Month: January 2024

Epsom & Ewell Council Community Support Services

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council has launched a local campaign to tell residents about community support services that offer them, and their loved ones, a helping hand.

The council offers a range of valuable services for those who are elderly or vulnerable. They are run by staff who provide a personal and caring service, and council subsidies mean that costs are kept to a minimum. Services include:

    • The Dementia Hub: respite care for people living with memory loss and dementia.
    • Meals at Home: tasty, healthy meals delivered to homes in and around Epsom & Ewell, catering for any dietary requirement. The team can even drop off shopping, too.
    • Transport from Home: DBS checked drivers help people in Epsom & Ewell, who are unable to use public transport, with door-to-door travel.
    • Community Alarm: easy-to-use devices that raise an alarm in an emergency and can even help find a loved one who has become lost whilst away from home.
    • The Community & Wellbeing Centre: support hub for the over 55s; a place to relax, make friends, join activities, and feel at home.

Residents will notice information about the services across the borough on council social media accounts including Facebook, Instagram and X, in the council email newsletter, and in local advertising.

Councillor Clive Woodbridge, Chair of the Community and Wellbeing Committee, said: “As we become older, or for people with additional needs, living independently can feel challenging. We also know that many of our residents are carers for loved ones who would really benefit from our services.

Our trained teams offer care and support for people who need it most, allowing them to stay independent for longer.  We hope this campaign will reach residents who could use a helping hand and encourage them to talk to us to find out how we can help.

If you or someone you know could use any of these services, please talk to Epsom & Ewell Borough Council today. Call 01372 732000 or visit the website: www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk/communitysupport

The Dementia Hub, meals at home and shopping service are also available for people who live outside of the borough of Epsom & Ewell.

Match Report Medway v Sutton & Epsom

Medway 37 Sutton & Epsom 26

Sutton & Epsom returned to a most happy hunting ground on Saturday as their only previous trip to Priestfields saw them gain promotion in 2016 with an Andy Matthews hat trick. There were two survivors from that famous afternoon being back row brothers George London and Matt Whitaker. If nostalgia filled the air it was also because it was a red-letter day for Medway stalwart Tom Beaumont who was making his 200th league appearance. For the veteran flanker the hosts obliged with a 37-26 win in a hard fought and entertaining encounter.

Sutton saw a welcome return to Ellis Rudder, last seen four years ago at Westcliff in National 2, and Lawrence Eliott after injury breaks of vastly contrasting lengths of time. The Priestfield playing surface was in excellent condition considering the recent vagaries of the weather as Freddy Bunting kicked off on a dry but chill winter afternoon. S&E were on the attack immediately with a surging break to the opposition 22 from the prolific Matt Whitaker after the initial line break from Gareth O’Brien. An early riposte from the hosts gather the ball on the blindside on halfway with great prospects the ball inexplicably fell to earth. After this entertaining start the opening score was rather more mundane. The visitors conceded a penalty and were penalised for not retreating> The second infringement lead to a lineout in the corner. It was third time unlucky as the referee gave Owen Church-Mills the opportunity to open Medway’s account. The Number 10 assuredly bisected the uprights to put Medway 3-0 up after five minutes.

Sutton & Epsom only took five minutes to not only open their account but claim the lead. Another Whitaker carry and support by the forwards led to a penalty. It was the hosts’ turn to defend a lineout near their line. The men from Surrey secured the ball and Alex Mount was the beneficiary of their control as he forced his way over for a try. Freddy Bunting added the extras for a 7-3 advantage. Five minutes later the Black & Whites were celebrating a second try. Advancing into the 22 Freddy Bunting’s probing kick behind the defence was gathered by winger Kyren Ghumra who finished with panache. Captain Bunting made it 14-3 with a relatively simple conversion. At the end of the first quarter the productive opening by the Rugby Lane XV was undone by a fatal self-inflicted wound as a woeful clearance in their 22 was predictably charged down. Medway took advantage of the retreating defence as Captain Antony Clement’s perfectly timed pass gifted his centre partner, Sean Marriott, a try. Owen Church-Mills conversion made it 10-14.

