Following a successful run of Little Shop of Horrors last November, Leatherhead Opera Society have been busy  preparing for their next musical production, and it’s a big one! 

The title character in this show holds the record for the most expensive stage prop ever, and  with “Chitty Hire” on board, this production certainly won’t disappoint. This November, LOS proudly present a dazzling production of the beloved musical “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” at  the Epsom Playhouse. This amateur production is set to captivate the hearts of audiences  young and old with its enchanting story, memorable tunes, and the sheer excitement of live  theatre. 

The musical, with a book by Jeremy Sans and music by Richard and Robert Sherman, is  based on the classic 1968 film, which follows the adventures of the eccentric inventor  Caractacus Potts (played in this production by Joe Black) as he rebuilds a magical car and sets  off on a whirlwind journey with his children Jeremy and Jemima. They are joined along the  way by Truly Scrumptious (played by Charlotte Fisher) and together they must outwit the  villainous Baron & Baroness, as well as the evil Child-catcher – prepare to experience heart warming moments, daring escapades, and the power of imagination throughout! 

The Leatherhead Operatic Society’s cast and crew have been hard at work for the last few  months under the watchful eye of director John Harries-Rees, and are perfecting this  production with their talent, dedication and passion, which is sure to shine through in every  performance. With musical direction from Sam Fisher, and choreography by Louise E.  Wilson, this production features a talented ensemble of local actors, singers and dancers, all  coming together to create a show that promises to be a ‘fantasmagorical’ treat for the whole  family. 

“Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” boasts a memorable score, with songs including “Truly  Scrumptious,” “Hushabye Mountain,” and of course, the hugely popular “Me Ol’ Bamboo”. Audiences can expect top-notch musical performances that will have them humming the  tunes long ager the show has finished! 

This production is a must-see for all ages, and the Epsom Playhouse is the perfect venue to  bring this timeless tale to life. Don’t miss this chance to experience the magic of “Chitty  Chitty Bang Bang” with your friends and family. Tickets are on sale now and selling fast, so  make sure to secure your seats early!  

Performance Details: 

Dates: November 21st – 25th, 2023 

Venue: Epsom Playhouse, Ashley Avenue, Epsom, Surrey, KT18 5AL

Tickets can be purchased from www.epsomplayhouse.co.uk or by calling the Box Office on  01372 742555.  

The Leatherhead Operatic Society started way back in 1904, and since then have staged hundreds of musicals old and new, including Beauty and the Beast, Hairspray, South Pacific, Oklahoma, My Fair Lady, Camelot, Guys and Dolls, Oliver, Fiddler on the Roof etc.

_{Image – Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in the Epsom Market Square}

Last winter Epsom Methodist Church, in the heart of Epsom, opened up its premises every Wednesday as a place where people could come to keep warm, enjoy hot drinks and a lunchtime bowl of soup and have a friendly chat with others. In the afternoons Warm Wednesdays hosted an after-school club that included children’s entertainment and an evening meal for all the family. Everything was free of charge and the initiative proved very popular, with an army of volunteers making and serving over 1,000 meals during the course of the winter.

From 1st November through to 13th March 2024 Warm Wednesdays is back and from 10am to 6pm will be making the same offer available as last year. On the first Wednesday (November 1st ) students from the nationally acclaimed Laine Theatre Arts will be coming to the after-school club to lead a Disney-themed entertainment session.

In an exciting new development Warm Wednesdays will this winter also include a weekly one-stop advice cafe. The church has partnered with a range of local organisations including Citizens Advice, The Mary Frances Trust, Epsom & Ewell Employment Hub, The Good Company, Surrey Community Action and Surrey County Council, to offer advice and support on:

 Mental health and wellbeing
 Benefits, welfare rights, housing and rents
 Energy saving in the home and dealing with energy suppliers
 Finding a job and accessing training
 Budgeting and managing your money
 Getting help in a crisis

Robert Hill, one of the organisers of Warm Wednesdays explained: “No appointments are required – just drop in, grab a free hot drink and have a chat to one of the friendly advisers. One week the advice café will operate in the morning from 11.30am until 1pm and the next week in the afternoon from 3.30pm to 5.15pm.

