Epsom College has been judged Independent School of the Year 2022 at an annual awards ceremony that celebrates the very best in education and student experience in UK independent schools. The winner of the overall Independent School of the Year Award is seen as a standard-bearer for the sector. This year’s esteemed judging panel of industry experts selected Epsom College, stating that the school is a ‘beacon of excellence’ and showcases the benefits of an independent education in the UK.

The award is not one that can be applied for. The judging panel looks at schools from across the country who are shortlisted for one of the 22 award categories for the Independent Schools of the Year awards and selects the school that has impressed them the most as the overall Independent School of the Year winner.

Dr Helen Wright, Chair, Independent Schools of the Year Awards 2022, said: “Epsom College is a shining example of all that is best about independent education in the UK. Epsom College is renowned as achieving academic success whilst delivering an exceptional student experience to its pupils of all ages, skills and backgrounds. The College is a worthy winner of the overall Independent School of the Year 2022 accolade and I congratulate all the students and staff who have helped to make the school the beacon of excellence which it undoubtedly is.”

Epsom College was also named as the winner of the Student Wellbeing Award at the ceremony, hosted at the Royal Thames Yacht Club on Tuesday 11 October. The judges were hugely impressed by the evidence of the whole-school approach to mental health and the wellbeing of both its staff and pupils. Especially the supreme importance of such support in the 2021-22 academic year and beyond, as school communities continue to recover from the impact of the pandemic.

Independent schools are part of their local community and the College’s commitment to its outreach and service programme was found to be a shining example of best practice in that area.

Emma Pattison, Head of Epsom College, said: “What an incredible honour to be named Independent School of the Year. This Award acknowledges what a fantastic school Epsom College is. The founding principles of the school, benevolence and excellence, are two things we live by every day. We put focus on time, space and heart and spirit to give all the young people in our care everything they need to become the best version of themselves – in the classroom, on the sports field and in any field of interest that lights that spark within them. There is so much amazing work to be celebrated in the industry at the moment, so this is a real privilege to be named the best of the best. I am incredibly proud to be Head and we will display this award with real pride!”

Emma Pattison, who joined Epsom College at the start of this academic year, takes over from the previous headmaster Jay Piggot after a ten-year tenure.

Epsom College was officially opened in 1855 by Prince Albert and granted Royal Patronage by Queen Victoria the same year. The reigning monarch has been Epsom College’s patron ever since. The College – originally known as the Royal Medical Benevolent College – first opened its doors to 20 pensioners, who were either qualified medical men or their widows. They were provided with free accommodation and an income. The College also looked after 40 foundation scholars; these were the sons and orphans of medical men who were fed, clothed and educated by the College.

Today, Epsom College provides a rounded education to 1,100 girls and boys aged 11-18, where excellent results are aligned to a breadth of opportunity outside the classroom. The school is in the top 1% in the UK according to data from the Department of Education. Its co-curricular programme has been voted for six years running among the ‘Best of the Best’ in UK independent education by The Week magazine.

On Tuesday 11 October Surrey Fire and Rescue Service lit up Guildford Fire Station in a show of support for Binti, an international menstrual dignity charity based in Weybridge, Surrey. The service will be looking to supplement Surrey County Council’s ground-breaking initiative, as the first UK council to provide free period products across the county and eradicate menstrual stigma and taboo whilst normalising the conversation.

Surrey Fire and Rescue Service are to explore the distribution of Dignity Packs where needed when carrying out community engagement activities. 

The event at Guildford Fire Station was attended by representatives from the Service, including Acting Chief Fire Officer, Dan Quin, and Chief of Staff Bernie Beckett. They were joined by actor and Binti ambassador Nina Wadia, star of TV programmes including Eastenders, The Outlaws, Dr Who and contestant on last year’s series of Strictly Come Dancing.

The lighting up of Guildford Fire Station coincided with International Day of the Girl Child, which seeks to highlight the challenges faced by young females to their education, their physical and mental wellness, and the protections needed for a life without violence across the globe. 2022 marks the 10th anniversary of the International Day of the Girl, following its establishment by the United Nations. They note that over the past 10 years, there has been increased attention on issues that matter to girls amongst governments, policymakers and the general public, and more opportunities for girls to have their voices heard on the global stage. Yet, investments in girls’ rights remain limited and girls continue to confront a myriad of challenges to fulfilling their potential; made worse by concurrent crises of climate change, COVID-19 and humanitarian conflict.  

