Christmas cheer filled the halls of City of London Freeman’s School (CLFS) as over 90 guests, pupils, staff, and friends from the Refugee Buddy Club gathered for a heartwarming Seasonal Celebration dinner. The event, held in partnership with the Epsom & Ewell Refugee Network, celebrated friendship and marked the spirit of the festive season.

This joyful evening also highlighted the success of the Refugee Buddy Club, which has been running at CLFS for two years. The club provides an invaluable space for refugee children and their families, offering not only practical support but also vital friendship and connection. Students at CLFS are paired with refugee children as “buddies,” helping them with homework, fostering confidence, and most importantly, creating genuine bonds.

“Many refugee children face challenges making friends at school and often experience isolation and bullying,” said Jo Sherring of Epsom & Ewell Refugee Network. “The Buddy Club is a safe and welcoming environment where these young people can form meaningful relationships with peers who are eager to support them. The impact is profound.”

The Refugee Buddy Club also runs English classes for parents, making it a family-centered initiative. Transportation is provided to ensure all families can attend, reflecting the school’s deep commitment to inclusivity. The programme supports families from Afghanistan, Ukraine, Syria, and other conflict-affected countries.

The Seasonal Celebration dinner was a true testament to the power of community, showcasing how collective efforts can transform lives. The Epsom & Ewell Refugee Network expressed their gratitude to CLFS for their unwavering dedication to fostering hope and friendship among refugee families.

Epsom and Ewell Times Neutrality Council Annual Report.

The unedited and full responses from members of the Neutrality Council together with our response can be read HERE

Introduction: The Epsom and Ewell Times (EET) established the Neutrality Council to provide an independent assessment of its political neutrality. The council consists of representatives from the main political affiliations. The following sections summarise the contributions of each member.

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Contribution from Robert Leach – Residents Association

1. Overall neutrality rating: 10/10.
2. Fair representation of political viewpoints: Yes.
3. Instances of bias: None noted.
4. Fair representation of Residents’ Associations: Yes.
5. Handling of controversial issues: “Well.”
6. Reporting quality: Moderate, with a noted lack of council item coverage and human interest stories.
7. Separation of opinion and news: Yes.
8. Coverage of local community issues: Fair, with potential for increased diversity.
9. Suggestions: Expand reporting to include information from other organizations and businesses.

Response from EET: We thank Robert for his detailed feedback and positive remarks regarding neutrality and representation. We aim to address the need for more council coverage, human interest stories, and broader engagement with local organizations.

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Contribution from Alison Kelly – Liberal Democrats

1. Neutrality rating: 9/10.
2. Fair representation of political viewpoints: Yes, with occasional gaps due to lack of comments from opposition.
3. Bias instances: None significant but noted balance could improve in regional coverage.
4. Handling of controversial issues: Factual and balanced.
5. Reporting quality: High, with engaging content like “Opinion Polls” and “The Strange Maths.”
6. Community engagement: Effective, with suggestions to include faith groups and increase coverage in the North Borough.
7. Suggestions: Extend coverage to faith organizations like the Hook Road Islamic Centre.

Response from EET: We appreciate Alison’s thoughtful analysis and actionable suggestions, particularly regarding faith groups and geographic coverage. These insights are invaluable as we expand our community engagement efforts.

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Contribution from Mark Todd – Labour

1. Neutrality rating: 9/10.
2. Fair representation: Yes, with balanced representation of political viewpoints.
3. Instances of bias: None observed.
4. Coverage of controversial issues: Well-handled.
5. Reporting quality: Exceptional, especially on elections and green belt issues.
6. Community engagement: Effective and inclusive.
7. Suggestions: None; praised as an “amazing community newspaper.”

Response from EET: Mark’s praise for our coverage of elections and green belt issues is encouraging. We remain committed to delivering high-quality reporting on critical community matters.

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Contribution from Emma Ware – Conservative

Emma expressed dissatisfaction with the perceived bias toward the Liberal Democrats and anti-green belt campaigners. She cited specific articles as examples of bias:

1. “Belted up on Green Belt” (15 January 2024): Allegedly one-sided with minimal counterarguments.
2. “Democracy at Work or Strange Mathematics” (July 2024): Criticized for unsupported assertions.
3. “Surrey Lib Dems Majority Tale on Thames Water” (July 2023): Lacked context, appeared biased.
4. “Local MP Comes to Our Defence” (September 2024): Claimed biased language.
5. “Epsom Pensioners Gather Less Winter Fuel Pay” (30 September 2024): Inappropriate imagery and unsubstantiated quotes.
6. “Surrey Schools Kids Country Walk” (November 2024): Pejorative language. [Ed: This was a BBC report.]
7. “Epsom Town as a Safe Place to Live”: Exaggerated comparisons and unsupported assertions.

Response from EET: We regret Emma’s dissatisfaction and take her concerns seriously. While our intention is always to provide balanced reporting, we acknowledge where improvements can be made, such as ensuring better context and avoiding inappropriate imagery. We remain open to constructive input and encourage diverse contributions from all community members.

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Conclusion: The Neutrality Council has provided a diverse range of insights into the performance of the Epsom and Ewell Times over the past year. While the majority view reflects favourably on our efforts, we recognise that there is always room for growth. We thank each member for their time, dedication, and honest assessments.