“We know life is tough for many people at the moment. Some people just want to be part of a friendly community where they can stay warm and make new friends. Others have particular worries and pressing concerns. And some will simply welcome somewhere where they and their children are entertained and catered for in a relaxed environment.

“We look forward to welcoming back many of those who joined us last year as well as making lots of new friends this winter.”

Further details and a map of Epsom Methodist Church’s location can be found at

https://www.epsommethodistchurch.org.uk/Groups/409512/Warm_Wednesdays.aspx

A teenager from Ewell has been celebrating after his first time representing Great Britain in this year’s BMX World Championships.

Hugo Moon, 15, competed against 200 riders in his age category at the event, which took place in Glasgow.

The annual competition saw 3,000 riders from some 50 countries take part, with each competing in three races, or Motos, to secure a coveted top-four place in the final.

Despite having only taken up the sport in 2020, Hugo, a student at Glyn School, a member of GLF Schools Multi Academy Trust, achieved fourth, third and fourth places in his qualifiers. He finished sixth in the Eighth Final to attain an overall ranking of 48th in the world.

“Hugo had an amazing time and enjoyed being part of the GB team, although it was a little overwhelming, as it was his first experience of an event of this magnitude, and the sheer scale of the event was impressive,” said Hugo’s mother, Sheryl Moon, who was there with his father and older sister to support him at the event. 

“It was a rollercoaster of emotions from nervousness to excitement and enjoyment. Participating was not just about winning but also about personal growth. He learnt the value of perseverance, resilience, and the importance of setting goals and striving for them.”

“He loved being in the GB tent with all the camaraderie, nervous energy and banter,” she continued. “The spirit of the GB riders and supporters was so strong; the support and encouragement were heart-warming.

“He was a little disappointed as he really wanted to be in the top 32, but, if he did it again, I’m sure he could achieve that now that he’s experienced his first World Championships. With some more regional and national races under his belt, he will only get better and faster.”

Currently attached to Runnymeade Rockets, with whom he trains twice a week, Hugo first took up Park BMX when he was 12, before progressing to competitive racing aged 13. His selection for Team GB was based on his high national ranking the previous year.

As well as his family, the Year 11 student has been supported by friends and staff members at Glyn School, part of the GLF Schools Multi-Academies Trust – although GCSEs mean he will be unable to compete in next year’s event.

“Watching Hugo compete was nerve-wracking but also very exciting for us – I’m sure competing is far easier!” added Mrs Moon. “The crowd atmosphere was electric and so supportive towards all our GB riders. The event was not without drama, with some riders falling and being injured in practice or in races. We were just praying he stayed on his bike and got through each race. But, honestly, we are so proud of him.

“Hugo has been on an amazing and fast journey to get to this level. This experience will stay with him forever, and to be able to say he represented Great Britain is a huge honour.”

COUNCIL NATURE

No reservations to put reserves in “Thames to Downs”

18 October 2023

Epsom & Ewell Council Eyes Inclusion of Local Natural reserves in the ‘Thames To Downs’ National Nature Reserve. The Council’s Environment Committee 17th October debated an ambitious move to preserve … READ MORE

COUNCIL TRANSPORT AND ENVIRONMENT

Chalk Pit debate deferred by late abatement

18 October 2023

The Environment Committee of Epsom and Ewell Borough Council 17th October was to discuss a motion proposed at a Full Council meeting on July 25, 2023, regarding a noise nuisance … READ MORE

COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS

Don’t wait for the Feast of St Stephen

18 October 2023

For the seventh 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 … READ MORE

HOUSING NEWS PLANNING

Noble housing intentions?

