Month: August 2023

New Partnership to Provide Leisure Services

New Partnership to Provide Leisure Service for Residents in Dorking and Leatherhead. Mole Valley District Council (MVDC) has signed a new, 15-year contract with Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) for the management and operation of leisure centres in Dorking and Leatherhead.

The new partnership between MVDC and GLL means customers and staff at Dorking Sports Centre and Leatherhead Leisure Centre will transfer to the new provider later this year; on 26th November for Dorking Sports Centre and 1st December for Leatherhead Leisure Centre.

Councillor Nick Wright, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Tourism, said: “We are excited to see this new partnership emerging and look forward to working with GLL on the provision of leisure services in Mole Valley. We want our leisure centres to not only be places for exercise, but also hubs for fostering health, friendships and shared experiences for all.

“GLL, a Charitable Social Enterprise operating under the brand ‘Better’, are a trusted national leisure services operator that has great experience in delivering activities in an affordable and accessible way. This new partnership will see significant investment in the look and feel of the centres, create new opportunities and improve customers’ experience.

”I would also like to take this opportunity and thank our current providers Places Leisure in Dorking and Fusion Lifestyle in Leatherhead for keeping our leisure centres running for the past 10 and 15 years respectively, and sharing our commitment to the well-being of our residents.”

GLL is the UK’s largest staff-owned co-op that provides leisure services and exists to prioritise health and wellbeing. It operates over 250 leisure facilities – including leisure centres, pools, adventure play, courts and pitches – and the UK’s largest independent athlete support programme – the GLL Sport Foundation.

Peter Bundey, CEO of GLL said: “We are looking forward to an exciting partnership with Mole Valley District Council and to welcome the staff and customers of the two leisure centres into the ‘GLL family’, boosting the presence of our services in the region.

“GLL’s charitable social enterprise model offers huge benefits to public services.  We don’t have shareholders to pay and can invest back into grass roots programmes and facilities for the benefit of customers. Our employee-owned business offers great training and career opportunities locally and across the UK.

“Our goal is to build upon work achieved to date and make a real difference to the health and wellbeing of the community for many years to come.”

There is much to look forward to, with exciting plans for both centres. Customers will initially notice ‘Better’ branding appearing in both locations, and this is just the start. Further details of the transfer will be communicated with customers and staff in due course.

 

Cobham FC v Epsom & Ewell FC Match Report

Epsom & Ewell were very much looking forward to the game against their Landlords Cobham Fc at the Reg Madgwick stadium on Tuesday evening especially after two fine performances in the FA Cup and FA Vase recently.

Our manager, James Scott kept the same team from those two matches with the only addition on the bench was the returning Tommy Williams after recovering from a slight injury incurred at the home match against Redhill a fortnight ago.

The game was somewhat marred by some bizarre officialdom throughout the evening; more of that later.

We started well with our passing game working well, but with little or no penetration from our forward line.  We had a couple of scares in the opening exchanges but after 20 minutes we were ‘holding our own’.   Our opponents then began to assert a little more pressure on our back line and from a corner took the lead around the half hour mark with a ‘toe poke’ from near the goal line.  We did not react too well to this setback and the half ended 1-0 to our hosts.


We hoped that we could come back in the second half, but again apart from a couple of long range shots we were ‘second best’ all over the field.  This half will be remembered for some decisions from all three officials which went against our team.  The first was the sending off of Tommy Williams for a second yellow card after he went through on the keeper and then tried to leapfrog over him; he did catch him slightly but there was no absolute menace in the challenge. In fact a video of the incident clearly shows that the referee’s initial reaction to the challenge was to begin to wave play on only to be stopped by the Cobham players to remonstrate with him.  The referee went to the linesman and discussed the incident with him and we could all see what was going to happen and Tommy was shown his second yellow card.  What we find hard to take is that the officials must be 100% correct in their decision making before taking that course of action and they clearly were not especially when they were shown the video of the incident after the game.

