Who are we?
We are a group of local residents who care about our community and environment, and want to do what we can to make our town and beyond a more sustainable and equitable place to live.
Origins
In 2019, our former Chair, Ian, became increasingly aware of the scale of the climate and ecological crisis. Like many, he felt a growing sense of anxiety—but also a strong desire to channel that feeling into something positive. He was instinctively drawn to taking action at a very local level, where the impact would feel tangible and meaningful.
A Local Focus
Ian began developing ideas for what this local action might look like. Initially, he was inspired by the approach taken by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall in his War on Plastic series, where an entire street worked together to reduce plastic consumption and waste. However, this felt too narrow in scope. Gradually, the idea evolved into something broader: a community action group focused on Thornton Heath and its neighbouring wards.
Recognising he couldn’t do this alone, Ian took a leap and shared his idea in local Facebook groups, asking if others felt the same and might want to get involved. His hesitation quickly proved unnecessary—several people responded with enthusiasm. A meeting around his dining room table soon followed, and from that moment, Sustainable Thornton Heath was born.
Growing into a Community Movement
Since those early days, the group has grown and evolved significantly. What began as informal ‘Conversations’ held every few weeks on Sunday afternoons at ASKI’s former café on Brigstock Road developed into regular community engagement stalls outside Tesco. Today, we run monthly events, including our popular Eco Living Fest and repair ‘party’ sessions.
These events now bring together around 20 volunteers and attract over 100 visitors each time. Their impact is wide-ranging: raising awareness, building knowledge, and sharing practical skills. From repairing bicycles, electrical items, and clothing to inspiring meaningful lifestyle changes, the benefits are both immediate and long-lasting.
Just as importantly, these events foster a strong sense of community—something we value as highly as the environmental impact. We now connect with several hundred people through our mailing list and social media, and we’re proud of our strong track record in securing funding to support our work.
Still Going Strong
Finally, we’re especially proud that, apart from one member who has since moved away, everyone who gathered around that original dining room table remains actively involved today. It’s a testament to the strength of the community we’ve built—and to the shared commitment that continues to drive us forward.
Our committee
Catherine Drake Wilkes
Catherine Drake Wilkes has volunteered at our Eco Living Fests since they began – then called Pop-up Sustainable Living Hubs! – and joined the committee as Secretary in 2023. She is now Chair of Sustainable Thornton Heath. A Thornton Heath resident since 2014, she enjoys the sense of community and connectedness gained through volunteering in local projects.
Catherine has been vegan for over 20 years and has become increasingly concerned about environmental issues. Originally from Lancashire, she has worked with children and families in London for the past two decades, and in her spare time enjoys reading, visiting the theatre and cinema, and travelling.
Marian Hoffman
Marian is our Treasurer. Now retired, she has been an early years teacher and adult basic skills tutor. She moved to Thornton Heath from Battersea in 2018. In Battersea she was an active member of the local Green Party and was a founder member of Transition Town Wandsworth’s community garden.
In 2019 she met Ian at The Time Is Now climate lobby outside Parliament and from there became involved in Croydon grassroots politics, beginning with Croydon XR. Then Ian shared with her his vision for Sustainable Thornton Heath and invited her to participate. She is also a member of Croydon Community Energy, involved as an energy advice volunteer. She lived in Mexico, now some time ago, but members of her family still live there.
Edyta Kwapinska
Edyta has lived in the area since 2017. She grew-up in an environment where a number of sustainable living practices were habitual, such as growing some of your own food, and preserving excess. Since coming to the UK she has been a passionate supporter of a range of environmental causes, and helped form the first committee of Sustainable Thornton Heath back in 2019. She is always on the look out for more ways to live her life more sustainably.
Gaëtane Jones
Gaëtane has lived in Thornton Heath since 1985. She taught at CALAT in the town before retiring, and has played a leading role in the community for many years now.
She continues to serve as one of the committee members of the Thornton Heath Community Action Team (THCAT), taking a lead on topics such as fly-tipping, and is often seen doing community activities such as litter picking in the town! Gaetane has served on the committee of Sustainable Thornton Heath since it began in 2019.
Susana Mañogil-Campoy
Susana Mañogil-Campoy has lived in South Norwood since 2014. She’s a digital content specialist with a background in journalism, creating clear, engaging content that helps people connect and get involved.
She’s passionate about sustainability, supporting local initiatives and encouraging greener choices. Susana is part of Sustainable Thornton Heath’s committee, leading Communications and Marketing, and enjoys hiking, painting and drawing inspiration from nature, art and history.