Health News

Epsom and St Helier Hospitals in Desperate Need of Repairs

23 October 2024

Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals are in need of urgent repairs, with more than £150 million required to address crumbling infrastructure, according to the latest NHS data. Epsom and … Read More

Council Housing Planning

Epsom’s neighbour cracks on with its Local Plan

23 October 2024

More than 6,000 new homes will be built in the Surrey borough of Mole Valley, with Leatherhead taking on the largest share after the district council approved its long-term planning bible. … Read More

Community Council Sports

Loads of coaches for Epsom tennis

22 October 2024

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council’s Environment committee has authorised the contracts for three tennis coaching providers in Epsom. R&A Sport will be carrying out coaching sessions at Auriol Park, Sutton Tennis … Read More

Business Horse racing

Modern Yard Revitalizes Epsom’s Historic Racing Scene

22 October 2024

The Daily Telegraph (Monday 21st October) has highlighted a significant revival for Epsom’s historic role in British horse racing, reporting on the recent developments at Downs House, a training yard … Read More

Council Finances

Only the cashless will be “on the Hook” Road car park Epsom

22 October 2024

A town centre car par centre is set to go cashless after plans to upgrade its ticket machines were approved. Pay metres at the Hook Road multi-storey car park in … Read More

Council Editions Editorial

Correction to our Epsom and Ewell Council reports

21 October 2024

We apologise unreservedly to Epsom and Ewell Borough Council’s Chief Executive Officer Jackie King for an unintended publication of a report dated 26th September 2024 titled Challenges to Epsom and … Read More

Football Sports

Fofahan makes FA fans as Epsom & Ewell progress in Vase

21 October 2024

Epsom and Ewell FC 3-1 Berks County. Isuzu F.A. Vase – First Round. Sunday 20th October 2024 Just 6 days before the 50 year anniversary of our very first F.A. … Read More

Council Housing Planning

Epsom & Ewell’s Green Belt controversy tightens

18 October 2024

Tensions flared during a heated meeting of the Licensing and Planning Policy Committee (LPPC) in Epsom on October 17th, 2024, as residents voiced strong objections to the proposed housing targets … Read More

Community Council Finances

Epsom & Ewell Council Greenlights Local Projects

18 October 2024

Epsom and Ewell Borough Council’s Licensing and Planning Policy Committee has given its provisional backing to over £2 million in Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding for a variety of local … Read More

Arts Culture

Verdi’s Requiem adapted for Epsom Church

18 October 2024

Epsom Choral Society (ECS) will perform the Verdi Requiem on Saturday 23rd November at 7:30pm, at St Martin’s Church in Epsom. This concert promises to be a remarkable event, showcasing … Read More

Community Council

County pledge to Epsom charity’s fight to end poverty

18 October 2024

In a significant move for the region, Surrey County Council (SCC) has signed Good Company’s End Poverty Pledge, marking a bold step towards addressing the growing issue of poverty across … Read More

Council Housing Planning

Mole Valley  ‘won’t bend’ to petitioners

17 October 2024

The fight to protect the green gateway into a Leatherhead goes on after campaigners seeking to stop a popular park from being turned into high rises were told the council … Read More

Community Education

Nescot proud to sign the Armed Forces Covenant

17 October 2024

North East Surrey College of Technology (Nescot) is proud to have officially signed the Armed Forces Covenant at a special event at the college today (16 October). The Covenant is a … Read More

Council Environment

Epsom and Ewell adopts new Climate Action Plan

16 October 2024

Tuesday 15th October Epsom and Ewell Borough Council’s Environment Committee approved a new five year Climate Action Plan (2025-2029). The Plan outlines a comprehensive strategy to meet the Council’s commitment

The Daily Telegraph (Monday 21st October) has highlighted a significant revival for Epsom’s historic role in British horse racing, reporting on the recent developments at Downs House, a training yard with a prestigious past. According to the Telegraph’s racing correspondent, Marcus Armytage, the once derelict site is now undergoing a transformation into a modern facility, spearheading efforts to attract London-based owners back to the area.

The report details how New Zealander Mark Travers, who has lived in the UK for two decades, undertook the ambitious seven-year project to restore Downs House. Situated just a quarter of a mile from the start of the Derby, Downs House had long symbolized Epsom’s decline as a training hub, having lost its prominence as a centre for racehorse training decades ago. However, the newly revamped facility, now boasting space for 70 horses and cutting-edge amenities, is positioned to revive the town’s fortunes.

