Month: September 2023

Epsom & Ewell Council and Glyn School Collaborate on Community Mural

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council and Glyn School have come together to transform an unused building on the site of the Upper High Street car park with a community mural funded through the Government’s Safer Streets initiative.

Ten local secondary school students recently worked in collaboration with the council and international graffiti artists from Positive Arts to create a large-scale mural celebrating the biodiversity within our borough. The artwork has dramatically improved the aesthetics of the building, which previously looked tired and in need of renovating.

Giving support to the project, Councillor Clive Woodbridge, Chair of the Community & Wellbeing Committee at Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, said: “It is a goal of the council to ensure that our natural environment is both celebrated and accessible to all. This project showcases how culture and creative practices can help to elevate the natural landscape of our borough in new and colourful ways.

“This type of project sits within the emerging Cultural Strategy for the council, which seeks to nurture and champion the creative talents within our community while increasing access to creativity for all to enjoy and engage with. The students’ teamwork has also been extremely impressive and is something to be proud of”.

Julian Phethean from Positive Arts said, “The young people were really determined to produce something they could be proud of and that’s exactly what they achieved!

“All of the students worked well in a team, made a positive social impact, and displayed a high level of creativity, focus and drive.”

A spokesperson for Glyn School said: “The students involved thoroughly enjoyed this unique experience to give back to the community in a very different way.”

Cabinet Approves Adaptation Priority of Climate Change Strategy

On 26 September, Mole Valley District Council’s (MVDC’s) Cabinet has approved Priority 4 of the Climate Change Strategy. Priority 4, “Adaptation”, focuses on building resilience to the adverse impacts of the changing climate for MVDC’s services, residents and businesses.

On 18 June 2019, Mole Valley District Council (MVDC) declared a Climate Emergency and introduced a strategy comprised of four key Priorities to help address the ongoing challenge:

      • Priority 1: Reducing emissions from Mole Valley District Council’s (MVDC’s) estate and operations
      • Priority 2: Reducing energy consumption and emissions by promoting energy efficiency measures, sustainable construction, renewable energy sources and behaviour change
      • Priority 3: Reducing consumption of resources, increasing recycling and reducing waste
      • Priority 4: Supporting council services, residents and businesses to adapt to the impacts of climate change.

MVDC will use the Adaptation Strategy to provide a framework to deliver against Priority 4 which covers the following events: flooding, extreme heat, drought, water insecurity, and extreme cold. The Strategy addresses Climate Change by highlighting areas within Infrastructure, Natural Environment and Public Health where changes can be made to minimise the risks stemming from climate change.

Examples of Adaptation methods that may be considered include looking at soil erosion in our parks and open spaces, minimising the risks of fires in our grasslands and moving to more drought resistant planting.

The Adaptation Strategy is outlined in Appendix 1 of the Climate Change Adaptation Strategy. Actions identified by the strategy are generic ones, and it is not intended to provide a detailed plan of actions to be implemented at specified locations across the district. For all actions categorised as “More action needed”, a progress update will be provided in the Annual Climate Change Strategy update, next due in March 2024.

For actions categorised as “Further investigation”, an update will be provided in March 2025. A separate communications plan will be prepared for residents and businesses. This will provide advice on actions that can be taken to prepare for and minimise the impacts of climate change.

Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Wellbeing, Claire Malcomson said: “The Climate Change Strategy and associated action plan demonstrate the commitment and contribution of MVDC in mitigating the pressing risk we face from climate change-induced adverse weather events. The development of the Climate Change Adaptation Strategy sets out a framework to mitigate the risks of climate change at a local level.

“This essential resiliency work comprises the fourth objective of our Climate Change strategy and joins ambitious goals to reduce MVDC’s emissions, energy use and the wider consumption of resources. We are committed to helping our residents, businesses and services not only prepare for climate impacts, but also work towards achieving a greener operating district by increasing sustainable construction, renewable energy use and recycling initiatives.”