18 October 2023

Crest Nicholson and the Vistry Group have partnered for a “sustainable development” initiative near Noble Park in Epsom. They plan to submit a comprehensive planning application to Epsom and Ewell … READ MORE

COUNCIL TRANSPORT AND ENVIRONMENT

The cost of Surrey’s failed ULEZ challenge

18 October 2023

Surrey County Council spent £150,000 on a failed court challenge to the ULEZ expansion. The county council together with the London boroughs of Bexley, Bromley, Harrow and Hillingdon launched a … READ MORE

RUGBY SPORTS

Medway Overpower Sorry Sutton & Epsom

16 October 2023

Sutton & Epsom RFC 15 Medway 33. Saturday 14th October. Last Saturday the league had a rest weekend after five fixtures in September. Buoyed by their stunning success over league … READ MORE

COUNCIL HOUSING

Council Grapples with Rising Cost of Homelessness

13 October 2023

In an ongoing challenge to manage rising homelessness-related costs, Epsom & Ewell Borough Council (EEBC) finds itself confronted with an impending financial strain exceeding their 2023/24 budget. This report sheds … READ MORE

COUNCIL HOUSING

Housing Allocation Policy Undergoes Updates

13 October 2023

In a bid to modernize the housing allocation process and enhance the efficiency of social housing distribution, the Council adopted a series of amendments to the Housing Allocation Policy and … READ MORE

COUNCIL HOUSING

Improving housing improvements for the vulnerable

13 October 2023

10th October Epsom and Ewell Council’s Community and Wellbeing Committee agreed a Revised Private Sector Housing Grants Assistance Policy to Expand Support for Vulnerable Residents. The item was introduced by … READ MORE

COUNCIL TRANSPORT AND ENVIRONMENT

Preparing for Winter with true grit

12 October 2023

A total of 38 brand new gritting vehicles are now available to help keep Surrey moving during the colder months. The new vehicles operate more efficiently, have state-of-the art technology … READ MORE

For the seventh 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.

Project Wenceslas enables those who receive, but do not need, the Government’s Winter Fuel
Payment to donate it to either Rotary Club of Epsom or Rotary Club of Ewell. This money will be
distributed to people in critical need of assistance with energy bills, much needed during the
Cost of Living crisis. All monies donated are redistributed 100% without any deductions for
costs or expenses.

Lisa Davis, CEO, Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell, said: “With energy bills still the biggest cost-of-
living worry for many individuals and families across the country, this fund is a crucial support
for those in our borough. Please get in touch if either you want to donate your Winter Fuel
Payment, or you are in need of support.”

Since January 2018, CAEE has received nearly £15,000 in donations and made over 170 payments
to families in Epsom & Ewell suffering from fuel poverty.

If you would like to know more about donating your Winter Fuel Payment, please contact via the
websites epsomrotary.uk or ewellrotaryclub.org.uk 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 https://www.caee.org.uk/

St Stephen’s Day (the first Christian Martyr) is 26th December in Western Christianity.

COMMUNITY LOCAL HISTORY VOLUNTEERS

Local community gathered at Horton Cemetery

11 October 2023

On World Mental Health Day 10th October on a working and un-seasonally hot day, young and old gathered in commemoration of the 9000 patients buried in Epsom’s abandoned Cemetery. The … READ MORE

COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS

Lease reprieve for Langley Village Hall

11 October 2023

Langley Vale Village Hall was under the threat of closure but due to the hard work of the Langley Vale Village Hall Association and local residents a new 10 year … READ MORE

NEWS TRANSPORT AND ENVIRONMENT

Going South this weekend?

11 October 2023

Please note, there will be a full closure of the A3 in both directions from 9pm on Friday 13 October to 5.30am on Monday 16 October. The closure will be … READ MORE

FOOTBALL SPORTS

Epsom and Ewell FC finally win with a glut

8 October 2023

Epsom & Ewell 5-1 Colliers Wood United. Combined Counties League – Premier Division. Saturday 7th October 2023. We may have had some cup wins already this season, but whilst they … READ MORE

COUNCIL TRANSPORT AND ENVIRONMENT

Day travelcards to be scrapped?

