Arts Culture

Baroque to Modern concert by Epsom Chamber Choir

1 April 2025

Epsom & Ewell is fortunate to have many excellent music and drama groups to join, learn and perform with, and for audiences to enjoy old favourites or explore something unfamiliar … Read More

Football Sports

Miller hat-trick saves Epsom and Ewell FC

1 April 2025

Spelthorne Sports 1-4 Epsom and Ewell FC. Combined Counties League – Premier Division South. Saturday 29th March. It’s like London buses; you wait eight matches for a win and then … Read More

Education Environment News

Surrey Uni leads microbe recyling of lithium batteries

1 April 2025

A microbial electrochemical technology capable of recovering 90-95% of lithium from spent lithium-ion batteries has been developed by scientists at the University of Surrey.   The breakthrough offers a more sustainable … Read More

News Notices Official Notices

Notice regarding RAWLINSON & HUNTER LIFE & ASSURANCE PENSION FUND

1 April 2025

  NOTICE UNDER SECTION 27 TRUSTEE ACT 1925  To members and others claiming a right to benefits under the Rawlinson & Hunter Life & Assurance Pension Fund (the Scheme).  Notice … Read More

Council Council constitution

RA councillor replaces Independent member as scrutiny row erupts at Epsom Town Hall

30 March 2025

A stormy Audit and Scrutiny Committee meeting at Epsom and Ewell Borough Council on Thursday 27 March has ignited a political row, as Councillor Robert Leach (RA Nonsuch) controversially replaced … Read More

Athletics Local History Sports

Epsom & Ewell athletics legend remembered

28 March 2025

Remembering Don Turner: A Legend in Local Athletics Epsom and Ewell’s athletics community is mourning the loss of Don Turner, who passed away on Sunday, 9 March. A dedicated member … Read More

Council Environment

Surrey company wins award for solar installation at Ewell’s Bourne Hall

28 March 2025

Ewell’s largest landmark, Bourne Hall, is known for its distinctive modernist architecture and striking glass dome, making it a uniquely challenging site for the integration of renewable technology. A new solar installation, … Read More

Education Health News

Surrey Uni Study: long Covid patients proving their illness is real challenges

28 March 2025

People living with Long Covid often feel dismissed, disbelieved and unsupported by their healthcare providers, according to a new study from the University of Surrey. The study, which was published … Read More

Business Community Health

Epsom based Toyota raises £1/2m for MND

28 March 2025

Toyota has raised more than £500,000 to support people living with and affected by motor neurone disease (MND). It has also extended its partnership with MND Association for a further … Read More

Community Volunteers

Epsom Charity Celebrates Project Milestone with a BBC Radio Takeover

28 March 2025

The Sunnybank Trust is celebrating a major milestone – five years of Sunny Sessions, its inclusive radio show dedicated to amplifying the voices of the learning disability community. Founded during … Read More

Council Finances

Woking Council private school loan scandal

28 March 2025

A private school loaned millions of pounds at favourable rates by bankrupt Woking Borough Council has still to pay its overdue debts – with the local authority saying it is … Read More

Council Council constitution

Surrey Councils launch Local Government Reorganisation engagement

28 March 2025

Surrey residents can have their say on the future of local government in the county, in a new survey launched by eight of Surrey’s district and borough councils. An initial … Read More

Community News

Godstone “Sink-hole” residents to return

28 March 2025

After a long wait, good news may finally be coming to some who were forced to evacuate after a massive sinkhole opened up in a Surrey town. Families living on … Read More

Community News

Banstead Dog licensing scheme deemed ‘foul’

28 March 2025

Professional dog walkers say they were told “if you don’t like what we’re doing, take your dog somewhere else” at a public meeting about a new licensing scheme being introduced … Read More

Education Environment News

Surrey leads lateral thinking about vertical farming

28 March 2025

Can vertical farming be the key to improving and safeguarding the United Kingdom’s food system? This is the central question behind a new research project led by the University that … Read More

Housing News

Will sale of Dorking offices compromise housing plans?

28 March 2025

Dorking’s former Aviva building has been put up for sale. The offices in Pixham Lane are being marketed by Savills – with the asking price only available on application. Currently … Read More

Community Health

The Hidden Link Between Metabolic Syndrome and Joint Pain

28 March 2025

Many people have heard of metabolic syndrome as a risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and diabetes — but it’s now becoming clear that it also takes a serious toll … Read More

Epsom & Ewell is fortunate to have many excellent music and drama groups to join, learn and perform with, and for audiences to enjoy old favourites or explore something unfamiliar and perhaps a bit challenging.

