Surrey Police has been affected by a nationwide push by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) to influence responses to Freedom of Information (FOI) requests, raising concerns about transparency in local policing.

Newly obtained data from the BBC reveals that Surrey Police referred a total of 39 FOI and Environmental Information Regulation (EIR) requests to the NPCC’s Central Referral Unit (CRU) between January and March 2024. This accounts for around 9.6% of all FOI and EIR requests received by the force in January, 8% in February, and 3.5% in March.

Of the 39 requests referred, six were classified as “mandatory referrals,” a controversial category requiring police forces to consult with the CRU before disclosing certain types of information. Topics covered under these mandatory referrals include covert policing operations, counter-terrorism, and the use of controversial surveillance technology. Critics argue this process enables the NPCC to centralise control over information disclosure, effectively limiting the public’s right to know.

Nationally, the CRU advised local police forces on 1,706 FOI requests in the first three months of 2024, a practice campaigners have labelled as “authoritarian censorship.” In some cases, police forces that had initially disclosed information were later advised to retract their responses, with the CRU citing concerns about national security and reputational risks.

Surrey Police received 523 FOI and EIR requests over the three-month period, meaning one in 13 requests was referred for CRU advice. Transparency advocates argue that these figures highlight an increasing trend of policing secrecy, particularly in sensitive areas such as police surveillance, drug-related crime, and misconduct investigations.

Jake Hurfurt, head of research at Big Brother Watch, condemned the NPCC’s role, stating: “Pressuring police forces to retract data disclosed in response to journalists’ Freedom of Information requests, and instead trying to refuse to confirm or deny they hold the data, is the practice of an authoritarian censor, not an accountable public body.”

While the NPCC insists it only provides guidance and does not dictate disclosure decisions, critics believe the process lacks accountability. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has previously taken action against multiple police forces for poor FOI performance, though Surrey Police has not been subject to specific regulatory action.

This revelation raises questions about whether Surrey residents are receiving the full picture when requesting information from their local police force. As scrutiny intensifies over the role of the NPCC in transparency matters, campaigners are calling for greater oversight to ensure that FOI laws serve the public interest rather than institutional secrecy.

A new report from the Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) has raised serious concerns about the financial sustainability of councils across England, including those in Surrey. The 2025 State of Local Government Finance report reveals that fewer than one in ten senior council officials are confident in the future stability of local government finances. With spiralling service demands and National Insurance Contribution (NIC) rises adding further pressure, councils are facing a perilous financial future.

The government’s plans for local government reorganisation are also causing alarm, with fewer than one in four council officials believing it will improve council finances. Only one in ten feel they have been properly involved in the process, while just one in five think the proposed timescales are realistic. The lack of clarity around reorganisation has left many councils uncertain about their financial future.

The LGIU report warns that 6% of councils could be effectively bankrupt by the end of this financial year unless urgent reforms are made. Without significant changes, that figure could rise to 35% of councils by 2030, meaning over 100 local authorities may be forced to issue Section 114 notices – the legal declaration of financial failure.

Surrey Councils at Risk

Surrey’s councils are already feeling the strain. Epsom and Ewell Borough Council recently admitted that it faces severe financial challenges, while neighbouring authorities such as Surrey County Council and Guildford Borough Council have been forced to make significant budget cuts. Just last year, Woking Borough Council issued a Section 114 notice, effectively declaring bankruptcy due to unsustainable borrowing and financial mismanagement.

There are concerns over how the government’s reorganisation plans might impact Epsom and Ewell. If plans for widespread restructuring go ahead, smaller councils like Epsom and Ewell could face further financial uncertainty and potential absorption into larger authorities, reducing local accountability.

Tax Rises, Cuts, and Borrowing

To plug the financial gap, councils across the country – including those in Surrey – are turning to drastic measures. The LGIU survey found that:

• 94% of councils plan to increase council tax
• 88% will raise fees and charges for services
• 22% intend to borrow more money
• 63% will reduce spending on services
• 56% will use their financial reserves to balance the books

For many councils, this will be the second year in a row of raiding their reserves – a short-term fix that is not sustainable.

In Surrey, these pressures have already led to service cutbacks. Epsom and Ewell Borough Council has warned that further reductions in public services may be necessary, while Surrey County Council is grappling with a funding gap running into tens of millions of pounds. The rising demand for temporary accommodation, adult social care, and children’s services continues to place unbearable strain on local budgets.

Calls for Urgent Reform

The LGIU report highlights near-total consensus among council leaders on the need for major financial reforms. A massive 92% of respondents support the introduction of multi-year financial settlements, which would allow councils to plan their budgets with greater certainty. Additionally, 77% of officials back council tax reform, while around 75% want more fiscal powers, such as the ability to introduce tourism taxes or local sales taxes, as seen in other countries.

Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive of LGIU, said:

“At the end of last year, the government made clear that devolution, reform of the local government finance system, and public sector reform should go hand in hand. Our survey shows in stark detail that they are not currently aligned in any meaningful way.

While there is some optimism about multi-year settlements, councils are deeply concerned about the impact of reorganisation and NIC increases on already overstretched budgets. Councils do not believe they have been given sufficient clarity, involvement, or time to prepare for these changes.”

The LGIU has called for the government to introduce a standing commission to oversee local government reorganisation and for councils to be given greater financial powers. Without urgent reform, councils across England – including in Surrey – face an increasingly bleak financial future.

Related reports:

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council: Financial Crisis or Manageable Deficit?

Ex-Council Officers under investigation for Woking’s £2 billion debt

Examination of a Surrey Borough’s 2nd highest UK debt

Surrey’s debts match Woking’s but its position is secure?

Relative relief about Epsom and Ewell’s debt?

Residents in Surrey and surrounding areas are being invited to take part in the first ever Planning for Your Future Day aimed at helping people plan for the later life they want.

Two free events – one in Guildford and one online – are being held on 11 March to equip people with information to make the right decisions at a time when they may need extra support.

Planning for Your Future Day – part of a campaign run by Surrey County Council in partnership with local charity Age UK Surrey – aims to raise awareness of care and support options, costs of social care and ways to maintain independence. By understanding options and starting conversations with loved ones early, people can make informed choices and avoid rushed decisions in a crisis.

Resident research shows that 88 per cent of adults in Surrey are concerned about needing future support and 81 per cent of local people are moderately, or really, concerned, about paying for care. This is an increase on the figure from just two years ago.

Separate figures show that, each year, around 300 to 400 Surrey residents who are paying for their own care run out of money, putting them at risk of having to move to a new care home, or their families needing to contribute a top-up to cover the costs of the home.

Planning for Your Future Day is believed to be the first of its kind in the country and is already gaining regional momentum, with three other local authorities – Hampshire, Oxfordshire and West Berkshire – also inviting their residents to join the online event.

In Surrey, more than 2,000 people have already attended a Planning for Your Future presentation held in a community location or joined an online webinar, and nine in ten people would recommend it to a friend.

The event on 11 March – at Guildford Baptist Church in Millmead – is set to be the biggest public event yet and will be followed in the evening by the online webinar.

Sinead Mooney, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: “It’s great to see Surrey at the forefront of helping people take control of their future so they can make confident, informed decisions. This initiative offers a wealth of useful tips and advice on everything from independent living to care costs, while also directing people to the vast range of local support provided by charities, voluntary organisations, faith groups and neighbourhood networks.

“The Government commission on social care won’t report until 2028 so it’s vital that we equip people to navigate the system that’s in place now. By getting out into the community with information and support, we can help people make the right choices for them and avoid making decisions in a crisis which may not be suitable in the long run.”

Planning for Your Future aims to help those who will need to pay for care themselves or whose family pay members pay. The events will cover key topics such as care options, typical costs of care, Powers of Attorney and practical steps to stay independent for longer, including equipment and technology in the home.

The in-person event starts at 11am on 11 March and will include a talk, Q&A and some light refreshments, with everyone who comes along able to leave with a checklist containing a reminder of the key points.

Alongside the council’s adult social care team and Age UK Surrey, the event will be attended by other organisations such as Mole Valley Life, who can help respond to falls, and the Society of Later Life Advisors, who are financial planning experts.

There will be an online version of the presentation the same evening at 7pm. Both sessions can be booked by visiting the Planning for Your Future information hub on the Age UK Surrey website.

The in-person event will be held from 11am – 1pm on Tuesday 11 March at the Guildford Baptist Church, Millmead, Guildford GU2 4BE.

Parking available at Portsmouth Road, Millmead and other local car parks.

The evening’s online presentation will take place on 11 March from 7pm.

Both sessions can be booked by visiting the Planning for Your Future information hub on the Age UK Surrey website.

Epsom and Ewell Times has invited representatives of The Residents Association, Liberal Democrats, Labour and Conservative Party to share their policies on local government reorganisation. Here is the second from Cllr Julie Morris (College Ward) of the Liberal Democrat Party.

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) is a recurring theme in British politics.  Government which is fit-for-purpose contributes to overall efficiency.  Proportional Representation would be by far the best change central government could make toward this.  However, the removal of two tier authorities is what we have to deal with and there are undoubtedly economies of scale to be had from the edict that Surrey should become two or possibly three unitary bodies, instead of one county council and eleven districts/boroughs.