Information on current progress for the District against the resulting Climate Change Strategy can be found here.

Reigate St Mary’s help to launch an exciting Plastic Changemakers Programme

Reigate St Mary’s Prep School were delighted to team up with the Breteau Foundation to trial an exciting Plastic Changemakers educational programme which was officially launched at a prestigious event at the Vue Cinema, Leicester Square on 20 Sept.

The Breteau Foundation was set up in 2013 as a non-profit organisation with a vision to provide access to quality education for all children, regardless of background or location. Children want to see more responsible plastic use in their homes and communities and so the Foundation set about designing an exciting educational resource programme, Plastic Changemakers (in partnership with Mediawan) with the aim of inspiring over one million primary school children to become plastic changemakers.

The programme is structured as a school adventure consisting of a special 22-minute children’s cartoon episode of ‘Miraculous Ladybug and Cat Noir’ (which will be shown on the Disney channel in the UK) and an education pack which has a comprehensive environmental work theme with lesson plans and activities. Reigate St Mary’s (RSM) was delighted to partner with them to trial the resources before the launch. The school has a comprehensive Education for Social Responsibility curriculum woven into everything the children do and the challenges of climate change and sustainability are already at the top of the agenda for pupils there.

Reigate St Mary’s has previously partnered with educational resource producer Twin Science to help them launch packs which help to embed STEM for Sustainability into school curriculums so they were keen to help the Breteau foundation with their exciting project too. Year 3 children tested the educational resources and enjoyed the interesting and engaging activities. A number of RSM children took part in a promotional video filmed at school and shown at the official launch which took place at the Vue Cinema in Leicester Square on Wednesday 20 September.

The Plastic Changemakers programme is now available free to any school globally who would like to educate their children about plastic pollution and how best to tackle it.

RSM Headmaster, Marcus Culverwell said, ‘There are many ecological problems which will become challenges for the rising generations, so any educational resource that helps them to know how to tackle these problems and become change makers of the future, is absolutely brilliant and essential. The fact that the Breteau Foundation is providing these resources completely free of charge to any school, in any country, is amazing and means that funding is no restriction to this important aspect of education for young people. I am full of admiration for Sebastian Breteau and his vision and philanthropy.’

Emma Becker, former teacher and Executive Director at The Breteau Foundation said: “We are so incredibly excited to see the Plastic Changemakers initiative launch. As a former teacher, I know first-hand how helpful this education pack will be to all educators, as all of the legwork has been taken out of the lesson planning process so that they can focus solely on delivering their lessons.”

Sebastian Breteau, Founder of The Breteau Foundation commented: “Plastic pollution is one of the most urgent global environmental problems we face today. According to Defra, we can expect an alarming threefold increase in the amount of plastic flowing into the ocean between 2016 and 2040 unless action is taken now. By equipping children with the right knowledge, we believe we can kick-start a global movement on responsible plastic use. It is so important to address the topic of plastic pollution with the children of today, as they are the leaders of tomorrow.”

Local residents face prison for upholding the law.

On Monday 25 September, a group of Epsom and Ewell residents will risk prison by holding signs outside Kingston Crown Court, as part of the growing public campaign Defend Our Juries. Their signs communicate the centuries-old right of all jurors in British courtrooms to acquit a defendant according to their conscience and irrespective of the directions of the judge.

The demonstration will be held in solidarity with all those who’ve held up similar signs this year outside courtrooms, and who are now being investigated for “attempting to pervert the course of justice”. This includes Trudi Warner, a 68-year old retired social worker from East London who faces a possible prison sentence after a decision to prosecute her was made this week.

Mounting concern over jury trial

The demonstration comes amid mounting public concern that political trials, such as the trial over the toppling of the statue of the slave-trader Edward Colston into Bristol harbour, are being turned into show trials, after a succession of jury acquittals, including the acquittal of the Colston 4 in January 2022, have embarrassed the Government and certain corporate interests. In the Colston case, the Suella Braverman decided that the Bristol jury had got it wrong, and brought a successful appeal to the Court of Appeal. Those who held up similar signs earlier this year are now being investigated for “attempting to pervert the course of justice” and “contempt of court” and face substantial prison sentences if convicted.

