Month: March 2024

Fast Track Planning Application Service to be launched

Fast Track Planning Application Service to be launched by Epsom & Ewell Borough Council

From 1 April 2024, applicants submitting certain planning applications in Epsom & Ewell will be able to choose to ‘fast track’ their application.

Developed to meet customer demands, the new optional service will be helpful to applicants who have a builder waiting to start work, or who need building work to start or finish by a certain date. Applicants will be able to pay to have their planning applications determined more quickly than the statutory eight-week period.

The types of applications that can be fast-tracked are:

  • Householder Applications – for instance, those required for extending homes e.g. building a single storey rear extension, or front porch.
  • Certificate of Lawful Development Proposed (Householder) – an application to show that the work you are proposing to do to a house is a ‘permitted development’ and therefore doesn’t need a formal application.  Sometimes you will need a certificate of this nature when you sell a house.

The fast-track fee is £350 for a Householder Application and £150 for a Lawful Development Certificate and is paid to the council, in addition to the usual cost of submitting a planning application.

Councillor Steve McCormick, Chair of the Licensing and Planning Committee, said,

“We are incredibly proud of our Planning department who in the last year, have overcome significant challenges to go from being one of 10 UK council teams performing below an expected threshold of 70% for minor/other applications, to well exceeding national targets. It is brilliant that Epsom & Ewell Borough Council can now facilitate a service which will meet an obvious need for many residents wishing to progress building projects within the borough.

“I hope that this will ease stress for many people working to tight timelines for their builds.”

Applicants can learn more about the service and apply by visiting the council’s dedicated webpage: Fast Track Service | Epsom and Ewell Borough Council (epsom-ewell.gov.uk)

Please Note: Due to the complexities involved, applicants cannot currently fast track applications for listed buildings.

5 tips for reducing waste this Easter 

Easter is on the horizon, and those who celebrate will be looking forward to consuming a large amount of chocolate eggs and other sweet treats – but the popularity of the holiday means that it’s no surprise that Easter is one of the most wasteful times of the year.   

In fact, according to Business Waste, Easter celebrations produce more than 9,600 tonnes of cardboard waste and over 4,000 tonnes of plastic waste in the UK each year – and that’s not even including the waste from cards, wrapping paper, and leftover foods. 

Thankfully, there are ways to have a greener Easter this year. Ian Cowley, MD, founder of Cartridge Save, has compiled his top tips for reducing waste this Easter and enjoying the holiday in a more sustainable fashion. Making a few simple changes could go a long way in protecting the environment, and it will likely save some money too. 

Choose eggs with recyclable packaging 

More chocolate eggs use cardboard rather than plastic in their packaging these days, which is better for the environment. Opting for eggs that come in recyclable packaging is the much more sustainable alternative, and there’s a vast range of these eggs to choose from, so your selections won’t be limited to just a few options.  

Make sure to recycle any cardboard, structured plastic, and foil found in Easter egg packaging. All recycled waste must be clean for it to be accepted, so remember to give it a rinse or a wipe down if necessary. 

If you can, avoid chocolate eggs that include extra chocolate that is wrapped or bagged in non-recyclable plastic. Many eggs will come with extras inside the egg instead of extra packaging. For other chocolate treats, avoid bags with individually wrapped chocolates, e.g. creme eggs – instead, buy those with loose, unwrapped chocolates, such as mini eggs.  

Try baking your own sweet treats 

Of course, chocolate eggs aren’t the only thing that many of us indulge in at Easter. There are multitudes of other sweet treats that consumers flock to. Treats such as cakes, hot cross buns, and chocolate nests are staples of the season. If you can, making these yourself can be both good for the environment and incredibly satisfying.  

Baking with family over the holiday can double as both an Easter activity and a way to have delicious Easter treats without lots of waste.  

If you enjoy baking and have the means or time to get creative, consider making your own chocolate eggs with a reusable mould. You can buy large chocolate bars to melt – ideally those wrapped in paper, foil, or other recyclable packaging – to use in a recipe. There are also plenty of other quick and easy recipes that you can try, such as chocolate nests and hot cross buns. 