As always, we welcome further feedback from our readers and the wider community. Transparency and accountability remain at the heart of everything we do.

The unedited and full responses from members of the Neutrality Council can be read HERE

Here we reprint the contributions of the four members of the Epsom and Ewell Times Neutrality Council in full.

EPSOM & EWELL TIMES Neutrality Council

Epsom and Ewell Times admin@epsomandewelltimes.com
12 October 2024 at 01:22

To: Robert Leach (Residents Association), Emma Ware (Conservative), Mark Todd (Labour), Alison Kelly (Liberal Democrat)

Dear Member of the Epsom and Ewell Times “Neutrality Council”,

By way of reminder, here is the link to our public announcement on the creation of the Council.

Below is a set of questions that may assist in guiding your appraisal. It is not mandatory, but if followed, there will be a consistency of approach that may make easier reading for the public.

We ask you to bear in mind during your appraisal that we are all unpaid volunteers, save for the contributions from the BBC’s Local Democracy Reporting Service (Emily Dalton, Emily Coady-Stemp, and Chris Caulfield). Also, we ask you to bear in mind that persons and parties in power can expect greater scrutiny than those who are not.

We ask you to complete your appraisals by the end of this month of October with a view to publication in November.

Thank you very much indeed.

Epsom and Ewell Times

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Robert Leach – Residents Association

14 October 2024 at 16:03

1. Overall neutrality rating: 10/10.
2. Fair representation of political viewpoints: Yes.
3. Instances of bias: No.
4. Fair representation of Residents’ Associations: Yes.
5. Handling of controversial issues: Well.
6. Reporting quality: Moderate. Many council items are not covered, and there is little human interest or coverage of other EE events.
7. Separation of opinion and news: Yes.
8. Coverage of local community issues: Fair. See comments for 6.
9. Suggestions: The paper is very good and fair. I believe there is much more that could be reported. Perhaps other organisations and businesses could be encouraged to provide info.
10. Additional comments: Although not asked, I believe I have been fairly reported as a councillor.

Kind regards,
Robert Leach

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Alison Kelly – Liberal Democrat

16 October 2024 at 14:41

1. Overall neutrality rating: 9/10.
2. Fair representation of political viewpoints: Clearly attributes quotes in reports on council meetings and tries to include a view from each party. Most instances where there is no opposition opinion, it was because they made no comment.
3. Instances of bias: None stood out. Some felt less mention of Lib Dem comments in areas like Mole Valley could improve balance.
4. Fair representation of Residents’ Associations: As the ruling group, they seem to get a good hearing.
5. Handling of controversial issues: You reach out for opinions and tend to remain factual rather than showing political bias.
6. Reporting quality: Editorial content is limited but strong. Liked “Opinion Polls” and “The Strange Maths.”
7. Separation of opinion and news: None that caused concerns.
8. Coverage of community issues: Effective and relevant, though less coverage seen in the North Borough.
9. Suggestions: Consider including more on faith groups and their activities. The Hook Road Islamic Centre revamp could be an interesting feature.
10. Additional comments: Generally find the paper useful, interesting, and balanced.

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Mark Todd – Labour

9 November 2024 at 16:27

1. Overall neutrality rating: 9/10.
2. Fair representation of political viewpoints: Yes. I think everyone has been fairly represented.
3. Instances of bias: None observed.
4. Fair representation of Residents’ Associations: Yes.
5. Handling of controversial issues: Well done.
6. Reporting quality: Exceptional, particularly on elections and green belt issues. Hustings coverage was a triumph.
7. Separation of opinion and news: Yes.
8. Coverage of community issues: Adequate and diverse.
9. Suggestions: No suggestions. Congratulations on an amazing community newspaper.

---

Emma Ware – Conservative

20 November 2024 at 16:11

It is with a heavy heart that I have to admit I have stopped reading the Epsom & Ewell Times, so I don’t feel able to answer your detailed questions. I stopped shortly after the election because, in my opinion, it has become a mouthpiece for the Liberal Democrats and to a lesser extent, the anti-green belt campaigners.

Here are seven examples of clear bias in favour of the Lib Dems and unsupported political opinions masquerading as facts:

1. “Belted up on Green Belt” (15 January 2024): Felt one-sided with limited counterarguments and no context for affordable housing shortages.
2. “Democracy at Work or Strange Mathematics” (July 2024): Contained unsupported assertions and lacked global economic context.
3. “Surrey Lib Dems Majority Tale on Thames Water” (July 2023): Used pejorative language with no explanation of long-term trends.
4. “Local MP Comes to Our Defence” (September 2024): Headline and article tone were biased.
5. “Epsom Pensioners Gather Less Winter Fuel Pay” (30 September 2024): The image was inappropriate, and the claims were unsubstantiated.
6. “Surrey School Kids Country Walk” (November 2024): Descriptions of the Conservative-controlled County Council were overly pejorative. [Ed: This was a BBC report.]
7. “Epsom Town as a Safe Place to Live”: Over-the-top comparisons and unsupported assertions.

Thanks,
Emma Ware

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Editor to Emma Ware

Thank you very much.

I appreciate all the comments you make and just want to be certain that you are content for them to be published in full?