This lovely concert by Epsom Chamber Choir gave us contrasting styles from the 17th, 18th, 20th and 21st centuries, all with a meditative quality. Good programme notes were helpful.

In the fantastic acoustic of St. Martin’s Church one was immersed in the spacious depths of the sounds; the intensity produced several spine-tingling moments for me.

The choir opened with I was glad when they said unto me – not the familiar setting used at King Charles’ coronation in 2023 (which is by Parry) but one written by Henry Purcell for the coronation of James II in 1685. It sets off in a joyful dance. The top part floated over the others in a plea for peace and it drew to an exultant finish in a wish for world without end.

Purcell’s style is perhaps less familiar to us today than Bach’s, so it was great to hear three more pieces which showed his skill in dramatic and plangent composition, and the choir’s skill in their performance. My notes on Thou knowest, Lord, the secrets of our hearts and Hear my prayer, O Lord say sublime and understated intense anguish – sounds which produced more delightful shivers up the spine.

Then to compare them with Bach across four pieces – in these there were stately dance rhythms and delicacy as befitted some of the words. Fürchte dich nicht (Do not fear, I am near you), probably written for a funeral (it’s a pity we don’t know who commissioned the work), seemed to demonstrate all the complexities which Bach could write in a short piece. I hadn’t heard this before, but it did not sound an easy sing!

In Arvo Pärt’s The Deer’s Cry, written in 2008, the dynamics, sonority and breath were beautifully controlled in some very exposed writing, then the very long lines of John Tavener’s Funeral Ikos were effortlessly phrased.

Three short modern pieces followed – John Tavener’s A Hymn to the Mother of God, James Macmillan’s A Child’s Prayer (dedicated to the 16 children and their teacher who were killed at Dunblane in March 1996), and Eric Whitacre’s Lux Aurumque (Light and Gold, which was introduced as representing light falling through stained glass) – they were full of space, profound, resonant and uplifting.

In the baroque pieces the choir of just over 30 singers had a light accompaniment on chamber organ and cello. Poppy Walshaw, the cellist, also played three movements from the Bach cello suites. This was more music to get lost inside, the two dances leading us into a celebration of life in the joyous Der Geist hilft unser Schwachheit auf (The spirit comes to help our weakness) to conclude a most enjoyable evening.

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Upcoming Events

The choir is holding a Come & Sing! Haydn’s The Creation on Saturday 10th May, 1.30–5pm, at St. Martin’s Junior School, Ashley Road KT18 7AD
(£10, students £5, under 18s free – includes music hire and light refreshments).

Their next concert, ‘The Food of Love’, is a choral tapestry ranging from 16th-century fun, through West Side Story, I Got Rhythm and Summertime, to Billy Joel –
Saturday 28th June, 7.30pm, St. Martin’s Church, Epsom KT17 4PX.

Anita Littler

 

NOTICE UNDER SECTION 27 TRUSTEE ACT 1925 

To members and others claiming a right to benefits under the Rawlinson & Hunter Life & Assurance Pension Fund (the Scheme). 

Notice is hereby given pursuant to Section 27 of the Trustee Act 1925 that the Trustees of the Scheme have commenced the process of winding-up the Scheme (commenced wind up on 1 April 2025. 

The Trustees wish to trace anyone, including former employees (whether full-time or part-time) of Rawlinson & Hunter LLP (“the Firm”) or their spouse or dependant who believe that they have a claim against the Scheme or an entitlement or interest in the Scheme and have not heard from the Trustees recently. 

If you think that you have a claim, entitlement or interest in the Scheme please write with full details of your claim, interest or entitlement including your full name, address, National Insurance Number, date of birth, dates of employment with either of the Companies and any relevant papers to: 

The Trustees of the Rawlinson & Hunter Life & Assurance Pension Fund 

c/o Claire Petzer 

Cartwright Benefit Consultants Limited 

Marlborough House 

Victoria Road South Chelmsford, Essex CM1 1LN 

Email: claire.petzer@cartwright.co.uk 

All claims must be made by 1 June 2025 so they may be considered by the Trustees before the Scheme is wound up. 

After that date, the Trustees will commence the distribution of the Scheme’s assets process, as part of the winding-up of the Scheme, to provide benefits for its members and beneficiaries, having regard only to the claims, entitlements and interests of which they have prior notice. The Trustees will not be liable to or in respect of any person whose claim, entitlement or interest have not been notified. 

Any individuals who have already been contacted by the Trustees about the matters above should not respond to this notice as the Trustees already have details of their claims and entitlements. 

