WEEKLY UPDATE Thursday 23rd June 2022

COUNCIL NEWS

Another £1/4 m to plan planning

June 23, 2022

COST OF NEW LOCAL PLAN GOES UP BY ANOTHER QUARTER OF A MILLION POUNDS. A meeting of Epsom and Ewell Borough Council’s Licensing and Planning Policy Committee on 21 June … READ MORE

NEWS

Ukrainians in tune with the hearts of Epsom

June 20, 2022

On Saturday 18th June Epsom Music with Surrey Stands with Ukraine organised a very special evening with Ukrainian musicians at the Epsom Methodist Church. The evening was hosted and presented in Ukrainian. … READ MORE

CRIME NEWS

Witness appeal following burglary in Ewell

June 20, 2022

Surrey Police are appealing for witnesses following a burglary in Ewell on Wednesday, 8 June. Officers were called to a residential address on Cheam Road near to the junction with … READ MORE

COMMUNITY NEWS VOLUNTEERS

Epsom Rotary in Motion

June 20, 2022

Epsom Rotary will be holding a stall at the Epsom Marketplace on Saturday, 02 July 2022and welcome anyone to come and visit to learn more about Epsom Rotary and ways … READ MORE

NEWS

Bowled Over in Epsom

June 20, 2022

Epsom Bowling is proud and delighted that Martin Harbottle, Club President and member for many years , has been elected as Surrey County Bowling Association President for the year 2022. … READ MORE

COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS

Who let the dogs big day out?

June 20, 2022

Cuddington Residents Association did. That’s who. On June 18th Saturday’s “BIG DAY OUT” in Shadbolt Park, Worcester Park in the north-east end of the Borough of Epsom and Ewell, a … READ MORE

COMMUNITY

Help for Heroes

June 20, 2022

‘EVERY LITTLE HELPS’ AS ARMED FORCES CHARITY COLLECTS AT TESCO STORES COUNTY-WIDE Armed Forces charity Help for Heroes has supported more than 250 veterans and their families in Surrey since its … READ MORE

ARTS BOROUGH HISTORY NEWS

Epsom’s first Oaks race winner for sale

June 20, 2022

Epsom based sculptor Kendra Haste has created a painted galvanised wire sculptor of Lord Derby’s 1779 inaugural Oaks winner, Bridget. Epsom’s own “The Oaks” became the second oldest “classic” horse … READ MORE

NEWS TRANSPORT AND ENVIRONMENT

Driving to Sutton or Kingston in an old car could cost you £12.50 next year!

June 17, 2022

The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) that charges old diesel and some old petrol cars £12.50 a day 24/7 for travel in inner London might be expanded to Epsom and … READ MORE

EDITORIAL

Where to draw the line?

June 17, 2022

Mayor of London’s proposal to expand the charging area for old and polluting vehicles to the borders of the Borough of Epsom and Ewell inevitably brings out the “not-in-my-backyard” responses … READ MORE

On Saturday 18th June Epsom Music with Surrey Stands with Ukraine organised a very special evening with Ukrainian musicians at the Epsom Methodist Church. The evening was hosted and presented in Ukrainian. Church Minister Catherine Hutton welcomed an audience of Ukrainian refugees and their English hosts.

Picture above features Ukrainian pianist Anastacia Tolstonog and her musically gifted children, Maryan and Hannah.

Robin Sebastian (aka Kenneth Williams on stage and screen) and on behalf of Headley Parish Council presented to Anne-Marie Carlin of Surrey Stands With Ukraine a cheque for £6000.

Recently arrived from Ukraine, Mariya Zhornikova, of Kharkiv Arts University, opened the music with Debussy’s Pagodes from the Estampes Suite for piano.

Svitlana Kosenko, professor of piano at the Yehudi Menuhin School in nearby Cobham, accompanied outstanding violinist 17 year old Vadym Perog, who’s technical mastery of a work by Maurice Ravel was spellbounding.

Anastacia Tolstonog, professional pianist and piano tutor, accompanied her recently arrived 16 years old son Maryan van Prooijen, who was enrolled, together with his musical 14 years old sister, Hannah, at the Yehudi Menuhin School. They had been studying at the Kyiv Lisenko State Music Lyceum. Anastacia also played solo pieces by Scarlatti and three works by Ukrainian composer Viktor Kosenko.