The Daily Telegraph also reports that George Baker, a Stewards’ Cup-winning trainer, will move his operation to Downs House in January. Baker, along with his wife Candida, was struck by the state-of-the-art facilities and the untapped potential of the nearby gallops. The move signals a bold step forward for Epsom’s equine industry, which has long played second fiddle to more prominent centres like Newmarket and Lambourn.

Baker, who has trained horses from his base in Chiddingfold, shared with the Telegraph how unlikely the move to Epsom once seemed. Yet, the combination of modern infrastructure and proximity to London convinced him to seize the opportunity. In an era when racehorse ownership is increasingly attractive to Londoners, Downs House’s accessibility could be a game-changer.

As reported, Baker hopes that his move will contribute to the broader rejuvenation of Epsom as a competitive training centre. With room for 50 horses initially, Baker is aiming to fill the yard within two years, making the facility a top choice for owners seeking convenience and quality.

While Epsom’s journey back to its glory days remains a work in progress, the ambitious restoration of Downs House, as highlighted in The Daily Telegraph, marks a pivotal step in the town’s efforts to reclaim its place on the racing map.

_{Image: Downs House aerial – Google}

We apologise unreservedly to Epsom and Ewell Borough Council’s Chief Executive Officer Jackie King for an unintended publication of a report dated 26th September 2024 titled Challenges to Epsom and Ewell Council’s Handling of Local Plan, reporting on the 24th September 2024 meeting of the Licensing, Planning and Policy Committee.

This report was overtaken by a report entitled Epsom Local Plan controversy heats up also reporting on the same meeting.

We attributed remarks to Jackie King even though she was not at the meeting. This part of the report has been repeated elsewhere on social media causing some concern in this sensitive area.

The first report was a draft that was intended to be discarded as it was clear that there was a muddle in interpreting the subtitles of the meeting. We do not usually report twice on the same meeting.

The report Challenges to Epsom and Ewell Council’s Handling of Local Plan has now been unpublished.

Let us take this opportunity to appeal for new writers. You do not need a degree in English or Journalism. We can always reorganise the writing to a publishable standard. What we need is observers with time to provide us the facts of local matters. A Borough our size cannot sustain paid journalism. We rely on volunteers.

Epsom Choral Society (ECS) will perform the Verdi Requiem on Saturday 23rd November at 7:30pm, at St Martin’s Church in Epsom. This concert promises to be a remarkable event, showcasing a special arrangement of Verdi’s grand work with chamber ensemble by Michael Betzner-Brandt.

Celebrating over a century of musical excellence, ECS has been delivering exceptional performances to its audiences to mark its centenary in 2022. The choir has programmed a series of exciting and diverse concerts over the past two years, including a gala performance of Handel’s Messiah and a spectacular rendition of Walton’s Belshazzar’s Feast at London’s Cadogan Hall.

There are four outstanding international soloists:
Elizabeth Findon – soprano
Judy Louie Brown – mezzo
John Findon – tenor
Mark Nathan – baritone

The concert will be conducted by ECS Music Director, Julian Collings.

This November, ECS invites its loyal followers to experience Verdi’s Requiem like never before. The arrangement by Michael Betzner-Brandt is designed specifically for a chamber ensemble, allowing the choir to bring the grandeur and emotional depth of Verdi’s masterpiece to a more intimate setting while still capturing the essence and intensity of the original composition.

“Our aim is to create an unforgettable musical experience for our audience,” said Nina Kaye, publicity manager. “The Verdi Requiem is one of the most powerful works in the choral repertoire, and this unique arrangement allows us to perform it in St Martin’s Church in Epsom.”

Tickets for this not-to-be-missed event are priced at £20, with a special half-price offer for under-25s and can be bought online www.epsomchoral.org.uk. Attendees are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment, as this concert is expected to attract a large audience.

Join Epsom Choral Society on Saturday, 23rd November at 7:30pm at St Martin’s Church in Epsom for an evening of stirring music, passion, and community. Experience Verdi’s Requiem in a new light, and be a part of the rich musical heritage that ECS continues to build in Epsom and beyond.

