Surrey County Council is bringing back the exciting free summer passport scheme for families with children aged 4 to 11, this time with a focus on culture. The Surrey Culture Explorer Passport holds captivating adventures that encourages families and children to learn about Surrey’s rich heritage, arts and culture, with a chance to win exciting prizes worth up to £100.

Designed to offer a fun way for children to discover Surrey’s unique culture and arts scene, the activity runs from July until October, giving families ideas and inspiration for days out during the summer holidays.

The Surrey Culture Explorer Passport can be collected for free from one of Surrey’s 52 libraries (including Bourne Hall in Ewell and Epsom Square libraries) and will help children to keep track of their adventures as they collect stickers for completing up to 10 fun “local history” challenges.  

Explorers who finish 10 challenges can enter a prize draw and win one of the following sponsored prizes:

• A family ticket for 4 people to visit Brooklands Museum, including the Concorde Experience. 
• A ticket for up to 5 children and one adult for a Top Golf Experience in Addlestone. 
• A £100 voucher to spend at The Adventure Zone. 
• A £100 voucher to spend at Godstone Farm. 
• A family ticket to the Nova Cinema in Woking. 
• 5 tickets for 1 winner for Guildford Airhop. 
• A £15 voucher to spend at Appletree Studio. 
• A painting kit containing 3 Ceramic Bisque Pieces, including acrylic paints and a brush from Calli’s Corner. 
• A family ticket up to a maximum of 6 people to Thorpe Park.  
• A family ticket for four people for a treetop adventure at Go Ape Chessington. 
• A family ticket to the British Wildlife Centre for 2 adults and up to 4 children.  
• A family ticket for 4 people to Bockett’s Farm. 

The activities range from hosting a ‘Big Lunch’ or tea party with friends, families or neighbours, crafting, learning about Surrey’s history, science and making art.

The County is doing this because they want children to discover what culture means to them, whether it’s creating a piece of art, learning about history, dancing, writing their own stories and much more. On top of that, they want to raise awareness about all that the County’s amazing libraries offer and encourage children to read more. Surrey libraries present fantastic resources and offer an incredible events calendar. Find out what events are happening in your nearest library. Find out about all the services available from libraries.

Mark Nuti, Cabinet Member for Communities at Surrey County Council, said:

“Before you run out of ideas during the holidays check out the brilliant new Surrey Libraries initiative for the summer holidays – the Cultural Explorer Passport has got something for everyone. The libraries team have really gone to town this year after last year’s Surrey Nature Explorer Passport success, this year it’s bigger and better than ever. Our libraries are an amazing source of entertainment, information, culture all with an added big dollop of fun!

“I challenge all young explorers to get involved and I assure you, you will open up a new world that you can visit time and time again and a world that will always pleasantly surprise you.

“Enjoy your holidays and I’ll look forward to drawing the prizes later in the year – I hope to see you at a library near you soon!”

See the website for more information on the activities, prizes and how to join in.

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council will be opening a public consultation on Monday 25 July to give residents, workers, business owners and visitors the chance to help shape the future of Epsom town centre. Epsom and Ewell Times reported on the cost of this planning endeavour HERE on 13th June 2022.

The consultation is looking to find out:

– How respondents feel about the town centre today
– How respondents would like the town centre to change in the future
– What respondents think should happen in the key opportunity areas that have been identified.

The public’s opinions will inform a new Epsom Town Centre Masterplan, which will be a key part of the evidence base for Epsom & Ewell’s borough-wide Local Plan, guiding decisions about planning, development and investment in the future.

Councillor Steven McCormick, Chair of the Licensing & Planning Policy Committee, said, “We want to hear as many local voices and opinions as possible about our Town Centre. To do this we need a range of people who both visit and use Epsom to go online and take part. There will be an exhibition within the Ashley Centre (opposite Costa Coffee) from the 8th August, with an opportunity to meet the project team on the 11th and 13th of August”

Respondents will be able to give their views via an online questionnaire at https://epsom-
ewell.gov.uk/residents/planning/planning-policy/consultations-and-examination which has been
made possible with the support of the Department for Levelling Up, Homes and Communities
(DLUHC) “Prop Tech” 2 engagement fund.

A vulnerable 84-year-old man had his electric bike stolen by a callous thief when he left it parked outside the BP petrol station on Dorking Road, Epsom on Sunday 17th July.

The victim left the bike worth £2,800 with two bags hanging on it outside the petrol station at around 8.20pm and came out at 8.35pm to find it had gone.

