Europe’s first research hub dedicated to Hong Kong Studies will be launched at the University of Surrey on Thursday 25 May 2023. Surrey’s Hong Kong Studies Hub will look to shape policy debates and the wider question of the role of Hong Kong communities in International Relations.
The hub will also host the Hong Kong Studies Association Secretariat and a new Hong Kong Studies Library.
The hub’s upcoming launch will bring together a prestigious expert panel of academics and practitioners, led by Dr Malte Kaeding from the University of Surrey, to investigate the latest research and policy developments, followed by a keynote conversation on Hong Kong’s current role in international relations, and the work and impact of local Hong Kong communities.
The launch event is free to attend and will take place from 5pm to 8pm in the Wates House Green Room, on the University of Surrey’s Stag Hill campus, with an opportunity to network from 8pm onwards.
Dr Malte Kaeding, Senior Lecturer in International Politics at the University of Surrey, and the Director of the new Hub, said:
“The launch of the Hong Kong Studies Hub at the University of Surrey is a milestone for Hong Kong Studies in Europe.
“Surrey is a leading academic hub for Hong Kong Studies, having hosted two Hong Kong Studies Association conferences in 2021 and 2022. With over 15-years of my own research on Hong Kong politics, supported by a REF Impact Case, and my role as co-founder of the Hong Kong Studies Association, I believe Surrey is at the forefront of this field.
“The hub’s multidisciplinary perspective and its focus on methodological innovation, combined with a strong emphasis on engagement with the fast-growing Hong Konger community, positions the University at the cutting-edge of this important and exciting development.”
Professor Amelia Hadfield, Head of Department and Dean International at the University of Surrey, contributed her own views, saying:
“The Department of Politics is a perfect location in which to situate the new Hong Kong Studies Hub. We are proud of our track record on interdisciplinary approaches and providing cross-scholarly support, and the hub will help us engage authentically in this highly relevant area.”
May is the month to talk about walking, more walking and even more walking. The weather is brighter, dryer and warmer and is the best time to get outdoors as … READ MORE
People from across the borough joined forces with Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell (CAEE) to raisevital funds for those at the forefront of the cost-of-living crisis. Nearly 50 staff, volunteers … READ MORE
Brownie leader Mary Zoeller from Epsom has been recognised for her outstanding volunteer work by Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Led by Queen Camilla, the Royal Voluntary Service … READ MORE
A new national research facility could significantly improve our understanding of infectious diseases, ageing and cancers, leading to novel treatments and vaccines. The University of Surrey’s SEISMIC facility will offer … READ MORE
For over 35 years a close friendship has existed between the 1st Cuddington Sea Scouts in Epsom & Ewell District and the Karel Doorman Zeeverkenners Groep of Bergen Op Zoom … READ MORE
Three Surrey councils have been warned that their planning departments are “not good enough” and threatened with having their decision-making powers stripped. Guildford, Waverley, and Epsom and Ewell Borough Councils … READ MORE
The June 8th judicial review against the Government’s decision to allow fossil fuel drilling near an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty will go ahead. Waverley Borough Council held a special … READ MORE
Walking citizens funding advice
23 May 2023
People from across the borough joined forces with Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell (CAEE) to raise vital funds for those at the forefront of the cost-of-living crisis.
Nearly 50 staff, volunteers and supporters went the extra mile on Sunday 14 May 2023 by walking a self-guided 5 mile route around Horton County Park or 10 mile route through the Epsom countryside to raise funds for the charity.
Image: Cllr Kieran Persand, Chris Grayling MP, Sue Grayling, Lisa Davis CEO CAEE, Louise Curd CAEE, volunteer Chris Bruce CAEE, Cllr Bernie Muir
Supporters who took part on Sunday included MP Chris Grayling and Horton councillors Bernie Muir and Kieran Persand. Epsom and Ewell Rotaries both fielded volunteers to help on the day plus some CAEE staff and volunteers who gave up their Sunday.
The event is expected to raise over £1,000. Anyone who would like to walk the route and donate or even just donate, can visit the CAEE Just Giving page. All funds raised during Sunday’s event will go directly into supporting frontline services.
One of the people CAEE has helped is Tom (not his real name), a man in his 50s who lives alone in a rented property. He is typical of many of CAEE’s clients and their multiple (and sometimes hidden) vulnerabilities. When Tom first came to CAEE he was defensive, lacked confidence dealing with people and his finances and had spiralling rent arrears, council tax liabilities, water arrears and other debts. His paperwork was chaotic and incomplete and Tom found appointments challenging.
