For the third year running Epsom Methodist Church (EMC) is opening its doors and running its Warm Wednesdays programme this winter. EMC is just one of the 80 Warm Welcome spaces across Surrey that are open to all residents free of charge and are a place you can pop in to stay warm, get a hot drink, receive energy advice and much more!
Situated right in the heart of Epsom in Ashley Road, Epsom Methodist Church will be open from 9.30 am to 6pm every Wednesday from 6th November through to the end of March*. We will be providing hot drinks, hot meals, free wi-fi and friendly company and conversation. Everyone and anyone is welcome to drop in for five minutes or stay for the whole day – no booking required.
EMC will also be providing advice on where to go for help with energy bills, benefit problems, financial and housing issues and obtaining warm goods and emergency support. On some Wednesdays we will be joined by advisers from Surrey Community Action who will offer help with keeping energy bills down, dealing with energy providers and claiming benefits such as Pension Credit.
Each Wednesday from 3.30 pm to 6pm EMC’s Warm Space will take the form of a free after school club for parents and children. There will be games, crafts and activities before everyone joins together to share an evening meal together. Again no booking is required. Lead Organiser, Robert Hill, commented:
“Energy prices have gone back up this autumn and we know some households struggle to pay their heating bills. Warm Wednesdays not only provides a place where people can stay warm but they can also find friendship and get practical assistance to help see them through the winter.
“Epsom Methodist Church is proud to be part of a Surrey-wide effort to support communities and provide help for those who need it. And it is great to have the backing of the County Council for what we are doing.
For further information contact Robert Hill on 07802 551636 or email roberthill.home@icloud.com
Ahmadiyya roti for local food bank
3 November 2024
Fresh bread from local Ahmadi Muslims will be made from the Roti-making factory at the UK’s largest Muslim convention, the Jalsa Salana, as part of the “Bread for Britain” campaign organized by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and given to local food banks.
The annual convention (Jalsa Salana) is a three-day event held by members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community at a prop-up village near Alton that draws over 40,000 participants from more than 115 countries. The purpose of the event is for attendees to increase religious knowledge as well as to promote peace, spirituality and community. The convention is headlined by His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Caliph of the worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community addressing the congregation on each of the three days of the event. The event is broadcast live internationally and also features faith and civic leaders, parliamentarians and diplomats speaking on the importance of enhancing unity, understanding and mutual respect in our ever-changing world.
Local Ahmadi Muslims from Epsom have been actively involved in organizing the Jalsa Salana. This year, the convention has expanded its outreach through the “Bread for Britain” campaign, which aims to help address food insecurity by distributing thousands of roti-breads to several different locations across the UK. Epsom will be one of the towns to benefit from this initiative.
The fresh bread, lovingly made at the convention’s dedicated Roti-bread making factory, symbolises not just nourishment but also the values of compassion, service, and community. The local community’s effort highlights their commitment to supporting their neighbours and addressing pressing social issues.
A local representative of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Epsom stated, “The Bread for Britain programme highlights the essential duty of every Muslim to help and support their community as the Quran says “give to the kinsman his due and to the needy and to the wayfarer. That is best for those who seek the favour of Allah”. We hope that through this small gesture we are able to help our local community.”
The roti breads will be delivered to Lidl Neighbourly food bank in Epsom, to be distributed to individuals and families in need, providing essential nourishment and demonstrating the strong community ties within Epsom.
As the “Bread for Britain” campaign continues, the Ahmadi Muslim community in Epsom remains dedicated to extending their charitable efforts beyond the Jalsa Salana, working towards a more compassionate and supportive society.
On Sunday, June 9th, around 30 volunteers from ASEZ WAO UK, a local young adult volunteer group inspired by the World Mission Society Church of God in Epsom, gathered to clean along the stream at Longmead Road. The event, joined by Howard Gregory, Chairman of the Epsom & Ewell Tree Advisory Board, aimed to prevent plastic pollution in local waterways.
This litter pick was part of the group’s Blue Ocean campaign, which strives to reduce pollution in streams, rivers, beaches, and seas. In just two hours, the volunteers collected a total of 37 bags of litter, removing mainly plastics to prevent them from entering the waterways. Passersby at Longmead Road were pleased and cheered the volunteers, expressing their gratitude.