8 October 2023

Surrey County Council could call on central government to intervene in “discriminatory” plans to scrap day travelcards in to London. The travelcards mean Surrey residents can travel in to the … READ MORE

CHRIS GRAYLING NEWS WESTMINSTER

Grayling not to contest a seventh election

6 October 2023

Chris Grayling MP has announced he will not be seeking re-election at the next General Election due 2024 / January 2025 latest. In a message to the Epsom and Ewell … READ MORE

COUNCIL PLANNING

The Plan to improve Planning pays off

6 October 2023

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council have received official notification from the Minister of State for Housing and Planning, Rachel Maclean MP, that their planning department is no longer under review … READ MORE

COUNCIL EDUCATION TRANSPORT AND ENVIRONMENT

Surrey schools fly their green flags

6 October 2023

Surrey County Council has been confirmed with the highest number of schools awarded with a Green Flag of any local authority in England, with its 88 Eco-Schools, all of which … READ MORE

COMMUNITY TRANSPORT AND ENVIRONMENT

Pollution around Epsom and Ewell Schools

5 October 2023

Epsom and Ewell Extinction Rebellion embark on a public education drive on Sunday 9th October in Epsom High Street. The climate action group has tabulated the pollution statistics for schools … READ MORE

COUNCIL EDUCATION

Child psychological waiting in Surrey eats savings

5 October 2023

Families are using their “savings and holiday money” to pay for private educational psychologist assessments having been told they would wait two years for an assessment through the council, a … READ MORE

Please note, there will be a full closure of the A3 in both directions from 9pm on Friday 13 October to 5.30am on Monday 16 October. The closure will be in place northbound from the B2215 (Ripley) to M25 junction 10, and southbound from M25 junction 10 to the A247 at Burntcommon. This is to facilitate National Highways bridge beam installation works as part of the M25 Junction 10 project.

The diversion will be via A247, A246, A24 and M25 junction 9. Please see the following diversion map. The diversion route agreed between National Highways and Surrey Officers is the most appropriate and direct route suitable for all vehicle sizes and types, with no height or weight restrictions in place. If you are considering alternate routes other than the signed diversion, please consider how viable smaller more local roads may be given the large volume of traffic which will be displaced from the A3.

Some sections of the Surrey road network may become heavily congested at times over the course of the weekend. Please plan your travel arrangements carefully using real-time data sources where available to inform your route choices.

If you have any questions, please contact National Highways either by email: M25j10@nationalhighways.co.uk or call 0300 123 5000 and one of the team will be happy to help.

Thanks to Cllr Steven McCormick (RA Woodcote and Langley) for the information.

Chris Grayling MP has announced he will not be seeking re-election at the next General Election due 2024 / January 2025 latest.

In a message to the Epsom and Ewell Conservative Association he wrote:

“I am writing to let you know that I told the Conservative Association AGM on Wednesday that I would not be standing again for Parliament at the next election. Earlier this year I was diagnosed with prostate cancer, and although the treatment has been successful, it has prompted me to think that after 22 years it is time for a change. The Association will now move ahead and select my successor as Conservative candidate.

I am very grateful to you for the support I have been given by you all over the years. I will obviously carry on working as normal until the election and will hope to see you at one of the upcoming events.”

An MP with a chequered career at ministerial level he is nevertheless recognised as a dedicated and attentive constituency MP.

This has been reflected in sustained large majorities against all challengers in the six elections he has fought, with his share of the vote peaking in the 2017 election at 59.6%.

BUSINESS COMMUNITY COUNCIL

Bloomin’ marvellous for Epsom and Ewell

3 October 2023

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, Go Epsom Business Improvement District, and dedicated volunteers from across the borough were delighted to pick up a number of awards for Nonsuch Park, Epsom … READ MORE

RUGBY SPORTS

Sutton and Epsom’s Alley of dreams dashed in the end.

2 October 2023

Old Alleynians 29 Sutton & Epsom RFC 25. Saturday 30th September. For Sutton and Epsom supporters with good memories, and multiple miles on the clock, they will recall opening three … READ MORE

COUNCIL NEWS

Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?

