Epsom and Ewell Mayor’s busy year

The Mayor of Epsom and Ewell Cllr. Steve Bridger (RA Stamford) addressed the full council 30th July and told the meeting about his business.

“My Mayoral year has started well, with almost 40—well, over 40 now—duties attended so far and many more lined up. Almost first was the Founder’s Day at Epsom College. I’m probably the only mayor that has been fortunate enough to attend two of these fantastic days. I’m also probably the only mayor that was called for jury service in June, which unfortunately clashed with Armed Forces Day. Two firsts in the first month is not bad going, really, so let’s see what the rest of the year holds.

Derby Day was an unforgettable time, with grapefruit and sampling the Royal Melon, which was a gift from the Japanese Racing Association. I managed to hand over my £50 to Betfred, where all my horses went unplaced. One highlight that I felt humbled to be part of was the 80th-anniversary events of the D-Day Landings. The service at the Clock Tower in the morning and then the fantastic event organized by the officers on the Downs, ending with the lighting of the beacon in the evening, was a very moving experience. Despite a somber atmosphere, there was a feeling of celebration, with a traditional British fish and chip meal served at the Grandstand. It became a complete day honoring those who sacrificed their lives to make a better world for everyone.

I’ve also celebrated the 75 years that 135 Squadron has had the freedom of the borough, followed by the well-oiled and organized Village Day. I ended up judging the best or worst faces pulled with the Morris men and women. Other events that have been attended include the opening of two nurseries—and no, they’re not the flowering type. These are the starting posts to welcome the next generation into our borough. Everything has changed dramatically since my wife and I were parents to young children, and it’s amazing what facilities are available to the youngsters nowadays.

Handing out many trophies and prizes to students around the borough while celebrating their success stories emphasizes the great facilities we have to offer as they transition into the wider world. These people are our future, and they need to be recognized. Apart from the luxuries of being Mayor, it’s been humbling to see the other side of life, where an army of volunteers is beavering away in the background in all areas of our lives. Without much recognition, they do the important work of looking after the vital parts of our lives in the borough. These efforts we do not fully appreciate, so I thank them unreservedly for their work.

My charity committee has been working hard organizing events to raise money for my worthwhile charities. The first event earlier this month was a cream tea at the Horton with the Mayor and the Mayoress. This was very well attended, and unfortunately, we had to turn people away as it was overbooked. We had 84 attendees in all, which is fantastic. I would like to thank the Deputy Mayor for his great piano playing during the tea and the Horton for the superb venue.

We’ve got a beer festival planned for the four days of the August bank holiday in conjunction with the Jolly Coopers. They’re producing a specially brewed beer named “The Charitable Mayor” for the event, and the special beer mats being produced will become collector’s items in years to come. Proceeds from this event will be going to my charity fund. I expect to see a lot of inebriated councillors over the bank holiday staggering around Stamford and Goose Green—or I hope so.

Please put my Civic Service on the 8th of September in your diaries. It is being held at Christ Church by Stamford Green. Another big event in your diary will be the Charity Ball with a Twist. This will be held at Epsom College in their Big School on Saturday, the 5th of April next year. Many other events have been planned for the rest of my year. These will be publicized as the details are finalized.”