Month: June 2024

Wild Noises & Animal Voices

Wild Noises & Animal Voices: Britain’s Got Talent sensation Geneviève Côté comes to Chessington World Of Adventures

Chessington World of Adventures Resort has announced a new interactive wildlife-themed show like no other: ‘Wild Noises & Animal Voices’. Professional ‘noise maker’ and Britain’s Got Talent 2024 star, Geneviève Côté, will be joining families at the London theme park and zoo on 27 June 2024 to captivate guests with her incredible animal impressions. Making the journey all the way from Canada, Geneviève is gearing up to learn some new animal noises from some of Chessington’s zoo residents.

Many children’s toys and books focus on animal noises.. but roars and ribbits aren’t just fun and games. Imitating these simple sounds plays an important role in early speech and language development and can help to enhance children’s cognitive skills[1]. Parents can support their children by using animal sounds, whether in play or reading a book. And when children hear those animal noises in real life, in nature or at a zoo, it can help them develop a deeper understanding of the world.

So family favourite, Chessington World of Adventures, is inviting parents and children alike to level up their animal noises with a hands-on masterclass. Putting her unique vocal talents to the test, Geneviève will be barking along with the California Sea Lions, and working on her neigh with the Grévy’s Zebras. She will also be joined by zookeepers who will provide fascinating facts and insights about all the animals Geneviève mimics. It will be a fun and interactive experience the whole family will go wild for.

Guests can oink, chirp, and neigh their way through this one-of-a-kind event on 27 June 2024. Performances of Wild Noises & Animal Voices will take place throughout the day and are included in a day ticket, starting from £29 per person, with access to the theme park, zoo, and SEA LIFE Aquarium. For more information visit chessington.com.

Jack Stein and others at FeastyFest

JACK STEIN, DEAN EDWARDS, MIRA MANEK & MORE ANNOUNCED FOR FEASTYFEST LIVE DEMO KITCHEN. MICHELIN-STARRED CHEFS, MASTERCHEF FINALISTS AND BROADCASTING STARS TO APPEAR AT SURREY FESTIVAL 

Independent Surrey food & drink festival FeastyFest have announced a host of world-famous and award-winning chefs, who will be taking turns to cook up a storm in the live demo kitchen. 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 today’s announcement is familiar TV face and Chef Director of Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurants Jack Stein. As well as regularly appearing everywhere from the BBC’s Saturday Kitchen to Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch, Jack has also filmed several successful TV series himself, including Born to Cook: Jack Stein Down Under, Wine, Dine & Stein and Jack Stein: Inside The Box.

Jack Stein, Dean Edwards, Mira Manek & more announced for FeastyFest live demo kitchen. Michelin-starred chefs, MasterChef finalists and broadcasting stars to appear at Surrey FestivalJoining Stein at FeastyFest is Bristol-born Dean Edwards who burst onto the culinary scene after reaching second place in the BBC’s 2006 edition of Masterchef. Since then, Dean has become renowned for his cost-cutting, accessible and family-friendly recipes, not to mention his cheeky personality, as resident chef-demonstrator on ITV breakfast show Lorraine.

 

Also popping up in the demo kitchen is Jeremy Hollingsworth who, having cooked under culinary icons like Anton Mossiman and Marco Pierre White, became Chef Director of three acclaimed gastropubs in London. Having collected accolades such as TimeOut Gastro Pub of the Year 2005 and Yorkshire Life Neighbourhood Restaurant of the Year 2011 as well as gracing the Michelin Guide.

Elsewhere, inspired by the Gujarati flavours of her heritage, Mira Manek will be exploring the succulent secrets of her vegetarian and vegan Indian recipes that have featured in the likes of The Independent, Grazia and Waitrose Magazine, as well as on BBC Radio and in her latest book The Book of Chai, whilst highly-regarded private chef Renu Ballantine will be leading a masterclass in creating delicious, nutritionally balanced meals that champion local produce.

This lineup of some of the country’s finest chefs will be joining a full festival programme packed with music, sports, activities and much more for all ages. Previously announced for Feasty’s music euro-pop icons Vengaboys as well as the euphoric live-experience of The House and Garage Orchestra with The Dolly Parton Experience, Strictly UB40, Club Tropicana, The Dunwells, Ska Wars, All New Blues & Soul Revue and much more.

Already boasting an incredible array of independent and artisanal street food vendors, FeastyFest 24 have announce that the likes of Venezuelan Arepas from Avila, Korean Fried Chicken courtesy of Nimtoh, Oh My Dog’s infamous hot dogs and a double decker converted into a Fish and Chip Bus on wheels, will all be joining this unbeatable gathering of the very best local and international food.

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 year’s food & drink programme with League Of Fire’s world champion chilli eatingcompetition 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.