For and on behalf of the Trustees of the Rawlinson & Hunter Life & Assurance Pension Fund 1 April 2025 

Ewell’s largest landmark, Bourne Hall, is known for its distinctive modernist architecture and striking glass dome, making it a uniquely challenging site for the integration of renewable technology. A new solar installation, commissioned by Epsom & Ewell Borough Council to reduce carbon emissions and lower energy costs, has since earned Titan Eco the Small Scale Project (<£250k) Award at the London Energy Efficiency Regional Awards 2025.

Cllr Liz Frost (RA Woodocte and Langley), Chair of the Council’s Environment Committee, described it as:

“Part of a series of works that will make this picturesque and historical landmark more sustainable for future generations.”

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Key outcomes:
• ~45,000 kWh generated annually
• Estimated £15,000 yearly savings
• Over 9 tonnes of CO₂ saved each year

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Surrey-based Titan Eco delivered the installation in collaboration with WC Evans & Sons Ltd, who designed and installed the bespoke steel framework supporting 116 DMEGC all-black bifacial solar panels. As Titan Eco’s preferred supplier, DMEGC is known for the consistent quality of its panels and its transparent, responsibly sourced supply chain – aligning with Titan Eco’s commitment to ethical procurement.

Sam Tilley, Managing Director of Titan Eco, said:

“Bourne Hall is a great example of how solar can be integrated into a historic site without compromising its character… Knowing the system is in place and making a real difference is particularly meaningful.”

Titan Eco has also delivered solar installations at several other notable community sites, including the Rainbow Leisure Centre, Epsom Playhouse, St Giles & St George’s Church, and Ashtead Peace Memorial Hall – demonstrating an ongoing commitment to supporting public and community buildings on their journey to net zero.

Tita Eco

Related report:

Epsom and Ewell’s solar powered spaceship

Toyota has raised more than £500,000 to support people living with and affected by motor neurone disease (MND). It has also extended its partnership with MND Association for a further two years, into 2027.

Toyota joined forces with MND Association in 2021. The charity was chosen by the company’s staff in memory of a much-loved colleague, Rachel Rollason, who suffered from MND, a terminal neurological condition that affects up to 5,000 people in the UK at any one time.

Since then, colleagues from Toyota (GB), Toyota Financial Services, Toyota Insurance Services and KINTO UK, have pushed themselves to the limits in a variety of fund-raising activities including taking part in marathons, a cycling challenge from Portsmouth to Newcastle, a Tough Mudder and a 100km walk along the River Thames which raised more than £120,000 in just two days.

Tanya Curry, MND Association’s Chief Executive, said: “We are delighted that Toyota has chosen to extend its partnership with us. We are so grateful for everything they have done to support our work over the past four years, whether that’s by volunteering, training to take part in an event, or fundraising. Thanks to Toyota, we have been able to provide support grants for life-changing wheelchair adaptions, while pushing forward with ground-breaking research into potential new treatments for this terrible disease. Over the next two years, the strong partnership between our organisations will continue to grow and allow us to accelerate progress in the fight against MND.”

Scott Thompson, Toyota (GB) President and Managing Director, said: “I’d like to thank our staff for their efforts in helping us reach our fundraising target of £500,000.  We already have plans for further fundraising, for example next month four senior team members: Jason Milton, Rob McKendrick, Carla Henson and Dariusz Mikolajczak, will take part in the London Marathon.”

For more information, or to donate, visit https://donate.giveasyoulive.com/campaign/toyota-london-marathon

For more information about MND Association please visit www.mndassociation.org

Toyota GB

Image: From L to R: Charlotte Taylor, Senior Corporate Partnerships Executive, MND Association, Pete Collins, Senior Corporate Partnerships Development Executive, MND Association, Kish Laungani, Specialist Sustainability Programmes, Toyota GB, Isla Thomson, Assistant, CSR, Sustainability and ESG, Toyota GB and Rosemary Parkin, Assistant Press and PR, Toyota GB

The Sunnybank Trust is celebrating a major milestone – five years of Sunny Sessions, its inclusive radio show dedicated to amplifying the voices of the learning disability community.

Founded during the lockdown by CEO Dorothy Watson and Futures Manager Claire Dawson, the show began with the goal of keeping the community connected during a difficult and isolating time. Sunny Sessions aimed to provide comfort, connection, and positivity through buzzing music, exercise segments, and relevant news updates.

Dorothy Watson, CEO of The Sunnybank Trust, said:
“We are proud to be celebrating five years of Sunny Sessions. What started as a way to connect people has become a vibrant platform run by and for the learning disability community. Congratulations to Jon Andrews, our dedicated producer, and many thanks to Surrey Hills Community Radio for hosting our show.”

