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18th April 2024

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COUNCIL HOUSING

Climate motion sparks energetic debate in Council

Climate motion sparks energetic debate in Council

In a lively session at Epsom and Ewell Borough Council Tuesday 16th April , councillors engaged in a debate over a motion proposing a significant environmental mandate for future housing developments. … READ MORE

COUNCIL COUNCIL CONSTITUTION

Seeing through transparency in Council Chamber

Seeing through transparency in Council Chamber

In a fullsome debate during the Full Council meeting of Epsom and Ewell Borough Council Tuesday 16th April, members clashed over a motion aimed at enhancing transparency in decision-making processes. The motion, proposed by … READ MORE

COUNCIL PLANNING

Council getting belted by Green Group?

Council getting belted by Green Group?

The Epsom Green Belt Group has submitted a “complaint” to Epsom and Ewell Borough Council, expressing grave concerns over what they perceive as significant failures in the governance, oversight, and … READ MORE

COMMUNITY SPORTS

Something special going on at Epsom baths

Something special going on at Epsom baths

Rainbow Leisure Centre in Epsom has recently started running tailored swimming lessons for children with special needs and disabilities. The sessions – which have proved to be a big hit … READ MORE

NEWS SPORTS

Epsom Karate Kids go global

Epsom Karate Kids go global

The Mo-Ichido England Karate club, nestled in the heart of Horton Country Park, made waves on the international stage as they ventured to Albena on the Black Sea coast of … READ MORE

COUNCIL HEALTH SPORTS

Boxing champions young people in Epsom & Ewell

Boxing champions young people in Epsom & Ewell

A new local boxing programme, led by Epsom & Ewell Borough Council and delivered by Epsom Boxing Academy, saw its first cohort graduate in March. 14 students, referred by local … READ MORE

COUNCIL

Not in Epsom and Ewell but other Surrey elections test the water…

Not in Epsom and Ewell but other Surrey elections test the water…

The fate of 116 council seats in Surrey are up for grabs as voters head to the polls on Thursday, May 2. There are 11 boroughs and districts in the … READ MORE

NEWS POLICING

Epsom and Ewell candidates dominate Police Commissioner election

Epsom and Ewell candidates dominate Police Commissioner election

Nominations have closed in the race to become the next Surrey Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) with four candidates across the parties lined up. Two of the four candidates are … READ MORE

COUNCIL CRIME

Avoid ticket scams this summer

Avoid ticket scams this summer

Residents are being warned to be aware of online ticket scams that are catching out eager concert-goers ahead of the summer.  Surrey Trading Standards is pleased to announce the launch … READ MORE

ARTS EDUCATION

1st generation UCA graduates celebrated

1st generation UCA graduates celebrated

Two graduates from the University for the Creative Arts (UCA) in Epsom, Surrey have been named in Universities UK’s 100 Faces campaign, celebrating the stories and achievements of first-generation students. … READ MORE

FOOTBALL SPORTS

This defeat will not count

This defeat will not count

Epsom & Ewell FC 1-3 Fleet Town. ABANDONED AFTER 55 MINUTES. Combined Counties League – Premier Division. Saturday 13th April 2024. An attendance of around 80 people gathered at the … READ MORE

HEALTH NEWS

Surgery delay after hip break led to death

Surgery delay after hip break led to death

An elderly woman who tragically died after waiting five days for hip surgery prompted a coroner to raise concerns that a hospital is putting patients at risk of an early … READ MORE

NEWS TRANSPORT AND ENVIRONMENT

Surrey Uni works on self-drive safety

Surrey Uni works on self-drive safety

As the UK prepares to introduce legislation that paves the way for self-driving vehicles later this year, scientists and experts led by the University of Surrey have launched a new network to … READ MORE

COUNCIL CRICKET PLANNING SPORTS

Just not cricket to replace Banstead pavilion?

Just not cricket to replace Banstead pavilion?

A long-standing cricket club’s ambitious plans to construct a modern pavilion and expand its facilities have sparked a debate from people that live in the area, saying it would “ruin … READ MORE

COUNCIL EDUCATION PLANNING

New SEND school blocked by Nimby?

New SEND school blocked by Nimby?