1 October 2023

A 9 month delay in presenting a critical report about Epsom and Ewell Borough Council‘s handling of complaints was the subject of testy exchanges at a meeting of the Council’s … READ MORE

FOOTBALL SPORTS

Not quite a “veni, vidi, vici” victory for Romans

1 October 2023

Tadley Calleva 1-0 Epsom & Ewell FC. Combined Counties League – Premier Division. Saturday 30th September 2023. Ultimately our latest match was decided by a clinical Kieran Rodgers finish from … READ MORE

COUNCIL TRANSPORT AND ENVIRONMENT

Our Star shines on Epsom Playhouse

30 September 2023

This month Epsom & Ewell Borough Council has installed 90 solar panels on the roof of Epsom Playhouse. The panels will generate over 32,000 kWh of electricity annually, covering a … READ MORE

CULTURE EDUCATION NEWS

Guildford centre of the cosmos for a day

29 September 2023

Budding astronauts and space engineers are set to be wowed and inspired on Saturday 7 October, when space researchers at the University of Surrey take over Guildford town centre. The … READ MORE

ARTS COMMUNITY COUNCIL

Glyn students brighten the Borough

29 September 2023

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council and Glyn School have come together to transform an unused building on the site of the Upper High Street car park with a community mural funded through … READ MORE

COUNCIL TRANSPORT AND ENVIRONMENT

ULEZ compliant taxis for Epsom and Ewell

29 September 2023

Taxis in Epsom and Ewell will need to be ULEZ-compliant in order to get a licence despite concerns raised from drivers. All licences will be given, providing cabs meet the … READ MORE

COUNCIL NEWS PLANNING

Drafting of Epsom and Ewell Local Plan “unpausing”?

28 September 2023

Tuesday 26th September Epsom and Ewell Borough Council’s Licensing and Planning Policy Committee met to decide whether to recommend to the Full Council to restart work on the submission of … READ MORE

Budding astronauts and space engineers are set to be wowed and inspired on Saturday 7 October, when space researchers at the University of Surrey take over Guildford town centre.

The University and its event partners, the Institute of Physics, will offer activities for children and adults to try in the Tunsgate Centre and on the High Street.

Thanks to the UK Space Agency, there will be space suits to try on, Winchester Science Centre will host a pop-up planetarium, and there’ll be a working model of a mini Mars rover.

Experts from Surrey Space Centre will be in the Tunsgate Centre.

Laura Cox from the University of Surrey’s Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences explained what people can see. She said:

“Come along to see inside a small satellite and have a go at steering it. You can also help spot illegal fishing boats on satellite images, a crime which costs over $15bn annually.

“At the mobile ground station, visitors can see signals from satellites in real-time and the decoded data they are sending from space. And you can learn about different types of space rocks and handle 3D-printed models of real asteroids, comets, and planetary moons.”

Astrophysicists from the School of Mathematics and Physics will be answering astronomy questions, running a constellation activity, offering an escape room-style activity and more.

Local employers in the space sector will also participate, including Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL), who will show off models of spacecraft and components of the satellites they make, including a propulsion tank, circuit boards and samples of the exterior panels we see in photos.

Dr Nicola Baresi, an astrodynamicist who plans efficient routes for spacecraft to travel in space, including to the Moon and to other planets in our solar system, says:

“It’s going to be a fun day for people of all ages with lots of space-related activities and experiments to try. Space is a hugely exciting sector and is a thriving industry across Surrey and Hampshire. There are plenty of opportunities for rewarding careers in this area, yet significant skills shortages, something we help tackle at the University of Surrey with our research activities and educational programmes. We’re keen to inspire people and help them realise that they could get a job in the space industry.”

COMMUNITY LOCAL HISTORY

From “Princess” to Pauper’s grave in Epsom

27 September 2023

9000 patients of Epsom’s cluster of now closed psychiatric hospitals were buried between 1899 and 1955 in a now abandoned Cemetery. The Friends of Horton Cemetery are writing their life stories and … READ MORE

FOOTBALL SPORTS

Epsom and Ewell’s 3 – 1 lead lost in 12 minutes

27 September 2023

Epsom & Ewell 3-4 AFC Croydon Athletic. Combined Counties League Cup – First Round Tuesday 26th September 2023. A devastating three goal swing in just twelve minutes enabled AFC Croydon … READ MORE

BUSINESS NEWS TRANSPORT AND ENVIRONMENT

Thames Water rebate

27 September 2023

Thames Water has been ordered to pay back more than £100million to its customers by regulators.Water watchdog Ofwat ordered the under-performing company to return the money following a string of … READ MORE

COUNCIL PLANNING

Another Surrey Local Plan Pauses

26 September 2023

The towns, villages, and open spaces that will take the brunt of Surrey Heath Borough Council’s 6,000 new homes will be kept under wraps a little longer after the local … READ MORE

COUNCIL PLANNING

Gove: meddling and muddled over Surrey Local Plans?