ASEZ WAO UK conducts cleanups like this almost monthly, fostering a positive mindset and a sense of community.
The World Mission Society Church of God, located on East Street in Epsom, is a global church with over 7,500 branches and approximately 3.5 million members. The church teaches about God the Father and God the Mother through the Bible.
The group remains committed to keeping the waterways in Surrey plastic-free.
ASEZ WAO UK
Lessons in slowing down in Surrey
3 November 2024
St Augustine’s Abbey in Chilworth, near Guildford Surrey, will open its doors to the public on May 18, 2024, offering a rare insight into the world of Benedictine monks. This public talk aims to provide an objective view of the Benedictine way of life, rooted in centuries-old tradition.
Epsom and Ewell Times seeks to slow down a notch the pace of information in our modern age. We attempt to provide deeper understanding of local news reviving online a tradition lost 20 years ago with the demise of Epsom and Ewells’ Herald and Advertiser weekly prints. Benedictine Monks living in the heart of Surrey have kept a slower tradition of existence going for 1500 years!
The Benedictine Order, founded by Saint Benedict of Nursia in the early 6th century, emerged as a cornerstone of Western monasticism. Benedict’s Rule, emphasizing prayer, work, and community life, became the guiding principle for monastic living across Europe. Monasteries under the Benedictine rule became centres of learning, agriculture, and spiritual guidance during the Middle Ages. The order played a pivotal role in preserving knowledge and culture during turbulent times. Benedictine monks contributed significantly to medieval society through their dedication to prayer, scholarship, and service. Today, Benedictine monasticism endures globally, fostering spiritual growth and intellectual pursuits.
The May 18th event will kick off with an optional Holy Roman Catholic Mass at 9 am in the Abbey Church, followed by a talk from 10 am to 11:30 am. Attendees will have the opportunity to delve into the daily rituals and routines of Benedictine monks, including chanting in Latin and the discipline of rising at dawn for prayer, practices that have endured for over 1,500 years.
The event will also explore the relevance of St. Benedict’s Rule, written in 530 AD, and its application in modern society. Attendees will gain insights into the motivations driving individuals to embrace the monastic life, characterized by simplicity, contemplation, and service.
In collaboration with the Guildford and District Knights of St Columba, the event aims to be informative for individuals of all ages and backgrounds, regardless of faith. Admission to the talk is by donation, with funds collected to support the monks in their spiritual endeavors.
To secure attendance, interested individuals need to RSVP by emailing richardatob@gmail.com. This event provides a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Benedictine spirituality within the tranquil setting of St Augustine’s Abbey.
St Augustine’s Abbey is located at Sample Oak Lane, Chilworth, Guildford, Surrey GU4 8QR.
For nearly 25 years Epsom Methodist Nursery has been providing early years childcare in the heart of Epsom – just two minutes from the town centre. Now the Nursery is entering an exciting new chapter in its history. As well as continuing to offer early years education for two to five year-olds the Nursery will become a Family Centre.
Following consultation with parents the Family Centre is planning to offer a broad range of activities and support including: A bumps and babies group for new parents providing ante-natal and post-natal support. Support groups for parents and carers of toddlers and young children. Courses and classes covering areas such as potty training, coping with challenging behaviours and family budgeting. Support for speech and language development. An affordable after-school club. A summer lunch club.
Already the Family Centre is running two stay-and-play groups for parents and young children and in April it is offering a free ‘Ready Steady Cook on a Budget’ course. With the cost of living rising, the FREE four-week course aims to support parents to provide easy, wholesome and healthy meals for the whole family whilst sticking to a budget.
The course will cover menu planning on a budget, planning the weekly shopping list, hands on experiences of creating easy recipes and top tips for saving money and time. The move to becoming a Family Centre has been made possible by a grant award from the Community Foundation for Surrey (CFS). CFS has arranged for the Netherby Trust and the Epsom and Ewell Community Fund to provide £12,450 which will match a contribution from Epsom Methodist Church. This money will help fund both the employment of a Family Centre Manager for the next year alongside the various activities that are planned.