For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.epsomchoral.org.uk.

Council Finances Housing

Epsom’s homelessness crisis

16 October 2024

Finding temporary accommodation for families at risk of homelessness is the “biggest financial pressure” facing Epsom and Ewell.  Following Epsom and Ewell Times report 13th October 2023 on Epsom and … Read More

Council Finances Housing

Some Surrey boroughs get brownfield funding

16 October 2024

Surrey councils will get nearly £2m to release disused brownfield sites to unlock desperately needed land for house building including cash to clear asbestos and transform the “heart of Camberley”. … Read More

Council Elections News

Surrey Tories bouncing back already?

15 October 2024

The Conservative election turnaround in Surrey shows no sign of slowing after the party beat the Liberal Democrats, Labour and independents to take two more seats at the October 2024 by-elections. … Read More

Football Sports

What were the odds of Epsom & Ewell’s 4 x 2 + 2?

15 October 2024

Epsom and Ewell 2-2 Fleet Town. Combined Counties League – Premier Division South. Saturday 12th October 2024. For the fourth time in a row our match resulted in a 2-2 … Read More

Council Finances

Surrey County Council finances under the spotlight

14 October 2024

A recent Local Government Information Unit report presents a worrying picture of local government finances across the UK, with a particular focus on the impact of budget cuts on services … Read More

Business News

Ancaster acquires the Epsom keys to Allams

14 October 2024

Sponsored article: Ancaster Group has announced the acquisition of Allams of Epsom, a prominent Skoda dealership that has been a cornerstone of the local automotive industry for over 70 years. … Read More

Rugby Sports

Sutton & Epsom Rugby beat the unbeaten

14 October 2024

On Saturday 11 th October 2014 Sutton & Epsom RFC visited Crescent Farm to play Sidcup whowere the early season league leaders of London 1 South after five games. On … Read More

Community Health

Public meeting about Epsom Hospital future

12 October 2024

A public meeting has been scheduled for October 17th, 2024, at the Epsom Sports Club, located next to Epsom Hospital, to discuss the future of local healthcare services. The meeting, … Read More

Council News

Fly-tippers force closure of Surrey recycling centre

12 October 2024

A Surrey recycling site will permanently close due to persistent fly-tipping at the site. The Mound car park in Tattenham Corner has been repeatedly hit by high levels of dumped … Read More

Arts Business Education

Epsom Station gets an artistic makeover

11 October 2024

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, railway stations often feel like transient spaces where passengers rush through without a second thought. However, at Epsom Station, something unique is … Read More

Community Volunteers

Winter fuel support in Epsom

10 October 2024

Changes to the Winter Fuel Payments means that many people are worried that they may not beable to heat their homes this winter. For the eighth year running, Citizens Advice … Read More

Community Volunteers

Epsom Pantry has a sister in Banstead

10 October 2024

Sat bang in the middle between M&S and Waitrose on Banstead high street, a new community food store has opened to help people struggling to buy affordable groceries in Surrey.  … Read More

Council Education

Surrey sorry for SEND shortcomings

10 October 2024

The leader of Surrey County Council (SCC) has apologised to families who have been ‘failed’ over the provision of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) services.  Parents have previously told … Read More

Education News

Surrey student satellite stars

10 October 2024

Meet DARWIN – the award-winning, small satellite that could detect and track wildfires, built by students from the University of Surrey.  Surrey’s Peryton Space team has won the prestigious UK Students for the Exploration and Development of Space (UKSEDS) satellite design competition, beating teams from around the country for the second … Read More

Council Letters Transport

Epsom and Ewell Council answers parking complaint immediately

10 October 2024

Charles Moseley of Hurstpierpoint complained in a letter dated 8th October to the Epsom and Ewell Times about the running out of Epsom Playhouse beer and the Ashley Centre Car … Read More

Sponsored article: Ancaster Group has announced the acquisition of Allams of Epsom, a prominent Skoda dealership that has been a cornerstone of the local automotive industry for over 70 years. This move comes as Ancaster celebrates its 75th anniversary, marking a strategic expansion for the group across South West London and Surrey.

