“You have to ask yourself is it worth it?”: Undercover officers stop 106 vehicles in just three days for road traffic offences.

A dedicated road safety campaign by Surrey officers saw 106 vehicles stopped in just three days for a variety of road traffic offences. 

Officers from the Surrey and Sussex Roads Policing and Commercial Vehicle Unit used an unmarked HGV lorry from National Highways, as well as unmarked police cars, to catch law breakers in the act.

This tactic is outside the box, but the logic is sound. A large HGV lorry is the last vehicle anyone would expect to be part of an undercover operation.

The campaign which ran from 30 May to 1 June, saw officers patrol the M25 and deal with a variety of offences including the use of mobile phones whilst driving, not wearing a seatbelt, and drug driving. 

Over the three days, officers completed 82 traffic offence reports, issued four FPNs (fixed penalty notices), and summonsed ten drivers to court. 

Surrey’s dangerous drivers will now be thinking twice when not giving their full attention to the road.

Sergeant Huw Watts, who led the team said: “This has been a very productive operation for our officers. It is always disappointing to see that the road safety message is not being received by drivers on some of the fastest roads in our counties. Despite advances in vehicle technology drivers still feel the need to use their mobile phones whilst driving including texting, checking emails, and even watching film clips!”

“Ten of the drivers we stopped will now have to attend court and potentially face losing their driving license, which will have a very real impact on their lives. We take road safety very seriously at Surrey Police and we run these dedicated operations alongside our normal road policing operations 24/7, 365 days a year. We will catch you, so you have to ask yourself is it really worth it?”

READ MORE: The Local Plan to plan The Local Plan

All over the Borough of Epsom and Ewell for the past days and weeks, the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee has been celebrated by residents and businesses in Epsom & Ewell. 70 years of rule is a momentous occasion, no Monarch has ever ruled for such a long period of time, and the celebrations on display in the Borough reflected this fact.

After such a busy and energetic period, it’s important to look back and reflect on the revelries of the last days and weeks, and have a look at all the ways that the Borough celebrated the Jubilee. Some things you may have seen, some you may have heard about but missed, and some things you might have never even heard of. Epsom & Ewell Times took great notice of all the efforts from all corners of the Borough, to put on a proud display for our Queen and to entertain all who wished to celebrate. From Murals and Artwork to special musical concerts, there was something for everyone.

With beacon lightings, street parties and a huge fair in Epsom Market Square, there was no shortage of revels and festivities going on across the Borough. We were lucky enough to attend the fair and it was great fun; Sunshine, music and fun surrounded all, as people joined together to celebrate the long reign of our Queen.

Epsom & Ewell Times has collected photographs from across the Borough to showcase a number of the festivities that took place, to shine a light on all the incredible effort put into decorations and parties by local residents.

Family Fun Festival

The Family Fun Festival took place on Wednesday, with Music, games and fun for all the family. Stilt-walkers, Musicians and dancers kept us entertained and happy all day as we celebrated 70 years of our Queen. The Epsom Derby Hall of Fame was also unveiled, with roundels commemorating famous past winners, horses and jockeys are alike.

Epsom Beacon Lighting

Thursday saw the lighting of the Epsom Down’s Beacon. Hundreds of Beacons across the country were lit concurrently.

Woodlands Avenue Street Party

Also taking place on Thursday was a wonderful street party on Woodlands Avenue, at the northern tip of the borough in Worcester Park. A representative for the road told Epsom & Ewell Times: “Huge thank’s to our organisers Liz, Helen and Danielle. We had a Pimm’s stall, tombola stall, and Music (Ben did a great job compèring).  BBQ, Large Jenga, best-dressed competition, plant a sunflower, and a plant sale. We were happy to raise £260 for the Bumblebee Conservation from the plant sale and £172 for Ukraine. A wonderful day had by all. Great community spirit!”

Very special thanks to Tara Lavelle who sent us these lovely photos.

Epsom Jazz Club – Jubilee Concert

Epsom Jazz Club celebrated the Jubilee it’s way.

Tenor sax virtuoso Vasilis Xenopoulos fronted a quartet featuring Nigel Price on guitar, Mikele Montolli on double bass and Laura Klain on drums. Laura had flown in that morning from Italy to join this truly international set. Not to avoid entirely the Jubilee celebrations several numbers played were composed 70 years ago in 1952.

