Month: February 2024

Free Financial & Wellbeing Service

Are financial worries affecting your wellbeing? Help for Epsom & Ewell residents is available

A free money advice and wellbeing support service is available to people living and working in Epsom & Ewell. The Financial and Wellbeing Support Service (FWSS) is delivered by Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell (CAEE) for expert benefits and money advice and mental health charity Mary Frances Trust (MFT) for specialist wellbeing support.

If managing your finances is causing stress and anxiety or mental health challenges are impacting your ability to manage your finances, the three-year project funded by The National Lottery Community Fund will provide a range of free services and resources to help residents to get help during this difficult time

The aim of the project is to empower the client, and:

• Increase financial resilience and independence

• Improve overall mental and/or emotional wellbeing

• Reduce stress and anxiety

• Increase engagement with local community and reduce social isolation

• Be more informed about how to manage finances and wellbeing going forward.



Patrick Wolter, CEO, Mary Frances TrustPatrick Wolter, CEO, Mary Frances Trust, said: “With CAEE and MFT working so closely together, the client only has one point of contact to help them get the full support they need. We are thrilled to offer this free service to the residents of Epsom and Ewell.”

image of Lisa Davis, CEO of CAEE,Lisa Davis, CEO, Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell said: “So many people are feeling stressed about their financial situation, which leads to poor mental health. Or indeed suffering from poor mental health can lead to difficulty in coping with finances. This self-referral service is an integrated approach to support both of those situations.”

How to access the service:

  • If you need support to tackle both financial and emotional/mental wellbeing difficulties; and
  • live in or around the Epsom & Ewell Borough and are 18+ years

then please get in touch with either organisation (no need to contact both). No third party referral is required. Case Workers from CAEE and MFT will support you to improve your situation and emotional wellbeing via face-to-face, telephone or online appointments.

Mary Frances Trust:

Email: [email protected]

Telephone / SMS: 07380 567708


Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell

Email: [email protected]

Tel: 01372 300421

www.caee.org.uk


A similar service called “Financial and Wellbeing Support Service – Surrey Heath” also exists for residents of Surrey Heath. It is part of the same project funded by The National Lottery Community Fund and delivered by partner organisations Citizens Advice Surrey Heath (money and benefit advice) and Catalyst Support (wellbeing support).


To find out more or access the Surrey Heath service, please contact either organisation directly:

Citizens Advice Surrey Heath

Email: [email protected]

Tel/SMS: 07719 362300

Catalyst

Email: [email protected]

 

Epsom & Ewell Day of Reflection

This Sunday 3rd March is the National Day Of Reflection. A moment to remember everyone who died during the pandemic and those affected by their loss.

On Sunday Epsom & Ewell Councillors will be laying yellow ribbons on each of the 15 benches around the Borough on Sunday. To find your nearest bench CLICK HERE

At 10am in Alexandra Park the Mayor of Epsom & Ewell will say a few words before laying the ribbon. He will be joined by a local resident’s daughter, whose father passed away from Covid and who is making the ribbon tributes.

These events are relatively informal events, with a few moments of reflection before placing the ribbon on the benches. Also, on Sunday the clock tower in the Marketplace will be lit up in yellow to mark the Day of Reflection. Two books of remembrance are open in the Town Hall and Bourne Hall.

Marie Curie UK has set up a special website with information and support. For More Details Click Link https://dayofreflection.org.uk/

Wickes donates to the Epsom and Ewell Energy Support Scheme

Retailer Wickes donates insulation products to the Good Company Epsom and Ewell Energy Support Scheme backed by Chris Grayling MP.

Home improvement retailer Wickes is making a valuable contribution to the local community by donating a variety of insulation products to a local charity to distribute where they are needed.

The Wickes Community Programme has donated insulation products to the value of £1000 to help struggling families in the local community. This initiative is run by the Epsom-based charity, Good Company, which also operates a network of local food banks, and is backed by Chris Grayling MP. Since launching the Epsom & Ewell Energy Support Scheme in October 2022, Good Company has helped more than 300 families and over a thousand people in the local area.

The primary aim of the programme is to offer support to families struggling to pay energy bills by helping them make their homes more energy efficient and offering advice on how to reduce their energy use in other ways.