It is proving to be challenging to sustain a perfectly balanced micro-sized local news service that seeks to serve the public interest in holding civic powers to account.  The previous news services in Epsom and Ewell died over 20 years ago due to the cost of print and journalists. Epsom and Ewell Times joins a growing number of “indies” up and down the country that rely on the volunteer “citizen contributor” model. 

“For the community, by the community” effectively means our content reflects the community’s input. There maybe the appearance of imbalance arising from the choice or time constraints of other voices. We constantly appeal for more contributors.

The point I am making is that anyone with a criticism or disagreement with any of our published content is always welcome to contribute and within reason will be published. Equally other voices can initiate content.

I am a little surprised you should accuse EET of being a LibDem “mouthpiece” following our very fair and balanced coverage of the General Election candidates. 

When Chris was MP we never criticised him and published a number of “Westminster Views” penned by him. Now we have a new and first ever female MP, she was surely entitled to a little honeymoon?  And that is over as shown by our publication of a critical letter on her position on the location of a new hospital.

I am not inviting you to re-think but I have to say I think your criticisms are somewhat selective and overall very harsh and they are not shared by the others, including the RA.

Kind regards,
Epsom and Ewell Times

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Epsom and Ewell Times adds we have published numerous press releases from Conservative run Surrey County Council extolling its achievements with extensive quotes from Conservative Councillors. We have also frequently quoted Epsom and Ewell’s two Conservative Borough Councillors, Bernie Muir and Kieran Persand and hinted at no criticism of their efforts and service.

We hope Emma Ware’s reaction post 4th July will not deter a new Conservative undertaking the role of membership of our Neutrality Council.

Two mass settings in the same concert – too much of the same thing or the starting point for a creative programme of music?

During his time as music director of Epsom Chamber Choir, Jack Apperley has demonstrated a flair for devising intriguing programmes, whose themes emerge as you listen and learn about the music, revealing fascinating links that stitch the pieces together in interesting and often surprising ways.

In Saturday evening’s concert at St Martin’s Church in Epsom, we were invited to compare and contrast the mass settings of two composers, Stravinsky and Bruckner – the same liturgical texts but different musical language; the same instrumental forces but different ways of using timbres of woodwind and brass to accompany the choral textures. More on these pieces later but, linking them to the present, Peter Burton, a member of Epsom Chamber Choir, deliberately used the same forces in his setting of words from Psalm 19, “The heavens declare the glory of God”, which opened the concert. Peter captured the essence of the Psalmists’ words in music which expressed awe and wonder through a series of luminous chords before growing to a soaring climax.

The influence of Mozart then emerged as one of the programme’s themes in the next piece, Jonathan Dove’s Movements from Figures in the Garden. Commissioned by Glyndebourne for their 1991 Mozart bicentenary celebrations, this wind serenade was designed to be played outdoors before a performance of The Marriage of Figaro. Each movement subtly weaves snippets of arias, recitatives and musical phrases from the opera into more abstract musical textures, causing a ripple of amusement at moments of recognition amongst both the players (Chameleon Arts Wind Ensemble) and audience.

We then learned from Jack’s introduction that Stravinsky had spent much time listening to Mozart’s Missa Brevis during the period 1944 – 1948, when he was writing his mass setting. It is not easy to tell what effect this may have had on him but we can certainly hear the influence of Stravinsky’s Russian Orthodox faith in the syllabic setting of much of the text, especially in the Credo. The choir’s excellent clear diction made this particularly effective. The final a cappella ‘Amen’, sung with great beauty and stillness, brought a peaceful sense of calm to the close of the first half of the concert.

The second half took us from Stravinsky’s rather austere neo-classical style to the more lush, romantic sound world of Bruckner and the choir embraced this shift with delight. There was a good sense of ensemble and balance between the players and singers and a palpable sensitivity to the text. Particularly beautiful were the close harmony exchanges between a cappella female then male voices in the Qui tollis and Benedictus passages, where intonation and balance between the voices was flawless. Other highlights were the radiant beauty of the Crucifixus and the perfectly executed suspensions at ‘miserere’ in the Agnus Dei.

Two mass settings framing a varied musical menu and subtly woven themes: this was a creative programme that both challenged and delighted. I’m looking forward to the next one!

Carolyn Boulding

Council Housing Planning

Conflict on Epsom’s Green Belt plans of another kind?

19 November 2024

On the eve of an important meeting of the Licensing, Planning and Policy Committee on the future of the Borough’s Local Plan, housing and Green Belt development, Epsom & Ewell … Read More

Business News

Epsom and Ewell business Oscars night

19 November 2024

Last night Epsom Social in the Epsom Square hosted the Oscars of local businesses. The annual Epsom and Ewell Business Awards recognised excellence in 9 categories with the cafe in … Read More

Council Housing Planning

Epsom Civic Society say Local Plan should be agreed on Wednesday

18 November 2024

The Epsom Civic Society (ECS) (motto being “Shaping the future, safeguarding the past”) has urged councillors to support the borough’s draft Local Plan, warning of the risks associated with further … Read More

Nature News Planning

Proposed Battery Energy Storage System Near Ashtead Common Faces Objections

18 November 2024

Plans to install a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) near Ashtead Common have sparked significant opposition from local conservation groups and residents. The proposed facility, intended to support renewable energy … Read More

Community Education News

Epsom Schools Unite for Children in Need

18 November 2024

Schools across Epsom and Ewell, along with Banstead, joined forces to support this year’s Children in Need appeal, raising impressive amounts through creative and engaging activities. Danetree Primary School – … Read More

