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

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

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

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

Family Fun Festival

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

Epsom Beacon Lighting

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

Woodlands Avenue Street Party

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

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

Epsom Jazz Club – Jubilee Concert

Epsom Jazz Club celebrated the Jubilee it’s way.

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

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

Wandgas Club Beacon Lighting

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

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

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

Station Avenue Bunting

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

READ MORE: Nationals report Queen to miss Epsom Derby

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

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

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

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

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

GALLERY: Each and every roundel

Epsom & Ewell Health Walks is a small Charity registered with HMRC No. XT 37422. The objective is to provide walks for older people who are unable to walk long distances as they could in their youth. Many women understandably do not like walking alone so one benefit of our walks is that we provide company and security. All our walks start at 10:00 am and either last for 30 minutes or 1 hour. Each walk has a leader and a backmarker.

Our shorter walks are designed for people recovering from health issues and those who feel they would like to meet other people but don’t want to walk far. These walks take place on a Monday.

The schedule for June and July is:
6 June Epsom Downs
13 June Poole Road
20 June Priest Hill
27 June Epsom Common
4 July Nork Park
11 July Nonsuch Park
18 July Ashtead Common
25 July Horton Country Park

Our longer walks take place on Sundays and Wednesdays. The schedule for June and July is:

There is no charge to attend any of these walks. But to keep going we are looking for more volunteers to lead and back mark our walks. Full training will be provided for leaders and all volunteers will be given dayglow jackets. Details of how to get to our walks can be found on our website: www.epsomandewellhealthwalks.org.uk. We are holding our Annual General Meeting at Ewell Hall on Wednesday 15 June at 11-30am.

This is opposite St Mary the Virgin Ewell Parish Church. All walkers and those considering volunteering are welcome to attend.

READ MORE: The View from Westminster: Chris Grayling MP on Military aid to Ukraine, Energy levy and the Queen

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

READ MORE:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

READ MORE: Jubilee: Borough’s Brace of Beacons

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cuddington Beacon Party

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

Epsom Downs Beacon Lighting

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

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

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

Epsom Jazz Club: Jubilee Evening

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

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

Strictly 1950’s Jubilee Jive

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

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

Afternoon Tea at the Marquis

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Audrey’s lovely poem is as follows:

Thank you for your devotion

Thank you for your dedication

Thank you for going beyond the call of duty

Thank you for all that you do to make a difference

Thank you for your patience, your kindness and your talents

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

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

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

5.30 pm 26^th May 2022 Epsom and Ewell Borough Council announced the departure in July of its Chief Executive Officer, Kathryn Beldon, following her decision “that this is the time for a new chapter in [my] life.” Ms Beldon joined the Council in 2014 as the Director of Finance and Resources before being appointed as the Chief Executive in April 2017.

Epsom and Ewell Times has seen evidence that in fact, the current CEO’s last working day in office will be in just 11 days’ time on June 6th and that the current Director of Corporate Services, Jackie King, will “take on some of [the CEO’s] responsibilities on an interim basis whilst the longer-term arrangements are determined.”

Councillor Hannah Dalton, Chair of the Residents’ Association Majority Group said, “It is with regret that Kathryn will be leaving Epsom and Ewell Borough Council. As Chief Executive, Kathryn has led many initiatives including the development of the borough’s Future 40 vision and more recently she has been pivotal in the borough council meeting the immense challenges presented by COVID-19”.

“Kathryn has led the organisation to support our community and has worked with councillors and our partners to deliver plans to benefit residents and local businesses. She has risen to meet many challenges and leaves the organisation in a strong position for the future.”

Ms Beldon said: “It has been a privilege to work for Epsom and Ewell Borough Council.  The last few years have been a period of exceptional challenge and I am deeply grateful for the commitment and dedication of colleagues who have worked so hard to support our residents and businesses during these unprecedented times.  With a clear vision and plan for the future, I wish members and officers well as I move on to the next chapter.” 

