21st December 2023

In 2022 Epsom Choral Society celebrated its centenary. For very nearly half that century Marion Lea has accompanied the singers on the piano. Marion Lea, an acclaimed freelance pianist and … READ MORE

Wish their paths had not crossed?

Epsom & Ewell FC 0-2 Tadley Calleva*. Combined Counties League – Premier Division Tuesday 19th December 2023. On a rather chilly Tuesday evening at the Madgwick in front of less … READ MORE

ARTS EDUCATION

Caught the Christmas Epsom Stagecoach to Paris

BUSINESS TRANSPORT AND ENVIRONMENT

20 DECEMBER 2023: Gifted students from local Stagecoach Performing Arts Epsom were chosen to take part in Disney’s festive show, Let’s Sing, in Disneyland Paris at the weekend. The troupe of 21 … READ MORE

Gatwick 2nd runway sneaking in?

Protesters against the expansion of Gatwick airport have said a new consultation on planning changes is an attempt to “sneak” a second runway through the back door. Gatwick Airport is … READ MORE

COMMUNITY HEALTH

Local hospital plea to use 111 unless urgent

CHRIS GRAYLING COMMUNITY WESTMINSTER

A spike in very unwell patients has put indescribable pressure on St George’s, Epsom, and St Helier’s emergency departments – and with Christmas and doctors’ strikes on the way, demand … READ MORE

Epsom and Ewell MP’s Christmas message

This has been a particularly challenging year for many people locally, and so in my Christmas message I want to pay particular tribute to all of those working for local … READ MORE

RUGBY SPORTS

Somewhat resigned by Reigatians

18 December 2023

Sutton & Epsom RFC 21 – Old Reigatian 38. Saturday 16th December. In the reverse fixture Old Reigatian finally subdued a stubborn Sutton and Epsom 35-29 after a game offluctuating … READ MORE

Goalless draw with bottom side

18 December 2023

Colliers Wood United 0-0 Epsom & Ewell FC. Combined Counties League – Premier Division. Saturday 16th December 2023. On Saturday, two clubs; each placed in precarious positions in the League, … READ MORE

ARTS COUNCIL

“The Wizard of Oz” works its magic in Epsom

16 December 2023

Friday 15th December was opening night for this seasons annual pantomime at the Epsom Playhouse. Kate Spiller, founder of the production company said “We are delighted to present the classic … READ MORE

COMMUNITY COUNCIL VOLUNTEERS

Top salary for bottom borough

16 December 2023

Woking Borough Council’s new managing director will be tasked with navigating its “grave” and “extremely vulnerable position” – and be paid more than any other council CEO’s salary while they … READ MORE

COUNCIL HEALTH

Magic Table for Adults with Dementia

16 December 2023

Residents and staff at Banstead Library celebrated the launch of the award-winning innovation from the Netherlands. The Tovertafel (Dutch for “magic table”), is a ceiling mounted projector that projects light games … READ MORE

Epsom and Ewell Borough of Sanctuary

COUNCIL COUNCIL CONSTITUTION

Epsom and Ewell is now poised to be a Borough of Sanctuary. Largely due to the extraordinary efforts of Nina Kaye and Jo Sherring of the Epsom and Ewell Refugee … READ MORE

Two Q or Not to Q? That was the Q….

Epsom and Ewell Borough Council debated public participation in its committees on Tuesday 12th December. A proposed amendment to standing orders has the effect of restricting a member of the public … READ MORE

Epsom and Ewell Council staff awarded 6%

Epsom and Ewell Borough Council 12th December agreed to award its staff a 6% increase to their salaries. Councillors had been advised that despite inflation moderating to some extent through … READ MORE

HEALTH NEWS POLICING

Doctor struck off where police found insufficient evidence

A Surrey doctor who used his position to gain the trust of a woman before choking and sexually assaulting her has been struck off. Former Royal Surrey County Hospital doctor … READ MORE

ARTS CULTURE

Little Solemn Mass

“Oh Fate” fills lofty Epsom Church

Ashtead Choral Society – Petite Messe Solennelle by Rossini. 4 November 2023 at St Martin’s Church, Epsom. A Review. Rossini’s singular foray into large scale religious choral composition, his ‘Small, … READ MORE

Caught the Christmas Epsom Stagecoach to Paris

20 DECEMBER 2023: Gifted students from local Stagecoach Performing Arts Epsom were chosen to take part in Disney’s festive show, Let’s Sing, in Disneyland Paris at the weekend.