Tom Sefton, the Poverty Lead at Good Company, said: “The products donated by Wickes included secondary glazing film, various draught excluders and heat reflective radiator foil. These were handed out at group workshops that we have been running in Epsom, Leatherhead, and Tadworth for food bank clients and other local families most affected by the cost-of-living crisis. We wanted to show people that making small changes like this can significantly reduce your energy usage.”

Feedback from participants has been extremely positive, including one client who said: “I found the workshop very helpful and really enjoyed talking to the other participants, sharing tips on how to save energy. The takeaway tips are also very informative. Thank you so much for your kindness and for giving me really useful information about the cost of energy and how to reduce usage and keep warm and safe this winter – which, like many people, has been scaring the life out of me.” 

Tom went on to say: “Other clients have told us they are wearing the hooded blankets we provided to stay warm and are using an air fryer instead of their oven to save energy, as well as fitting draught excluders and radiator foil to heat their homes more efficiently.”

Chris Grayling MPChris Grayling MP Epsom and Ewell said: “Last year we ran an appeal in conjunction with Citizens Advice Epsom and Good Company and raised over £40,000 to support our local community. These funds were used to provide short-term help with energy bills and to offer energy-saving advice. We were delighted when Wickes agreed to support us with these products through the Wickes Community Programme. It’s at times like these we need to work together with businesses like Wickes to make a difference.”

Wickes Store Manager in Epsom, Ben O’Leary said: “Supporting our local community is really important to Wickes, especially during the current cost of living crisis. For any families interested in how they too can make their homes more energy efficient there’s some  great advice on the Wickes website.”

The Wickes Community Programme is open to all local community groups and charities seeking help for improvement projects.

Find out more by going to www.wickes.co.uk/community-programme or pop into your local Wickes store.

Proposed Replacement of Trees in Church Street

Surrey County Council and Mole Valley District Council are inviting views on the proposal to replace the lime trees on Church Street in Leatherhead with birch trees. Taking this step is considered necessary to ensure that potentially slippery residue is not dropped onto the pavement around the trees when they are in full leaf.

During 2017, Mole Valley District Council (MVDC) worked in partnership with Surrey County Council (SCC) to improve the public realm in Church Street in Leatherhead. This included new paving, improved drainage, new street furniture and the addition of four new lime trees.

During the warmer months when the lime trees are in full leaf, a potentially slippery residue can fall onto the pavement around the trees. After careful consideration it has been concluded the only way to ensure that this doesn’t happen in the future is to replace the trees with a different type of tree, proposed to be birch.

In order to extract the existing trees with minimal damage to the surrounding paving, work would need to be completed in two phases. Subject to the outcome of consultation, Phase 1 would involve the removal of lime trees in spring 2024. This would be followed by the commissioning of works required to prepare the pits to take the replacement trees. The aim is to complete the replanting during the 24/25 planting season.

Anyone who has a view on the proposal to fell and replace the trees can leave their comments before 20 March 2024 by visiting SCC’s website www.surreysays.co.uk/environment-and-infrastructure/church-street-leatherhead. Comments may also be submitted in writing to:

Surrey County Council Highways Dept.
Merrow Complex
Merrow Lane
Merrow
Guildford
Surrey
GU4 7BQ

Steve Bax, Deputy Cabinet Member for Highways at SCCSteve Bax, Deputy Cabinet Member for Highways at SCC, said: “SCC and MVDC are working together to make improvements to Leatherhead town centre, including these proposed works to replace the lime trees with new birch trees. The birch trees will provide biodiversity in the town centre and also shade for the seating areas.”

Councillor Keira Vyvyan-Robinson, MVDC’s Cabinet Member for Property and Projects, said: “This is not a proposal that we are putting forward lightly, but one that we believe is in the best interest of our community. We recognise the significance of trees in enhancing our urban environment, and we are committed to ensuring that the replacement trees would continue to contribute positively to the public realm in Church Street. Notice of these proposed works has been registered with our Planning Service.”

Epsom & Ewell Council’s Local Plan: What You Need To Know

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council have created a new FAQ area of their website to give the public as much information as possible about the development of the borough’s Local Plan.