The loss of the CEO follows the departure of a number of Departmental Heads following re-organisations over the course of the last two years. Will the Council now be able to attract a dynamic Chief Executive and how long will the process take?

READ MORE: EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Meet Epsom & Ewell’s new Mayor, Clive Woodbridge.

A man who preyed on lone women has been jailed for 10 years after pleading guilty to three sexual assaults, two common assaults and breaching his Sexual Risk Order (SRO). 

Warren Morton 23, from, East Street, Epsom, was sentenced on Tuesday (24 May), at Guildford Crown Court. As well as the prison sentence, he was also given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), with prohibitions. 

The most recent assault occurred on 30 June 2021 whilst Morton was on court bail for assaults he had committed in 2020. A woman in her 20s reported that she had been attacked in a wooded area on Epsom Common close to the Wells Estate. She was walking along a wooded pathway on the common when Morton attacked her from behind, causing her to fall backwards onto the floor. 

The woman managed to fight back and free herself. She immediately contacted the police and flagged down a dog walker. Morton ran off out of the common and back towards Epsom town centre.

Morton also pleaded guilty to an assault on 16 September 2020, when he approached a woman walking along a street and grabbed her buttock from behind. The woman confronted Morton and he made off. A short time later, on the same day, Morton approached a girl under the age of 16. She challenged Morton’s behaviour and he fled the location.

Morton also pleaded guilty to a further attack on 28 July 2020, when he followed a woman into an alleyway and grabbed her from behind, causing her to fall on her back, before kissing her and making off.

Detective Constable Hollie Say, who investigated the incident, said: “The fact that Morton is behind bars for 10 years reflects the seriousness of his offending, which continued despite the fact that he had been given a Sexual Risk Order and was on bail for previous similar offences. Knowing that he will be in prison for a significant length of time will hopefully allow the victims to begin moving on with their lives.

“This man’s predatory behaviour simply cannot be condoned and knowing that is off the streets will reassure the local community that his offending has been curtailed.”

If you have been the victim of a sexual assault and you would like advice, please go to Surrey Police’s web page here https://www.surrey.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/advice/rape-sexual-assault-and-other-sexual-offences/

Epsom is gearing up for a big week. The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee approaches fast, and with the crowning jewel of the events taking place at Epsom Racecourse, it’s hardly surprising that Epsom is adorned with art, flags and murals commemorating the Queen’s long reign.

Epsom’s railway bridges are being prepared for Her Majesty with murals painted by local artists. The jubilee-themed artworks are meant to celebrate the Queen’s long reign and energise the local people, making sure everyone feels the buzz of the coming celebrations.

Local businesses are feeling the spirit too. When you walk through Epsom Town Centre, Union Jacks and images of the Queen’s likeness are everywhere.

We’ve gone around the town snapping photos of all the amazing decorations that local people and businesses are adorning our town with.

We take our hats off to these businesses and people who have shown their pride in our Queen, and look forward to seeing even more decoration as the Jubilee appraohes ever faster.

Have a photo of some nice Jubilee decorations? Have you decorated your house in a Jubilee theme? Let us know on Twitter @EpsomandET or via email admin@epsomandewelltimes.com

One of 9000 forgotten and buried patients in Epsom’s Horton Cemetery, Grace Jones went into the workhouse aged about 13 and after transfer to Long Grove Hospital in Epsom died aged just 19. That even the expert research of The Friends of Horton Cemetery Charity reveals so little about her tells its own tragic story.

Grace’s parents

Grace Ethel Primrose Jones was born on 19th April 1899. She was the eldest child of Frederick Albert Jones (1874 – 1927), a stationer’s packer, and Ada Rebecca née Byford (1878 – 1983). The couple had married in 1898 in St George, Hanover Square. In the 1901 Census, the family is living at 10, Southwark Bridge Road in Southwark. Grace and her younger brother, Frederick, (born 1st February 1904)  were both baptised on 8th March 1904 at St Matthias’ Church, Earls Court.