These can save you money by avoiding overpriced sore-bought versions and instead buying the affordably priced individual ingredients. They may also be a healthier choice, as you can control the ingredients that go into homemade treats and avoid any artificial additives, preservatives, or other food processing.  

If you’re baking or cooking over Easter, try to practice tips you would throughout the year to avoid waste. Only buy what you need, portion meals, and eat any leftovers or incorporate them into a new meal. Additionally, compost anything that doesn’t get eaten or goes off. Aim to compost any real eggshells, for example, instead of just throwing them in the bin. 

Opt for good quality, reusable decorations 

If you’re someone who likes to decorate your home at Easter, be sure to avoid disposable decorations. These can be incredibly wasteful if made of plastic and will only be used for a brief period. Paper or card decorations are a good disposable option as these can be recycled. You can also buy decorations that are good quality and can be reused for years to come. This will prevent you from creating more waste and will save you money in the long run as you won’t have to buy new decorations next time around. 

One way to get involved is by making your own paper decorations, such as paper bunnies, paper eggs, paper baskets, paper flowers, paper chains or bunting. These can be recycled, will require minimal spending and can be a fun activity, especially for children. You could even use old Easter cards to make decorations or get creative with chocolate egg boxes. Additionally, using real plants or flowers to decorate your surroundings can create a beautiful spring-like atmosphere. 

If you feel limited by your options or want something different, consider swapping your decorations with friends and family. That way, you can switch things up and feel like you have something new without consuming more products or creating more waste.  

If you have children that want to dress up, make sure to donate their costumes or pass them on after the holiday season is over, or once they’ve grown out of them and can’t wear them again. 

Be mindful when sending cards or gifts – and consider digital options 

Easter cards are a tradition for many, but in the digital age, you should consider whether sending them is necessary. It’s ideal to reduce the number of cards you send, especially for people you see often. You can always send a text, social media message or e-card, all of which will produce no waste. 

Simple cards with no glitter or other embellishments like bows are the best option if you insist upon sending physical cards. When in doubt, look for FSC labelled cards, as these will meet a certain production sustainability standard and may be made from recycled materials as well as being recyclable themselves. Think about making your own DIY Easter cards using supplies you already have – this can also double as a festive activity, especially for children. You could even do this by reusing any old Easter cards you have and cutting them up to make new cards. 

As for gifts, avoid novelty items that the recipients won’t care about once the holiday is over, e.g. cheap toys – or consider purchasing second-hand or obtaining unwanted toys from family. Mugs can be a good gift idea as they will be reused. Maybe opt for an Easter-themed one, such as spring colours or patterns, as opposed to something too obviously festive that won’t be used throughout the rest of the year. 

Select recyclable wrapping paper when giving gifts, or better yet, give them unwrapped in a reusable gift bag. If you want to go completely waste-free, gifting someone a virtual gift card can be a great option and will let them choose their own gift, avoiding any unwanted purchases. 

Plan zero-waste Easter entertainment 

If you’re hosting a party or want to provide some Easter entertainment, it’s a great idea to organise a zero-waste Easter egg hunt. For this, you can use reusable wooden eggs, make eggs using spare paper or card, or buy foil-wrapped chocolate eggs, which you can rinse and recycle when you’re done. Recyclable arts and crafts can be a fun way to involve children in the making of paper decorations or costumes, ideally using art supplies you already own or good-quality art supplies you can reuse for a long time. 

Play games that are waste-free or low-waste – egg and spoon races or egg relay races could use reusable wooden eggs. Alternatively, create an Easter bingo, or make a pin the bunny tail game out of paper. Think about how you can put an Easter spin on games you already own and play. Easter-themed quizzes are a low-waste option that can be thoroughly enjoyable. These will only require a pen and paper, or even better, could be done entirely digitally.  

“An Easter-themed movie night could be perfect for low-waste entertainment. Streaming services or DVDs can provide hours of entertainment and classic movies like Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory are great for keeping to the festive theme.” commented Ian Cowley, MD, founder of Cartridge Save. 

