A thought-provoking animated film made at the University of Surrey, which encourages its viewers to Remember the Future, has achieved the accolade of ‘Best Environmental Film’ at the Cannes World Film Festival.  

Co-created by the University’s Institute for Sustainability to support its vision of a world where everyone can live fulfilling and healthy lives within the limits of the planet, the film seeks to draw in viewers emotionally and win hearts and minds to the need to collaborate and act. 

Remember the Future was produced and directed by Jon Weinbren, who is the Programme Director for Surrey’s MA in Film, Animation and Digital Arts within the University’s Department of Music and Media. The film shows a tree that is ailing because of environmental damage. The tree is saved from destruction by cooperation between an optimistic, visionary child and a songbird, delivering an upbeat, hopeful way forward. 

Professor Lorenzo Fioramonti, Founding Director of the University of Surrey’s Institute for Sustainability, said: 

“A tree is a symbolic and almost permanent thing. We see it through the seasons and ages, with a child dreaming of a future which rubs out the climate emergency. We see the solutions which are within our reach. We hope this film plants the seed and encourages people to work with each other and be connected.” 

Co-written by Tom Hill and brought to life by a team of artists led by animation director Izzy Barszcz, the film was crafted using digital natural media techniques to create an evocative water-colour feel. It also features an original song composed and performed by Surrey alumna Alice Mills. 

Jon Weinbren said: 

“We experimented with using some of the latest AI-based image generation and style transfer techniques, but the quality we were achieving wasn’t high enough. Instead, our team of animators resorted to ‘traditional’ digital painting techniques to create the hand-crafted look and feel which, along with a beautifully arresting, specially composed song, helps the film engage on a powerful emotional level.” 

Nathalie Hinds, Head of Operations and Partnerships at the Institute for Sustainability, said: 

“Achieving a sustainable world takes cooperation and inspiration, as well as technology and regulation. At Surrey, we’re working on all of these, with the Institute for Sustainability taking an active, leading role. Strategic partners of the Institute, who were lucky to have an exclusive preview of the film, gave feedback how the film not only creates a sense of urgency, but is a true beacon of hope. They hope to use it within their organisations to inspire staff and suppliers.”  

Remember the Future has been entered for other film festivals and will also screen at the Electric Theatre as part of Guildford’s Car Free Day on Sunday 24 September. Find out more about Car Free Day, watch a trailer or see how the film was made on YouTube. 

For information about the MA in Film, Animation and Digital Arts, visit the website. 

Loneliness is something that people of all ages can feel, but it is older people who perhaps feel this more acutely. Our Volunteer Befrienders visit an older person on a regular basis to offer a supportive and reliable relationship to our clients who may be socially isolated to provide companionship and support.

If you have an hour or two a week to spare, it would be great if you could consider becoming a Volunteer Befriender for Age Concern Epsom and Ewell. No specific qualifications are required, just good listening skills, reliability, an interest in older people and a sense of humour.

We will ensure you receive the necessary training before you start your befriending journey and will provide ongoing support. If you would like to know more, please contact Jane Hodgson, Volunteer Co-ordinator on jane.hodgson@ageconcernepsom.org.uk or by telephone on 01372 732456.

This summer was packed with Scouts travelling on International Expeditions and trips and Surrey Scouts joined in on the fun. Scouts from 3rd Epsom & 8th/14th Epsom joined 700 other young people from across Surrey to have their own summer adventure.

The Scouts attended Surrey’s Kix. Challenging themselves to take part activities over a week at Kandersteg International Scout Centre (KISC), Kandersteg, Switzerland.

This year sees the centenary of KISC, where at the beginning on August, saw Dignatories from Switzerland and members of WOSM (World Scout Scout Movement) and members of the Commissioner team from UK Scouting take part in the festivities.

While Surrey Scouts were on site, they met Scouts from Australia, Switzerland, Germany, Spain, Israel, Japan, Netherlands, Portugal and other parts of the UK.