Surrey County Council initially worked with Binti to host collection and donation points at 35 Surrey buildings, including libraries and County Council buildings upon the launch of the partnership in May 2021. Since then, the initiative has spread to a total of 55 collection and donation points where people can take period products to enable Period Dignity. 

Other organisations in Surrey have also come onboard, including Morrisons branches in Woking and Weybridge, as well St James Church in Weybridge.

Commenting on their support for Binti, Acting Chief Fire Officer, Dan Quin, stated: “We are delighted to be supporting Binti. As a Surrey-based charity with a global impact, they share our passion to support and protect those in need. I look forward to seeing the partnership develop, and hope that our communities will benefit from our planned work with Binti, as they have from the scheme established by our colleagues in Surrey County Council, and in particular Surrey Libraries.”

Manjit K. Gill MBE, CEO and Founder of Binti commented, “We believe period products should be available like toilet paper is and Surrey County Council are leading the way to create this change. With the cost of living crisis impacting many the campaign has been designed to ensure everyone has free access. Surrey is having menstrual conversations every day and working with Surrey Fire and Rescue Service is so exciting because we think period stigma will become a thing of the past.”

Binti was the first period charity registered in the UK, they have offices in India, US and The Gambia. They have now opened a period charity shop the first of its kind in Walton on Thames. Girls can buy period products and discuss all things related to menstruation. Binti’s vision is to provide menstrual dignity to all girls, all over the world. This means facilitating access to pads to ensure menstrual health, educating girls about what menstruation is and what they can expect from it, and dispelling stigma, taboos, myths and negative perceptions around menstruation.

For more information on how to donate and collect and ways to get involved, visit Surrey County Council’s Period Dignity webpage or the Binti website.

Surrey County Council news

COUNCIL

County children home challenges

October 5, 2022

The challenges facing Surrey County Council’s bid for more children’s homes include high property prices, competition for places and no priority for the authority for homes in the area. Officers … READ MORE

COUNCIL FOOD

Thought for Food in Surrey

October 5, 2022

The first Surrey Food Summit took place at the WWF Living Planet Centre in Woking last week. Surrey County Council organised the event to bring together stakeholders across the local food system, … READ MORE

BUSINESS COMMUNITY

Epsom Firefighters making businesses safer

October 4, 2022

Statistics for the UK show that 30 people die and 2,000 are injured each year as a result of fires inthe workplace. The damage to businesses caused by fire costs … READ MORE

COUNCIL NATURE

Council partnerships secure Surrey nature reserve

October 3, 2022

Last week saw the official handover of Tice’s Meadow Nature Reserve to Surrey County Council. This much-loved wildlife haven on the outskirts of Farnham saw its long-term future safeguarded when … READ MORE

COMMUNITY FOODBANK VOLUNTEERS

How to help “low-incomes” with your £400

October 3, 2022

The Epsom and Ewell Energy Support Scheme is a plan to offer those running into difficulties immediate help with their bills, and then advice and financial support to improve energy efficiency or … READ MORE

COUNCIL TRANSPORT AND ENVIRONMENT

£11.9m to help Surrey residents cut their energy bills

October 3, 2022

Grants of up to £25,000 are now available for eligible Surrey residents to help make their homes warmer and more energy efficient.   People living in hard to heat homes and … READ MORE

FOOTBALL SPORTS

Epsom and Ewell pressed-on to Victory

October 2, 2022

East Preston 1-3 Epsom & Ewell Southern Combination League – Division One. Saturday 1st October 2022Report Source: www.eefconline.co.uk Reporter: Richard Lambert. We won our second consecutive match by the score … READ MORE

RUGBY SPORTS

Sutton and Epsom Rugby Just Fall Short

October 2, 2022

BOURNEMOUTH 28 SUTTON & EPSOM 25: Sat. 1st Oct. Sutton & Epsom travelled to Chapel Gate with confidence following their opening win of the season against Brighton the week before. … READ MORE

NEWS TRANSPORT AND ENVIRONMENT

“Frackin’-hell!” – in Surrey?