26 September 2023

Michael Gove is a Surrey MP and the Cabinet Minister in charge of housing and planning. The progress of Local Plans across the County are in disarray. Local Plans set … READ MORE

COUNCIL HOUSING PLANNING

Land, plan and a scam mess for Tandridge

25 September 2023

A land scam, £3.5million spent and residents being “ignored” have come to a head as a district council finally looks set to call an end to its 6,000-home local plan. … READ MORE

RUGBY SPORTS

Bunting Boots Battersea Into Touch

25 September 2023

Sutton & Epsom 26 Battersea Ironsides 25, Saturday 23rd September. This was the first time the two clubs had ever met in a league fixture as Battersea Ironsides became league … READ MORE

COMMUNITY NATURE

Epsom Common Association: A History of Conservation and Biodiversity

25 September 2023

Founded in 1974 by local residents deeply concerned about the state of Epsom Common and the looming threats to its existence, the Epsom Common Association has since been a stalwart … READ MORE

COMMUNITY TRANSPORT AND ENVIRONMENT

Local action to tackle global climate crisis

24 September 2023

According to the Eco-Friends of Epsom we are in an era marked by the increasingly pressing issue of climate change. The urgency of understanding its scientific underpinnings and potential solutions … READ MORE

FOOTBALL SPORTS

Shoot-out ends Salt’s Vase season

24 September 2023

Bearsted 1-1 Epsom & Ewell FC. Bearsted won 4-1 on penalties. Isuzu F.A. Vase – Second Qualifying Round Saturday 23rd September 2023. A rather disappointing penalty shoot out, the twelfth … READ MORE

COUNCIL FINANCES

Costs through the roof enquiry for local Council

23 September 2023

Epsom and Ewell’s Poole Road Pavilion re-roof costs go through the roof. The Strategy and Resources Committee Epsom and Ewell Council met September 21 to authorize the extra costs. The … READ MORE

COMMUNITY EDUCATION

Epsom and Ewell’s Technology College 70 years young

22 September 2023

The North East Surrey College Of Technology (NESCOT), situated in Epsom and Ewell, Surrey, England, traces its roots back to the 1950s when it was known as Ewell Technical College. … READ MORE

ARTS CULTURE

Elijah returns to Epsom before the end of times

22 September 2023

On Wednesday 20th September, Epsom Choral Society held an open rehearsal at St Martin’s Church, Epsom, their usual concert venue. An ‘open rehearsal’ served a double purpose. It was part … READ MORE

COMMUNITY FAITH

All welcome in Epsom’s parish church

22 September 2023

St Martin’s is the Parish Church of Epsom. It is rather hidden from the bustle of the town between Church Road and  Church Street where the main entrance is opposite … READ MORE

COMMUNITY NEWS

Mayor endorses Citizens Advice in Epsom & Ewell

21 September 2023

As Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell (CAEE) publishes its Annual Report 2022/23 today, Epsom & Ewell Mayor Cllr Rob Geleit expressed his support for the charity, having chosen it as … READ MORE

9000 patients of Epsom’s cluster of now closed psychiatric hospitals were buried between 1899 and 1955 in a now abandoned Cemetery. The Friends of Horton Cemetery are writing their life stories and seeking to reclaim the five neglected acres from a property speculator.

The Horton Cemetery is located between Horton Lane and Hook Road, Epsom.

On 10th October 2023 from 1.00pm The Mayor Cllr Robert Geleit (Labour Court Ward) and Mayoress of Epsom and Ewell will lead councillors, Aldermen of the Borough and the public in commemorating the lives of the 9000. The commemoration will begin beside the Horton Cemetery. Parking is open in the Hook Road Arena. Ceremonies will start at 1.00pm so the public is advised to park no later than 12.45 to allow time for the walk.

