Epsom Derby’s Speed and Spirit Captured in New Station Art Project
A new art installation at Tattenham Corner Station is shining a light on Epsom’s rich racing heritage while adding a burst of creativity to commuters’ journeys. This initiative, part of the Art@thestation project launched at Epsom main station in October 2024, transforms everyday travel into a gallery experience, offering young artists a unique platform to share their work.
Led by The Art Society Epsom with support from Southern Railway and its London head office, the project celebrates the energy and excitement of Derby Day and the iconic Tattenham Corner bend. Local artists were invited to explore the theme of ‘Speed’—a nod to both the daily rush of life and the fast-paced world of horse racing.
The project’s success has been driven by collaboration between Angie Child, Head of Young Arts Volunteers at The Art Society Epsom, and Ben Robinson, Commercial Development Manager at the University for the Creative Arts Students’ Union (UCASU). Their efforts have brought together a striking collection of images that celebrate local identity and creativity.
One of the contributors, Richa Elangovan, a Master’s student in Graphic Design at UCA Farnham, shared:
“My artwork and style consists of messaging through my concept illustrations: topics I’m passionate about include environmentalism, climate change, feminism, and human and animal rights. I use art as my tool for expression on issues otherwise sidelined.”
The installation is a testament to how art can enrich public spaces, spark meaningful conversations, and bring the community together. Ben Robinson said:
“We’re proud to support young talent and bring this celebration of the Derby into the heart of the community. A massive thank you to The Art Society Epsom for partnering with us on this. We’re always looking to showcase student work and can’t wait to see how these pieces brighten the station this summer.”
For local artists and residents keen to get involved, Angie and her team welcome new participants—contact her at Volunteers.tase@gmail.com to be part of this dynamic project. Meanwhile, the UCA Students’ Union continues to seek out new venues for student art—anyone with a space that could use a creative spark can reach out to ben.robinson@uca.ac.uk.
Photo L to R: Ben Robinson, Alistair McGeachy, Richa Elangovan and Angie Child
Young Artists Brighten Up Tattenham Corner Station
Passengers at Tattenham Corner station will soon be welcomed by a brand-new display of artwork, thanks to a creative collaboration between local students and The Arts Society Epsom.
Led by Carol Skelton, Arts Coordinator, Year 6 students from Epsom Downs Community School have explored block printing and etching on polystyrene sheets to create Greek vase designs inspired by renowned printmaker Patrick Caulfield’s Pottery 1969.
The project has been supported by The Arts Society Epsom, with Angie Child, Head of Young Arts Volunteering, overseeing the initiative. It follows the launch of a permanent art display at Epsom Station in October 2024, created by students from Nescot College of Technology.
Part of the national Art@TheStation initiative, the project is backed by The Arts Society’s head office in London and funded by Southern Railway. The goal is to showcase local primary school artwork, bringing creativity into public spaces and enriching the experience of travelers passing through the station.
Next time you’re at Tattenham Corner station, take a moment to admire the talent and creativity of these young artists!
Worcester Park’s path to a healthier and safer life
Hapkido: Master Sung’s Dojang in Worcester Park and New Malden – More Than Martial Arts, It’s a Path to a Healthier, Safer Life.
The quest for personal safety has become more pressing in an era of rising crime rates and uncertainty, especially around South London, including Epsom. That’s what led me, in my forties, to take up Hapkido at Master Sung’s dojang in Worcester Park—a decision that has since transformed my life. Though initially driven by self-defence concerns, I quickly discovered that Hapkido is much more than a means to protect oneself. With the recent opening of Master Sung’s new dojang in New Malden, even more people can benefit from this remarkable martial art.
Starting Hapkido at my age wasn’t without its challenges. Learning new physical skills in your forties has its hurdles, and progress can feel painstakingly slow. But in Master Sung’s dojang, the sense of community runs deep. Here, we celebrate every achievement—whether it’s a beginner mastering their first stance or a long-time student advancing in rank. Each step forward is shared with classmates who cheer each other on, making the journey one of friendship and mutual encouragement rather than solitary struggle.