With a 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 £27.50 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.

Line Up For FeastyFest

Demo Kitchen

Jack Stein, Dean Edwards, Jeremy Hollingsworth, Mira Manek, Renu Ballantine

Food Traders

Bratwurst UK, Lisa’s Luscious Bakes, Wow Bao Club, Churros Ole, Barnyard Birds, Nimtoh, Churros Garcia, Street Food Spain, Tasty Affair Souvlaki, Tasty Affair Pizza, Ray’s Fusion Eats, Newdlez & co, Fish and Chip Bus, Greek Souvlaki, Angus Beef Burger, Hog Roast, Loaded Fries, Berlin Doner/German Sausage, Caribbean Hut, Uptown Flava, Oh My Dog, Rizz Events, Jaffna Kitchen, Meat and Bread, SoleLuna Pizza, The Chimney Baker, Baraka Falafel, Olivecorner, Avila

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, Bezerkas Circus, 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.

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

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Mike Quinton, FeastyFest founder said:

“While we’ve got activities for the whole family, loads of live music and so much more, FeastyFest is still a food festival at heart and we take so much pride in our demo kitchen and food programme. To have people like Jack Stein and Mira Ramek coming to FeastyFest to cook their amazing food and share their incredible skills and experience with our audience is such an exciting thing. Outside of that, we’re thrilled to share some of the incredible traders joining us at the festival this year. We really can’t wait!” 

Jack Stein photo by James Ram

Free 2024 Summer Holiday Activities for 0-16s!

Registrations Open for Free 2024 Summer Holiday Activities for 0-16s!

Mole Valley District Council is delighted to be working in partnership with sport and leisure organisations to offer a wide range of free indoor and outdoor activities for children this summer. From angling, skateboarding and golf, to art, bushcraft and dance, there are a multitude of activities available to keep your child active and entertained over the holiday period! Registrations have now opened, and registering early is strongly encouraged!

Taking place between 23 July and 1 September, free activity sessions covering sports, crafts, dancing, outdoor learning, music, and arts will be taking place in Dorking and Leatherhead. Leatherhead activities will take place at the Stockroom Society located in the Swan Centre, as well as Leatherhead Leisure Centre and Kingston Road Recreation Ground, while Dorking locations include Meadowbank Park, The Christian Centre, Dorking Sports Centre, High Ashurst, and St Joseph’s School. There will also be activities on King George Playing Fields, Chart Downs, North Holmwood, Bookham, Ashtead Rec and Nower Wood. Please visit the site for more details on locations.

Registrations Open for Free 2024 Summer Holiday Activities for 0-16s!

Choose one or more activities your child would like to take part in and register their place as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Registration deadline is Friday 19 July, but popular activities fill up fast. The sessions are all mixed with some activities available to all (0-16) and some age specific. For the full range of free summer holiday activities and to register visit: https://www.molevalley.gov.uk/holidayactivities.

Rachel O’Reilly, Executive Head of Service (Community) at Mole ValleyRachel O’Reilly, Executive Head of Service (Community) at Mole Valley District Council said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for children in Mole Valley to enjoy themselves indoors as well as outdoors this summer in a safe, supervised, and fun environment. The range of options include a number of brand-new activities introduced this year! Don’t delay, register your child’s place now! It is so important for young people’s health that they keep active and sociable, and these sessions will be a great way to make new friends while having fun. Visit our website for more information.”

Registrations Open for Free 2024 Summer Holiday Activities for 0-16s!

Man jailed for burglary in West Ewell

A man has been jailed for 18 months after he was interrupted burgling a house in West Ewell. 

It was lunchtime on Monday, 11 March. A retired husband and wife had just returned home from their morning shop and were unloading their bags from the car. As he went to unlock the garage, she went into the house…and saw a figure bent over at the foot of the stairs. An intruder was in their home.

Having been disturbed, the burglar fled from the back of the house onto the street, where the husband gave chase, shouting for help. Passersby rushed to assist the couple, two joining the pursuit, and others helping the wife to gather items from their home that the burglar had dropped as he ran.

The burglar fought with the husband and a passerby on the driveway and in the street before he finally got away.

On Wednesday, 20 March, 42-year-old Dean Woodhouse was arrested, having been identified through CCTV and mobile phone footage captured at the scene by witnesses. He was also later linked to the victims’ home by DNA from a beer can left in the scene.

He was arrested wearing the same Fred Perry jacket that he was seen wearing in mobile phone footage and CCTV from the burglary.

Woodhouse, (21/10/1981) of Sutton, pleaded guilty to burglary and assault by beating. On Thursday, 13 June he was sentenced at Guildford Crown Court to 18 months’ imprisonment and ordered to pay a victim surcharge.