“Ultimately, prioritise experiences and quality time with friends and family over the holiday. Many activities don’t require any extra spending and won’t produce any waste but will still guarantee an enjoyable time with your loved ones.” 

Article by https://www.cartridgesave.co.uk/

Chinthurst Hosts Staff and Parent Neurodiversity Workshops

Chinthurst hosts staff and parent workshops with acclaimed neurodiversity expert 

Chinthurst were delighted to welcome leading behaviour and learning specialist, Fintan O’Regan, for an enlightening day of workshops and talks for children staff and parents dedicated to understanding neurodiversity as part of Neurodiversity Week.

There is no doubt that everyone’s learning styles differ. Understanding and accommodating these difference is an important part of helping children to reach their potential as well as promoting inclusivity within a school community. Fintan O’Regan is a well respected expert in learning and behaviour and tours the country delivering workshops that support schools and families to bring out the very best in their children whatever their neurological diversity.

His visit to Chinthurst consisted of a full day of bespoke workshops and talks for the whole school community. It kicked off with special assemblies tailored to different age groups. First, the older children in Years 5 and 6 were treated to an insightful session followed by a similarly engaging presentation for the younger children in Years 2, 3, and 4. Staff benefitted from in-depth tailored workshops, observations and strategy clinics throughout the day, which culminated in a special presentation for parents in the evening.

During the assemblies with the children, Fintan initiated the exploration of neurodiversity by simplifying the term as “brain differences,” drawing parallels with biodiversity in nature. Through relatable examples like the hummingbird and chameleon, he illustrated how diversity manifests in various species, laying the groundwork for understanding human neurodiversity. In his assemblies, Fintan reminded the children of common neurodiversity labels such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). By explaining the traits associated with these conditions, he helped the children to understand how individuals with neurodiverse profiles perceive and interact with the world. The sessions were not only informative but also interactive, with activities like the Stroop test challenging children to grasp the cognitive variances experienced by neurodiverse individuals first-hand.

The children at Chinthurst enjoyed an energised assembly with Fintan O'Regan

One of the key takeaways from the assemblies was the emphasis on fostering empathy and understanding. Discussions on friendship highlighted the importance of acceptance and support, reinforcing the notion that differences in cognition do not hinder meaningful connections. Central to Fintan’s message was the idea of seeing beyond labels and recognising the unique qualities of each individual. By encouraging the children to perceive their peers as individuals first, he emphasised the importance of celebrating diversity and appreciating the strengths that lie within neurodiversity. Fintan concluded the assemblies by underscoring the significance of being an “upstander” rather than a “bystander”, encouraging the children to advocate for inclusivity, to understand the difference between teasing, taunting and bullying and to speak out against bullying.

During the evening session with parents, Fintan offered an in-depth exploration of neurodiversity and neurodivergence, expanding upon the topics covered in his earlier assemblies for the benefit of the parents. He explained how our brains naturally exhibit diversity from individual to individual, emphasising that we all fall within the spectrum of neurodiversity. Delving into neurodivergent terminology such as SPLD, ASD, ADHD, ODD, and PDA, he discussed their respective traits, identifiable signs, and approaches for managing behaviours associated with these conditions. Fintan also delved into various parenting styles, attitudes, and strategies, offering insights into mood regulation and emotional intelligence. He shared practical tips on homework management and highlighted the advantages of utilising computers in education. The presentation encompassed topics ranging from assertive communication and active listening to emotional resilience and essential skills for future success, providing parents with numerous valuable insights.

Cathy Trundle head of ChinthurstChinthurst Head, Cathy Trundle said, “The workshops throughout the day not only provided invaluable insights into neurodiversity but also instilled a sense of empathy and acceptance amongst the children. By equipping them with knowledge and understanding, we are fostering a culture of inclusivity where every individual is valued for their unique perspective and contributions. As Chinthurst continues to champion diversity and inclusion, the impact of workshops like these extends far beyond the classroom, shaping attitudes and fostering a more compassionate society. With this approach, Chinthurst is not just educating minds but also nurturing hearts, paving the way for a more empathetic and inclusive future”.

