Month: June 2025

Mulligans Guildford Opening 14th July

Mulligans Guildford has announced an opening date of 14th July and exclusive 50% off discounts, with bookings now live

Mulligans Guildford, the new home of top-of-the-range golf technology and a host of exciting games and activities, will open its doors on 14th July.

The 14th Mulligans venue from group Adventure Leisure, will be the first to offer state-of-the-art golf technology which tracks each shot across the two, 9-hole courses, generating unique opportunities for players to win points boosters by attempting trick shots.

Giving Guildford’s locals the chance to get their summer holidays off to a driving start, there is still time to sign up to the Mulligans Guildford mailing list to secure 50% off bookings for golf and games, when they’re made before 21st July.

Mulligans will be home to two 9-hole crazy golf courses, based on Night Life and Street Life, with themes including disco, complete with glitter balls and a disco wall for photo opportunities, casino, featuring a working roulette wheel, and holes based on global destinations such as surfers’ paradise, inspired by TV’s Bondi Beach, and a mini version of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.

The two-floor venue will also feature high-tech activities including electro-darts and electro-shuffleboard, as well as American pool tables and classic arcade games including air hockey, curved air hockey, skeeball and basketball.

Mulligans Guildford will be the perfect place to host end-of-term parties and summer get togethers. The Pizza Par-Tee package starts from £22 per person and includes a game of golf, pizza slices, chicken nuggets, fries, ice cream and drinks, served in your very own private area, with each guest also receiving a free return pass. The Teen Social ups the game-time with two rounds of golf, plus sharing pizzas, fries, and ice cream plus drinks, from just £26 per person.

Mulligans Guildford has announced an opening date of 14th July and exclusive 50% off discounts, with bookings now live

Adventure Leisure’s Chief Operating Officer, Stephen Brown, said, “It’s less than a month to go until we open the doors to Mulligans Guildford, and we can’t wait! We’re busy putting the finishing touches to the venue, to make sure we’re hosting the best summer possible, whether you’re meeting friends for a round of golf and a catch-up, hosting all your mates for the ultimate end of term party, or just want to pop in for a milkshake to cool down.

“We’re seeing lots of bookings being made already, and we’re really looking forward to meeting as many people from Guildford and beyond this summer.”

The Adventure Leisure group currently has 13 Mulligans sites across the UK which include venues in Basildon, Birmingham, Bournemouth, Bristol, Cheltenham, Milton Keynes, Newcastle, Norwich, Sidcup, Stevenage, Tonbridge, and Worcester, with the most recent venue opening in Hemel Hempstead in 2024.

Adventure Leisure Limited is a subsidiary of Burhill Group Limited (BGL), which also operates 10 golf clubs and the BUNKERS! and Ninja Warrior UK brands.

To make a booking at Mulligans Guildford, visit: https://www.mrmulligan.com/venues/guildford

Mulligans Guildford has announced an opening date of 14th July and exclusive 50% off discounts, with bookings now live

Go ahead approved for Biodiversity Action Plan

Epsom & Ewell Biodiversity Action Plan’s five-year review ratified by Committee.

On 24 June, Epsom & Ewell Borough Council’s Environment Committee ratified progress made on the Council’s Biodiversity Action Plan 2020-2030. The five-year review also reflects legislative changes made as part of the Government’s Environment Act 2021. (Public Pack)Agenda Document for Environment Committee, 24/06/2025 19:30,- from page 29)

The Biodiversity Action Plan 2020-2030 is linked to the Council’s Climate Change Action Plan, helping the borough to meet its climate change goals.

Key successes made by Epsom & Ewell Borough Council between 2020-2025

Some of the report’s highlights include:

      • Protected species are now considered as part of the householder planning application process.
      • Improved grassland management across the borough’s local nature reserves, Nonsuch Park, and Epsom Downs.
      • An Ash-Dieback Working Group, established by the Council’s Tree Officer, has developed a plan for managing diseased trees in order to safeguard the public and protect biodiversity.
      • Improved mapping and management of veteran trees across the borough.
      • New ponds created in Horton Country Park and Epsom Common Local Nature Reserves.
      • New wetland habitat developed at Chamber Mead in the Hogsmill Local Nature Reserve in partnership with the South East Rivers Trust.