The suspect has been described as a White male wearing a matching grey camo hoodie and bottoms with a yellow high vis vest over the top with the word ‘FEELY’ on the back. He was also wearing grey trainers and holding a black sports bag.

If you have any dashcam footage or information which could help, please contact Surrey Police quoting crime reference number PR/45220076573 via:

•             Webchat  surrey.police.uk

•             Online https://www.surrey.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/

•             Calling 101

If you do not wish to leave your name, please call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. 

The Epsom restaurateur, who founded the internationally renowned British Curry Awards, has passed away at the age of 61. Revered in the Bangladeshi community, Ali famously lobbied home secretary Priti Patel to introduce ‘vindaloo visas’ to save the great British curry house. Pre-Covid, the restaurants were closing at an alarming rate of two a week across the country, largely because of a lack of skilled chefs. The change to immigration rules was designed to plug the skills gap in this and other takeaway eateries.

Ali started the British Curry Awards in 2005 and they soon became known as the ‘Oscars’ of the industry. The awards have been addressed by the three most recent prime ministers – David Cameron, Theresa May and Boris Johnson – as well as a host of other leading political figures, such as Sir Vince Cable, Nigel Farage and Brandon Lewis.

Celebrities including the Duchess of York, Russell Brand, Naughty Boy, David Seaman, Pat Sharp, Lizzie Cundy and Heston Blumenthal have presented awards. Queen Elizabeth II contributed forewords to the award programmes, as have the likes of London mayor Sadiq Khan.

Ali owned Le Raj restaurant in Epsom, which has served a plethora of famous names, including Johnny Depp and Chris Tarrant. In 2012, Le Raj was one of the official food suppliers to the London Olympics, providing athletes with Bangladeshi halal curry.

His daughter Justine and son Jeffrey Ali said:

“Our father created an astonishing legacy as a pioneer of the UK curry industry. He believed that British curry had become the best in the world, developing from a late night meal to some of the most sophisticated and subtly spiced cuisine the country had to offer. That is why he was so determined to celebrate the industry with the British Curry Awards and through his other ventures, including the Spice Business Magazine and Ion TV.

“We already miss him dearly and have been overwhelmed by the messages of condolence we have received. Our father was greatly loved and admired by his fellow restaurateurs, Bangladeshi campaigners and even the most significant of politicians. We are devastated, but could not be prouder of our wonderful dad.”

Azeem Rafiq, the former professional cricketer who exposed the extent of racism in the sport to MPs last year, was a guest of honour at the 2021 awards. He said:

“Enam provided me with such wonderful support during difficult times last year, He was a charming man, who made you smile with his warmth and kindness. I feel so sorry for his family, but they must remember all he achieved. Enam left a lasting, incredibly positive mark on the world.”

Ali passed away in the early hours of Sunday 17 July, after a courageous two-year battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife Shakina; children Justine, Jeffrey and Jahid; and grandchildren Sophia and Ziyana.

Ali’s burial takes plays in the Islamic section of Epsom Cemetery at 4pm on Friday 22 July. Non-observers are welcome to attend.

EMAN ALI 1960 – 2022

A five-point plan sets out to improve the lives of Surrey residents with dementia and their families.

A joint health and social care dementia strategy of Surrey County Council and Surrey Heartlands Health and Care Partnership, outlines an ambition for everyone with dementia and their carers to live in dementia-friendly communities and be able to live well at home for as long as possible.

Research suggests that approximately 17,700 people in Surrey are currently living with dementia. Between 2020 and 2030 it’s projected that this figure will rise by more than a quarter to 22,600.

The five-year plan, which includes direct input from people living with dementia and their carers, sets out how the county council and the wider Surrey Heartlands Health and Care Partnership, that includes the Surrey Downs Health and Care Partnership that covers Epsom and Ewell, will work with other organisations to support people with dementia, their families and carers so that those diagnosed can maintain their independence and enjoy a good quality of life.

The new joint health and social care dementia strategy will focus on:

• Preventing well – raising awareness of dementia and preventative actions people can take
• Diagnosing well – making sure people have equal access to dementia care by addressing inequalities and gaps
• Living well – making sure everyone has the opportunity to live life to the full following diagnosis
• Supporting well – engaging with communities and faith groups to ensure we reach out to people with dementia and their carers

The work will create dementia-friendly communities and help to deliver the county council’s ambition and tackle inequality to ensure no-one is left behind in Surrey.