Two Teenagers From Ewell Arrested After High Speed Chase

Two teenagers have been charged with multiple offences following a pursuit in Epsom & Ewell on Saturday 16th March, which involved Surrey and Met Police officers as well as the police helicopter. The pursuit was authorised around 1.30am after a moped was spotted which was believed to have been involved in an incident earlier that day where a man was threatened with a machete. 
 
The moped was brought to a stop and two people were arrested.
Charlie Tate Butler, 18, of Ewell, and a 17-year-old from Ewell, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, were charged with affray, two counts of possessing a bladed article in a public place, going equipped for theft of a motor vehicle, two counts of possessing criminal property, dangerous driving, failing to stop, driving a motor vehicle otherwise than in accordance with a licence and using a motor vehicle on a road/public place without third party insurance.
 
Both of them appeared at Guildford Magistrates’ Court on Monday 18th March, where Butler was remanded in custody to appear for a plea and trial preparation hearing at Guildford Crown Court on 18 April.
 
The 17-year-old pleaded guilty to all the offences and was released on conditional bail and will be electronically monitored. He will be sentenced at Guildford Magistrates’ Court on 17 April.
 
Information from Surrey Police
Image of the damaged moped from Met Police
 

From Vapid to Victorious as Sutton & Epsom Secure Status

Having lost to the basement boys of London Cornish, the Exiles gaining their first win on the road for over a year, Sutton supporters arrived at Rugby Lane with a sense of mild trepidation. Could the proverbial lightning revisit with the arrival of eleventh-placed Cobham who had lost their last eleven matches. For those fearing that the wheels had come off the Black & White charabanc it appears, on Saturday’s evidence, to have passed its MOT and was in perfect working order as the team ran in a magnificent seven tries for an emphatic 49-13 triumph. The victory mathematically secured Sutton & Epsom’s position in Level 6. 

Freddy Bunting kicked off into the breeze and initiated a period of high tempo attacking rugby that saw his team living in the Cobham 22 for the majority of the opening 15 minutes. The visitors defended impressively none more so than when from a tapped 5-metre penalty Josh Glanville was held up over the line by a superb tackle. Having had all of the game Sutton conceded the first points when, on their first sortie into the S&E half, Jonathan Holmes kicked a penalty for a 3-0 lead. A few minutes later and the Black & Whites received a second dose of unpalatable medicine as Holmes made it 6-0.

It was at this stage the classic debate of whether to kick for points or seek greater rewards was raging amongst the crowd. The hosts approach was to turn down every kick at goal and seek the higher tariff score. In the course of the first period they were to reject many kicks with several in front of the uprights. Finally on the half hour their bravery was rewarded. The ball went wide and Lawrence Elliott, running a superb line, broke through and using all of his strength powered over. Freddy Bunting splendidly bisected the uprights for a 7-6 lead. Cobham’s attempt to regain the lead with a third penalty failed as the first period neared its conclusion.

Approaching time added on Cobham were reduced to 14 when Mr Priddle issued a yellow card to blindside Max Hales who departed as a result of the cumulative effect of infringements in the 22. Sutton went for the tap penalty and it was the redoubtable Alex Mount who stretched out to secure the try. Freddy Bunting added the simple conversion for a 14-6 lead. The restart is often the most dangerous moment and the Black & Whites conceded a penalty but the visitors attempts to secure a platform to attack the Sutton line faltered and the referee blew for half-time. S&E had a vital 14-6 lead with a man advantage to take into the second period with the wind behind them.

Sutton and Epsom

The Rugby Lane team pressed hard to extend their lead in the opening exchanges of the second half attempting to benefit from their numerical and meteorological advantages. The Bunting boot put his team in the 22. Cobham survived for ten minutes before hooker Chris Farrell collected his sixth try of the campaign. Captain Bunting made it three out of three as Sutton led 21-6. The visitors then showed the fighting spirit one would expect from a team teetering on the brink of relegation. Awarded a penalty in the 22 they tapped and went. Sutton had failed to retreat and they repeated the option with captain and scrum-half Ryan Saunders scoring. Jonathan Holmes converted to put Cobham back in the hunt trailing 13-21.

