Residents from across Surrey are invited to get involved to help shape the brand identities of the new East and West Surrey councils.

These councils will need to create their own distinct brand identities, to help everyone recognise who is delivering local services from April 2027.

The new brands will be created at no cost by designers working in councils across Surrey. To help inform these designs, residents, businesses, council staff, partners and community groups across Surrey to have a say on the future visual identities of the new East Surrey and West Surrey councils.

This is the first phase of a wider programme of engagement to help shape the new councils.

A survey has been created for people to share their views. This will be available to complete in the 52 libraries across the county to ensure a broad range of voices are heard. We are asking residents to share your views on:

*           What makes our area unique?

*           What are you most proud of?

*           What should your future council’s look and feel reflect?

Insights gathered from the survey will be used to help create the new logos and brands for East Surrey and West Surrey Councils.  This means that each brand will reflect the distinct views of the people in each area.

Residents have until 3 August to complete a short survey, more information can be found on https://www.surreylgrhub.gov.uk/your-future-surrey

Councillor Steve Wotton, the Leader of East Surrey Shadow Authority said: “We are committed to making East Surrey a place where people thrive. There is a lot to do, but this is a real opportunity to take a new approach, designing a council that is open, transparent and genuinely focused on delivering outcomes for residents, businesses and communities. Creating a new brand identity for East Surrey is an important step as we move forward. This engagement is about understanding what people like about where they live and what makes their communities unique. I would encourage residents, businesses, partners, colleagues and community groups to take part and help shape a brand that truly reflects East Surrey.”

Councillor Paul Follows, the Leader of West Surrey Shadow Authority added: “Our focus remains on creating a council that delivers high-quality services, provides value for money and meets the needs of residents, businesses and communities across west Surrey. This engagement is an opportunity for people across West Surrey to help define how we present ourselves as a new council. We’re not asking for views on logos or designs, but on what really matters to our communities – the character, feel and identity of the area. By taking part, residents can shape the new West Surrey brand and ensure this is a people’s brand. We are also committed to keeping costs to a minimum, so I am delighted that the new brand will be created in-house, with designers working in all councils.”

Surrey County Council

Guildford Cathedral has been granted permission to install security cameras around its listed premises through a fund to protect places of worship from violent attacks.

The cathedral will place 16 new security cameras both inside and outside its main building, which was made possible by the Home Office’s Places of Worship Protective Security Scheme.

Guildford Borough Council has now granted planning permission, giving the green light for these cameras to be installed across the Grade II* listed cathedral.

Planning documents submitted to the council read: “Due to the level of threat of terrorism in the UK remaining substantial, it is perceived that increasing the number of security cameras will help deter attacks on the premises of Guildford Cathedral. 

“This work has been advised by the UK government and they are funding the work.”

It comes after new legislation requiring premises to ramp up their security measures to safeguard against potential terror attacks was passed into law last year.

The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill is also known as Martyn’s Law – named after Martyn Hett, who was killed in the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing.

A cathedral spokesperson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) they “welcome this investment” into these security systems, which comes as part of its response to this changing legislation.

They said: “We are grateful to the Home Office for awarding Guildford Cathedral funding through the Places of Worship Protective Security Scheme, which will enable us to install additional CCTV across the cathedral site. 

“The improvements will support our ongoing commitment to providing a safe, secure and welcoming environment for everyone who visits the cathedral.”

The colours of the new cameras were chosen to be as discreet as possible, according to planning documents, and will broadly match the render of the walls.

“Whilst measures have been taken to specify discreet cameras and place them in discreet locations, to anyone looking carefully at the cathedral’s fabric some will still be visible,” the documents say.

“However, their visual impact is of little significance when considered against the possibility of damage of which the cameras will help prevent.”

Council planning officers wrote in their approval that the cameras “would not have any adverse impact on the listed building”.

They added: “The proposed development, due to its scale and nature, coupled with the site’s location away from any other sensitive properties, would have no unacceptable impact on neighbouring amenity, in terms of loss of light, loss of privacy or overbearing impact.”

The UK terrorism threat level was raised from “substantial” to “severe” in April – meaning a terrorist attack is deemed highly likely within the next six months.

This designation came following the stabbing of two Jewish men in Golders Green, North London.

James Moules Local Democracy Reporter

Guildford Cathedral (Credit: Google Maps)

There was a lively atmosphere on Friday evening as the local running community gathered for the return of the Perch 2000 run.