The Black & Whites had a chance to reprise their opening score but Freddy Bunting overcooked the penalty and instead of a 5-metre lineout his team set up to receive a drop out. As the half continued to ebb and flow Medway were playing with great continuity and Sutton were indebted to a splendid tackle from Kyren Ghumra and an over-eager forward going off his feet at the ruck. Medway made their first change as Deji Oyesola replaced Ryan Eastley in the front row. S&E were hampered by poor kicking from hand as two kicks in as many minutes found opponents with perfect precision who gratefully called ‘mark’. As the errors mounted it was a great relief for the travelling supporters when fluency returned from the familiar source of Matt Whitaker. Gareth O’Brien and Tom Boaden continued the move that was only halted by foul play. The result was a yellow card, Medway reduced to 14 and Sutton with the penalty. The forwards took control and Chris Farrell burrowed his way over for his sides third try. Freddy Bunting’s precise kick left the scoreboard reading Medway 10 Sutton & Epsom 21.

In time added on a long clearance kick unfortunately rolled through the dead ball area to the advantage of the home team. Whether you view that as careless or unlucky is up to the generosity of your spirit. However, this territorial penalty was compounded by then conceding a penalty. Owen Church-Mills stepped up to conclude the first period with his second penalty of the afternoon which took some of the gloss off the visitors first half performance but Sutton still led by 21-13 as the teams turned around.

Medway seized the initiative early in the second period. They camped in the Sutton 22 and carried relentlessly with powerful runs ably supported. However, defiant defence by Sutton averted the try that seemed imminent as a frustrated home team decided to opt for the three points at the third time of asking. Owen Church-Mills made it three out of three for penalties and his team were within a score at 16-21. It was becoming one-way traffic in the third quarter with Captain Clement at his influential best orchestrating the backs. But the stoic Sutton defence were a match for each and every carry and it was a mark of their defence that again the hosts opted for a kick at goal. It was rather a surprise when the latest strike slid wide. The despair of the home crowd was immediately replaced by a joyous cheer. The drop kick was taken by Number 8 Todd Johnson and the previously adamantine defence dissolved as he broke through a couple of tackles on his way to the 22. Then Deji Oyesola exploded through the ruck to run in untouched under the posts. The easiest of conversions was added and Medway had taken the lead 23-21.

This setback inspired Sutton who finally got some attacking ball having won a penalty at a scrum they kicked to the corner. It was the turn of the Medway defence to face the music. Willem Ratu, Freddy Bunting and the pack advanced to the line. One, two and three penalties were awarded. From the third the irrepressible Matt Whitaker added another try to his record-breaking career tally. The blustering breeze carried the conversion narrowly wide but a resurgent Sutton held a slender advantage at 26-23. Suddenly it appeared to be anyone’s game with ten minutes left on the clock.

After what had gone before the denouement of the match was most disappointing for the visitors. Great credit must go to Medway who raised their game to play with urgency, accuracy and potency. They declined a kickable penalty for the lineout in the corner. This time the sustained pressure resulted in a try for lock Dan Jackson. Owen Church-Mills increased the gap to 30-26 with the game still in the balance. But the hosts were in no mood to sit back on so precarious a lead. At once they went in search of the bonus point and another try to secure the win. Ewan McTaggart appeared to have won an important lineout steal but the he tapped back bounced cruelly away from the visitors and was gathered by the alert Kent pack. Once more the hosts burst through a ruck but this time it was an assist to Deji Oyesola who was perfectly placed to trot in under the posts for his second try of the afternoon and an impregnable 37-26 lead as Owen Church Mills made his personal tally 16 points. The hosts had no problem running down the clock to secure the 37-26 bonus point win.

It was the third game in a row that Sutton & Epsom had led in the second half but failed to hold onto their advantage. For long periods their defence was of the highest quality but unfortunately errors were punished. Medway, as they had at Rugby Lane, carried aggressively with great continuity created by timely offloads to excellent support players. Antony Clement was at his influential best whilst Todd Johnson and Deji Oyesola impressed in the pack. For S&E there was a great sense of frustration despite a try-scoring bonus point they had the chance for more. For long spells the defence was first rate but there was a sense that more than one of the scores could have been avoided. In attack the Black & Whites conversion rate in the 22 was high and four tries on the road should be the foundation for a victory. There is an urgent need to find a way of seeing out these close finishes to win matches that are in the balance.

Next Saturday Sutton entertain Gravesend, at Rugby Lane at 2:30pm, who like the hosts and Sidcup have a 10-6 loss record in the rather congested nether regions of the league.

Sutton & Epsom:

Gareth O’Brien, Kyren Ghumra, Lawrence Elliott, Freddy Bunting ©, Ellis Rudder, Tom Lennard, Steve Munford, Alex Mount, Chris Farrell, Tom Boaden, Josh Glanville, Ewan McTaggart, George London, Rob Hegarty & Matt Whitaker.