Commenting on the grant award Cara Golding, the manager of Epsom Methodist Church Nursery, said: “We are delighted to have secured this funding from the Community Foundation for Surrey. Our work with families at Epsom Methodist Nursery has shown us how committed parents are to their children and families and how keen they are to pick up ideas that will help them with the everyday and sometimes complex challenges that parenting can bring. Local agencies and public services are under pressure and services have been cut back. So the more we can do to provide practical help to parents and give children the best start in life the better. That is our mission.”
For further details on the ‘Ready Steady Cooking on a Budget’ course see
On Sunday, January 21, joined by the Mayor of Epsom and Ewell, Councillor Rob Geleit (Labour Court Ward), 40 volunteers from ASEZ (Save the Earth from A to Z), the young adult volunteer group from the World Mission Society Church of God in Epsom, gathered to clean Longmead Road and adjacent streets in Epsom.
In a matter of 2 hours, the volunteers collected a total of 75 bags of litter; allowing the greenery to flourish and preventing plastics and litter from entering the waterways. The residents of Longmead Road were pleased and cheered the volunteers expressing their gratitude. As they walked along the areas of the clean-up and honked when they drove through, as a way to show their gratitude and the glory of God spread.
Out of 35 participants, more than half were young adults aged from 18 to 29. The clean-up event was a great opportunity not only for the environment but also for promoting positive activities and reducing antisocial behaviour among young adults.Ahn Sahng-hongOut of 35 participants, more than half were young adults aged from 18 to 29. The clean-up event was a great opportunity not only for the environment but also for promoting positive activities and reducing antisocial behaviour among young adults.
A passer-by, Howard Gregory from the Epsom and Ewell Tree Advisory Board and Elms Over Epsom explained “I saw this amazing crowd and amazing pile of rubbish, and this is fantastic.”
The World Mission Society Church of God is in East Street Epsom. The Church was founded in South Korea, inspired by the writings of Ahn Sahng-hong, considered by followers to embody the second coming of Christ.
Regardless of beliefs ASEZ did a great job.
All welcome in Epsom’s parish church
3 November 2024
St Martin’s is the Parish Church of Epsom. It is rather hidden from the bustle of the town between Church Road and Church Street where the main entrance is opposite the Olde King’s Head. Paths lead from Church Road and Grove Road through the churchyard. It well repays the effort of finding it, an oasis of peace just minutes away from the town centre.
The present building is not the one mentioned in the Doomsday Book, but its north west tower is the oldest building standing in Epsom. It is not easy to appreciate that, as it was disguised after the rebuilding with cladding to match the rest of the new church. The mediaeval church was demolished in 1824 as being too small as well as needing major repair. The only other remnant of it is the 14th century font.
Enlargement was necessary again in 1907 and an intended complete replacement was begun at the east end. It stopped there due to lack of funds! The place were the two parts join still shows the original intention. Inside the two parts are married well and now we have a large airy building, light because of the clear windows in the body of the church where the acoustics are well suited to its musical tradition. It is the venue for performances of many choirs as well as our own. In the rebuilt East end are some marvellous stained glass windows as well as the 1892 window by F.E.Oldaker a former pupil at Epsom College. Once the east window it is now behind the minstrel’s gallery. In the east end and in the nave are monuments as fine as any in Westminster and by the same sculptors. There is a fine organ by Norman and Beard in 1909 which has since been rebuilt by Corbett and Balby, an Epsom firm, in 1966-67, and Principal Pipe Organs of York in 1998.
Overall St Martin’s is a traditional English Parish church and the pattern of worship is recognisably Church of England. The Prayer Book services of Morning and Evening Prayer are sung once every month and the Holy Communion services on other Sundays are also enriched by our choir who often sing in cathedrals in the south-east when their choirs are away. There is time for fellowship around the coffee bar at the west end of the church after services. We strive to be welcoming and inclusive and are one of the few churches which has passed a resolution calling on the Church of England to amend its law so as to allow same sex weddings to happen in church.
The church is open for exploration and private prayer every morning and on Sunday afternoons. All are welcome at all times.