Our ten men went further behind in the 89th minute and then an even more bizarre goal in injury time made it 3-0.  As the attack for the third goal began the referee’s assistant was waving his flag as if thought he had been to semaphore school and yet the referee played on and our opponents scored.  Again when asked afterwards the officials informed us that the person he had been waving for offside was not interfering with play so that’s why he had played on, the same player was the person who scored the goal so I we are unsure if that decision was right how can a player not be interfering with play and then a few seconds later score the goal.

This all may seen rather contrite and excuses for our display.  These are not, we all just want the officials to make clear decisions which are consistent.  Having  said all this, it was not a good performance and we deservedly lost.  We now find ourselves at the foot of the table with no points; we need to pick up one points and very soon.


In a few days time we turn our attention to a very tough game in the FA Cup away at Eastbourne United, who have started their respective Step 5 campaign very well.  We then travel to Jersey to take on there ‘Bulls’ on Saturday 9th January.  Our next home game is on the 16th when we face Sheerwater.

Epsom & Ewell FC Official Website 

Report: Peter Mutton
Photos: Gemma Jarman

Art Surrey at Epsom Downs Racecourse

Art Surrey inaugural event is being held at Epsom Downs Racecourse – the home of the Derby.

Over 90 artists both emerging and established, each of whom you will be able to meet, will be situated throughout the Oaks Hall of The Duchess Stand with 1000s of artworks for sale.

Spread over 3 days and starting on the 6th October at The Preview Evening from 6pm – 9pm  visitors will be the first to view the collections of artist’s work along with a glass of fizz before the event opens for everyone at the weekend. Prices of art start from as little as £50 for prints and smaller works to over £3,000 for outstanding masterpieces – something to suit every budget. Buyer’s purchases will be packed by our specialist wrapping team artPAKK, an eco friendly alternative to bubble wrap.

They are thrilled to be collaborating with the Surrey Sculpture Society, who will be exhibiting on the first floor in the Gallops Room showcasing a selection of their artists sculptures.

Weekend facilities include a first floor bar and café / restaurant serving teas, coffee and food throughout Saturday and Sunday. The venue is also wheelchair accessible.

Being one of the largest art fairs within the south east of England, Art Surrey is the perfect place to begin your art collection, or indeed, add to your collection if you are already an art enthusiast. All exhibitor details will be available within both the limited edition brochure that will be available at the event as well as online before and after the event.

They look forward to welcoming you in October.

For More Details CLICK HERE

Friday 6th October – 6.00pm to 9.00pm – Preview Evening
Saturday 7th October – 10.00am to 6.00pm – Weekend Day
Sunday 8th October – 10.00am to 5.00pm – Weekend Day

Family Fun Galore as Under 18s Go Free

Family Fun Galore as Under 18s Go Free to a Day Packed with Entertainment

Epsom Downs Racecourse is getting ready for an unforgettable day of laughter, excitement, and entertainment as it presents the ultimate Family Fun Day on Bank Holiday, Monday 28th August. Packed with a kaleidoscope of activities for all ages, this event promises a day filled with joy and memories for the whole family.

Racegoers should prepare for an adrenaline rush, with an assortment of action-packed activities including Action Wheels, a climbing wall, Derby horse hoppers, crazy golf, and an exhilarating assault course. There are also Carnival elements throughout the racecourse, with a classic carousel or the thrilling helter-skelter slide.

All under 18s go free when accompanied by an adult, and there’s plenty to offer children of all ages, including those wanting to get creative. Throughout the afternoon, there will be sessions of hands-on biscuit decorating and skilled face painters while an expert balloon artist will craft amazing creations, chosen by racegoers.

On the track, and kicking off the racing action, over 30 vibrant mascots from all around the country will be taking part in the Mascot Race at 1pm. This fun-filled race is in support of The Children’s Trust in Tadworth, a local charity dedicated to improving the lives of children with brain injuries.

Little athletes will have their moment in the spotlight with the chance for those under 11 to race on the famous Derby track, whilst football enthusiasts will also have the opportunity to learn from the best, as the Rio Ferdinand Foundation presents football skills sessions.

Tom Sammes, General Manager at Epsom Downs, commented, “Family Fun Day at Epsom Downs is one of the highlights of our summer, with something for everyone to get involved in. One of the best parts of the day is the opportunity for youngsters to run on the historic Derby track, a unique experience which only happens on this day each year.