Replacements: Callum Gibson, Ben Green & Willem Ratu.

Medway:

Perry Macauley, John Sipawa, Sean Marriott, Antony Clement, Conor Chalmers, Owen Church-Mills, Ben Dance, Ryan Eastley, Josh Knight, Jack Nickalls, Dan Jackson, Jordan Stubbington, Harry Gibbons, Tom Beaumont & Todd Johnson.

Replacements: Deji Oyesola, Joseph Byrne & Robert O’Brien.

Match Report by John Croysdill
Image From Medway RFC

For More Information on Sutton & Epsom RFC CLICK HERE

New 10 Year Culture Strategy For Surrey

Published today, Surprising Surrey is a new ten-year strategy developed by the county’s cultural sector to champion and strengthen creativity, so that by 2034 Surrey is recognised as one of the country’s most vibrant cultural counties.

Created by Surrey Cultural Partnership – a collective of people working in culture and heritage in Surrey along with representatives from business, education, health, criminal justice and local government, who together share an ambition to champion Surrey as a leading cultural county – Surprising Surrey is the result of research and extensive consultation with the county’s cultural organisations, practitioners and stakeholders over a two-year period.  This identified an urgent need to promote and expand culture in Surrey, reducing barriers and increasing investment so that many more residents and visitors are able to benefit.

Surprising Surrey: Our Cultural Strategy & Vision 2024 – 2034 is the first cultural strategy for the county to be developed by Surrey’s cultural sector. It sets out a framework and action plan with four priorities:

    • Culture for Everyone, to increase access to culture for all, with a specific focus on reaching residents who encounter physical, social and economic barriers
    • Resilient Communities, recognising the role of creative encounters in strengthening communities and in supporting health and wellbeing programmes
    • County-wide Ecology and Infrastructure, encouraging collaborative working and ensuring that creative workspaces are integral to sustainable planning and regeneration schemes
    • Creativity as Enterprise, to nurture the creative economy in Surrey by attracting new business and investment

At a special launch event at The Horton Arts Centre, Epsom, Surrey Cultural Partnership announced a series of initiatives to deliver the strategy, including:

    • The development of a new Culture Fund in partnership with the Community Foundation for Surrey (CFS).  Research co-commissioned by Surrey Cultural Partnership and CFS identified that Surrey is significantly underfunded by national grantmakers and, given the financial crises facing a number of the county’s borough and district councils, local authority funding is under threat. The new fund will support improved quality of life and wellbeing for the most disadvantaged communities in Surrey by reducing barriers to transformative creative experiences.
    • The introduction of a Cultural Skills Bank and Volunteer Bank.  95% of UK arts organisations have less than nine employees[i]. The majority do not have all the required skills ‘in-house’ and they are reliant on time and expertise given by volunteers.   These Banks will facilitate collaboration and will strengthen the sector.
    • A new programme of youth-led activity to give young people a voice and to nurture creative leaders for the future.  Consultation with young people and education providers revealed county-wide dissatisfaction with the lack of information and support available to enter creative careers.  Amongst the initiatives will be encouraging increased youth representation at board level and establishing clear development pathways in the cultural sector.

Commenting, Perdita Hunt and Gavin Stride, Co-Chairs, Surrey Cultural Partnership, said:

“Surprising Surrey is about championing what is already happening here, recognising that the county has much to celebrate.  But as we know and despite its reputation for affluence and privilege, Surrey has areas of deprivation and marginalisation that need addressing. This strategy is a response to those needs.  It is a rallying cry to all those who believe in the power and the impact of the arts in changing lives in our county.”

Marilyn Scott, author of Surprising SurreyMarilyn Scott, author of Surprising Surrey, said:

“During the extensive consultations over the last year some very clear messages came through – the need for better collaboration, networking and sharing of expertise; the importance of placemaking and the enormous contribution culture can make, the value of cultural activity to health and wellbeing in our communities, and of course the need for better support and funding. I hope all of these messages are reflected in the strategy and clear actions that Surrey Cultural Partnership will encourage.”

Dr Rebecca Bowden, Chief Executive, Community Foundation for SurreyDr Rebecca Bowden, Chief Executive, Community Foundation for Surrey, said:

“Our research into the current funding landscape for Surrey makes sobering reading. It is clear that for too long our county has been overlooked by a number of national funders. What is also clear though is the huge variety and vibrancy of the arts and culture sector in Surrey and we believe that there is therefore huge potential to come together to develop a new fund – by and for the sector.”