A delighted audience of over 40, sitting comfortably in the cabaret setting of the acoustically perfect Oaks Room at the back of the Conservative Club in Church Street Epsom, were treated to an evening of superb professional jazz musicianship. This new jazz club bringing quality live music to the Borough continues next month on 7th July with a quartet featuring celebrated jazz vocalist Jo Harrop.  See www.epsomjazzclub.com for details and tickets.

Wandgas Club Beacon Lighting

The lighting of the Cuddington RA/Wandgas Club Jubilee Beacon was a grand event, of all the beacon lightings, this one may have taken the cake. With an impromptu fireworks show to go along with the lighting.

We were lucky enough (not to mention thankful) to have photos provided by Richard Johnson, who also had this to say via Facebook…

“Yesterday evening, at 9:45 pm, numerous Jubilee beacons were lit across the Commonwealth. I went along to see the lighting of our local (KT4 postcode area) beacon at Wandgas Sports & Social Club. At 9:45 pm, Cuddington RA’s Cllr. Phil Neale stepped forward as official firestarter, setting in motion Cuddington’s salute to Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. There was also the unexpected, simultaneous bonus of fireworks.”

Station Avenue Bunting

Now, from west Ewell, in the centre of the Borough, the dedicated residents of Station Avenue sent us photos of the bunting they put up on their road. Special thanks to Abigail Kuti for sending us the photos.

READ MORE: GALLERY: Inside the Epsom Jubilee Family Festival!

Today, Epsom held the Epsom Jubilee Family Festival, hours of fun for all the family. The festival included market stalls, face-painting, stilt-walkers, dancing and much more. Crowds packed in and out of the town centre all day to grab a piece of the fun, and Epsom & Ewell Times were there to photograph all the action!*

* Special thanks to TWM Solicitors and The Cairds Estate Agents Epsom for allowing our photographer access to their buildings to take photos from high up.

Today, Epsom’s very own racing Hall of Fame was unveiled by Mayor Clive Woodbridge alongside representatives from The Jockey Club.

Starting off the Queens’ Platinum Jubilee celebrations and the Derby weekend in Epsom and Ewell, the unique Derby Hall of Fame was officially launched on Wednesday 1 June in front of an appreciative crowd enjoying the activity and attractions of the refurbished Epsom Market Place.

The Hall of Fame comprises a series of commemorative roundels, celebrating notable and record-breaking Derby winners: jockeys, horses, and trainers. The roundels are installed into the floor on Epsom Market Place, following the line of trees, beginning at the Evocation of Speed statue, and working in date order towards the Clock Tower.

This Hall of Fame is a unique landmark that recognises the borough’s long-standing connection with the Derby, one of the most famous flat races in the world and celebrates Epsom and Ewell’s rich culture and heritage.

READ MORE: Nationals report Queen to miss Epsom Derby

Commemorated here are some of the most famous and recognisable names in horse racing history – including Alex Greaves, the first female jockey to compete in the Derby; Geoff Lewis, the first Epsom-based winner, as well as the legendary jockey, the late Lester Piggott who features in two plaques – as youngest winner of the Derby and as the winning rider on Nijinsky, plus many more.

The roundels have been produced by Richard Wolfströme, an award-winning creative with over 34 years’ experience, who specialises in holistic wayfinding and cultural placemaking that explores and develops unique design solutions for places, buildings, parks, and landscapes.

Together, they will sit alongside notable artworks such as The Evocation of Speed and the new Emily Davison Statue, which capture the richness and historical significance of the borough.

The informative trail was opened by the Epsom & Ewell Borough Council New Mayor, Councillor Clive Woodbridge and included appreciative clapping in memory of the late Lester Piggott. The installation of the Derby Hall of Fame marks the culmination of a significant regeneration project for Epsom and Ewell, funded as part of The Market Place Project by Epsom & Ewell Borough Council and Surrey County Council.

The Hall of Fame will continue to be added to over time, as more significant racing landmarks are reached and will provide a fascinating information trail in the heart of Epsom Market Place.

GALLERY: Each and every roundel

Further to the sad recent death of Councillor Clive Smitheram, an election is to be held to elect one Borough Councillor for the West Ewell ward, Epsom & Ewell Borough Council. This will take place on Thursday 7 July 2022.

West Ewell ward, in the west of the borough, has three seats on the Council, at present all three are held by the Residents Association.

The formal call for candidates and notice of the election has been issued today.

Forms of nomination for the Borough Election may be obtained at the Town Hall, The Parade, Epsom, Surrey, KT18 5BY from the Returning Officer who will, at the request of an elector for any electoral area, prepare a nomination paper for signature.