Thirteen coaches set off from Cobham Services (thanks to them for accommodating their departure and return). Apart from the UK contingent visiting south Korea for the World Scout Jamboree, this expedition was the largest contingent of Scouts from the UK visiting overseas this year.

While in Switzerland, Scouts Walked high into the Mountains with our trained (and KISC trained) Mountain walkers, rafted from Thun to Bern (as well as getting to visit Thun & Bern), went high into the trees as part of a High Rope course in Interlaken (as well as getting to visit Interlaken).

All Troops also helped out on site and got to visit the local area. Troops also chose a Troop day, where some Scouts went up the Schithorn (the one in the Bond movie), Jungfrau, Rothorn (via a steam ship and train), visited the Thermal pools in Brigerbad, Toboganning at Lake Oeschinen, Zip Wire and Trotti bikes in Grindelwald amongst other things.

Ian MacQueen Expedition leader said “KIX 2023 took two years to plan with and aim to give 700 Scouts and leaders the opportunity to try new activities, make new friends and learn skills for life. I think it is safe to say we achieved our aim and more. My thanks to the staff and leaders who made the event a success. We will now start to plan KIX 2026”

Owen a Scout from 1st Nork said “My favourite thing about KIX was the river rafting and being able to invade all the other boats”.

Caramay a Scout from 3rd Epsom said “My favourite bit of the week was the trip to the Thermal baths because it gave an opportunity to rest during the active week”.

Samuel a Scout from 3rd Epsom said The rafting was the best because the experience was enjoyable and the scenery was amazing.”

Scouts are for Boys and Girls aged 10.5 to 14. Pre-pandemic youth membership was 479,000 (2020)
Up until the pandemic, The Scouts enjoyed a sustained period of growth, with total membership rising by nearly 200,000 between 2006 and 2020

2020 to 2021, youth membership fell from 480,083 to 362,752 – a 24.5% decline – and adult membership fell from 155,907 to 141,863. 2021 to 2022 membership growth is 362,668 to 421,852 – an increase of 16%

All genders, races and backgrounds are welcome at Scouts. Every week, it gives almost over a third of a million people aged 6-25 the skills they need for school, college, university, the job interview, the important speech, the tricky challenge and the big dreams: the skills they need for life.

Individuals are 15% less likely to suffer from mood swings and anxiety if you’ve been a Scout or Guide, according to a Cohort study by the University of Edinburgh and Glasgow, 2016.

Neil Wibberley

Related Reports:

Epsom scouts on Korean jamboree

Dutch scouts go English in Epsom & Ewell

Rainbow Leisure Centre in East Street Epsom has been shortlisted for a prestigious award from trade association UK Active.

The centre – which was renovated recently- boasts a 25m pool, dance studio, large gym and over-60s social room. As a result, it has been nominated for ‘Local and Regional Club/Centre of the Year’ in recognition of its huge contribution to the local community.

Rainbow caters to customers of all ages with an innovative programme that includes fourteen classes dedicated to people over 60, plus swimming, gym sessions and classes for the centre’s junior members – currently numbering more than 500. The centre is also used by three disability clubs and four special needs schools who participate in tailored activities such as ping pong, dance and Boccia.

Customers are kept involved in the centre’s plans with social events and ‘Meet the Manager’ sessions. Currently, they are accepting almost 30,000 bookings per month.

The centre is run by charitable social enterprise GLL under the ‘Better’ brand. The organisation’s ethos is to reinvest profits to support local communities and Rainbow is an important part of this commitment.

Darren Pope, Rainbow’s General Manager, comments, “We couldn’t be prouder to have been shortlisted for the best centre/club in the South of England. Making the shortlist would not have been possible without the incredible work from the staff at Rainbow. No matter what the result, I am very proud of my team’s achievements this year.”
 
UK Active award winners will be announced at the end of October this year.