To mark this milestone, The Sunnybank Trust is pleased to announce that the BBC Breakfast Show will host the anniversary celebration on 28 March 2025, between 7 – 9 am on BBC Radio Surrey & Sussex.

As part of the celebration, the show will feature an interview between Emma Blackmore, a Sunnybank reporter based in Bristol, and the consultants from Understand Us, a consultancy founded by The Sunnybank Trust in 2019.

Understand Us is a learning disability-led consultancy based in Epsom, offering services such as training, workshops, and audits to help businesses become more accessible to people with learning disabilities. For more information, visit understandus.co.uk.

During the interview, the consultants will share insights into their roles, discuss how businesses can benefit from Understand Us, and reflect on their favourite projects.

James Cannon, BBC Producer, said:
“We are incredibly proud of the journey Sunny Sessions has taken over the past five years. This anniversary and the feature on BBC Breakfast provide an opportunity to share the voices and stories of the individuals who have been part of the show’s success. Our mission has always been to amplify these voices and promote inclusion, and we are excited to take this next step in reaching an even wider audience.”

Today, Sunny Sessions is presented by Jon Andrews, who brings his passion and energy to the show as it continues to grow. The programme has expanded to cover a wide variety of topics, providing a platform for people to share their stories, engage in meaningful discussions, and raise awareness about issues that matter to them.

Jon Andrews said:
“I’m incredibly proud of what we have achieved with the radio show and excited to see where the next five years will take us.”

The Sunnybank Trust

Photo: Jon Andrews from The Sunnybank Trust, and James Fieldus, a Sunnybank Reporter. Photo by The Sunnybank Trust.

Editorial News

Keep Epsom and Ewell Times alive – donate now

26 March 2025

Many many thanks to those readers who have responded to our appeal for a small donation to keep our service going. Some of you have been very generous and we … Read More

Arts Council Culture

Surrey Arts Gala went live in Guildford

25 March 2025

Surrey Arts held its latest Gala concert on Saturday, 15 March, at G Live in Guildford, showcasing the incredible talent of over 300 young musicians from 15 different ensembles. The … Read More

Council Sports

Anyone for free Summer tennis in Epsom and Ewell?

25 March 2025

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council will provide free morning tennis sessions in all council-owned tennis courts across the borough this summer, between 22 July and 29 August 2025.  The decision, … Read More

Council Environment

Surrey County new land management framework

25 March 2025

Surrey County Council has launched a new Land Management Framework, setting out best practice guidelines for managing its own land as well as striving to aspire other landowners and stakeholders … Read More

Rugby Sports

Epsom break Weybridge Reeds

24 March 2025

Reeds Weybridge 28 Sutton & Epsom RFC 33. Saturday 22nd March. The denouement of the campaign is rather lacking in a crescendo this season. This was the penultimate Saturday and … Read More

Council News

Local Epsom LibDem leader leaves her Party

21 March 2025

An Epsom councillor who has been a leading Liberal Democrat  in the area for over 20 years has defected to become an independent member. After several changes, including upcoming local … Read More

News Transport

Guidance to consumers impacted by Heathrow Airport incident

21 March 2025

Selina Chadha, Group Director for Consumers at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said: “Passengers are advised not to travel to Heathrow at this time and should contact their airlines for … Read More

Environment News Transport

Expanding London airports “not an environmental trade off” – Minister claims

21 March 2025

Expanding Heathrow and Gatwick is “crucial” for this government after years of people sticking “their heads in the sand” over plans for new runways at south east airports, the Secretary … Read More

Business Westminster

Drowning in Debt: Epsom MP Demands Thames Water Takeover

21 March 2025

Thames Water should be put into “special administration” rather than given a £3billion bailout, Epsom and Ewell’s MP said after the utility company won a major court battle to stave … Read More

Council Elections

Parliament motion to reinstate Surrey County May elections

20 March 2025

Surrey elections could still go ahead if a “fatal motion” (*see below) to overturn the decision to cancel the May 2025 ballot wins out. This year’s local elections were postponed … Read More

Council Council constitution Finances

Surrey’s BIG debt question in local government reorganisation

20 March 2025

Plans for what Surrey could look like in local government reorganisation have been agreed  but questions remain over looming debt. Councillors demanded to know how debt would be managed before the … Read More

Council Planning

Epsom & Ewell’s Local Plan under the Green microscope

19 March 2025

Epsom Green Belt Group Lodges Formal Complaint Against Borough Council Over Local Plan Submission The Epsom Green Belt Group (EGBG) has submitted a formal complaint to Epsom and Ewell Borough … Read More