The 1900s

Grace was admitted to Millbank School on 11th March 1904 but later moved to the Convent, according to the school records. At this time the family was living at 2, Rosetta Buildings in Southwark. Grace was still attending school in 1911 when her father – described in the census of that year as a wholesale newsagent and bookseller – was living with his wife and two children at 43, Jessel House, Page Street in Westminster.

Admission to the workhouse

Grace was admitted to the Fulham Road Workhouse on 8th September 1913 and then transferred to Tooting Bec Asylum on the 19th November 1913. No reason is given in the register for her admission.

Long Grove – illness and death

We do not know when Grace was admitted to Long Grove but she sadly died there on 22nd July 1918 from Lobar Pneumonia of 22 days duration. There was no Post Mortem. Her death was registered by David Ogilvy the Medical Superintendent of Long Grove. Grace was buried in Horton Cemetery in plot 490b.

READ MORE: Emily Elizabeth Campbell – Horton Cemetery Stories

Two 16-year-old boys have been charged after taking part in a burglary in Epsom

The incident took place on Saturday 14th May.

Sergeant Adam Staplehurst said: “Our residents’ safety is our priority, and we are committed to investigating reports of crime within the Epsom and Ewell area.”

A spokesperson for Surrey Police said: “Two 16-year-old boys have been charged after a burglary in Epsom on Saturday, 14 May. The two boys, one from Epsom and one from Carshalton, have both been charged with burglary and aggravated vehicle taking.“

“They are next due to appear in court on 1 June 2022.”

READ MORE: Teenager from Epsom to spend 18 years in prison after stabbing acquaintance in the chest

On a rainy, downcast day, Epsom & Ewell Times’ Tom Luckham has had the pleasure of sitting down with Clive, Epsom and Ewell’s new Mayor.

Epsom might not be too familiar with its new Mayor yet. Clive Woodbridge is a former Journalist who is now Epsom and Ewell’s First Citizen. He’s dedicated to raising awareness for multiple charities and good causes. He loves a curry and he has a dog named after England legend Geoff Hurst.

Clive took office on Tuesday after the official Mayor-Making ceremony on Monday evening, replacing previous Mayor Peter O’Donovon.

Mayor of Epsom & Ewell being an annual position, Clive will serve in this role for a year.

After a short(ish) discussion about our shared love of West Ham United, we got into the questions that I had prepared.

Tom: The main thing I wanted to discuss was charities, I see that you are championing seven charities in your first Mayoral year, could you expand upon why you chose those particular charities?

Clive: They’re all charities that mean something to me and Mary (The Mayoress) and our family. While Epsom and Ewell is an affluent area there are people who are struggling and I think Epsom & Ewell Foodbank are doing tremendous work. They’re working with the Council to set up Epsom & Ewell Pantry. The Foodbank celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, so I thought it was an excellent time to make people aware of what they’ve done, and the new things that they’re doing.

Shine Cancer Support, sadly, my son passed away at the end of March after a battle with cancer, my wife and I sat down and thought that we’d like to support a cancer charity. I wanted to choose a small charity, and Shine focuses on people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s who have received a diagnosis. They’re small, so if I can give them something it’ll mean something to them.

Onto JDRF, that’s a diabetes research charity, both my son’s fiancee and my best friend from university have type 1 diabetes, so I’ve seen how it can be an inconvenient illness at best and a life-threatening one at worst. JDRF does a lot of good research for type 1, there are others that focus on both but I wanted to raise awareness for JDRF.

Cardiac Risk in the Young:  My children went to Glyn school and we lived just around the corner. It is a charity that the School supported since some Glyn students went to sports camp and unfortunately died due to heart issues. The statistics show that many young people die from this, but if awareness is raised and they’re all scanned and have those medical checks, we can potentially save lives.

