From the parks of Alexandra Rec to the playlists of rock fans across the country, a new local band with deep Epsom roots is making waves with their debut single.

Penny Rebels, a blues-rock outfit formed by long-time friends and musicians, are preparing to release their first original track, “Bad Man”, on July 1st. The single, described by the band as “gritty, blues-infused rock with big energy and attitude,” marks the culmination of years of songwriting, performing, and musical collaboration.

The band’s connection to Epsom is woven into its story. Two of its members grew up in the town – attending local schools including St Martin’s, Wallace Fields, and Glyn – and spent their formative years playing at Alexandra Recreation Ground. The group’s bass player, a long-time resident of Ewell Downs Road, still calls the borough home.

Formed in Farnham, Penny Rebels emerged from a shared passion for music among friends balancing work, family, and creative life. “We were in bands when we were younger, but life took over,” the band explained. “Now, with more space in our lives, we’ve returned to music — and we’re loving every minute of it.”

Their debut single is accompanied by a newly completed music video, available via a private link ahead of the public release. The band has also released an electronic press kit (EPK) featuring promotional images and media resources for broadcasters and press.

With all members contributing vocals and a sound described as “originals with soul and grit,” Penny Rebels are setting their sights on festival stages and high-energy live performances throughout the region and beyond.

The band welcomes opportunities to share more about their journey and would be delighted to speak to local media or take part in community music features.

• Website: www.pennyrebels.com
• Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Facebook: Penny Rebels
• Email: pennyrebelsband@gmail.com

Listen to “Bad Man” from July 1st on all major platforms.

Government Spending Review Falls Short for Surrey Councils and Epsom Hospital, Say Local Leaders

The UK Government’s latest Spending Review has drawn a mixed reaction from Surrey leaders, with concerns mounting over local council finances and delays to urgently needed hospital upgrades in the Epsom area.

Surrey County Council: Welcome Commitments, Ongoing Pressures

Responding to the Chancellor’s announcements, Surrey County Council Leader Cllr Tim Oliver acknowledged “important announcements,” including increases in core funding for local government, funding pledges for children’s services, and a renewed commitment to reforming Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision.

However, Cllr Oliver warned that the headline increase in “core spending power” rests on councils raising council tax by the full 5%—a move that may place strain on households during a cost-of-living crisis. Even with that assumption, county and unitary authorities across England are projected to face a £2.2 billion funding gap next year.

“Whilst our finances have been transformed to a point where we have delivered stable, balanced budgets year after year,” Oliver said, “we are not exempt from the financial challenges faced by councils.”

Oliver stressed the urgency of the upcoming Fair Funding Review, calling for a “fair and proportionate” outcome to ensure long-term stability for local authorities like Surrey.

Locally, the council has invested an additional £15 million into a three-year SEND recovery plan, begun in September 2023, which is reportedly beginning to bear fruit. But Oliver added that the government’s announcements stop short of tackling deeper issues. “Provision and support for children with SEND is a systemic issue… and the current system does not work for families, schools or councils,” he said.

SEND Deficits and Budget Certainty

Perhaps the sharpest criticism came over the government’s silence on the spiralling SEND deficits many councils face. Without intervention, these deficits—currently kept off balance sheet—will be formally accounted for from next April.

“Many local authorities, including Surrey, are facing a continuing increase in demand in comparison with levels of funding received,” Oliver said. “Councils will soon start planning their budgets for next year and cannot afford to have this can kicked down the road any longer.”

Future of Local Government in Surrey

The Spending Review did include a continued commitment to Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)—a development welcomed by Surrey County Council. Surrey recently submitted a proposal to transition to two unitary authorities, a move that could reshape local government in the county.

“We have worked hard to form that proposal,” said Oliver, “to deliver the best possible outcome for Surrey residents.”

Local MPs Condemn “Missed Opportunity” for Epsom & St Helier Hospitals

Meanwhile, the Liberal Democrat MPs for Epsom & Ewell, Carshalton & Wallington, and Sutton & Cheam expressed deep disappointment over the absence of additional investment in the long-delayed redevelopment of Epsom & St Helier Hospitals.

Despite a known £150 million repair backlog, the government has only committed £12 million to date, with the timeline for a new specialist emergency hospital now postponed until 2033 under the Labour government. Local MPs Bobby Dean, Helen Maguire, and Luke Taylor said this continued delay threatens the “very future of our hospitals.”

“The Government has missed a massive opportunity to deliver real change for Epsom & St Helier Hospitals,” they said in a joint statement. “£12 million is simply a drop in the ocean.”

The trio highlighted years of cross-party pressure in Westminster, including Prime Minister’s Questions and debates, aimed at securing vital upgrades for the “crumbling” estate. “After 14 years of broken promises, the Government has an opportunity to do better,” they added.

