardmaking. 

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