Sir Vernon Ellis, Chair of New Philanthropy for Arts and CultureSir Vernon Ellis, Chair of New Philanthropy for Arts and Culture (NPAC), said:

“This excellent report underlines the importance of investment in the cultural sector.  This will require support from the local community (business, trusts and individuals) as well as from the public purse.”

“Our work at NPAC has shown that there is a real opportunity to raise new philanthropy for the arts on the back of the impact that the arts can make on health, wellbeing, education, and the community. This is best realised by heightening a commitment to place (which this report will do) and providing a framework to attract and funnel financial support (which the new fund will provide).”

Saj Hussain, Chair, Surrey County CouncilSaj Hussain, Chair, Surrey County Council, said:

“We welcome the launch of the cultural strategy and the work of Surrey Cultural Partnership, which is helping towards our vision of Surrey as a vibrant home of creativity.  We look forward to continuing to work together.”

About Surrey Cultural Partnership

Surrey Cultural Partnership is working to ensure that everyone in Surrey has the opportunity to participate in, engage with and contribute to extraordinary cultural activity, whoever they are and wherever they live.

Introduced in 2022 as a result of work undertaken by the Surrey Lieutenancy’s Arts & Culture Focus Group, Surrey Cultural Partnership was established to facilitate collaboration, to develop a cultural strategy and to identify opportunities for new investment.

Surrey Cultural Partnership is grateful to Farnham Maltings, The Borrows Charitable Trust, Surrey County Council and Andrew Wates OBE, DL for supporting an initial two-year development period.

To download the strategy: surreyculturalpartnership.com

LIB DEM Leader Launches Helen Maguire’s Bid For Parliament

Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey was in Epsom Market on Saturday to mark the launch of Parliamentary Candidate Helen Maguire’s 2024 election campaign.

Speaking in market square Davey said, “I’m here because I think we can win this seat. I think the people of Epsom & Ewell, indeed people across the country, want to get rid of the Conservatives for they have failed our country. Whether it’s the cost of living or the health service, they’re not listening to people. They are so out of touch and I think people want change.

 “Here in Epsom & Ewell if we want change, if you want to get rid of the Conservatives, you vote Liberal Democrat, you vote for Helen Maguire,” said Davey

Maguire, who served as a Captain in the Royal Military Police in Bosnia and Iraq and is now a Charity fund raiser and local food bank volunteer said,

“The Liberal Democrats ‘Fair Deal’ promise seeks a fair, prosperous and innovative economy that promotes opportunity and wellbeing. With a strong economy we can get on top of the cost-of-living crisis and provide good public services. That is what I want for Epsom & Ewell”.

Maguire is focusing her political campaign on the cost-of-living crisis; environmental damage caused by sewage dumping in the Mole and Hogsmill rivers; and is supporting the Epsom & St Helier Health Trust’s fight to get the new critical emergency hospital built.

Maguire is the first out of the blocks of all the main political parties to start campaigning in Epsom & Ewell – a parliamentary seat currently held by retiring Conservative MP, Chris Grayling.

But with Grayling standing down at the next election; the Conservatives trailing badly in the national polls; Labour’s poor local showing; boundary changes; and a reinvigorated local Lib Dem party, the competition for our next Epsom & Ewell MP is likely to be a two-horse race.

A major YouGov poll conducted for the Daily Telegraph, just over a week ago, put the Lib Dems in Epsom & Ewell, marginally ahead of the Conservatives for the first time in many years.

Update On Leatherhead High Street Planters

Temporary wooden planters were installed into Leatherhead High Street during the Covid pandemic to help with social distancing and to enable businesses to utilise the space for outdoor seating. Over the subsequent few years, these temporary structures came to the end of their lifespan and, together with the evolving use of outdoor spaces post-Covid, there were growing calls for them to be replaced with more robust alternatives.

A joint project between Mole Valley District Council (MVDC) and Surrey County Council (SCC) began last year, with MVDC facilitating funding and SCC coordinating installation.

It was always anticipated that there would be a period of review and adjustment post installation. The mix of positive and negative reactions from the local community has been acknowledged and a swift and comprehensive review undertaken, recommending a reduction of and repositioning of a number of planters.

Councillor Keira Vyvian-Robinson, MVDC Cabinet Member for Projects said: “We have worked together with SCC to ensure a prompt adjustment to the installation phase of this project.

“The number of planters will be reduced by approximately one third, along with adjustments in the positioning of those that remain. Planters not retained on the High Street will be redeployed elsewhere in the town. Considerations such as adjacent premises, protection of tables and chairs, and facilitation of access and deliveries will be taken into account to create more space, align better with shop entrances, and release areas intended for deliveries.