It is really important to create new unitaries using current boundaries as far as possible.  The logistics and costs of any other scenario are complex and could lengthen the process by years.   Debt needs to be spread so that no new authority is immediately bankrupt (as some existing councils are heavily in debt) and, ideally, areas of wealth and deprivation should also be fairly distributed so that each new unitary begins life as both fair and financially viable.  Amalgamating services such as refusal collection, recycling and disposal makes sense as for small boroughs the costs of energy-efficient collection vehicles are prohibitive and it’s worth remembering that some councils already share staff such as legal, chief executive, IT, etc.  Working in partnership is not an entirely new thing, so amalgamation might be relatively straightforward in some areas.  Redistributing services covered entirely by the existing county council could be the key to success in the eyes of local residents, and there are some sensitive areas here e.g. social services and education, to say nothing of potholes.

We do not as yet know the preference of Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, and the Liberal Democrats in Surrey as far as I am aware have not yet come out in favour of any particular scenario.  I personally favour three new unitaries over two, but I’m sure there is room for manoeuvre once the fuller picture is known.  For Epsom, a new Town Council would probably find favour with local people.  Even though it has limited power particularly when it comes to planning applications, it can do a good job of keeping residents informed and, most importantly, involved.  This does nicely lead onto the tricky bit which is how to make sure residents themselves are not further disengaged from local politics (and politicians) and feel they have no say or contribution to make.  Decisions taken many miles away and a local councillor who represents a much wider area could impact voter turnout (and apathy) even more.  Only around 40% of the electorate currently vote in local elections anyway. 

Cllr Julie Morris

Leader of the Liberal Democrat group

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council 

Related reports:

Local Labour view on Epsom and Ewell Council’s future

To mark National Empty Property Week, Epsom & Ewell Borough Council (EEBC) is getting in touch with owners of properties that have been empty for more than two years, to try to bring them back into use.

Empty properties are considered a wasted housing resource, can attract anti-social activity, and can even create environmental problems.

There are currently more than 250 families from Epsom & Ewell in temporary accommodation, with a further 1,336 people on the council’s housing needs register, and many others looking for a property to rent or buy. Bringing empty properties back into use will help households facing homelessness find accommodation within the borough, closer to their schools, jobs and local support networks.

There are currently 64 properties that have been empty for more than two years in Epsom & Ewell. Homeowners still pay council tax on empty properties council tax on a property that has been empty for more than two years increases to 200%, while those empty for more than five years increases to 300%.

There are several options available for empty homeowners:

• Leasing a property to the council via EEBC’s Private Sector Lease (PSL) scheme for a period of 3-5 years. The homeowner receives a guaranteed rental income, and the council manages the property on their behalf. Where the property requires renovation before it can be leased, the council may even be able to assist with the cost of works. 
• Letting the property privately.
• Selling the property to provide residential accommodation within the borough. In some instances, the council may even be interested in purchasing the property.

Councillor Clive Woodbridge, Chair of the Community and Wellbeing Committee, said:

“Across the country, the lack of affordable housing has put massive pressure on local authorities, and Epsom & Ewell is no different. The council’s housing team work extremely hard to house people in need but supply continually outstrips demand.

“I would implore anyone with a long-term empty property in the borough to consider getting in touch with the council or letting it out privately. Not only would you be providing much needed accommodation but, by bringing your property back into use, you can avoid an additional council tax burden.”

Anyone interested in contacting the council with a property to let can fill in the form on the council’s website – Do you have a property to let? | Epsom and Ewell Borough Council

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council operates a private sector leasing scheme which allows us to assist local families in housing need whilst reducing the risks and hassle of letting for landlords. We offer:

• to manage your property
• guaranteed rent
• a lease of three to five years.

Find out more at Private sector leasing scheme | Epsom and Ewell Borough Council

Photo by Jonathan Cooper

Epsom HQ based Toyota UK has strengthened its support for the local community by providing two Proace battery-electric people carriers to the Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation for Disabled People (QEF). The Leatherhead-based charity, which helps disabled individuals achieve greater independence, will use the vehicles to enhance its transport services.

The electric people carriers will assist QEF’s retail teams across its network of 15 charity shops and at The Grange in Kent, where residents with learning disabilities will benefit from group outings. The donation is part of a wider strategic partnership between Toyota and QEF, aimed at improving mobility for disabled people.

Toyota’s commitment extends beyond vehicle provision, with plans to collaborate on fundraising events, volunteer opportunities, and awareness campaigns. Proceeds will support QEF’s Mobility Services, which help individuals increase their independent mobility through driving assessments, lessons, and mobility advice.

Michelle Giles, QEF’s Mobility Services Manager, expressed her gratitude for Toyota’s contribution: “The electric vehicles will enable supported individuals to enjoy outings and engage more with their local communities. They will also make our retail operations more sustainable by reducing vehicle emissions.”

She added: “This partnership will make a significant difference to those who rely on our Mobility Services, whether for driving assessments, mobility advice, vehicle adaptations, or accessible transport.”

Scott Thompson, President and Managing Director of Toyota (GB), highlighted the importance of the collaboration: “Improving mobility for all is at the heart of what we do at Toyota. It’s wonderful that QEF, a charity close to our head office in Epsom, will benefit from our Proace Verso electric people carriers. We look forward to continuing our support for QEF as one of our dedicated charity partners.”