Over a period of time, advisers at CAEE have been working regularly with Tom and he has taken giant leaps forward and is now in a much better situation. CAEE has empowered Tom to work at a pace that he can cope with to help him overcome some of his difficulties.
Lisa Davis, CEO of CAEE, said: “We’re so grateful to everyone who rallied together this weekend. Every day our advisers hear from people who are stressed, isolated and frightened as they try to deal with the cost-of-living crisis. We’re working flat out to help people find a way forward. But we’re a charity and our services are stretched. All the funds raised by the people of Epsom and Ewell will help us get crisis support for those who need it.”
Epsom & Ewell’s Coronation Champion
23 May 2023
Brownie leader Mary Zoeller from Epsom has been recognised for her outstanding volunteer work by Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
Led by Queen Camilla, the Royal Voluntary Service has recognised 500 outstanding volunteers from across the UK with a Coronation Champion Award. The awards celebrate and recognise the tireless work of volunteers around the country, which formed a key part of the coronation celebrations for His Majesty the King.
Mary received the award for her work volunteering with Girlguiding and other local charities. Over the past thirteen years she has inspired girls to have exceptional experiences as leader of 1st Ewell Village (St Mary’s), as well as being Epsom division and assistant county commissioner for Surrey East.
The Coronation Champion Volunteer Awards were judged by a panel consisting of specialists in the volunteering field and charity leaders. Mary is one of only 500 people in the UK to be awarded a Coronation Champion Volunteer Award.
Mary attended the Coronation concert at Windsor Castle on Sunday 7 May in recognition of her award.
Mary said: “I’m very shocked but absolutely delighted to be named a Coronation Champion. In Girlguiding, we all work hard to make a difference to girls and young women’s lives and it’s wonderful when our volunteering efforts are recognised. Attending the concert on Sunday was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, one which I will always remember.”
Brownie in 1st Ewell Village (St Mary’s) Libby, aged 9, said: “All the brownies are so excited and happy that Brown Owl won this award. When she told us about the award, we clapped really hard. Brown Owl deserves this award for always making sure we have the best time at Brownies every week. Brownies is so much fun, Brown Owl always helps everybody with a big smile.”
About Girlguiding
Girlguiding is the UK’s largest youth organisation dedicated completely to girls, with around 370,000 members. Girls can do anything. We help them know that, whether they’re 4 or 18 or in between. All girls have a home at Girlguiding – whoever they are, and wherever they are. We show them a world of possibilities, big and small. We help them think big and be bold in a space where they can be themselves, get creative, explore, and have fun. We’re a powerful collective voice – with girls, led by girls – changing the world for the better.
We’re 300,000 Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers, who come together to laugh, learn, explore and have adventures, in communities across the UK and virtually. We’re 70,000 volunteers who make guiding happen by giving time, talent and enthusiasm. Registered Charity No 306016 girlguiding.org.uk
Seismic change at Surrey University
23 May 2023
A new national research facility could significantly improve our understanding of infectious diseases, ageing and cancers, leading to novel treatments and vaccines.
The University of Surrey’s SEISMIC facility will offer scientists access to technology that enables them to pick up single cells or even parts of cells and measure the spatial position of biomarkers like proteins, metabolites and lipids.
Funded by £2.8 million from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and industry, SEISMIC uses an advanced type of microscope manufactured by Yokogawa Corporation.
Professor Melanie Bailey, Director of the SEISMIC facility at the University of Surrey, said:
“Thanks to SEISMIC, we’ve made a breakthrough in measuring lipids in individual mammalian cells. This new technology is a game changer because it allows scientists to measure important biomarkers while keeping track of where they are in the cell. This is important for understanding how healthy cells work and how infections or cancer can affect them.
“We’re really excited about this because it will help us better understand how cells communicate with each other, and this knowledge could lead to new ways to fight diseases.”
SEISMIC enables single-cell and sub-cellular analysis, which will help scientists understand what happens under defined conditions and how cells signal to each other.
Dr Dany Beste, Senior Lecturer in Microbial Metabolism at the University of Surrey, said:
“The new facility is free for academics working in BBSRC-funded areas and also available to scientists in industry. We are confident SEISMIC will enhance scientific training in single-cell work and overcome some of the challenges in this area.”