Hapkido combines martial arts’ physicality with a philosophy emphasising calmness, discipline, and respect. In my classes with Master Sung, we focus as much on learning techniques for self-defence as we do on building resilience and mental strength. This is invaluable for adults and children, women, and anyone wanting to gain confidence and self-control.
Originating in Korea, Hapkido blends various elements: striking, joint locks, throws, and weapons training. But its focus on defensive tactics makes it particularly effective—and safe. Practitioners learn to redirect an opponent’s energy rather than relying on sheer strength. This makes it ideal for everyone, regardless of size, age, or physical condition.
Master Sung’s classes emphasise practical, real-world applications, making Hapkido especially appealing to women and parents of young children. While the latest crime rates have driven many adults like me to seek some form of self-defence, parents are increasingly looking for ways to teach their children the skills and confidence needed to navigate life safely.
Hapkido is not just about learning to defend yourself; it’s a complete lifestyle that brings countless physical and mental benefits. Since joining Master Sung’s class, I’ve felt more agile, fit, and mentally balanced. The physical routines in Hapkido work the entire body, improving cardiovascular health, flexibility, and strength. These are intense sessions, but each movement also demands focus and discipline—qualities that seep into everyday life.
And beyond the physical, Hapkido has been a boon to my mental well-being. Master Sung incorporates meditation and breathing exercises that help reduce stress, making each class feel like a journey toward inner peace.
One of the most unexpected rewards of my Hapkido journey has been becoming part of a community united by shared goals and mutual respect. Master Sung has built an inclusive environment where people of all ages and skill levels come together. His teaching style is patient and personalised, ensuring that everyone feels comfortable while still being pushed to their limits. With the new location in New Malden, this sense of community is only growing, reaching more people and making Hapkido accessible to even more Londoners.
Joining Hapkido has been a profound experience that has armed me with skills for self-protection and taught me the deeper values of discipline and balance. This art may be rooted in ancient Korean tradition, but its relevance and benefits are as essential today as ever.
If you’re considering taking up martial arts, or even if you’re just looking for a positive way to challenge yourself, Master Sung’s dojang in Worcester Park or New Malden is the perfect place to start. After all, the journey of a thousand miles—or perhaps just the journey toward personal growth—can begin with a single step onto the mat.
This is the second article in my series following on from “Epsom town as a safe place to Live”. It seemed to me that for the second article it was worth looking at a specific business issue around anti-social behaviour in Epsom High St, that is currently being discussed widely. And one that currently projects an image of decline and lawlessness in our High St.
My all-time favourite McDonald’s meal has always been—and still is—the Filet-O-Fish Combo. I’m “lovin’ it” and really want to hold onto this positive feeling. However, like so many others, McDonald’s seems to have forgotten its leadership role.
Last Friday night, on my way to the cinema, I walked by McDonald’s and counted 23 drivers parked on the pavement, completely blocking the pavement between Creams and McDonald’s, extending along the High Street towards the crossing. Pedestrians had no choice but to either walk on the busy street or navigate through the maze of motorcycles. It made me feel very unsafe and angry, but I don’t blame the drivers.
Drivers for UberEats, Just Eat, and Deliveroo frequently express their frustrations on platforms like Glassdoor and Indeed, highlighting their shared challenges with residents impacted by these services. While UberEats drivers appreciate the quick onboarding process, this excitement soon fades as many struggle to earn even £10 during entire shifts, facing inadequate customer support that leaves them feeling isolated and undervalued. Deliveroo riders share similar grievances, describing their experiences as akin to “slave labour,” contending with low pay and fierce competition for orders. Issues with app reliability and poor management responsiveness only deepen their dissatisfaction. Just Eat feedback on Glassdoor clearly states that management doesn’t really understand the performance of the business. I wonder how many of the drivers are aware that the minimum hourly rate for 2024/25 in the UK is £11.44 for age group 21 and over.
Let’s consider McDonald’s in Epsom High St, it’s been a pillar of the community for more than two decades, in that time most of us have come to understand the fantastic benefits brought by Ronald McDonald House allowing parents to stay with their sick children. We have seen the support for thousands of UK and Irish farmers in very difficult times, and for the organic farmers as their industry developed. We have noticed the healthy options appearing in the menu, the sugar content reducing, and have been reassured as recycled cardboard content has increased. All of this happening, whilst most of us simply continued to enjoy the product as one of the love brands in our local economy.