Rising Council Tax on the Horizon

Further national analysis has added to concerns around the financial implications of the Spending Review for local authorities. Paul Johnson, Director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS), noted that while English local government fared “perhaps a little bit better than it might have expected,” there is a “sting in the tail”: council tax bills are now set to rise at their fastest rate of any parliament since 2001–2005.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed that councils’ core spending power will rise by 2.6% annually from next year. However, this figure is based on the assumption that councils will impose the full 5% annual increase in council tax—an option many local authorities may feel compelled to take. “We won’t be going above that,” Reeves said. “That is the council tax policy that we inherited from the previous Government, and that we will be continuing.”

Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper described the overall package as a “missed opportunity,” warning that council budgets—especially in areas such as social care—remain “very, very stretched.” She added: “The Government is now looking to local councils to put up council tax to plug the gap in these particular areas… We cannot wait. This can’t be kicked down the road any longer. The Government has got to act now.”

For residents of Epsom and Ewell, the message is clear: whether through delays to vital infrastructure or increasing local taxation, the burden of national decisions may be felt most acutely at the community level.

Parents want their children to walk to school, but what holds them back?

Children are the power brokers that can shift parents’ habits on the school run – and could be key to making healthier, greener travel choices the norm, according to a new report from the University of Surrey. Commissioned by Surrey County Council and delivered through the University’s Institute for Sustainability Innovation Hub, the report looked at how schools across the UK and internationally are encouraging families to walk, cycle or wheel to school instead of driving.

The report’s authors found that while families are generally supportive of safer, more active travel, they’re often held back by concerns over road safety, time pressures and infrastructure. The most effective initiatives, the report argues, are those that bring together schools, local authorities, planners and families to tackle these issues head-on.

Professor Benjamin Gardner, lead-author of the report from the University of Surrey, said: “The school run is rarely straightforward. Families support safer, active travel, but if we want more children walking or cycling, we need to stop seeing this as just an issue for school staff and parents to deal with. Schemes and reward programmes can spark interest, but they won’t bring about changes to the school run unless the wider system supports change. Parents worry about safety, time and whether their child can travel independently. We need a joined-up approach. Lasting change depends on schools, councils, planners and families working together to make walking or cycling feel like the easy and safe option.”

Matt Furniss, Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth at Surrey County Council, said: “We’ve commissioned this report to better understand how we can support and encourage parents, carers and children to travel to school sustainably. We’re investing £5.5m over the next five years to improve road safety to encourage more walking, cycling and wheeling so children can take safer journeys, and to reduce pollution around schools. We’re also continuing to deliver Feet First walking training and Bikeability cycling training to provide lifelong road safety skills for Surrey’s school children. We’re looking forward to working with our schools and others, to design tailored initiatives and infrastructure that will benefit children now and in the future.”

The research team reviewed travel initiatives in the UK, Europe and beyond, including Canada, Australia and Brazil. They found that even young children can play a crucial role in influencing their parents’ school run choices, especially when schools engage children through activities, lessons or competitions.

Surrey researchers conducted two focus groups with staff and caregivers at Surrey schools, analysed a range of international case studies, and reviewed both academic and grey literature. They used the COM-B model – which looks at capability, opportunity and motivation – to understand what stops or supports families from choosing active travel on the school run. The findings will help shape the Council’s new School Travel Effectiveness of Planning (STEP) tool, designed to measure what’s working – and what’s not – in encouraging active school travel across Surrey.

About the Innovation Hub

The Innovation Hub is the delivery arm of the University of Surrey’s Institute for Sustainability. It brings researchers together with local authorities, businesses and communities to co-create practical responses to real-world challenges. By supporting projects like the School Travel Plan report, the Hub helps translate research into action and strengthen partnerships that benefit both Surrey and the wider region.

To learn more about the project, read the full report at www.surrey.ac.uk/news/promoting-active-school-travel

Image: Benjamin Vautier Snow scene (Children leaving school) VA – PICRYL – Public Domain Media

Sixty six temporary prisoner cells, built at HMP Coldingley during the Covid-19 pandemic, will be made permanent in an effort to “ease” the crisis facing the service. Nationally, the prison population has doubled in the past 30 years while only 500 new cells have been built in the past 14 years. It has left the service scrambling around looking for a series of short-term ways to increase capacity until four new prisons come online by 2031, creating 14,000 extra spaces.

The latest stop gap has been the approval of 66 cells in HMP Coldingley in Bisley by Surrey Heath Borough Council on Thursday, June 6. The cells were approved unanimously during a brief two-minute item with no questions or debate from members. Case officers addressing the meeting said: “No objections have been raised by any statutory consultees, while there is a national need for prisoner accommodation. The application is therefore recommended for approval.”

The plans were reported to committee due to its size – although details were scant on the advice of the Ministry of Justice, which said the application contained officially sensitive information, including the layout. The confidential information has not been shared in the public domain however the publicly available aspects of the report said the overall site comprises a variety of buildings of up to four storeys in height, predominantly concentrated towards the north-western flank and centre. Among them are a central accommodation block, an engineering workshop and a laundry building. Sports pitches and open spaces are at the south-west with the prison entrance at the north-eastern corner of the site. The entire perimeter of the category C site, that is male prisoners who cannot be trusted in open conditions, is secured by a 5.2-metre-high security fence.