Many in the audience were moved to tears by the passion of the players and the beauty of their music.

Nina Kaye, of the Epsom Refugee network, recited a moving poem written by local poet Audrey Ardern-Jones entitled “White Roses”, written in honour of Audrey’s mother, who fled to England from Lviv, during the Second World War. You can read the poem HERE in English and Ukrainian

The evening’s success was assured by the interpreting skills of Darina Dvorinchenko, also recently arrived from Odessa, Ukraine.

If you know of opportunities for Ukrainian pianists to perform or tutor get in touch with The Epsom and Ewell Times and we will pass your message on.

Youtube video courtesy of Cllr Steven McCormick of parts of the concert HERE

https://www.youtube.com/embed/WsRSl0hZG7E

Yehudi Menuhin School’s professor of piano Svitlana Kosenko accompanies violin virtuoso Vadym Perog.

Epsom Bowling is proud and delighted that Martin Harbottle, Club President and member for many years , has been elected as Surrey County Bowling Association President for the year 2022.

Martin has won numerous County, District and Club Competitions and been part of League and Knockout squads for his Club. He is still an active member and also has an administrative role as Club Match Secretary. Having been a guardsman on active service in his past he is tough, but a fair competitor and administrator and well liked and respected my his fellow players.

Bowls is a quietly played game that need not be the preserve of the older generation. In some communities a bowling club is at the heart and all generations play . Why not contact your local bowling club? There are a number in the Borough.

Epsom Bowling Club

Worple Road, Epsom KT18 5EW

Epsom Park Bowling Club

Bowling

41 Alexandra Road, Epsom

Ewell Village Bowling Club

Gibraltar Recreation Ground, West Street, Ewell, Epsom

Epsom and Ewell Times will report regularly on match results. Click HERE for our first batch.

‘EVERY LITTLE HELPS’ AS ARMED FORCES CHARITY COLLECTS AT TESCO STORES COUNTY-WIDE

Armed Forces charity Help for Heroes has supported more than 250 veterans and their families in Surrey since its inception in 2007, and, with demand for its services increasing, it is, once more, appealing to the Great British Public for support.

With more than 90 per cent of its income coming from the public via donations and fundraising, its upcoming Tesco national collection weekend is crucial to maintain its essential support services.

Overall, the Charity has supported more than 26,500 veterans with physical or psychological injuries or illness as a result of their military service.

Trevor Fudger, Help for Heroes’ Supporter Experience Manager, explained: “We’re always immensely grateful to Tesco for allowing us to collect vital funds at its stores across the country, but especially so this year, given the effects of the pandemic since 2020.

“Covid and its consequences – such as the lockdowns which caused added psychological issues for some of our veterans and the cancellation of our fundraising activities – created something of a perfect storm: increased demand on our support services and less capital with which to fund them.

“We are hoping that the wonderful British public, which is always so supportive of its veterans, will once again dig deep to help fill our collection buckets at Tesco stores across the country. And we’d like to thank them in advance for any support they can give.”

Volunteers and supporters of the charity will be out in force at Tesco stores in Surrey on Armed Forces Day weekend (25/26 June). Veterans supported by the Charity will also make appearances at some stores and will be able to chat to shoppers about how Help for Heroes has helped – and continues to help – veterans from our Armed Forces.

Help for Heroes believes those who serve our country deserve support when they’re wounded. Every day, men and women have to leave their career in the Armed Forces as a result of physical or psychological wounds. The Charity helps them, and their families, to recover and get on with their lives.

n If you are not visiting a Tesco store this weekend but would still like to donate to Help for Heroes to enable the Charity to continue its much-needed work, please visit helpforheroes.org.uk/donate-online – it takes just 60 seconds and a warm heart.

For further information on Help for Heroes, or to get support, visit helpforheroes.org.uk.

Social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Epsom based sculptor Kendra Haste has created a painted galvanised wire sculptor of Lord Derby’s 1779 inaugural Oaks winner, Bridget. Epsom’s own “The Oaks” became the second oldest “classic” horse race after Doncaster’s 1776 St Leger. The Oaks race is for three year old fillies and is run over 1 mile, 4 furlongs and 6 yards of Epsom’s Downs racecourse. So called as the first race started from Edward Smith Stanley, 12th Earl of Derby’s estate, in the area now known as Oaks Park in Carshalton.