A group of Surrey parents say they are “devastated” and fear it is back to the drawing board after plans for a ‘much needed’ special needs school will likely be … READ MORE

COUNCIL WESTMINSTER

PM confident of success in Woking

PM confident of success in Woking

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he was “confident” that Conservatives will hold onto Woking in the upcoming local and general elections, when he was grilled about why people should vote for … READ MORE

HEALTH NEWS

New born enters world by rare EXIT

New born enters world by rare EXIT

A 50 strong team of specialist medics crammed into an operation theatre recently to carry out a globally rare procedure on a newborn baby and save his life.  Little Freddie … READ MORE

EDUCATION NEWS

£1.1 m boost for Surrey Uni’s solar thermal research

£1.1 m boost for Surrey Uni’s solar thermal research

Solar-thermal devices that have the potential to transform how we heat our homes and generate power on a larger scale are being developed by a team led by the University … READ MORE



Something special going on at Epsom baths

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Swimmers in the water.

Rainbow Leisure Centre in Epsom has recently started running tailored swimming lessons for children with special needs and disabilities.

The sessions – which have proved to be a big hit – take place in small groups in the teaching pool where it is quieter and less stressful for the children. Mums and dads join their young person in the water along with the class teacher, picking up tips on how to help their child feel more confident.

Participants are aged from 4 – 8 years old and have a range of neurological and physical difficulties such as autism, dyspraxia and impaired vision. Children are also welcome to take part in the mainstream classes during the rest of the week if they feel confident enough to do so.

Young swimmer Phoebe, seen here with mum Heidi and teacher Ana, loves her classes at Rainbow. Heidi says, “She loves the water and gets to have fun while learning to be safe.”

Mary Mannion, Swimming School Manager at the centre, comments, “The classes are very popular. We’re delighted to be able to offer this service to young people and their families. Keeping fit and safe in the water is so important for children of all ages and abilities.”

Rainbow is run by GLL under the ‘Better’ brand. As a charitable social enterprise, the organisation is committed to supporting the wellbeing of local communities.

SEND swimming takes place on Thursdays at 6.15pm. For more details, look at the app at Better_uk or contact customer services at customer.service@gll.org or call 0330 123 1500.



1st generation UCA graduates celebrated

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McKenna Marsden and Troy Hunter of UCA Epsom

Two graduates from the University for the Creative Arts (UCA) in Epsom, Surrey have been named in Universities UK’s 100 Faces campaign, celebrating the stories and achievements of first-generation students.

McKenna Marsden and Troy Hunter feature in the campaign’s arts and sports talents category alongside Happy Valley star, Amit Shah, the crime writer Sir Ian James Rankin OBE, and BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2022, Beth Mead. All 100 graduates listed by Universities UK were the first in their families to attend university.

“Going to university gave me a lot more independence and taught me new skills, developing my abilities in a subject which was once just a passion,” said McKenna, who is a BA (Hons) Fashion graduate. He was chosen by British Vogue as one of its top 50 emerging designers, showcased his graduate collection at London Fashion Week, and interned at Christopher Kane.

He said: “University gave me stability while allowing me to break into the fashion industry, leading to many big achievements. I don’t think I would have had the success I did without studying at university.”

Originally from Newcastle, McKenna’s working-class background was the main inspiration for his final graduate fashion collection and continues to influence his designs.

“Anything is possible if you believe it and work hard for it no matter how many setbacks you may have, if you believe you can achieve your goals you can,” McKenna added.

Troy, who graduated from UCA in 2013 with a degree in BA (Hons) Film Production, has gone on to write episodes for the hit Netflix show Sex Education and an episode of Eastenders. He was also nominated for Outstanding Breakthrough Creative (Television) at the NAACP Awards.

Troy said: “Studying film production at UCA made a huge difference in my life, it gave me the confidence and determination to continue pursuing a career in the TV and Film industry when people around me were telling me otherwise.”

His success continues in the form of a short film called Mya and his debut play Black Pride, as well as a television adaptation of the same name, with Maia Pictures.

New research commissioned by Universities UK revealed the transformative impact of going to university, with almost three-quarters of first-in-the-family students agreeing their degree gave them the confidence to apply for jobs without feeling like an imposter.