QEF, a Surrey-based charity with 90 years of experience, provides expert services to nearly 10,000 disabled people annually. Its work includes mobility services, neuro rehabilitation, specialist assistive equipment, and residential care for people with learning disabilities. The partnership with Toyota marks another step in enhancing the charity’s ability to support those who rely on its services.

Recently unearthed plans of an Ashtead garden, designed by the renowned Gertrude Jekyll, have been donated to the Surrey History Centre.

Gertrude Jekyll (1843-1932) of Munstead Wood, Godalming, is celebrated as one of the greatest English garden designers. Though she described herself as an ‘artist-gardener,’ Jekyll was also a painter, embroiderer, interior designer, author, and photographer. As an early exponent of the Arts and Crafts Movement in Surrey, her legacy includes significant garden plans, watercolours, photographs, and publications, all held at the Surrey History Centre.

The newly unearthed plans, detailing the garden at Warren Hurst in Ashtead, were thought to be lost but were discovered inside a copy of Richard Bisgrove’s book, The Gardens of Gertrude Jekyll (1992). They were returned to a former property owner, who brought them to the attention of the Surrey Gardens Trust. The plans have been donated to the Surrey History Centre to enhance its extensive Jekyll collections.

The discovery of these two plans is important. While other plans of Warren Hurst exist in the Gertrude Jekyll Collection at the University of California, Berkeley, and can be accessed through the Surrey Gardens Trust website, these newly found plans offer more detailed evidence of Jekyll’s work.

One plan is a tracing made by the house architect, Percy Leeds, to communicate with Jekyll. He wrote notes on it, asking her questions about planting and plant sourcing, and she responded with her own instructions. The other plan is a rough pencil copy of one of Jekyll’s detailed herbaceous border designs, given to the architect for reference.

Together, these plans show that the garden project was active in July 1914, just before the First World War began. They capture the creative exchange between Jekyll and the architect as they brought her designs to life. These documents offer a fascinating insight into Jekyll’s methods and types of plants and shrubs, confirming that the garden was fully planted.

The Surrey History Centre’s Conservator, with funding from the Surrey Gardens Trust, has meticulously conserved the garden plans. The conservation process included surface cleaning, light humidification and flattening to remove creases, and repairing torn or fragile areas using wheat starch paste and Japanese paper. Once conserved, the plans will be mounted on sturdy boards and protected in archival polyester sleeves. The plans will be featured in an exhibition of archive treasures at the Surrey History Centre’s Open Day on Saturday 8th March.

Councillor Denise Turner Stewart, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Customer and Communities, said:

“The donation of these plans is a remarkable addition to our collection. Gertrude Jekyll’s work continues to inspire and educate, and we are thrilled to preserve and share these historical documents with the public.

The upcoming Open Day on 8th March is a fantastic opportunity for residents and visitors to explore these plans and other fascinating collections. With our friendly and helpful staff, we would like to see as many residents as possible using the Surrey History Centre for research and discovering the fascinating history of the county of Surrey.

Whether you’re a history buff or simply curious about our work, the day will offer something for everyone, so do come along and explore our diverse collections.”

Sarah Dickinson, Chair of Surrey Gardens Trust, added:

“It is a rare moment when lost Gertrude Jekyll plans come to light. These are working drawings, the tools of her trade. They enhance our understanding of Jekyll’s garden design practice. They narrate a moment in history, the Summer of 1914, when a Jekyll design and its planting is being implemented.

We are transported to Jekyll’s desk and witness her tenacity as she responds to questions from the architect who is overseeing the planting of this garden. Surrey Gardens Trust is equally thrilled to be part of this revelation and to support the preservation and presentation of these unique documents.”

For more information on the Open Day and to book a place on a behind-the-scenes tour, please visit the Surrey History Centre website.

Discover more about Gertrude Jekyll sources at the Surrey History Centre.

Explore Gertrude Jekyll’s Surrey Archive on the Surrey Gardens Trust’s website for additional insights.

Glyn School and Rosebery School in Epsom are at the forefront of a groundbreaking initiative aimed at tackling smartphone distractions in the classroom. The schools, both part of the GLF multi-academy trust, are participating in a pilot scheme that restricts social media and messaging apps during school hours.

The initiative, which also includes Meridian High School in Croydon and Merstham Park School in Surrey, will see all students in Years 7-9—around 2,300 pupils—install an app called Blackout. This app blocks access to non-essential apps such as social media, games, cameras, and web browsers while still allowing calls, SMS, maps, and calendars. The restriction will only apply during school hours and term time.

Glyn and Rosebery schools, both well-respected within the Epsom community, have been chosen to help test whether this technology can improve student wellbeing and classroom focus. The rise in smartphone usage has been linked to increased anxiety and reduced concentration, and educators are keen to explore solutions that promote healthier digital habits.