Bridget, a thoroughbred, was kept in a stable block on the estate and has a very special link to Kendra. 243 years later, the building is home to the sculptor’s studio.

The piece depicted above is the first in a series of small unique maquette sculptures depicting Bridget. For further information about these works, you can enquire here.

The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) that charges old diesel and some old petrol cars £12.50 a day 24/7 for travel in inner London might be expanded to Epsom and Ewell’s borders from August 2023.

You can examine exactly where the proposed ULEZ will be located near the Borough’s borders via this detailed online map CLICK HERE

The Mayor of London’s case for the expansion of ULEZ is summarised in the consultation document: Health crisis, climate crisis and road congestion.

“London’s air quality is a public health crisis. In 2019, it’s estimated that more than 4,000 Londoners died prematurely because of filthy air, with the greatest number of deaths attributable to air pollution in outer London boroughs. The London boroughs with the highest number of air pollution related deaths in 2019 were Bromley, Barnet, Croydon and Havering, proving that poor air quality is not just an inner London problem. More than 500,000 Londoners suffer from asthma, making them vulnerable to toxic air pollution. If we do not act now, it is estimated that more than 500,000 Londoners will develop diseases attributable to toxic air pollution in the next 30 years.

We face a climate crisis. Last year the COP 26 conference concluded that without urgent action, there will be catastrophic temperature increases and extreme weather events. London is already suffering these, such as flash flooding of some stations, schools and hospitals in 2021.

Road congestion is still a big problem. Congestion cost the capital £5.1bn last year alone. This heavily impacts businesses, bus customers and other essential services. Longer journey times affect us all. Traffic can negatively impact our health and wellbeing, and increases road danger. This makes our city a less pleasant place to live, work, visit and do business.”

Epsom and Ewell Times asked all the Councillors representing Wards in the Borough with London area borders:

The irrepressible Jan Mason (Residents Association) for Ruxley Ward was first off. “My Ward is on the Boundary of Chessington and would be greatly affected by these proposals. Plus of course the thousand of vehicles which use the Chessington  Road to go to work  or to go to the Merritt Doctors’ Surgery and the shops and schools and to join the M25 etc. In other words the proposal  is ridiculous. Yet again an ill thought out proposal”. 

E&ET: [Note that in fact by using Ruxley Lane, the Ewell-By-Pass and A3 you will be able to get to the M25 without crossing into the proposed expanded ULEZ.]

Next we have a response from John Beckett (RA) Auriol Ward: “I oppose the plans as they stand but, if they do go ahead, there need to be more ULEZ free travel corridors that enable Epsom and Ewell (E&E) residents to access locations such as Worcester Park shopping area, Tolworth shopping area, Malden Rushett access to the A3 along the A243 Hook Road, Chessington without having to be penalised for supporting London businesses by paying the charge.

Many residents in West Ewell, Ruxley, Auriol, Stoneleigh, Ewell Court and Nonsuch have their doctors’ surgeries, medical facilities, local shops, leisure facilities, open spaces (Nonsuch Park), friends and family and schools etc just across the border. Many hundreds of residents in Nonsuch Ward live so close to the border that their postal addresses fall under Sutton and not Epsom and Ewell. The new hospital for Epsom & St. Helier Trust will be located next to the Royal Marsden Hospital in the London Borough Of Sutton. This would mean that Surrey residents would have to pay to go to their local hospital. Epsom’s Maternity Unit will be transferring to this new hospital site which means that our expectant mothers will have to pay to have scans, check-ups and to give birth!”

Epsom and Ewell Times notes from the map of the proposed ULEZ that Malden Road, where the Worcester Park shops are, is not in the zone.

Chris Grayling MP states: 

“Those who live at the north end of Epsom and Ewell and in Nork are probably particularly aware of the Mayor of London’s plans to extend the Ultra Low Emission zone to the London boundary. This would mean that older vehicles would have to pay a daily charge to drive across the boundary.

Clearly this has major implications for many people living locally, and while I understand the intent behind the policy, it is in my view damaging and unworkable for the areas immediately adjoining the boundary. Transport for London has yet to give clear details about how it would work on the border – for example what do they plan to do with cases like that of Sparrow Farm Road in Stoneleigh? This road is in Surrey on one side and in London on the other. But it would mean a charge for many Surrey residents doing local journeys or driving from one place in Surrey to another if the route crossed the boundary.

