Epsom bobby who guarded No.10 publishes novel on his 80th.
Epsom man Philip Lovel celebrates his 80th birthday today (Thursday 28 July) in the knowledge that he has successfully published his first ever novel – a classic ‘whodunnit’ now available on Amazon and at bookshops.
Philip is a retired police officer who has lived in Epsom for almost fifty years and has had a decades-long ambition to write. The result was the 190-page crime thriller ‘The Tribulations of Miss Glass’, published through London publishing house Austin Macauley.
Set in the 1920s and 1930s, the novel tells the story of a missing headmistress, a murder and mysterious goings-on in and around a small town in the Midlands. The enigmatic schoolteacher Letitia Glass and her disappearing colleague are at the centre of the action – with fictional detectives Chief Inspector Martin and Inspector Carlsen on the trail.
The book’s twists and turns aim to keep readers guessing. Will Miss Glass – who can be cruel and kind in quick succession – reveal her secrets? And whose is the body in the quarry?
Philip said: “I had great fun writing it and am delighted the book has now been published. I drew on my policing experience from the 1960s and 1970s and then adapted it. Policing a century ago was very different to now – no radios, no DNA, and operating under different laws and procedures.” He adds: “A few of the characters are amalgamations of teachers and other people I knew from my childhood growing up in Malvern, Worcestershire and later at work but I don’t think anyone will recognise themselves!”
Philip plans to spend his birthday in Epsom, celebrating with family – and his new status as a published author.
Your new independent community news service is now officially recognised and regulated by The Independent Monitor for the Press. IMPRESS is an independent press regulator in the UK. It was the first to be recognised by the Press Recognition Panel. Unlike the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), IMPRESS is fully compliant with the recommendations of the Leveson Inquiry. IMPRESS regulates over 200 titles, consisting of a variety of independent local, investigative and special interest news publications across the UK. No national newspaper has signed up to the new regulator; most continue to be members of the unrecognised IPSO. Its founder is Jonathan Heawood and its current Chief Executive is Ed Procter.
“IMPRESS is at the vanguard of a new, positive future for news publishers, ensuring quality independent journalism flourishes in a digital age. We help to build understanding and trust between journalists and the public – and provide the public with trusted sources of news.”
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Why not join our team of writers, photographers and contributors? You can give as big or as little as you like. We are all unpaid volunteers, filling the big gap that has grown in recent decades in quality local journalism.
Epsom & Ewell dominate Croydon (in football friendly).
The 60 spectators who were present at Fetcham Grove on Tuesday evening witnessed an interesting match, full of scoring opportunities. Although we looked very good, particularly in the first half, Croydon, nicknamed the Trams, will have come away from this match believing that they could and should have got something out of the match on the balance of possession.
The visitors pushed us back to start with, but we took the lead in the 12th minute when a clever through ball from midfield reached Athan Smith-Joseph in space and that is always a dangerous situation for the opposition as our striker, revelling in his more central role this season, simply strolled around the keeper and planted the ball into the empty net.
A Ryan Smith free kick was superbly tipped onto the post and away six minutes later before our own keeper was in action soon after to keep out one of a number of free kicks that we conceded around the edge of the penalty area. He would repeat the save on the half hour, this time to his left, but somewhat against the run of play we extended our lead in the 37th minute after Louis Chin received the ball twenty yards out after good work from Smith-Joseph and he smashed the ball into the net from twenty yards. The shot took a slight deflection, quite probably off one of our own players, but had it been a defender, there’s no way it would have been classed as an own goal, so I have credited it to Chinny.
The visitors had a final opportunity just before half time, but an unmarked header was sent straight at our keeper.
We made six changes at the half and many other substitutions would follow throughout the second period. We made it 3-0 in the 48th minute when a Smith free kick was fumbled by the Croydon keeper, and although he recovered well to scoop the ball away before it crossed the line, the loose ball was tapped in by Adam Grant.
We conceded a penalty in the 62nd minute which was dispatched, and then we had a bit of a scuffle following a foul which led to a slight delay, but we scored a fourth goal in the 74th minute after a fine crossfield pass from Jahobi Maher found our striker, whose shot was almost stopped by the keeper, but the ball still had enough on it to cross the line before a defender could reach it. The visitors had the final chance of the evening but a fine defensive block preserved the score line and the whistle blew soon after.