A parent at Rosebery School voiced strong support for the initiative, saying: “Well done to Rosebery and GLF Schools for trialling the Blackout technology. Teachers are on the front line every day, dealing with the disruption caused by smartphones. If this helps students focus and reduces distractions, I’m all for it.”

The pilot will continue after the February half-term, with students required to install the app if they bring a phone to school. Glyn and Rosebery’s existing phone policies will remain in place, with additional checks to ensure compliance.

Julian Drinkall, CEO of GLF Schools, emphasised the trust’s commitment to exploring new approaches to mobile phone use in education: “We understand why some schools have introduced outright mobile phone bans, but we believe technology can be part of the solution rather than just a problem. Blackout offers a way to encourage positive digital habits while still allowing essential communication between students and parents.”

Amy Anderson, Headteacher at Meridian High School, echoed this view: “This pilot allows us to take a more refined approach to phone management. Instead of just confiscating devices, we can use technology to help students engage more fully in their learning environment.”

The effectiveness of the trial will be assessed through student, parent, and staff feedback, with key metrics including improved concentration, reduced classroom disruptions, and enhanced student wellbeing. If successful, the initiative could be expanded to more schools in the GLF network and beyond.

Privacy concerns have been addressed, with Blackout confirming that the app does not access personal data such as messages, browser history, or location tracking. It simply blocks non-essential apps during school hours.

Glyn and Rosebery’s participation in this pilot reinforces their reputation as forward-thinking schools, willing to embrace innovative solutions to enhance student learning and wellbeing. As local pupils and parents adjust to the new system, the Epsom community will be watching closely to see if this pioneering approach proves to be the key to a more focused and productive school day.

Thurrock 28 Sutton & Epsom RFC 53. Saturday 1st March.

Back in November, Thurrock were very unlucky to lose 33-29 at Rugby Lane as the mighty McTaggart crashed over for a try on the final play. The Black & Whites had only ventured once to Thurrock for a league fixture this millennium, and that was in November 2000 when they won 28-13 – not even Steve Munford was playing then. So, a return to Oakfield was long overdue. It is a wonderful facility, not only offering a magnificent pitch but also live streaming of their matches. Whether watching in situ or remotely, it was a superb spectacle with a dozen tries, with Sutton prevailing 53-28.

Having accommodated the stag weekend against Medway, the Sutton social calendar encompassed the wedding this weekend. Good news – I understand that none of the players will be attending the honeymoon of their erstwhile hooker. It is enough to make coaches pray for agamists. On the plus side, it was a delight to welcome back Kyren Ghumra to the colours. The hosts kicked off on a chilly but sunny afternoon on the occasion of Number 8 Matt Whitaker’s 200th 1st XV league appearance.

It did not take long for Thurrock to open their account. The visitors conceded a penalty for not rolling away, and the ball was advanced to the 22. A controlled catch and drive and considerable pressure from their sizeable pack put Sutton back on their line. A delightful overhead pass enabled prop Josh Buller to walk in under the posts. Henry Bird added the extras for a 7-0 lead.

Sutton pressed hard to level the scores as they spread the ball wide but were thwarted by poor execution. It was a case of third time very lucky. Matt Whitaker marauded into the 22 and chose the exotic rather than the practical with his pass. The ball went loose, bounced off a defender, and ended up in Adam Bibby’s arms, and he sauntered in under the posts. Tom Lennard converted for 7-7.

Within five minutes, S&E had the lead. In the absence of Freddy Bunting, Steve Munford had the armband and did not hesitate in taking three points for a kick in front of the posts. It might have been anachronistic, but it was much appreciated by the travelling supporters. Minutes later, Kyren Ghumra’s arcing run was stopped by a high tackle. Playing the advantage, Tom Lennard lofted a kick into the grateful hands of Angus Findlay on the wing to score in the corner. The challenging conversion failed, but Sutton & Epsom led 15-7 at the end of the first quarter.

For those who thought that Thurrock’s opener was going to be a blemish on a processional afternoon for Sutton, they soon had a reminder that this was very much a contest. The hosts took a scrum against the head near halfway, and Henry Bird made a devastating break – only a superb cover tackle from Adam Bibby prevented a try. However, some chicanery on the deck led to the Kiwi getting a yellow card. The 14 men escaped as the Essex pack were held up over the line.

The hosts sensed their chance, and a superb weaving run by Harry Reynolds enabled Kodie Holloway to score from close range. Henry Bird added the extras to trail by a solitary point, 14-15. The host’s revival was undone by a penalty for crossing that enabled the visitors to return to the Tees 22. Formidable lineout control had the hosts on the retreat, and Sutton scored.

What a popular try it was as Matt Whitaker crossed the whitewash for his 116th league try on his 200th outing. Tom Lennard converted, and the referee blew for the interval. Spectators gazed at the time and could only conclude, ‘a good game is a quick game,’ as S&E led 22-14 at the break.