Free concerts (retiring collection) are sponsored by our Director of Music and we regularly host performances by the Epsom Choral Society, Ashtead Choral Society and Epsom Chamber Choir.
Howard Bluett, Reader at St Martins
Surrey Police shows support for Muslim colleagues and communities during Ramadhan and wishes a blessed Eid Mubarak
3 November 2024
Last week, 78 volunteers from Surrey Police and Sussex Police joined Muslim colleagues and communities to show their support and learn more about Islam and observe Ramadhan, as part of a ‘Fasting Collective’ organised by the Force’s Inclusion team.
Ramadhan lasts for 30 days, coming to a close around this Sunday, 1 May with the celebratory day of Eid ul-Fitr on Monday, 2 May. During Ramadhan, Muslims abstain from food and drink, including water, during daylight hours, as a means of strengthening and reflecting on their faith.
The Fasting Collective’s day began shortly after 4 am with a short virtual group meeting and an inspirational welcome from Imam Mansoor Clarke.
At the end of the experience, at the invitation of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community, 30 police officers and staff attended Mubarak Mosque in Farnham for Iftar, the breaking of the fast, a tour of the Mosque and an evening meal.
For those who didn’t attend in person, food parcels were supplied by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Organisation for participants to enjoy after sunset.
This is the second year Inspector Chris Pike has fasted for the whole of Ramadhan to understand and support some Muslim friends.
Chris says: “I was intrigued by how it feels to fast and what my colleagues and friends experience when they fast. Fasting for Ramadhan last year made me appreciate the things in my life that I take for granted, not just people, but also things like having a roof over my head and the community I live in. I feel that I have been fortunate to learn through my experience of fasting. Ramadhan also helps me consider my lifestyle and re-centre, giving me an opportunity to be healthier. Also, zakat, the making of donations to charity, is something which is central to the Muslim faith and has highlighted to me how we can make a difference in other people’s lives; not just giving money, but giving people our time too, to give support and compassion to the people around us.”
Hibat ul Mohsin Abid, Director of Outreach for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association said:
“This is the second year that Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association (AMYA) UK has supported Surrey Police’s Fasting Collective. AMYA is an organisation with a passion to serve the community and being a driver for positive change at its heart. To support this initiative, we were graciously permitted by His Holiness, Mirza Masroor Ahmad, the current head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association, to hold the Iftar (breaking of fast) at the Mubarak Mosque. The Fasting Collective has been a great source of inspiration for our youth as well, as not only does it provide us with an opportunity to engage with the police, but also we are truly amazed by the positive experiences and warmth shared by the police. The positive feedback that we have received from those who took part in this initiative has been very encouraging and motivating. For this day, everything was done by volunteers, which included activities such as cooking and packing food, delivering food parcels to several police stations and hosting a physical and virtual Iftar. We really hope that the Fasting Collective will have allowed those who took part an opportunity to better understand the importance of Ramadhan and fasting. It has been an absolute pleasure to host Surrey Police and Sussex Police, and we sincerely hope that in the future we are able to continue with such initiatives and more.”
Having taken part herself, Surrey Police’s Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Ali Barlow reflected on her experience:
“Being one of the 78 officers and staff involved in the Fasting Collective has given me a much better understanding of why there is a fast and what it means to Muslims – a time for reflection, self-restraint and thinking of others less fortunate. On a practical point whilst I was thirsty rather than hungry during the day it really did make me stop, reflect and focus and made me realise just how much time during the working day we spend grazing on food, drinking endless cups of tea or coffee and getting absorbed in the demands of the everyday. Surrey Police has, through our commitments, promised to be kind, friendly, inclusive and supportive of our police families and to respect and reflect the differences in the communities we serve. We have also committed to valuing and learning from the different perspectives and experiences of others and this is exactly what being involved in the Fasting Collective has helped me to do. It has been an absolute privilege to be involved in the Fasting Collective, to show our support for our Muslim colleagues and communities during the Holy month of Ramadhan, and to experience the fast together. I would like to thank the community for welcoming us so warmly to the beautiful Mubarak Mosque – which has such a sense of peace – and for their generosity, kindness and support today. On behalf of us all, I wish everyone celebrating a wonderful Eid Mubarak.”