I have lodged an objection to the scheme because of this, and would encourage residents here to make their views known to TfL.” 

The consultation ends on 29th July 2022. You can have your say via this link

https://haveyoursay.tfl.gov.uk/cleanair

Read our editorial.

Mayor of London’s proposal to expand the charging area for old and polluting vehicles to the borders of the Borough of Epsom and Ewell inevitably brings out the “not-in-my-backyard” responses from local residents. Let’s be clear. It is only residents with old polluting cars that will be effected. And, yes, that is likely to impact greatest on those on lower incomes, who cannot afford newer cars, let alone the very expensive electric ones. What should come first? The health of residents in neighbouring London Boroughs or the freedom to continue to use the more polluting cars kept in Epsom and Ewell? If the expanded ULEZ discourages the use of old polluting cars locally then there is also a health and environmental benefit for our residents too.

The health and climate benefits of the ULEZ are well established. So as a nation is it not equally inevitable that the ULEZs will continue to expand, together with legislation banning the old cars anyway? Should we yield willingly to the inevitable and spend the next year, before the expanded ULEZ is likely to be implemented (August 2023) helping residents to change their vehicles?

Leslie Charles ATTWOOD, b.1899 – d.1917

Enlisted in the army in 1914 aged 15. Awarded the Silver War Badge. Buried in a pauper’s and now unmarked grave in Epsom’s abandoned 5 acre cemetery of 9000 souls.

Leslie Attwood was born in the June quarter of 1899, the third child and second son of Charles Attwood and Alice Amelia née Appleby.

Charles, born in 1858, a plasterer and Alice, born in 1867, had married on 14th September 1895 at St James’s Church, Lambeth. Their respective fathers, Charles Attwood, a bootmaker and Samuel Appleby, a silk merchant were both deceased. The marriage was witnessed by Mark Arthur Attwood and Kate Attwood. Mark was Leslie’s Uncle,

In the 1901 Census Leslie is living with his parents, his brothers Arthur, Harold and sister Leonora at 32, St Mark’s Road in Lambeth.

Births and deaths in the family

By the time of the 1911 census we are privy to further information. Leslie is still at school along with Leonora but now there are three extra siblings, Dorothy May, Leonard Vivian and Amy. Charles and Alice have been married for sixteen years, have had nine children but only six are still living. The family is now living at 8, Gordon Grove in Brixton.

A search on the GRO site reveals that Harold Trevor recorded on the 1901 census died later that year in the December quarter. At the time of little Harold’s death, his Mother was expecting twins which she gave birth to during the March quarter of 1902; sadly both died, Walter during the same March quarter and Ernest during the June quarter.

Leslie enlists in the army

Leslie enlisted with the Territorials on 4th August 1914 as a driver, number 1344 in the 2/6 London Brigade RFA (Royal Field Artillery). The record is very tattered and parts illegible but we are able to build a picture of Leslie’s appearance. He was quite tall – 5’ 7” – and slim with a 35”chest. He had a fair complexion and fair hair with grey eyes. His occupation at that time was as a greengrocer and his religion is given as C of E. He gave his age as 17 years 5 months when in fact he was only just 15 years old!

He was awarded the Silver War Badge which was awarded to soldiers who were discharged on injury or health grounds whether or not they had served overseas.

A mental breakdown

In 1915 he was admitted to 60th London Casualty Clearing Station with what was described as melancholia.

He was transferred to Napsbury Military Hospital on 8th September 1915. He was described as being childish and feebleminded but quiet and well behaved. He had already ‘broken down’ mentally at least once.

The reader will have the impression that the Army was not really a suitable choice of career for Leslie as on January 28th 1916 he was declared no longer fit for war service and his military character is described as ‘Indifferent’ The reason given for this is imbecility which originated ‘probably from birth’.

His age was given as 16 years 11 months but the 16 is scored through and 18 substituted. However, we know that Leslie was not yet even 17 years of age as he was born the second quarter of 1899. This suggests that the enlistment officers were keen to recruit without asking too many questions.