Vivienne Stern MBE, Chief Executive of Universities UK, said: “There are those who say that too many people go to university. I disagree. These stories tell you why. In this country, you are still twice as likely to go to university if you are from the wealthiest background, compared to the least wealthy. That’s not right.



New born enters world by rare EXIT

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50 strong delivery of baby by rare exit procedure

A 50 strong team of specialist medics crammed into an operation theatre recently to carry out a globally rare procedure on a newborn baby and save his life.
 
Little Freddie Verschueren was delivered at St George’s hospital in South West London using the Ex-utero Intrapartum Treatment (EXIT) procedure which delivers babies who could potentially have serious challenges at birth.
 
This procedure is used when an unborn child has an obstruction in their airway which means they would be unable to breathe independently once they are removed from the placenta.
 
Professor Asma Khalil, consultant obstetrician at St George’s, led the entire operation, which involved about 50 medics and other staff in the operating theatre.
 
She said: “An EXIT procedure involves a large number of healthcare professionals from various backgrounds including an obstetrician, fetal medicine specialist, an anaesthetist, a paediatric anaesthetist, a paediatric ENT surgeon, midwives and the neonatal team, as well as other theatre staff.”
 
In little Freddie’s case there was a cyst on his tongue that could potentially block his airways it was detected in a scan during his mum’s second trimester. The team made an incision in mum Anna’s tummy and delivered Freddie’s head and shoulders first, leaving him attached to the placenta and able to breathe.
 
They established an airway so he could breathe independently before delivering the rest of him. Freddie weighed 6lbs 8oz (3.1kg) at birth and was able to go home with his parents Anna and Peter Verschueren a healthy baby.
 
Anna said: “We’ve been incredibly impressed with the service we have had at St George’s, at every step it has been outstanding care. When we found out we needed to have the procedure we felt in such safe hands with the experts at St George’s. We never doubted their skill and advice.”
 
Professor Khalil added: “I am very grateful to the efforts by every member of our large team who ensured that we delivered the best care to Anna and Freddie. Saving babies’ lives and caring for the parents during challenging times is the most rewarding aspect of my job.”
 
An EXIT procedure is extremely rare. However, despite its global rarity this is the second time it has been carried out in St George’s this year.
 
Dr Richard Jennings, Group Chief Medical Officer for St George’s, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals and Health Group, said: “St George’s is one of the few hospitals in the country that carries out this rare procedure and saves the lives of many babies. I am pleased to hear that Freddie is doing well thanks to our dedicated and skilled teams and everyone at St George’s wishes him and his family all the best for the future.”



11th April 2024

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NEWS

Auto fire alarms need a 999 before fire service respond in Surrey

Auto fire alarms need a 999 before fire service respond in Surrey

Surrey Fire and Rescue Service has changed the way it now responds to automatic fire alarm call outs (AFAs) to residential and domestic properties, by only attending if there’s been … READ MORE

NATURE NEWS

Ewell’s wetlands to be celebrated on an open day

Ewell’s wetlands to be celebrated on an open day

The South East Rivers Trust (SERT) is inviting local residents to come and celebrate the newly-createdChamber Mead wetlands with a day of family fun, activities and guided tours. The celebration … READ MORE

RUGBY SPORTS

London Calling Time with a Sutton & Epsom Win

London Calling Time with a Sutton & Epsom Win

Sutton & Epsom RFC 12 Reeds Weybridge 10. Saturday 6th April. As is the format of league rugby the fixtures conclude by playing the opposition firstencountered on the opening day … READ MORE

COUNCIL FINANCES NEWS

Surrey Councils holding unclaimed tax refunds

Surrey Councils holding unclaimed tax refunds

Councils in Surrey are holding nearly £1.5million in overpaid tax that can be claimed back. People who moved to a different borough after paying their tax are supposed to be … READ MORE

HEALTH NEWS

Virtual care to rise under ambulance plan

Virtual care to rise under ambulance plan

Over a third of South East Coast Ambulance (SECAmb) service responses will be done remotely in a new five-year strategy. (Here “remotely” means by video call or telephone rather than … READ MORE

HOUSING NEWS

Floods with silver linings for Guildford’s housing targets?