The report read: “The proposed development supports a demonstrable national infrastructure need and aligns with national and local policy objectives.” It added: “The installation of the cells was considered necessary in the event of a national emergency to allow for safeguarding procedures to be implemented during COVID-19. There is also an on-going national shortfall of prison spaces, with the prison population having roughly doubled in the last 30 years with only 500 places added to the country’s stock of jail cells in the last 14 years. At national level four prisons are being built as part of the Plan for Change to create 14,000 extra spaces by 2031 to assist with the crisis. Until then, however, short term measures such the installation of Rapid Deployment Cells, and the retention of the temporary accommodation installed during the pandemic such as this site, help to ease the burden of rising demand.”

The application is supported by comment from the Department of Justice (see confidential paper). “There is a clear need for existing prison sites to support the increased demand and shortage of supply of prison places across the country. The proposed development therefore helps to support a demonstrable national need.”

Related reports:

Surrey prison failed IPP prisoner

HMP Coldingley (image Google)

Public transport in Southern England is struggling, not just because of cost or convenience, but because it has failed to keep up with the digital age, according to a new study from the University of Surrey.  

In a study published in Public Transport, researchers simulated improvements in areas like payment convenience and real-time service updates. The study found that these tech-driven changes could boost bus ridership by over 30%. 

Researchers have found that simple innovations, such as easy payment systems, e-ticketing, and mobile applications, can transform public transport, boost ridership, and improve passenger satisfaction. 

The study employed a novel analytical approach, Machine Learning Influence Flow Analysis (MIFA), to understand the attitudes and behaviours of bus passengers in Southern England. The team also analysed detailed survey data, which helped them identify the key factors that influence whether people choose the bus over their private cars. These factors where: addressing issues around payment convenience and real-time information can make buses far more appealing. 

Dr Wolfgang Garn, one of the authors of the study and Associate Professor in Analytics at the University of Surrey, said: 

“We discovered that passengers want a seamless, hassle-free experience. If paying for a bus journey feels complicated or outdated, people are more likely to opt for driving instead. By introducing smart ticketing and contactless payments, alongside mobile apps that provide real-time updates, we can not only make bus travel easier but also more attractive. This isn’t just about technology, it’s about fundamentally changing how people view public transport.” 

The study used advanced machine learning methods, including neural networks and random forests, to create predictive models from survey responses. These models enabled the researchers to identify the factors that most strongly influence bus usage decisions. By simulating improvements in passenger sentiment, such as increased satisfaction with payment methods, the MIFA framework can predict how these changes may alter people’s willingness to use buses. The results suggest that these technological enhancements could increase bus ridership by over 30%. 

The findings also highlight several critical issues that undermine bus usage, including inconvenient payment processes, a lack of clear information about bus routes and fares, and concerns about reliability and security. The research recommends practical solutions such as integrated smartcard payment systems, real-time travel apps, and expanded bus lanes to reduce journey times. Together, these measures can create a public transport system that competes with the convenience of private cars. 

Dr Garn continued: 

“Integrated ticketing is an option that needs to be further explored. It allows passengers to travel across different public transport modes using a single ticket or system, typically a smart card, for their entire journey. This means a traveller can switch between buses, trains, trams, and other modes of transport without needing to purchase multiple tickets or navigate different payment systems – an issue that arises when governmental policies do not sufficiently guide multiple private bus transport companies. A related study I worked on demonstrated that increased frequency, low fares, and an improved bus network significantly boost bus ridership.  

The future of bus travel in Southern England depends on embracing digital convenience and improving the passenger experience. With smart payments and better information at the heart of this transformation, buses can become the preferred mode of travel for many, not the last resort.” 

Image credit: Geoff Charles, National Library of Wales. Public domain

The final planning application of the 1,200-home Deepcut regeneration project has been approved. The massive housing project was given the initial green light back in 2014 when Surrey Heath Borough Council agreed the site was suitable for the major residential development. Now, nine years later, the final reserved matter has been signed off, with members at the Thursday, June 5, planning committee bursting into spontaneous applause in celebration of the milestone.

The former Princess Royal Barracks covers 114 hectares. What was once a military site has been slowly transformed into 1,200 homes, public open spaces, community buildings, a primary school and new retail and commercial opportunities. The decade-long project was divided into three housing phases, and three non-residential ones. All had been agreed with the exception of last Thursday’s.

Councillors unanimously approved Weston Homes’ bid to transform the redundant security hut and Sergeants, together with car parking, into 37 new homes, of which five will be marketed as affordable. Planning officer Sarita Bishop told the meeting, in between the cheers: “Members, I am delighted to bring this application to you this evening. It is the last reserved matter on Deepcut. We have finally got there. This is phase 4H, and unlike the rest of the scenes that we’ve looked at, this is actually quite separate to the main Deepcut site.”