SEISMIC is the University of Surrey’s third national research facility with the Ion Beam Centre and the Environmental Flow Laboratory.
Prof Bailey said:
“The combination of SEISMIC, the proton beam facility and the Ion Beam Centre are a boon to Surrey’s scientific and business communities and could allow us to understand the interaction between cancer cells and radiation in more detail. This has enormous potential and we are excited to welcome researchers to use our new facility.”
Even Al-Jazeera’s global reaching website is plagued by pop-ups. Your local quality news service, The Epsom and Ewell Times, is determined to resist its website being used to generate income. … READ MORE
Epsom and Ewell’s own international film festival is coming. The Satisfied Eye International Film Festival, now in its fourth season and consistently rated in the top film festivals in the … READ MORE
Over £12m of grant funding is now available for Surrey residents whose homes are not heated by gas, to make their homes more energy efficient and environmentally friendly. Residents living … READ MORE
The family of a former Epsom school caretaker has paid tribute to an ‘amazing’ husband and dad after lawyers recently secured them a settlement in connection with his asbestos-related cancer … READ MORE
The future of Kingswood House School on West Hill in Epsom has been secured after the planningbrought by local developer Steve Curwen, was refused by Surrey County Council on 21 … READ MORE
The Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey Police was elected in May 2021 on a turnout of Surrey voters of 38%. That was 5% higher than the national average but … READ MORE
Epsom & Ewell FC 2-1 Wick FC. Southern Combination League – Division One Playoff Final. Saturday 6th May 2023. Thirty years to the day after our final first team match … READ MORE
All the results are in and the Residents’ Associations, as expected, retain control of the Borough Council. The Liberal Democrats gained two seats by winning all three seats in College … READ MORE
Youngsters at Ewell Grove Primary and Nursery School have done it again. Back in the testing times of Covid during 2021, classes decided to organise their own entertainment programme to raise … READ MORE
Support your pop-up free local news service
23 May 2023
Even Al-Jazeera’s global reaching website is plagued by pop-ups. Your local quality news service, The Epsom and Ewell Times, is determined to resist its website being used to generate income. We say “No” to irritating advertisements, pop-ups and other uninvited interferences with your reading pleasure.
The Epsom and Ewell Times has been in full operational mode for one year and we have not charged readers a penny. We want our service to be available to everyone. The 2019 Report into the Press of Baroness Caithness sets out, with substantial evidence in support, the vital role quality local news services provide local communities: Improvements to participation in local affairs: Council business and politics, community events and volunteer activities.
Our efforts have been recognised by the BBC permitting us to print the reports of its local reporters. The BBC does not provide any financial support.
We still have a long way to go to extend and improve our service and with your support we can continue to build.
Today The Epsom and Ewell Times appeals to all our readers to make a modest donation for us to cover our running costs. All our contributors are unpaid volunteers. However, there are fees to pay for regulation, subscriptions for the use of images, website hosting fees and other unavoidable expenses.
For donors giving us £20 or more there is an option to be entered into a draw for two free passes for the upcoming Satisfied Eye International Film Festival. 26th to 28th May Bourne Hall, Ewell.
We would be very grateful for any donation you can kindly make.