Floods with silver linings for Guildford’s housing targets?

Guildford has been given the “biggest opportunity” to transform itself in a century. The Environment Agency is looking into an expanded flood prevention scheme that would save homes and businesses … READ MORE

BUSINESS NEWS

Big employment hub coming to Leatherhead

Big employment hub coming to Leatherhead

The future of a possibly major employment hub in Leatherhead has been given a huge “vote of confidence”. Four new buildings and 13 industrial warehouse units will be built in … READ MORE

NEWS TRANSPORT AND ENVIRONMENT

Taking a ride on Epsom’s new S2 bus

Taking a ride on Epsom’s new S2 bus

More than most in the capital, South Londoners notice when the bus timetables change. Whether this stems from a love of the iconic red fleet or an over-reliance on the … READ MORE

CRIME NATURE

Tree felling foul of the law

Tree felling foul of the law

The culprits who illegally chopped down more than 100 protected trees and damaged seven others have been fined nearly £20,000, Woking Borough Council said. A landowner, together with its contractor … READ MORE

HEALTH NEWS

Psychiatric bed shortages in Surrey

Psychiatric bed shortages in Surrey

A man tragically took his own life in Surrey after a mental health relapse, prompting a coroner to warn of a shortage of psychiatric beds in Surrey hospitals. Jonathan Harris, … READ MORE

COUNCIL NEWS

New Chief Executive for County

New Chief Executive for County

Surrey County Council has appointed Terence Herbert as its new Chief Executive. Terence, currently Chief Executive at Wiltshire Council, was chosen after a robust recruitment process to find a replacement … READ MORE



Ewell’s wetlands to be celebrated on an open day

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Aerial view Chamber Mead nature reserve

The South East Rivers Trust (SERT) is inviting local residents to come and celebrate the newly-created
Chamber Mead wetlands with a day of family fun, activities and guided tours.

The celebration day on Saturday 20th April will give nature lovers the chance to add plants to this
critical pollution buster for the River Hogsmill, a precious chalk stream.

Families will also have the chance to learn about the health of the river by taking part in riverfly
demonstrations, a scavenger hunt and nature craft activities. Guided tours of the wetlands will also
be part of the day, which runs from 11am to 3pm.

The open day begins a fortnight of planting opportunities for schools and community groups. All the
plants have been specially selected to absorb pollutants and attract pollinators and an increased
range of wildlife across the Hogsmill Local Nature Reserve.

The wetlands in Ewell now divert urban pollutants from the Green Lanes Stream away from the
Hogsmill, one of only 200 chalk streams in the world. Once filtered water is fed back into the river
just downstream of the famous Stepping Stones, another 5km of waterway is protected as it flows
into south London all the way to the Thames.

Dr Bella Davies, Co-CEO of SERT, said: “We’re thrilled to be giving the community the chance to learn
all about Chamber Mead wetlands and crucially give people the chance to complete the project. The
public have been very supportive of the wetlands from the start and adding plants is a wonderful
opportunity to attract new wildlife not only to the water but the wider nature reserve. This will fulfill
the potential of the wetlands to become another jewel in the crown of the reserve and make it an
even bigger asset for the community. We’re excited to see the results in years to come on the
Hogsmill, which should be a haven for brown trout, water voles and native crayfish, among other
species which need our help in recovering their numbers.”

Councillor John Beckett, (RA Auriol) Chair of the Environment Committee at Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, said: “We are overjoyed to be able to join SERT on the Chamber Mead Wetlands Open Day, to
celebrate the fantastic work that has been done here to boost biodiversity and reduce pollution in
the Hogsmill River.  I hope that residents will join us to help complete the project, which will ensure
the Hogsmill River Local Nature Reserve is a place where wildlife and nature can thrive, and one that
we can enjoy for many years to come.”

Supported by the Hogsmill Catchment Partnership, the project has received funding from The Coca-
Cola Foundation, Natural England (through the Species Recovery Programme), the Environment
Agency, Surrey County Council, the Rivers Trust, the Zoological Society of London, Garfield Weston
Foundation and Thames Water, with in-kind support from the landowner Epsom & Ewell Borough
Council. The new wetlands are part of the wider Replenish programme in partnership with the Coca-
Cola Foundation and the Rivers Trust. The aim of Replenish is to restore millions of litres of water in
this and other local catchments, in turn improving biodiversity.