The troupe of 21 students, aged between nine and 19, performed alongside Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Donald and Daisy Duck, and Goofy, as well as professional Disney singers, in a magical and spectacular choral story that was performed four times over the two days.

Taking to the specially decorated stage with scenes from Disney’s Main Street USA and the Disney Christmas tree, the students gave a heart-warming performance of festive songs.

The students also took part in a choral workshop with Disney choirmasters and professional stage rehearsals and sound checks, learning how large-scale productions such as this are put together. Skills they can take forward for future performances and productions, and into their professional lives.

Stagecoach Epsom Principal Rachel Crouch said: “We’ve taken part in Stagecoach’s event, Disney Dance the Dream, before, but this was the first time we had performed at Christmas time. The students thoroughly enjoyed it and learnt a lot from the experience. It was fantastic to watch them on the stage singing alongside such iconic Disney characters, and lovely to be there for the festive season.”

Stagecoach Performing Arts opened its first school 35 years ago and, since then, it has seen more than one million students unlock their creative potential. Provided with the support and dedication of the experienced Principals, the students learn so much more than how to sing, dance and act. Stagecoach helps them blossom into well-rounded individuals, ready to embrace life and all its exciting opportunities.

With a network of over 55,000 students and more than 3,000 extra-curricular performing arts schools worldwide, Stagecoach aims to make a difference in its students’ lives by teaching Creative Courage for Life and many children have gone on to study and work in performing arts from blockbuster films to countless roles in local theatre productions. Early stages classes are available for children aged four to six and main stages classes take place for six to 18-year-olds every weekend during term time.

For more information about Stagecoach Performing Arts Epsom, please visit www.stagecoach.co.uk/epsom or phone 01737 669504.

About Stagecoach

Stagecoach Performing Arts was founded in 1988 and continues to grow as the UK’s largest network of extra-curricular performing arts schools for children, with over 50,000 students enrolled in our weekly classes worldwide.

One of the first extra-curricular children’s performing arts schools in the country, we aim to inspire our students, making a difference in their lives by teaching Creative Courage For Life®.

With 350 franchisees and 3,000 teachers worldwide, Stagecoach operates over 2,000 schools and classes and has a presence in eight countries including Canada, Germany, Malta, Spain, Gibraltar, Lithuania and Australia.

Notable alumni are Emma Watson, Jamie Bell, Eleanor Tomlinson, Tuppence Middleton, Tom Fletcher, Dani Harmer, Josh Cuthbert, Danny Mac, and Charlotte Jaconelli.

Find Stagecoach on Facebook at www.facebook.com/stagecoachtheatrearts and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/stagecoach_gbr.

For more information visit the website www.stagecoach.co.uk.

Local hospital plea to use 111 unless urgent

Senior clinicians are warning of severe disruption to NHS services over the coming weeks – and are calling on members of the public to help by going to NHS 111 online when their healthcare need is less urgent.

Some people may think that going to an emergency department – even when it is not an emergency – means they will be seen more quickly. This, however, is not the case.

In reality, because of the high number of severely unwell patients requiring urgent intervention, waiting times to be seen for less severely unwell patients will be significantly longer than usual. Other settings of care will be quicker and easier to access than the hospital ED.’

More than 560 people with winter-related illnesses, many of whom were very unwell, came to the hospital Group’s three emergency departments between 4 and 10 December – about 10% of all attendances. Hand-washing is one of the most effective ways to stop the spread of bugs like norovirus, and vaccines are good protection against flu and Covid.

Dr Rebecca Suckling, Site Chief Medical Officer at Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “Winter has arrived. Our hospitals are under extraordinary pressure, not just because of the numbers coming to our emergency departments, but the sheer volume of very sick people we are seeing.

