Month: June 2023

Local Girl Abby Makes It to Vogue Magazine

Local girl from Epsom Abby Goodwin, an ex-Rosebery student who was born in Epsom, is about to graduate in Psychology from King’s College London and in her final year decided to launch her bespoke clothing brand Dollie’s Design.

Recently she received an email to announce that Dollie’s Design has been hand-selected to feature in British Vogue’s Designer profile for the July 2023 issue. 

Abby said “When I first received the email from British Vogue, I was sceptical. I would never have imagined the most renowned fashion magazine in the world to reach out to me, with my little start up fashion brand. I called the HQ and they confirmed it was true! It was the proudest moment of my life.

Vogue’s appreciation of my designs has made me feel more confident in my work and motivated me to keep creating unbelievable outfits for women to feel their best.”

Vogue’s Designer Profile promotes their favourite upcoming fashion brands to inspire their readers and fashion industry insiders.

Vogue said that she would be perfect for their upcoming designer showcase. Working together with Vogue Abby and Vogue chose the best-selling ‘Celeste’ dress to feature because of its unique figure-hugging elegance and beauty. 

This recognition from British Vogue ignites her ambition to create show-stopping outfits that celebrate women’s inherent beauty, accentuating their individual body shapes with finesse and flair.

Described as “Versatile, elegant and timeless womenswear” is exclusively and sustainably designed and handmade in London. Dollie’s Design, newly founded by 21-year-old Abby Goodwin, who creates bold and distinctive styles to compliment each unique body shape, serving contemporary women from day to night. The SS23 collection, features stunning pieces to complete your luxury resort wardrobe, from breathtaking beachwear to head turning dresses.

Visit Dollie’s Design and Instagram @dolliesdesign.

Well Done Abby

Local girl from Epsom Abby Goodwin wearing 'Celeste' dress

OTHER NEWS:

Update on SEND school in Dorking

Update on SEND school in Dorking

Councillor Margaret Cooksey, Mole Valley District Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning, said: “You may remember that our most recent update on proposals for a Special

Read More »
26/11/2024 No Comments

Multi-million pound transformation for Surrey libraries

A multi-million investment into Surrey’s libraries has been approved by Surrey County Council’s Cabinet to modernise services and create flexible, innovative and inclusive spaces that best meet the needs of our residents. This will revolutionise our libraries offer and make them fit for the future.

The first phase of this work will focus on key libraries including Epsom, Redhill, Staines, Woking and Weybridge with completion expected by the end of 2024.

The work is part of our library strategy focused on ensuring that Surrey libraries deliver a service that is fit for the future and accessible to all. The plans include significant changes at each location, including the creation of community ‘Hubs’ in Staines and Weybridge.

For Epsom, Woking and Redhill this means the creation of flagship facilities that will include:

• Flexible meeting rooms with kitchenette 
• Moveable partitions/walls to create agile workspaces
• Meeting pods
• New furniture  
• A fully flexible layout throughout with space for events and performances, exhibitions, partner organisations and community use 

 

Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding of £500k has been secured for Redhill Library from Reigate and Banstead Borough Council.                                                                                     

For Staines, this will include:

• Creation of a state-of-the-art flagship modern Library and Cultural Centre
• Relocation to the former Decathlon store located in the Elmsleigh shopping centre
• The new hub will include Citizens Advice, Voluntary Action, Spelthorne Museum and other lettable space.
• Integration of Spelthorne Museum into the layout of the library will create an enhanced resident experience
• External branding to windows and brickwork and landscaping to outside area

For Weybridge, this will include:

• Extending the ground floor library space
• Improving the current spaces and facilities to better serve the building’s current occupiers such as Brooklands Radio and create a space for other partner organisation to deliver additional essential services
• External upgrade to improve the look of the building
• The refurbishment will also reduce energy use and carbon emissions, contributing to the Council’s net zero ambitions
• A fully flexible layout throughout with space for events and performances, exhibitions, partner organisations and community use

Denise Turner-Stewart, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities and Community Safety at Surrey County Council, said: “It’s fantastic to be able to invest in our libraries and create cultural and community hubs so they are better placed to serve Surrey’s residents. The improvements will provide the opportunity to redesign and refurbish some of our key libraries, providing updated, attractive and inviting places where people can read, socialise, study and relax. This work is all about making sure Surrey’s libraries are all vibrant hubs, providing warm, friendly spaces where everyone is welcome.”

image of clive woodbridgeCllr Clive Woodbridge, Chair of the Community & Wellbeing Committee at Epsom & Ewell Council, said: “It is fantastic news that our much-loved library in Epsom is going to receive this investment. Our libraries are a vital resource for so many of the borough’s residents, and ensuring that Epsom Library is fit for the future and accessible to all will mean our communities can benefit from all it has to offer for years to come.”