Speeches will take place at 11:30am- 12noon:

These will be delivered by Jackie King, Chief Executive of Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, Dr Bella
Davies, Co-CEO of the South East Rivers Trust, and Borough Mayor Cllr Robert Geleit (Labour Court) who will also cut the ribbon to officially open the wetlands.

Plants such as yellow flag iris have been chosen for their ability to take up nutrients such as nitrogen
and phosphorous. Meanwhile ragged robin and purple loosestrife will attract species such as
butterflies, bees and damselfies, while brooklime, typical in chalk stream settings, will offer shelter
for tadpoles and sticklebacks.

Related reports:

Chalking up a victory for the Hogsmill

“Garden of Eden” coming to West Ewell as Wetlands Plan is approved. Will this stop pollution?

Voles let loose on the Hogsmill

About the South East Rivers Trust:

The South East Rivers Trust is an environmental charity bringing rivers and their catchments back to
life. Working in 12 river catchments across the South East, the Trust connects communities and
mobilises citizen scientists to educate and engage people on the importance of rivers, and supports
and challenges stakeholders, businesses and individuals to protect them. The Trust uses data and evidence to target positive action and works with nature to make rivers healthy again. This includes
tackling water pollution, addressing water scarcity, reconnecting rivers and restoring habitats.

www.southeastriverstrust.org/



4th April 2024

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COUNCIL PLANNING

Enforcing planning enforcement in Epsom and Ewell

Enforcing planning enforcement in Epsom and Ewell

In a comprehensive analysis of the Epsom & Ewell Borough Council‘s planning enforcement procedures, a recent audit report titled “EPSOM & EWELL BOROUGH COUNCIL INTERNAL AUDIT PROGRESS REPORT 2023-24,” conducted … READ MORE

COUNCIL HOUSING

Stoneleigh library flats for homeless

Stoneleigh library flats for homeless

Two flats above a library are set to be used as temporary accommodation for homeless people, Epsom and Ewell Borough Council decided yesterday (March 26).  Demand for temporary accommodation is … READ MORE

COUNCIL FINANCES

Was County HQ sold for a song?

Was County HQ sold for a song?

Surrey County Council faces scrutiny over its £25 million sale of a former headquarters site after it was revealed it could have a gross development value of £250 million once … READ MORE

CHRIS GRAYLING WESTMINSTER

Unstable world, religious discrimination, the Local Plan and trains

Unstable world, religious discrimination, the Local Plan and trains

We live, sadly, in an increasingly unstable world. The situation in Israel and Gaza has been and continues to be horrendous. There is a huge international diplomatic effort, involving the … READ MORE

COUNCIL PLANNING

Fast track your planning application at a premium

Fast track your planning application at a premium

From 1 April 2024, applicants submitting certain planning applications in Epsom & Ewell will be able to choose to ‘fast track’ their application. Developed to meet customer demands, the new … READ MORE

COUNCIL FINANCES

How many £s does it take to change a Council light bulb?

How many £s does it take to change a Council light bulb?

The cost of changing Council light bulbs was the subject of some concern at Tuesday 26th March’s meeting of the Strategy and Resources Committee of Epsom and Ewell Borough Council. … READ MORE

HEALTH NEWS

Cancer patient getting the right royal treatment

Cancer patient getting the right royal treatment

The first cancer patient set to undergo a revolutionary new procedure that could cut treatment time to almost a quarter said it was a “ privilege” to be given the … READ MORE



28th March 2024

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COUNCIL TRANSPORT AND ENVIRONMENT

Chalk Pit action – a tale of two committees

Chalk Pit action – a tale of two committees

Epsom and Ewell Borough Council grappled with the pressing issue of noise and dust pollution stemming from the waste recycling centre, Chalk Pit off College Road in Epsom. Residents’ longstanding grievances … READ MORE

ARTS CULTURE

Music for our times

Music for our times

Shelagh Godwin reviews last Saturday’s Epsom Chamber Choir concert at St Martin’s Church. Imagine writing a piece that means a lot to you and then never hearing it performed. This … READ MORE

RUGBY SPORTS

Sutton and Epsom leapfrog Old Colfeians in the end

Sutton and Epsom leapfrog Old Colfeians in the end

Old Colfeians 22 – Sutton and Epsom RFC 31. Saturday 23rd March. In bygone years this was a regular league fixture and Saturday bore witness to thesixteenth such encounter between … READ MORE

COUNCIL COUNCIL CONSTITUTION

Council cancel culture?