PC Brown, the investigating officer, said: “The success of this investigation would not have been possible without the bravery and intuition of the victims and passersby who, without thought for their own safety, rushed to the homeowners’ aid and captured vital videos and images of the suspect that led to Woodhouse’s early identification and arrest.

“I personally would like to thank all those that assisted the victims that day, which has led to the successful conviction of Woodhouse.

“Burglary is such an invasive crime, and to find someone in your home when simply returning from doing some shopping must have been terrifying for the victims. I hope that they can feel that bit safer in the knowledge that Woodhouse is now behind bars. Surrey Police are committed to thoroughly investigating burglary and will continue to target offenders like Woodhouse and bring them to justice.”

Swan Centre and Bull Hill Consultation

New Dates Announced for the Swan Centre and Bull Hill Consultation

Due to the forthcoming general election, The Leret Partnership (the Transform Leatherhead joint venture partnership between Mole Valley District Council and Kier Property) announced a postponement of the public consultation on the emerging proposals for the Swan Centre and Bull Hill.

The Leret Partnership (the Transform Leatherhead joint venture partnership between Mole Valley District Council and Kier Property) has now announced new dates for the public consultation on the emerging proposals for the Swan Centre and Bull Hill.

The new dates are:

Thursday 11 July 2024, 4pm – 7pm at The Jam Place, Hamilton House, Regent’s Park, 299 Kingston Rd, Leatherhead KT22 7FP.

Saturday 13 July 2024, 9:30am – 1pm at The Swan Centre (Unit 3, formerly Clinton Cards), Leatherhead KT22 8AH.

Tuesday 16 July 2024, 10am – 2pm at The Swan Centre (Unit 3, formerly Clinton Cards), Leatherhead KT22 8AH.

Tuesday 16 July 2024, 6pm an online event on Zoom – please visit theleretpartnership.co.uk to register.

Saturday 20 July 2024, 9:30am – 1:30pm at The Jam Place, Hamilton House, Regent’s Park, 299 Kingston Rd, Leatherhead KT22 7FP.

The consultation closes at 23:59 on Monday 16 September 2024.

Updates and (from 8 July 2024) consultation material will be published on The Leret Partnership website.

25 years policing The Derby at Epsom Downs

This weekend, Surrey Police successfully completed its policing operation for The Derby at Epsom Downs.

Officers and staff from Surrey Police and Sussex Police helped to keep the public safe during the two-day event (31 May and 1 June), one of its largest policing operations of the year. They worked alongside The Jockey Club’s event security to ensure that everyone was able to enjoy the event safely and to prevent criminality.

This year’s event was attended by His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Camilla on Ladies Day, who were able to enjoy the event alongside tens of thousands of people across the two days.

A number of specialist teams were on hand to make sure that the event was a success from an operational policing perspective. These teams included planning, intelligence, drones, neighbourhoods, and public order.

A total of 10 arrests were made over the course of the two days, with one person since being charged.

Chief Superintendent Graham Barnett said: “This marked our 25th year policing The Derby at Epsom Downs, and I’m pleased to say that the work of each officer and member of staff involved helped to achieve this and keep everyone safe, including His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Camilla when they attended on Ladies Day.

“No two years at the event are the same, but every year, our teams work tirelessly to make sure that we are preventing and responding to crime and anti-social behaviour. We work closely with the event organisers and our partner agencies to ensure that everyone is able to enjoy the event safely.

“I am very proud of, and would like to thank, every officer, member of staff, and volunteer involved in this event for the work they did to help protect the public. I would also like to thank everyone who attended the event for enjoying it safely and the local community for their understanding and patience whilst we were policing The Derby at Epsom Downs.”

Breakdown of arrests and offences:

Friday, 31 May:
      • A 19-year-old man from Chessington was arrested on suspicion of affray and common assault. He has been released on bail.
      • An 18-year-old man from Merton was arrested on suspicion of affray and causing actual bodily harm. He has been released on bail.
      • An 18-year-old man from Chessington was arrested on suspicion of affray and common assault. He has been released on bail.
      • A 17-year-old boy from Mitcham was arrested on suspicion of common assault. He has been released on bail.
      • A 24-year-old man Caterham was arrested on suspicion of affray. He has been released on bail.
      • A 19-year-old man from Sutton was arrested on suspicion of affray. He has been released on bail.
      • A 25-year-old man from Croydon was arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker and possession of Class A drugs. He has been released on bail.
      • A 15-year-old boy from Epsom was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault. He has been released on bail.
Saturday, 1 June:
      • Alan Smith, 65 (DOB: 17/10/1958), of Hampton has been charged with being drunk and disorderly. He has been bailed to appear at Guildford Magistrates Court on 15 August 2024.
      • A 20-year-old man from Heathfield was arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly. He has been released with no further action.