The Local Plan is a critical document in shaping the future of the borough. It covers a wide range of issues from creating jobs, environmental protection and leisure development, to sites for new homes and much-needed infrastructure improvements.

The council is following the government’s framework for developing a Local Plan, and no decisions have been made on policy wording or site selection for the Local Plan at this stage. The council is currently reviewing feedback received during the public consultation on the first draft of the Plan, and gathering further detailed evidence to help develop the Plan.

Once the evidence base is developed and complete, a recommendation will come to the Licensing and Planning Policy Committee (LPPC) on a proposed Plan that will include site allocations. LPPC will then make a recommendation to Full Council, and it is only at this stage that a council decision on the Local Plan will be made, which will then go forward to another six-week public consultation. This is expected to be in early 2025. The next version of the Local Plan will include a consultation statement which provides a summary of the main issues raised during the Draft Local Plan (Regulation 18) consultation, and how they have been taken into account.

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

“The development of our Local Plan is as complex as it is vital. We want to make sure that all those who live in, work in and visit the borough have access to the latest information about the Local Plan, to ensure that they are informed and to dispel rumours and myths about the Plan. We encourage everyone to take a look at the FAQs, either on our website or by coming in to the Town Hall and asking for a copy at reception.”

The Local Plan FAQs can be found on the council’s website at www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk/local-plan-faqs.

Members of the public can sign up to receive an alert for future consultations by completing the form at https://epsom-ewell.inconsult.uk/.

Event to mark 2nd Anniversary of the Invasion of Ukraine

Epsom & Ewell Refugee Network Commemorates the Second Anniversary of the start of the war in Ukraine and brings the community together in a display of support and solidarity with Ukrainian people living in and around Epsom.

Epsom & Ewell Refugee Network (EERN), together with Surrey Stands with Ukraine (SSWU), invite the community to join a special gathering on Saturday 24th February at 11am in the Market Place in Epsom, to mark the second anniversary of the start of the war in Ukraine. The event will feature the participation of the local Ukrainian choir, Renaissance, who will sing the Ukrainian National Anthem. There will also be an opportunity afterwards to talk to Ukrainians about the present situation in Ukraine and to volunteers from EERN and SSWU about how people in the Epsom & Ewell community can support Ukrainians here.

The Worshipful the Mayor of Epsom & Ewell, Councillor Rob Geleit, will be in attendance, recognising the significance of this occasion. The event aims to bring the community together in a display of support and solidarity with the Ukrainian people living in and around Epsom.

“We are deeply moved by the outpouring of support from the Epsom community for Ukrainian refugees,” said Jo Sherring, Epsom & Ewell Refugee Network Lead. “This gathering is an opportunity for us to stand together in solidarity with our Ukrainian friends and reaffirm our commitment to supporting them as they rebuild their lives.“

The gathering on 24th February will serve as a poignant reminder of the shared commitment to stand with Ukraine and all those affected by the conflict. The Ukrainian choir’s heartfelt singing of the Ukrainian National Anthem will be a touching tribute to the resilience and strength of the Ukrainian people.

“It is important for us to get together on this sad date to commemorate those who lost their lives in the war, to thank our supporters, defenders, volunteers, and the British people who gave shelter to us at these hard times for Ukraine.” said Nataliia Zadorizhna, pianist and director of the Renaissance choir who has been living in Ashtead with her 11 year old daughter since May 2022. “It is an enormous privilege to stay in the UK and to be surrounded by such noble, caring and generous people.”

Epsom has demonstrated remarkable support of Ukraine since the outbreak of the war, with numerous families opening their homes to Ukrainian refugees and donating large sums of money and goods for humanitarian relief. The community has rallied together, with many volunteers actively supporting and helping refugees integrate into the community.

All members of the Epsom community are warmly invited to attend this event, which will be a meaningful and united expression of support for the Ukrainian people. Let us come together as a community to show that Epsom stands strong in solidarity with those affected by the conflict in Ukraine.

Here is a look back at last year’s event.