Hosted by the Oddballs Running Club, the event returned after a hiatus, bringing together runners, supporters and volunteers for an evening of local sport on Epsom Downs.

The revival of the Perch 2000 was led by the club’s committee, with Peter Black and Mark playing key roles. Working with the Epsom & Walton Downs Conservators, the team secured the venue and dealt with the practical arrangements needed to bring the historic event back.

The organisers’ plans were then tested by soaring summer temperatures, which led to a safety-based postponement. The run was rescheduled by a week at short notice, with cooler conditions on Friday evening providing a safer setting for participants to take on the course.

Club member, local photographer and councillor Steven McCormick worked with Peter, Mark and the committee in support of the event’s return.

“It’s just fantastic to see everyone out here again,” Mr McCormick said. “The Oddballs committee put in a monumental amount of work to make this happen and to pull off the last-minute date change. Community events like this are the heartbeat of our local area.”

Mr McCormick was also on the sidelines photographing the runners. A gallery of race-day photographs is available to view and download on his website:

https://www.stevenmccormickphotography.com/f216411970

Mr McCormick is also a familiar face behind the camera at other local sporting events, including the annual Tadworth 10.

Brass in the Garden this Sunday

The Epsom & Ewell Silver Band will give its Summer Concert at the Old Moat Garden Centre this Sunday, starting at 5pm.

Tickets are available through the band’s website:

https://www.eesb.org.uk

The Perch 2000 image gallery can be viewed at:

https://www.stevenmccormickphotography.com/f216411970

Students from Nescot have helped restore a memorial bench dedicated to legendary jockey Pat Eddery at Epsom Downs Racecourse.

The work gave young people on Nescot’s alternative provision programme, for those aged 14 to 16, practical experience in woodworking and restoration while contributing to one of Epsom’s best-known sporting venues.

Eddery, regarded as one of the most successful jockeys in British racing history, rode more than 4,600 winners during a career spanning over three decades. He was British champion jockey 11 times and won The Derby on several occasions.

His achievements at Epsom Downs, and his long association with the Derby Festival, make the restoration of the memorial bench especially significant.

Following the project, the students were invited to Epsom Downs Racecourse to see the bench reinstated in the Parade Ring. They were also given a behind-the-scenes tour of the historic Queen Elizabeth II Stand by Julie Kapsalis MBE, Principal and CEO of Nescot and a member of the Epsom Downs Racecourse Committee.

The group visited areas not usually open to the public and followed the route taken by King Charles III and Queen Camilla during their recent Derby Festival visit, ending at the Royal Box balcony overlooking the racecourse.

Julie Kapsalis said: “Working alongside The Jockey Club on projects like this is a fantastic example of how education and industry can come together to benefit both students and the wider community.

“Our students have shown tremendous dedication in restoring this important memorial, gaining valuable practical skills while helping to preserve a piece of Epsom’s unique heritage.”

Jim Allen, General Manager at Epsom Downs Racecourse, said the restored bench was “a fitting tribute to one of racing’s greatest jockeys”.

He added: “The students have done an outstanding job. The bench looks absolutely fantastic and is a fitting tribute to one of racing’s greatest jockeys.

“We are proud to see it back in the Parade Ring, where racegoers, owners, trainers and jockeys can continue to enjoy it for many years to come.”

The bench restoration is part of a developing partnership between Nescot and The Jockey Club. Nescot students also sang on the Community Zone stage at this year’s Betfred Derby Festival and have begun work on a large-scale mural for the racecourse underpass, intended to mark the 250th running of the Derby in 2029.

The project combines practical learning with the preservation of a small but meaningful part of Epsom’s racing heritage.

Photo: Nescot students with NESCOT CEO Julie Kapsalis

Sam Jones – Reporter

A satellite coating made from one of the world’s darkest materials could help tackle a growing threat to astronomy, according to new research led by astrophysicists at the University of Surrey.

With as many as 60,000 satellites projected to orbit Earth by 2030, scientists are seeking ways to reduce their brightness in the night sky.

In a new study published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, researchers demonstrate how Vantablack® 310 – an ultra-black coating developed by University of Surrey spinout Surrey NanoSystems, which co-authored the paper – could help reduce light pollution from satellites in low Earth orbit.

