Month: November 2023

Signal Park hosts annual festive event for prospective buyers

Guinness Homes’ South London housing development, Signal Park, will host its second annual festive event for residents and prospective buyers on Saturday 2nd of December.

The event will be held at the Tolworth development’s marketing suite and will include a gift-wrapping service for attendees. Open from 11am to 3pm, guests will be greeted with hot drinks, mince pies, and festive carols sung by the local choir from St. George’s Church.

The event will be hosted by the Signal Park team, who will be on hand to show guests the variety of homes available at the development and answer questions about shared ownership. Censeo, financial advisors for Guinness Homes customers, will also be present on the day.

Signal Park consists of 78 one-bedroom apartments, 103 two-bedroom apartments, six two-bedroom duplex apartments and 24 three-bedroom apartments, with prices starting at £87,500 for a 25% share of a one-bedroom apartment (£350,000 full market value).

The apartments are ready to move into and the development welcomed its first residents earlier this summer. Located minutes from Tolworth train station, the development provides easy access into Central London, making it ideal for commuters or those looking to live close to the capital’s main attractions.

Hellyn Fairbrother, London and South East regional sales manager at Signal Park, Guinness Homes, said: “Last year’s festive event was a huge success with some of the guests having since become residents in the development, and we are excited to announce that we will be hosting it again this year. It will provide a wonderful opportunity for the local community to come together and celebrate the festive season in style – and could even see some finding their perfect home.

“With a variety of apartments available, we hope to help more prospective buyers find their dream home with us in Tolworth. With different combinations of bedrooms and apartment styles, Signal Park has something to suit every budget. We look forward to welcoming more residents to our community.”

For more information, contact Signal Park on 0203 824 9500, or visit the website here for more information.

Sign up for the Signal Park festive event, you can get your free  tickets here.

Are you worried about fuel costs this winter?

Are you struggling to pay your energy bills? Do you need advice on ways to reduce energy use at home? Are you getting the right grants and benefits? Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell (CAEE) can help.
CAEE is offering free appointments for anyone who needs advice about their energy use this winter.
Advice includes:

• Reducing energy use in your home
• Help applying for grants and benefits
• Contacting your energy provider
• Switching providers
• Warm home discounts
• Crisis support

image of Lisa Davis, CEO of CAEE,Lisa Davis, CAEE CEO, said: “It is that time of year again when people are worrying about their use of energy. This on-going cost of living crisis is still affecting us, but for some, it can be truly devastating. Don’t sit in a cold house not knowing which way to turn – come and talk to us and we can support you with a way forward.”

 

To book a free, confidential appointment call CAEE on Freephone 0808 278 7963

Drop in 10am-1pm Mondays (from 4 December) and Tuesdays or 10am-3pm on Thursdays at Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell, The Old Town Hall, The Parade, Epsom, KT18 5AG or visit

 

worried about fuel cost poster

Epsom RDA Awards Event

EPSOM RDA CELEBRATES ‘SELFLESS’ VOLUNTEERS AND OUTSTANDING RIDER ACHIEVEMENTS AT AGM AND AWARDS EVENT Epsom’s Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Annual Awards on Sunday. The event, held at Epsom Downs Racecourse, was an opportunity for all participants, their families and volunteers to get together to celebrate the many achievements of the Epsom RDA community over the past year. Over 47 awards were presented by the Deputy Mayor of Epsom & Ewell, Councillor Steve Bridger, who said “Today is about celebrating the achievements of Epsom RDA’s remarkable riders as well as the dedicated team of volunteers that support them, every day of the week come rain or shine.” Volunteer awards went to those who had gone over and above their role as well as celebrating length of service. Riders were recognised for passing nationally recognised riding Proficiency Tests or by gaining an Endeavour Award for meeting a specific challenge set by their own Coach. Epsom RDA, primarily offers riding sessions to those with disabilities, including Autism, Down’s Syndrome and visual impairment, since riding is one of the main ways that they can access physical exercise, which in turn, has a positive, long-term impact on confidence levels, relationship building and enjoyment. Laura Hales, Chair Trustee, said, “The charity we are today wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of our volunteers and supporters, which include the Jockey Club for donating the Diomed Room at Epsom Downs Racecourse to host the event. Our volunteers turn up all year round, to lead and look after our ponies, coach participants and keep our stables and grounds running and looking great.” 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. Epsom RDA is currently looking for new volunteers and trustees. To find out more about current vacancies visit www.epsomrda.org.uk/ For more information, contact [email protected]
Deputy Mayor of Epsom & Ewell, Councillor Steve Bridger with one of Epsom RDA rider award winners
Deputy Mayor of Epsom & Ewell, Councillor Steve Bridger with one of Epsom RDA rider award
 