Conservatives, Labour and Residents Associations battled out their political differences at the hustings Tuesday. Held at local Southfield Park Primary School. Candidates for the new ward of Horton each presented … READ MORE
Thursday, May 4th, is election day in all of Surrey’s 11 boroughs and districts. This means voters in Elmbridge, Epsom and Ewell, Guildford, Mole Valley, Reigate and Banstead, Runnymede, Spelthorne, … READ MORE
Epsom College has been honoured to receive unbroken royal patronage from a reigning monarch since 1855 when Queen Victoria became the College’s first Patron and upon its opening by HRH … READ MORE
Exclusive to the Epsom and Ewell Times we have brought you statements from each Party standing for election to the local council this Thursday 4th May. We conclude today with … READ MORE
Earlier today Epsom and Ewell MP Chris Grayling called upon the Government to ban industrial fishing boats from “scalping our sea beds and hoovering up marine life regardless of what … READ MORE
Exclusive to the Epsom and Ewell Times we are bringing you statements from each Party standing for election to the local council this Thursday 4th May. We continue today with … READ MORE
Exclusive to the Epsom and Ewell Times we are bringing you statements from each Party standing for election to the local council this Thursday 4th May. We continue today with … READ MORE
Exclusive to the Epsom and Ewell Times we are bringing you statements from each Party standing for election to the local council this Thursday 4th May. We continue today with … READ MORE
Epsom and Ewell win 6-5 on penalties. Southern Combination League – Division One Playoff Semi-Final. Saturday 29th April 2023. Two good saves from Tom Theobald added to some well struck … READ MORE
Exclusive to the Epsom and Ewell Times we are bringing you statements from each Party standing for election to the local council this Thursday 4th May. We start today with … READ MORE
Between the two censuses of 2011 and 2021 the over 65 population of Epsom and Ewell increased by 16.1% to a total of about 14,670. About 18% of the total … READ MORE
Epsom & Ewell Harriers older runners are back in the UK having picked up medals at the world indoor athletics championships in Torun Poland. Lisa Boland W40 (40-44) competed in … READ MORE
Once Upon a Lunchtime, several years ago, a group of friends were reminiscing about the exciting lives they lead as young female journalists working on top selling pop and women’s … READ MORE
Horton hustings heat up election
23 May 2023
Conservatives, Labour and Residents Associations battled out their political differences at the hustings Tuesday. Held at local Southfield Park Primary School. Candidates for the new ward of Horton each presented themselves for 3 minutes and then opened to questions. The audience may or may not have contained any genuine floating voters. It was difficult to tell.
Mark Todd and Ros Gordon opened proceedings for Labour, followed by Henal Ladwa and Eber Kington for the Residents’ Associations. Kieran Persand and Bernie Muir rounded off for the Conservatives.
The Liberal Democrat candidates did not attend.
The candidates were united in their opposition to the development of Green Belt in Epsom and Ewell, especially on Horton Farm. However, there were differences as to who should get credit for initiating the pause to the progress of the draft Local Plan. Bernie Muir (Conservative) claimed to have written to every other Councillor advising a pause was necessary. Eber Kington (RA) disclosed that he had been pressing for this earlier in emails to fellow RA Councillors and Council officers. It was Cllr Kington who tabled an emergency motion to pause the Local Plan.
A member of the audience highlighted the recent announcement of Sir Keir Starmer Leader of the Labour Party that Labour would reinstate targets and fight nimbyism. Albeit, giving the housing targets to local government to determine.
Mr Kington attacked Labour’s expansion of the ULEZ zone to the London borders of Epsom and Ewell but Mark Todd made no apology for this and maintained it was necessary to protect the health of children.
There were some moments of tension and friction but all the candidates were warmly applauded for the courage of their standing for election and for allowing the public an opportunity to scrutinise them.
The hustings was organised by Epsom and Ewell Times and we thank all the candidates for participating.
Left to right: Ros Gordon, Mark Todd, Bernie Muir, Kieran Persand, (Lionel Blackman – Chair), Henal Ladwa and Eber Kington.
Why vote for the Residents’ Associations in Epsom and Ewell?
23 May 2023
Exclusive to the Epsom and Ewell Times we have brought you statements from each Party standing for election to the local council this Thursday 4th May. We conclude today with the ruling Residents Associations.
The Residents’ Association (RA) is independent and not a political party. Rather it is a group of individuals who live in the Borough and are passionate about keeping party politics and rhetoric out of local government decision making. At a time when national politics is in disarray, it is more important than ever that our residents have independent representation.
Photo: RA candidates clockwise from top-left: McCormick, Frost and Froud – Woodcote and Langley Vale; Beckett and Talbot – Auriol; Kington and Ladwa – Horton; Dalton – Stoneleigh; Day, Brooks and Collin – College. “Say Her Name” is from the “Reclaim These Streets” march that Cllr Dalton organised following the rape of a female jogger in Nonsuch Park.
Why RA?
RA candidates stand out from their national political party counterparts; manifestos are written by the candidate using their understanding and insight of the issues which are important to residents. Manifestos are factual, demonstrating a track record of delivery, the commitment to continue to work hard and do our best for our residents. This is in sharp contrast to some of the disappointing negative and baseless campaign messages we see elsewhere.
The Local Plan As a local authority council, we face many challenges because of central government planning policy to build houses and the data used to set housing numbers. We have listened to our residents and their concerns in response to the recent draft Local Plan consultation (Regulation 18), and we will continue to consult with you and listen, as well as lobby Westminster on new national planning policy and legislation.