Barely had the inspiring words of encouragement of a comeback drifted on the wind and Cobham were standing behind their posts awaiting another Sutton conversion. From the restart Dan Jones gathered the ball from a ruck outside the visitors’ 22 and exploited a gap to streak away for the try. With the extras S&E led 28-13 and had secured their try bonus point. That score thoroughly demoralised the men from the Memorial Ground as it inspired the Rugby Lane XV. The game entered the final quarter and the hosts provided their faithful fans with their most exhilarating rugby seen at home this season.

Sensible tactical kicking by half-backs Munford and Lennard kept the hosts on the attack. A wonderful break from Tom Lennard at 10 looked certain to lead to a try but he was felled by a tap tackle close to glory. The crowd did not have to wait long for try Number 5. The ball went to the opposite flank and a training ground routine was executed to perfection from a lineout. The ball was secured, the line-break made and the overlap exploited as Ciaran Mohr strolled in at the corner. Freddy Bunting made light of the testing conversion for 35-13.

Try number six again owed its success to repetition on cold winter nights. A 5-metre lineout was secured and the pack advanced forward to provide Rob Hegarty with his eighth try of the season. It was a fitting reward for the quality of the lineout from the triumvirate of McTaggart, Pulvirenti and Glanville who had given Sutton an excellent platform all afternoon. With a degree of inevitably Freddy Bunting converted and it was 42-13. For the first time this season at Rugby Lane the home crowd could enjoy a relaxing conclusion to a match. Previous contests might have been thrilling for the neutral observer but had provided far too much anxiety. Cobham attempted to end on a high point and looked destined to secure an otiose try. However a wayward pass bounced into the grateful hands of Angus Findlay who sped away from his own 22 for his first 1st XV league try. Freddy Bunting completed a perfect afternoon with the boot and the match concluded with Sutton & Epsom enjoying a resounding 49-13 win.

Apart from the security of success it was a red-letter day for two of the Sutton side. Steve Munford in playing his 215th league match for the club surpassed Steve Warnham’s total and lies second to the 251-game Sam Frost. Meanwhile, with his first successful kick of the afternoon, Freddy Bunting broke Sam Hurley’s 2015-6 record of 208 points in a league season. It was a redemptive afternoon for the skipper after he had appeared to have supped at the river Lethe on his last outing. Sutton & Epsom may be breathing easier but carnivorous creatures circle the Cobham carrion as descent into the abyss of Level 7 seems probable after Gravesend’s victory over Beckenham. With the ‘Jersey Reprieve’ there will be the incongruous site of Cobham supporters googling the results of Chosen Hill FP, Kirkby Lonsdale and Old Crossleyans in the weeks to come. Next Saturday S&E enjoy their last away day of the campaign with a first visit to Horn Park since January 2007 to take on Old Colfeians who they defeated 21-17 in December.

Sutton and Epsom

Sutton & Epsom
O’Brien, Huie, Elliott, Bunting ©, Findlay, Lennard, Munford, Mount, Farrell, Gibson, Glanville, McTaggart, Jones, Pulvirenti & Hegarty.
Replacements: Boaden, Tame & Mohr.

Cobham
Penfold, Springett, Boswell, Burnett, Yorke, Holmes, Saunders ©, Aujla, Muirhead, Bliss, Westgarth-Taylor, Farmer, Hales, Blackwood & Porter.
Replacements: Nunn, Keefe & O’Connor.

Match Report: John Croysdill
Photos by: Robin Kennedy

To keep up to date with everything going on nat Sutton & Epsom RFC visit their website at https://www.suttonrugby.co.uk/

 

Get your kids active with FREE local activities this Spring!

Do you know about the free weekly activities on offer for kids and teenagers in Surrey? 

The Specsavers Surrey Youth Games offers fun, local activities for 6-8 weeks after Easter – almost 1000 kids take part every year!

Children and teens aged 7-16 can take advantage of weekly training local to them in 9 Boroughs and Districts across Surrey. Children are eligible if they live or go to school in the borough or district they are being booked onto. (Please note, activities aren’t currently running in Tandridge or Surrey Heath.)