The development of the libraries follows on from the approval of the 2019 Library and Cultural Services Strategy and is closely aligned with the Surrey 2030 Community Vision and the Hubs programme, which looks to deliver services in a joined-up way allowing residents to access multiple services in one location and support the council’s ultimate ambition – that no one is left behind.

To find out more about libraries in Surrey visit the Surrey Libraries web pages: https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/libraries

OTHER NEWS:

Update on SEND school in Dorking

Update on SEND school in Dorking

Councillor Margaret Cooksey, Mole Valley District Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning, said: “You may remember that our most recent update on proposals for a Special

Read More »
26/11/2024 No Comments

Boost for Local Communities

Boost for Local Communities Following Agreement that Government Funded Grants will be made Available up until 2024/25

Charities, voluntary, community and not-for-profit groups carrying out valuable work within the district will once again have the opportunity to secure funding through Mole Valley District Council’s Community Capacity Building and Infrastructure Support grant scheme. 

Following Cabinet agreement on Tuesday 20 June 2023, Mole Valley District Council (MVDC) will make its Community Capacity Building and Infrastructure Support grant scheme – established in September 2022 and allocated to successful bidding organisations early in 2023 – available for two further rounds of funding in 2023/24 and 2024/25. This fund is intended to deliver social action projects and/or carry out works to improve community infrastructure; helping to build pride of place and increasing life chances.

MVDC’s Community Capacity Building and Infrastructure Support grant scheme is funded by the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), and forms part of the UK’s Levelling Up agenda. Cabinet has now been agreed that this, second next round of funding for 2023/24, will see £50,838 made available for local charities, voluntary, community and not-for-profit groups to be able to bid for a share of this year’s Community Capacity Building and Infrastructure Support grant scheme pot. The process where Expressions of Interest can be submitted is expected to formally open in late-July. The exact date will be confirmed closer to the time and publicised through MVDC’s publicity channels.

In 2022/23, MVDC was successful in its bid for UKSPF funds and allocated a first round pot totalling £50,838. 11 successful bidding local organisations secured an allocation of funding on spend such as such as a Befriending Service and IT sessions (Age Concern MV), material and tools (Dorking Mens Shed), and improving green spaces and walking routes (Leatherhead & District Countryside Protection Society).

Councillor Bridget Kendrick, Cabinet Member for Finance, said: “I am delighted that two further rounds of our Community Capacity Building and Infrastructure Support grant scheme have been confirmed and some very important community causes could later this year be boosted by this funding. We will publicise the date when expressions of interest can be submitted to us when confirmed. Please keep an eye on our website and social media channels. There are other MVDC funding avenues local communities can be explore too: the Neighbourhood Fund, Capital Fund and Thomas Flack Trust Fund”.

Other News:

Consultation on Proposed Taxi and Private Hire Emissions Policy

Riding home for Sepp

 

Consultation on Proposed Taxi and Private Hire Emissions Policy

As part of Epsom & Ewell’s commitment to tackling Climate Change and reducing pollution in the borough, the council aims to make changes to licensed private hire vehicles and hackney carriages which, if they go ahead, will lower emissions. The council proposes using a phased approach to ensure that licensed private hire vehicles and hackney carriages meet the same emission standards as the London Ultra-Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ). This consultation launched on 19 June and will run for 6 weeks, ending on 30 July.

To help licensees with the transition to lower emission vehicles, the council proposes removing the requirement that hackney carriages be purpose-built taxis. This should create a more varied fleet, which Epsom & Ewell Borough Council hope will make hackney carriages easier- to-use, and more comfortable, for wheelchair users. Most hackney carriages will continue to be wheelchair accessible, however it is proposed that a small number of zero emission hackney carriages will be permitted to operate despite not being wheelchair accessible, until wheelchair-accessible zero emission vehicles are more widely available.

Councillor Steven McCormick, Chair of the Licensing and Planning Policy Committee, said “The council’s climate change action plan is of vital importance. Climate change is not a standalone single issue for the council or the borough – it runs through a broad range of activities and behaviours.