Better was founded in 1993 as a charitable social enterprise with seven leisure centres in Greenwich. In 1996 the social enterprise started expanding outside of the London Borough of Greenwich and now runs all kinds of community services and spaces across the UK. Now renamed Better, over 250 public sport and leisure centres and 57 libraries are managed in partnership with more than 30 local councils, public agencies and sporting organisations. Membership to the organisations’ centres has increased to over 650,000 with 40 million visitors a year.

Wandgas Sports and Social Club in Cuddington is very proud to announce their partnership with Shepherd Neame. An open day was held on Friday 25th August, with the Kent brewery – the oldest in Britain – showcasing real ales and an impressive selection of wines to the locals.

Epsom and Ewell Borough Councillor Kim Spickett said “This is a wonderful facility, offering sporting opportunities to all ages and abilities. It is a social hub for us too – the Jubilee and Coronation Beacon ceremonies for Cuddington took place on the field, organised by Cuddington WI, who hold their monthly meetings at the clubhouse.

Shepherd Neame are already a big name in the cricket world, sponsoring Kent and Surrey County
Leagues, so it is a good fit! Their event has been most enjoyable – we even had a wine expert on hand! Having decent real ale available where you live is wonderful.”

Cricket at Wandgas is year round, with net sessions throughout the winter in floodlit nets. Youth cricket takes place every Thursday throughout the summer from mid April. “Cricket For All’ for players with special needs starts in April.

The club also hosts adult and youth football sides. A “Football For All” section for players with disabilities train on a Saturday morning – two under 16 and 3 adult teams.

Wandgas also run a community football ‘turn up and play’ for Under 7’s. Two dart teams and a pool team play in local leagues.

Wandgas is unique in having developed a corner of the grounds into an area for a Sensory Garden. They are currently working with teachers and parents from Linden Bridge School and Orchard Hill College.

Chairman Dennis Jones said “the idea is to introduce children and adults with special needs to nature and the rhythms of the seasons through gardening”.

Wandgas Sports and Social Club in Cuddington is on Grafton Road, Worcester Park in the Borough of Epsom and Ewell. Across the road Linden Bridge School enjoys open access to the ground. The Club will allow any local group reasonable access and fosters a continuing relationship with sports development officers at Epsom & Ewell Borough Council.

The Club was developed in 1938 to provide sports and social facilities for gas industry employees of SEGAS. Known by the locals as “The Gas”

Wandgas has a determination to retain the site as an open field sports facility for the local community as its key objective.

Image: Councillor Spickett, Gary, Dennis, Sam, Alison, David and Gary.

On the Independence Day of Ukraine – 24th August, Epsom & Ewell Borough Council offered a huge thank you to more than 60 hosts who have welcomed Ukrainian people into their homes as part of the Homes for Ukraine scheme, and asks anyone who is interested in finding out more about becoming a sponsor to get in touch.

The council, in partnership with Epsom & Ewell Refugee Network (EERN), has facilitated more than 120 placements in the borough as part of the Homes for Ukraine scheme since it began last February.

Galyna, who arrived in the UK from Ukraine in May 2022, said: “When I first arrived in the UK I felt really lost, as I didn’t know anybody or how things worked. I was supported by the Homes from Ukraine team at Epsom & Ewell Borough Council soon after arrival.”

Amanda, one of the borough’s valued hosts, said: “Back in March 2022, we signed up for the Homes for Ukraine scheme and had no idea what we had signed up for, it just seemed like the right thing to do!

“We now have our second set of lovely guests, we know a lot more about the history of Eastern Europe, have negotiated government systems and learnt much about ourselves. We have no regrets and feel very proud to be a part of Homes for Ukraine.”

Councillor Clive Woodbridge, Chair of the Community and Wellbeing Committee, said: “I have been overwhelmed by the kindness that people in Epsom & Ewell have shown in welcoming displaced people from Ukraine to our borough.

“Hosts have helped families feel at home in a new place where they may not speak the language, showing them around and helping them feel safe. 

“I’d like to say thank you to the many people who have supported efforts to help people in Ukraine, by taking part in the Homes for Ukraine scheme, raising money, or donating money or goods.”