The growing number of satellites already in orbit has raised concerns among scientists and stargazers. Reflected sunlight from spacecraft can create bright streaks and flares that interfere with telescope observations and large-scale surveys of the night sky.

This can make it more difficult to detect faint objects, including asteroids, distant galaxies and other important astronomical phenomena.

To tackle the problem, the research team measured how Vantablack® 310 reflects light under a range of illumination and viewing conditions. They then used those laboratory measurements to simulate how a coated satellite surface would appear from the ground.

The simulations showed that the coating could make satellite surfaces significantly fainter, bringing their brightness close to the limit recommended by the International Astronomical Union for protecting astronomical observations.

The findings suggest that ultra-black coatings could provide a practical way to reduce the impact of future satellites on astronomy and the night sky.

Astha Chaturvedi, lead author of the study and a postgraduate researcher at the University of Surrey, said: “The night sky is one of humanity’s oldest windows into the universe, but it is becoming increasingly difficult to see things.

“Our results show that relatively simple material choices could make a meaningful difference to how satellites affect astronomical observations without requiring major changes to mission design.”

Vantablack® 310 reflects only around two per cent of incoming light. The small amount of light it does reflect is distributed more diffusely, reducing the bright flashes commonly produced by reflective satellite surfaces.

Dr Noelia Noël, co-author of the study and Senior Lecturer in Astrophysics at the University of Surrey, said: “Space is becoming increasingly crowded, creating challenges not only for astronomers but for everyone who values an unspoilt night sky.

“What is encouraging about this research is that it moves us beyond simply identifying the problem and towards developing practical, evidence-based solutions.

“As an astrophysicist at Surrey, I am particularly proud that a potential solution to this astronomical challenge has emerged from pioneering materials research at our own University. Vantablack® technology grew from work involving my colleague Professor Ravi Silva and was developed and commercialised by Surrey NanoSystems, demonstrating what can be achieved when astrophysics, engineering and industry work together.”

James Whitfield, Applications Scientist at Surrey NanoSystems and co-author of the study, said: “Satellite constellations offer enormous benefits, but their growing brightness presents a challenge for ground-based astronomy.

“Vantablack® 310 combines ultra-black performance across a wide range of viewing angles with the durability needed for low Earth orbit. We are proud to work with the University of Surrey to help protect the night sky while supporting innovation in satellite technology.”

The team is now preparing for an in-orbit demonstration aboard the Jovian-1 CubeSat mission, a student-led satellite programme involving the universities of Surrey, Portsmouth and Southampton.

The demonstration will test both the coating’s performance in the space environment and whether the resulting change in brightness can be measured from the ground.

The wider Light Pollution and Sustainable Space initiative, led by Dr Noël, was named Best Sustainable Project at the University of Surrey’s 2026 Sustainability Awards, recognising its systematic approach to reducing satellite brightness through material design.

The work has also reached the international stage, with lead author Astha Chaturvedi invited to present the research at the United Nations Workshop on Dark and Quiet Skies in Vienna. Dr Noël has also highlighted the wider challenge of satellite light pollution and the need to protect the night sky through her TEDx talk.

Two identical bronze casts – one has been coated with Vantablack® 310 (Credit: Surrey NanoSystems)

Surrey University

Revd. Jonathan Boucher was the Vicar of Epsom for 20 of the last 25 years of the mediaeval church, 1785–1805.

Born in Blencago, Cumbria, into a family ruined by the Jacobite rebellion, he did however get to WIgton Grammar School and eventually taught at St Bees.

He emigrated to Virginia in 1772 at the age of 16 to teach there. He served first as a tutor to the children of plantation owner Edward Dixon, and ran a school that had as a pupil Jackie Custis, stepson of George Washington.

He returned to England to be ordained and then returned and settled in Maryland through the patronage of the Governor Sir Robert Eden. He settled in Caroline county as rector of St Mary’s Parish where he served until 1772.

He resided in Port Royal but wrote in his diary: “There was not a literary man, for aught I could find.”

He had become a personal friend of George Washington and sympathetic to the interests of the colonists. He opposed the Stamp Act and the Vestry Act. He could not support armed resistance to the king.

He was always a sturdy Royalist and once thrashed a rebel Yankee blacksmith who had insulted his king and country and this made him so unpopular that he had to return to England.

Indeed he had to hold the leader of his congregation at gunpoint to ensure his safe departure. He had been informed that if he dared pray for King George he would be fired at in his pulpit.