Football Sports

League victory takes Epsom & Ewell up 3 places

17 November 2024

Cobham 1-2 Epsom and Ewell. Combined Counties League – Premier Division South. Saturday 16th November 2024 Momentum is a funny thing! At times this season, we have found ways to … Read More

Arts Culture News

Epsom born baritone to bring requiem to life

17 November 2024

Epsom-born baritone Mark Nathan will feature as one of the soloists in Verdi’s Requiem, performed by the Epsom Choral Society on Saturday, 23rd November at 7:30 pm at St Martin’s … Read More

Community Council Sports

Epsom Council Delivers Spinning Back Kick to Nam Yang Martial Arts Centre

16 November 2024

In a contentious meeting on 12th November, Epsom and Ewell Borough Council’s Strategy and Resources (S&R) Committee rejected a £161,250 funding bid for the Nam Yang Martial Arts Centre, reversing … Read More

Council Finances Housing

Pods off in bricks grant for Epsom homeless

16 November 2024

Epsom and Ewell Borough Council (EEBC) will receive £1,493,250 in one-off funding from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to help tackle its spending on homeless families. The … Read More

Arts Community Council

Bourne Hall’s Christmas Supremacy

15 November 2024

Visit Bourne Hall from 30 November – 21 December for a whole host of festivities this Christmas. The celebrations kick off at 2pm on 30 November at the Christmas Lights … Read More

Council Finances

Mole Valley Bankruptcy warning

15 November 2024

Mole Valley District Council is facing bankruptcy and must make “very difficult decisions” over the future of its services. The bleak warning came during the Tuesday, November 12 scrutiny committee when the … Read More

Council Transport

Surrey showing true grit for winter roads

15 November 2024

Surrey’s team of gritter drivers are now available 24/7 to help keep residents moving during the colder months. Our 39 state-of-the art gritting vehicles are ready to grit the county’s … Read More

Community Nature Volunteers

Let’s think about Spring!

14 November 2024

Residents of Cuddington ward held a community bulb plant on the 9th of November, thanks to fantastic local volunteers. Help from RA Surrey Councillor Eber Kington via an allocation from … Read More

Last night Epsom Social in the Epsom Square hosted the Oscars of local businesses. The annual Epsom and Ewell Business Awards recognised excellence in 9 categories with the cafe in the park “Park View” scooping the Best Overall Winner. The Mayor of Epsom and Ewell Steve Bridger bestowing the final prize.

Another notable winner (pictured above) was Emily Fry. A local artist with an extensive portfolio of styles and genres. “A key mission of my art is to create unique and passionate work that personally touches my clients. My most common enquiry is pet commissions. With a photo of your beloved companion I will transform them into a unique, personal piece of art. Despite this I am able paint anything from people to animals, cars to trains, buildings to landscapes. I really enjoy having the ability to produce any piece of artwork which means so much to my client.”

The full line up of winners. First in bold the winner and runners up in no order below the winner.

The Sponsors:

EPSOM & EWELL BOROUGH COUNCIL, EPSOM DOWNS RACECOURSE, EPSOM SQUARE, GO EPSOM, NESCOT, AMBER GROUP, THE FEDERATION OF SMALL BUSINESSES and TWM SOLICITORS.

Judging Panel:

CLLR NEIL DALLEN, Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, JULIE KAPSALIS Chief Executive & Principal at NESCOT, JACKIE KING Chief Executive, Epsom & Ewell Borough Council. KAREN PENGELLY Epsom Bid Manager, PAUL TAYLOR What’s on in Epsom, LEE WIDDOWS University for the Creative Arts, MARY ZOELLER Deputy Lieutenant

Award Categories & Finalists:

BEST RETAIL BUSINESS – Sponsored by Epsom Square:

Randy Cow
Camille
The Secret Garden

BEST INDEPENDENT BUSINESS – Sponsored by Federation of Small Businesses:

Emily Fry Art
Grow Cook Enjoy
The Secret Garden

BEST ENTREPRENEUR -Sponsored by Epsom & Ewell Borough Council:

Dave Weller of Randy Cow
Yolanda Artal
Itay & Zia Zilkha

BEST BUSINESS FOR CUSTOMER SERVICE -Sponsored by Amber Group:

Snipperty Do Dahs
Cronos Protection Ltd.
The Personal Agent

COMMITMENT TO THE COMMUNITY – Sponsored by TWM Solicitors:

The Well Being Therapy Hut
All Things Nice
NEAT

BEST BUSINESS FOR FOOD & HOSPITALITY – Sponsored by Epsom Downs Racecourse:

Park View Café
Kornetto
The Secret Garden

BEST BUSINESS FOR HEALTH & BEAUTY – Sponsored by Nescot:

Honey & Bamboo
Aphrodite Aesthetics
Snipperty Do Dahs

GO EPSOM BEST BUSINESS IN EPSOM TOWN CENTRE – Sponsored by GO Epsom:

Epsom Picturehouse
Epsom Foot Care
White House Health and Wellness Centre

BEST OVERALL WINNER:

PARK VIEW

Epsom-born baritone Mark Nathan will feature as one of the soloists in Verdi’s Requiem, performed by the Epsom Choral Society on Saturday, 23rd November at 7:30 pm at St Martin’s Church, Epsom. Known for his commanding stage presence and dynamic voice, Mark is delighted to perform this dramatic piece with his hometown choir.