The strategy has been created in partnership and collaboration with people with dementia and their carers and other organisations, including Alzheimer’s Society, Dementia UK, Healthwatch Surrey and district and borough councils.

Sinead Mooney, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, said: 

“Dementia is already an important health issue and the number of people living with dementia in Surrey is expected to increase significantly in the future. Our new dementia strategy is crucial in setting out how we will build on the good work we already do, and continue to improve outcomes for residents across Surrey.

“The new strategy has a much wider focus, encouraging organisations and services to become more dementia-friendly and therefore making a real difference to dementia care in Surrey.”

Dr Sophie Norris, GP and Dementia Clinical Lead for Guilford and Waverley, said:

“The strategy sets out the collective ambitions we want to achieve across Surrey to improve the dementia care pathway. In developing this strategy, we have worked with organisations that support people with dementia, their staff, the local voluntary sector and other partners. The strategy provides the chance to reaffirm Surrey’s commitment and determination to help people with dementia, and their unpaid carers to continue caring if they are willing and able, and to support their health and wellbeing by achieving outcomes they have identified matter most to them. The jointly held vision is for all people with dementia and their carers to live in dementia friendly communities. They will know where to go to seek information, advice and help. They will have access to the care and support that enables them to live well at home for as long as possible and to die with dignity in their place of choice.”

An easy read version of the joint health and social care dementia strategy is also available.

To find out more about support for dementia in Surrey visit the Surrey County Council website.

The Director of Epsom and Ewell Borough Council’s Environment, Housing and Regeneration, requested the July 12th’s meeting of the Community and Wellbeing Committee to approve a funding bid already submitted to keep the Epsom and Ewell Hub running for a second year. The Hub is paid for by the Department of Work and Pensions and was set up in August 2021 to help young people in the Borough find work. The DWP had invited applications for a second year’s funding for the Hub, which if approved, will start in August 2022 for a period of 12 months. The DWP had also requested that year 2 funding should develop the role of volunteers in helping young people get back to work or training. It should also increase engagement with businesses, including Surrey Chambers and the Federation of Small Businesses. The Council officers had already submitted the bid for the 2nd year ahead of the Committee’s approval and stated that the application could be withdrawn if not approved. This situation may have arisen following the cancellation of the Committee’s scheduled meeting of 9th June.

[Photo above: Adviser Ana helps a young job seeker in the Hub.]

The DWP bid forming this proposal is intended to cover all staffing costs, including any associated overheads and managerial costs. The extent of financial support being sought from the DWP is £97,407.72
The main Council contribution is in the provision of accommodation for the Hub to operate from. It is intended that the Hub will continue to operate from the unit it currently occupies free of charge in the Ashley Centre. Should this no longer be available spare accommodation in other Council owned buildings, such as Bourne hall will be considered.

The Hub should be fully funded by the DWP bid as there are no Council budgets currently allocated to the scheme.
In the first 10 months of operation, the Hub exceeded its central government target of 150 by engaging with “over 160 young people”. Of which “dozens” of them got jobs, Kick Start placements and apprenticeships (61 in total – see below for the breakdown). The Hub relocated in October from Bourne Hall to the Ashley Centre, raising its profile even more with young people and their families as well as local businesses. The hub supports young people who are not in work or training, helping them to find employment or approved training courses. The Hub also provides support to build confidence, develop good mental health as well as introduce employers to potential candidates. The role of the Youth Hub is not to replicate existing DWP services but to leverage a range of additional partner and industry resources to provide employment information and advice, support employer connections, work placements and mentors to support young people find pathways into work. The Hub has achieved getting 36 young people into work, 14 into Kick Start placements, 4 Apprenticeships, 7 work placements (61 in total) as well as 175 “social inclusion steps.”

The Surrey Lifelong Learning Partnership (SLLP) run the Hub. SLLP is a company founded by Kevin Delf in 2001 and was registered as a charity in 2011. Kevin Delf is the chief executive officer of the charity. He told Epsom and Ewell Times: “We support around 800 people every year through projects such as skills hubs, digital and literacy support and Bike Project Surrey. The Epsom & Ewell Skills Hub builds on previous work undertaken by SLLP in Epsom. There are three SLLP employees (2.8 full-time equivalents) devoted to the Hub. But, the Hub is also a place where other partners are also on hand to provide support to those needing employment and training, such as NESCOT and Jobcentre Plus and many others. In addition, we organise events on site which bring together local employers and those seeking employment, and we run events to explain and promote apprenticeships for example. Epsom & Ewell Borough Council has been extremely supportive in securing the funding to support the project and securing accommodation which is highly visible in the heart of the busy Ashley Centre for the foreseeable future.”