Measures to stop juries reaching not guilty verdicts
Measures being taken by courts in response include defendants being banned from explaining to the jury why they did what they did, even though people who have taken peaceful political action are now being sent to prison for up to 3 years. In some cases, people have been sent to prison just for trying to explain their actions to the jury (for example by using the words ‘climate change’ and ‘fuel poverty’ in court). Defendants are banned from explaining the principle of ‘jury nullification’ to the jury, even though it is a well established principle of law, which is set in marble at the original entrance to the Old Bailey.

Local residents speak out

Explaining their willingness to risk arrest for this matter of legal principle local resident, William Ward aged 66 explained:

“I have been called up to serve three times on Juries in my lifetime. I believe in democracy. I spent most of my career working with Politicians at all levels of Local Government. I’ve had five meetings with my local MP Chris Grayling over the last three years to discuss my families concerns about the Government not appearing to treat the climate crisis as an emergency and seriously slipping behind on its 2015 Paris agreement commitments. Defendants cannot have a fair trial if they are not allowed to share with the jury the full extent of their motivations and the context of their actions.”

Warren Bunce, 56, IT Engineer explained:

“I’m doing this because it’s so important that the legal system does not stop people from telling the whole truth in court, and does not stop jurors from making the decision they think is right when they have all the information. Our society often seems to allows those in power to lie with impunity, but the truth – the whole truth – ought to matter. At times like these, it is more important than ever that rights which have been enshrined in law for hundreds of years

Lenny Rush Opens Epsom RDA Sensory Track

Lenny Rush, the BAFTA award-winning actor, inaugurated the new sensory track at Epsom Riding For The Disabled on Sunday 24th September. The opening took place during the Epsom RDA Open Day, which was attended by over 1,400 people. Lenny is well-known for his work on the Daisy May Cooper comedy-drama series “Am I Being Unreasonable?” and “Dodger”, a BBC One series. He received the breakthrough award at the 2023 National Comedy Awards.

This was the first open day and dog show organized by Epsom RDA. The event had to be postponed earlier due to high temperatures. The primary objective of the event was to raise awareness and funds for the charity. Epsom RDA provides individuals with physical and learning disabilities, both children and adults, the opportunity to improve their health and wellbeing with the help of horses’ therapeutic power.

The main event of the day was the opening of the new sensory track by Lenny. The sensory track is there to get the horse and rider use to different surfaces and obstacles. The pave winds around a enclosed paddock lined with brightly coloured obstacles. Each with their own rules. For example what looks like a simple gate with 2 barrels the horse and rider must go around each barrel before moving on to the next obstacle.

After Lenny cut the ribbon two riders entered the garden and tried out the new sensory track giving a demonstration to the crowds watching on. Afterwards Lenny meet both riders and horses and presented them with rosettes.

Established in 1969, Epsom RDA is run and managed entirely by volunteers, operates from a 14-acre site in Epsom, Surrey, running sessions run seven days a week, including evenings, 50 weeks of the year. The charity has provided over 3,000 riding lessons for 350 disabled adults and children. All made possible by over 200 volunteers.

Ray Lee, Fundraising Trustee, says, “We are very excited to be able to open our doors to the community and showcase the incredible work of our riders, horses and volunteers. Funds raised are vital in supporting the horses, volunteer training and maintenance of the stables. The work we do is so important to us all, especially when we see the smiles on the riders’ faces and celebrate their successes at the National RDA Championships.”

 

 

Epsom-Chantilly Car Rally 2024

Epsom and Ewell Town Twinning Association are planning a car rally to our twin town, Chantilly

Epsom and Ewell has been twinned with the beautiful French town of Chantilly for almost 30 years, and is dedicated to fostering connections between our two communities, to mutual benefit.