Are they truly so insensitive that they fail to recognise the damage they’re inflicting? Or is it that they simply don’t care about the residents and migrants at all, revealing their brand identity to be a facade? When I mention “residents,” I mean everyone—from young children and mothers with baby pushers to the elderly and those with disabilities, the blind and those in wheelchairs.
We reached out to McDonald’s and a spokesperson: “At McDonald’s we strive to be a good neighbour in the communities we serve, and the management team at our Epsom restaurant are continuously working with local stakeholders to help find a solution to the on-going parking issues which are affecting a number of businesses in the town. The safety and wellbeing of our people, customers and local residents remains our top priority and as such we have asked our delivery partners to ensure that all couriers continue to drive safely and park appropriately.”
When the views of the local manager were sought McDonald’s asked for nothing to be added to its spokespeson’s response.
The phrase “Continue to drive safely and park appropriately” seems more like a message to maintain a facade than a reflection of daily reality in Epsom. This raises my curiosity about which local stakeholders McDonald’s claims to be “continuously working with.” It suggests a disconnect between their messaging and the actual experiences of the community.
So I contacted Russell Bailey from Swail House, a local Blind charity severely affected by the issues: “I am in touch with the Surrey Council parking enforcement team and councillors and our MP Helen Maguire regularly about the issue, but there does not seem to be any progress. It seems to be that it will take an accident before any real action is going to be taken”.
Then I contacted the Ebbisham Centre owners of the land just behind McDonalds who said: “We are as frustrated as residents and customers of Epsom Square about the prevalence of mopeds parked on our premises and at the entrance to our squares, on council pavements. The mopeds themselves are unsightly and a hazard. The congregation of moped drivers, usually with full face helmets still worn, creates an intimidating and threatening atmosphere in the town and at the entrance to our squares. This is not good for the economy or for the wellbeing of residents, and seems to serve only the benefit of one or two national-multiple fast food outlets on the High Street”.
The Council are now vocal on the issue and are reacting to pressure from the community. Steve McCormick (an RA Surrey County and Borough Councillor) passed a unanimous motion at the County to deal with the problem. So who is McDonald’s actually talking to and how could it possibly be, that McDonalds, our love brand, is still entirely oblivious to the oncoming storm if it is “continuously working with local stakeholders to help find a solution”?
Town Ward RA Councillor Neil Dallen is aware of the problem but a Council led solution is proving elusive.
Epsom and Ewell Times sent a simple survey to all Epsom and Ewell Councillors. These are the few responses received to the questions how many times in the last year have you used these services and what is your solution?
Date
Name
Party and Ward
Orders last year
Do you have a solution to the problem of many delivery riders on two-wheels obstructing roads and pathways in Epsom? If so, please describe the solution briefly
12/10
Steve Bridger
RA Stamford (Mayor)
0
Dedicated area for them to park – NOT obstructing the pavement at one of the busiest areas with a bus stop! Also to check the insurance, licences and validity of the electric scooters of the drivers
12/10
Julie Morris
LibDem College
12
Create dedicated parking areas for delivery bikes. For example, Epsom Square, taxi bay in Upper High St, convert small sections of pavement where it’s wide enough and use that for delivery.bike parking, etc. eventually deliveries will come via drones and it won’t be so bad. After segregated parking has been put in place, enforce illegal parking from delivery bikes
12/10
James Lawrence
LibDem College
1
There need to be dedicated parking bays for them, similar to the bays outside Dreams (near the Odeon). Enforcement then needs to be used to ensure these bays are used. This will allow them to continue their very useful activities of providing delivery services to businesses and residents, without blocking the pavement or being an obstruction for pedestrians.
12/10
Robert Geleit
Labour Court
15
Find them a place to go. Make sure that they don’t have to work 12 hours a day 7 days a week.
13/10
Phil Neale
RA Cuddington
0
Have a system where the riders can be reported to the company that employs them then operate a three strikes and out policy.
16/10
Alison Kelly
LibDem Stamford
0
There needs to be a designated parking zone for the delivery drivers. It is clear that many people want home delivery. The solution is not asking the police to continually move them on.