Over the course of the match we fielded 22 players, which tells me that there is still much work to do before this squad is trimmed down to a manageable amount. However, the strength in depth across the squad appears impressive at this stage of the season. It will be interesting to see how this squad copes in the remaining two friendlies, both of which are challenging ones away to Step Four teams Walton & Hersham and Leatherhead.
Recognise this man? He may help police investigating Epsom Race Course music night assault of 7th July
Surrey Police are appealing for help to identify a man who they believe may be able to help with an investigation into an assault at Epsom Downs Race Course during a music event on 7 July.
The victim, a man in his 50s, was in the grandstand area at around 9pm when he was punched to the face by another man in an assault which left him unconscious and needing hospital treatment.
The man seen in the photo may be able to help with the investigation. If you recognise him, please contact Surrey Police quoting PR/45220072717 via:
If you do not wish to leave your name, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Surrey Police shines spotlight on anti-social behaviour in Epsom and the County
Last week, as part of a national ASB Awareness Week, Surrey Police‘s safer neighbourhood teams (SNTs) joined forces with partners to shine a spotlight on anti-social behaviour (ASB) across Surrey including Epsom and Ewell, and to raise awareness of the many different ways in which they can tackle ASB within communities and provide help and support to those affected.
Epsom and Ewell Beat were out on Longmead Estate raising awareness of ASB issues with the local council and Rosebery Housing.
On social media, they spent the week sharing advice and guidance on anti-social behaviour and where to report instances in your local area. The posts touched on criminal damage such as graffiti, neighbour disputes, the Community Trigger, fly-tipping, and vehicle nuisance.
ASB is not low level and can have a huge impact on the lives of individuals and communities. Jo Grimshaw, who leads on tackling ASB for the Force said: “Our teams work hard to deal with anti-social behaviour on a daily basis – it’s part of Surrey Police’s core business. The national week of action gives us the opportunity to highlight the work they do to protect people and communities from those who think it’s acceptable to behave in a threatening, aggressive or anti-social manner. We work closely with Surrey Police’s partners to ensure that ASB victims can be referred to the appropriate agency if they are better placed to offer support and get the right outcome. If a civil resolution cannot be reached, there are a range of enforcement options available, including warning letters, closure orders, criminal behaviour orders and criminal prosecution.”
If you have reported an incident three or more times in six months and feel you are not being listened to or that the issues are still happening or escalating, you are entitled to ask for a review of your case. This is called the Community Trigger, and you can activate it through your Local Authority:
In the last year Surrey Police have issued across the County:
· 47 Closure Orders · 9 Criminal Behaviour Orders · 57 Reactive Dispersal Orders · Over 300 warning letters. · These orders are proving very effective in reducing the behaviour of those committing ASB, as well as giving some respite to residents and the community. It can be really confusing for victims to work out which agency is responsible for tackling each of the different types of ASB. If you are a victim of ASB or know someone who is being exploited in your area, please let Surrey Police know so they can take action. For more information on the reporting options available to you visit:
Epsom & Ewell – get yourself on the County culture map!
Surrey County Council and partners are making Surrey culture count. A new cultural website has been launched which aims to put Surrey Culture firmly on the map.
The new website and cultural map will be a good resource for those living in or visiting Surrey to find out about all the rich, diverse, and inclusive cultural events. This will also enable the creative industries in Surrey to network, keep up to date and ensure they’ve been counted on the map.
Susan Wills MBE Assistant Director Arts, Culture & Libraries said;
“Surrey is a place where creative people, ideas and enterprises thrive, and where everyone has equal access to and benefits from a rich, diverse and inclusive culture. We want to support the cultural sector by raising awareness of all the great things on offer in Surrey, and provide a resource to empower the sector to further develop and enhance initiatives . We want our residents and visitors to Surrey to understand what a truly great cultural offer there is right on their doorstep.”
Mark Nuti Cabinet Member for Customer and Communities said “I think residents in Surrey will be surprised at the vast range of cultural activities going on in their local communities. We’d love you to take a look at the new cultural website to find out more.”
Epsom and Ewell Times has reached out to all its local culture contacts to make them aware. Play your part and spread the word…..
Pre-season Friendly Saturday 23rd July 2022. We may not have been able to make it four wins in a row in our latest friendly encounter, but we were by no means outclassed and held our own throughout against Step Five Horsham YMCA and scored a second half equaliser to record a deserved 1-1 draw at River Lane, Fetcham; home of Leatherhead Youth FC on Saturday. Around fifty spectators were present.