“The planting scheme (set for the end of February at the earliest due to weather conditions) incorporates a mix of permanent shrubs, grasses, bulbs and perennials to create visual appeal and support biodiversity.

“MVDC’s contribution to the project, along with ongoing maintenance efforts (we have an allocated maintenance budget going forward), reflects our commitment to ensuring a sustainable and visually appealing outcome for Leatherhead High Street. We appreciate the community’s patience and engagement throughout this process and look forward to seeing the planters in full bloom come springtime.”

Councillor Matt Furniss, SCC Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic GrowthCouncillor Matt Furniss, SCC Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth said:“We have worked with Mole Valley District Council to ensure that the location and spacing of the new planters is amended to address the issues raised by the local community.

“The reduced number of planters will help to support biodiversity and ensure that visitors can continue to enjoy outdoor seating on Leatherhead High Street.”

The Victoria Fine Dining in Oxshott Review

It’s highly likely that you have driven past The Victoria in Oxshott on multiple occasions, perhaps to avoid roadworks or take a shortcut between A3 and M25. You might have thought of it as just another ordinary county pub. However, I would encourage you to stop next time because it is much more than just a pub.

Matt Larcombe, the former head chef of The Crown at Bray, and Simon King from Igniting Hospitality had the idea of opening a pub that not only offered gastronomic delights but also served as a hub for the community. They discovered The Victoria and in 2021, their idea became a reality. Within just two years, The Victoria has been awarded the prestigious 3 Rosette Award for Culinary Excellence and has also been listed in Britain’s 100 Best Local Restaurants for 2023 in The Good Food Guide. We were thrilled to have been invited to try out the restaurant and to chat with the co-owner, Simon King.

Upon arrival, you are warmly greeted with a friendly welcome. The restaurant has a pleasant and comforting ambiance, resembling a cozy country pub, with an inviting open fire, perfect for chilly winter nights.

The menu changes seasonally relying on fresh local produce, so I won’t go into much detail about what I had. Our waitress was amazing and well-informed about the menu. We followed her recommendations and she even selected a wine that paired perfectly with our meal. For the current Menus CLICK HERE

Simon King Co-owner of The Victoria OxshottAt this point before our starters arrived I got to chat with co-owner Simon King and asked him Why Oxshott? he replied ” We’ve actually had our eye on the pub for quite some time, we think it’s a great pub that means so much to so many, we love the idea of bringing an elevated experience to Surrey and feel very blessed to be in Oxshott.”

I then asked about working with local businesses. He replied ” we use local businesses  for both food and beverage, we work with Surrey Hill Butchers, who are next door with our burgers, Silent Pool for our local gin and Surrey Hills Brewery for our ales.” 

January is a tough time for pubs and restaurants but over the last year with the increase in food cost and cost of living I asked how this was affecting the restaurant? Simon informed me “It is having an impact, the frequency of people eating is on the decline, but when they do they want to make the most of it. We truly appreciate them choosing to visit The Victoria and will continue to offer value for money and look at ways to further enhance the guest experience.” 

There have been a lot of reviews regarding The Victoria but I asked Simon what it was like when I’m a celebrity and food critic Grace Dent visited, is she a fan? “It’s always flattering to attract an elite journalist from London to the Surrey countryside. She was very passionate about the industry and we are delighted that she loved her time with us.”

Finally I asked what the plans are for 2024? Simon was excited to announce “We’re looking forward to making the most of our new garden bar in 2024 and plan on adding guest bedrooms to the pub which will give us an extra dimension.” looking back at images from 2023 the garden looks amazing and we will be back in the Summer

So what about our dinner? It was amazing, I’m not just saying that it really was. I started with Pickled Mackerel with grilled cucumber, and I hate cucumber. The taste wasn’t what I was expecting and I was blown away. Next I went for the Slow cooked Pork with hispi cabbage, apple sauce, black pudding with pommes anna with saffron aioli.  Again cooked to perfection.

For dessert I love a cheese board  and all I can say is if you order one of these there is enough for 2 people. Has to be the best cheese board I have ever had. with a great selection of cheeses, grapes, apple cider chutney and crackers.

On the advice of our waiter we had a bottle of Four Vines  Old Vine Zinfandel. A wine I have never tried before but surprisingly a red wine with a fish starter and pork main worked really well.  To round the evening off we had a coffee with truffles and marshmallows.