The free activities include Dance, Judo, Street Basketball, Boccia, Girls Touch Rugby, Tennis, a Row, Bike, Run challenge and more!

It’s all about letting kids who are beginners have a go, and each friendly coach has been handpicked to be supportive of young people.

Just visit the Active Surrey website at https://bit.ly/3OFQIbH and enter your postcode to see what’s on.

Why families love the Specsavers Surrey Youth Games

“My daughter absolutely LOVED every week from the first time.” – Parent

“My son looked forward to attending every session.” – Parent

“The other kids are all really nice. I’ve made friends I didn’t know before.” – Charlie, 12

Why’s it important?

“9 out of 10 children who took part in the Specsavers Surrey Youth Games last year said they were happier for doing so and their confidence had been boosted”, said Lil Duggan, MD of Active Surrey.

She added, “The cost-of-living crisis has exacerbated the challenges faced by Surrey’s children, making it even more crucial for families to have access to free, fun and local activities.”

Places are limited, so sign up now! For Details CLICK HERE

 

Free Training For Surrey Youth Games in Epsom & Ewell

The Specsavers Surrey Youth Games is back! Following on from the success of the games last year, a wide range of activities are available in Epsom & Ewell again, including tennis, judo, swimming and more. The Games are the largest multi-sport youth programme of their kind in the South East, offering free local training for 7-16 year olds across Surrey, leading to a final celebratory event for the whole family.

The Games are ideal for beginners who may not get the opportunity to attend clubs or are put off by the thought of competing against others. Supportive coaches will help participants join in, have fun, learn new skills, and boost their confidence.

Registration is now open for the free training sessions which start after Easter and are aimed at those who live or go to school in the borough. Following the training, teams can unite for a family-friendly event at the Surrey Sports Park in Guildford on Saturday 15 June.

Councillor Clive Woodbridge, Chair of the Community and Wellbeing Committee, said “I’m so pleased that we are running the Specsavers Surrey Youth Games in Epsom & Ewell again this year. The initiative provides a fantastic opportunity for young people who are still building their confidence in sport to access training free of charge.

“I hope that everyone in our borough will take a look at what’s on offer and even tell friends and family about the initiative, so that we can ensure that as many children as possible can access the training.”

You can find out what’s on offer in the Epsom & Ewell borough and register for a place by visiting www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk/syg

Specsavers Surrey Youth Games is coordinated by Active Surrey in association with Borough and District councils in Surrey who provide free training, plus a range of local and national governing bodies.

Each year, The Games are welcomed back to the world-class facilities at Surrey Sports Park in Guildford

Surrey’s Feastyfest Shares First Programme Details.

Surrey’s Feastyfest shares its first programme details as the event expands to two days. The event in Cheam Park on the 7th & 8th September 2024 will feature World champion chilli eaters, a full music line-up, live wrestling and over 100 traders for the family food festival.

Independent Surrey food & drink festival FeastyFest have shared details of this year’s programme as the much-loved family-friendly festival announce their event will take place over two days this year. A weekend of the best food, music and entertainment for all ages in the heart of Surrey, FeastyFest exists to provide families with an amazing but affordable festival experience while creating a platform for the area’s phenomenal food & drink producers.

Leading this announcement are music headliners and euro-pop icons Vengaboys who join the incredible live-experience of The House and Garage Orchestra at the top of the bill. Joining them on FeastyFest’s main stage are some of the best party, tribute and original bands from across the country including The Dolly Parton Experience, Strictly UB40, Club Tropicana, The Dunwells, Ska Wars, All New Blues & Soul Revue and much more.

Vengaboys at Surrey's feastyfest

With fun and affordable entertainment for all-ages at the heart of the festival’s offering, FeastyFest have also shared a huge number of sports, performances and activities taking place on-site including Water Wars, Bushcraft, Bezerkaz Circus, BEW Wrestling Live, Skate School, Yoga Tots, Tree Climbing, Live storytelling and lots more taking place across the weekend, with most activities free to access for all attendees.