“We are here for people when they genuinely need us. But on behalf of the nurses, doctors, and everyone else working so hard in our hospitals, I would urge people who are unwell over the Christmas period to consider whether our emergency departments are the best place to come.

Dr Luci Etheridge, Site Chief Medical Officer at St George’s Hospital, said: “With further strike action on the way, and Christmas just around the corner, we face a very challenging few weeks. And following a record-breaking summer, it barely feels like we’ve come up for air.

“The best Christmas present the public could give our hardworking staff this year is using NHS services wisely and going to NHS 111 online when their health need is less urgent – helping us to prioritise the very poorly people who are coming through our doors.”

Last month, 219 people going to St George’s, Epsom and St Helier emergency departments were redirected to other services more appropriate for their healthcare need, including GP surgeries, pharmacies, and urgent treatment centres.

When someone has an urgent healthcare need that isn’t an emergency,  NHS 111 online – a 24/7 service – should be the first port of call, as this can direct where to go. Pharmacists are highly skilled and can provide advice on minor health concerns from skin rashes to earaches and flu. Many local pharmacies stay open late, and no appointment is needed. Some will be open over Christmas.

During strikes, people should continue to attend GP appointments, unless contacted and told otherwise. When it’s an emergency or life-threatening, people should always ring 999 or go to an emergency department.

People can also take steps to stay safe and well this winter, including getting vaccinated for flu and Covid through their local NHS vaccination service and washing hands regularly with soap and water to stop the spread of illnesses.

With many people more vulnerable to colder weather – including those aged 65 and over, babies and young children, and those with long-term conditions – take the time to look in on vulnerable family, friends, and neighbours.

A lot of older and vulnerable people have been affected by winter illnesses – and as they often need to spend longer in hospital, additional demand has been placed on NHS services.

People who use medication should ensure they collect prescriptions well in advance of the bank holidays.

Junior doctors strikes take place from 7am on Wednesday 20 December to 7am on Friday 23 December, and from 7am on Wednesday 3 January to 7am on Tuesday 9 January.

St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Little Solemn Mass

Ashtead Choral Society – Petite Messe Solennelle by Rossini. 4 November 2023 at St Martin’s Church, Epsom. A Review.

Rossini’s singular foray into large scale religious choral composition, his ‘Small, Solemn Mass,’ is neither particularly solemn and certainly not small. Composed in 1863, more than three decades after his last opera, this work proved to be a captivating showcase for the Ashtead Choral Society. Their performance at St Martin of Tours church in Epsom was nothing short of remarkable, filling the space with a resounding richness and skilfully capturing the dramatic essence of the piece. The choir’s meticulous attention to the wide dynamic range inherent in the work promised the audience an evening of exceptional musicality and jollity.

Commencing with the Kyrie, the choir adeptly conveyed the dramatic nuances of the composition. The originally intended accompaniment of two pianos (Steve Ridge and Simon Phillips) gave the piece depth, with the cheeky addition of the harmonium (Lucy Morrell) lending a bold, brash Parisian flair to the performance. The Christe, nestled between the Kyrie movements, showcased Rossini’s mastery of polyphonic writing, with the choir executing a sotto voce Renaissance sound beautifully under the nuanced direction of their conductor, Andrew Storey.

The Gloria surged forth with intent and gusto, accompanied by impeccable diction from both choir and soloists – Lucy Cox (soprano), Susan Legg (alto), Adam Tunnicliffe (tenor), and Philip Tebb (bass). The quartet’s balanced delivery set the stage for individual moments of brilliance with each soloist shining in their respective movements that followed. Ridge and Phillips provided impeccable accompaniment and all the soloists held the audience’s attention throughout, despite the frequent repetition of material. The Gloria’s culmination, Cum Sancto Spiritu, showcased the choir’s operatic prowess, delivering long phrases with excellent shape, dynamic precision, and a deft handling of challenging rhythmic passages, leaving the audience breathless and ready for a break whilst anticipating more to come.