The match started quietly enough although the visitors nearly opened the scoring with a lob over our exposed keeper that landed on the roof of the net. We then had a couple of incidents that led to the referee asking both Managers whether they wanted to continue the match, which after a small break, we did. By this time we had gone behind as a Horsham YMCA free kick squirmed off our keeper low down and went up off him into the roof of the net. This goal came in the 20th minute.
Although we were not playing that well we did manage to fashion an equaliser five minutes before the break when a slide rule pass inside the defender was squared across goal by our right winger for a straightforward tap in from the same player who had netted our winning goal at Dorking Wanderers. It was a smart goal and without a doubt was the best move of the match.
Six changes were made at half time, as we shuffled the pack on another hot day and the second half remained very even, although in the final twenty minutes we made a couple of decent chances and probably finished slightly the stronger of the two teams. Certainly though a draw was a fair result and I felt that neither side had done enough to show they were worthy of the win.
It was also clear that our Management were not particularly happy with the performance and clearly will be seeking an improvement on Tuesday when Croydon are the visitors to Fetcham Grove. We then follow this with a pair of extremely challenging friendlies against Step Four clubs; at Walton & Hersham on Friday night and at Leatherhead the following Wednesday before our League fixtures kick off at Shoreham on Saturday August 6th.
Report Source: www.eefconline.co.uk
“Garden of Eden” coming to West Ewell as Wetlands Plan is approved. Will this stop pollution?
A plan to mitigate some of the environmental impacts of sewage on the Hogsmill River, in West Ewell, was finally approved by Epsom and Ewell Borough Council Thursday 21st July.
The scheme submitted by local charity South East Rivers Trust in May 2021, was granted by councillors after a 30-minute meeting of the Planning Committee, chaired by Cllr. Humphrey Reynolds (RA Ewell Ward). Cllr. Steven McCormick (RA Woodcote Ward) abstained from the vote.
The project will divert the Green Lanes Stream approximately 50m upstream from its current confluence with the Hogsmill River . The Stream will flow along a new winding channel through Chamber Mead meadow within the Hogsmill Local Nature Reserve, passing through a constructed sediment trap and wetlands, before entering back into the Hogsmill River approximately 200 metres further downstream from its original confluence. Up to 1,000 m2 of wetlands habitat will be created and the flow of the new channel will attenuate the sewage brought to the watercourse from road runoff, misconnections, and overflows from Epsom Storm Tanks.
Map view of area where wetland will be developed
“I hope it will become like the Garden of Eden,” said Cllr. David Gulland (Liberal Democrat College Ward) during the meeting.
According to the application, sediment and contaminants would be trapped, and a level of treatment would be provided to the polluted water in three different forms. A biological treatment would naturally occur with the uptake of aquatic plants and metabolism; a chemical treatment would act on pollutants with the employment of dissolved nutrients, such as nitrate and phosphate; and a final treatment would be carried out physically, harnessing the decrease of flow velocities caused by the sediment trap, to settle sediments and pollutants via gravity.
View toward Chamber Mead open space from the end of Green Lane
In addition to the creation of the new channel, a 12-metre bridge was proposed to let pedestrians, including wheelchair users and cyclists, reach the stepping stones from the south of Chamber Mead.
”It’s a very welcome improvement to reducing and mitigating the impact of pollutants entering the chalk stream river and the discharges of sewage,” said Cllr. Kate Chinn (Labour Court Ward).
Pollution has long been a scourge for a river that is internationally recognised as one of the only 200 chalk streams on Earth, and its chemical concentrations even led the Environment Agency to issue a ‘fail’ status in 2017. Warning signs have been put up advising people not to attend the area.
After the application was submitted, 527 letters of notification were sent to neighbouring properties to advertise the plan. As of July 2022, more than 35 letters of support have been received. Nevertheless, one of the recipients manifested their objection, as pollution “should be addressed at source.”
Despite the worthy purposes of the plan and the actual benefits this could achieve, failures at Epsom and Manor Drive Storm Tanks, Hogsmill A Wastewater and Cso At St. James’s Road stewer storms – all managed by the private utility company Thames Water – appear to be the real problem.