Mark Nathan has earned acclaim for roles across opera stages in the UK and Europe. A former Emerging Artist with the Scottish Opera, he has captivated audiences as Joseph de Rocher in Dead Man Walking (Royal Conservatoire of Scotland), which garnered praise for his intense portrayal and powerful baritone. His notable performances also include Schaunard in La Bohème Maximilian in Candide, with Welsh National Opera, Giuseppi in Scottish Opera’s The Gondoliers which was televised for BBCTV, the title role of Don Giovanni with Opera Loki, and roles with Garsingto Opera, Waterperry Opera. Critics have celebrated his performances as “commanding” and “emotionally rich,” and he continues to expand his repertoire with roles for Scottish Opera and English Touring Opera this season.

In addition to his operatic work, Mark is an accomplished concert soloist, with oratorio performances that include Vaughan Williams’ Five Mystical Songs, Fauré’s Requiem, and Saint-Saëns’ Requiem. His versatility and vocal warmth make him an ideal choice for Verdi’s Requiem, a piece known for its dramatic intensity and sweeping emotional range.

“Performing Verdi’s Requiem with the Epsom Choral Society in my hometown is very special,” said Mark Nathan. “The power and emotional depth of this music are incomparable, and to share this experience with my community is a privilege.”

This special performance by the Epsom Choral Society uses an innovative arrangement by Michael Betzner-Brandt, making Verdi’s Requiem more accessible for local ensembles without sacrificing its grandeur. For Mark, who has returned to his roots in Epsom, the opportunity to perform this iconic piece with the Epsom Choral Society is especially
meaningful.

For tickets and more details on this powerful evening of music, please visit the Epsom Choral Society website

www.epsomchoral.org.uk .

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, 23rd November 2024
• Time: 7:30 pm
• Location: St Martin’s Church, Church Street, Epsom KT17 4PX
• Tickets: Available online https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/epsom-choral-society/t-
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Residents of Cuddington ward held a community bulb plant on the 9th of November, thanks to fantastic local volunteers. Help from RA Surrey Councillor Eber Kington via an allocation from Your Fund Surrey, plus a generous crocus donation from Wandgas Sports and Social Club, enabled Councillor Kim Spickett (RA Cuddington) to obtain enough spring bulbs for three streets. “We have been planting bulbs in various locations in the ward for the last three years. The aim is to have spring colour and happy bees in every street, so we tackle a new area each Autumn. It is great exercise and a wonderful way to meet your neighbours”.

The streetscape around Wandgas has been planted with Crocus tommasinianus Whitewell Purple, a good match for the club kit colours.

Kim said “All our pollinating insects are fans of Wandgas cricket and football – now they will have somewhere to enjoy half-time refreshments”.

In the surrounding streets, Kim, volunteer residents of all ages, RA Surrey and EEBC Councillor Steven McCormick plus the Wandgas team planted “Tenby” daffodils and early snowdrops.

The bulbs will ensure a boost for wildlife and some neighbourhood cheer after a long winter.

MAIN PHOTO, LEFT TO RIGHT: Wandgas Club Secretary Gary, President Chris, Managers Alison and David, Paul. INSET PHOTOS: volunteer Nicky’s snap of the volunteers in action and examples of the flowers to expect during Spring 2025

Kim is also chair of Surrey’s Wildflowering Project. They have groups all over Surrey, bringing native planting and people together.

Council Housing Planning

Epsom and Ewell Green Belt battle lines drawing near

13 November 2024

The latest draft of the Local Plan has just been revealed. The headline news is that the housing target has been significantly reduced by omitting the Ewell East Station Green … Read More

Community Letters Transport

Has Epsom’s new MP missed the bus to a new hospital?

12 November 2024

Dear Editor, Our new MP Helen Maguire has supported the construction of a new hospital, complete with an accident and emergency (A&E) department, near the Royal Marsden Hospital in the … Read More

Education News

Surrey Uni to research mono-syllabic complexity

12 November 2024

The University of Surrey is part of an international team of researchers that has been awarded £8.3 million to better understand human language by researching one of the world’s most … Read More

Council Education Transport

Surrey school kids’ country walk saving money

12 November 2024

Children have been told they can walk 4.9km through fields and over an unguarded railway line by Surrey County Council bureaucrats who cancelled their free bus passes. The decision has left their … Read More

Football Sports

Epsom and Ewell FC progress in FA Vase

10 November 2024

Epsom and Ewell 2-0 North Greenford United. Isuzu F.A. Vase – Second Round. Saturday 9th November 2024. It’s official! This is now definitely a Vase run! We may have had … Read More

Environment News Planning

Surrey University to get a third of its power from the Sun

10 November 2024

Permission has been granted for The University of Surrey to build a solar farm on green belt land. The scheme will provide the university with 34 per cent of its … Read More

News Planning Policing

Surrey Police HQ redesign will quieten the dogs

10 November 2024

Plans to redevelop Surrey Police headquarters, at Mount Browne, have been given the go-ahead. The changes also include a new access road which the Force say will speed up response … Read More

Business Education News

Epsom and Ewell College wins Surrey’s employer of the year

10 November 2024

Nescot college in Reigate Road, Ewell, won “Employer of the Year’ at the Surrey Business Awards last night, against some stiff competition. (NESCOT stands for North-East Surrey College of Technology.) … Read More

Council Housing Planning

Did a fair view prevail on Epsom’s modular homes for the homeless?