The process has moved slowly but surely towards the finish line as the different stages got approved. In August last year, the council signed off on a new sports pavilion as part of the final application for infrastructure, to sit alongside the sports hub and play area. More recently, in November 2024, a care home that will act as a gateway to the development was granted permission.

Image: Final reserved matters approved for Deepcut (Surrey Heath)

This year’s Refugee Week theme, “Community as a Superpower,” celebrates the influence and connection with other cultures that enrich us all, offering fresh perspectives, traditions, and stories that shape a more vibrant, inclusive society.

Between 16–22 June, Epsom and Ewell Refugee Network (EERN) will honour the talents, stories, and successes of the refugees they support through a series of uplifting cultural events and film screenings. Film has a unique way of showing us what unites us—that shared experience of seeing stories on the big screen and sharing the best of our cultures.

Community is indeed a superpower—especially during Refugee Week—as it reminds us of the strength found in unity. It celebrates the transformative power of welcoming communities to change lives and challenge the narrative around migration.

Local Solidarity and Support

Since the start of the war in Ukraine, the Epsom and Ewell community has shown extraordinary solidarity—welcoming refugees into their homes, raising vital funds, and providing practical support to help newcomers rebuild their lives. All members of the community are warmly invited to attend Refugee Week events in a spirit of unity, compassion, and cultural celebration. Let us come together to show that Epsom stands strong in solidarity with those affected by conflict and displacement.

Cultural Events & Film Screenings

Curated in partnership with Ksenia Bugrimova—award-winning Ukrainian film producer and founder of Talented U, a Ukrainian-British screen industry association—Refugee Week events will take place at Epsom Picturehouse, a vibrant new boutique cinema and community hub in the heart of Epsom. Each screening is paired with live music or cultural programming that showcases the creativity and resilience of refugees from Ukraine, Syria, and beyond.

“Film reflects the joy and humanity in every culture—it reminds us that community isn’t just where we live, it’s who we are. That’s our superpower.”
—Joe Stroud, Marketing Manager at Epsom Picturehouse

Tuesday, 17 June

Live Performance by Yuliia Komyshan
Yuliia Komyshan is a professional bandura player from Poltava, Ukraine. The bandura—a traditional Ukrainian plucked-string folk instrument—holds a special place in the country’s musical heritage. Since arriving in the UK at the start of the war in Ukraine, Yuliia has dedicated herself to sharing the richness of Ukrainian culture through music. She is passionate about introducing global audiences to the sound of the bandura and fostering a deeper connection with Ukrainian musical traditions, both ancient and contemporary. Yuliia performs at concerts whenever she can, using each opportunity to celebrate and preserve her cultural roots.

Film Screening: The Taste of Freedom
A young cook discovers a rare 1929 Ukrainian cookbook and, through traditional cuisine, reconnects with her roots and inner strength.

Thursday, 19 June

Performance by the Ukrainian Renaissance Choir
The Ukrainian Renaissance Choir, founded by concert pianist Nataliia Zadorizhna, will perform the Ukrainian National Anthem and other cultural songs.

“It is an enormous privilege to stay in the UK and to be surrounded by such noble, caring, and generous people,” says Nataliia, who has lived in Ashtead with her 11-year-old daughter since May 2022.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet members of the Ukrainian community and EERN volunteers supporting displaced families.

Film Screening: Rocky Road to Berlin
A road-trip comedy set in the chaos of the 1990s USSR. Two musicians drive to Berlin in an old Pobeda car to trade it for a Mercedes—and discover much more than they bargained for.

Plus: Home for Ukraine
A moving documentary featuring former tennis champion Andrew Castle, who shares his story alongside that of a young woman from Mariupol. Previously screened by Film London and other UK festivals. Andrew Castle is hoping to attend and support the event.

Saturday, 21 June

Live Performance by Basel Saleh
Internationally renowned Syrian musician Basel Saleh will perform a fusion of Arabic and Western classical music on the oud. A conductor and composer, Basel has played at major festivals including Glastonbury and Roskilde and collaborated with artists such as Damon Albarn of Gorillaz.

Film Screening: The Walk
Directed by Tamara Kotevska, this hybrid documentary follows Little Amal, a giant puppet symbolising a young Syrian refugee, as she journeys across Europe in a powerful allegory of hope and resilience.

Booking and More Information

To book one of the performances or screenings, visit:
https://www.picturehouses.com/event-details/0000000167/refugee-week/100

To learn more about Epsom and Ewell Refugee Network, visit:
https://epsomrefugeenetwork.org

For more information about the cinema and upcoming events, visit:
www.picturehouses.co.uk/epsom

Community Event – The Great Get Together
Sunday 22 June 2025 1pm-4pm

St Joseph’s Church Hall, St Margaret’s Drive, Epsom KT18 7QJ

You will already have received details about our Great Get Together event. This is a FREE community event for all the family, part of a network of events inspired by the Jo Cox Foundation to celebrate all that unites us as a community.  We have loads of activities for all ages, so please come and join us and bring friends and family. Although entry is free of charge, please can you book tickets online so that we know the numbers to expect. Also, we would ask you to  bring a donation of food to contribute to Good Company’s Food Bank.