Nothing daunted the next Sunday the resolute man ascended the pulpit stairs armed with two horse pistols, one of which he laid on either side on his pulpit cushion; with this preamble he preached what has become known as his “Farewell Sermon”.

In an unflinching sermon, on Nehemiah 6,10-11, he ended with this stinging passage.

“Unless I forbear praying for the king I have been notified that I am to pray no longer. No intimation could be more distressing to me; but I do not require a moment’s hesitation distressing as the dilemma is. Entertaining my respect for my ordination vow, I am firm in my Resolution, whilst I pray in public at all, to conform to the unmutilated Liturgy of my Church and reverencing the injunctions of the Apostle ‘I will pray for the king and all who are in authority under him as long as I live’. Yea while I have my being, I will, with Zadok, the priest and Nathan, the prophet, proclaim GOD SAVE THE KING”

The Americans had no heart to fire at so bold and honest a man and Jonathan Boucher descended his pulpit stairs unharmed.

On September 10, 1775 Revd. Boucher and his wife amidst tears and cries of their slaves, went aboard the ship “Nell Goynne” and sailed for England, where he received a government pension.

No longer living a life of ease and affluence he was at first supported by William Stevens and Friends.

Wm Stevens was it was ten years later, through the good offices of Revd. J. Parkhurst, another member of Stevens’ circle, he was appointed Vicar of Epsom in 1785.

While serving here in Epsom he gained a reputation as a writer and scholar and acquired a reputation as one of the finest preachers of his day.

He made substantial contributions to William Hutchinson’s “History of the County of Cumberland” (1794) his home county and where he was educated and had his first teaching post in St Bees.

St Bees School is on the Cumbrian coast below Whitehaven. Interestingly, in the American Revolutionary War, Whitehaven was raided by John Paul Jones the well known United States naval commander.

According to some this attack, in 1778, was the very last invasion of England.

He went on to write “A view of the Causes and Consequences of the American Revolution in thirteen discourses preached in North America between the years 1763 and 1775 which he dedicated to George Washington published in 1797, as well as “a Glossary of Provincial and Archaic Words, which was later used by the compilers of Webster’s Dictionary, and “Reminiscences of and American Loyalist” published in the 1870’s.

A magisterial biography and appreciation of his role in the revolution by Anne Young Zimmer “Jonathan Boucher: Moderate Loyalist and Public Man” (1966). In a Wayne State University Dissertation can be found on the internet

In 1786 Boucher wrote to make a proposal of marriage to Miss Mary Elizabeth Foreman a lady of about his own age (48) who had devoted herself to looking after two sick and elderly maiden aunts recently deceased.

She accepted the offer and, in anticipation of their union, Jonathan rented from Northey a large house on Woodcote Green [Woodcote House] for £100 p.a., purchased a coach and four horses, hired seven servants etc to set up an establishment in a “dear but genteel neighbourhood”.

Sadly, she, his second wife, survived only until 17 September1788.

Following her demise, Boucher had spent months away in Cumberland adding to his real estate at Blencogo but seems to have returned in December 1788 to a ‘melancholy and uncomfortable home…at the Vicarage – extremely inconvenient and quite too small especially for the books (he had ten thousand of them according to White and Hart, many collected for an improved edition of Dr. Johnson’s English Dictionary), whilst impossible to be enlarged and improved at any reasonable expense’.

He decided to purchase ‘a good house with about 5 acres of land on Clay-Hill’ although distant from the church and with an unsatisfactory water supply: alterations to provide rooms for a library were not completed until July 1789.

Consequently, when Edwards conducted a survey for his COMPANION FROM LONDON TO BRIGHTHELMSTON the vicarage house was occupied by ‘Miss Boucher’, the Vicar’s daughter.

Jonathan Boucher continued vicar of Epsom until his death in 1804.

Howard Bluett

Image credits and licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/ St Martins as it is today not as in Boucher’s time. Hugh Craddock. Portrait superimposed.

Rosebery School in Epsom has launched a new charitable foundation aimed at helping pupils pursue their ambitions regardless of their financial or personal circumstances.

The Rosebery Foundation has been established as part of the wider GLF Schools Foundation, supported by donations from former pupils including the family of Dianne Long, who joined Rosebery School in 1953.