Farhan Hayat, Deputy Inclusion Lead and Chair of Surrey Police Association of Culture and Ethnicity (SPACE) said: “As a race and ethnicity staff network, we have been so touched and humbled by the support seen throughout Surrey Police for Muslim colleagues observing the holy month of Ramadhan.
“For Muslims across the world, Ramadhan is without a doubt one of the most important and holiest months of the year and having the support of colleagues means so much. By authentically living the experience of others we strengthen both our knowledge and our connection with them, and we’re so pleased that almost eighty colleagues chose to do that.”
Good Friday Music – The Hub
3 November 2024
Regular contributor Baron Armah-Kwatreng lets us in on some delightful Easter tunes! Original article featured on thehubcast.co.uk
Three Recordings for Easter
Image: Salvador Dalí, Christ of Saint John of the Cross, c. 1951
Oil on canvas 204 x 115.9cm. Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow
Easter is arguably the most important occasion in the Christian calendar as Christians everywhere celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Hub marks this most important occasion with three recordings that in their different ways reflect the spirit of Easter.
Duo Scott and Vince return with another selection of five seasonal songs. Charles A Holme reads his reflective poem and the folk choir from St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Epsom provides its own offering in song.
Scott and Vince’s Easter Special
Picture: Scott Swift and Vince Yearly singing in harmony / Credit: The Hub
Epsom Catenian Circle‘s answer to Simon & Garfunkel – Scott & Vince – return after their successful Christmas Special with a selection of five songs at Easter time.
The songs reflect the duo’s differing tastes with Scott drawing on perennial favourite Stevie Wonder with Lately from the iconic 1980 album Hotter than July . Vince adds a floor-filler from his wedding band days, Van “the Man” Morrison’s Brown Eyed Girl from 1967 album Blowin’ Your Mind!. Among three other songs.
The songs were recorded in the Epsom Hospital Radio studio and were then edited to intersperse a Zoom interview with the duo on the inspiration behind each song choice. The interview concluded with a Q&A on what Easter means to each man.
You can listen to the interview and to the songs by clicking on the link below.
Christ of St John of the Cross: A Reflection
by Charles A Holme
Lifted high above an idyllic country view,
A lake, mountains, an empty fishing boat,
Against a menacing black sky. One man crucified.
Viewed from close overhead. A notice on the cross.
He is a carpenter who loved wood. Knew its grain
And strength. Chose it, shaped it, smoothed it
For village life. Seen here, ironically, hanging
From the rough beam of Roman justice
Below a notice.
No crowds passing by busy with their daily lives,
No jeering religious leaders, cowering disciples,
Distraught mother, gambling soldiers or penitent thief.
Alone. Raised against the engulfing black of this world
Below a notice.
Lit to show his Healing Hands, fractured, bleeding, torn,
By hand crafted, hand piercing, second-hand nails.
Shoulder muscles weakening, each shallow precious breath
Sighing blessings, forgiveness, love for Mary, a psalm
Below a notice.
That notice. Is it his name and crime?
A curse or a blessing? About victory or defeat?
Or, like on a parcel, delivery instructions
Sending him to some distant realm to be forgotten?
Or as an unwelcome, uninvited gift,
A ‘return to sender’ address?
It is all of these at the same time.
By his water and blood on that cross
Past and present linked for ever to my future.
Headley-based poet Charles A Holme offers a reflection on Salvador Dali’s arresting painting Christ of St John of the Cross. Piers Townley, a senior PR & Media Officer at The Brain Tumour Charity responded to this post, saying: “I’ve seen that St John of the Cross in real life in Glasgow. It’s an incredibly powerful piece of art up close. It’s huge and really intimidating. In a good way.”
You can listen to Charles A Holme reading his poem by clicking on the link below. Charles is a lay preacher and worshipper at St Mary the Virgin Church of England church in Headley, Surrey.
St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Epsom – Folk Choir
Picture: The St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Epsom Folk Choir in full voice
Choir leader Emma Swan invited The Hub to the group’s rehearsal session before the Palm Sunday service. The choir – from left: Kathy Maskens, Emma Swan, Emma Smith, father and son Vince and Scott White – sang five hymns. Jonathan, the drummer, is in the background.