18/10
Chris Ames
Labour Court
12
Police enforcement, including stopping riders with illegally powered bikes
And finally we contacted the closest local residential management company whose residents are most affected by the issues on a daily basis.
“Nobody from McDonald’s has ever contacted us. Our residents are almost 100% in favour of a thriving High St. We live in Town ward because we like the hustle and bustle, the bars, the businesses, and yes even a cheeky Mac and chips, along with the immediate access to all the wonderful things on offer in Epsom.
It should however never be forgotten that this is our manor, it does not belong to corporations and they do not have any right to ruin our environment, subject our families to unacceptable risk or to impede our disabled, simply because it is convenient and profitable to do so. McDonald’s should be reminded that you can only kick a dog so many times and that once kicked the dog is unlikely to care, if someone else is kicking it as well.”
In conclusion, my investigation indicates that McDonald’s has not engaged with the local stakeholders most affected by its new business model. Merely claiming that other businesses are doing the same raises ethical concerns, and the message that “all couriers continue to drive safely and park appropriately” seems both absurd and disingenuous. This suggests that McDonald’s has indeed lost touch with its core values. As a result, local stakeholders may soon be expressing their discontent by singing, “Ba Da Ba Ba Bah, Not Lovin’ It.”
Epsom Station gets an artistic makeover
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, railway stations often feel like transient spaces where passengers rush through without a second thought. However, at Epsom Station, something unique is happening. Thanks to the Art@the Station initiative from The Art Society UK, along with a group of talented young students from Epsom and Ewell’s own Nescot, the station has become a vibrant hub of art and creativity, offering a refreshing experience to commuters.
As part of the Art@the Station initiative, art and design students from Nescot (North East Surrey College of Technology) have created striking artwork inspired by Epsom’s most iconic landmarks. The project, designed to showcase emerging talent in public spaces, not only adds life to the station but also provides passengers with a more enriched and inspiring environment. The station’s subway now serves as a gallery, featuring bold, colourful images that celebrate the town’s rich heritage.
Angie Child from The Art Society Epsom led this creative transformation as project manager. The theme, Sense of Place, invited students to capture the essence of Epsom—its famous racecourse, clock tower, and other key sites. The result is a stunning display that has already stopped passengers in their tracks, prompting them to admire and even photograph the eye-catching designs.
“I am delighted with the outcome of the wonderful images the Nescot students have created for Epsom station,” said Angie. “The students went above and beyond to fulfil the brief. Even while we were still installing the artwork, passengers hurried past but stopped to admire and take photos of the beautiful, colourful pieces.”
The project, supported by a grant from Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), is not only a boost for the station’s appearance but also a significant achievement for the students involved. They had the chance to showcase their work to a wider audience, gaining real-world experience in the process. Special recognition was given to Nescot’s graphic design tutor, Miles Merritt, who encouraged and guided the students throughout the project, integrating it as an exciting extension of their coursework.
Out of more than twenty designs, the standout works from George Pearson, Alfie Carr, Callum Jones, and Wiktoria Sawicka won the competition. These students, all from the local area, embraced Epsom’s history and reimagined it in vibrant graphic designs. Their interpretations offer a fresh perspective on the town’s heritage, creating a dynamic fusion of past and present.
GTR’s Community Engagement Manager, Rob Whitehead, worked closely with the students, even providing them with rail tickets to visit an art exhibition in London as part of their creative journey. “We’re thrilled to support this initiative in Epsom and showcase the incredible talent of Nescot students,” Rob said. “Our Station Partners Small Grant fund has helped bring this fantastic community project to life.”
The Art@the Station project isn’t limited to Epsom. Younger students from Epsom Downs School also contributed, creating a large mural titled Rockets at Tattenham Corner Station. The initiative will continue into 2025, with more artwork planned for display at Ewell East Station, ensuring that local creativity continues to enrich the travel experience.
This collaboration between The Art Society, Nescot, and GTR is a powerful example of the impact community-driven projects can have. By bringing art into public spaces, these initiatives not only enhance the visual appeal of stations but also provide passengers with a deeper connection to local culture. Moreover, they offer younger generations a valuable opportunity to actively participate in and be recognised within their community.
