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.

Image: Local Models showcasing a selection of the hats in question. The models included Lisa Connell and Anne McEntee(fifth and sixth from left) who represented Brain Tumour Research.

Some of the UK’s leading milliners have created a one-off collection of hats inspired by the seven decades of The Queen’s reign to be auctioned in aid of Brain Tumour Research, it has been announced today.

The collection of 15, which is entitled “Hats Fit For A Queen” and includes pieces by Royal milliners Stephen Jones OBE and Rachel Trevor-Morgan, is being auctioned online until midnight on Sunday 12^th June.

The hats will be displayed in the Queen’s Stand at Epsom Downs Racecourse for both days of The Cazoo Derby on Friday 3^rd & Saturday 4^th June.

This year’s Derby takes place across the central weekend of Platinum Jubilee Celebrations when Her Majesty The Queen is set to attend Derby Day for the 73^rd time, her first since 2019.

The project forms part of Go Epsom’s wider Jubilee festivities across the Borough of Epsom and Ewell, which celebrate the Queen’s lasting association with hats and their continued importance as a quintessential piece of race day style.

More information about the initiative can be found here which is a new collaboration between Go Epsom, The British Hat Guild, Brain Tumour Research and Epsom Downs Racecourse and will be promoted via the hashtag #HatsFitForAQueen.

Karen Pengelly, Bid Manager for Go Epsom said: “We chose hats as a theme because it ticks every box: hats and style are synonymous with horseracing, Her Majesty is the world’s most famous hat wearer and Epsom is home to the University of Creative Arts and some of the brightest young designers. Hats are fun, stylish, visual and colourful, perfectly matching the excitement and ambience of Epsom over the first weekend in June. In addition to this great initiative, our local schools and charities are busy designing and embellishing their own headpieces and we look forward to seeing all of the hats being proudly shown off over the Jubilee weekend!”

Carol Robertson, National Events Manager of Brain Tumour Research comments: “We are proud and delighted to be involved in this project, and it was wonderful to see Lisa Connell model one of the hats at Epsom a few weeks ago. The British Hat Guild’s generous contribution of these regal hats for the Derby will raise crucial awareness and fund vital research that can improve the lives of those living with brain tumours across the country”.

Speaking on behalf of The British Hat Guild, Edwina Ibbotson said: “It has been a pleasure to have been involved in this wonderful project which has created 15 ‘Hats Fit for a Queen. Each hat has been expertly crafted in celebration of one of the seven decades Her Majesty has been on the throne and it is inspiring to know that the funds raised will support this vital charity. We hope to raise as much money as possible for such a worthy cause”.

Simon Durrant, General Manager at Epsom Downs Racecourse said: “This year’s Cazoo Derby at Epsom Downs is set to be a spectacular celebration across the Platinum Jubilee weekend, and we cannot wait to welcome Her Majesty and tens of thousands of racegoers back after the last two years. We’re delighted to be working closely with Go Epsom, The British Hat Guild and Brain Tumour Research in what we hope will be a lasting collaboration. We want to play our part by utilising the profile of this year’s event to celebrate the very best in raceday style across The Queen’s reign and raise important funds, and I would urge everyone to donate to the auction if they are able to.”

READ MORE: Platinum Jubilee: Flypast to go over Epsom