Next year Epsom and Ewell Town Twinning Association, formed by Epsom and Ewell Borough Council back in 1995 to oversee links between the two towns,  is planning to hold a  special car rally between the Borough and Chantilly, a distance of around 270 miles.

It is expected that participants will leave Epsom on Saturday May 11th and arrive in Chantilly the same day for presentations and dinner in the evening. After a night in a local hotel, and a chance for some sightseeing in Chantilly, participants  would return at leisure on Sunday 12th May.

Chairman of  Epsom and Ewell Town Twinning Association, Nigel Collin, says,”The rally will not be a classic race to the finish, but rather, treasure hunt style, participants will receive marks for identifying various points of interest along the route and responding to certain challenges. It should be a fun occasion and a chance for owners of vehicles of all ages, types and sizes to participate and see our twin town of Chantilly in a unique way.”

The estimated cost is £60 per car, for which two decals will be supplied, and includes dinner for the driver and one passenger. The cost of any additional passengers will be £25 per person.

Participants will need to arrange their own cross-channel travel and accommodation in Chantilly, on which the Association can advise as required.

The event will be limited to 50 cars, and in order to progress this event the Association is seeking expressions of interest, with no obligation to participate, to allow it to gauge numbers and make the necessary arrangements.

Those interested in taking part are asked to email [email protected] by October 27th at the very latest. Applications will be accepted on a first come, first served basis, and if more than 50 cars are entered, a waiting list will be  created.

Witness appeal following a robbery in Bookham

Surrey Police are appealing for witnesses after a 11-year-old was threatened and had his iPhone stolen in Bookham on Tuesday 19 September in the afternoon.

The victim was in Lower Road Recreation Ground at around 3.55pm when he was approached by a group of older boys. They accused the victim of filming them before grabbing his mobile phone and smashing it. The suspects then ran off across the park in the direction of the Grange Community Centre taking the phone with them.

Officers identified the four suspects, a 12-year-old boy, a 14-year-old boy, a 15-year-old boy, and a 16-year-old boy were arrested on suspicion of robbery.

Hayley Poulton, Police Sergeant for Mole Valley said, “I am sure that this incident will have been distressing both for those involved and for those in the community who have been involved in previous anti-social behaviour reported to us across the summer months. I would like to reassure you that my team are working with appropriate partner agencies to address those issues and are regularly patrolling Bookham. At this time, we do not believe the incidents are linked and would advise against any speculation that may be circulating on social media at this time. I encourage anyone to contact your local officers and myself should you have any information relating to this incident, or if you wish to discuss any of the recent ASB incidents.”

If you witnessed the robbery or saw or heard anything suspicious that could assist with our investigation, please contact us quoting PR/45230105817 via:

If you do not wish to leave your name, please call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

From Banstead to Athens Local Heroes

To mark this year’s World Alzheimer’s Month (September 2023), Signature at Banstead have set themselves a challenge to cycle over 2,000 miles on a static bike with the goal to raise £1,000 for Alzheimer’s Society. If you like to donate CLICK HERE

Signature at Banstead will be cycling the distance from the care home to Athens Panathenaic Stadium – the site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896 – and a total of 2,086 kilometres!

With the support of the local community, care home staff, residents, family members and volunteers the team are well on their way of achieving their end destination – and have already cycled over half of the distance, with just over a week left to go.

Tamara Juckes, Activities Manager and Regional Mentor at Signature at Banstead, shares the importance of staying connected to the community, whilst raising awareness of Alzheimer’s:

“World Alzheimer’s Month is always a big date in our diary. We’ve done a couple of other initiatives this month including a talk ‘Inside the World of Dementia’ for prospective residents, professionals, and staff. We also ran an immersion workshop for people to understand what it’s like to live with dementia, which can be quite uncomfortable for some.

We were donated the exercise bike by one of the families who has a relative here, so we started to think about a cycle challenge. We were throwing ideas around when we came up with the idea of cycling to Athens where the first Olympic Games was held. We did the maths and thought, is this do-able?!