Death in Long Grove

So far I have not been able to find out where Leslie went to between leaving the army on 28th January 1916 and his death on 29th December 1917 at Long Grove from Pulmonary TB. It is probable that he stayed with his parents as on his entry  in ‘Soldiers effects’, we are told that money was paid to his father. Leslie is buried in plot 926b in Horton Cemetery.

Author: Jenni Llewellyn of the Friends of Horton Cemetery

Citizens Advice Epsom and Ewell (CAEE) is joining Scams Awareness Fortnight 2022, a national campaign to protect and prevent people from becoming victims of economic fraud. CAEE advisers are helping an increasing number of people who have been targeted by a scammer just as the cost-of-living crisis takes hold. Types of scam include ID theft, unpaid tax claim, online sale and delivery and stolen tenancy deposit.

For information on the genuine types of help available and how you’ll receive it, see this Citizens Advice page if you’re struggling with living costs and this page for Grants and benefits to help you pay your energy bills.

Lisa Davis, Chief Officer of Citizens Advice Epsom and Ewell, said: “We know scammers prey on our worries and fears, sadly the cost-of-living crisis is no exception. We’re asking everyone to help spread the message that scams are crimes that can happen to anyone. Fraudsters always find ways of exploiting difficult times and the cost of living crisis is making many more people vulnerable. Anyone can be targeted by a scam, and as the purse strings are tightened and financial pressures pile on, it’s important we work together to protect ourselves and each other.”

To stop more people from falling victim to these types of scams, Citizens Advice Epsom and Ewell is sharing five top tips to help you guard against a potential scam:

● It seems too good to be true – for example, scammers pretending to be energy

companies to lure people into “too good to be true” deals

● You suspect you’re not dealing with a real company or a genuine person – take a

moment to step back and double-check

● You’ve been pressured to transfer money quickly

● You’ve been asked to pay in an unusual way – like by an iTunes vouchers or a transfer service

● You’ve been asked to give away personal information such as passwords, PINs or other verification codes.

If you’ve been scammed, Citizens Advice Epsom and Ewell advises:

● Talk to your bank or card company immediately if you’ve handed over any financial and sensitive information or made a payment

● Report the scam to Citizens Advice. Offline scams, like those using the telephone, post and coming to your door, can be reported to the Citizens Advice website or by calling 0808 223 1133. Report online scams to the dedicated Scams Action service either online or on 0808 250 5050

● Text scams can be reported to your mobile phone provider by forwarding it to 7726

● Also report the scam to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

Last year, Citizens Advice Epsom and Ewell helped more than 2,800 people with over 7,600 issues relating to benefits, debt, housing, employment, relationships, neighbour disputes, discrimination, probate, care costs, winter fuel payments, student loans and consumer issues. We have a team of 50 volunteers whose skills, experience and commitment deliver our services, including mental health, money advice and tribunal teams.

Their work has become all the more important recently after the pandemic and the current cost of living crisis and would not be possible without the unfailing support of the local community. CAEE sits at the heart of this community – here for everyone with a listening ear and a friendly face ready to help with whatever the problem, confidential, impartial and all for free.

Citizens Advice Epsom and Ewell (CAEE) is a small, local charity offering free advice and information for all who live, work and study in the borough of Epsom and Ewell. All adviceis free, confidential, impartial and independent.

However, this service comes at a cost – on average £60 for each person they help and although they have funding from Epsom and Ewell Borough Council and other local partners, they must raise a significant sum in order to operate. They ask for support for their work. Just £5 per month could enable one client in need this year.

www.caee.org.uk/donate/ or connect with us on Twitter @CAEpsomEwell.

To get in touch call the Adviceline on Freephone number 0808 278 7963 or visit the website

www.caee.org.uk

Surrey Police are appealing for witnesses following reports of a serious sexual assault in Epsom in the early hours of the morning of Monday 13th June.

The victim was walking through the grass area in the middle of Parkview Way at around 4am when she was pushed to the floor and sexually assaulted.

Police believe there may have been three men nearby at the time of the assault who may have information.

Officers are carrying out house to house enquiries in the area as part of the investigation and are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen someone, or a group of people, acting suspiciously in the area at the time.

If you have any information which could help the police investigation, including any smart doorbell footage, or if you were in the area at the time, please contact Surrey Police quoting PR/45220062125 via:

•            Live chat on the website https://www.surrey.police.uk/

•            Police online reporting tool: https://www.surrey.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/

•            Calling 101

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