“Bringing emission standards for hackney carriages and private hire vehicles in Epsom & Ewell in line with those set by the ULEZ in London is a small but important step to improve air quality and reduce in emissions in our borough, which will contribute towards making Epsom & Ewell a safer and greener place for people who live, work and visit here.”

This consultation is for licensed taxis and hackney carriages only, not private vehicles.

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council wants to hear what the licensed trade, residents and local organisations think about the proposals. Details of the proposal, including the timescale for implementation, can be viewed CLICK HERE

Hard copies of the draft policy can be viewed at libraries in the borough and in the Town Hall.

To give feedback on the proposed licensed vehicle emissions policy please email: [email protected] or write to the Licensing Team, Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, Town Hall, The Parade, Epsom, Surrey, KT18 5BY.

Related News:

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council responds to ULEZ consultation

Riding home for Sepp

Riding home for Sepp – cycling challenge in memory of son finishes ahead of Father’s Day

A mammoth cycling challenge in memory of three-year-old Sepp Hall cames to an end this Saturday, 17 June, as his dad, Sam Hall, makes his way back to his hometown of Epsom, Surrey, ahead of Father’s Day.

Sepp Hall sadly lost his battle with ATRT cancer in October last year after fighting a rare brain tumour for three years.  By the end of the 20-day challenge, Sam and his team will have peddled a gruelling 2,400 miles in the charity ride which started in Helsinki, Finland and saw the team travel through eight European countries.

Cycling enthusiast, Sam Hall, devised the ambitious route himself, with his goal always being to honour Sepp through his love of cycling. Longer than the Tour De France, and completed in lass days, the ride has been a test of both mental and physical endurance.

The challenge has exceeded its £50,000 fundraising target and currently stands at more than £54,000.  Every penny raised will go to Momentum Children’s Charity, the organisation that supported the Hall family during Sepp’s treatment for cancer and after his passing.

Sam endured an injury and subsequent infection at the start of this week, which has meant he’s been unable to ride the final leg of the cycle. However, he has been joined by close friends and family who are cycling on his behalf. The team arrive at Epsom marketplace at midday on Saturday, where they will be greeted by the Mayor of Epsom, Councillor Rob Geleit.

Sam Hall said: “A large cyst in my backside has caused an infection, and to ride on would have caused further damage to my body. I always said that the fundraising target was an arbitrary figure, but it wasn’t. The ride was the arbitrary part. It was devised as a means to an end in the hope that we could raise £50,000 (let’s make it £60,000) in memory of Sepp.  The money will help other families in similar circumstances to ours, to be able to get the support they need, just as we did with Sepp.”

Sam continued: “I have the most fantastic memories of Sepp which will stay with me forever. Father’s Day will be incredibly tough this year, as it will every year, but my older son, Tate, is fantastic, and we are always there for each other whether that’s reliving times with Sepp or having a big old cry and a cuddle.”

Bianca Effemey, Founder and CEO of Momentum Children’s Charity said: “No words can express how incredibly grateful we are to Sam and the whole Cycle4Sepp team. What they have achieved is simply amazing in terms of fundraising, awareness, and dedication. It is impossible for the majority of us to understand the grief that a family endures when their child dies and what Sam has achieved for the legacy for Sepp is truly humbling. Let’s help Sam continue to smash his fundraising target by sponsoring him. We receive no Government funding and money raised will help us to continue being there for local families with children who are very unwell.”

Momentum Children’s Charity supports families across London, Surrey and Sussex whose children are facing cancer or a life-challenging condition. The charity partners with local hospitals to offer personally tailored support to the entire family through our family support workers, both in hospital and at home.

There is still time to sponsor Sam Hall and help him raise even more money for Momentum Children’s Charity: www.Cycle4Sepp.com

To find out more about the work of Momentum Children’s Charity, please visit www.momentumcharity.org

 

Other News:

Your Aspirations For Epsom

Ashtead Artificial Grass Pitch Consultation

Your Aspirations For Epsom

Do you live, work, study, or regularly visit Epsom? Then you’re in for a chance to WIN

Surrey County Council, SCC, is running a competition, which is completely free to enter, to encourage people in and around Epsom to tell them all about their aspirations for the local area.

People across Epsom are taking the initiative and finding creative ways to make their local area an even better place to live and work. You may want to turn an overgrown patch of grass into a community garden or start a rage room for young people. There are lots of opportunities and many like-minded people who want to make a difference and are willing to help. So, have an idea to better Epsom? SCC want to hear all about it!