The whole community has come together – residents, family members, careers, housekeepers. There’s no judgement in this community – we’ve had people come and do as little as 15 minutes. We’ve all pulled together to try and reach our goal by the end of the month – so far, we’ve made it to Hungary!”

The cycling challenge has sparked excitement across the home and residents have enjoyed watching volunteers take to the bike.

91-year-old Robert, a resident at Signature at Banstead, fondly remembers “I could ride a ‘Fairy Cycle’ before I could walk! I used to go to Germany and hire a bike so I could go on the lovely cycle path around the lake. I’ve not cycled in 50 years, but I have watched the Tour de France on television.”

Robert is proud of his family’s contribution to the challenge and proudly shared “It’s been a lovely event to watch, my son has been involved, he cycled 50km on one occasion, and my daughter in law did 25km.”

Jakki Mayes, Activities Assistant at Signature at Banstead has also enjoyed getting involved with the challenge.

Jakki shared: “I would normally only hire the odd bike on holiday! But it felt really rewarding getting on the cycle, it’s a good cause and it motivates you to get on! One time I was on the bike and the residents were laughing and singing along at the same time! I’ll probably hop on again today to do a few kilometres.”

Later Living Marketplace Lottie also got involved, helping to clock up some miles on the bike. Earlier in the week, team members, Louise, Dom, Jordan, and Hannah visited Signature at Banstead and added over 100 miles to the journey!

Louise Donnelly, Product Manager at Lottie shared “It’s great to be able to take part in an initiative like this, to get out into the care homes we work with, meet the residents and staff and pull together for a challenger like this, all for a cause close to our hearts!”

This year’s World Alzheimer’s Month, Lottie has been working to dispel common Alzheimer’s myths and misconceptions. Lottie’s new research has revealed over the last 12 months more people have been searching for Alzheimer’s care and support, with online searches surging:

– 400% increase in online searches for ‘Alzheimer’s carers’*
– 67% increase in online searches for ‘Alzheimer’s family support’
– 23% increase in online searches for ‘Alzheimer’s support’

 

Hannah Karim, Care Expert Manager at Later Living Marketplace Lottie, shared, “As we continue into World Alzheimer’s Month and beyond, it’s so important to dispel the biggest myths, stereotypes and misconceptions about living with Alzheimer’s and caring for those with this condition. Negative assumptions can lead to those with Alzheimer’s feeling diminished or isolated, impacting their self-esteem and sense of identity.

With an ageing population it is expected that 1.6 million people in the UK will be living with Alzheimer’s by 2040. So, It’s important we continue to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s and to champion those caring for a loved one living with the condition in the following weeks, months and years.

It’s been amazing to be part of the cycling challenge at Signature at Banstead, it’s so rewarding to see a community come together to raise awareness of an important cause, whilst also bringing so much joy to the residents each day!”, concludes Karim.

New digital guide to Nonsuch Park Gardens

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council launches new digital guide to showcase Nonsuch Park’s beautiful gardens

Nonsuch Park has joined more than 250 cultural institutions around the globe in providing a new digital guide to the formal gardens on Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app created by Bloomberg Philanthropies.

This is the first digital tour of its kind for Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, and is packed full of information, interesting facts, photos, history and more. It is the perfect accompaniment to enhance the experience of those visiting the park, and also makes Nonsuch Park accessible to people anytime, anywhere. Content will be updated throughout the year, adapting to the changing seasons at Nonsuch Park.

The tour is an important part of the council’s Cultural Strategy, which is currently in development. One of the key aims of the Strategy is to increase access to culture and heritage in Epsom & Ewell and to allow people to engage with its colourful and varied cultural past in new and engaging ways.

The Bloomberg Connects app, which also features sites such as Central Park Conservancy, London’s National Portrait Gallery and Anne Frank House, is available to download free of charge from Google Play or the App Store.