Government funding The outcome of central government’s Fairer Funding Review from 2016 remains outstanding as does the outcome of their National Waste Strategy. These combined with the continued one-year government funding arrangements creates uncertainty around our longer-term funding. At a time when many local authorities are facing significant financial pressures, Epsom and Ewell BC under an RA led administration continues to have strong financial management and deliver best value for our residents. This is in sharp comparison to other politically led councils in Surrey and further afield.
The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) The London Mayor’s decision to expand ULEZ is going to impact many of our residents and businesses negatively. RA councillors will continue to work with other effected Councils to oppose these plans.
RA track record of delivery As an RA led council, Epsom and Ewell BC has a long track record of working for you. In the last four years we have delivered:
o A wide range of Council services across the Borough, despite retaining only 10% of council tax. o Support to the community during COVID, including the timely distribution of grants to local businesses. o A Youth Skills hub that has helped hundreds of young people find work, training and education. o Electric vehicle charging points in Council run car parks as part of our Climate Change Action Plan. o A reduction in our homelessness numbers. o Safer Streets and CCTV in Epsom Town Centre.
The next 4 years We will: o Continue to listen to you and represent you. o Keep our Borough safe and secure. o Improve the health and wellbeing of our communities with a focus on those who are more vulnerable. o Work with partners so that the Borough is a place where people want to live, work and visit. o Enhance the borough’s natural assets, preserving and increasing biodiversity. o Work to meet our ambitious target of becoming Carbon Neutral by 2035. o Promote our rich history and heritage with further events and activities. o Keep national party politics out of local decision making.
I hope that you will vote for your RA candidates on May 4th and continue to see the benefits that an independently led council has on delivering for you through keeping national party politics out of the decisions which impact you.
Cllr Hannah Dalton Chair, Residents’ Association Majority Group
Ed: The Residents’ Associations are fielding candidates in all 14 wards in the Borough
Exclusive to the Epsom and Ewell Times we are bringing you statements from each Party standing for election to the local council this Thursday 4th May. We continue today with the Conservative Party.
This set of local elections in Epsom & Ewell are the most important for a generation. On Thursday 8th May your vote will shape the future landscape of our town for years to come. Never has your decision at the ballot box for a council election needed to be so carefully considered, it’s a big responsibility and that is why you must vote for the candidates with professional experience, vote for the candidates who have already proved themselves in your neighbourhood, vote for your Conservative candidates.
Top image: Conservative Candidates Bernie Muir and Kieran Persand (Horton) and Michael Ware (College)
The Resident’s Association has controlled the Borough Council for an astonishing 87 years! Democracy dictates that good governance needs robust opposition to scrutinise and hold to account, unfettered power invariably leads to poor outcomes. Sadly, for our town, this flaw in our council has been dramatically demonstrated in the disastrous local plan put forward by the RA this year.
The stuttering and stumbling journey the RA controlled council took to arrive at the decision to tear up 137 acres of green belt and disregard all our brownfield sites is almost more shocking than the plan itself. A consultation that reeked of laziness and narrowmindedness. Town planning consultants employed who freely admitted they had no local knowledge and offered to do the work on the cheap. A process that neglected to even review Epsom’s historic conservation areas rules. A professionally designed alternative plan commissioned by Conservative MP, Chris Grayling, to redevelop brownfield disregarded with a ‘can’t be bothered’ attitude. Stark warnings not to build on areas vulnerable to flooding ignored. The complacency of 87 years means our town is being put at risk by a plan for our future that 10,000 people of Epsom have already rejected.
The plan has been paused but be in no doubt this has been done because as RA Councillor Alex Coley admitted when asked why the local plan had taken so long at a public meeting in March, “we are terrified of you lot!” In other words, terrified of losing their cosy seats! The danger is that, if when the election is over, the status quo is restored, the RA’s fiefdom is re-established the catastrophic plan will be ploughed ahead with.
The only way to stop this is if there is a strong and effective opposition and the only opposition that is strong and effective is a Conservative opposition. Your Conservative borough Councillor, Bernie Muir has done more alone to hold the RA to account and speak up for residents than all other opposition Councillors put together. She has worked across the whole borough, not just in her own ward. Bernie has also built a team of volunteers and activists to help her fight the decisions the RA council have been making in your name. Those volunteers and activists are now your Conservatives candidates.