For now, as commuters pause to admire the bright, bold designs at Epsom station, one thing is clear: art has the power to transform even the most ordinary spaces into something extraordinary.
Epsom Town as a Safe Place to Live? Is it our future or our past?
Epsom and Ewell Times is putting the spotlight on crime and anti-social behaviour blighting residents and businesses in the centre of the town of Epsom. In a series of reports over the coming weeks journalist and local Town Ward resident Romana Sustar will bring facts, opinions and responses from those effected and those responsible for solving the problems.
Epsom, a market town in Surrey, England, is often celebrated for its charming high street, historical significance, and the famous Epsom Downs Racecourse but it would appear that a combination of reduced police presence, a lack of resources, and a far too tolerant attitude to anti-social behaviour has resulted in a perceived decline in the safety of residents at night in Town Ward.
Is the image above our past or our future? No one is certain, so all we can say for sure, is that for the residents of the Town Ward, this is our present. The picture was taken on 28 July 2024, the scales are for drugs, the alcohol is brought for purpose, not sold from any local club or bar, and the graffiti is more than a week old and unchallenged.
What the picture does not show, is that everyone in authority has been aware of the rat infestation and general filth for some time, and that they are specifically aware of this illegal activity after hours in this location, but are yet to engage with residents or respond to the increased criminality in any meaningful way.
To be clear the photo is genuine, entirely unstaged and fails to show the true extent of the decline in standards and the acceptance of criminality and anti-social behaviour within 300 metres in all directions. And so it is genuinely perplexing why our community fails to confront activities such as those shown, when it is apparent that they are bad for the community, bad for business, bad for residents and indeed bad for the drug users, as the spike in knife crime proves.
That being said, let’s also be careful when we talk of failures, let’s not talk in space or point any fingers. When communities fail they fail together and they live with the consequences together.
So let’s start with an open mind and state that for now all we know is that the drug dealers, criminals, thugs and the lazy litterers are to blame. Today let’s just simply ask ourselves why we put up with it, why we let it happen and what we can do to reverse the trend.
In April 2016 after the sale of the local police station Inspector Elkins said “If anything, the public will see more police presence with more officers patrolling the area.” (Craig Richard Surrey Comet ) but we are yet to find a single Town Ward resident who actually believes this is true, so let’s also be careful with our own statements.
We really don’t know what role such comments, the lack of local charging and detaining facilities, and the general cuts to the police have actually played in damaging the reputation of the local Police. What we do know is criminals feel confident enough to have drug parties in open areas in Town Ward, and gangs in the same area will carry knives then chase down and stab their enemies without a care.
What we need is data so perhaps the reported crime figures will give an insight. Here they are for May 2024, which is well before the Friday 21 June 2024 multiple stabbing that the straight line rise to May was obviously heralding. And who has not seen open and likely unreported shoplifting recently?
It does look fair that residents who live centrally might be questioning what has gone wrong, what has changed and what can be done to restore order?
“I have lived in this block for 18 odd years and have seen and felt a rapid decline in general of this once vibrant, friendly and safe area of the town.” (long time Epsom Town resident).
Finger pointing and headline grabbing clickbait articles will ultimately achieve nothing, but resentment and distraction from the real issues, so what can we actually do to assist change?
In a series of articles, we will investigate the true position in 2024 and will ask the questions others appear too frightened, or too disconnected to ask. We will report the real statistics and engage with any and all local initiatives in order to advise residents how to access accurate information, and how to engage the elected and taxpayer funded bodies that exist to ensure the common good.
We will focus on the area from the end of Station Approach on West Street to the end of Upper High St including Derby Square and once we have the June figures we will move to focus on any efforts residents and local business owners are undertaking, to improve their environment, rid themselves of pests, and reclaim their common areas from the drugs and crime that seems to have moved in.
Whilst Epsom is not New York, the problems it faces today would appear to be similar to those of 1980s New York, with graffiti, fly-tipping, vermin, and a general disregard for law and enforcement, which then leads to open drug dealing and finally street violence. As the Mayor of New York at the time said: “Obviously murder and graffiti are two vastly different crimes. But they are part of the same continuum, and a climate that tolerates one is more likely to tolerate the other.”