Council Finances

Surrey ratches up record fines for education failures

19 March 2025

Surrey County Council is on pace to be hit with more than £1 million in fines and redress payments due to its repeated failures within its education service over the … Read More

Council Council constitution

Epsom and Ewell Borough Council has no choice but to vote for its own demise

19 March 2025

Epsom and Ewell Borough Council Divided Over Local Government Reorganisation An extraordinary meeting of Epsom and Ewell Borough Council was held on 18th March 2025, where councillors engaged in an … Read More

Football Sports

A comedy of errors – but it wasn’t funny as Epsom & Ewell FC lose again

19 March 2025

Tadley Calleva 5-2 Epsom and Ewell FC. Combined Counties League – Premier Division South. Saturday 15th March. “We are right in the s**t now” stated our Manager Warren Burton after … Read More

Many many thanks to those readers who have responded to our appeal for a small donation to keep our service going. Some of you have been very generous and we thank you. We are very grateful but need a higher proportion of our readers to help. We are seeking a very modest £5 annual donation to balance the books.

Dear Reader,

We bring to you the latest stories from Epsom and Ewell — local news that matters, written and shared by people who live here, care deeply about our community, and do it all voluntarily.

We’re proud to provide this independent news service free for all to access, with no paywalls, and only minimal advertising to keep the website clean and user-friendly.

But even with no salaries to pay, we do have essential costs:

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Thank you for reading, and for supporting local journalism.

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The Team at Epsom and Ewell Times

epsomandewelltimes.com

Selina Chadha, Group Director for Consumers at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said: “Passengers are advised not to travel to Heathrow at this time and should contact their airlines for the latest flight updates. We appreciate the difficulties that travel disruption causes, and we expect airlines to take all necessary steps to support and assist their passengers during this period of disruption. The Civil Aviation Authority remains in close contact with Heathrow Airport, airlines, and the Government during this time.”

Heathrow Airport is closed today due to a fire at a nearby electrical substation, affecting the supply of power to its terminals. Unfortunately, this means that today’s flights to and from the airport have been cancelled. The knock-on effect may also lead to delays and further cancellations over the weekend.

Flights that had already departed that were due to land at the airport had to be diverted to other airports.

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Air passenger rights

When flights are delayed and cancelled, we expect airlines to minimise the overall impact on you by keeping you informed and looking after you.

In many cases you will be protected by rights which are set out in UK legislation. The table below provides guidance on whether your flight is covered by UK legislation:

Flight Itinerary	UK or EU Air Carrier	Non-UK / Non-EU Air Carrier
Departing from Heathrow	✔️ Covered	✔️ Covered
Arriving to Heathrow	✔️ Covered	❌ Not Covered

Whether these rights apply or not, we encourage airlines to do all they can to minimise the overall impact to their passengers.

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Flight Cancellations

If your flight from Heathrow Airport has been cancelled

Please do not go to the airport and contact your airline for further advice.

Your airline is required to offer you the choice of a refund or find you an alternative flight (referred to as “re-routing”). Re-routing should be at the earliest opportunity or at a later date at your convenience, subject to availability.

Unfortunately, it may be challenging for airlines to offer re-routing during periods of major disruption, especially when an airport is closed at short notice. This may mean that your airline may not be able to get you to your destination as quickly as any of us would like. Nevertheless, if you still wish to get to your destination, we expect your airline to do all it can to offer you an alternative flight and keep you updated.

If your airline is unable to proactively offer you care, or offer suitable replacement flights, we expect it to promptly reimburse you for the costs you incur making your own arrangements. Make sure you keep receipts and avoid incurring excessive costs.

If your flight to Heathrow has been cancelled

We realise that being unable to travel home as planned will be concerning for you. We expect your airline to update you and advise you of your rights.

If your flight is covered by UK passenger rights legislation, your airline will be required by law to get you home and look after you while you wait by providing meals, refreshments and hotel accommodation proportionate to the length of time you are delayed.

To get you home, your airline is required to find you an alternative flight (referred to as “re-routing”). Re-routing should be at the earliest opportunity or at a later date at your convenience, subject to availability.

Unfortunately, it may be challenging for airlines to offer re-routing during periods of major disruption, especially when an airport is closed at short notice. This may mean that your airline may not be able to get you home as quickly as any of us would like. Nevertheless, we expect your airline to do all it can to offer you an alternative flight and keep you updated.