With over 100 traders street food, produce and other traders set to attend the festival this year, FeastyFest have shared the first look at this years food & drink programme with League Of Fire’s world champion chilli eating competition taking centre stage alongside Cocktail Masterclasses, Gin Tasting, Live Chef Demos, Wine Tasting, VIP Bar and the inaugural Golden Yorkie Roast Awards with more still to come.

Launched in 2018 by local event professionals looking to create a brilliant but affordable event for their hometown, FeastyFest has grown into Surrey’s largest independent food festival, attracting thousands of attendees from across the region.

Surrey's Feastyfest

With an absolutely huge programme covering everything from live-cooking demos, chilli eating competitions, wrestling, sports and a full music line-up on the main stage, the team behind FeastyFest hope to offer a cost-of-living busting festival experience with adult tickets priced from just £22 per day with under 12’s going absolutely free.

As a not-for-profit festival, FeastyFest is committed to supporting initiatives in their local community via their Feasty Community Projects. Supporting both local charities and individuals, Feasty Community Projects has financially supported initiatives including days out for families of children with complex needs, Christmas dinners for the elderly in sheltered housing where government funding has been removed, a Secret Santa for struggling families in the community and life-changing mobility items essential to people’s jobs and careers.

FeastyFest will share its full programme in the coming months.

Tickets for FeastyFest 2024 are on sale now with Under 12’s going free

For Ticket Details Click Here

Surrey's Feastyfest

Announced today:

Music

The House and Garage Orchestra, Vengaboys, Kevin Davy White, Ska Wars, RPJ, All New Blues and Soul Revue, The Dunwells, The Dolly Parton Experience, Strictly UB40, Rockin The Joint, Mick Brown Club Tropicana, Corazon & more

Food & Drink

League of Fire – Chilli Eating Competition, Hot Pods Public Chilli Comp, Cocktail Masterclass, Gin Tasting, FeastyFest Kitchen – Live Chef Demo’s, Wine Tasting, VIP Area, Golden Yorkie Award and over 100 street food, produce and other traders

Activities

Water Wars, Swingball, Bushcraft, Bezerkaz Circus – Entertainment and Workshops, Outdoor Theatre, BEW Wrestling (live), Storytelling with the Fairy Bookmother, TicTac Skate School, Tree Climbing, Bouncy Castles, Bungee Run, Archery, Yoga Tots – Baby Zumba, ContaKids & Contact Improv, Arts and crafts, Wild About Britain and much more.

Tickets for FeastyFest 2024 are on sale now with Under 12’s going free

For Ticket Details Click Here

For More Information CLICK HERE

Surrey's FeastyFest

Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell celebrates 85 years

Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell (CAEE) is getting ready to celebrate 85 years of being at the heart of the community, providing free and impartial advice to those in need with a range of events over the next few months.

image of Lisa Davis, CEO of CA Epsom and Ewell,Lisa Davis, CEO of Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell, said: “We are planning some fun celebrations this year including a fundraising walk, a volunteer’s open day, a history project and a golf day to name a few. These events will raise awareness of our work in the local community and show our appreciation to our volunteers who give up their time with such strong commitment. We will also use these opportunities to fundraise to help ensure that we continue to be here for the community for the next 85 years.”

As one of the original 200 Citizens Advice branches established on 4 September 1939, CAEE helped many local people to trace family in the Forces, understand their entitlement to allowances and pensions and answered enquiries about lodgings after bomb damage.

Over the years, CAEE’s remit has increased to cover an array of issues – welfare benefits, housing, immigration, employment, family issues and general consumer issues. Each year it helps 2,500-3,000 people with over 8,000 different issues securing over £1 million for them in income.

Its specialist money advice team assists around 3000 people each year; and the mental health team helps over 150 people who are unable to access its service in the normal way. In addition, CAEE campaigns on issues that affects their clients by meeting with and influencing policy makers.

CAEE could not do its work without the 55+ volunteers who are the backbone of the service. Last year, CAEE saved the government and public services £1.2 million, and for every £1 invested in it, their clients benefited by £3.51.

For more information on our celebratory events, please visit www.caee.org.uk/85th-anniversary/ . If your workplace, organisation, or school would like to get involved in any of the events, then please email [email protected] .