Nicky Marshall, Host Supervisor for EERN, said: “95% of placements work very well. Guest(s) become like members of the family.

“Hosts join the scheme for many different reasons and have fed back that it is enriching and enlightening, giving both parties the chance to learn about a different culture (and sometimes experience a different cuisine!).”

EERN works with Epsom & Ewell Council to support Ukrainians in our borough, providing regular English lessons, helping families navigate school requirements, and aiding people in finding employment, for example putting them in touch with the Epsom & Ewell Employment Hub. EERN also run social events that help Ukrainian guests feel more at home.

Anyone who is interested in finding out about the Homes for Ukraine scheme should email homesforukraine@epsom-ewell.gov.uk.

Anyone in the UK who has not been matched with a Ukrainian person or family can record their interest in the scheme, as long as:

·         they can offer a spare room or home for at least 6 months

·         if not a British citizen, they have leave to remain in the UK for at least 6 months

·         they do not have a criminal record.

‘Thank you’ payments: hosts have the option to receive a monthly payment of £350 for up to 12 months, paid in arrears, for as long as they are hosting their guests and the accommodation provided is of a suitable standard. Hosts are eligible for the first monthly payment once the accommodation they are providing has been checked.

Find out more and register interest here: https://www.gov.uk/register-interest-homes-ukraine

Epsom & Ewell Refugee Network is a registered charity, part of Good Company (Surrey).  They operate under a service level agreement with Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, supporting Ukrainian families in the borough.

Their website is: https://epsomrefugeenetwork.org/ukraine-support 

Would you be able to provide a temporary home for a cat in need? Cats Protection Epsom Ewell and District branch has been helping local cats since 1988 and is in urgent need of volunteer indoor fosterers.

They are looking for people who can provide temporary foster care in their own homes for cats like Kelly. Kelly was handed over to Cats Protection when her owner could no longer care for her.

Volunteering to foster a cat can be hugely rewarding; all you need is time, a safe space, and a love of cats. As a fosterer, you would be taking care of a cat in need until they find them their “forever” home.

Cats Protection will provide you with full training, to enhance your skills and knowledge and will cover the cost of equipment, food, and vet bills.

Current volunteer fosterer Helen says “I love the company of cats and by fostering I get to help lots of cats. Of course, I get attached to each cat I foster, but I can then help another cat find their new home. There are so many cats which need our help.”

Why become a fosterer?

It is a wonderful and rewarding experience.
It provides the opportunity of having the company of cats in your home, without the responsibility of ownership or expense.
It means that you can take time out e.g., to accommodate planned breaks.

They are looking for people who:

Can provide a safe, secure, indoor environment with sufficient space to allow the cat to eat, sleep and play.

Have the time to feed, groom, play and clean the bedding and equipment.

Own their own home or have permission from the landlord for a pet and are 18 years or older.

Cats Protection Epsom Ewell and District branch is run by a small team of dedicated, cat-loving volunteers, all of whom are passionate about improving the lives of cats and kittens in Epsom, Ewell, and the surrounding area.

They work hard to find loving new homes for local cats in our care, offer support and help with the cost of neutering, provide advice on lost and found cats, as well arranging education / welfare talks within the Epsom and Ewell area.

They also have a charity shop in Banstead High Street.

To find out more about becoming a fosterer you can email volunteering@epsom.cats.org.uk

To find out more about all the work they see https://www.cats.org.uk/epsom

Cats Protection’s Epsom Ewell and District branch is part of a national network of 256 volunteer-run
branches and 30 centres that together help over 166,000 cats and kittens each year.

The number of postponed appointments on strike days has now topped 10,000 at one hospital group – and with a fresh wave of industrial action on the horizon, that figure is set to rise further.

Junior doctors at St George’s, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals and Health Group will join colleagues across the country on strike from 7am on Friday until 7am on Tuesday.