The second half commenced with the Credo and a robust entry by the tenors, imitated by a vibrant soprano sound calling the audience to “believe”. This contrasted sharply with the smoothness and softness of subsequent phrases, allowing solo and quartet interjections to make a profound impact. The complex yet enchanting Crucifixus, beautifully sung by Cox, set the stage for the choir’s triumphant return, Et Resurrexit, and a captivating ‘Et vitam venturi’ fugue concluded the Credo in grand fashion; the choir working hard to keep the sound clear and consistent and hold the audience’s attention. Morrell’s expert rendition of the Preludio Religioso on the harmonium preceded the choir’s flawless navigation of the challenging tonal shifts in the unaccompanied Sanctus, where once again the dramatic shifts in dynamics held the attention.

The final movement, Agnus Dei, unfolded in true Rossini fashion, blending the operatic melodic line and dramatic flourishes from Legg with seamless interjections of religious chorales by the choir. By the end, one could not help but believe that one was not in an opera house in Italy with the curtain about to fall. However, in a final twist the piece ended with quiet, delicately placed chords on the piano combined with the bite of the harmonium, thus leaving the listener guessing as to the religious nature of the piece. Maybe then a final word from the maestro himself as he mused in his original manuscripts, “Dear Lord, here it is finished, this poor little mass. Have I just written sacred music, or rather, sacrilegious music? I was born for opera buffa, as you well know. Not much technique, a little bit of heart, that’s all. Blessings to you and grant me Paradise.”

Ashtead Choral Society’s performance was a real cracker and fittingly full of vocal fireworks on bonfire night, leaving the audience with many tunes to hear over and over again as they went into the night.

David Preston

14th December 2023

COUNCIL COUNCIL CONSTITUTION

Epsom and Ewell Council goes East

13 December 2023

Councillors at Epsom & Ewell Borough Council voted last night to undertake the relocation of the council’s Town Hall accommodation. Staff currently located at the Town Hall will move to … READ MORE

Alderman awards for Epsom and Ewell trio

13 December 2023

Epsom and Ewell Borough Council Tuesday 12th December conferred the title Alderman of the Borough on three men who long served the district as local councillors. Former Councillor Eber Kington … READ MORE

COUNCIL FINANCES PLANNING

Local Plan costs eat into Council reserves

13 December 2023

An officers’ report to the Council advised a further £629,000 is required to progress the Local Plan 2022-2040. The matter was considered by Epsom and Ewell Borough Council’s Strategy and Resources … READ MORE

COUNCIL NEWS

Smoke safety lessons for Surrey services

12 December 2023

A 63-year-old bedridden man was killed in a house fire after smoking in bed, shortly after an “inexperienced” officer carried out an “unscrutinised” safety visit of his independent living flat. … READ MORE

BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWS

Surrey borough kicks up a stink about stink

COMMUNITY FOOTBALL VOLUNTEERS

More than 200 tankers of human poo were shipped in to Camberley from across Surrey, Hampshire and London, saving Thames Water millions in potential pollution fines and its sewage trucks … READ MORE

Community Football hero retires

Christ Church United Football Club is a community club that has been coaching the childrenof Epsom since the early ’90’s.  The club that’s always welcomed both boys and girls … READ MORE

ARTS LOCAL HISTORY

The Wisdom of Epsom

The Wizard of Oz is this year’s Epsom Playhouse Pantomime. Running Friday 15th December 2023 to Monday 1st January 2024. Book Tickets HERE. And it is a good excuse to … READ MORE

RUGBY SPORTS

Top dog toppled in windy contest

Beckenham RFC 22 – Sutton & Epsom RFC 26. Saturday 9th December. Saturday marked the start of the home stretch with the first of the reverse fixtures. In Week 2both … READ MORE

Salts beat County Town, or City?

Epsom & Ewell 4-3 Guildford City. Combined Counties League – Premier Division. Saturday 9th December 2023. On Saturday we welcomed Guildford City to our temporary home at Cobham for a … READ MORE

COMMUNITY EDUCATION

RAAC’s latest victim

Redhill Library has had to close with immediate effect following further investigations of the known reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) in the building. The closure of the library will allow … READ MORE

COMMUNITY NATURE VOLUNTEERS

Surrey County chief talks to the BBC

7 December 2023

Cllr Tim Oliver, Conservative Leader of Surrey County Council was interviewed this morning on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme by Amol Rajan. Also Chairman of the County Council Network he … READ MORE

Community Football hero retires

Christ Church United Football Club is a community club that has been coaching the children
of Epsom since the early ’90’s.