So the real question becomes can local residents and businesses introduce practical, appropriate and effective solutions to enable and assist our local politicians and enforcement officers in carrying out their duties to us, or is our future already mortgaged to decline, filth and ever increasing criminality and anti-social behaviour?
See letter about the nuisance of delivery mopeds in the Town Centre.
Spotlight on Epsom’s Film Festival
Romy Sustar In conversation with the father of The Satisfied Eye International Film Festival (SEIFF), Chris Hastings:
When discussing film festivals, one thinks of the famous five festivals: Venice, Cannes, Berlin, Sundance and Toronto. However, you might not come up with Epsom when thinking about film festivals in England.
Q: Is there a film festival in Epsom?
A: The Epsom Film Festival is also known under the name The Satisfied Eye International Film Festival (SEIFF), and it was launched in 2018. The festival attracted international attention, and in 2020 SEIFF took place at the Odeon in Epsom just a week before the lockdown. 2021 was a year of uncertainties and lockdowns, so the team decided to plan ahead, especially after the Picture House announced its arrival in Epsom 2022. Unfortunately, unpredicted delays took place, and there is still no sign of Picture House opening its doors soon. The good news is that Bourne Hall kindly agreed to host the film festival, and we are grateful to be part of their exciting rebrand and relaunch between the 26th and 28th of May.
Q: Why do you think Epsom needs a film festival?
A: In our first year, we carried out an audience survey to discover local likes and habits. Apart from finding out that Epsom’s two most desired things were a Primark and fewer potholes, we found that many people travel to Wimbledon, Kingston and Guildford for entertainment. I grew up in Hastings, like living in an episode of The Last of Us. The town completely reinvigorated and reinvented itself through arts and culture. Many towns and cities have done the same, with arts and culture driving regeneration. When you ask what Epsom is famous for, most people say Epsom Salts or the Derby. And nobody is coming to Epsom for the salts, and the Derby is one weekend yearly. So to have any sense of sustainability and to battle ever-changing shopping habits, there need to be events and attractions that draw people in. After our first year, we were rated in the top 100 festivals in the world so that we could be a part of that cultural change.
Q: Please share with us a few past SEIFF insights.
A: The festival always finishes with our gala red carpet awards ceremony, our chance to enjoy glitz and glamour. The awards ceremony is open to everyone, so we always get a mix of our filmmakers and festival goers and local people. It’s an excellent chance for anyone who has been to any of the screenings to come and meet some of the filmmakers and for the filmmakers to talk to their audiences. Generally, the audiences like to dress up for the occasion, and filmmakers, like I, dress down! They’re our mini Oscars with all the awards you’d expect and a few particular to SEIFF. We also have a People’s Choice award, which goes to the best film chosen by local people who are part of our judging panel. The People’s Choice is always the first event of the festival, where we screen 90 minutes of the most popular short films as voted by local filmgoers, and for instance, this year includes one of this year’s Oscar winners.
Q: How can Epsom support the Film Festival?
A: SEIFF is an entirely voluntary event run wholly by local volunteers, and local people’s excitement and enthusiasm help keep it growing. So, the most important thing is bums on seats and volunteers! We’re lucky to have a loyal following, but we want to grow because that will allow us to do more events and bring more fun and excitement to the borough!
Q: Any final thoughts?
A: Every year, some of our films end up at the Oscars or go on to secure big deals. While these are all independent shorts, feature films, documentaries and animation, the quality is phenomenal, and you’ll see some of the best films you’ve seen in your life. That’s why a festival like the Satisfied Eye International Film Festival exists. So, save the date and meet us in Bourne Hall, Spring St, Ewell, Epsom KT17 1UF, between the 26th and 28th of May.
Q: How would you describe Epsom with one word and why?
A: Prospect. Epsom is a bit like a rookie footballer or boxer. There’s huge potential and the possibility to be something special. It simply needs everyone to come together and help make that happen.
Q: Where can we find out more about the Epsom film festival?
Chris Hastings is a multi-award-winning writer, director and producer. He has become a familiar name at festivals around the world. He is the CEO of 1066 Productions, an independent film and television production company based in London.
Romana Sustar is a multilingual freelance journalist, University Language Tutor, accomplished marketer and owner of Epsom Digital Ltd., a local digital marketing agency.