Epsom & Ewell Biodiversity Action Plan’s five-year review ratified by Committee

Legislative changes

The Environment Act 2021 strengthens the legal duty for public bodies to conserve and enhance biodiversity. Legislative changes include:

      • All planning permissions granted in England (with a few exemptions) are to deliver at least 10% biodiversity net gain and all off-site, and significant on-site habitats will need to be secured for at least 30 years.
      • New biodiversity reporting requirements for local authorities.
      • Mandatory spatial strategies for nature with Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRS).

 

Councillor Liz Frost, Chair of the Environment Committee said: “We are committed to creating and maintaining habitats that support resilient ecosystems in our local nature reserves and green spaces across the borough. Our Biodiversity Action Plan plays a vital role in tackling climate change.

This five-year review has highlighted the vast amount of work, and wide-ranging activities, that we deliver. A prime example is Epsom Common Local Nature Reserve, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, that was awarded its 18th consecutive Green Flag Award in 2024. Also, fantastic partnership work to create wetlands is enabling the reintroduction of water voles to Surrey for the first time in over 20 years along the Hogsmill River.

Thanks to our countryside team for their passion, hard work and expertise in shaping biodiverse habitats across the borough. Also, a huge thank you to our partners and volunteers, without their support we wouldn’t be able to enjoy such wonderful green spaces.”

Epsom & Ewell Biodiversity Action Plan’s five-year review ratified by Committee

Have Your Say on the Future of Local Government in Surrey

Residents across Surrey are being urged to take part in a landmark Government consultation that will help determine the future shape of local government in the county.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has now officially launched its consultation on Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Surrey. This marks the most significant change to local government in the county in over 50 years, giving residents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape how decisions are made, services are delivered, and communities are represented.

The consultation is open to all residents, businesses, voluntary groups, and local organisations. This is the only opportunity for the public to comment on these proposals — and every response counts.

 

surrey Epsom EwellCouncillor Hannah Dalton, Leader of Epsom & Ewell Borough Council and Chair of the Surrey Leaders Group, said:

 

“Residents have consistently told us that they want decisions made by people who know and understand their communities, and this is supported by over 60% of respondents to the survey that Surrey district and borough councils undertook in April who had a preference for a three-unitary model.

 

“We believe the three-unitary model best reflects that – delivering better services, stronger accountability, and a future that works for every part of Surrey. Whatever your view, the important thing is that you take part and make your voice heard.”

The Government is consulting on two options:

  • The proposal by Surrey County Council, to create two unitary authorities;
  • The other, supported by nine district and borough councils, to establish three new unitary councils.

It is recognised and understood that MHCLG will not be progressing or carrying out consultation regarding the Reigate & Banstead/Crawley proposal.

Councillor Hannah Dalton continued:

“Both models are financially viable, provided the Government addresses Surrey’s unrecoverable debt, mainly in Woking. In correspondence received from the Secretary of State, Jim McMahon MP we welcome the Government’s acceptance that, even after rationalisation of Woking’s historic assets, it is likely that the majority of the councils’ remaining debt cannot be managed locally; but wait to see what this means in terms of support after 2026/27.”

The three-unitary proposal provides a stronger long-term foundation for high-quality local government, including:

      • Stronger public services designed around local needs
      • Better alignment with local identities and communities
      • Greater opportunities for economic growth and infrastructure delivery
      • More responsive and accountable local governance.

Councillor Dalton continued:

“The Government consultation is your only opportunity to influence how your area is governed for future decades.

 

“We want as many residents as possible to have their say in this consultation, and we have been assured by MHCLG that every response will be treated equally. I would encourage every resident, business, local voluntary sector partner, parish and town council to complete the consultation.  For more information on the proposals being considered linked to the Government’s questions, please take a look at the Surrey LGR website.”

Find out more: visit Surrey Local Government Reorganisation Hub – Surrey LGR Hub

Take part in the official Government consultation:

      • The consultation will be available at surrey-local-government-reorganisation and will be open for seven weeks until Tuesday 5 August.
      • Responses may be made on the department’s online platform ‘Citizen Space’ or alternatively by email to [email protected] or in writing to LGR Consultation, Fry Building 2NE, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, 2 Marsham Street, London SW1P 4DF.
      • Deadline: Tuesday 5 August.
      • Visit: Surrey Local Government Reorganisation

The Great Get Together

THE GREAT GET TOGETHER is a free community event to celebrate all that unites us. It’s happening on Sunday 22nd June 2025 at St Joseph’s Church Hall, St Margaret Drive, Epsom KT18 7JQ from 1pm – 4pm

Good Company (Surrey) is hosting a FREE community event for all the family. This is part of a network of events around the country called The Great Get Together, inspired by Jo Cox’s belief that we have more in common than that which divides us.