Council cancel culture?

Some opposition Councillors on Epsom and Ewell Borough Council have voiced concerns over the apparently high rate of cancellation of policy and scrutiny committees of the Council on which they … READ MORE

CRIME GINA MILLER WESTMINSTER

Gina Miller Urges Ecocide Criminalization

Gina Miller Urges Ecocide Criminalization

Gina Miller, the leader of the True & Fair Party, and her Party’s Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Epsom and Ewell, has called for the criminalization of ecocide, highlighting concerns over … READ MORE

ARTS CULTURE

Ashtead Choral Society give a lesson in three Rs

Ashtead Choral Society give a lesson in three Rs

Jane Pickles reviews a concert given by the Ashtead Choral Society in Epsom’s St Martin’s Church on Saturday 16th March that included works from Rameau, Rossini and Rutter. I don’t … READ MORE

FOOTBALL SPORTS

Generous in defeat

Generous in defeat

Epsom & Ewell FC 1-4 Horley Town. Combined Counties League – Premier Division. Saturday 23rd March 2024 A strange contest took place at the Madgwick on Saturday as we hosted … READ MORE

EDUCATION SPORTS

Epsom squash team stand the squeeze

Epsom squash team stand the squeeze

When five girls from Rosebery School, Epsom formed the school’s first ever squash team just six months ago with a view to entering the England Squash National Schools Championships 2023/24, … READ MORE

LOCAL HISTORY

The Great Escape – New Unpublished Evidence

The Great Escape – New Unpublished Evidence

A man from Ewell was involved in the Great Escape. He was caught and executed. 80 years to the day of the Great Escape The History Detectorist tells his story. … READ MORE

COMMUNITY EDUCATION

NESCOT marks 70 years with a tree

NESCOT marks 70 years with a tree

Nescot (North East Surrey College of Technology) in Ewell marked seven decades since its official opening with a commemorative tree planting in the college grounds today (22.03.24). The Mayor Epsom … READ MORE

ARTS BUSINESS

More than a Hollywood Moment for Surrey

More than a Hollywood Moment for Surrey

Amazon MGM Studios and Netflix have taken up residence in the completed expansion of Shepperton Studios. The development makes Shepperton Studios the second biggest film studio in the world with … READ MORE

CRIME POLICING

Crime rising on Surrey farms

Crime rising on Surrey farms

Surrey farmers have called for police to take rural crime ‘seriously’ as it pledges to crackdown on rising incidents. The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) have welcomed Surrey Police’s commitment to tackle … READ MORE

ARTS CULTURE

A concert of English music in Epsom

A concert of English music in Epsom

Peter Lutton reviews a concert given by Epsom Choral Society of English music conducted by their Musical Director, Julian Collings. The concert took place Saturday 9th March at St Martin’s … READ MORE

COUNCIL FINANCES

‘Crisis point’ in local government funding

‘Crisis point’ in local government funding

Parties from across the spectrum called on the next government to change its funding model for local councils, claiming it is “not fit for purpose”. Councillor Robert Evans (Labour)



Music for our times

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Jack Apperley and Epsom Chamber Choir

Shelagh Godwin reviews last Saturday’s Epsom Chamber Choir concert at St Martin’s Church.

Imagine writing a piece that means a lot to you and then never hearing it performed. This was the fate of Maximilian Steinberg’s Passion Week. Composed in the 1920s just as the Soviet regime was banning any religious music, the piece was published in Paris at the behest of the composer in 1927, and scores eventually made it to the United States, but it was not until 2014 that a complete performance and an award-winning recording took place. It has had its enthusiasts since, one of whom, Epsom Chamber Choir’s conductor Jack Apperley, presented a performance on Saturday 23rd March in St Martin’s Parish Church in Epsom.