Book your free online tickets here where you can also see the range of activities available, all of which are free.

Plans to redevelop part of a Surrey high street have been put forward.

Oxshott village store and post office and a former takeaway spot could be knocked down and transformed into a whole new high street development. The proposal features two large commercial spaces on the ground floor for residents, and nine apartments spread over the first and second floors.

“This is a significant opportunity to improve the character and appearance of this part of the High Street,” planning documents state. Details reveal the new building design will be traditional and reference the neo-classical/Georgian style houses which match the surrounding character of Oxshott.

For market sale, the property could consist of 6 one-bed and 3 two-bed flats in the heart of the high street. This reflects the most critical type of housing needed in Elmbridge borough and will help fill the gap between the existing shortfall, according to the planning statement.

Planning permission was previously granted on the site in October 2023 for a similar scheme to create five apartments. The new proposal seeks four extra homes to be added, as well as including additional land from The Victoria pub to the back of the site for an extra eight parking spaces.

Oxshott village store and post office, (No. 50 on the high street) is currently a two-story building at 8.52m. But under the proposed development plans the height would scale up to 12m tall rather than the 9.65m previously approved. 

Only one person has objected to the scheme so far, claiming the new design is “overbearing and will adversely dominate the high street”. Concerns were also raised by residents in the comments’ section that the path would be obstructed during the demolition and development of the buildings and how construction would operate on the site.

Not the only part of the village’s high street to get a new look, the Heath buildings opposite to the village store and post office will also be redeveloped after planning permission was agreed in October 2024. The new Heath buildings will be 13.2m tall from the ridge. 

Comments on the application are welcome on Elmbridge Borough Council’s website until July 4, with a target decision date for July 17. 

Grafton Stables in Cuddington, a 13.5-acre green space bordered by residential properties, is set to remain open to the public after Surrey County Council (SCC) confirmed it will be managed by the council’s Countryside Team.

Earlier this year, the council placed the land on the market with the potential for housing development—sparking local concerns that up to 40 homes could be built on the site. The move led to significant opposition from residents, local groups and councillors, who argued that the site’s mature trees—some protected by Tree Preservation Orders—and its value as a community green space made it unsuitable for development.

Local County Councillor Eber Kington (RA Ewell Court, Auriol & Cuddington) met with SCC officials to highlight planning restrictions and the importance of the site to the community. “I felt there was a strong case against the sale,” he said. “The site is a vital part of our local green space network.”

Cuddington Residents’ Association, the local sports community at Wandgas Sports and Social Club and other campaigners also put forward an alternative bid to retain much of the green space, alongside limited development to fund its upkeep. Meanwhile, Cuddington Borough Councillors Kim Spickett and Phil Neale launched petitions that attracted more than 1,000 signatures.

In March, a motion was passed at County Hall, calling for SCC to adopt a Community Asset Transfer (CAT) policy—a process that allows local authorities to transfer land to community groups at less than market value if it promotes social and environmental well-being. With no existing CAT policy at SCC, Councillor Kington’s motion cleared the way for Grafton Stables to be considered under such a scheme.

Following discussions, SCC has now confirmed that the site has been withdrawn from sale and will instead be managed as a public green space. Resident Julie Willis, who has lived next to Grafton Stables since childhood, welcomed the decision. “It’s an incredible outcome for the community and for the trees and wildlife that call this space home,” she said.

No details have yet been released on how the new countryside management arrangements will operate, but residents and community groups are expected to be invited to help shape the future of Grafton Stables.

Related report:

Shock as Surrey Council Puts Protected Woodland Up for Auction

A new art installation at Tattenham Corner Station is shining a light on Epsom’s rich racing heritage while adding a burst of creativity to commuters’ journeys. This initiative, part of the Art@thestation project launched at Epsom main station in October 2024, transforms everyday travel into a gallery experience, offering young artists a unique platform to share their work.

Led by The Art Society Epsom with support from Southern Railway and its London head office, the project celebrates the energy and excitement of Derby Day and the iconic Tattenham Corner bend. Local artists were invited to explore the theme of ‘Speed’—a nod to both the daily rush of life and the fast-paced world of horse racing.

The project’s success has been driven by collaboration between Angie Child, Head of Young Arts Volunteers at The Art Society Epsom, and Ben Robinson, Commercial Development Manager at the University for the Creative Arts Students’ Union (UCASU). Their efforts have brought together a striking collection of images that celebrate local identity and creativity.

One of the contributors, Richa Elangovan, a Master’s student in Graphic Design at UCA Farnham, shared:

“My artwork and style consists of messaging through my concept illustrations: topics I’m passionate about include environmentalism, climate change, feminism, and human and animal rights. I use art as my tool for expression on issues otherwise sidelined.”