About Epsom & Ewell Refugee Network (EERN)

Epsom & Ewell Refugee Network, founded in 2015, is a community-driven organization, working closely with Epsom & Ewell Borough Council. It is part of the charity Good Company (Surrey), and was founded on the principles of compassion, solidarity, and inclusivity. EERN supports refugees and asylum seekers in and around Epsom to develop the tools to rebuild their lives in their new community by providing guidance on employment opportunities, education, and cultural orientation, and through the provision of 45 hours a week of free English language lessons as well as support work and social activities. This grassroots programme has been instrumental in providing essential support, advocacy, and a sense of belonging to all refugees seeking sanctuary in the local area.

About Surrey Stands with Ukraine (SSWU)

At the beginning of the war in Ukraine, a group of British and Ukrainian friends from Epsom came together to establish a humanitarian relief project for Ukraine. SSWU supports the people of Ukraine both there and here in the UK by collecting and purchasing medical supplies and other urgent aid needed by those on the ground, and organising transport to deliver these supplies directly from Epsom to partner hubs in Ukraine. SSWU operates under the registered charity Harrop HR Missions Ltd. 100% of all donations go to support the people of Ukraine. No fees or wages are taken by SSWU volunteers or trustees.

At Last!!! Epsom & Ewell FC get full points away

Epsom & Ewell FC visited Camberley Town FC who beat them at home 42 days ago  5-0 in what was a chastening defeat for the club.  Epsom & Ewell were expecting another tough game, however, they dug deep and were about to record a 2-1 victory from a gritty and resilient performance from our team – Epsom & Ewell will need more of these performances as the season draws to a close.

Epsom & Ewell welcomed into the goalkeeper berth Faebian Witter who replaced Toby Colwill who was unwell; Faebian played very well and his goalkeeping skills belied his young age, it was an excellent debut performance.  Thompson Adjemi came back into midfield after missing out against Farnham Town in midweek after recovering from injury. Epsom & Ewell were missing Carl Obiltey through injury so TJ was put up front to lead the line.

In the opening exchanges, Epsom & Ewell were more than a match for their opponents on a pitch that was not conducive to playing free-flowing football.  It was a bit of a surprise when Epsom & Ewell went 1-0 down after a long throw-in that was not defended well.  However, Epsom & Ewell responded positively and drew level on the stroke of halftime through Ethan Nelson-Roberts who was on the end of a deep free kick into the Camberley defence which was not cleared and he was able to bundle the ball into the net.  HT 1-1.

As the second half began Epsom & Ewell were definitely in the ascendency and it was that man again who put them in front after great work from Sirak Negassi on the left wing who burst down the wing and crossed to TJ who then passed onto Ethan Nelson-Roberts to record Epsom & Ewell second goal, it was no more than they deserved.  With over 30 minutes to play Epsom & Ewell fully expected a Camberley onslaught but this never materialised and to be truthful they did not create many chances. Epsom & Ewell ended up seeing out the 9 minutes of injury time to record their first points in the league since just after Christmas.

This was an excellent result especially when the other results were known from the other teams in the relegation zone; there is still a lot more work to do but there is no doubt the team are playing very well and the future is very optimistic.

Epsom & Ewell return home to the Reg Madgwick stadium, Cobham on Saturday 24th Feb when they entertain Alton FC who are pushing for a play off place. If Epsom & Ewell play like they did against Camberley it should be a good game, why not come down and watch us? For details visit epsomandewellfc.co.uk

 Report by: Peter Mutton

Photos by: Gemma Jarman

Veteran Cars return to Surrey Countryside

Veteran Cars Gear Up For Another Superb Summer Run. Thursday 18 July 2024 confirmed for the curtain-raiser to the annual RM Sotheby’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run

The Royal Automobile Club is delighted to confirm that this year’s eagerly-anticipated Summer Veteran Car Run will make a welcome return on Thursday 18 July.

The date was announced on the RM Sotheby’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run stand at this week’s Retromobile classic car show in Paris, where the Veteran Car Run team is engaging with many of the historic event’s European participants.

The jolly single-day Summer Run was established in 2022 to provide owners of pioneering pre-1905 vehicles with an opportunity to enjoy their cars in the run-up to the annual RM Sotheby’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run which, as tradition dictates, takes place on the first Sunday in November.

Having proven so popular with participants, the 2024 Summer Run will once again be based at the Club’s Woodcote Park clubhouse, 350 acres of wonderful countryside adjacent to the Epsom Downs in Surrey.