October 2, 2022

Epsom and Ewell has so far escaped the grant of licences for shale-gas exploration. Other Boroughs in Surrey are targeted. 25th September Business and Energy Secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg announced: “In … READ MORE

COUNCIL PLANNING TRANSPORT AND ENVIRONMENT

Housing plan flying in the face of opposition

October 1, 2022

Wisley Airfield town plan: We report on a Surrey housing application that illuminates issues all local boroughs face today [Ed.] : To paraphrase from a popular TV show: “Wrong location, … READ MORE

BOROUGH HISTORY COUNCIL CULTURE

Stretching Resources?

October 1, 2022

Both “The Horton” (Arts Centre) and The Horton Cemetery featured on the agenda of the Epsom and Ewell Borough Council’s Strategy and Resources committee Thursday 29th September. For the second … READ MORE

ATHLETICS SPORTS

Ring-tails are heads for Harriers

October 1, 2022

Epsom and Ewell Harriers sang “God Save The King” and then won some races on Ashtead Common. Sunday 25th September. Lauren Johnson triumphing in the 10K fun run and her … READ MORE

COUNCIL TRANSPORT AND ENVIRONMENT

More trees please for Surrey

September 29, 2022

Surrey County Council will receive £298,000 from the Defra Local Authority Treescapes Fund (LATF) to increase tree planting and keep on target with the planting of 1.2 million trees, one … READ MORE

COUNCIL

Tongham Tories Tetchy Tongues Ticked Off

September 29, 2022

Epsom and Ewell Times’s inspiration, “The Guildford Dragon” was a victim of inappropriate comments from two Guildford Councillors. Report from LDRS: Two Guildford councillors breached the authority’s code of conduct … READ MORE

HEALTH NEWS

Should go to Specsavers not Epsom Hospital?

September 29, 2022

Our special correspondent shares his local experience. In the good old days before Covid 19 you could visit the surgery to book to see a doctor, or instead telephone. You … READ MORE

CRIME

Surrey social media sex fiend gets 18 years

September 29, 2022

A man who used multiple personas to target children online has been sentenced to 18 years behind bars in a case the Guildford Judge called ‘the worst I’ve seen for … READ MORE

Sustainable Epsom and Ewell is an independent, apolitical and entirely volunteer led environmental group aiming to raise environmental ambitions in the Borough. Sustainable Epsom and Ewell was founded in late 2019. 

As a group they organise events for local residents, have a website with useful local information and tips for residents, and take action with our Council. They also have a social media presence on Facebook and Instagram. 

At Sustainable Epsom and Ewell they feel strongly about our local environment and want to share their resources and extensive local knowledge to get more residents involved and taking action.  They have high ambitions for our  Borough and believe the Council can and should take a greater lead and bolder actions to address, mitigate and adapt to the Climate and Environmental Crises. 

Over the past years they have organised several events including “Green Friday” to raise awareness about the excessive consumption culture promoted through Black Friday events, a Cycling themed debate where both Surrey and Local councillors spoke as well as committee members of the Epsom and Ewell Cycle Action Group. 

However, their biggest events to date have been two Eco Fairs, organised in partnership with St Martin of Tour’s Church in 2021 and 2022. The aims of the Eco Fair are threefold: 

1)  to  highlight and showcase the groups active in our Borough as well as Council teams active in the environment fields,

2)  to inspire local residents and groups to volunteer, take action and share experiences, 

3)  to highlight the strong proportion of residents keen to take personal action whilst encouraging the Council raise their green ambitions through action. 

The 2022 fair included over 14 different groups, including Surrey Wildlife Trust, Epsom and Ewell Tree Advisory Group, the Lower Mole Partnership, Oxfam, the Epsom Repair Cafe, Dr Bike and the Epsom Civic Society as well as local green businesses. 

This year in addition to the many residents who attended, the Fair attracted a visit from MP Chris Grayling and Epsom and Ewell’s Mayor Clive Woodbridge. 

In the short-term future, they hope to continue to expand their reach to residents, campaign for real, ambitious and proactive Council measures in the environmental fields and provide opportunities for local groups and residents to meet and engage through events.  

www.SustainableEpsomEwell.co.uk

Facebook/Instagram: @SustainableEpsomEwell

Two Surrey Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) staff members set off to Poland yesterday (Thursday 6 October) to donate another 4×4 Land Rover to the Ukrainian Fire and Rescue Service.