It is the fifth time they have done so this year and – coupled with a consultants’ strike last month – has resulted in 10,051 appointments, procedures, and operations being rescheduled to ensure emergency care can be prioritised.

The British Medical Association explains the reasons for the strikes: “While workload and waiting lists are at record highs, junior doctors’ pay has been cut by more than a quarter since 2008/9. Junior doctors and their patients need change now.

A crippling cost-of-living crisis, burnout and well below inflation pay rises are driving hard working doctors out of their profession, at a time when we need them more than ever. 

In 2022, junior doctors were offered an insulting and well below inflation pay rise of 2%.

No-one can be expected to stay in a high pressured job where your earnings are being eroded year on year. That’s why we are calling on the Government for full pay restoration.”

This makes it all the more important that people who do have an appointment continue to attend, unless they have been asked not to. Patients whose appointments have been rescheduled will be contacted directly.

Dr Luci Etheridge, Chief Medical Officer for St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Our message remains the same as it always has: if you need care, please continue to come forward. That means if you have an appointment and you haven’t heard from us you should still come in, and if it’s life-threatening you should visit an emergency department or call 999.

“But if you have an appointment and you can no longer make it, please let us know so our frontline doctors and nurses can use their time more effectively to treat other patients and work to reduce our waiting lists.”

The hospital group saw extraordinary demand earlier this summer – including the busiest day ever in its emergency departments and a busier-than-usual June.

NHS 111 online should always be the first port of call when you have a health need that’s not an emergency, as it will direct you to the best place to get help for your symptoms.

Pharmacies, meanwhile, can offer advice and over-the-counter medicines for a range of minor illnesses, such as coughs, colds, sore throats, and aches and pains. Some pharmacies will be open at weekends, and you can find your nearest one here: https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/find-a-pharmacy 

In a life-threatening emergency, you should always call 999 or go to an emergency department.

Dr Beccy Suckling, Chief Medical Officer for Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “Earlier this summer it was very busy, and more recently we saw an increase in very unwell people coming to hospital. This, as you would expect, has put a strain on our services.

“We always prioritise our sickest and most seriously ill patients – and that means that those coming to our emergency departments when it is not as urgent will experience longer waits, and may be redirected elsewhere. Please help us when it is not an emergency by using NHS 111 online first.”

If you need mental health support in a crisis, and live in Kingston, Merton, Richmond, Sutton or Wandsworth you can call South West London’s 24/7 Mental Health Crisis Line on 0800 028 8000. There’s more information about this service here: https://www.swlstg.nhs.uk/patients-carers/crisis-support/mental-health-support-line

For adults, young people, and children in Surrey and North East Hampshire, 24-hour support is available by calling: 0800 915 4644. There’s more information here: https://www.sabp.nhs.uk/our-services 

It’s almost A-Levels results day and at the University for the Creative Arts (UCA) in Epsom we know there are many students who haven’t decided what degree they want to undertake.

According to the government’s Creative Industries Sector Vision, the plan is to grow these industries by £50bn and support an extra million jobs by 2030, there is no better time for students to consider a degree in the creative industries, whether that’s the arts, business, or technology.

Creative degrees can open doors to careers not previously considered, provide adaptable and future-proofed skills employers are looking for, and in many cases, help young people discover more about themselves and build their confidence.

Sarah Clark, Pro Vice-Chancellor at UCA, has this advice to students and parents navigating the clearing process:

“You’ve got this – don’t panic. Take the time to think about what you want from your course, transferable skills, workplace experience, real-world knowledge and what you want from your university experience, an open-minded community, fun, opportunities to create, or feeling like a name not a number.

Unleash your creative potential. It’s fine to change your mind about what you want to study. At UCA, we consider more than just grades – we want to know about your passions, your personality, and creative interests.

Think bigger and keep an open mind. If you want to pursue a creative career you might be surprised by the range of creative courses on offer such as, Games Design, Modelmaking, Digital Fashion, Crafts, Virtual & Augmented Reality.