Complete SCC online escape room by visiting https://view.genial.ly/647a131a5ad8030011bbb55a and enter your details through the Surrey Says Registration Form contained within it to be in for a chance to WIN! THREE lucky people will each WIN a goodie bag containing:

£40 Shop4All vouchers

️ Escape Room Kit

☕ Re-usable coffee cup

Competition closes: 27th June

Lucky winners will be contacted: 7th July

To Enter:

1) You must be aged 16 or over and work, live, study, or visit Epsom regularly

2) Completed the Community Escape Room AND registered your details through the registration form linked within the escape room itself

3) Read and accept the Terms and Conditions below:

PLEASE NOTE: They will choose the winners at random from all the valid entries on Friday 30th June. The lucky winners will all be contacted by 7th July. Make sure you have completed all the requirements for entry, as if you are chosen as a winner and have not done everything, they will re-draw until they pick a winner with a valid entry

Good Luck

For T&C CLICK HERE

Other News:

Ashtead Artificial Grass Pitch Consultation

Induction of Revd. Hannah Gordon at St Margaret’s Church, Chipstead

Have Your Say on Ewell Village

Ashtead Artificial Grass Pitch Consultation

Public consultation on the proposed Artificial Grass Pitch at Ashtead Recreation Ground

Following on from planning permission obtained in June 2021, Ashtead Football Club (Ashtead FC) is proposing to install a new, all-weather, artificial grass pitch at Ashtead Recreation Ground, to replace the existing tarmac surface and part of the grassed area closest to the football pavilion.

Ashtead FC’s vision is to provide an affordable facility, open to all members of the public, local schools, clubs, charities, local organisations and businesses to promote recreational activities throughout the year.

What is Mole Valley District Council’s role in this project?

The Mole Valley District Council (MVDC) Development Management Committee, as the local planning authority, approved the football club’s original planning application for the new sports facility in June 2021.

Acting as the landowner (freeholder) and as a Trustee on behalf of Fields in Trust, they now need to take a decision about whether to permit the development and enter into the necessary property agreements. This involves balancing any potential benefits to the community and leisure provision (a fields in trust requirement) and the long-term provision of football facilities, against any disbenefits.

To inform their decision making, they want to provide an opportunity for the public and other key stakeholders to find out more about Ashtead FC’s proposals and to share their views.

Residents and organisations are invited to come to a drop-in information evening, to share your views and provide feedback.

DATE: Tuesday 20 June 2023

TIME: 5 – 8pm

VENUE: Ashtead Football Club (Barnett Wood Lane, KT21 2BZ)

Further information is below and residents can share their views and feedback via an online survey.

Paper copies of this survey will also be available at the information evening.

Residents can also provide feedback by emailing [email protected].

All feedback from this consultation will inform the MVDC Cabinet report that will be considered later this year as to whether Mole Valley District Council (as the landowner) should grant consent for the works and offer a lease of the additional land.

Other News:

Induction of Revd. Hannah Gordon at St Margaret’s Church, Chipstead

Have Your Say on Ewell Village

Renewal of Public Spaces Protection Orders Have Your Say

 

Induction of Revd. Hannah Gordon at St Margaret’s Church, Chipstead

On Tuesday 30th May, St Margaret’s Church, Chipstead welcomed The Rt Revd Dr Rosemarie Mallet, Bishop of Croydon and The Venerable Moira Astin, Archdeacon of Reigate for the Institution and Induction of our new Rector, Revd. Hannah Gordon. Hannah’s previous parish was ‘The Good Shepherd’ in Carshalton, and we were extremely pleased to see some of them joining us on this very special occasion.

The Worshipful the Mayor of Reigate and Banstead, Councillor Eddy Humphries, and his consort attended, and the Mayor made a short speech welcoming Hannah to her incumbency.

It was a joyous occasion, and the church was at full capacity, with representatives from local parish organisations, clergy from Reigate Deanery, Hannah’s friends, and family and also members of her new parish, Chipstead, Mugswell, Hooley and Netherne.

The congregation stood as the incumbent designate Revd. Hannah Gordon was presented to the bishop by Revd. Martin Colton, Area Dean of Reigate. Hannah held the bible in her right hand and turned to the people and took the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath of Canonical Obedience.

Bishop Rosemarie then presented the mandate for the induction to the Archdeacon who then escorted Hannah to the main church door, where her hand was placed on the handle and with that Hannah was inducted into: “The real, actual, and corporal possession of the parish church of St Margaret’s.