Nomination papers must be delivered to the Returning Officer on any day after the date of the notice (31 May 2022), Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm but by no later than 4pm on Friday, 10^th June 2022.

If the election is contested the poll will take place on Thursday, 7^th July 2022.

In the event of a poll, the polling stations will be at:

Polling District EA: West Ewell Evangelical Church, 23 Lansdowne Road, West Ewell KT19 9QJ (Polling Station 1); and

Polling District EB: All Saints Church & Community Centre, Fulford Road, West Ewell KT19 9QY (Polling Stations 2 & 3)

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It is looking increasingly likely that the Queen will not attend the Epsom Derby on June 4th, The Sunday Times reports.

The Sunday Times is reporting that the Queen will miss the Epsom Derby due to ongoing episodic mobility problems. The long-reigning monarch, who is due to celebrate her Platinum Jubilee, has already missed many important events, including the opening of Parliament. The Queen is currently resting at Balmoral in the run-up to the Jubilee.

The Sunday Times has said that it is “increasingly unlikely” that the Queen will make an appearance. Her Majesty will instead be represented by her daughter, the Princess Royal.

Hopes were high for the Queen’s appearance at the Derby and higher still that Her Majesty would have a runner, but her colt Reach for The Moon was unable to race.

The Queen is still expected to greet adoring crowds from the palace balcony at Trooping the Colour, as well as the grand finale to the Jubilee, the Pageant Parade.

The absence of the Queen at the Derby is sure to be a source of disappointment for attendees and organisers, although it’s hard to say if they’ll be as disappointed as the Queen herself, as a passionate lover of horses and horse breeding she is famously fond of the racing event.

READ MORE: Platinum Jubilee: 5 things to do in Epsom!

Lester Piggott, a legend of horse racing, passed away at 86 in Geneva yesterday (29th May). Lester had a long and colourful career as a Jockey and Trainer, winning the Epsom Derby 9 times, a record yet to be broken. 

Lester won his first Derby in 1954 on Never Say Die when he was 18 years old. The following 8 wins were on Crepello(1957), St. Paddy (1960), Sir Ivor (1968), Nijinsky (1970), Roberto (1972), Empery (1976), The Minstrel (1977) and Teenoso (1983).

Nicknamed “The Long Fellow” due to his above-average height for a Jockey, Lester had a decades-spanning career and accumulated thousands of wins (4,493) in 9 different countries, before retiring in 1985 at the end of the flat season. He returned to racing in 1990 and continued to win races until officially retiring in 1995. His last race on British soil was in the November Handicap in 1994, his last race was in Canberra in 1995, where he won the Black Opal Stakes riding Zadok. 

When Piggot was inducted into British Racing’s Hall of Fame, jockey Frankie Dettori told BBC Sport: “I’ve managed to win two Derbys and Lester won nine, which is beyond anyone’s imagination,”

“Looking back at the footage of Lester ride, he was 20 years ahead of his time, like Tiger Woods or Michael Jordan.

“He was ruthless. He had such a will to win, he had balance, he had everything. He is the greatest.”

In his later years, Piggott moved to Burisnel, Switzerland, with his partner Lady Barbara FitzGerald. He published a book, Lester’s Derby’s in 2004.

Epsom crowds will never forget the rising tide of the crowd urging “Come on, Lester” as he neared the Derby-winning post. A true legend.

READ MORE: Jubilee: Borough’s Brace of Beacons

This week will witness the climax of Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Celebrations and, Her Majesty’s health permitting, the Borough of Epsom and Ewell will be privileged to receive The Queen, when she attends the Derby race-meeting on 4^th June.

70 years of continuous service as the United Kingdom’s Head of State is unprecedented. Equally unprecedented is Prince Charles’s longest ever service as Heir Apparent to the British throne. Never before has anyone served such a long apprenticeship nor has a “handover” of responsibilities ever been so thorough.

Closer to home the Heads of the Council Administration of the Borough of Epsom and Ewell have served declining periods of service in a societal era of constant changes, career progressions and “movings on”.

The post of Chief Executive Officer of Epsom and Ewell Borough Council, previously known as “Town Clerk”, has been occupied by Douglas Grimes for 11 years (1973 – 1984), David Smith for 23 years (1986 – 2009), Frances Rutter for 8 years (2009 – 2017) and lastly Kathryn Beldon for 5 years (2017 – 6^th June 2022).