Epsom Town Centre – Have Your Say

Following an initial consultation in the summer of 2022, Epsom & Ewell Borough Council have been working to develop people’s ideas into a new vision for the town centre. The council will be consulting the public on the new draft Masterplan from 24 November to 22 December to give residents, workers, business owners and visitors the chance to help shape the future of Epsom town centre.

The draft Masterplan sets out the council’s proposals for improving public spaces, green infrastructure, housing, transport infrastructure, improved wayfinding and public car parking. It also identifies four opportunity sites:

    • The Ashley Centre and Global House
    • Hook Road and Southern Gas Network
    • Town Hall, Hope Lodge and Epsom Clinic
    • Depot Road

The Masterplan will be a key part of the evidence base for Epsom & Ewell’s borough-wide Local Plan, which will guide decisions about planning, development and investment in the future.

Councillor Steven McCormick, Chair of the Licensing & Planning Policy Committee, said,

“If you live, work or study in Epsom, this is your opportunity to have a further say on the plan we’ve shaped with your help. The Masterplan is designed to improve the vibrancy and viability of the town centre as a key multi-purpose destination for the growing borough, and we want to hear your views.”

Respondents can view the draft Masterplan and give their views via

  • An online questionnaire at https://epsom-ewell.inconsult.uk/ETCMP/.

  • Paper copies of the draft Masterplan are also available on request by emailing [email protected],

  • Viewable in the borough’s libraries for the duration of the consultation.
  • Feedback can also be sent by email to [email protected]

  • By post to Epsom Town Centre Masterplan, Planning Policy, Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, Town Hall, The Parade, Epsom, KT18 5BY.

What would your three-year-old do in an emergency?

It was just a normal sunny afternoon in July when PC Emma Robinson, answered a 999 call that just ‘seemed a bit off’. Emma, who is currently on secondment in our Contact Centre after first joining Surrey Police 15 years ago, picked up an aborted call.

When ringing the number back, the phone was answered by a rather cheeky three-year-old boy called Oscar. During this first call to us, Oscar was very talkative and kept asking for his ‘Gaga’. Although most people might just dismiss the call as a mere accident, luckily Emma’s intuition and police training told her something was not quite right.

Emma explained: “Oscar was very talkative, cheeky and seemed in good spirits, but I just had a feeling that something was off. He hung up the phone a few times, so I decided to call back and ask him more questions to see if we could work out what was going on.

“After a while Oscar managed to tell me that his mother was ‘sleeping’ and that she wouldn’t wake up. He also disclosed that she was ‘blowing bubbles’ and I then knew that we needed to get an ambulance there as quickly as possible.

“Being only three years old, Oscar was not able to tell me his address, but between us we managed to work out where they were and where we needed to send emergency services. The ambulance service also managed to call Oscar and speak to him regarding his mother.

“Fortunately, the ambulance crew and our officers arrived very quickly on the scene and his mother made a full recovery!”

To recognise Oscar’s fast thinking and care, him and his family were invited to our Guildford Headquarters to have a ride in a police vehicle and meet Emma, the emergency operator who took his call.

He was also presented with his very own bravery certificate and police teddy bear by our Chief Constable Tim De Meyer and Head of Contact Chief Superintendent Juliet Parker.

Oscar’s mum, Iona, added: “Oscar loves everything to do with the police and cars so to come in and have a look around was a great experience for him. He is very excited to take his certificate and teddy into his nursery’s ‘show and tell’ this week.

“I am very lucky that Oscar knew to ring 999 and get me help and I think it just shows how important it is that we tell our children to do this when something feels wrong or dangerous. Without that, who knows what would have happened!”

