Month: January 2026

Dame Prue Leith meets future chefs and students at Nescot

Dame Prue Leith DBE visited students at Nescot College in Epsom today to share her experience, expertise and enthusiasm with students, including the next generation of culinary talent.

Prue, a chef, author and founder of Leiths Education, as well as a broadcaster and former judge on ‘The Great British Bake Off’, met students and staff and toured Nescot’s award-winning catering and cookery facilities. She also watched students in action, chatting to them as they prepared some of her own recipes in the college’s professional kitchens.

During the visit, Prue spoke about her incredible life, during an ‘in conversation’ session attended by around 250 students from business, catering, art and design, healthcare and media courses. The session, facilitated by Nescot’s CEO and Principal, Julie Kapsalis, included questions about setting up her cookery school, her writing career, including her new book due out in February, and how she moved into broadcasting. Prue also shared personal anecdotes from her time on TV and highlighted the importance of healthy eating and nutrition, an area she has previously advised the government on.

Julie Kapsalis, CEO and Principal at Nescot said “Although many of our students know her from the Bake Off, Prue is a powerhouse business leader, an amazing chef, an author and an educator. Her career is an incredible demonstration of how with determination, resilience and hard work, one person can achieve across several fields. Our Professional Cookery students loved showing her their skills and I know they appreciated her advice, which no doubt they’ll refer to when they’re running kitchens of their own. Prue has shown our students that the sky’s the limit – we’re so grateful for her time.”

Prue Leith said “Nescot is amazing! Truly professional, caring teachers and enthusiastic students.”

As well as Professional Cooking qualifications, Nescot offers a wide range of courses for school leavers and adults, including Animal Care, Hair & Beauty, Computing and IT, Construction, Performing Arts, Childcare and Health & Social Care. To find out more about studying at Nescot call 020 8394 3038, visit www.nescot.ac.uk or email [email protected]

Witness appeal following serious collision in Epsom

Surrey Police are appealing for witnesses following a serious collision in Epsom this morning (Wednesday, 21 January).

Officers were called to the High Street shortly before 7.30am following reports of a collision involving the driver of a silver Ford Fiesta and a pedestrian.

The pedestrian, a man in his 70s, was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries.

The driver of the car, a 24-year-old man from Redhill, has been arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

The High Street remains closed between the junctions with Church Street and Ashley Road whilst officers investigate. Ashley Road is also shut until the junction with The Parade.

They are asking anyone who may have witnessed the collision to get in touch. We are also seeking CCTV, dashcam, or helmet cam footage that may have captured all or part of this incident.

If you have any information that might assist our investigation, please get in touch quoting PR/45260007612 using one of the options below:

If you would rather not speak to police or to prefer to give information anonymously, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or completing their online form at  https://crimestoppers-uk.org/

Festival of Friendship

Epsom and Ewell Borough Council Announces First-Ever Festival of Friendship – Ukraine

From 27 January to 1 February, Epsom and Ewell Borough Council is proud to partner with Epsom and Ewell Refugee Network, Epsom Library, and Epsom Picturehouse to host the borough’s first Festival of Friendship – Ukraine.

This week-long celebration will showcase traditional Ukrainian crafts, music, and cultural heritage, while highlighting the friendships formed between Ukrainian nationals who have settled in the borough and the local community that has welcomed them.

The festival offers a vibrant programme of exhibitions, workshops, films, and live performances, all designed to share Ukrainian culture and foster community connections.

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council has worked with partners to curate and run a week of workshops as part of the Festival of Friendship – Ukraine.

Key Highlights:

      • Free Workshops and Exhibitions at Epsom Library, including Ukrainian block printing, paper cutting art, wool crafts, and beading. Spaces are limited; please arrive early to secure your spot. All materials provided.
      • Film Screenings at Epsom Picturehouse, accompanied by live Ukrainian music performances. Tickets available via the Epsom Picturehouse website.
      • Children’s Activities, including a treasure hunt, face painting, and a special Paddington Bear appearance, at Epsom Library.

Ewell Epsom councillor Clive WoodbridgeSpeaking of the upcoming festival, Councillor Clive Woodbridge, Chair of the Community and Wellbeing Community said,

“The Festival of Friendship – Ukraine is a heartwarming celebration of culture and community spirit, it brings together Ukrainian nationals and local residents through shared traditions, crafts, music and friendship. Events like this remind us that kindness and mutual understanding are at the heart of a thriving borough—thank you to everyone helping to make this festival possible.”

The Festival of Friendship – Ukraine supports the three strategic pillars of the council’s Arts, Culture and Heritage Strategy by nurturing creative talents within our community, increasing access to creativity for all and championing economic growth via creative industries. The Festival of Friendship – Ukraine also delivers against the strategic aim of the council’s Health and Wellbeing Strategy which seeks to improve the mental and emotional wellbeing of residents.

Jo Sherring, Lead from Epsom & Ewell Refugee Network added,

“Epsom & Ewell Refugee Network are delighted to partner with Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, Epsom Library and Epsom Picturehouse to create this celebration of our friendship with Ukrainian nationals who live in our community.  Since the start of the war in Ukraine in 2022, we have been working with Ukrainian nationals who fled to the UK, helping them access work, housing, schools and community.  Their courage, resilience and determination have been an example to us. As we have helped them to navigate life in the UK, we have enjoyed building friendships and learning about their culture and traditions.

The Festival of Friendship is a chance for our Ukrainian friends to share their traditions and culture with the local community with activities happening during the week. We hope you will find time to join us during the week to be part of this celebration.”

Festival Timetable Highlights:

      • Tuesday 27 January: Opening Celebration at Epsom Library; Ukrainian craft workshops and exhibitions.
      • Thursday 29 January: Performance by Renaissance Choir and screening of Rocky Road to Berlin at Epsom Picturehouse.
      • Sunday 1 February: Music from Yuliia Komyshan (Ukrainian Bandura) followed by screenings of Sanatorium and Home for Ukraine at Epsom Picturehouse

Information correct at the time of release but please check the website for the most up-to-date information.

For full details and booking information, visit: Festival of friendship – Ukraine | Epsom and Ewell Borough Council.