Epsom Sports Club: I’m interested in sports, they do a fantastic job, they support people of all ages, they do a wide range of sports for people of all ages, the Council has always been a supporter of the Surrey Youth Games. They’re trying to raise funds for a Pavillion at the moment, I’d like to raise awareness of that fundraising effort.

Racing Welfare: Well, we’re a racing town and I’m an Epsom and Walton Downs conservator myself. It seems a very glitzy business but some people involved have quite hard lives, so Racing Welfare does a lot of pastoral care and financial support for those people.

Last but not least, Bliss: My wife was a midwife. She has seen the good work that Bliss does. A few parents started it up. This charity provides support for parents whose children are born very ill and have to go into intensive care.

As you can probably tell, there’s no particular theme that runs through these charities, it would be nice to make money for them, but that’s not my primary aim, it’s about awareness so that at the end of the year, hopefully, I can give them a platform and more people can be aware of them.

Tom: Next question I wanted to ask was what are your priorities for your year in office?

Clive: That’s a good question, Epsom and Ewell is a wonderful place, we’ve got fantastic people who give up their time to help people, we’ve got fantastic companies who are innovating and creating new things, we’re a wonderful place physically in terms of the Downs and Epsom Common, so I just want to put the spotlight on what’s good about Epsom and Ewell and let those things speak for themselves. Also the diversity of our community. On Sunday there’s the Hindu chariots event in Stoneleigh. I’ve never been to it, but I’m looking forward to going. They raise funds for charity.  I think it’s about celebrating our diversity. Really, it’s about meeting as many people as I can, saying well done to them for their efforts and perhaps sprinkling a bit of magic mayoral dust on them.

Tom: On the other side, what do you think could be improved about the Borough?

Clive: I think one of the things the Council is quite keen on is volunteering because Councils and the government can’t fix everything. Increasingly we rely on the goodwill and efforts of people who might go out and pick up litter or look after people and provide that sort of support. I don’t think there are any specific things wrong, but perhaps there are some things that our society needs that I can help promote.

Tom: What are you most looking forward to in your new role?

Clive: That’s a good question, I’m looking forward to being the First Citizen. Epsom and Ewell is a place I love. I’m not someone who is naturally in the spotlight. In my political career, I’ve tried to stay out of it.  I suppose that’s something I’m not looking forward to but will have to get used to “laughs”. I am very much looking forward to taking part in the Platinum Jubilee celebrations. The Queen has done a fantastic job, she’s a role model for anyone in public service, and I know Epsom and Ewell will make her proud. The Derby is one of her official events, so I really do hope she does come. Really, I’m just looking forward to meeting people and taking the time out of my working life to do these things. One of the things about being Mayor is that it’s not an easy thing, it’s a voluntary role.  I’m very lucky, as we’re entering more normal times post COVID-19, 

Tom: I read that you’re a head judge at the British Curry Awards, what was the best curry you’ve ever had and who made it?

Clive: Le Raj organises the British Curry Awards. They’re my favourite outside-of-London curry house anyway, I’ve always really enjoyed their Chicken Biryani, so I’d probably say that. The other curry restaurant I like going to is the Cinnamon Club in London. It’s very interesting, it’s in the old parliamentary library that was converted, the food is fantastic and the ambience is brilliant, you’re sitting there in this old library eating a curry.

Tom: If you were just named West Ham’s manager, who is the first player you would sign?

Clive: Oh that’s very difficult, anyone I want? I’ll tell you what, this might be controversial, but I loved seeing Dimitri Payet play when he was there, he’s doing so well at Marseille at the moment, look at his assists! If I could get him back for one year, we need a player like him. The Brentford centre-forward Ivan Toney is very impressive, he’d certainly be somewhere up there. But do you know what, if Gareth Bale, at his best, was available and willing to play for West Ham then I think I would take him? If not, I’d try and find a good young player from the lower leagues. I mean, my son’s dog is called Paulo (Paulo Di Canio), my late dog was called Bobby (Moore) and I now have a Geoffrey (Hurst), so if I live long enough there’ll have to be a Martin down the line.