Click Play below to listen to the phone call

Glow At RHS Wisley

Enjoy an unmissable after-dark spectacle of lights at RHS Garden Wisley this festive season as the popular RHS Glow event returns from 24 November 2023 to 2 January 2024, open from 4pm-9pm. RHS Glow at Wisley is sponsored by Inghams once again this year.

For the first time the RHS is working with lighting experts SLX on a reimagined route that will give visitors the chance to experience the garden in a totally new light. The magical winter walk shines a light on some of the season’s most spectacular sights after dark.

The enchanting new trail around RHS Garden Wisley includes iconic areas of the garden: venture through Seven Acres to discover a ‘Christmas beach’ in the Glasshouse, stroll through the Wisteria Walk bathed in a purple glow, and marvel at a grand finale on the Jellicoe Canal.

As well as dazzling views at every turn, there will be tasty food and treats to savour and warm you, and gifts galore to stock up on in our Christmas shop.

Inghams will bring a taste of magical Lapland to RHS Glow this year, plus the chance to win a holiday and visit Lapland for real.

All tickets must be booked in advance, and visitors are advised to book early to secure their preferred date and time. RHS members enjoy discounted ticket prices for RHS Glow.  

Tickets:

      • Non-Members: £19.95 Adults , £12.95 Children
      • RHS Members: £10:45 Adults, £5.25 Children

To find out more and book click here: www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley/whats-on/glow-at-wisley

 

Watch our preview video below.

Father Christmas Test Flights 2023

Our What’s On In The North Pole has once again been working hard to find out when you will be able to see Father Christmas, Santa to his friends, test flying his sledge over the UK getting ready for Christmas Eve. We are pleased to announce that we now have all the timings.

So, why does Father Christmas need to do test flights? Well, Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blixem and of course not let’s forget Rudolph have been resting up at the North Pole since last year. To make sure they are fit and ready to fly Father Christmas makes several test flights. as with all test flights these are not at full speed. Because of this, we are able to see him shooting across the sky.

So, what do you need to be able to see Father Christmas. Well, you will need to know where in the night sky to look Westward. Father Christmas travels from the West heading high overhead towards the East. So to help look towards where the Sun, if we see one, sets at night.

You will also need a clear sky. Any clouds will make him hard to see. Father Christmas flies at an altitude of over 200 miles and at full speed travels at 17,100mph. So, what are you looking for?  a very bright white light, caused by the stardust propulsion system, moving swiftly across the sky in a straight line. Try and take a photo you will need a long exposure on a camera or download the NightCap app for your smartphone and pick Long Exposure in settings

Remember when you go outside to wrap up warm and if you see him leave a comment below. 

Father Christmas Test Flights

DateViewStartDirectionFinish
24th NovIncredibly Bright18:02W to E18:06
25th NovIncredibly Bright17:14WSW to E17:20
26th NovIncredibly Bright18:03W to E18:06
27th NovIncredibly Bright17:14W to E17:20
28th NovIncredibly Bright18:03W to SE18:07
29th NovIncredibly Bright17:15W to E17:20
30th NovIncredibly Bright18:03W to SSE18:07
1st DecIncredibly Bright17:15W to ESE17:21
2nd DecVery Bright18:03W to SSE18:08
3rd DecVery Bright17:15W to SE17:21

Don’t forget you can track Father Christmas on Christmas Eve as he flies around the world. just visit NORAD Santa Tracker CLICK HERE 

A Very Merry Christmas From Everyone at What’s On In My Town

Witness appeal after attack in Epsom Tesco

Witness appeal after man attacked in Epsom Tesco

Surrey Police are appealing for witnesses after a man was attacked in Epsom on Sunday (19 November).

Officers were called around 8.40pm to Tesco Express in Station Approach after a man in his 20s was left with stab wounds. His injuries are believed to be serious but not life-threatening.

They believe it was a targeted attack by two men, described as White, around 5ft 6 tall and wearing black tops and balaclavas.

The men left the scene following the incident and our investigation is ongoing to locate them.

Detective Sergeant Leigh Wall, who is investigating the incident, said: “We understand that this incident will have caused considerable concern within the local community. We do believe that this was a targeted attack, and we are doing everything we can to locate the suspects.