Rosebery, which is part of the GLF Schools multi-academy trust, said the Foundation will help remove financial barriers which can prevent pupils from taking part in opportunities outside the classroom.

Its work will focus on five main areas: enrichment and opportunity; wellbeing and belonging; leadership and empowerment; networks and futures; and Rosebery Rewilding, which promotes wellbeing and personal development through nature and outdoor learning.

The Foundation will also seek to draw on the school’s wider community of former pupils, parents and partners to create mentoring opportunities, professional connections and new experiences for pupils.

One of its first major projects will be a summer visit to the European Space Centre in Belgium, intended to encourage girls interested in science, technology and maths.

The visit has been funded by Dianne Long and the Di Long family through a bursary established within the Foundation.

Holly Lowe, Assistant Headteacher at Rosebery School, is leading work on the Foundation. She said: “At Rosebery, our students are highly aspirational and achieve exceptionally well. Within school, we expect them to use their voice, take intellectual risks and see themselves as leaders. It is simply part of how we work day to day.

“The reality, however, is that all girls will encounter barriers beyond school. The wider world does not always reflect or reinforce those expectations in the same way. For disadvantaged students, these challenges can be felt more keenly, particularly where there is less access to enrichment, professional networks and the kinds of experiences that open doors and build confidence.”

The Foundation has already hosted an alumnae day as part of the school’s Student Futures Festival for Year 12 pupils.

Fifteen former Rosebery pupils returned to the school, representing a range of generations and careers. They took part in panel discussions, workshops, talks and an afternoon mentoring session.

The school said such events can help build confidence, widen horizons and raise aspirations, particularly for pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Ms Lowe added: “Through the Rosebery Foundation, our focus is on making sure students are not only achieving highly, which they already are here, but are fully prepared for what comes next. Ultimately, it is about ensuring that all our students leave Rosebery ready not just to succeed, but to step into the world with the confidence and the connections to shape it.”

Sam Jones – Reporter

Photo of Rosebery’s first Foundation event, an alumnae day.

The Epsom and Ewell Town-Twinning Association has presented its annual Cyril Frazer Awards, sharing a total of £500 between three local recipients.

The awards went to Nescot’s Performing Arts Department, the Epsom and Ewell Refugee Network, and musical theatre student Julian Jackson.

Nescot received support towards its French-style cabaret production project. The Refugee Network was awarded funding towards the cost of a professional musician for the Ukrainian ladies’ Renaissance Choir.

Julian, who studies at Laines Theatre Arts, received an award to assist with his continuing musical theatre studies.

Association chairman Nigel Collin said: “We were really impressed by the quality of these entries and the committee decided that none of them deserved to miss out.

“So I am delighted that we are able to support all three and wish them well with their respective endeavours.”

The Cyril Frazer Award was established by the Twinning Association in memory of Cyril Frazer, who died in 2016.

Mr Frazer was Mayor of Epsom and Ewell when the borough was first twinned with Chantilly in 1995 and was a founding member of the association.

Alongside his commitment to twinning, he had a strong interest in singing and was a keen member of the Epsom Male Voice Choir.

Those interests are reflected in the award criteria. The annual £500 fund is available to individuals and groups within the borough, with applications assessed against criteria including whether applicants live or study locally; meet a particular need, including one connected with mental or physical health; benefit young people; have cultural or educational value; relate to music or performing arts; further links with Chantilly; or support an important twinning or community event.

The prizes were presented at the Twinning Association’s annual general meeting at Epsom Town Hall on June 23 by the Mayor of Epsom and Ewell and the association’s honorary president, Cllr Lucie McIntyre.

Related reports:

Epsom and Ewell Town-Twinning Association presents Cyril Frazer Awards for 2025

Epsom & Ewell’s French racing twin is a favourite

For many adults, years of quietly struggling with focus, organisation, time management or restlessness can finally start to make sense once ADHD is recognised. Yet with NHS waiting lists for assessment now stretching to several years in many parts of the country, a growing number of people are choosing to seek answers privately.

When carried out properly, at a reputable, Care Quality Commission (CQC) registered clinic and by an experienced specialist, a private ADHD assessment can be a genuinely life-changing step. It opens the door to the right understanding, support and treatment.

A new clinic, Kiam Clinic, has opened in the heart of Epsom to bring expert, locally accessible adult ADHD care to the Epsom and Ewell community.