“Hosting a community event like The Great Get Together allows us to bring people from all walks of life together in a spirit of unity, friendship and shared humanity. It’s an opportunity to celebrate our diversity, forge new connections, and show that Epsom is a place where everyone belongs” explains Jo Sherring, Epsom and Ewell Refugee Network Lead.

The event is completely free, with music, food, activities and entertainment for all the family. It will be opened by The Worshipful The Mayor of Epsom & Ewell, Councillor Robert Leach and the Mayoress.

The free entertainment includes songs from the Ukrainian choir, a Disney Sing-along, the Freedom Pulse Brass Band as well as children’s entertainment and crafts, treasure hunt, henna hand-paintng, artisan displays, and an assortment of games and sports including Crazy Golf.

Good Company incorporates Epsom & Ewell Food Bank, Epsom & Banstead Pantries and Epsom & Ewell Refugee Network.

Even though the event is free, entry tickets need to be booked using the QR code on the flyer below. This also shows the timetable of the afternoon.

The Great Get Together

BetFred Derby Draw 2025

In a historic first for British horse racing, the draw for the Epsom Derby—the world’s most prestigious flat race—was held 72 hours before the event at a special ceremony hosted at the Epsom Picturehouse in Epsom Square, Epsom, Surrey.

With an audience including horse owners, top trainers, racing journalists, and local business figures, the draw combined heritage with showmanship. Legendary jockey Willie Carson, a four-time Derby winner, and Martin Dwyer, who famously rode Sir Percy to victory in the 2006 Epsom Derby, conducted the draw.

BetFred Derby Draw

In a unique collaboration with the English Football Association, the Derby utilised the same balls and machine used for FA Cup draws, adding an extra layer of drama and familiarity to proceedings. As tradition and data collided, all eyes were on one number: Stall 10. Since starting stalls were introduced in 1967, no stall has produced more winners—11 in total—than this fabled gate. This went to  Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien’s runner, Lambourn speculation swirled through the room about how the draw might impact the race outcome.

Following the ceremony, Willie Carson reflected on the enduring challenge of the Derby and the iconic course at Epsom Downs:

“It definitely is the true test of the thoroughbred. The mile and a half, coming down the hill towards Tattenham Corner—you’re at the seven furlongs, 110 feet from the start to the top of the hill. That’s a long way out of it, climbing all the way. Then you come round, and you’re turning from the seven furlongs, slightly left, all the way until you get into the straight.”

Martin Dwyer agreed, noting the unpredictable nature of Epsom’s unique topography:

“Some horses don’t like running downhill—and it’s the steepest hill we’ve got. I’ve ridden horses around Epsom that just don’t act. It’s a challenge of a thoroughbred, challenge of a jockey, and a test of both horse and rider mentality. It is one of the hardest races to win.”

Pressed on their tips for the BetFred Derby 2025, both Carson and Dwyer leaned toward the favorite, Delacroix, while Carson offered Stanhope Gardens as his pick for a valuable each-way bet.

Jim Allen new manager at Epsom Downs DerbyJim Allen, General Manager of Epsom Downs Racecourse, added a personal touch to the event.

“As someone who grew up in Croydon, to be in charge of the Derby is surreal. I grew up going to the Derby as a kid—it was the only day I’d miss school for. It always was, and still is, the greatest horse race in the world. The track is a rollercoaster. There’s nothing like it anywhere.”

Course conditions were also a hot topic. Andrew Cooper, Clerk of the Course, explained the challenges faced this year:

“It’s been a difficult spring—so dry. This is my 30th Derby, and I’ve never known such a prolonged dry spell from March through May. That said, we could see some heavy showers on Saturday, which could change the going again. We’re monitoring it closely.”

BetFred Derby DrawAmong the hopefuls is local resident James Rimmer, part-owner of Stanhope Gardens, who shared his excitement ahead of race day:

“I’ll get up there in plenty of time. I can walk to the course—it takes me about 20 minutes. Hopefully we’ll run a nice race and have something to celebrate. It’s a good each-way price anyway. I’ll pop over to the old Amato and see whose name has been written on the well—you never know.”

As the countdown continues to Saturday’s race, excitement is palpable across Epsom and the racing world. With a revamped draw process, a competitive field, and the unpredictable British weather in play, the 2025 BetFred Derby promises all the ingredients for another thrilling chapter in racing history.

For Tickets or More Details About The Day CLICK HERE