Hannah then tolled the church bell to signify taking possession of the benefice and was conducted to her stall. Intercessions and Holy Communion followed.

Church bells pealed and hymns were sung almost raising the roof and disturbing the bats from their gentle slumber. Refreshments were served afterwards in the Orchard.

We are all very much looking forward to Hannah’s ministry here among us.

Photo Left to Right

Revd. Martin Colton, Revd Hannah Gordon, The Bishop of Croydon, Mayor of Reigate, and his consort

Photo Credit: Richard Lancaster

Other News:

Have Your Say on Ewell Village

Renewal of Public Spaces Protection Orders Have Your Say

 

Have Your Say on Ewell Village

Ewell residents are being asked to take part in a public consultation on a range of improvements to revitalise Ewell Village and help to make it a safer, more welcoming place for everyone.

The consultation will take place online and in person, with a number of drop-in events scheduled. Residents have until the end of June to have their say on the proposed improvements. See the website for more information.

Community-led research, which began in 2020, identified potential areas for improvement in Ewell Village. Following on from this, Surrey County Council carried out further research to understand what improvements were needed to meet the needs of residents. This highlighted concerns about road safety, congestion and narrow and uneven pavements throughout the village.

Working with a group of residents and local councillors, and in consultation with Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, Surrey County Council has designed a number of proposed improvements across the village based on the highlighted concerns. This includes introducing safety measures at several junctions, designed to create better spaces for pedestrians and cyclists.

However, the most significant changes are proposed for the High Street, with three different options for residents to consider ranging from partial pedestrianisation to making a section of the road one-way. All options include pavement enhancements, more space for community gatherings, additional pedestrian crossing points, and a proposed 20mph speed limit on many roads.

Councillor Matt Furniss, Surrey County Council Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Transport, said: “Ewell Village residents have told us they would like to improve certain aspects of the village, particularly around traffic congestion and safety, and they would like to see their local area improved. I’m delighted to present a number of options to residents that address their concerns and will enhance community spaces for years to come. I look forward to hearing the feedback from residents on which of the options they prefer.”

Detailed plans and maps, along with artist’s impressions of how the village could look, are available online for residents to view at ewellvillage.commonplace.is along with space to provide feedback.

Residents and local businesses in Ewell can view the online consultation and provide feedback on the proposed changes by visiting ewellvillage.commonplace.is.

The consultation closes on 30 June 2023.

Other News:

Renewal of Public Spaces Protection Orders Have Your Say

Decisive policing operation at the Epsom Derby Festival 2023

Renewal of Public Spaces Protection Orders Have Your Say

Public Spaces Protection Orders, PSPOs, in place at Meadowbank Recreation Ground and both Dorking and Leatherhead town centres are due to expire in October 2023. Residents and visitors to these areas are being invited to have their say ahead of a decision whether to extend them for up to a further three years.

Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) are introduced to address a particular nuisance or problem in a specific area that is detrimental to the local community’s quality of life. It does so by imposing conditions or restrictions to help prevent anti-social behaviour from continuing to occur in that area.

PSPOs give Mole Valley District Council (MVDC) and Surrey Police the power to address low level anti-social behaviour. If one or more individuals are found to be in breach of conditions outlined in a PSPO relating to that specific area, enforcement measures can include issuing a Fixed Penalty Notice or formal prosecution.

The existing Dorking and Leatherhead town centre PSPOs regulate the consumption of alcohol in those respective areas while the Meadowbank PSPO regulates the consumption of alcohol, use of intoxicating substances, dog fouling and restricting dog access in the park, including the playground.

PSPOs are not automatically extended so have your say and help shape how the three PSPOs will look like in the future. Visit www.molevalley.gov.uk/pspo between Monday 5 June and Monday 10 July 2023 to complete one, two or all three of the individual area-specific consultations.

Councillor Paul Kennedy, MVDC’s Cabinet Member for Internal Services and Security, said: “We currently have five PSPOs in place in Mole Valley and believe it is really important to engage with our residents ahead of the Meadowbank, Dorking and Leatherhead town centre PSPOs reaching the end of their three year terms. The views we receive will help shape what these PSPOs will cover in the future, and how long for.”

Other News:

Decisive policing operation at the Epsom Derby Festival 2023

19 arrests made ahead of Epsom Derby Festival

Epsom Hospital Radio Launching Online