Michael Ware in College who worked tirelessly on the shambles of the Chalk Pit expansion while Lib Dem College Councillor Julie Morris said nothing and did nothing as thick dust was falling on our cars and washing. Stephen Pontin in Stamford an experienced councillor who campaigned alongside Bernie to successfully save the Wells Community Centre while the Lib Dems ignored the issue. Kieran Persand who ran surveys and petitions in Horton to inform locals about flooding worries and anti-social driving in Horton Lane while Labour and the Lib Dems ignored Horton until it became a ward on the electoral map. And never forget Labour and the Lib Dems will not oppose ULEZ while the Conservatives are leading the fight against Sadiq Khan and his tax on Surrey’s drivers.
Our team are professional people, lawyers, engineers, accountants, schoolteachers, who all bring their expertise from their lives to bear on council issues. They will be councillors of calibre, councillors who will scrutinise, councillors who will get things done.
Emma Ware, Woodcote & Langley Vale Conservative Candidate
We understand that for some of you this will be the first time you don’t vote for the RA in a local election, your patience has finally run out, but when moving you pencil tentatively across the ballot paper, ask yourself why you are changing your vote? Is it because you want a more professional council? Is it because you want councillors who have a proven track record of delivering for your neighbourhood? Is it because you want a councillor who will speak up and hold the RA to account? If your answer is yes, then let your stubby election pencil land on the box for the Conservative candidate and you will be choosing a brighter future for Epsom & Ewell. Written by Emma Ware
Ed: The Conservatives are fielding candidates in all 14 wards in the Borough
Exclusive to the Epsom and Ewell Times we are bringing you statements from each Party standing for election to the local council this Thursday 4th May. We continue today with the Liberal Democrat Party.
We welcome this initiative by the Epsom & Ewell Times to set out reasons why residents should support the local Liberal Democrats. We explain our priorities for the Borough, how these arise from our values as LibDems, and why your vote for us is so important.
Our priorities for Epsom & Ewell As active local residents of the Borough our three main priorities are:
1 – Producing a sound Local Plan
Our number one priority is to make sure the eventual Local Plan not just protects the Green Belt but includes stringent conditions around bio-diversity and energy efficiency within its Policies. In addition, we want to see the Council build social housing, not just so-called “affordable housing” which does not meet the real need.
You can read a summary of our response to the Council’s Regulation 18 draft Local Plan at this link which also provides a link to our full response on all 50 questions set out in the consultation. As far as we are aware we are the only local party that submitted such a detailed response.
Our councillors would work hard to get as many of our suggestions as possible included within the next version of the Local Plan.
2 – Getting serious about the climate emergency
The Council has a Climate Change Action Plan but too little is being done to cut our own emissions and to encourage local businesses and residents to take steps to tackle the issue. Our councillors would continue to put pressure on the Council to make sure that the Climate Emergency was embedded in all decision making, and to have quantitative targets to reduce our emissions over the next 4 years.
3 – Increase local democracy and transparency
There have been too many cases in the last four years of decisions being taken behind closed doors and of important information not being shared with all Councillors, let alone residents. Two examples of these issues were a decision taken in private to investigate opening a Pet Crematorium in the borough, and not sharing the critical findings of the Local Government Ombudsman with all Councillors, as should have happened under the Council’s own constitution.
We want residents to be aware of what is happening at the Council, so informed debate can take place. Your LibDem Councillors would work to achieve this.
What is a Liberal Democrat?
All our candidates are members of the Liberal Democrat party. This means they agree with the fundamental aims of our constitution which includes in its preamble: “The Liberal Democrats exist to build and safeguard a fair, free and open society, in which we seek to balance the fundamental values of liberty, equality and community, and in which no-one shall be enslaved by poverty, ignorance or conformity. We believe that each generation is responsible for the fate of our planet and, by safeguarding the balance of nature and the environment, for the long term continuity of life in all its forms. … We believe that the role of the state is to enable all citizens to attain these ideals, to contribute fully to their communities and to take part in the decisions which affect their lives.”
It is these fundamental goals that motivate our candidates and influence their decisions as councillors. You can see how the key priorities set out previously derive from these goals and if any new issues emerge for the Borough over the next four years you will know the values and principles that will influence our decisions on those issues.