Allams of Epsom, located on Longmead Business Park, has been serving customers in the region since its establishment in 1952. The dealership is well-known for offering the full range of Skoda vehicles and operates as an authorised service and MOT centre. For decades, it has built a loyal customer base, providing reliable service and quality vehicles to generations of local residents.

With this acquisition, Ancaster Group continues to solidify its presence in the South East, adding to its existing network of 13 dealerships representing brands such as Nissan, Hyundai, MG, Renault, and Dacia. This addition will allow the group to further enhance its customer offerings, particularly in the fast-growing Skoda brand. Ancaster’s Managing Director, Stephen Wood, expressed enthusiasm for the future, stating, “This acquisition is a strategic milestone for us, as it accelerates our growth and broadens the brands we offer in South London and Surrey. Allams and Ancaster share the same important core values of customer service provided by a motivated and committed team.”

Allams will continue to operate under its current name, with customers benefiting from the enhanced support and synergies provided by Ancaster’s wider network. The acquisition positions Ancaster to serve the Surrey and South West London markets even more effectively, with a strong focus on customer satisfaction, as both companies are known for their dedicated service teams.

The Allams dealership has long been a fixture in Epsom, having earned a reputation for trust and quality in automotive sales and servicing. For local residents, this acquisition signals the continuation of a trusted service, now backed by the broader expertise and resources of a larger dealership group. Ancaster’s purchase ensures that Allams will remain an integral part of the community, while also benefiting from new growth opportunities within a larger organisation.

Ancaster Group, which was founded in 1949, has built its reputation over the decades through customer service, trust, and value. With this latest acquisition, the group looks set to strengthen its ties to the local community, continuing to offer a comprehensive range of new and pre-owned vehicles across multiple brands.

For Epsom motorists, this new chapter in the history of Allams promises continuity in quality service, combined with the benefits of a broader dealership network under the Ancaster umbrella.

Changes to the Winter Fuel Payments means that many people are worried that they may not be
able to heat their homes this winter.

For the eighth year running, Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell (CAEE) has teamed up with the Rotary
Clubs of Epsom and Ewell to bring much needed support to those in the borough in need of help
with paying fuel bills this winter.

This year, residents in the Epsom & Ewell borough are being asked to donate any amount to Project
Wenceslas to help those affected. All funds will help those struggling with electricity and gas bills, as
well enable energy efficient appliances to be purchased. CAEE manages the distribution for the
benefit for those in fuel poverty, direct to fuel suppliers with no deductions for costs or fees.
Lisa Davis, CEO, Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell, said:

“With changes to the Winter Fuel Payments this winter, an increased number of people in our
community are worrying about heating their homes. Many people relied on the Winter Fuel
Payments to help manage their energy usage and budgets. Some people may be eligible for benefits
but many may not.

“Project Wenceslas is more important than ever to provide that much needed support and peace of
mind for individuals and families across the borough who are struggling. Please get in touch if either
you want to donate or you are in need of support.”

To find out more about donating, please contact via the websites epsomrotary.uk or
ewellrotary.club and search for Project Wenceslas.

If you are struggling with fuel bills, then contact Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell on 0808 278 7963
(Mon-Fri, 10am – 4pm) or see our website: www.caee.org.uk.

Community Nature News

Secret 100 acres just north of Epsom and Ewell

7 October 2024

Despite being home to ancient hedgerows, a locally significant population of brown hairstreakbutterflies, and a small fragment of wetland, the series of seven meadows spanning 42 hectares (about 100 acres) … Read More

Football Sports

Epsom & Ewell FC draw with leaders

7 October 2024

Redhill 2-2 Epsom and Ewell. Combined Counties League – Premier Division South. Saturday 5th October 2024. I wrote last week that matches against Redhill and Fleet Town would give us … Read More

News Policing

Surrey Cop demoted for racist texts

6 October 2024

A Surrey Police sergeant who shared racist texts and a video of a man attempting to take his own life has been stripped of his rank – but will continue … Read More

Health Sports

There’s always Buckland Park for winter swimmers

6 October 2024

Guildford Lido, in Stoke Park, used to be open 12 months a year from 2014, but that ended during the pandemic. This year’s summer season ended on September 15. Nestled … Read More

Council Education Environment

Surrey schools greenest in England

6 October 2024

Surrey County Council is proud to announce that it continues to lead in England in environmental education, boasting the largest number of Eco-Schools Green Flag awards for the second consecutive … Read More