Start prepping now. Google universities and courses, arrange an in-person campus tour, follow their social media channels, and make a start on putting together a portfolio of work, just in case – UCA’s blog has some top tips on this.

Contact someone and ask questions. If you’re curious about a course, contact the university through their website or social channels and ask questions. There’s no commitment and you might just learn something from the way they respond. You might also want to get second opinions from your tutors, friends, and family.”

McKenna Marsden, a BA (Hons) Fashion graduate from UCA Epsom added: “UCA is one of the best fashion schools in the country, I loved the place. It gave me a sense of excitement, developed my garment construction and pattern-cutting skills, and tools to develop in my career – I couldn’t be happier with my experience here”.

When you choose to study a degree, you’ll be stepping into more than a games design studio, lecture theatre, print lab or architecture workshop – you’ll be stepping into a lifetime of learning and opportunities, so do your research and choose a course that speaks to you.

UCA.

Scouts from across Surrey, including Epsom and Ewell, arrived in South Korea for the 25^th World Scout Jamboree being held  from August 1^st – 12^th 2023. The Jamboree is a two-week event holding significant historical value as the first Jamboree dates back to 1920. Scouts from 150 countries across the globe come together once every four years to promote unity, community and togetherness.

This year the event is hosted in Gunsan-si, South Korea and it is the second time in the country as the 17th World Scout Jamboree was held in the country back in 1991. Festivities kicked off from August 1^st and will end on the 12^th. During this time, young scouts will bask in skill development, learn new skills, experience new cultures, and make international bonds with fellow scouts who may not share the same mother tongue but hold the same values as one another.

Those heading to the Jamboree will also have the amazing opportunity of exploring Seoul for three days and also embark on the popular Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) tour – where they will see the original demarcation line between North Korea and South Korea.

Scouts from Surrey and 5,000 other members across the UK, have joined over 40,000 scouts from almost every country in the world this year. Many Scouts spend years looking forward to this event as only Scouts ages 14- to 17 are eligible to apply for the Jamboree. Participants are selected two years ahead of the event so the Scouts can focus on their fundraising skills to fund their trip. Adults are also entitled to join the Jamboree as scoutmasters or event staff.

The Jamboree is a one in a lifetime opportunity for young scouts. These young people do not only gain practical skills but also make bonds for life, connected by one thing – Scouting.

As has been widely reported in the national media a heat-wave disrupted the Jamboree but still Epsom Scouts feel positive about the experience:

Ben, from Epsom & Ewell district, said: “Although the event was cut short I feel incredibly lucky that I got to experience a camp of that scale with that amount of diversity and culture and even though I am gutted the Jamboree experience is over I think the skills, memories and friends we have all gained from this once of a lifetime experience will stay with us forever.”

Chief Scout Bear Grylls said: ‘Scouts from all corners of the UK are travelling over 12 hours to South Korea for the 25^th World Scouts Jamboree. This year five thousand talented young people from the UK and 40 thousand from over 150 countries across the globe will come together to take on new adventures, make lifelong friendships and experience this once in a life time opportunity. This year is extra special, as it will mark the 100th anniversary of the Korean Scout, a milestone we will all be able to celebrate together at the 2023 World Jamboree.

‘The theme of the Jamboree this year is to “Draw your Dream”, representing our willingness to accept young people’s ideas and opinions, and create an opportunity for them to make their Jamboree dreams come true.

I’m so proud to be a part of a movement that puts young people first by helping almost half a million people develop skills for life.”

Neil Wibberley

On Tuesday 31st July a small group of Cuddington residents gathered at the lawn behind the GP surgery in Shadbolt Park to commemorate the tragic death of Cllr Rob Foote on July 31st 2021. Rob was a volunteer race Marshall based at Goodwood and he had volunteered to be a trackside race Marshall at Brands Hatch on that Saturday in 2021. Two cars collided on a bend and one was sent hurtling into Rob’s trackside hut. He was killed instantly. He had recently suffered the loss of his wife Rosemarie, after a long fight against cancer and he was slowly getting his life back together helping in the sport that he loved.