9 November 2024

The decision by Epsom & Ewell Borough Council 7th November to approve three modular homes for temporary accommodation on Fairview Road has ignited a fierce debate. The council framed this … Read More

Community News Volunteers

Sir Ed supporting Epsom based Ukraine charities

8 November 2024

Today, Sir Ed Davey MP, leader of the resurgent Liberal Democrat Party, accompanied by Epsom and Ewell MP Helen Maguire, visited the “Ukraine Hub”. Offices generously provided by the owners … Read More

News Policing

High price of Surrey police officer’s false report

8 November 2024

An ex-police officer has been banned from the profession after she “maliciously” made a “false” complaint about child sexual abuse to the NSPCC, a misconduct hearing has ruled. The former … Read More

Community Council

Surrey needs more foster carers

7 November 2024

Fostering can mean everything to those involved; that is the message of a powerful new fostering film from over 100 councils.  ‘Everything’, a new fostering recruitment fil

Dear Editor,

Our new MP Helen Maguire has supported the construction of a new hospital, complete with an accident and emergency (A&E) department, near the Royal Marsden Hospital in the southern area of Sutton. [See Epsom and Ewell Times 12th October 2024 “Public meeting about Epsom Hospital future“].

While well-intentioned, her recommendation seems to miss a significant concern shared by residents in Epsom, Ewell, and much of Sutton: accessibility.

The current sites—Epsom Hospital and St Helier Hospital—are better served by public transport than the proposed location near the Royal Marsden, which lacks convenient train and bus links. Moving our local A&E services to this “public transport desert” would place a greater burden on people relying on public transport, particularly those without access to a car.

Epsom Hospital, for example, is within walking distance of Epsom Station (though it’s still a 20-minute walk). It is served by several bus routes, including:

• E5 (Langley Vale – Epsom – Watersedge): every 30 minutes from Epsom Clock Tower, though it only passes the hospital every two hours.
• 166 (Epsom Hospital – Epsom – Banstead – West Croydon): an hourly service from Monday to Saturday, no service on Sunday.
• 293 (Epsom Hospital – Epsom – North Cheam – Morden): every 20 minutes during peak times.
• 408 (Epsom – Ashtead – Leatherhead – Cobham): runs approximately every hour on weekdays.
• 479 (Epsom – Ashtead – Leatherhead – Guildford): every 30 minutes at peak times.

St Helier Hospital, also in Sutton, has additional connections:

• 151 (Wallington – Sutton – Worcester Park): every 10 minutes peak.
• 157 (Morden – Croydon – Crystal Palace): every 12 minutes peak.
• S1 (Mitcham – Sutton – Banstead via Wrythe Lane): every 20 minutes peak.
• S4 (Roundshaw – Wallington – Sutton – St Helier): every 30 minutes peak.
• Other services such as the 154, 164, and 280 serve nearby areas, with buses stopping outside or near the hospital.

In contrast, public transportation from Epsom Clock Tower to the Royal Marsden site involves multiple transfers. A trip requires at least two or three buses, such as the S2, S4, 293, SL7, and S4, taking anywhere from 45 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes depending on timings. For many, this could be inconvenient, time-consuming, and impractical—especially in emergencies.

For residents reliant on public transportation, moving A&E services to a poorly connected area would be disruptive. We should seek solutions that keep healthcare accessible and ensure that those who need urgent care can get there quickly. I urge our MP and local authorities to consider this reality as they deliberate on the future of our local healthcare services.

Yours faithfully,

Stuart Gosling

Epsom Resident

Today, Sir Ed Davey MP, leader of the resurgent Liberal Democrat Party, accompanied by Epsom and Ewell MP Helen Maguire, visited the “Ukraine Hub”. Offices generously provided by the owners of the Ashley Centre and where Epsom and Ewell Borough Council has waived all business rates.

The premises are home to the Epsom and Ewell Refugee Network and Surrey Stands With Ukraine.

Sir Ed was introduced to the leaders of the refugee network, Nina Kaye and Jo Sherring, who told him of the hardships faced by refugees fleeing persecution and conflict. He saw English classes in session and shook hands with many refugee students.

The Party leader and new MP were given a tour of the Hub and took part in packing winter survival packs for Ukraine. Costing £50 the smart packs contain a gas cooker, a power bank and a flexible re-chargeable torch. Essential items fo civilians effected by the inevitable power outages that will occur this winter throughout Ukraine.

If you wish to donate please visit Surrey Stands With Ukraine and businesses that sponsor full packs will benefit from the charity’s extensive social media coverage.

Sir Ed then helped pack some survival kits and proceeded to help clean walking aids the charity is sending to Ukraine.

The Hub was full of volunteers for both charities who work closely together and a press posse was all around.

Sir Ed undertook a series of interviews with media representatives and fielded questions ranging from the election of Donald Trump to the future for Ukraine.