David Buxton and Alison Kelly stand in Stamford Ward for the LibDems
Why should you vote LibDem?
In summary, for three reasons:
1 – To hold the lethargic Residents Association (RA) to account. Democracy needs openness and debate, and the RA seems intent on stifling both.
2 – So you know who you are voting for. The RA make a big deal of being local residents. So are we. You also know what our values and principles are. The RA include a mixed bag of individuals and at times they don’t seem to be able to agree on what they want to achieve.
3 – To help protect the more vulnerable in our community, and to tackle the Climate Emergency.
You can read more about our priorities and candidates on our Facebook site here
David Gulland – Chair of Epsom & Ewell Liberal Democrats and Julie Morris – Leader of the Liberal Democrats Councillor Group in Epsom & Ewell
Top image: Julie Morris, Julian Freeman and James Lawrence LibDem candidates for College Ward Epsom
Ed: The Liberal Democrats are fielding candidates in all 14 wards in the Borough
Exclusive to the Epsom and Ewell Times we are bringing you statements from each Party standing for election to the local council this Thursday 4th May. We continue today with the Labour Party.
Vote Labour on May 4th for a fairer, greener, safer Borough. Your Labour candidates are determined to do all they can for the residents of Epsom and Ewell. The Tories have broken the economy and working people are paying the price. People are struggling to pay their bills. The cost of gas and electricity, the cost of essential food and our rents and mortgages have all gone up, but pay rates are stagnating. It shouldn’t be like this.
Top photo: Chris, Rob, Sarah, Kate and Mark out in Town Ward hearing from people on the doorstep about the need to make Epsom safer.
The Epsom and Ewell Residents’ Association, who control the council, are out of their depth in the face of the problems created by the Conservative Government. They don’t have the experience, knowledge or resources to support their residents whilst public services crumble around us. So many things need fixing: – the cuts to social housing and social care that have had a devastating effect; services for young people and police numbers that have all been cut; the pot holes that are dangerous for cyclists and damage cars which continue to deteriorate. Our own chalk stream, The Hogsmill, is being polluted with sewage and it was your Labour team that met with Thames Water to challenge this Only a Labour Government and Labour councils can rebuild the economy and address the problems we face.
Both nationally and locally, Labour is ambitious and determined to help communities grow and prosper. Labour will freeze council tax, cut energy bills by insulating homes and work to generate cheap home grown electricity.
Our priorities for Epsom and Ewell are: a safer borough – with more visible police back on the beat. a fairer borough – with homes that local people and key workers can afford to settle in. a greener borough – with more trees and we’ll continue to protect our precious green belt. a cleaner borough – with robust action on fly tipping and increased fines for littering to pay for more street cleaning. The Labour Team will continue to lead regular litter picks.
and we will crack down on town hall waste, with no more expensive, unnecessary consultants.
The Epsom and Ewell Labour Party know that proactive Labour councils can provide solutions. Labour councils improve areas by investing in their communities.
To provide homes for their residents Camden Council have approved the building of new social and living rent homes on under-utilised council land, delivering: 44 new social rent homes for families on the waiting list, 23 living rent homes for key workers and 6 supported living homes. All of these homes to be built to the highest standards of design and sustainability.
In Norwich, Goldsmith Street is an award winning 100% social housing development of 93 Passivhaus homes built in a traditional street pattern. The homes provide a high level of occupant comfort using very little energy for heating and cooling.
For a cleaner borough – Lewisham have worked to reduce fly tipping by enforcement, quickly removing it and engaging with the community to reduce the huge costs. In Epsom and Ewell we would provide free skips for different wards on a rotational basis supporting people to dispose of their unwanted larger items responsibly.
There are many good practice models of providing public transport and homes, tackling anti-social behaviour and working with communities to improve the lives of residents.
Stuart Gosling, Kate Chinn, Chris Ames and Ros Godson visiting residents in Court Ward with Labour Party colleague Kezia from Kingston taking the selfie
A Labour council in Epsom and Ewell would work with and for our residents to enable individuals and the borough to grow and prosper.
The borough of Epsom and Ewell is a great place with great people. Only Labour has a plan for a fairer, greener more dynamic economy that will deliver better jobs and raise living standards for residents.
A Labour council in Epsom and Ewell would work with and for our residents to enable individuals and the borough to grow and prosper.