Community News

Ashtead heroes recognised by local Rotary

6 October 2024

Ashtead ‘local heroes’ were recognised for their outstanding service to the community at last night’s 2024 Ashtead Rotary Community Awards. Three awards were made, to people nominated by their peers, … Read More

Culture Education News

Art, culture, and science collide in Surrey

6 October 2024

This November, the University of Surrey will open its doors to the public as it hosts two prominent research festivals: the Being Human Festival and the ESRC Festival of Social … Read More

News Sports

Epsom and Ewell’s over 60s win multi-sports

6 October 2024

Wednesday 2 October saw the 16th running of the Better Club Games tournament at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park’s Copper Box Arena. The annual event put on by charitable social enterprise … Read More

News Policing

More or less Surrey Police challenge to Commissioner

6 October 2024

Staffing cuts at Surrey Police could be in the pipeline as the force attempts to fill a potential £23.4 million financial hole.  Surrey Police has to make the savings in … Read More

Local History News

American baseball started in Surrey

6 October 2024

The latest BBC Secret Surrey podcast features Julian Pooley, Public Services and Engagement Manager, who tells the story of a previously unknown William Bray diary. Covering 1754-1755, the diary was found in … Read More

News Planning

Hampton’s Jolly Boatman has more to be jolly about

6 October 2024

Hampton Court and its historic views will be forever changed after the secretary of state approved controversial Jolly Boatman plans to build 97 homes together with an 84 bed hotel … Read More

Despite being home to ancient hedgerows, a locally significant population of brown hairstreak
butterflies, and a small fragment of wetland, the series of seven meadows spanning 42 hectares (about 100 acres) at Tolworth Court Farm is far from reaching its ecological potential.

Citizen Zoo is working with Kingston Council and The Community Brain to change that! Our
shared vision is to establish a dynamic, mixed-mosaic nature reserve that nurtures a more
diverse and abundant wildlife population. We will restore and enhance the site’s ecological
balance while honouring its rich farming heritage through innovative rewilding measures
inspired by rural projects such as mixed grazing regimes.

Mixed-Grazing Scheme
Despite its size and location along the green corridor of the Hogsmill, the site is
underperforming in terms of the wildlife it supports. After 20 years of annual hay cuts that should
increase botanical diversity, the site’s plant communities have degraded since the last surveys
were conducted in 2003. Additionally, while the 1000+ insects and 40+ bird species recorded
sounds an impressive number, this is far below what a site of this should support. Indeed, a few
decades back the site was home to nationally rare ground-nesting birds such as skylarks and
lapwing, plus increasingly scarce bullfinches.

Adopting the mixed grazing methods of successful rewilding projects in rural areas, such as
Knepp and Wild Ken Hill, we are currently preparing the site for the re-introduction of livestock!

We will be introducing a small number of cattle and pigs, which through their varied grazing
behaviours, will improve plant diversity, aerate the soil, and create a diversity of habitats. This
will create a dynamic ecosystem within Kingston’s largest nature reserve helping to restore
ecological balance and create a healthier ecosystem for local species and people. With the
invaluable support of our dedicated volunteers and local students, we are clearing vegetation
around the perimeter of the site, and preparing to install a secure livestock fence. Once in place,
the cattle will be free to roam within the designated area. Each individual will be fitted with a
GPS tag, allowing us to monitor their movements and make adjustments if needed, ensuring
their welfare and the protection of the environment.

We are aware of the vital importance of the site in terms of local people’s access to green space
as well as its popularity among dog walkers. However, with the presence of cattle, it will be
increasingly important to keep dogs on leads. We will be using Sussex cattle, which will have
received training around the presence of humans and dogs, and also be individually selected for
their docile traits. This is a common breed for grazing in urban areas and means we can be
confident of no issues arising, however, as with other projects, we will ask dog walkers to keep
their dogs on leads within the enclosure as an extra precaution.

We are recruiting a dedicated team of ‘Wild Guardians’ to conduct checks on the livestock and
their welfare every day. If there are any issues flagged with the individuals or regarding their
safety on site we will respond immediately. Do get in touch if you would like to be a part of this
group. It will be a wonderful opportunity to get hands-on experience with a traditional breed, and
we would love to have you on board!