The clinic offers comprehensive adult ADHD assessments and, where clinically appropriate, ongoing treatment and medication management, all delivered in line with national clinical guidelines. Its aim is to provide a clear, thorough and compassionate route to diagnosis, helping people finally understand themselves and access the support they need to thrive at work, at home and in everyday life.

Care at Kiam Clinic is led by Dr Abbass Mohammadinasab (MRCPsych), Consultant Psychiatrist and the clinic’s Founder. Alongside his work at the clinic, Dr Abbass is a Senior Clinical Lecturer at King’s College Medical School and brings extensive NHS and academic experience to every assessment he carries out.

Kiam Clinic is registered with and regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), giving patients the reassurance of a service that is safe, professional and held to recognised national standards.

The clinic occupies a spacious, purpose-equipped premises with more than 15 consulting rooms. As well as running its own ADHD service, Kiam Clinic is helping to create a hub for healthcare in the local area: a number of its rooms are available to rent to fellow practitioners, from therapists and counsellors to other medical and wellbeing specialists, looking for high-quality, professional clinical space in Epsom.

The team says its goal is a simple one: to make expert psychiatric care more accessible to the local community, in a welcoming and professional setting, while helping to reduce the long waits that so many people currently face.

Whether you have wondered for years whether ADHD might explain your experiences, or you are a practitioner looking for a professional home for your own practice, Kiam Clinic extends a warm welcome to the Epsom and Ewell community.

To find out more about adult ADHD assessment and treatment, or about renting clinical space, visit the clinic’s website.

Website: https://kiamclinic.com

Email: enquiries@kiamclinic.com

Telephone: 01372660580

Sponsored article

Around 100 people gathered in Rosebery Park for a community event intended to promote unity and reject racism following far-right disorder in Epsom earlier this year.

The free event, held on Saturday 27 June and organised by Stand Up to Racism Epsom & Ewell, brought together families, faith representatives, local campaigners and politicians for music, speeches, food, children’s activities and a community art project.

It followed events in April when Epsom attracted attention from far-right activists from outside the area after social-media discussion and misinformation surrounding an alleged rape. The subsequent disorder prompted concern among residents and community groups.

Saturday’s gathering included speeches by Epsom and Ewell MP Helen Maguire, Reverend Catherine Hutton of Epsom Methodist Church, Labour councillor Kate Chinn and Green councillor Jonathan Essex. Messages of support were also shared on behalf of Epsom Mosque and the local Sikh community.

Those attending heard live music from Canada Hill, with DJ Amalgamation also performing. Children’s face painting, food, stalls and a collaborative art activity were among the attractions.

A “Facts Not Fear” stall aimed to challenge misinformation and far-right narratives. The Epsom and Ewell Climate Network was represented, alongside members of Stand Up to Racism and local Green and Labour Party stalls. Organisers said the Conservative Party had been invited but had not responded.

Deborah Fish, of Stand Up to Racism Epsom & Ewell, said: “The response to our Unity Event showed that Epsom and Ewell rejects racism and division.

“There was a real sense of hope and solidarity in the crowd. People from many different backgrounds came together because they want to live in a welcoming, inclusive community and are determined to stand together against racism and the far right.”

Reverend Hutton said Epsom Methodist Church would continue to provide “a space of safety and sanctuary for all”.

Ms Maguire told the gathering: “We are here today because we choose to stand for something. We choose to say that racism has no home here. Disinformation has no home here and division has no home here.

“As your Member of Parliament, I will continue to stand up to racism.”

Event host and organiser Ammo Sandhawalia said the turnout showed “Epsom and Ewell’s true colours” were “warm, welcoming and united”.

He added: “To see around a hundred neighbours come together with their families, their faith communities, their councillors and their MP, sharing food, music and art in our park, was simply joyous.”

Stand Up to Racism Epsom & Ewell describes itself as a local group campaigning for inclusion, safety and unity across the borough.

Sam Jones – Reporter

Photo: Reverend Catherine Hutton of Epsom Methodist Church

Related reports:

Arrests from Epsom’s April disorder

Police confirm a female’s report of Epsom gang-rape was false

Surrey Police update on alleged sexual assault in Epsom

You Are Not Alone, Epsom Stands Against Rape

Church service following sex attack in Epsom

Local charity Surrey Care Trust is calling on walkers, families, friends and businesses to take on a 13-mile – or even 26-mile – challenge across Surrey this year, helping young people overcome barriers, build confidence and create brighter futures.