The second period opened with a flurry of penalties being conceded by Thurrock. Sutton punished their lack of discipline with a classical catch and drive, with hooker Dan Jones ushered over the line. The touchline kick was missed as the visitors extended their advantage to 27-14.

It was now the turn for the Oakfield men to have a penalty and kick it towards the corner. Their fearsome forwards moved ever onwards, making a score look inevitable. Rather surprisingly, it was spun wide, but the excellent Henry Bird stepped through the cover to score, and he added the conversion for good measure. The scoreboard read 21-27, and the Essex men were refusing to lie down.

But a minute later, the Black & Whites had their fifth try as Josh Rea linked with winger Matt Symonds, who cut back inside for support, and prop Sam Lennie popped in under the posts. Tom Lennard made it 34-21.

The spirited hosts were rewarded for their fighting spirit and their determination to run the ball when they collected a bonus point for their fourth try 15 minutes into the second half. Having won a penalty in the Sutton 22, they opted for a scrum and spun it wide for Harry Reynolds to complete a thrilling score. Henry Bird made it four from four, and at 34-28, the game was once more in the balance.

The comeback was stymied when Thurrock were temporarily reduced to 14 for a late tackle, though it was a case of mistaken identity for the bemused miscreant who trudged off, no doubt to plead his innocence to the coaches. Then a dazzling run by Kyren Ghumra was denied by a superb covering tackle, but it was a temporary stay of execution. Soon after, it was the familiar catch-and-drive routine, with Dan Jones once more the beneficiary with his second score.

Trailing 28-39 with fifteen left on the clock, the valiant Thurrock team started to fade as Sutton looked to stretch the game. The Oakfield men were unable to gain the quick retort that had been the case earlier in the contest. Sutton & Epsom started to monopolise territory and possession and were eager to increase the score.

The next try came from the most familiar source as Matt Whitaker collected his second. If it is appropriate to get a try on one’s 100th appearance, it is only logical to get two on your 200th. Tom Lennard split the uprights as the Surrey men led 46-28.

The match concluded with captain Munford deciding that Mr Whitaker should not hog all the glory for the old guard. He gathered a loose ball by the ruck 40 metres out, saw a gap, and scuttled his way in under the posts. An appreciative Tom Lennard made his personal tally 13 points, and Sutton had a 53-28 victory.

It was a splendid occasion – a magnificent St David’s Day lunch preceded a thoroughly entertaining match on an excellent pitch, overlooked by the superb Howie Evans Stand. Regional 2 South East will be much the poorer without Oakfield and Thurrock RFC.

Next Saturday, 8th March, Sutton host Gravesend in their last home league fixture of this campaign.

Sutton & Epsom:
O’Brien, Ghumra, Scott, Bibby, Findlay, Lennard, Munford ©, Lennie, Jones, Gibson, McTaggart, Tame, Hegarty, Rea & Whitaker.

Replacements: Madadangoma, Hilton and Symonds.

Thurrock:
Frear, Aminu, Bird, Holloway, Reynolds, Clifford, Chew, Cowman, Percival, Buller, Catchpole, Locker, Watts-Adams C, Lewis & Jennings.

Replacements: Worster, Ulph & Watts-Adams M.

A collaboration of more than 30 international institutions, including the University of Surrey, has observed vast differences in the dynamic ecosystem of smaller satellite galaxies orbiting our neighbour galaxy, Andromeda. Surveyed using images from over 1,000 Hubble Space Telescope orbits, the findings have given scientists new insights into the evolution of galactic systems. 

The study, published in The Astrophysical Journal, found that Andromeda’s satellite system is notably different from our own Milky Way, 2.5 million lightyears apart. While both galaxies are surrounded by a flotilla of smaller dwarf galaxies, Andromeda likely hosts three times as many – offering a rare glimpse into their unique history and formation. 

Dr Michelle Collins, Associate Professor at the University of Surrey’s School of Mathematics and Physics and co-author of the study, said: 

“What we’ve discovered is that these tiny systems have evolved quite differently from those around the Milky Way. Whether this divergence stems from a massive merger – a slow, gradual collision in Andromeda a few billion years ago – or whether it reflects the natural diversity of the smallest galaxies remains a mystery we’re working to unravel.” 

One of the study’s key themes is how Andromeda’s dwarf galaxies have formed and sustained stars in unexpected ways compared to those around the Milky Way. Researchers had long assumed low-mass galaxies would follow similar patterns, but the Andromeda system tells a different story. These satellite galaxies appear to have experienced a more complex evolutionary history, with some continuing to form stars far longer than anticipated. 

Lead author of the study, Dr Alessandro Savino, from the University of California, Berkeley, said: 

“Star formation really continued to much later times, which is not at all what you would expect for these dwarf galaxies. This doesn’t appear in computer simulations. No one knows what to make of that so far.” 