The installation is a testament to how art can enrich public spaces, spark meaningful conversations, and bring the community together. Ben Robinson said:

“We’re proud to support young talent and bring this celebration of the Derby into the heart of the community. A massive thank you to The Art Society Epsom for partnering with us on this. We’re always looking to showcase student work and can’t wait to see how these pieces brighten the station this summer.”

For local artists and residents keen to get involved, Angie and her team welcome new participants—contact her at Volunteers.tase@gmail.com to be part of this dynamic project.
Meanwhile, the UCA Students’ Union continues to seek out new venues for student art—anyone with a space that could use a creative spark can reach out to ben.robinson@uca.ac.uk.

Photo L to R: Ben Robinson, Alistair McGeachy, Richa Elangovan and Angie Child

https://www.linkedin.com/in/romanasustar

Derby Day at Epsom is one of the highlights of the British racing calendar, with a stellar card for racegoers to enjoy in Surrey on Saturday afternoon.

The Derby itself is a hugely historic race, having been held at the Surrey course for a remarkable 245 years. The free entry for the inner course makes the event even more unique, providing families the perfect opportunity to enjoy a day of racing, with seven races in total on the card.

Wet weather is projected for Derby Day, with thunderstorms presenting the possibility of disruption, but a top class cast of runners and riders will bring in the punters. 

Read below for a preview of the Epsom card courtesy of Racing TV, who offer the latest horse racing free bet offers.

13:00 Princess Elizabeth Stakes (Fillies’ And Mares’ Group 3)

The opening race of the day will see 11 runners taking the just over a mile trip for this Group 3 contest. The two favourites for the race look to be Royal Dress and Skellet, with little to choose between this pair, the latter’s scope for improvement this season and form on softer ground gives her the edge for this contest.

13:35 Betfred Diomed Stakes (Group 3)

For this second Group 3 contest, this race has an interesting triple Group 3 winner from Germany, in the form of Geography. However, a lack of UK experience and inclement weather conditions on good to soft ground suggests the likes of Persica, could fare better, having won in similar conditions in April at Newmarket.

14:10 Betfred 3yo ‘Dash’ Handicap

A large field will line up for the third race, which is a 5f ‘Dash’ which is the only Class 3 race of the afternoon. Mademoiselle looks a progressive type and made a strong second-placed start to this season having finished 2024 in fine form with two wins, although this is a step up in class.

14:45 Aston Martin ‘Dash’ Handicap (Heritage Handicap)

Another short race to precede the main event of the afternoon, with this one being a Class 2 contest. Oisin Murphy’s presence on board Jer Batt is a positive indicator for a horse who is also on a competitive mark for trainers David & Nicola Barron, making this one to watch.

15:30 Betfred Derby (Group 1)

One of the highlights of the season, The Derby is run over 1m4f with prize money of £909,628 for the winner making it the richest race of the British Flat season. 

Vying for this prize will be the leading trainers and jockeys, with the combination of Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore winning an 11th Oaks for O’Brien on Friday, a feat they could repeat for the Derby. They will combine to boost Delacroix’s hopes, but Pride Of Arras is a huge hope after just two races for Ralph Beckett and good pedigree for this trip.

16:15 Encore Lifestyle Northern Dancer Handicap (GBBPlus Race)

Up next, another race run over 1m4f, but this time a handicap. An interesting contest, but with a favourite who has gone well in the mud for Ralph Beckett, it will be hard to look past Valvano, who also has handicap form.

17:00 Hong Kong Jockey Club World Pool Lester Piggott Handicap (GBBPlus Race)

The penultimate race of the day is a Class 2 with a £38k prize for the winner, to keep the punters entertained following the main event. Despite a disappointing handicap debut, Hornsea Bay has since been gelded and could go well under Danny Tudhope.

17:40 JRA Tokyo Trophy Handicap

The final race of the day, and the 2025 Derby meeting, is a 6f sprint. For this, Eye Of Dubai looks like an interesting proposition for a yard which has won this race twice before, and has two Class 2 wins under their belt to call upon when checking the form book.

Selections:

13:00 – Skellet – 9/2

13:35 – Persica – 5/2

14:10 – Mademoiselle – 6/1

14:45 – Jer Batt – 13/2

15:30 – Pride of Arras – 5/1

16:15 – Valvano – 9/2

17:00 – Hornsea Bay – 11/2

17:40 – Eye Of Dubai – 13/2

Image: Horses racing Image: Credit Paul. CC BY 2.0

“Mrs Dalloway” at Woking. Celebrating the 100th anniversary of Virginia Woolf’s iconic novel from the Lushington Archive at Surrey History Centre

Virginia Woolf’s use of members of her own family and close friends as models for her characters is well known. Her father, that eminent of all eminent Victorians, Sir Leslie Stephen was the curmudgeonly Mr Ramsay in To The Lighthouse and her mother, the beautiful Julia Jackson, is sensitively portrayed as his long-suffering wife. Other characters in the novel are drawn from friends who were invited to stay with the family at Talland House where the Stephen family spent their summer holidays. One of those families was that of the lawyer and positivist, Vernon Lushington whose daughter Kitty married newspaper owner Leopold Maxse and became the model for Mrs Dalloway in Woolf’s iconic novel.