If your airline is unable to proactively offer you care, or offer suitable replacement flights, we expect it to promptly reimburse you for the costs you incur making your own arrangements. Make sure you keep receipts and avoid incurring excessive costs.

Different rights apply if your airline is not a UK or EU carrier. Please speak to your airline or check its website for more information about your rights.

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Diverted flights

If your flight was diverted because it could not land at Heathrow and your flight is covered by UK passenger rights legislation, your airline should provide onward transportation (this may be by other means) to get you to Heathrow. It should also look after you and provide you with meals, refreshments and hotel accommodation while you wait, proportionate to the length of your delay.

If your airline is unable to proactively offer you care, or offer onward transportation, we expect it to promptly reimburse you for the costs you incur making your own arrangements. Make sure you keep receipts and avoid incurring excessive costs.

Different rights apply if your airline is not a UK or EU carrier. Please speak to your airline or check its website for more information about your rights.

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If you are travelling on a package holiday

If you booked a package holiday, you may also benefit from additional rights, particularly if this means that your original package cannot be provided.

If flight delays or cancellations lead to your holiday being cancelled, or new arrangements are made that result in a significant change to your holiday, then your travel company must offer an alternative holiday if they can, or a refund for the full price of your package holiday.

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Flight Delays

If your flight from Heathrow Airport is delayed

Your airline should look after you and provide you with meals, refreshments and hotel accommodation proportionate to the length of your delay.

If your flight to Heathrow Airport is delayed

If your flight is covered by UK passenger rights legislation, your airline should look after you and provide you with meals, refreshments and hotel accommodation proportionate to the length of your delay.

Different rights apply if your airline is not a UK or EU carrier. Please speak to your airline or check its website for more information about your rights.

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Fixed sum compensation

In addition to their obligations to look after passengers, as set out above, airlines are sometimes required to provide fixed sum compensation to passengers in certain circumstances.

Although we recognise the adverse impacts these delays and cancellations will have on passengers, the disruptions directly caused by the closure of Heathrow Airport are likely to be viewed as “extraordinary circumstances”. As a result, you are unlikely to be entitled to fixed sum compensation.

Extraordinary circumstances do not affect your other entitlements to replacement flights and care set out above — these are due regardless of the cause of your delay or cancellation.

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Notes

The Civil Aviation Authority’s interpretation of extraordinary circumstances is illustrative and for guidance only, rather than determinative of our view in any specific case that may arise. Each case will be context and fact specific. This does not mean that a passenger or group of passengers cannot try and claim compensation, including through the courts, if they disagree with our interpretation.

The protections set out above are based on Assimilated Regulation 261/2004 which collectively apply to all flights departing from the UK, and flights arriving into the UK on UK and EU carriers. Different rights may apply to passengers arriving on flights to the UK operated by non-EU carriers such as flights from the USA on US carriers.

Civil Aviation Authority News

Heathrow Airport. Mike McBey CC BY 2.0

Arts Culture

Epsom Choral Society Delivers a Classical Delight at St Martin’s Church

17 March 2025

Epsom Choral Society Delivers a Classical Delight at St Martin’s Church March is concert season at St Martin’s Church, Epsom. Between Ashtead Choral Society on the 8th and Epsom Chamber … Read More

Council Finances

Who will be saddled with Spelthorne’s and Woking’s £3 billion debts?

17 March 2025

The Surrey Borough of Spelthorne’s financial crisis is “even more critical”, with millions in cuts needed to avoid catastrophic bankruptcy, says new report. Best value inspectors were called in to … Read More

Community Local History

Geography Squadron celebrates 70 years in Ewell

17 March 2025

In a ceremony held on Saturday 15th March in Ewell the 135 Geographic Squadron Royal Engineers commemorated their 70th anniversary at Mercator House (off Welbeck Close) by unveiling the first … Read More

Council Finances

Epsom & Ewell ranks in the middle of Surrey Councils’ tax charges

17 March 2025

Residents will face another jump in council tax bills from April 1 as local authorities have announced their budgets for the coming year. Surrey County Council, the Police and Crime … Read More

Council Housing Planning

Where the thousands of new homes will be built in Surrey’s smallest borough – Epsom and Ewell

14 March 2025

“Critical” details on nearly 5,000 homes across 35 sites in Epsom and Ewell have been laid out after the borough council submitted its planning masterplan. The local plan will shape … Read More

Council Council constitution

Local Government Reorganisation in Surrey: Key Proposals

14 March 2025

The leaders of all 12 Surrey councils have reached an agreement on the fundamental principles for an interim proposal concerning local government reorganisation (LGR) within the county. The proposal, which … Read More