To explore these differences more closely, researchers at the University of Surrey are working to understand the forces driving these unexpected evolutionary patterns. A follow-up study will investigate the mass profiles and dark matter distribution of Andromeda’s satellite galaxies, integrating data from this paper with new observational measurements. 

Dr Collins, who will lead the research, said: 

“We’ve established that there are clear differences, but what I’m really interested in now is why these differences exist. What factors have shaped Andromeda’s satellites in ways we don’t see in the Milky Way?” 

Combining the latest Hubble data with ongoing studies at Surrey, the team plans to gain a deeper understanding of the mechanisms shaping galaxies across the universe. Additionally, Hubble is providing the first set of imaging that allows astronomers to measure the motions of Andromeda’s dwarf galaxies – offering a rare opportunity to track their movements and reconstruct their past interactions. 

To find out more, visit the Space Telescope Science Institute’s news page.

Image credit: NASA, ESA, Alessandro Savino (UC Berkeley), Joseph DePasquale (STScI), Akira Fujii DSS2

Knaphill 2-1 Epsom and Ewell FC. Combined Counties League – Premier Division South. Saturday 1st March.

At half time at Knaphill’s Redding Way ground, we led 1-0 after one of our better halves of football in recent weeks, but a combination of us losing our way and an improved performance from the home team ensured that we would end up defeated by two goals to one, which was, I felt, a very harsh result for our boys.

Visits to Redding Way have not been successful in recent years, with our boys conceding six times in each of our last two matches there. Throw in the lack of a programme for the second successive season (time for a League fine, surely) and the fact that it is frequently cold and damp when we visit, and I’ll be honest I wasn’t particularly looking forward to this match, yet on arrival, we found a picturesque ground bathed in spring sunshine and everything looked much better! The sun had brough people out and there seemed to be a fairly large number of spectators present; far more than the official figure of just 83.

From a playing perspective, clearly something needed to change after our dreadful midweek showing against Balham and some changes were made. Anthony Nazareth and Callum Wilson returned at the back and we went with three players there and the unusual sight of Luke Miller playing at left wing back with the right wing back role being entrusted to Niall Stillwell.

Whether it was down to the formation or just an attempt to restore some pride after our home loss to one of the relegation favourites is hard to know, but we came out of the blocks in much better shape and actually started to pass the ball around quite a lot. We were looking like a team, rather than the group of individuals that had taken the field against Balham and we made the first chance when following some good pressure Craig Dundas received the ball, but he was a little wide and couldn’t wrap his leg around the ball enough to get the shot on target.

Admittedly, we did nearly go behind a minute later when a superb right wing cross took out Kevin Kardel and was met by a thumping far post header which sent the ball against the underside of our crossbar and the follow up strike was then well blocked. This was an isolated attack though and we were soon back on the attack when a great crossfield pass from Miller found Stillwell running into the penalty area and he lashed a shot that was heading just inside the post and Sam Gray in the Knaphill goal had to be alert to keep out. From the subsequent corner Stillwell rose again at the back post but couldn’t keep the header down. It may have gone out of play off a defender, but the goal kick was given.

Stillwell was the best player on the park in this first half and it was his left footed cross in the 15th minute that led to our opener, as the delivery was perfect for Carl Oblitey to head at goal. It would have gone in but was almost immediately blocked by the hand of James Glover. After he received a yellow card we then had a lengthy delay after the Knaphill Captain Dale Burnham suddenly required treatment in the penalty area; a cynical move that the referee fell for. However, our own Captain Adam Green kept calm and thumped the penalty out of Gray’s reach in the 18th minute.

Although we never again had the dominance of those opening stages, we remained on top for the remainder of the opening period and Ali Fofahan broke through on goal but Gray tipped his early shot wide. He then had an even better opportunity after Oblitey put him through once again just before the half, but instead of smashing his shot at goal from about six yards, he chose to cut back onto his stronger left foot, by which time a defender was able to get back and block his shot. As we went in at the half, we held a deserved lead and nobody could have argued had that lead been greater.

There was only one concern in that opening forty-five which was when Jason Bloor went down with an ankle injury a few minutes before the interval, but he recovered after treatment and was back on the field for the second half, only to break down again within a couple of minutes. Ethan Nelson-Roberts came on in his place, but we missed Bloor’s all round game and were never quite as strong in this match again. It is worth pointing out at this stage that the last match Bloor started was the last one we won, against Abbey Rangers, and right now we are not quite the same side without him.

Having said that, we nearly extended our lead in the 51st minute after Oblitey set up Fofahan once again on the right wing and although the delivery was just too far ahead of Oblitey, the ball struck Glover and bounced inches wide of his own goal, almost in slow motion. Despite our superiority, within seven minutes of this chance the hosts drew level. Matt Copland unleashed a powerful long range strike that was heading for the top corner until Kardel pulled off a fantastic save. Unfortunately from the corner Burnham was able to volley the ball in from close range.