Cost? well we don’t know we were guest of The Victoria and the evening was complimentary. A quick calculation at the table and we worked it out  without the wine to be about £50-£55 per head for a fine dining 3 course meal.

Slow cooked Pork with hispi cabbage, apple sauce, black pudding with pommes anna with saffron aioli.

Conclusion: Would we go back? that’s a definite YES. Is it a place you would go every week? I would love to but likely only once a month or on a special occasion. The food is worth what you are paying if this was in London you would be paying a lot more. The food is amazing, the people are lovely and the whole vibe of the place is wonderful. In the bar side of the pub they also have live music nights.

We like to end with a big THANK YOU to Simon, Matt and the team at The Victoria, Oxshott, for a wonderful experience and we will be back soon.

For More details and to see their fabulous menus CLICK HERE

 

Dorking Sports Centre Offers Warm Welcome This Winter

GLL, the charitable social enterprise that operates Dorking Sports Centre and Leatherhead Leisure Centre under its Better brand, has launched an innovative Warm Spaces Scheme in Dorking. The community project has been set up in response to the winter’s cost of living crisis and provides anyone living in the town and surrounding areas with a hot drink, comfortable seating, and the opportunity to charge a phone or device, use the free Wi-Fi, and even have a hot shower. Plans to replicate a Warm Space scheme at the Leatherhead Leisure Centre will be explored by GLL in the near future.

GLL’s Warm Spaces scheme is aligned with Mole Valley District Council’s Warm Hubs and provides local residents with an opportunity to enjoy a friendly chat and a hot drink with their local community and members of staff at Dorking Sports Centre. The team will also be laying on a book swap with both children’s and adults’ books, puzzles, and colouring pages. In addition, local business Lavender Catering has stepped in to kindly provide a range of refreshments for the project, including tea, coffee, and biscuits.

The Warm Space scheme is open to all, with both Dorking and Leatherhead Leisure Centre members and non-members alike invited to come along every Sunday at any time between 7am and 7pm. The project will be taking place in the community room near reception, simply speak to a member of the team on arrival.

Lea Benn, General Manager at Dorking Sports CentreCommenting on the Warm Spaces initiative, Lea Benn, General Manager at Dorking Sports Centre, said: “As a facility at the heart of our local community, we quickly became aware that a number of local residents were concerned that they might struggle to heat their homes this winter, and as a charitable social enterprise, we wanted to help.”

“Our facilities are ideally suited to serve as warm spaces; they are easily accessible, known to everyone, and a natural meeting place. Our staff will be on hand to offer a warm welcome to anyone wishing to make the most of our warm space during the difficult months ahead.”

Joseph RhamJoseph Rham, Customer Experience Director at GLL, said: “We are a charitable social enterprise whose ethos is to give back to local communities.

“The ongoing challenge of high utility prices, combined with a wider cost of living crisis, will once again leave many people struggling this winter. Where we can, we want to support those who are finding it hard to heat their homes during the coldest months of the year.”

Councillor Rosemary HobbsCouncillor Rosemary Hobbs, Mole Valley District Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: “At a time of year when the UK is experiencing particularly low temperatures – and the added pressure that puts on Mole Valley households to pay more to heat their homes – GLL’s announcement that Dorking Sports Centre is to become a warm space venue is very welcome news indeed. I am so pleased with the speed at which the new operator of both our sport facilities is engaging with and looking to provide help to our local communities; including the recently announced GLL Sport Foundation scheme. The details of the other Warm Hub venues in Mole Valley are available on our website.

New Business Grants For Mole Valley Businesses

Mole Valley District Council announces new Business Support Grant Scheme for 2024/25. On 6 February 2024 Mole Valley District Council (MVDC) Cabinet will consider a proposal for a new Business Support Grant Scheme in Mole Valley, over the 2024/25 financial year.

A total of £127,150 has been earmarked from Mole Valley’s allocation of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), for the new grant scheme. The grants will help businesses start up and grow, thereby attracting and retaining creative, entrepreneurial and innovative talent in the district.

The business support grant scheme will be open to any business located within Mole Valley. The online application process is scheduled to last for six weeks during February/March. Applications will then be sifted and scored and a shortlist drawn up for approval.

The determination of grant awards will involve scoring projects put forward for their productivity impact, funding contributions for the project from the applicant, completion timelines, consideration towards environmental sustainability, and positive community impact.

Successful applicants must complete their projects within 12 months of being awarded a grant.

Clayton WellmanCouncillor Clayton Wellman, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Economy, said: “The UKSPF business funding scheme forms another strand of our fantastic Mole Valley for Business support package. The funding will support our business community and help local entrepreneurs bring great ideas into reality.