Surrey Care Trust’s 5 Peaks Challenge will see participants take on either a half-marathon or full-marathon distance walk, tackling the “five peaks of Surrey”: St Martha’s Hill, Newlands Corner, Leith Hill, Holmbury Hill and Pitch Hill.

The event aims to raise funds for the charity’s work with young people across Surrey.

For many young people, the biggest obstacles are not physical. Low confidence, anxiety, a lack of skills or uncertainty about the future can make it difficult to remain connected to education, training and employment.

Surrey Care Trust provides alternative education, mentoring, confidence-building activities, skills development and practical support to help young people recognise their potential and move towards a positive future.

Through its Steps2Work programme, the charity says it has supported hundreds of young people into employment, education, training and volunteering.

“Everyone faces challenges in life, and sometimes young people need someone to help them find their way forward. The 5 Peaks Challenge is a fantastic opportunity for the Surrey community to come together, take on a personal challenge and help young people build confidence and achieve their goals,” said Rachel Perez-Lofty, Fundraising and Marketing Manager.

The bespoke orienteering route offers participants the chance to challenge themselves while enjoying Surrey’s countryside, whether walking alone, with friends or as part of a workplace team.

“The Surrey 5 Peaks Challenge really is an adventure not to be missed. I speak from experience. Expert organisation, stunning Surrey Hills countryside, the challenge of the five peaks, fresh air and the chance to meet other walkers all combine to make the day something very special.

“By taking part, you will be helping support vulnerable young people and families across Surrey. You really can make a difference,” said Teresa, a long-time Surrey 5 Peaks walker.

Surrey Care Trust is encouraging people of all abilities to take part, whether they are experienced walkers or simply looking for a new challenge.

The event takes place on Saturday 12 September 2026, following a route from Shamley Green to Wootton and back to Shamley Green.

To register, visit:

https://www.surreycaretrust.org.uk/event/charity-challenge-event-surrey-5-peaks-challenge-2026/

Surrey Care Trust supports people across Surrey to overcome barriers, build skills and create better futures through mentoring, education, training and community support.

Surrey Care Trust

Families facing the school summer break are increasingly worried about affording extra meals and snacks for children, according to Good Company Surrey, which says donations to its foodbank operation are down by 20 per cent compared with the same period last year.

In its latest newsletter, the charity said that while many people look forward to the holidays, the approaching break can bring anxiety for families already struggling financially.

Dafne, Good Company’s Operations Manager, said the concern was not simply about the cost of food during the weeks away from school, but also the additional expense of preparing for a new school year.

She wrote: “For many of the families and individuals we support, however, the approaching summer holidays are not associated with a well-earned break or time away. Instead, they bring anxiety about providing extra meals and snacks during the long school holiday, guilt over what they cannot afford to give their children, and worry about the additional costs that come with preparing for a new school year.”

The charity, which incorporates Epsom and Ewell Foodbank, said foodbanks and partner organisations can only meet demand where essential supplies are available. It appealed for donations, saying that even small contributions could help ensure local people did not go without during the summer.

The newsletter also highlighted wider support offered through Good Company’s network. Epsom Pantry held its first peer-support meeting for parents of neurodiverse children on 10 June. Three members attended the initial session, which was intended to reduce isolation and allow parents to share information about services and activities. Another meeting is planned.

Good Company’s three Advice Cafés — at St Barnabas in Epsom, Merland Rise in Tadworth and Leatherhead Community Hub — recently met to develop their work. The service says it has supported nearly 2,200 clients in the past two years, with benefits and grants, debt, and the cost of living among the main reasons people seek help.

The newsletter also carried a personal account from Sharon, a member of the Banstead Pantry Steering Committee, who described the pantry as a place where people could obtain affordable food but also find advice, companionship and a non-judgemental environment.

She said: “Banstead Pantry is a community that works within the local community, it is a real life line, it is a place where you can be yourself regardless of background and situation.”

Good Company is also encouraging residents to support its work through fundraising challenges. Jonathan Lees, the charity’s founder and Managing Director, is due to cycle 100km in Ride Reigate on 12 July, while Run Reigate follows on 20 September, offering 5km, 10km and half-marathon routes.

The charity’s newsletter says donations, volunteering and community fundraising all remain important as it prepares for increased pressure over the school holidays.

Lionel Blackman