Image: Sir Ed Davey MP and Helen Maguire MP and Roy Deadman of SSWU in Epsom’s Ukraine HUB

Employers and agencies – submit your job listing on this form

Date applications close	30/01/2026
Start date of employment	02/02/2026
Employer’s name	Hearts of Care Agency Ltd
Work place address	Surrey
Job title	Support Worker
Job Description	Job Title: Health Care Assistant/Support Worker Reporting To: Registered Manager/ Assistant Manager/Senior Healthcare Assistants Main Purpose of the Job  To provide care and other duties as part of the Service User’s individual service/care plan, to a high standard in accordance with company policies and procedures. To ensure residents retain their dignity and individuality.  To provide care in accordance with best practice and legislative requirements, reflecting policies and procedures and agreed standards under the direction of the Senior Carer.  To support and enable service users to maintain skills and personal interests while delivering person-centred care unique to each individual  To maintain skills at a current level and undertake such training and development as required, from time-to-time, to maintain and progress knowledge
Salary information	from £15 per hour dependant on care package
Website if any	www.heartsofcareagency.co.uk
Name of employer’s contact	Stracey Rile
Employer’s email or other contact link

Community News

Epsom and Ewell remembers

6 November 2024

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council is proud to announce that Remembrance Day memorial services, parades and activities will take place to honour those who have died in the service of … Read More

Council Housing Letters

There is another way to save Epsom’s Green Belt

6 November 2024

Dear Editor, My 12 year old son spoke at the last local council planning meeting, about the importance of not building on the green belt, and I am writing to … Read More

News

Case for dog-walker regulation after death-mauling

4 November 2024

A coroner has raised concerns about the “lack of regulation”, both locally and nationally, after a professional dog walker was mauled to death in a Surrey park. Natasha Johnston, 28, … Read More

Local History News

Attic find fills gap in Epsom local asylum history

4 November 2024

Last Friday saw the return of a singular missing hospital record book. The book contains the medical case book of women admitted to The Manor Hospital between 19 May 1900 … Read More

Community Council News

Epsom & Ewell consults on anti-social behaviour

4 November 2024

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council is calling on the public to take part in their consultation about a proposed Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) from 4 November. The consultation will run … Read More

News Policing

Stolen dog recovered by Surrey Police after 8 years

4 November 2024

After eight long years, a gorgeous Cocker Spaniel called Daisy, who was stolen from her home in Mole Valley back in 2016, has now been reunited with her owners. Daisy, … Read More

Football Sports

Epsom & Ewell FC drowned out by Sheerwater

4 November 2024

Epsom and Ewell 0-3 Sheerwater. Combined Counties League – Premier Division South Saturday 2nd November 2024 On a very mild Saturday afternoon at the KGF Salts fans were hoping for … Read More

Community Faith Health

Warm Wednesdays are back in Epsom

3 November 2024

For the third year running Epsom Methodist Church (EMC) is opening its doors and running itsWarm Wednesdays programme this winter. EMC is just one of the 80 Warm Welcome spacesacross … Read More

Arts Community Local History

Portraits of pauper patients in Epsom’s Horton Cemetery, inspires artist

3 November 2024

Eric Fong is a multimedia artist whose work spans film, photography, sculpture, and installation, often exploring themes of the body, identity, and vulnerability. His unique approach is informed by his … Read More

Council Housing Planning

Another Surrey borough’s Local Plan agony

3 November 2024

More than 800 homes will be built on Surrey green belt land as part of a 15 year plan for 9,270 new properties in the north of the county. It … Read More

Council Editorial Housing

Is Delay Defensible in the Fight to Protect Epsom’s Green Belt?

1 November 2024

As Epsom and Ewell Borough Council deliberates its Local Plan in the face of imminent, significantly higher government housing targets, the council’s slow-paced approach raises crucial questions about its strategy … Read More

Council Housing Planning

Call to Epsom and Ewell Council to speed plan denied

31 October 2024

Nine opposition councillors on Epsom and Ewell Borough Council are calling for an Emergency Full Council Meeting to fast-track the final stages of the borough’s Local Plan amid looming concerns … Read More

Community Council Finances

Surrey support for the “financially challenged”

31 October 2024

Surrey County Council welcomes the extension by government of the Household Support Fund in this year’s Autumn Statement, after 86,000 Surrey households were supported by the fund last year. In … Read More

Education News

Epsom school fined for finger loss

31 October 2024

A school trust in Surrey has been fined after part of a pupil’s finger was amputated. The five-year-old boy, a Year 1 pupil at Danetree Primary School in Epsom, had … Read More

Dear Editor,

My 12 year old son spoke at the last local council planning meeting, about the importance of not building on the green belt, and I am writing to you, as an Epsom and Ewell Stamford ward resident, to echo my agreement. I’ve gone through the Land Assessment and the Draft Local Plan regulation 18, and am very concerned about the future of our green spaces in Epsom and Ewell. 

While I realise there are many ways to work out how many houses to build in Epsom and Ewell, I believe it should be based on how much brownfield space we have, rather than what is possible if we build on the green belt. We obviously need to build social houses (my understanding is that there are about 1,300 families on the waiting list in Epsom and Ewell), and we must do our part with helping to build a proportion of the houses likely to be needed nationally (which the office of national statistics estimates at about a 10% increase over 15 years). The local plan suggests an increase of about 14.5% (on top of 1,300 needed for social houses), so arguably more than we need to build.