Rob was a ward councillor in Cuddington for 18 years and he and his wife were Mayor and Mayoress in 2014-15. The small ceremony was attended by Deputy Mayor Cllr Steven Bridger and his wife Carol together with Cuddington ward councillors Kim Spickett and Phil Neale, RA Chair Wendy Leveridge, RA treasurer David Eames and many local residents.

The bench was donated by Rob’s family in Bristol.

_{Image from left to right – Brian Angus, former mayor and close friend of Rob & Rosie, Deputy Mayor Cllr Steven Bridger and Deputy Mayoress Carol Bridger, Cllr Phil Neale, David Eames-treasurer of Cuddington RA, Wendy Leveridge-chair of Cuddington RA, Cllr Kim Spickett, stand up image of Rosemarie Foote, Margaret Angus and stand up image of Rob Foote.}

Cllr Phil Neale welcomed the residents, friends and colleagues of Rob And Rosemarie Foote saying “ We thank the Deputy Mayor and Mayoress for representing the Borough at this event and to you all for attending this simple ceremony to mark the second anniversary of the tragic accident on Saturday 31st July 2021 when Rob was killed at Brands Hatch racing circuit whilst volunteering as a safety marshall at the trackside. The whole of the sport, that weekend, recognised the dedication and sacrifice that Rob had made for their sport and spontaneous donations totalled more than £60,000 which went to providing a safety minibus stationed at the Goodwood racing circuit, where Rob was a member of the Safety Marshalls’ Club.”

The memorial bench installed in Shadbolt Park by Epsom & Ewell BC was donated by the Rob’s sister, Sheree Foote, which along with a memorial oak tree planted last year will stand as a lasting symbol of the dedication and work that both Rob and Rosemarie gave to the borough in the eighteen years that he was a councillor and mayor and mayoress in 2014-15.

The popular adventure park off Horton Lane in Epsom known as Hobbledown has temporarily closed. This follows reports by the UK Health and Security Agency that three children who had visited the park had developed symptoms consistent with STEC (Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli)

Most E. coli strains do not cause disease, naturally living in the gut, but virulent strains can cause gastroenteritis, urinary tract infections, neonatal meningitis and other conditions.

Nick De Candole, the owner, published a statement on the business’s website as follows:

“We have been informed by health authorities of a very small number of cases of an E. coli infection in individuals who recently visited the Park. After learning of this we immediately and voluntarily closed the Park as a precaution.

We are in close contact with Epsom & Ewell District Council Environmental Health team and also the UK Health Security Agency and co-operating fully with both on their respective investigations.

I have written to everyone who visited between 11 and 27 July to inform them of the situation and included with this a letter from the UKHSA with further information and guidance.

We are offering those who have booked to visit while we’re closed options to reschedule or a full refund, plus 50% off next visit.

I can assure everyone that the wellbeing of visitors to Hobbledown is our absolute priority and we do everything in our power to keep guests safe. We look forward to welcoming everyone back soon.”

Epsom and Ewell Borough Council advises “The symptoms of STEC , which include diarrhoea and stomach cramps, usually resolve themselves over a few days, but can occasionally lead to more serious outcomes. If you or someone in your family are showing symptoms of STEC, including bloody diarrhoea, and have visited the farm since 12 July, please contact NHS 111.”

Personal injury adviser Claire Glasgow of law firm Field Fisher explains why E.coli must be taken seriously. “Several children involved in past claims for damages for negligent exposure to the E.Coli O157 bacteria subsequently developed HUS (haemolytic uraemic syndrome). HUS can lead to very serious complications including high blood pressure, heart failure, kidney failure, diabetes, seizures, neurological damages, coma, and, in severe cases, brain damage.

“An additional concern for the families involved is the uncertainty of the impact of the infection on their children as they grow up. At the very least, they face regular and ongoing hospital tests and live under the stress of potential long-term health problems.”