“We are looking forward to welcoming the Epsom community to our racecourse, with colour, face paint, bubbles and fun at every corner of the course. This truly is a day for all ages, and with under 18s going free, it’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy the Bank Holiday Monday as a family.”

For more information visit www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/epsom where tickets are available to purchase from £19 per adult, with all accompanying children under 18 attending free.

Free The Great Woolly Hat Trail 2023

Looking for something Free to do with the kids this summer?

Enjoy some time out with family and friends. Walk, roller skate, bike, use your scooter or even a pogo stick to hunt the woolly post box hats. During the summer of 2023, an amazing, colourful and fun, free public art trail has arrived in Carshalton providing a stunning must-see attraction for all to enjoy – and everyone is invited to enjoy the adventure! Your challenge is to find all 15 of them!

Share your adventure using #carshaltonpostbox and #thegreatwoollyhattrail2023

The Great Woolly Hat Trail Map will be available from

The Great Woolly Hat Trail 2023 map was released on 22ndJuly 2023. This can be used on your phone, tablet or printed from your computer

When is the Great Woolly Hat trail happening?

The Great Woolly Hat Trail starts on 22nd July and runs until the 14th September 2023.

Where is the Great Woolly Hat trail going to be?

Located within the stunning surroundings of Carshalton. Access to the River Wandle, Carshalton Park and Hackbridge Community Gardens are all close to the trail. Visitors can bring a picnic or support one of our many independent cafes while passing through Carshalton high street.

Who is behind the Great Woolly Hat Trail?

Carole Baker has been producing post box hats since December 2020. With a variety of themes produced over the last two years. Pepper Pig (and family), The Queen and Pokemon were amongst the most popular with residents and visitors to Carshalton. This trail is designed to give everyone a reason to get out and explore Carshalton and have some fun together.

Employment Hub expands to support more residents.

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council is pleased to announce that the Epsom & Ewell Employment Hub is expanding its service to help all residents who are looking for work.

The Hub is a free employment and skills service, designed to help residents plan their next steps. Since the service launched in December 2021, the Hub has focused on those aged 16-24 in receipt of Universal Credit and has supported more than 600 young people. The team will now be able to help people of all ages in Epsom & Ewell find lasting work, including those who are refugees and people with additional needs.

The dedicated team at the Hub mentor residents who are looking for work, offering friendly support and advice on all aspects of job searching as well as helping them overcome barriers to employment. This includes holding workshops to develop interview skills, build CVs and improve interpersonal skills, as well as liaising with local employers to offer apprenticeships and work placements. The team hold regular job fairs where local employers and job seekers are matched.

The expansion of services at the Hub has been made possible following a change in funding; the Hub will now be funded by Epsom & Ewell Borough Council from the UK Prosperity Fund. The council continues to lead on the project with Surrey Lifelong Learning Partnership. Both organisations work with a steering group of partners, including NESCOT, Go Epsom and Coast to Capital.

Councillor Clive Woodbridge, – Chair of the Community and Wellbeing Committee, said “The Epsom & Ewell Employment Hub is an incredible resource for our community and the team there are already doing a fantastic job supporting young people to find employment.  It is great news that they will now be able to help even more people in the borough find meaningful and lasting work.”

Kevin Delf, from Surrey Lifelong Learning Partnership, said “The employment market can be daunting. The team at the Hub can now ensure that all residents who are looking for employment are given the skills and support they need to succeed.”

Anna, a previous Employment Hub client, said “The workshops at the Hub helped me improve my body language and build my confidence, as well as giving me useful interview tips. Thanks to the support provided by the Hub, I was successful in my application for a new role.” Read Anna’s case study at the end of this release.

The Hub has relationships with charities including the Workers Educational Association, National Careers Advice, Multiply (Maths & English), Step Forward YMCA, Mary Francis Trust and Work Stress Solutions.

The Hub assists local businesses with their recruitment needs, connecting employers with local residents who are actively searching for their next move. Local business owners who would like to be involved should email:[email protected]

The Hub is open Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm and is based in Global House in the Ashley Centre, in Epsom town centre.