From this point the match began to get a bit niggly. The Knappers had clearly been given a talking to at the break and were fighting for everything. Our boys seem quite happy in those situations and battled back, leading to a flurry of stoppages. Wilson picked up a yellow card for a fairly agricultural challenge too, and whilst a Miller shot curled just beyond the far post and Oblitey sent a header from a hanging Nelson-Roberts cross towards Gray, it was the hosts who were next to score in the 75th minute after their new signing Sid Cannon ran through our defence and planted a shot beyond Kardel from around 15 yards to register his second goal in his second match for them. It would prove to be the winning goal as the game degenerated further. A foul on Nazareth earned a card and this was followed by another for Jack Watts after he clattered into Kardel, leading to the obligatory scuffle between a number of players and things also threatened to kick off between the benches too.

In the 92nd minute we then had an incident of rank stupidity from the Knaphill sub Ben Mitchell. Despite having been on the field only for a short period of time, he then also smashed clumsily into our young keeper, despite already having picked up a yellow for a foul on Nazareth, leading to the clearest “second yellow” you may ever see at this level. However, there was little time to take advantage of the extra man and after seven minutes of injury time the final whistle blew to confirm that the points were staying at Redding Way for the third straight time.

It’s hard to know exactly how we didn’t come away with at least a point from this match. We were the more superior side in the first half and although we seemed to run out of steam in the second half, maybe we struggled with Knaphill’s second half intensity a little, so credit must also go to our opponents for their fightback. Certainly the loss of Bloor didn’t help us either. At this stage of the season and with little to play for, Warren will probably be trying to find out which players he wants to retain for next season and which formation works best. Although Stillwell produced an excellent hour on the right in his advanced wing back role, I’m not sure that we learned much else from this defeat, even if it was an undeserved one.

Epsom & Ewell: Kevin Kardel, Anthony Nazareth, Luke Miller, Adam Green (c), Callum Wilson, Stefan Aiwone, Niall Stillwell, Craig Dundas, Carl Oblitey, Ali Fofahan, Ethan Nelson-Roberts

Subs: Ethan Nelson-Roberts for Bloor (48), George Owusu for Fofahan (67), Ethan Brazier for Stillwell (71), Conrad Essilfie-Conduah for Dundas (83), Campbell Scott for Wilson (84)

Report Source: www.eefconline.co.uk

SPONSORED ARTICLE:

Popular Stoneleigh pub, The Station, on The Broadway, has reopened to the public following an exciting six-figure renovation designed to revitalise the existing site and give it a brand-new look and feel.

The Station closed its doors in January and is now reopening following completion of major works both inside and out, reaffirming the popular pub as a central community space.

The inside of the pub has received a complete makeover to create a modern, welcoming atmosphere with new refreshed décor and an open plan layout divided into zones for various occasions, including a cocktail area, a TV-free restaurant/dining area, and a sports bar, with plentiful TVs including ones situated in the new outdoor pergola.

Customers will find comfort and convenience at the pub with the new layout, including bookable booths and a champagne table, providing a cosy and private space to enjoy time with friends and family. The pub can cater to gatherings of varying sizes in its revamped function room and the refurbished toilets offer improved facilities for all.

Anna Carrier, General Manager of The Station said: “Our brilliant team at The Station, are excited to showcase our new and improved pub to the local community. We’re looking forward to welcoming both new and old customers!

“The renovation has given the pub a new lease of life, and we’re confident that customers will love our improved facilities, whether they’re looking for a drink with friends, a meal with the family, are booking a party, or enjoying a sporting event, there really is something for everyone!”

The stunning gardens have undergone a huge transformation too and now offer a variety of comfortable seating from booths, high seats to normal tables, along with mood lighting and heating. The outdoor areas now offer even more space for relaxation or to dine and drink with friends whilst watching the sport on new outdoor TVs.

The pub offers Sky and TNT Sports, showing all major matches throughout the year, so sports fans need never miss a second of the action. The venue is also registered on the Greene King Sport App for countless deals.

Alongside seasonal events, The Station will host a regular programme of activities, including bingo every Tuesday, Thursday quiz nights, and live entertainment every Friday.

The Station reopens with a delicious menu, with many deals including irresistible small plates, perfect for sharing, priced at three for £15, or five for £22.50. Plus, there is a dedicated kids’ menu, a Lunch Club menu, and a fabulous weekly Steak Thursday ensuring there’s plenty of variety for everyone to enjoy. A Sunday menu is also available serving traditional roasts for all the family.

The investment has provided multiple job opportunities to the local community and the pub team has grown, offering around 10 new jobs for locals.  

The Station reopened on the 21 February and is located on The Broadway, Stoneleigh, Epsom, KT17 2JA. For more information visit: https://www.greeneking.co.uk/pubs/surrey/station