Council Planning

Epsom and Ewell Local Plan Submitted for Examination

14 March 2025

Residents Encouraged to Stay Engaged and Make Representations Epsom and Ewell Borough Council has officially submitted the Epsom and Ewell Local Plan (2022-2040) to the Secretary of State for Housing, … Read More

Community Volunteers

Epsom and Ewell’s Record-Breaking Poppy Appeal

13 March 2025

The Royal British Legion’s Epsom and Ewell branch has once again demonstrated the remarkable generosity of the local community, raising a record-breaking total of £79,366.99 during the 2024 Poppy Appeal. … Read More

Council Housing Planning

Golf course housing tees off Green Belt preservers

13 March 2025

Over 200 homes will be built on a golf course in an “epoch making moment” for Surrey’s green belt. Elmbridge Borough Council’s planning committee approved developer Claudel Venture Holdings Ltd’s … Read More

Business Planning

Leatherhead to get new cinema and bowling alley?

13 March 2025

A new cinema or bowling alley could “breathe new life” into Leatherhead as part of major regeneration plans aimed at “reversing the trend of brands leaving the town”. Plans for … Read More

News

Jane Wilson-Howarth visits her Epsom alma mater

13 March 2025

North East Surrey College of Technology (Nescot) welcomed Jane Wilson-Howarth, world renowned physician, author, zoologist and an authority on travel health to the college yesterday. Jane inspired and motivated our … Read More

Community Volunteers

Epsom Runner’s Tribute to Sister Raises Over £22,000 for Epilepsy Charity

13 March 2025

An Epsom man has completed an extraordinary fundraising challenge in memory of his sister, raising more than £22,000 for national charity Epilepsy Action. Barry Ahearn, from Epsom, ran 27 half-marathons … Read More

Council Housing Planning

Dorking’s Green Gap narrowing

13 March 2025

Homes will be built on the former green belt gateway into Dorking – forever changing the character of the picturesque town. Plans to turn more than eight hectares on the … Read More

Arts

Local Choral group tackles global disruption

13 March 2025

In a world of disruption and disharmony, Ashtead Choral Society provided something of an antidote in our concert Harmonies of Humanity on 8 March at St Martin’s Church in Epsom. … Read More

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March is concert season at St Martin’s Church, Epsom. Between Ashtead Choral Society on the 8th and Epsom Chamber Choir on the 29th, Epsom Choral Society took their turn on March 15th, with a programme of two favourite pieces from the classical period, performed just the way everybody likes them.

Haydn’s Mass in Time of Troubles, nicknamed in honour of Lord Nelson, has its moments of subtlety and reflection, but when the string orchestra and solo quartet get augmented with trumpets and timpani, it needs a full choral society sound to rise above it and deliver the dramatic moments too.

Conductor Julian Collings likes tempi fast, making the most of the English Sinfonietta, whose string players’ fingers moved so perfectly together they could have been attached to a giant pantograph. That meant the singers, too, had to know their parts thoroughly beforehand—well enough to keep up with the speed of both cascades of notes and a whole booklet of Latin words.

Mozart’s Solemn Vespers covers five whole psalms before the more familiar text of Magnificat, and the words span many human experiences—from justice, compassion, and almsgiving to footstools and skulls. Their weekly practices for the two preceding months had been well spent.

The piece they knew best was the bijou motet Ave Verum Corpus, which they all sang from memory. That meant they could rise and fall musically as one instrument and stay together during the conductor’s extensive rallentando between the two stanzas. The odd forgotten note length matters not at all when the ensemble improves by a leap.

Hearing pieces as familiar as Ave Verum Corpus or Laudate Dominum, the fifth of those Vespers psalms, I am reminded of other times I’ve heard or sung them myself. Next time I hear Laudate Dominum, I shall enjoy being reminded of this performance. Eleanor Pennell-Briggs’ soprano voice has a liquid agility that nourishes every note. Meanwhile, the accompanying choral forces took care to supply the harmony without ever being overpowering.

However easy they were for the listener, these classical-period works pose challenges for the singer. At some distance from the conductor, the basses and tenors did well to keep up with his faster tempi. Everyone had to contend with tricks like tuning odd intervals in the many fugal passages, singing on the beat while the orchestra played off it, or vice versa, and at times, half the choir having to sing a whole movement a few beats behind the other half.

The opening Haydn motet Insanae et Vanae Curae was the only appearance of the main church organ, played by Peter Jaekel. He found some rich and sonorous colours during the outer sections. I always enjoy his playing, but the choir couldn’t quite match his volume. They wisely had to keep enough in reserve for the longer pieces to follow.