Councillor Clive Woodbridge, Chair of Epsom & Ewell Borough Council’s Community and Wellbeing Committee, said,

“I am delighted to support this new venture which will allow our residents and visitors to access so much more in our wonderful Nonsuch Park. It is exciting that it puts us on the global map of stunning and historic cultural locations and allows people to see a much-loved part of our borough in a new way.”

Councillor Julian Freeman, Chair of the Joint Management Committee of Nonsuch Park, added,

“It’s a pleasure to not only be able to showcase some of the most beautiful areas of the formal gardens to people both in and outside the borough, but also to be able to do this in a format which allows people to journey around the area at their own pace.”

Bloomberg Connects offers free digital guides to cultural organizations around the world. The app platform is part of Bloomberg Philanthropies’ longstanding commitment to supporting digital innovation in the arts. Bloomberg Connects makes it easy to access and engage with arts and culture from mobile devices when visiting in person, or anytime from anywhere. With dynamic content exclusive to each partner organization, the app provides a range of features including video, audio, text, images with alt text to assist the visually impaired; expert commentary; and way-finding maps.

The digital tour has been developed with support from the council’s Arts, Heritage and Culture team, Friends of Nonsuch, Nonsuch Voles, the council’s Operational Services team and Bourne Hall Museum.

Scan QR Code to download the App Today 

Still Time to Apply for Funding Support

Still Time to Apply for Funding Support Ahead of End of September Deadline. Mole Valley’s community and voluntary groups, charities and not-for-profit organisations have just under a month to apply for funding support of up to £25,000 to help boost an existing project, or help kick-start a new activity.  

Community and voluntary groups in Mole Valley can apply for a share of £50,838 via the UKSPF* Community Capacity Building and Infrastructure Support Grant (CCBISGS) with applications supporting projects that, for example, help increase volunteering, improve town and village centres, increase participation in community activities and reduce crime, being particularly welcomed by Mole Valley District Council (MVDC). More information is available by emailing [email protected].

One of the beneficiaries of the 2022/23 round of MVDC’s funding was Sensory Services by Sight for Surrey. Trusts and Grants Fundraiser, Helen Hopkins, comments: “Sensory Services by Sight for Surrey were delighted to receive a grant for £1,000 to support our volunteer and community engagement work in Mole Valley. It’s so important to have local funding for local events, so a big thank you to MVDC and the UKSPF programme. We would recommend organisations within the voluntary and community sector working in the district to apply for funding.”

Sight For Surrey - Coffee and cake morning Fetcham

Applications up to £25,000 are also being welcomed by MVDC for the other two funding opportunities it offers; the Capital Fund and the Thomas Flack Grant schemes. Email [email protected] for further information on either of these funding avenues.

The Capital Fund is available to community and voluntary organisations in the district for capital projects such as community building improvements, new playground equipment and sports equipment. The Thomas Flack Fund offers funding support – for both capital and revenue projects – for projects specifically benefiting residents of Ashtead, Bookham, Fetcham and Leatherhead. Revenue costs could include activities, events and running costs, while capital costs might include community and sports building refurbishment, and large equipment costs for community benefit, such as play equipment.

MVDC is inviting organisations interested in any of the three funding opportunities submit an online Expression of Interestform by Saturday 16 September and check their eligibility. Once received, MVDC will then guide the prospective applicant through the funding options available to them. Formal applications for any one of the available grants will need to be registered by 30 September 2023.

Councillor Bridget Kendrick, Cabinet Member for Finance and Deputy Leader of MVDC, said: “Whilst there is still time for us to hear from community groups and voluntary organisations in Mole Valley, that window is slowly closing. It is therefore very important if you are involved in one of these groups and have an existing project in need of a funding boost – or you have an idea for a new initiative that needs some money to get off the ground – that you get in touch with us as soon as possible. Alternatively, if you are someone who benefits from the support or facilities an organisation provides and you think they might not be aware of the funding opportunities available, this is the time to let them know!”