“I urge all local businesses and entrepreneurs to sign up to our fortnightly Spotlight newsletter, to be kept up to date with when applications will open for this scheme.”

For further details on all funding options available to local businesses please visit our Mole Valley for Business website.

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. In total, MVDC was allocated £1,000,000 of UKSPF funding across the 3-year period of 2022-2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.

Zero Carbon Guildford is delivering free home energy surveys

Zero Carbon Guildford (ZCG) is delivering free home energy surveys for eligible residents across Surrey.

Made possible with funding from the Local Energy Advice Demonstrator fund (LEAD), ZCG is working with a number of community groups across the county, including Oxshott Net Zero and Talking Tree in Staines.

The surveys can help residents to:

    • Keep their homes are healthy, warm and comfortable
    • Lower energy bills through better energy efficiency and education
    • Reduce risks from damp and mould
    • Cut emissions from the residential energy sector 
    • Find energy efficiency funding for their home

Trained Energy Champions visit the homes of Surrey residents, conducting thermal imaging surveys, and then provide tailored advice and signposting to help them cut their bills and keep their homes healthy.

The energy surveys are part of a wider LEAD project, in collaboration with Surrey County Council, which will see SCC create a ‘One Stop Shop’. This is an online platform which helps to remove obstacles to improving energy efficiency and uptake of retrofit measures. The vast majority of Surrey residents are worried about climate change, and / or looking to make home improvements, but do not fall into the eligibility criteria for national retrofit funding support.

The One Stop Shop helps to address this by creating a high level retrofit plan based on property type, the resident’s budget, and modelling variables such as when the price of technology will come down, to create a plan which delivers the largest energy savings at the most efficient price and installation point for the resident. It will provide information on trusted Retrofit Assessors and installers – as the name says, creating a One Stop Shop for all your retrofit needs!

Steph Bleach, ZCG's activity coordinator Steph Bleach, ZCG’s activity coordinator said of the energy surveys, ‘’It’s great to have more funding this year to increase the scope of a project that was such a hit last winter. We were inundated with requests in 2023, and with up to 300,000 homes in Surrey having an Energy Performance rating of D or below, or no EPC at all, we hope to make a large impact on supporting Surrey residents in making their homes healthy and comfortable, whilst reducing their bills and cutting carbon emissions’’.

If you would like to book an energy survey you can use this form to register your interest, and someone will come back to you to confirm if you are eligible. Alternatively, contact [email protected] for more information, or to find out how you can upskill as a paid Energy Champion through our free training programme.

The Duchess of Edinburgh visits Walton Charity

On Thursday 18th January, Walton Charity hosted a visit from Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh, where she met a number of Elmbridge community groups.

The Duchess was received by Ms Christine Howard, a Deputy Lieutenant of Surrey, at Burview Hall, where she met Walton Charity’s Chair of Trustees, Sarah Tomkins; and Paula Walsh, Chair of Elmbridge Mencap, who are based at Burview Hall.

Her Royal Highness met the Walton & Hersham Foodbank team, learning about their 10-year anniversary and their new project called ‘The Bridge’. The Duchess helped to sort donations and prepare emergency food packages for local people in crisis, before moving on to meet members of the Charity’s independent living schemes’ art group, where she admired their latest artwork.

The Duchess of Edinburgh visits Walton Charity Foodbank staff

The Duchess then joined in the excitement of a parachute game with the members of Elmbridge Mencap’s Day Service and the pupils of neighbouring Walton Leigh School, before having fun in the kitchen cutting out cookies during the cookery session. Moving to the games room, Jean Rigden, Trustee of Elmbridge Mencap, shared her family’s history of the charity she has spent 50 years volunteering for and The Duchess enjoyed a game of table football with members of the Day Service, before heading outside to be shown their new sensory garden.

The Duchess of Edinburgh visits Walton Charity Mencap games

Outside, The Duchess joined Walton Charity’s Community Allotment volunteers to sow spring seeds and planted a tree with the Elmbridge Tree Wardens group.

Her Royal Highness then joined the Guided Wellbeing group where she wrote a word of gratitude on a pebble – this was then added to the group’s mandala* before the children from Rewilding Forest School presented her with a portrait of The King, made entirely from leaves!

The Duchess of Edinburgh visits Walton Charity meets tree wardens

Moving back inside to the warmth of Burview Hall, The Duchess unveiled a plaque to commemorate her visit. The Duchess was then presented with a birthday cake to celebrate her forthcoming birthday before the whole group joined in song to sign happy birthday to her.