To celebrate the centenary of the publication of Mrs Dalloway, Dr David Taylor will tell the story of Kitty Maxse and her relationship with Virginia Woolf and other members of her family from the Lushington family archive held at Surrey History Centre. This talk will follow the Surrey History Trust AGM.

Location: Surrey History Centre, 130 Goldsworth Road, Woking GU21 6ND.

Date and time: Monday 30 June, 7pm to 9pm.

Tickets: free, register online.

Surrey History Centre for more news click HERE

The cost of repairing “one of the most important buildings in Surrey” has ballooned to nearly £2 million after further setbacks were discovered – with Waverley Borough Council now on the hook for about three quarters of a million pounds.

The Grade 1 listed Farnham Museum has been protected due to the exceptional interest in its rare design. Its listing places it alongside some of the nation’s most famous landmarks including Buckingham Palace, Hampton Court and the Cenotaph.

In March 2023, funding for the project was secured after the Arts Council gave Waverley Borough Council a grant of £734,335 for essential repairs to its Wilmer House, Georgian home, in West Street.

The council-owned building had fallen into disrepair with the cash used to address decaying brickwork, its collapsing second floor window arches, and deeply eroded mortar joints.

Further exploratory work uncovered a wrath on additional problems with the budget growing ever since. Senior councillors has described the work as vital to protecting the “extremely valuable building” and that describing its worth in monetary terms “felt a little grubby”.

Following the Tuesday, June 3, meeting of Waverley Borough Council, which agreed to set aside an additional £243,000 for the project, the total cost is expected to be £1,720,000 – of which £735,000 will be funded by the council.

Councillor Kika Mirylees, portfolio holder for community services and leisure said: “Wilmer House is a grade one listed building and is extremely rare being one of fewer than 20 buildings of its type..

“As a grade one listed building it sits alongside other somewhat more famous buildings such as Buckingham Palace, Hampton Court, the Tower of London and the Cenotaph. However, as we know, the challenges that come with a grade 1 listed building are not easy.”

She added: “The first phase was always going to be one of uncertainty, we knew that, until the scaffolding came down and we saw what was lying behind it. The extra funding we need will be for the parapet wall and the two chimneys, which will make up the majority of the extra funding because we can not leave them as they are.

“Their deterioration is much greater than expected and they were not part of the tendered contract. “Like it or not Waverley has a statutory obligation to carry out the repair work in a timely manner due to planning law and health and safety concerns – and the funding given to us by the Arts Council.”

It is expected that the work will take about 18 weeks to complete and will be finished by mid October, the meeting heard. Any delay would have a knock on effect and push the project into the next year, resulting in a third consecutive winter shut down and costing a further £69,000.

Cllr Mark Merryweather, portfolio holder for finance, assets and property added: “When you go up there and have an expert explain to you the history of the building, the skill that went into the original works there, it almost feels slightly grubby to start monetising it, because it is an extremely valuable building.

“But having said that we have to, we are a council, we have a responsibility – not only to our taxpayers, but to Farnham and the borough, and to the nation because this is a nationally important building.

“In our stewardship and custody I am confidant its going to be looked after the way it should. Its disappointing we’ve found more work that needs to be doing but no one can say we weren’t fully aware of the risk.”

Museum of Farnham JT initials (Image Google)

The Derby meeting is upon us and the greatly-anticipated Oaks Day card hosts seven intriguing races.

Read below for a preview of the Epsom card courtesy of Racing TV, who offer the latest horse racing free bet offers.

Kicking off the afternoon’s top class action is the Listed Surrey Stakes, run over seven furlongs (1.30). Topping the ratings is The Waco Kid, whose two starts so far this season has been far below his best, so connections try him in first time cheekpieces here in the hope that he can recapture his Tattersalls Stakes winning form of last year, in which race he finished ahead of Diego Ventura. Given a fair amount of weight by the colts, Formal might spring a surprise on a track which just might suit her.

Next is the two-year-olds’ Woodcote Stakes over six furlongs (2.05), which introduces just one debutant in the shape of George Baker’s Trinculo, who has his work cut out for him on his first try here amongst a high quality field. Charlie Appleby has a very good strike rate at Epsom, therefore his talented, fast colt Maximised looks the most likely of these, but Havana Hurricane could be a close second. 