If you intend to attend the event you are requested to complete this simple online RSVP form.

If you are attending you should read the advice of The Friends of Horton Cemetery on the ground conditions and lengths of walks involved. Click HERE.

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Here is a taster of just one of the hundreds of life stories written by the volunteer team of the Friends of Horton Cemetery charity. Steve Johnson, one of the research team leaders, delved into the extraordinary story of a Polish aristocrat who’s family’s lives were upturned in the Russian Revolution of 1917.

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Felicja Staszewicz, daughter of Aleksander Skirmunt and Teofila Skirmunt (née Lubańska) was born c1873 – the seventh of nine children – at the family country estate of Porzecza, Piński (now Belarus), the family having retained its Polish heritage despite the partition of Poland in 1795.

At the outbreak of the Russian Revolution in 1917, Felicja and Piotr, together with their family, moved to Vilnius where they remained until the end of WW1. Tragically, Marta-Karolina committed suicide at the outbreak of the revolution.

It is unclear where Felicja and Piotr moved to after WW1, but Piotr died in 1929, and by 1939 we find Felicja living in Teklinopol (her country estate near Vilnius which she had inherited from her mother) with her youngest daughter, Matylda, who had moved there in 1923 after her marriage to Jan Myślinski (also from a notable family that traces back to 1670).

On the 17th September 1939 the Russian army crossed the border and Felicja and Matylda, together with her two young daughters, Janina and Jolanta, were forced out of their home and moved to the nearby village of Wilejka.

On the 13th April 1940, in the middle of the night, the family were arrested and, together with thousands of others, taken by cattle train into Russia as slave labour. Two of Felicja’s sons, Aleksander and Jan Leon were taken by the Russians and were amongst the mass murder of thousands massacred in the forests of Katyń.

Read the full story HERE on www.hortoncemetery.org

On Wednesday 20th September, Epsom Choral Society held an open rehearsal at St Martin’s Church, Epsom, their usual concert venue. An ‘open rehearsal’ served a double purpose. It was part of the preparation for their concert, performing Felix Mendelssohn’s Elijah on 18th November. It was also a bid to attract some new singing members by offering a chance to come and try it out.

I went along.  I enjoy Mendelssohn’s music and it is easier to appreciate after an attempt at performing it. As Wednesday’s weather approached biblical proportions, it was a good night for singing about whirlwinds droughts and floods.

After a welcome from choir chairman Isobel Squire, conductor Julian Collings began the rehearsal. The whole work has about 40 songs. The choir sings in about half of them. Usually, a rehearsal would entail concentrating on a few items, looking to correct some mistakes, find the music among the notes and then sing each piece all the way through. Wednesday was more of a taster. We sang fairly quickly through almost all the choral numbers, saving the detailed work for Julian’s favourite movement, ‘He, watching over Israel’. The conductor’s role is to know the music inside-out (he does!), warning which notes are likely to go wrong and suggesting ways to make them sound better. Once the notes are correct, the next stage is suggesting how to shape them to bring out the musical effects.

No-one has to sing alone. Epsom Choral Society has room for some new members but they do have all parts covered. There are confident singers among sopranos, altos, tenors and basses. Any newcomer will be adding to the overall sound, not sticking out while searching for the notes. They also have an expert pianist, Marion Lea, who can highlight  the choir parts while learning or pretend to be an orchestra when everyone is singing something through.

Although the open rehearsal has passed, there are still plenty of Wednesdays before the concert. If you fancy a chance to discover Elijah from within an able and welcoming choir, I’m sure Epsom Choral Society’s membership secretary (membership@epsomchoralsociety.org.uk) will be very happy to hear from you.

Nigel Williams.

St Martin’s is the Parish Church of Epsom. It is rather hidden from the bustle of the town between Church Road and  Church Street where the main entrance is opposite the Olde King’s Head. Paths lead from Church Road and Grove Road through the churchyard. It well repays the effort of finding it, an oasis of peace just minutes away from the town centre.