Based largely on Russian Orthodox chants, Passion Week could not be more different from the sacred music composed by Steinberg’s contemporary and fellow-student Igor Stravinsky. Indeed, it draws more from the influence of his father-in-law Rimsky-Korsakov. It is more reflective in mood than Rachmaninov’s more celebrated Vespers, and the stepwise movement of Orthodox chant pervades the work and the general mood. The texts are Church Slavonic hymns for Holy Week, and are reflective tableaux rather than narrative. The eleven sections tend to sound somewhat the same, but there are great moments, enhanced on Saturday by the Epsom Chamber Choir’s well-co-ordinated ensemble and effective use of excellent soloists from within the choir. Like much Russian choral music of the time, it abounds in low notes for the basses, who dealt with that challenge magnificently.

Interspersed with the hymns of Passion Week were the five deeply moving spirituals from Tippett’s A Child of our Time, which received superb and moving performances from the choir.

A more unfamiliar interjection was Owain Park’s Phos hilaron (Hail gladdening Light), a complex setting of psalms and Greek liturgy. I say complex because it was very difficult to follow the words! It did achieve the desired effect, as did the extremely evocative encore, John Rutter’s heart-rending Prayer for Ukraine, sung in Ukrainian. Entirely appropriate in view of the tragedies of the previous few days.

Shelagh Godwin



Ashtead Choral Society give a lesson in three Rs

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Ashtead Choral Society outside St Martins Church in Epsom

Jane Pickles reviews a concert given by the Ashtead Choral Society in Epsom’s St Martin’s Church on Saturday 16th March that included works from Rameau, Rossini and Rutter.

I don’t know about you, but when I open my Spotify application to listen to music I am immediately drawn to the familiar where one finds comfort and pleasure. The glory of this programme was to take the audience on a spiritual journey from the less familiar Catholic Baroque to the well-known glory of the modern English church tradition.

You will find it difficult to find a recording of Rameau’s Blow the Trumpet. One wonders why as this joyful opening set the scene invigoratingly for the evening, bringing together the full forces of choir, organ and soprano, Helen Pritchard. If you were at the last ACS concert, you will have enjoyed the rich, operatic dramaticism of Rossini’s Petite Messe Solennelle. This time we were treated to three of his glorious motets in the same vein, with Musical Director Dr Andrew Storey making the most of the sacred setting and acoustic of St Martin of Tours and the powerful shifts in expression offered by Rossini.

Helen Pritchard’s solo performance moved us firmly into the early 20 th century with a rare opportunity to experience Vierne’s Les Angelus song cycle in which John Carnelley’s shimmering organ playing underpinned Pritchard’s effortlessly lyrical appeals to the Virgin Mary. This set the scene for another rarely heard classic: the intense homophonic simplicity of Gorecki’s incantation Totus Tuus. Storey created and sustained a mesmerising soundscape, still yet kinetic, and crowned with a resounding silence at the end of this evocative chant to the Virgin Mary.

Faure’s Pavane and Cantique de Jean Racine brought us back to the familiar and foreshadowed the last stage in the evening’s journey, Rutter’s well-known Requiem. Rutter went to France to view the original manuscript of Faure’s Requiem before he wrote his own, and Storey illustrated exactly why Rutter’s offering is a modern classic.

The choir dealt purposefully with the anguished chromatic calls for eternal rest that open the work, before resolving into the simple, lyrical beauty of Rutter’s requiem theme. In the psalm setting movements – Out of the Deep and The Lord is My Shepherd – the choir shifted seamlessly from simple lines shared between the parts, to glorious harmonies and well-delivered choral recitatives. Pritchard gave us grace and purity in Rutter’s Pie Jesu, soaring to heaven and back again from the pulpit.

Storey gave a blazing Sanctus, an Angus Dei which tore at the heartstrings as he drove a crescendo of pleas to the Lamb of God from choir, and, finally, resolution and rest through the spare lines of the Lux Aeterna.

All in all, tour of Europe, a tour of musical epochs, and a tour for the soul. Storey must have tours on his mind as he mentioned that ACS will be taking much of this repertoire on tour to Italy later this year. Bravo!

Jane Pickles

Photo Credit: Sue Weeks.