The Group 1 Coronation Cup is next, with a quality multi-national field of seven runners (2.40). French raider Calandagan tops the ratings, has beaten some of his opponents here in the past and is fit from a run in Dubai in April. He’s tough and will be up to this, but is untried at this tricky track. Bellum Justum ran a good race in the Derby over course and distance last year and has taken a step forward this term already, so could pick up a place at least. Irish Oaks winning filly You Got To Me musn’t be underestimated in this company, but does lack a prep run. 

3.15 brings the Nifty 50 Handicap, run over a mile and quarter. John & Thady Gosden have a very strong strike rate of 31% at Epsom, therefore their runner Mutaawid is worth considering after a particularly impressive six-length win last time at Newmarket, but he has been heavily penalised for that performance by the handicapper. Roger Varian’s Defiance should have a chance, having finished a close second over course and distance last year in the Blue Riband Trial, but may need this run to get up to speed for the season, leaving Rathgar looking a good option with proven ability over undulating tracks and remaining on the same mark as his last three starts. 

The eagerly anticipated feature is next; the Group 1 Oaks over a mile and a half (4.00). Godolphin’s 1,000 Guineas winning Desert Flower is the best on ratings by a long way, but she is untried over this trip. There is, however, plenty of staying power throughout her pedigree, so this is unlikely to have too great an impact on her ability to win the second leg of the fillies’ Triple Crown. Aidan O’Brien’s Miinie Hauk ought to be her main competition, but Ed Walker’s Qilin Queen, who is well equipped with a staying pedigree and shouldn’t be underestimated. 

The penultimate race of Oaks Day is a handicap run over a mile and half a furlong (4.35). Ebt’s Guard is slowly improving and could be at the sharp end here, while Bopedro comes from David O’Meara’s bang in-form stable and wouldn’t be without a chance having placed on both his last starts with an eyecatching jockey booking in Rossa Ryan. Two Tempting is last year’s winner, but has risen sharply in the weights since that performance. A lower weighted, reliable sort such as Mr Baloo might be a better option. 

The finale is a seven-furlong handicap of 13 runners (5.10). Rhoscolyn was last year’s winner of this race, and returns on a one-pound lower mark than his victory, but he might want slightly good to soft or soft ground. Although well beaten by Rhoscolyn that day, Darkness does have good course form and, having won well last time out at Thirsk, arrives in good sorts. He might prefer good ground here, but is versatile enough to cope with softer going if the rain comes. 

Epsom selections – Friday

1.30 – Formal

2.05 – Maximised

2.40 – Calandagan

3.15 – Rathgar

4.00 – Qilin Queen e/w

4.35 – Mr Baloo

5.10 – Darkness

Image: David Jones  Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license

A campaigner says a Surrey council is “missing the point” about safety as hopes for a 20mph speed limit on a rural road have been scuppered.

Surrey County Council (SCC) claim the traffic measures on Ford Road in Bisley would be too costly.

Dr Ayres started a petition for a 20mph speed limit, arguing residents should be able to got to the shops without “such fear and intimidation that they experienced when confronted by coaches and HGVs at 30mph”.

He presented his campaign at a SCC Highways, Transport and Economic Growth meeting on June 3.

Over 120 people signed the petition calling for the current 30mph speed limit to be lowered to protect pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders and other road users from the increase in traffic, particularly HGVs.

Several large commercial premises are located on Lucas Green Road. Often HGVs will come off the A322 Guildford Road, drive through Ford Road to get to their destination.

Matt Furniss, cabinet member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth Decisions, said he recognises the concerns raised but said that drivers generally comply with the 30mph speed limit on the narrow rural road and that it has a relatively good safety record.

But Dr Ayres slammed the council’s response for “missing the fundamental point of this petition” by focusing on the HGVs and drivers on the road. He said it was about “the safety and wellbeing of the vulnerable road users who frequent Ford Road”.

He said: “I do not accept commercial interests in Lucas Green Road should dictate what happens in Ford Road.”

The road has a “relatively good safety record”, according to a report, with only one personal injury collision in 2021 in the 10 year period between November 2014- October 2024.

As the current speed limit is 30mph, and the existing average speed is over 28mph, council documents state the road would need more than just a sign to reduce the speed successfully.

These measures could consist of road humps, raised road tables, road narrowing, chicanes and priority give way pinch points.

The report read: “The cost of introducing traffic calming measures over such a length of road (approximately 2km) would be substantial, especially since significant improvements to the existing street lighting are likely to be required to comply with the appropriate design standards for the installation of traffic calming measures.”

Council officers also warned the additional features could have negative effects; for instance, traffic tables could cause noise and vibration from the HGVs or that speed cushions could even lead to road damage.

Concerns were also raised that if the speed limit changed to 20mph on Ford Road, residents on Lucas Green Road would also want a reduced speed limit.

The report said, given the roads are interlinking and are similar in character and measures introduced in one road are likely to have impacts on the other road, introducing traffic measurements would likely create “significant concern” for those residents on the other road.

A traffic engineer said: “We’re aware of the issues and hopefully we can in the future change the speed limit.” She added the council will include the road on a list for schemes that need funding in the future.