Wetland Restoration Project
Another key feature of the Wild Tolworth project is the restoration of a large wetland area in the
Great Meadow. Historically, the Hogsmill River flowed through the western corner of Tolworth
Court Farm Fields, which acted as a floodplain for the site stream The river was straightened
around the 1950s to reduce flooding in the area. This was a commonly used method of flood
reduction that counterintuitively passed the risk of flooding on further downstream, as the water
flows quicker from A to B. While we would like to have re-diverted the river back through the
site, due to electrical, sewage, and gas utilities on site, this was not possible. Instead, we will
mimic the flow of the river with an enhanced closed-system wetland. By restoring this important
feature, we will rejuvenate the ecological balance of the area, providing vital new habitats for
local wildlife while also reconnecting the site with its historical roots. This will increase the
presence of many bird species and amphibians on site. Additionally, by storing surface runoff
and slowing water entering the river, the wetland will help to prevent flooding downstream.
We will increase the accessibility of the site with a wheelchair-friendly boardwalk over the
wetland, offering everyone the opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of Tolworth Court Farm
and experience this unique habitat up close.

This restoration project required us to gain planning permission from the council (as shown by
the green planning notice signs at the entrances to the site). There will be no buildings
constructed on site.

Work to Date
This project has been a long time in the making. Citizen Zoo, alongside Kingston Council and
the Community Brain, has coordinated comprehensive ecological surveying including engaging
with nationally recognised invertebrate experts and botanists. Further to this work, in
conjunction with the Field Studies Council and Biological Recording Company, we have run
over 10 Community Field Recorders Days, where volunteers can learn from species experts to
help survey the site and learn more about the incredible species that can be found within the
reserve. This has provided insight into the biodiversity of Tolworth Court Farm and informed the
changes that can be made to improve the health of the ecosystem and bring benefits to wildlife
and people.

We intend to begin work on our livestock fences and wetland restoration project in late 2024 to
early 2025.

Nature-Friendly Dog Walks
Tolworth Court Farm is a cherished local space, and we want everyone to feel informed and
involved. If you have any questions regarding the logistics of these changes please come along
to one of our Nature-Friendly Dog Walks on site. This provides a great opportunity to ask any
questions you have while we show you the vision for the site. You can find more information on
these on our website (citizenzoo.org) or our Eventbrite page!

Further Questions
If you are unable to make it to a dog walk but you have any questions regarding the logistics of
these changes please see our website by googling ‘Citizen Zoo Wild Tolworth’ for some FAQs
or email hello@citizenzoo.org.

Pia Trevelyan-Ashby

Ashtead ‘local heroes’ were recognised for their outstanding service to the community at last night’s 2024 Ashtead Rotary Community Awards.

Three awards were made, to people nominated by their peers, for outstanding services to the local community.

The Individual Community Service award was given to Richard Garrard who, in 2017 set up the Patient Participation Group with Ashlea Medical Practice. The Group was such a success that it won a national award in 2020. Richard is also Chair of Ashtead Good Neighbours, growing the Group to over 100 drivers who provide transport for medical appointments. He also led the Ashtead British Legion Poppy Appeal which raised £12,000 last year. 

The Group Service Award went to the Trustees of Ashtead Peace Memorial Hall (APMH) whose centenary is being celebrated this year. The trustees and volunteers are committed to improving and maintaining the Hall which is an outstanding community facility for the Ashtead community.

The Service above Self  Community Award was awarded posthumously to John Woollatt. John sadly passed away in May 2024. He was the Chair of the Trustees of Dyscover, a local charity for people suffering with aphasia, a complex language disability. John brought a business approach to Dyscover making it a progressive well-known local charity. He was also a very ‘hands on’ Chairman where no task was too big or too small.

Ashtead Rotary Club President Tony Webb said,

“The Charitable support that Ashtead Rotary Club receives from the local community through Ashtead Village Day, is immense. In large part this is down to individuals and organisations, such as those who we celebrate this evening, for the support they give to our local community.

“This evening, local community nominations have enabled us to go some small way to say a big ‘thank you’ to those who have undertaken such outstanding work. I would therefore like to pay tribute to them on behalf of Ashtead Rotary Club, and to all of those other volunteers in Ashtead who put in time and effort to help others in our local community”.