For information and advice, contact Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell on Freephone 0808 278 7963 or visit https://www.caee.org.uk

We give people the knowledge and confidence they need to find their way forward – whoever they are, and whatever their problem.

Mole Valley Reports Progress Towards Climate Change Goals

On 19 March 2024, Mole Valley District Council’s (MVDC) Cabinet will be asked to note progress on the district’s Climate Change Action Plan. The report emphasises MVDC’s commitment to combatting climate change and outlines key achievements and future plans to reduce carbon emissions.

MVDC declared a Climate Emergency in June 2019 and pledged to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. A Climate Change Strategy, endorsed in October 2021, outlined initial actions to reduce the council’s carbon footprint and a target of reducing MVDC emissions to 2500 tonnes CO2e by 2025 has been set in March 2022. In the same year, MVDC adopted a sustainable procurement charter guiding the selection process for preferred bidders based on using environmentally friendly products, innovative technology, and flexible working methods.

The annual report provides an overview of progress made across four strategic priorities included in MVDC Climate Change Strategy:

  1. Priority 1: Reduce emissions from MVDC’s estate and operations:
  • Progress made on installing solar PV at Leatherhead Leisure Centre and LED lighting at Dorking Leisure Centre and Leatherhead Leisure Centre.
  • Structural surveys and re-procurements affected progress but initiatives like installing LED lighting and improving energy efficiency at Pippbrook House are underway.
  • Procurement of renewable energy contracts and environmentally friendly cleaning services signify MVDC’s dedication to sustainable practices.
  1. Priority 2: Reducing energy consumption and emissions:
  • Nearly completed installation of 90 EV charging points in MVDC-owned car parks and ongoing communication campaigns to promote energy efficiency.
  • Collaboration with Surrey County Council for sustainable transportation initiatives like Mole Valley Connect and measures to reduce taxi emissions.
Mole Valley Electric Vehicle Charging Point
  1. Priority 3: Reducing consumption of resources and waste:
  • Successful roll-out of food waste recycling in flats and efforts to promote water efficiency and recycling among residents and businesses.
  • Engagement with Action Surrey to provide energy efficiency guidance and grants for households.
  1. Priority 4: Supporting adaptation to climate change impacts:
  • Adoption of a Climate Change Adaptation Strategy and implementation of measures to address extreme heat and drought resilience.
  • Community engagement, conservation efforts, and partnerships to enhance resilience and biodiversity in Mole Valley.

The report also addresses MVDC’s carbon footprint and outlines plans for future action, including a review of the Action Plan to align with changing government policies and evolving targets.

Mole Valley Councillor Claire MalcomsonCouncillor Claire Malcomson, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Wellbeing said: “MVDC remains committed to combatting climate change and working towards achieving our net-zero targets. We’ve made significant progress since declaring a Climate Emergency in 2019 but there is still a lot to deliver and this is a journey that never stops. Changing government policies and evolving targets mean that our Action Plan needs to be constantly reviewed and sometimes – timelines and deliverables adjusted.

“Whilst I am pleased with the progress that is being made, I am cautious about the future. The impacts of climate change and the ability to moderate its acceleration are of course a global issue, but I am conscious that we need to plot a clearer path to net-zero taking advantage of every opportunity presented in all areas of MVDC’s operations.

We will continue to work diligently towards a greener, more sustainable future for Mole Valley and an updated Action Plan will be issued later this year.”

Mole Valley Councillor Rosemary HobbsCouncillor Rosemary Hobbs, Cabinet Member for Community Services added: “Recycling remains high on our agenda to support the Climate Change Action Plan by reducing the need to deal with residual waste. I’m delighted to see our recycling rates have now reached their highest level in 3 years. This is excellent progress, but we know we can capture more recycling from our residents, so let’s keep going!

“I’m also very proud of the results achieved during the food waste recycling rollouts to 1,768 flats in Mole Valley during August 2023. Post monitoring analysis has shown the biggest capture of food waste our partnership has ever had from a rollout – over 77kg/hh/yr of food waste was collected for recycling. These are fantastic results, and I would like to thank Surrey Environmental Partnership (SEP) and our residents for all their efforts.”