Kathy Maskens is a regular feature of this site and is the inspiration behind The Hub’s Friday 2-4pm show on Epsom Hospital Radio. The A Team is a patients and staff requests show for the Alexandra Frailty unit where Kathy is the Community Matron. Kathy and Emma Swan share the distinction of performing in the lead role in the musical Godspell.
The first hymn sung by the group, Prepare Ye The Way of The Lord, is from Godspell. After the service, Emma Swan talked to The Hub about the choir’s choice of hymns. You can listen to the conversation with Emma and hear the hymns by clicking on the link below.
After listening to the interview, singer and guitar player Emma White added: The folk group has been going for nearly 40 years! I was born in 1978 and have been in the parish all this time. The group was going since I can remember in the 80s! I have been involved with it since the late 80s, early 90s with a few breaks here and there. How scary is that?!!
The world’s largest religion, Christianity, is based on the life and teachings of Jesus. The origins of Christianity dates back to AD 30-33 in Jerusalem. The belief that God is one eternal and supreme being led billions of people to follow this religion. 53% of England’s population in 2018 were identified as followers of Christianity. There are thousands of churches around England that follow different principles with some of them being, Baptists, Methodists, Catholics, Church of England and the list goes on.
Epsom and Ewell alone accommodates 29 churches that observe worshippers on a regular basis. The diverse followers practice their religion wholeheartedly. St Barnabas Church in Epsom believes in one true God who lives eternally in three persons—the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
The hundred-year-old building welcomes people from any age, race, gender and religion for worship and in their innovative sessions such as Alpha and Barneys. Alpha course is more focused on young people with curious minds who want to explore the big questions of life, faith and meanings. This free session is open for all and helps people understand the Christian faith in a friendly, open, and relaxed environment. Barney’s session targets babies, toddlers and their parents and carers. The session involves lots of toys, songs, bible stories and refreshments for all which is an innovative way to connect little ones with church and God.
According to Christians, Jesus Christ came in human form to teach people to love God and love their neighbour. Churches aim to spread this teaching through their Sunday prayers. Associating itself with Epsom primary schools, St Barnabas Church takes informal lessons either in schools or church itself where they educate young ones about the Christian faith and belief. Harry Lamaison, deacon of the church, says: “We’re currently exploring the ways we can engage with the local community and its evolving process. We have links with charity organisations such as Love Me Love My Mind and Sunny Bank Trust which helps people with their mental health issues and offer solutions for the same.” The church has linked itself to offer help and support from people who are dealing with mental health issues, breakdown of a relationship or a shock from death in a family.
St Barnabas follows one of the greatest messages of Jesus Christ “Don’t forget to do good and to share what you have because God is pleased with these kinds of sacrifices.” Church extends its hands to people in the community who are going through financial hardships by providing advice on how they can plan their expenditure and savings. Advice is offered by a financial adviser and is often done by setting up a private meeting with the person. St Paul’s Howell Hill and St Barnabas are working in partnership towards making the local community better by offering support to families in need. The local community is encouraged to take part in church activities that help in bringing the neighbourhood closer and stronger.
To support each other is what God has taught us all. How do we support each other is the big question. The church helps anyone in need and is looking forward to collaborating with local artists who are often unnoticed. Combining prayers with artists is a great way to promote local talent and to draw the attention of locals towards the church. With musicians, dancers and other artists, prayers can be more fun for youngsters as well. Moreover, the church also gives out space for weddings, birth or death. A nominal fee is charged for decorations and upkeep of the church. Artists can also take part in these functions as per people’s choice.
Sunday prayers are the heart of any church, where worshippers gather and worship for the betterment of their lives. Any religious establishment is incomplete without people and followers. Growing westernisation has kept many apart from the creator of the world. Remembering that god even once a day gives no harm and helping others is an act of God. Every culture or religion tells us how humans should live in harmony and respect each other’s decisions. Be it Jesus Christ, Allah or Bhagwan, all of them are with us, teaching the way of life and how to achieve peace in life.