In 2021, a total of 159 hours of untreated sewage contaminated the river across 47 incidents, according to data published by The Rivers Trust.
“We support the scheme to reduce the impact of some of the pollution, however it will only do this on a fraction of the pollution coming into the channel,” said Mark Todd, local entrepreneur and member of Epsom and Ewell Labour Party, whose petition asking the company to stop the pollution has recently topped a thousand signatures. “Thames Water must, must, must stop overflowing so much sewage deliberately into the streams for wildlife to survive and for the streams to be safe for kids.”
In a letter sent to the company and reviewed by Epsom and Ewell Times, the signatories of the petition demand that Thames Water upgrade their “inadequate infrastructure,” as “local residents and community groups are very concerned about what is going on and are very disappointed.”
Along with coliforms, raw sewage discharge from the sewage network is seen as one of the two “major issues to tackle,” according to a joint opinion piece from Professor Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer for England, Jonson Cox, Ofwat chair, and Emma Howard Boyd, Environment Agency chair, released in June 2022. “The principal public health responsibility for ensuring human faeces and viable human faecal bacteria do not get into waterways people might use recreationally, rest squarely with the water companies and their directors.”
A spokesperson from Thames Water, although acknowledging the risks of pollution, seemed to disagree. “We certainly can’t do it on our own,” they said.
Surrey’s child passports to local culture beat 7 hours queueing for France….
Surrey County Council is bringing back the exciting free summer passport scheme for families with children aged 4 to 11, this time with a focus on culture. The Surrey Culture Explorer Passport holds captivating adventures that encourages families and children to learn about Surrey’s rich heritage, arts and culture, with a chance to win exciting prizes worth up to £100.
Designed to offer a fun way for children to discover Surrey’s unique culture and arts scene, the activity runs from July until October, giving families ideas and inspiration for days out during the summer holidays.
The Surrey Culture Explorer Passport can be collected for free from one of Surrey’s 52 libraries (including Bourne Hall in Ewell and Epsom Square libraries) and will help children to keep track of their adventures as they collect stickers for completing up to 10 fun “local history” challenges.
Explorers who finish 10 challenges can enter a prize draw and win one of the following sponsored prizes:
The activities range from hosting a ‘Big Lunch’ or tea party with friends, families or neighbours, crafting, learning about Surrey’s history, science and making art.
The County is doing this because they want children to discover what culture means to them, whether it’s creating a piece of art, learning about history, dancing, writing their own stories and much more. On top of that, they want to raise awareness about all that the County’s amazing libraries offer and encourage children to read more. Surrey libraries present fantastic resources and offer an incredible events calendar. Find out what events are happening in your nearest library. Find out about all the services available from libraries.
Mark Nuti, Cabinet Member for Communities at Surrey County Council, said:
“Before you run out of ideas during the holidays check out the brilliant new Surrey Libraries initiative for the summer holidays – the Cultural Explorer Passport has got something for everyone. The libraries team have really gone to town this year after last year’s Surrey Nature Explorer Passport success, this year it’s bigger and better than ever. Our libraries are an amazing source of entertainment, information, culture all with an added big dollop of fun!
“I challenge all young explorers to get involved and I assure you, you will open up a new world that you can visit time and time again and a world that will always pleasantly surprise you.
“Enjoy your holidays and I’ll look forward to drawing the prizes later in the year – I hope to see you at a library near you soon!”
Epsom & Ewell Borough Council will be opening a public consultation on Monday 25 July to give residents, workers, business owners and visitors the chance to help shape the future of Epsom town centre. Epsom and Ewell Times reported on the cost of this planning endeavour HERE on 13th June 2022.
The consultation is looking to find out:
– How respondents feel about the town centre today – How respondents would like the town centre to change in the future – What respondents think should happen in the key opportunity areas that have been identified.
The public’s opinions will inform a new Epsom Town Centre Masterplan, which will be a key part of the evidence base for Epsom & Ewell’s borough-wide Local Plan, guiding decisions about planning, development and investment in the future.
Councillor Steven McCormick, Chair of the Licensing & Planning Policy Committee, said, “We want to hear as many local voices and opinions as possible about our Town Centre. To do this we need a range of people who both visit and use Epsom to go online and take part. There will be an exhibition within the Ashley Centre (opposite Costa Coffee) from the 8th August, with an opportunity to meet the project team on the 11th and 13th of August”