This donation is part of the National Fire Chief Council and UK charity FIREAID’s convoy 4. Convoy 3, which was delivered in May this year, also saw a donation of two 4×4 Land Rovers by SFRS.

The vehicles, which have been decommissioned by the service, are typically used for off-road/rural firefighting. The service has worked with its Fire Authority, Surrey County Council, to prepare and release the vehicle.

The two staff members who have volunteered, will meet other UK Fire and Rescue Services who are donating items, they’ll then handover the vehicles in Poland next week.

Acting Chief Fire Officer, Dan Quin, said: “I am proud to be able to continue our support to the people of Ukraine during this incredibly difficult time. Thank you to all organisations who are supporting these efforts and to Chris, who also donated the equipment during the last convoy, and Lee from our Engineering team, who are supporting the delivery. Chris will be taking us on the journey over on our Instagram channel, so please do follow us so you can witness another historic effort from UK Fire and Rescue Services.”

Cabinet Member for Communities and Community Safety (which includes Surrey Fire and Rescue Service), Denise Turner Stewart, said: “Surrey County Council’s priority is to ensure no one is left behind and supporting yet another national convoy does just that. I am so pleased that we are able to support this national effort and we would like to sincerely thank all involved.” Surrey County Council has a lot of information available on surreycc.gov.uk for communities who’d like to support, as well as guidance for Ukrainians coming to Surrey.

Surrey County Council News

The first Surrey Food Summit took place at the WWF Living Planet Centre in Woking last week. Surrey County Council organised the event to bring together stakeholders across the local food system, including farmers, local food businesses, food caterers and local food initiatives in Surrey to begin sharing different perspectives on challenges, including related health inequalities, in our food system and explore ideas for addressing them together.

The council is in the process of developing a food partnership and whole food system strategy to ensure it can provide nutritious, affordable, local and sustainably produced food for residents. The food summit is an opportunity to better understand the local food system, and to co-produce the whole-system food strategy. Recognising the current economic climate, the strategy aims to have an initial focus on addressing food poverty and sustainability challenges.

Those in attendance heard from a number of speakers during the event, including Emily O’Brien of Sustainable Food Places, Cllr Marisa Heath, SCC lead member for environment and CEO of Plant Food Alliance, and David Edwards, Director of Food Strategy at WWF. There was also an opportunity to engage in a food system mapping activity, to draw together our priority areas of action and build on existing work.

Carolyn McKenzie, Director of Environment and Project Sponsor for the food strategy said: “The food summit was an important event to bring together our key stakeholders and build a vision for a sustainable food system in Surrey.”

For further information please visit the Surrey Food Partnership – Healthy Surrey webpage or contact the food strategy leads at Surrey County Council – Jane Semo (Jane.Semo@surreycc.go.uk) or Negin Sarafraz-Shekary (SarafrazShekary.Negin@surreycc.gov.uk).

Surrey County Council news

Statistics for the UK show that 30 people die and 2,000 are injured each year as a result of fires in
the workplace. The damage to businesses caused by fire costs the economy over £6 billion and 75%
of businesses that have a fire within the first year never trade again.

Surrey Fire and Rescue Service aims to support businesses in reducing the risk and impact of a
fire by offering free advice and guidance on fire safety.

Their Business Safe and Well Visits take just ten to fifteen minutes and cover aspects such as
identifying the hazards, reducing the risk of a fire starting and steps to ensure the safety of staff and
visitors.

Dean, a Fire Fighter on Green Watch at Epsom Fire Station, said “Our Business Safe and Well Visits are an effective way of educating businesses on fire safety and reducing the number of fires we have to attend”

If you would like a free Business Safe and Well Visit, please visit www.surreycc.gov.uk/businesssafety
or simply scan the QR code below and complete the request form.

Surrey Fire and Rescue Service
Email businesssafety.education@surreycc.gov.uk

Last week saw the official handover of Tice’s Meadow Nature Reserve to Surrey County Council. This much-loved wildlife haven on the outskirts of Farnham saw its long-term future safeguarded when a partnership of six councils came together in December 2021 to purchase the site and protect it as a natural space.