The present building is not the one mentioned in the Doomsday Book, but its north west tower is the oldest building standing in Epsom. It is not easy to appreciate that, as it was disguised after the rebuilding with cladding to match the rest of the new church. The mediaeval church was demolished in 1824 as being too small as well as needing major repair. The only other remnant of it is the 14th century font.

Enlargement was necessary again in 1907 and an intended complete replacement was begun at the east end. It stopped there due to lack of funds! The place were the two parts join still shows the original intention. Inside the two parts are married well and now we have a large airy building, light because of the clear windows in the body of the church where the acoustics are well suited to its musical tradition. It is the venue for performances of many choirs as well as our own. In the rebuilt East end are some marvellous stained glass windows as well as the 1892 window by F.E.Oldaker a former pupil at Epsom College. Once the east window it is now behind the minstrel’s gallery. In the east end and in the nave are monuments as fine as any in Westminster and by the same sculptors. There is a fine organ by Norman and Beard in 1909 which has since been  rebuilt by Corbett and Balby, an Epsom firm, in 1966-67, and Principal Pipe Organs of York in 1998.

Overall St Martin’s is a traditional English Parish church and the pattern of worship is recognisably Church of England. The Prayer Book services of Morning and Evening Prayer are sung once every month and the Holy Communion services on other Sundays are also enriched by our choir who often sing in cathedrals in the south-east when their choirs are away. There is time for fellowship around the coffee bar at the west end of the church after services. We strive to be welcoming and inclusive and are one of the few churches which has passed a resolution calling on the Church of England to amend its law so as to allow same sex weddings to happen in church.

The church is open for exploration and private prayer every morning and on Sunday afternoons. All are welcome at all times.

Free concerts (retiring collection) are sponsored by our Director of Music and we regularly host performances by the Epsom Choral Society, Ashtead Choral Society and Epsom Chamber Choir.

Howard Bluett, Reader at St Martins

As Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell (CAEE) publishes its Annual Report 2022/23 today, Epsom & Ewell Mayor Cllr Rob Geleit expressed his support for the charity, having chosen it as one of his charities of the year. He said: “CAEE wants and needs to be here for another 85 years and this year I want to do my part in helping that to happen. I have chosen this charity as I greatly support the work that it does and the outcomes that it achieves for local people.”

The Mayor attended CAEE’s Annual General Meeting on 19 September where staff, volunteers, funders and local supporters gathered to celebrate the achievements over the last year. In 2022/23, CAEE helped 2,660 people in the borough, addressing 8,256 issues and gained £1,008,032 of income for their clients. Top issues that were addressed are benefits and tax, debt, housing, relationships and family, and charitable support.

CEO Lisa Davis, calls for more volunteers to help boost its face to face and outreach service. Lisa said: “A key unique selling point for us is our face to face and outreach services and our aim this year is to extend this part of our offering. Our focus going forward is the recruitment and retention of a diverse group of volunteers to help that happen.”

“Currently, the people of Epsom and Ewell can access CAEE services by phone and email, and drop in to the office in Epsom on a Tuesday or Thursday. Increasing our capacity and extending this to four days a week would greatly help those in the borough who are affected by the rising costs of living, are vulnerable and often have nowhere to turn,” said Lisa.

CAEE provides an outreach service, with regular sessions being held at the Epsom Refugee Hub, Methodist Church’s Warm Hub last winter and has recently started at the Epsom Pantry for its members.

Sue, who’s been volunteering with Citizens Advice in the local community for over 25 years in various roles, says: “I enjoy the comradeship, which because of the nature of the volunteers, creates a better than average office environment. I like the brainstorming nature of giving advice – seeing how one thing affects another. Our work provides a window into part of our community which is hidden to a lot of people living in what appears to be an affluent area.”

Volunteering for CAEE is a rewarding experience with many having been helping their community for several years. For those interested in learning more, get in touch with CAEE to talk to a volunteer or read more on the website.

_{Photo of Yvette Ball (Chair of Trustees of CAEE), Epsom & Ewell Mayor Cllr Rob Geleit, Lisa Davis (CEO of CAEE)}

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