He added: “In addition to recording successful job placements we record examples of “social inclusion steps”. These are steps towards employment, for example attending a mentoring programme to develop confidence and resilience. An individual might complete a number of such steps (e.g. gaining basic digital skills as well as enabling participants to access local support services more easily).”

Given the stated figure of engaging with “over 160” individuals then “social inclusion steps” probably means as indicated by Mr Delf that more than one step for the same individual is counted. Kevin Delf confirmed the year 1 funding was £90,000. Thus the cost was £75,000 for the first 10 months. Then the 61 actual employment opportunities matched with clients of The Hub came at an approximate cost of £1200 each or about 1.5 matches per week. The cost per “engagement” with youth averages about £425 or about 4 per week.

The committee unanimously agreed to approve the application that had been made to the DWP for funding for a second year.

The single Conservative Councillor on the Borough Council (Bernie Muir) is not a member of the Community and Wellbeing Committee. All other groups and parties were represented (Residents Association, Labour and Liberal Democrat). The Committee is chaired by W. Ewell RA Councillor Alex Coley. No Council taxpayer money is spent on The Hub but it is still surprising that not a single Councillor asked a question about the value for money for the wider public of this service.

Disability Facilities Grants

By our correspondent Tim Rogers

At the same meeting, Councillor Monica Coleman (W. Ewell RA) urged financial caution when paying out exceptionally large Disabled Facilities Grants. These grants pay for improvements to disabled people’s homes, for example to widen doors, install ramps or improve access to rooms and facilities by installing stairlifts or a downstairs bathroom. The committee considered whether to increase the limit on Council top-ups to grant payments from £15,000 to £30,000, or even more in exceptional and complex circumstances. The Director explained that this would have a hugely positive impact on the level of assistance provided by the Council to disabled residents, in particular children. The committee unanimously approved the top-up increase as long as any exceptional payments did not cause the Council to spend more than its overall central government grant allocation.

Harris came to the volunteers at Epsom and Ewell’s Foodbank for help at the end of last year. Epsom and Ewell Foodbank is operated by registered Charity The Good Company (Surrey) and is directed by local hero Jonathan Lees. Over the past two years, Harris has recovered from a major heart operation and a stroke. This completely changed his life as previously he had loved running and being active. The stroke also really knocked his confidence and so he had become withdrawn.

Photo shows Jonathan Lees (left) and Harris (right) with other Epsom Pantry volunteers at its opening.

The charity started to offer him opportunities to participate in focus groups, which he enjoyed being part of. They supported him in a back-to-work interview, liaising with agencies (including the Council, Citizens Advice and his GP). They supported him with his Personal Independence Payment (PIP) application to the Department of Work and Pensions, which has recently been awarded.

Harris was recently introduced to The Epsom Pantry and he has started to volunteer there. The staff say he is a real asset there. He is also a very calming presence for customers and Harris absolutely loves it as it has given him a new purpose.

Harris said “I thought of committing suicide before I met Alison (one of the support workers) but she gave me food, help and hope that things could be better, I couldn’t have gone on without her. I am born again. I don’t know how I would manage if it wasn’t for her, the Foodbank and The Pantry, (these) guys are like family, greatly appreciated. Blessed Love.”

For more information on Epsom Pantry please contact Bex pantry@goodcompany.org.uk

The Foodbank has two vacancies at the moment:

Vacancy – Pantry Coordinator

An exciting vacancy for our new project – Epsom Pantry. Now officially open, our Pantry is a members-only shop.

For £5 members will be able to purchase a weekly food shop including fresh fruit and vegetables and family favourites to stock up the cupboard and fridge.

We are recruiting a Pantry Coordinator to work with our Pantry Manager on this exciting new initiative.

For more details and to apply, please click here.

Closing date is 24 July 2022 at 23:59

Vacancy – Foodbank Manager

An exciting opportunity to join our team. We are recruiting for a Foodbank Manager. Interested? More info and application details here.

Closing date is 30 July 2022 at 23:30

A Section 35 dispersal order is in place over nearly all of Epsom Common until 5.54pm today Monday 18 July.

The Dispersal Order covers the areas of the Epsom and Ashtead Commons within the A243, Christchurch Road, Craddocks Avenue and Dorking Road. It was authorised by Acting Insp Will Cottee following reports of anti-social behaviour in the area. See map below.