 Surrey County Council acquired the site from Hanson UK with funding support from Hampshire County Council, Guildford Borough Council, Waverley Borough Council, Rushmoor Borough Council and Farnham Town Council.  The 55 hectare (137 acre) former quarry site which is fully restored as a nature reserve now forms part of the Surrey County Council countryside estate.  

The official handover was not only an opportunity to celebrate and commemorate the long-term future of Tice’s Meadow but also to understand the vital role the Tice’s Meadow Bird Group play in the conservation of the site and the tireless work of local volunteers. 

Tim Oliver, Leader of Surrey County Council said: “It is an honour to be a part of the successful partnership Surrey County Council has formed with five other councils, with our shared vision to protect and enhance the natural environment. It is our ambition to work collaboratively with partners to protect our environment and invest in climate change. 

“I would like to recognise the valuable work of the Tice’s Meadow Bird Group and local volunteers whose dedication ensure this site will continue to be a haven for wildlife, and a wonderful open space for everyone to enjoy recreationally.” 

Paul Williams, Head of Land and Mineral Resources at Hanson UK, said:  

“Hanson UK are committed to conserving and enhancing nature before, during and after mineral extraction. Tice’s Meadow – on the site of our former Farnham quarry – is an exemplar of the biodiversity uplift and community benefits that can be achieved through progressive restoration after quarrying has finished. Going forward we know it’s in expert hands”. 

Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Marisa Heath and Director of Environment Carolyn McKenzie planted a Bird Cherry tree (prunus padus) and unveiled a commemorative plaque to mark the occasion. 

Tice’s Meadow is widely considered one of the best inland sites to watch birds in the southeast of England. As well as a circular ‘biodiversity’ trail within the site there are also footpath links to Tongham Pools and the Blackwater Valley giving the opportunity for visitors to explore wildlife and the natural environment.

For further information on Tice’s Meadow including volunteer opportunities visit their website Tice’s Meadow (ticesmeadow.org).

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The Epsom and Ewell Energy Support Scheme is a plan to offer those running into difficulties immediate help with their bills, and then advice and financial support to improve energy efficiency or reduce energy consumption in their homes and so reduce bills going forward. This might include buying a more efficient appliance for them or helping with improved insulation. The scheme is supported by local MP Chris Grayling

To help support this programme they are asking local households who have less difficulty paying for these higher energy bills to donate their £400 support payments to the fund so that it can be used to help reduce the bills of those who are struggling. If you are able to do this, they would be very grateful, and all other donations are of course also very welcome.

The Scheme is being run jointly by the Good Company, which runs the local food bank, and Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell helped by local Churches. It will offer both advice sessions to help those who are not sure how to improve their energy efficiency as well as assistance paying for improvements.

To make a donation, please visit the donations page at www.justgiving.com/campaign/epsom-ewell-energy-support-scheme  

Grants of up to £25,000 are now available for eligible Surrey residents to help make their homes warmer and more energy efficient.  

People living in hard to heat homes and on lower incomes, could receive grants between £10,000 and £25,000 to improve insulation and install renewable technology – helping to save energy, reduce emissions and combat rising energy prices. Improvement measures include loft insulation, cavity and external wall insulation, underfloor insulation and renewables, such as solar electricity panels. 

Residents can check if they are eligible by visiting the Action Surrey website – www.actionsurrey.org, or calling them on 0800 783 2503.  

Marisa Heath, Cabinet Member for Environment at Surrey County Council said: “We know this is a challenging time for many and we’re really pleased to be offering this funding to our residents who need our support the most.  

“Improving the energy efficiency of homes in Surrey will also help us achieve our goal to be a net zero county by 2050.   

“I encourage residents to check if they are eligible as soon as possible.” 

Funding totalling £11.9m has been awarded through central Government to Surrey County Council, leading on behalf of the local authorities across the county. The project will be delivered and managed by Action Surrey – an energy efficiency advice service set up in partnership with all Surrey local authorities. 

Keep up to date on progress towards the target of making Surrey net zero by 2050 and find out what you can do to help. Sign up to the Greener Matters newsletter to get updates here: Climate change newsletter – Surrey County Council (surreycc.gov.uk)

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