“We are appealing for anyone with any information to contact us as soon as possible.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Surrey Police quoting reference PR/45230131739 via:

If you would rather not speak to police, you can call independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Mark Lascelles announced new Head of Epsom College

Alex Russell OBE, Chair of the Board of Governors, has announced that the next Head of Epsom College will be Mark Lascelles. He will assume the role in September 2024.

 

54-year-old Mark has spent 12 years as Head of Dauntsey’s School, a place where he always imagined he would finish his teaching career. “I had not been looking for a move, however the opportunity of leading Epsom is too tempting to pass up,” Mark says. “It is a school I have admired from a distance for a long time, and the more I discovered the keener I became to take on this role.”

 

Mark arrives at Epsom with an impressive record of transformational leadership within co-ed boarding education. Prior to Dauntsey’s, Mark spent three years at The King’s School, Canterbury, two as Lower Master and one as the Acting Head; and 17 years at Shrewsbury School as Teacher of Geography, Coach for the 1st Football, Cricket and Fives teams, and a much-respected Boarding Housemaster.

 

“We are delighted to announce Mark’s appointment,” says Alex Russell. “The search for a new Head started in earnest in the summer and we saw an exceptional calibre of candidates. Heads from some of the UK’s leading schools stepped forward, each with a bold and persuasive vision of Epsom’s future. The Board of Governors and members of Council conducted a rigorous selection process and ultimately, Mark proved to be the strongest candidate. He is our unanimous choice. From the very start Mark impressed and as the process moved on he got stronger, pulling away from a formidable pack.”

 

Mark takes on the role as Head of Epsom College from September 2024, and will liaise with current Head Sir Anthony Seldon, and Second Master Paul Williams, to ensure a seamless transition.

 

“I could not be more delighted than I have been by the appointment of my much sought-after successor,” says Sir Anthony. “Mark Lascelles combines deep experience, great empathy and high intellect. Epsom is going to have a very exciting future indeed under him.”

 

Mark is married to Amber, and together they have three daughters, Alex, Nina, and Romilly. Alex leaves school in the summer for university and then the Army, while Romilly is likely to join Epsom in September, in Year 9, and Nina will become an Epsom Sixth Form student in 2025 after she completes her GCSEs at Dauntsey’s.

 

Mark was educated at the Dragon School, Shrewsbury School and Durham University. He has been a Governor of three Prep Schools – Yarlet Hall, The Ryleys, and Brambletye – and he is currently on the boards of St Michael’s Prep, Jersey, Abingdon School and Bishop Wordsworth’s Grammar School in Salisbury.

 

To find out more about Mark and why he chose Epsom College, CLICK HERE

Free Parking Days in Mole Valley Council Car Parks

Free Parking Days in Mole Valley Council Car Parks this December to Help Wish You a Mole Valley Christmas!

 

In order to promote local shopping and the support of businesses across Mole Valley this Christmas season, Mole Valley District Council has announced three days of free parking in all council-owned car parks across Dorking, Leatherhead, Bookham, Ashtead and Fetcham this December. 

On the 2, 9, and 16 December, visitors to Mole Valley’s towns and villages can enjoy free parking all day on the above dates to support a range of local shopping, events, dining and entertainment venues. Whether walking, cycling, or taking other forms of transport, this initiative aims to contribute towards the attraction of visitors to come and support an exciting 2023 Christmas scene across the district.

The free parking period will cover 24 hours for all three of the dates in December and applies to all car parks owned and operated by Mole Valley District Council.

Any charges paid through car park ticket machines during these three days will be donated to the Wildlife Foundation, the Chairman’s Charity for 2023.

Clayton WellmanCouncillor Clayton Wellman, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Economy said: “We’re proud to bring back our free Christmas parking days for 2023. Whether enjoying a Very Dorkensian Christmas, taking in a traditional Panto in Dorking or Leatherhead, or joining all the fun planned for the Swan Centre on the first three Saturdays of December, we hope visitors get the opportunity to enjoy the magic of Mole Valley at this time of year. If you’re looking for more inspiration, remember to take a look at our events calendar which is full of opportunities for festive fun for the whole family.”