Ms Rutter’s departure was announced several months before her final day, presumably allowing for an orderly transfer of responsibilities to her successor. At the time of her leaving it was reported that her salary was £133,000 per annum. For such rewards, one would expect a requirement for the service of a reasonable notice period. What has happened today that a CEO on a Council taxpayers’ funded salary of that magnitude leaves with apparently little more than 11 days’ notice? Alternatively, with the aid of computers and central government-driven detailed operational guidelines, is it possible the Chief Executive post is now not so demanding? That a shorter handover or no handover period at all, is adequate? If so, is a salary of £133,000 or more still justified?

Whatever the answers we wish the departing CEO well for the future and good luck to her successor. If the Borough attracts a good one let’s hope we see a return to long-service.

Wherever you live in the Borough of Epsom and Ewell there is a good chance on the evening of Thursday 2nd June you can see a Platinum Jubilee Beacon lighting. On Epsom Downs and Wandgas Sports Field on Grafton Road.

Cuddington Beacon Party

There’s something for everyone at the Cuddington Beacon Party, featuring Beer-pong for the adults and Crown-making for the children. The beacon will be lit at 9:45 PM, with food huts around the ground and a fully-licensed bar, it’s definitely not one to miss.

Epsom Downs Beacon Lighting

Meanwhile, on Epsom Downs, the Mayor will be present to light the beacon that has been so generously donated by GoEpsom and will be lit at 9:45 PM.

Note: Grandstand Road will be closed to traffic before the event with limited parking in the area.

If Beacons aren’t your cup of tea, why not have a look at the various other events taking place in Epsom & Ewell across the coming days?

Epsom Jazz Club: Jubilee Evening

If you get no buzz from Beacon burning, then alternative evening entertainment on Thursday 2nd June includes a night of Jubilee Jazz from Epsom’s very own Jazz Club. Performing at Oaks Room of the Conservative Club, it will surely be a wonderful evening. Vasilis Xenopoulos is considered to be one of the most accomplished Greek contemporary musicians of his generation and celebrated tenor sax. He will be accompanied by Nige Price – UK’s top jazz guitarist, leading the evening’s modern jazz quartet.

All profits from the evening will go to Epsom-based charity Surrey Stands With Ukraine.

Strictly 1950’s Jubilee Jive

Fancy an afternoon of 1950s style family dance fun in collaboration with Surrey Dance Addicts? Come on down to the Horton Cafe for a day of toe-tapping 1950s tunes.

Timed teaching sessions will be held throughout the day for anyone who wishes to learn some new moves from Surrey Dance Addicts. The sessions take place at 2:15, 2:45, 3:15 and 3:45.

Afternoon Tea at the Marquis

Come along for a traditonal afternoon tea (running 12 pm – 5 pm) in the garden of The Marquis of Granby. With a television in the garden, coverage of the Jubilee will run all day. So come along, relax, have some tea, sandwiches and cake.

The tea will be followed by live music out front, from 7 pm – 10 pm.

READ MORE: GALLERY: Epsom wears its Royal pride as the Jubilee approaches

Today (Fri 27th May) in Epsom Square, a String Quartet performed in honour of the NHS workers of Epsom & Ewell who have worked so hard these last few years. As the pandemic froze our country (and the world) to a halt, the brave, dedicated health workers up and down the country worked around the clock to help bind up the wounds that COVID-19 opened.

The event was organised by Epsom Music to raise funds for the Epsom and St Helier Hospitals charity for the welfare of the local NHS staff.

The Salieri Quartet played music by Bach and Mozart, to an excited crowd on a beautiful sunny day in Epsom Town Centre. Passersby stopped to take photos and to listen. Children sat calmy on the laps of their parents and grandparents as the Quartet’s music filled the surrounding area with lovely music.

A certificate, featuring an original poem by friend-of-the-paper Audrey Arden-Jones, was read out (by Arden-Jones herself) and presented to nurses from Epsom Hospital preceded by some nice words from Councillor Clive Woodbridge, Mayor of Epsom & Ewell. Chris Grayling MP was in attendance as well and shared some brief words with the crowd, extending his thanks to not only NHS workers but their families too.

Audrey’s lovely poem is as follows:

Thank you for your devotion

Thank you for your dedication

Thank you for going beyond the call of duty

Thank you for all that you do to make a difference

Thank you for your patience, your kindness and your talents

Thank you for being there for all of us during the long days, the long nights

Thank you to each one of you for your hard work during the Covid pandemic

We photographed the event, and are delighted to share the photos with you all.