I believe an alternative local plan has been sent to the council showing that it is possible to build all the houses we need on brownfield sites identified in the Land Assessment, plus there will be more spaces that become available over the next 15 years. This means that there are no exceptional circumstances in order to justify changing green belt boundaries.

A Reigate and Banstead Green Party councillor, who is also a town planner, gave a talk earlier in the year explaining that if you build on many small brownfield sites (instead of thousands of houses on one green site), you get small, local firms tendering for the work, instead of big developers, so increasing local employment.

I am also concerned that the council is not listening to residents, with their own consultation showing that 87% of respondents are opposed to building on the green belt. And a 12,000 signature petition has been ignored. While I realise there was a concern that not all the people who signed it definitely live in Epsom and Ewell, I think it is very likely that a huge proportion of them do.

Additionally, I feel I cannot leave out how disappointed I am that the Local Plan does not specify energy standards to be met for residential house building. I believe the excuse /explanation for this is the 2022 Local Plan Viability Assessment, which includes some analysis of estimated additional costs to building if various environmental standards are adhered to. I believe that this data is incomplete as it isn’t clear whether it considers the lower cost of running an energy efficient house and the resulting potential impact in the sale price of the property. It also doesn’t compare these figures to the cost of retro-fitting houses, and doesn’t mention the financial cost to the country if we fail to protect ourselves against the worse effects of climate change.

With not acting to remove green belt following the consultation, and dragging the process out, we are now at a point where if we delay any longer, new government rules will mean drastically higher number of houses required to be built in Epsom and Ewell, and could almost wipe out all the green spaces (except The Common) over the next 15 years. Please act quickly to avoid this!

And I cannot stress enough to please remember the importance of increasing green and re-wilded spaces across the UK in order to help mitigate the worst effects of the climate crisis. Green spaces are needed for free and natural carbon sequestration, reducing air pollution, natural flood management, and for our declining wildlife. They are also used as important community spaces, and children’s’ sports, as my son and his friend pointed out in the last planning meeting.

Yours faithfully,

Yvonne Grunwald – Stamford Ward Epsom.

For the third year running Epsom Methodist Church (EMC) is opening its doors and running its
Warm Wednesdays programme this winter. EMC is just one of the 80 Warm Welcome spaces
across Surrey that are open to all residents free of charge and are a place you can pop in to
stay warm, get a hot drink, receive energy advice and much more!

Situated right in the heart of Epsom in Ashley Road, Epsom Methodist Church will be open from
9.30 am to 6pm every Wednesday from 6th November through to the end of March*. We will be
providing hot drinks, hot meals, free wi-fi and friendly company and conversation. Everyone
and anyone is welcome to drop in for five minutes or stay for the whole day – no booking
required.

EMC will also be providing advice on where to go for help with energy bills, benefit problems,
financial and housing issues and obtaining warm goods and emergency support. On some
Wednesdays we will be joined by advisers from Surrey Community Action who will offer help
with keeping energy bills down, dealing with energy providers and claiming benefits such as
Pension Credit.

Each Wednesday from 3.30 pm to 6pm EMC’s Warm Space will take the form of a free after
school club for parents and children. There will be games, crafts and activities before everyone
joins together to share an evening meal together. Again no booking is required.
Lead Organiser, Robert Hill, commented:

“Energy prices have gone back up this autumn and we know some households struggle to pay
their heating bills. Warm Wednesdays not only provides a place where people can stay warm
but they can also find friendship and get practical assistance to help see them through the
winter.

“Epsom Methodist Church is proud to be part of a Surrey-wide effort to support communities
and provide help for those who need it. And it is great to have the backing of the County Council
for what we are doing.

For further information contact Robert Hill on 07802 551636 or email
roberthill.home@icloud.com

Eric Fong is a multimedia artist whose work spans film, photography, sculpture, and installation, often exploring themes of the body, identity, and vulnerability. His unique approach is informed by his background as a former medical doctor, merging art with science and technology.

His latest project, Apparitions, is a series of cyanotype portraits derived from Victorian-era glass plate negatives of pauper patients from the Manor Hospital (part of the Epsom cluster). These haunting images were salvaged after being abandoned in the 1990s and now reside at Surrey History Centre. Fong’s cyanotypes, toned with ivy leaves gathered from the burial site of Horton Cemetery, symbolise the connection between the patients’ bodies and overgrown landscape. This project reclaims the dignity of these long-forgotten individuals and encourages a reflection on mental illness both in the past and today.

You can also view cyanotypes of found Victorian needlework, referencing those made/mended/worn by female patients in Victorian asylums through his Asylum Needlework project.

Keeping with the Asylum photograph theme, Us and Them led by Alana Harris (Department of History at Kings College London), creatively re-imagined 19th-century asylum photographs to highlight issues surrounding disability and challenge how people with disabilities have been portrayed over time.

In partnership with Surrey History Centre, the project unearthed archival photographs taken in local psychiatric institutions and paired them with newly commissioned portraits of the disabled artists. Guided by portrait photographer Emma Brown and oral historian Laura Mitchison, the artists used historical photographic techniques to create new images that provoke questions about ableism, mental health, and representation.

The project culminated in a public exhibition at The Horton Arts Centre in Epsom, where the new and historical photographs were displayed side by side. The exhibition opened to great public interest, sparking important discussions around disability and inclusion.

Surrey History Centre read more….