The Duchess of Edinburgh visits Walton Charity group image

Walton Charity
Walton Charity is a local charitable foundation supporting people in Elmbridge who are experiencing financial hardship. Walton Charity works with local partners and the community to tackle issues of poverty and inequality, homelessness and isolation in our local area.

The Charity was established over 800 years ago and has a strong track record of providing grants and housing to those in need.

Walton Charity offers:

  • Direct grants for individuals
  • Community grants for local organisations and schools
  • Independent living for people aged over 55
  • Social housing for single people of all ages
  • Properties and land for use by the wider community
  • Low-cost allotments for rent and a community allotment space
  • Support for the Walton & Hersham Foodbank

Elmbridge Mencap
Burview Hall is one of Walton Charity’s community properties. Walton Charity actively encourages local people, charities and community groups to use the Charity’s land and green spaces.

The original Mencap building was owned by Elmbridge Mencap and stood on Walton Charity’s land for 33 years but in 2000 the building was demolished to make room for a new purpose-built hall, twice the size of the original building, and is owned by Walton Charity.

Elmbridge Mencap use the hall to run regular activities and social clubs for people with learning disabilities and their families. Their Family Fun sessions are particularly popular, providing a fantastic opportunity for local families to meet and socialise. The hall is also used by other local charities specialising in support for learning disabled people and by the neighbouring special needs school, Walton Leigh School.

Walton & Hersham Foodbank
The Walton & Hersham foodbank is one of four foodbanks in the borough of Elmbridge. It is part of a nationwide network of foodbanks, supported by The Trussell Trust, working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK.

The foodbank provides three days’ worth of nutritionally balanced emergency food and support to local people who are referred in crisis and the food parcels are distributed via three local churches.

There is a growing need for foodbanks. During 2023 4,931 people were fed, compared with 3,981 in 2022.

The Walton & Hersham foodbank marked their 10th anniversary this year with a challenge for community groups and businesses to fill 10 Mini cars with donations of food. The challenge was a huge success, and 20 Minis were filled with 2.2 tonnes of food and essentials.

The Bridge
Based in a shop just of the High Street in Walton on Thames, the project offers long term support for working families who are struggling with rising living costs but cannot access government or other support.

Downstairs there is a shop without a till and upstairs a quiet space where families can access specialist support and advice from local organisations. Regular wellbeing activities, such as yoga, are available too.

About Walton Charity’s Independent Living Housing (Art Group)
Walton Charity has two independent living schemes – Fenner House and Mayfield – in Walton offering accommodation for people aged over 55. Many of the residents were previously in danger of becoming homeless or were homeless.

Walton Charity’s Community Allotment
Walton Charity has created a Community Allotment at the largest of their four allotment sites in Walton on Thames. It is a place for people from all walks of life to come together, socialise and learn new skills. It encourages those who feel isolated or who face barriers because of mental or physical health conditions to join in regular outdoor activities, building confidence and independence.

Walton Charity’s Tree Canopy Project
Following the success of their community allotment, Walton Charity has created a new Tree Canopy Project in the beautiful woodlands off Rydens Road in Walton on Thames.

This community woodland project gives local residents the opportunity to get outdoors and active through the following initiatives:

  • Tree Warden Scheme
    Elmbridge Tree Wardens are a volunteer group working with Elmbridge Council to plant trees and hedges in Elmbridge. They work from a base within Walton Charity’s Tree Canopy project where they have a tree nursery and organise regular sessions for volunteers.
  • Rewilding Forest School
    Rewilding Forest School runs sessions for children throughout the year within Walton Charity’s Tree Canopy Project. Their holistic approach helps children to understand, learn and respect the natural world around them. They support children to develop self-esteem, independence, and confidence through child-led play in an outdoor environment
    Following the success of Rewilding Forest School at the Tree Canopy Project, they opened a second site within the woodlands of Burview Hall for home schooled children.
  • Guided Wellbeing’s Women’s Wellbeing Hub
    They offer a diverse range of nature-based workshops and activities suitable for all ages, and offer programmes designed to enhance well-being and foster sustainable living. Their Community Garden Wellbeing Project is a community space and garden for local women to meet other women, engage in educational activities, seasonal crafts, cooking workshops and regular gardening activities. Currently they are running Green Gym sessions every Friday, helping women to gain fitness through a variety of garden activities.

The Duchess of Edinburgh dancing

All Photos by Steve Porter