Near the end of the Nelson Mass is a minor-key Benedictus movement, with martial trumpets and drums. I was glad to hear the sopranos still had the power to confidently scale past the top of the clef, wholly in the spirit of a ‘time of troubles.’ Likewise, the altos were prepared for some telling moments in the concluding movement of the Creed.

The other three soloists had less chance for display than the soprano. Gavin Horsley sang a prayerful Qui tollis, asking gently for Jesus’ mercy. Beth Moxon demonstrated that she could keep projecting even at the lower realms of a mezzo’s range. In brief solo moments, Paul Hopwood showed signs that he would be comfortable in an even larger venue than St Martin’s Church. All showed delightful awareness of the others during ensemble moments.

The concert ended with Helen Phillips, the choir’s chairman, thanking the audience for providing the motivation that prompted the musicians to put the effort in, taking great pains to make it sound easy. It was a duty I, and all in the building, were very happy to perform.

Nigel Williams

Photo: Epsom Choral Society at St Martin’s Church. Credit Clive Richardson

Guildford City 1-0 Epsom and Ewell FC. Combined Counties League – Premier Division South. Wednesday 12th March.

We made the short journey to the Spectrum Football Ground on Wednesday to play out a 1-0 loss against Guildford who, despite having a player sent off just before half time, proved to be the better team over the 90 minutes.

The game started slowly with neither side really taking control in the opening 20 minutes, although Guildford registered their first shots which both went wide. The first shot on target for either team came in the 33rd minute when we lost the ball on the right flank in our own half, and after a poor clearance the ball came back in and was headed weakly to Sami Nabbad in goal for a simple catch.

This brought a small patch of intensity to the game for the next five minutes as Guildford had a shot from the edge of the box which ricocheted off the outside of our near post. It was now our turn to attack, which we did with good passing on the left wing between Luke Miller and Kionte Gillfillian-Waul who crossed for Jason Bloor to miss narrowly to the Guildford keeper Jacob Terry’s right.

Almost on the stroke of half-time, a ball forward was claimed outside of the box by Terry under pressure from Bloor. This was deemed to be worthy of a red card by the ref after a brief discussion with his assistant which meant that Guildford would have to play the second half with ten men and that Alex Stingelin would replace Terry in goal as well.

Although Guildford had shaded the first half, having more possession and shots, I felt that we had the better chance in the second half with the man advantage. Our first impact in the second half was through a free kick that we were awarded after Bloor was fouled about 25 yards out. Miller took the free kick and it was saved low to Stingelin’s right.

Their goal came in the 62nd minute when Darrell Jon-Peter spotted Nabbad off his line and lobbed the ball over him from 40 yards. This was one of their first decent chances of the half and also one of their last as we created more chances with the extra player. We made our first substitution at that time with Sean-Michael Anderson coming on for Niall Stillwell who had been given 60 minutes as a right winger.

We had another good chance on the 70-minute mark when Adam Green played a deep ball into the box which led to a shot that was deflected onto the bar and over. In the next 10 minutes we had good chances that weren’t taken as we had two shots and two corners that didn’t test Stingelin in goal

We made two more subs with Anthony Nazareth and Conrad Essilfie-Conduah replacing Stefan Aiwone and Craig Dundas respectively. We then needed to make a fourth substitution as a result of a high tackle on Nicholas Bostan who made way for Toby Young to make his first appearance in months after injury. The challenge earnt itself a yellow card for Jon-Peter although a fan who was much closer than me said that he should have seen red for it.

From this point on  we recorded several chances throughout the resultant ten additional minutes, with some shots on target and a couple that missed by a fair distance. We finished the stronger side but it wasn’t enough to score against a defensively strong Guildford side who definitely earnt their clean sheet from this game.

So where does this leave us? We are still in 18th place after our loss, four points clear of Balham with four games in hand. As we have played the joint lowest number of games in the league this season, we could still mathematically finish anywhere between 6th and 20th but with our last six games all being lost we are in bad form which must change.

Epsom & Ewell: Sami Nabbad, Ethan Brazier, Kionte Gillfillian-Waul, Adam Green (c), Stefan Aiwone, Nicolas Bostan, Niall Stillwell, Craig Dundas, Carl Oblitey, Jason Bloor, Luke Miller

Subs: Sean-Michael Anderson for Stillwell (63), Anthony Nazareth for Aiwone (78), Conrad Essilfie-Conduah for Dundas (81), Toby Young for Bostan (89)

Report Source: www.eefconline.co.uk
Reporter: Nathan Lambert