 The club that’s always welcomed both boys and girls was set up by the Rvd. Clive Potter
over 30 years ago.
 Now Reverend Potter is due to retire and the club want to thank him for leaving a lasting legacy
of real community football in the area.

A popular community football club founder is hanging up his cassock after over 30 years at the St John’s Evangelist Church in the Surrey village of Milford. Local Vicar, the Rvd. Clive Potter, also founded the Christ Church United Football Club which has been coaching the children of Epsom since the early ’90’s

Having arrived at the parish, Rvd Clive was looking for somewhere for children to play, but the problem was that youth football traditionally takes place on a Sunday morning and this prompted him to start thinking about starting a club.

Having been involved with football all his life he got the idea during a church service one morning to
set up a team. He approached the vicar at Christ Church who initially suggested a cricket club
instead. However, being an Eastender by birth, with a working-class background, he felt much more
comfortable starting a football team.

Current coach, Paul Wilson, takes up the story: “They started in September 1992 with just 12 kids in
the first week. At the end of the first session, he asked all the children to bring a friend the following
week, saying that if they did and then they all also brought a friend they would get to about 50
children and that would be enough for a club. And that’s how it began.”

The membership grew to over 100 children, but it wasn’t easy. Getting a pitch was the first task.
They played at a local primary school, Stamford Green, before growing out of that and moving to
Blenheim High School, where the club remains to this day. Like now, the coaching staff was made up of volunteers and he began convincing people to do coaching courses to take the club to the next level.

Rvd Clive then began the missionary work to take the ideas to others in the community. He became
a sports advisor for the diocese and encouraged the setting up of many more clubs. Other clubs
bought into the opportunity for competition with a Bishop’s League, a Bishop’s Cup and a Bishop’s
Shield.

The Christ Church United Football Club was then affiliated with the Football Association with an aim
to become professional in style if not attitude. The club still holds its affiliation to the FA and
coaches benefit from training on many of its Coaching and Safeguarding courses.

Rvd Clive met Ted Powell, the then England U18 Coach, who came to a presentation evening, and
they formed a long-lasting friendship. Rvd Clive got involved with organisations like Christians inSport and the British Sports Trust until, in late 1996, he moved to Guildford and repeated the process.

Speaking about his role, Rvd Clive said: “The vision was always to relate the church to the
community, to build a good ethos and to develop friendships. I’m delighted to see the club still
running after all this time, it’s brilliant for the community.”

Paul added: “He was delighted to hear that today’s Christ Church United Football Club embraces
much of that first ethos. The fees are still affordable and the club is open to girls and boys regardless
of ability. Some of our current coaches are kids who were once players at the club and the club is
also providing support to the Refugee Network with players being drawn from the Ukrainian
community in Epsom. We want to thank Rvd Clive for having the foresight and drive to create the
club, and we are hoping for another 30 years and beyond of kids (and their families) enjoying the
beautiful game. We’re always looking to welcome new members so please get in touch if you are
interested.”

The club trains at Blenheim High School every Saturday morning during term time, from 9:00-10:30

Paul Wilson

7th December 2023

Dedicated Epsom tree-man

4 December 2023

Dedication event at Alexandra Recreation Ground honours local hero Mike Ford Epsom & Ewell, 3rd December 2023. In a heart warming event volunteers from Friends of Alexandra Park and the … READ MORE

COUNCIL TRANSPORT AND ENVIRONMENT

Draft advice may lead to energy savings

4 December 2023

Surrey County Council has been awarded £745,000 of funding through the Local Energy Advice Demonstrator (LEAD) project, to trial new and innovative approaches to tackle residential energy emissions, help residents … READ MORE

RUGBY SPORTS

Unflagging Bunting clinches victory at the end

4 December 2023

Sutton & Epsom RFC 21 Old Colfeians 17 Saturday 2nd December. Old Colfeians arrived at Rugby Lane as the form team in the league with five victories onthe spin. Meanwhile … READ MORE