The Dispersal Order gives officers the power to ask a group of two or more people to leave the dispersal area if they are committing anti-social behaviour, or if a constable believes they may, or are likely to, cause a nuisance to someone else.

Surrey Police urge members of the public to continue reporting any incidents of anti-social behaviour through private message on social media or on their website https://www.surrey.police.uk/ro/report/asb/asb/report-antisocial-behaviour/.

Epsom and Ewell Times is waiting for Surrey Police to provide further details of the behaviour that has led to this restriction over such a large area. This report will be updated when received.

Undaunted by the 4500 miles distance between Epsom and Chilaweni in Malawi, local resident Ruth Markus heads a charity founded in her son’s name. “Alex’s Medical & Educational Clinic in Africa” (AMECA). Before he died at the age of 23 Alex was a junior doctor, a British Army officer and a qualified paratrooper. AMECA is committed to healthcare delivery, training healthcare professionals and to healthcare education in sub-Saharan African countries, through sustainable initiatives.

Feature photo is Alex providing medical care. His passion and vocation.

The AMECA Primary Healthcare Clinic at Chilaweni in Malawi opened in May 2017 and is dedicated to the memory of Alex. The Clinic currently serves 38,000 people in 23 villages. It sees on average, 4,000 outpatients each month. These communities had no prior access to any accessible healthcare facilities.

AMECA supports surgical training at district hospitals in Malawi through Links in Africa for Surgical Training (LAST). Led by AMECA’s Clinical Director, Consultant Surgeon Paul Thomas, LAST is committed to providing surgical training to improve sustainable surgical healthcare in Africa.

On August 7th at 10am at St Martin’s Church, Church Street, Epsom Ruth Markus will speak about the work of the charity and update on the Maternity Unit built at Chilaweni Village. The illustrated talk will celebrate the success of the maternity unit and maternity mentorship programme, implemented to raise standards of clinical care for mothers and babies and to deliver respectful and inclusive treatment to mothers.

More information can be obtained from the website AMECA | Alex`s Medical & Educational Clinic in Africa

The Ashley Centre’s new pop up art gallery has extended it’s stay until 31st July – plus the show, which is now open daily, has also added work by four new artists. Situated opposite Moka cafe in the main concourse, the Pop Up Gallery now displays work by a dozen west London and Surrey based artists.

With a mixture of styles from traditional landscape, abstract pieces through figure painting, to technicolour animals and graffiti style urban street art, there is something for everyone ! And with prices starting at only £20, this summer is a great time to start your original art collection.

Landscape painter Jane Scofield joins Dilys Foster and Di Phelps Lester: all inspired by the natural world , they produce colourful atmospheric landscapes in acrylic and mixed media. Stephen Doak works in cut paper and collage as well as painting mid century inspired coloured abstracts. 

Russian born Yulia Robinson favours bright colours and pieces often featuring beautiful birds in dreamlike landscapes . Raph Thomas is a young artists who has produced a whole animal kingdom of technicolour animals. If there isn’t your favourite animal in his portfolio, he takes commissions.

Luis Alvarez and Emma Champion both use texts and captions in their work . Though in very different styles, art lovers with a taste for text can find a message for their walls here.

Since opening at the Ashley Centre, Kate Winskill‘s iconic Battersea Power Station print  works have proved really popular , whilst she has also added new  figurative paintings to the show.

Younger customers have been drawn to Lauren Mavromatis’ powerful autobiographical digital drawings, whilst songwriter and artist Rory Thomas infuses his paintings and prints with lyrics from his songs. And if music is a major feature in your life, check out Emelia Jacks’ Dancing on Paper monochrome series of prints and paintings inspired by specific songs.

Prices are affordable too, with prints from £20 and originals from £45 , so there has never been a better time to look for something to brighten up your home. And you don’t have to wait until the end of the show to collect your purchase , as sold art is replaced daily .

The gallery is staffed by the artists, so you can find out more about how they work. They all undertake commissions, so if you are looking for a bespoke artwork, come and see what they can offer.

Big paintings are delivered free locally and prints can be posted on customer’s behalf as gifts.

Want to see work in your own home? Home visits around Epsom with selected artworks can be booked by appointment with the artists.
Open daily 10.30 – 5.30pm and Sundays 10.30-4.30pm until 31st July 2022

For further information, visit www.arthousegalleries.live or email winskill.kate@gmail.com