The magnificent veteran cars will assemble on the Cedar Lawn for morning refreshments before a leisurely departure onto the quieter roads of rural Surrey and Sussex heading for a pit stop and a well-earned lunch in a secluded location.

Afterwards, participants can enjoy a gentle return run to Woodcote Park for high tea followed by a light-hearted concours with unusual judging criteria followed by the prize-giving. The day’s proceedings will conclude with alfresco drinks (weather permitting!), before the Club’s Executive Head Chef serves a summer feast in the historic Motor House surrounded by the Club’s heritage vehicle collection.

The unique appeal and significance of the London to Brighton Run regularly attracts more than 400 entries from all over the world. However, the Summer Run is open to just 30 petrol, steam or even electric pioneers, and July’s showpiece is certain to attract another full capacity of truly remarkable machines, all dating back 120 years to the dawn of motoring.

Ben Cussons, Chairman of the Royal Automobile Club“The Summer Run has proved to be a wonderful warm-up for the RM Sotheby’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run and now is firmly established as one of the most enjoyable highlights on our calendar,” confirmed Ben Cussons, Chairman of the Royal Automobile Club.

“The warmer weather of the Summer Run provides participants with a much more relaxed and sociable gathering at Woodcote Park, as well as a fabulous opportunity for veteran car owners to ready themselves and their cars for the main event later in the year. The camaraderie is exceptional and an ever-evolving route through the winding country roads will not only be enjoyed by the intrepid drivers and their passengers but also by those watching such a wonderful display of moving history.”

Full details of both the Summer Veteran Car Run and the 2024 RM Sotheby’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run on Sunday 3 November are available at the event website at www.veterancarrun.com.

Take a look at our video below from 2022

The 2024 Route

Summer Run

Take a look back at the event in 2022 by clicking on our video below. 

Witness appeal following accident on M25

Witness appeal following a serious collision on the M25

Investigators are appealing for witnesses following a serious collision on the M25 which has left one man with life threatening injuries and two others in hospital.

The collision happened between Junction 8 and 7 on the M25 anti-clockwise carriageway at around 11.45pm last night (8 February) and involved two BMWs.

Emergency services, including the air ambulance, attended the scene and three men have been taken to hospital.

The anti-clockwise carriageway was initially fully closed as work was carried out to gather evidence, remove debris from the carriageway, recover the vehicles and repair the roadside barrier.

At this point, two lanes remain closed whilst National Highways continue to fix the roadside barrier.

Detective Sergeant Rosie Newman, from Surrey Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “This was a serious collision with multiple casualties which also caused significant traffic disruption this morning. I would like to thank the public for their patience whilst emergency services and Highways worked at the scene to help those involved.”

If you have any information which may relate to this incident, including any dashcam footage, please get in touch as soon as possible quoting SYP-20240208-0868 via:

– Webchat on their website https://www.surrey.police.uk/
– Online https://www.surrey.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/
– Calling them on 101

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

Murder investigation launched in Epsom

A murder investigation has been launched following the death of a man in Epsom

A murder investigation has been launched following the death of a man at a residential address in Epsom yesterday (7 February).

Officers were called to Eleanor Avenue at 9pm following a concern for safety of a 47-year-old man. South East Coast Ambulance Service attended but the man was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. His family has been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.

A 44-year-old man from Epsom was arrested last night on suspicion of murder. He remains in custody.

An investigation, led by Surrey Police and Sussex Police’s Major Crime Team, is underway to establish the circumstances of the man’s death and enquiries remain ongoing.

Senior Investigating Officer DCI Craig Emmerson said: “The investigation is in the early stages and a specialist team of officers are working around the clock to follow up enquiries. At this time I can share that we believe this is an isolated incident which poses no risks to the wider public.

“Our thoughts are with the victim’s family at this difficult time. There remains a significant police presence in the area and we would like to thank local residents for their cooperation as we conduct our investigation. We will provide further updates as soon as we can.”

If you have any information which may relate to this incident, including any dashcam, CCTV or doorbell footage or any information which may help them, please get in touch as soon as possible quoting PR/ 45240015016 via:

– Webchat on their website https://www.surrey.police.uk/
– Online https://www.surrey.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/
– Calling us them 101 

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