The borough of Epsom and Ewell is a great place with great people. Only Labour has a plan for a fairer, greener more dynamic economy that will deliver better jobs and raise living standards for residents.
We are on your side.
So, Vote Labour on May 4th and let’s build a better borough together.
Ed: Labour are fielding candidates in all 14 wards in the Borough
Exclusive to the Epsom and Ewell Times we are bringing you statements from each Party standing for election to the local council this Thursday 4th May. We start today with the Green Party.
Vote Green to beat the housing crisis and ensure that the Green Belt and other treasured green spaces are protected. Vote Green for a council that stands up to Whitehall’s wild housing demands, turns away speculative developers and expensive consultancies. A Green focus opts for low-carbon, preferably Passivhaus standards to provide social housing that people can afford to rent and buy in the places people need them. Vote for Green answers to providing adequate community infrastructure – surgeries, cycling and walking networks, nurseries and schools, vibrant youth centres and care services.
Vote Green to alleviate the cost of living crisis with a freeze on rent rises, a ban on no-fault evictions, free school meals and 35 hours free childcare from 9 months old. We support £1 fares on local bus routes, subsidised insulation schemes, housing – not hotels – for the homeless and refugees. Vote Green to view a successful economy as one that provides a sustainable and fair society for all.
Janice Baker – Green Party candidate for Nonsuch Ward.
Photo: Janice Baker and Andrew Bailey – Green Party candidates showing willing for the hustings.
Ed: The Green Party are fielding candidates in the following wards: Ewell Village, Nonsuch, Ruxley, Stamford, Town, West Ewell, Woodcote and Langley Vale.
Epsom author says hearing is believing –the inside story
23 May 2023
Once Upon a Lunchtime, several years ago, a group of friends were reminiscing about the exciting lives they lead as young female journalists working on top selling pop and women’s magazines in the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s.
It all came flooding back, the incredible interviews, the ground-breaking features, the photo shoots, the dramas, the drugs, the creativity, the opportunities, the freedom, the glitz and the glamour and the sheer excitement about being part of the explosive magazine world in the most crazy and attitude-changing decades.
‘We should write a book’, they said. And they did.
Top photo: The Magazine Girls left to right: Penny, Linda, Shirley, Sandie and Jan.
The Magazine Girls took six years from possibility to publication, during which time they saw four Prime Ministers, battled with Brexit and struggled with Covid, losing loved-ones along the way, but overcame the trials and particularly the distance and time difference between them, being scattered between Epsom and Sutton, London and Loughton, Herefordshire, Hampshire and Montreal, where co-author Jan Iles-Kaluza has lived and raised her family for many years. Now in their ‘70s, the seven authors of The Magazine Girls-The inside story, are still firm friends and celebrated the launch of their book with bubbles, nibbles and sparkling repartee at a signing event in Waterstones Epsom on Sunday 23rd April.
‘None of this would have been possible without learning that essential new skill – Zooming –says co-author Jan Collier. ‘It kept us on track and united in our determination as we made important democratic decisions, which to be fair weren’t always easy and we did have our differences at times.’
One of the greatest bonuses for the girls, says Jan, who volunteers with Epsom and Ewell Talking Newspaper for the blind and visually impaired, was learning about and working with Calibre-Audio. The national charity started in the 70s and brings the written word to life via audiobook, free of charge, for those members who are visually impaired or have any form of disability that makes reading print difficult. ‘We are so pleased and proud that members of Calibre-Audio will soon be able to hear our ‘inside story’ and hope it will bring back happy memories of those iconic decades to all who lived through them.’
Former Editor of Rave Magazine who worked with the girls in the late ‘60s, esteemed comedy writer Colin Bostock-Smith adds ‘’The magazine girls made my life mad –and magical. They were sweetly feminine and tough as old boots. Stunningly sane and frequently quite cuckoo. They were a riot. And judging from this great book, they still are.’’
Councillor Nigel Collin’s statement in your online newspaper that the Liberal Democrats voted for the Draft Local Plan is untrue. No-one has voted for the Draft Local Plan. A vote was taken to agree that the Draft Local Plan would go out to public consultation. That is completely different to voting for the Draft Local Plan which implies that the contents of the document were agreed and approved in a vote.
Yours sincerely,
Julie Morris – Leader Liberal Democrat Group – Epsom and Ewell Borough Council.
