Month: August 2021

Highlights from Epsom Downs Family Fun Day

The weather may not had been great but the day itself was. Bank Holiday Monday Family Fun Day is one of the highlights of Epsom Downs Racecourse season after the Cazoo Derby Festival and this year didn’t fail. With free entry for under 18’s and free activities for the children from rides, face painting and the chance to meet a crocodile.

The day started with the Mascot Memorial Race featuring 16 mascots from Surrey Police, Football teams, local charities and shops. The race was organised to honour the memories of Geoff & Jenny Smith and Denys Hutson. Who between them they raised thousands and thousands of pounds for charities by organising mascot races at race tracks across the country. Fun was had by all but this years winner was Victor Magpie of Chorley FC. Watch Our Video At The Bottom.

The main race of the day, apart from the kids races in between the horse racing, was The Amateurs’ Derby Handicap Stakes for Gentleman Amateur Jockeys. 7 horses went to post over the full Cazoo Derby 1 1/2 mile. With the early longtime leader Great Esteem being caught quarter mile from home by Captain Haddock there was no stopping his jockey 18 year old Henry Main riding for the line and beating the favorite by four lengths. 

The win also continued the family fun day theme as Captain Haddock was trained by his auntie, owned by his mum and dad and his godmother. 

Yet again Epsom’s Family Fun didn’t disappoint with family fun throughout the day with snakes, bouncy castles, climbing wall, fairground rides, children races sponsored by The Ashley Centre and of course great horse racing. 

watch our video below with highlights of the day including the whole Mascot Race.

A Busy Summer For Epsom Rotary Club

To mark his new Presidency, which began this Summer, Harry Corben would like to highlight three, amongst many, of the activities the Club has carried out in recent months.

FIRST TOUCH

The Club raised £450 through a quiz night for a charity called First Touch. First Touch is a registered charity supporting the Neonatal Unit at St George’s Hospital, Tooting. It provides support and a counselling service for parents. 

The then Club president, Clive and his wife Anne, had a personal interest in this Charity as their grandson Thomas was born critically ill and was looked after by the neonatal unit through some very dark times. Happily Thomas was eventually able to leave St George’s and is now a thriving little boy who is the pride and joy of his mummy and daddy.

During these traumatic times it is so important to provide support for families as the outcome can be so uncertain. They cannot have a normal parents interaction with their baby and this is where First Touch comes in because it provides compassionate support to the family  Sometimes that need continues after the baby has left hospital and First Touch will still be there to help.

Epsom Rotary Club believes charities such as First Touch deserve our help and support. If you would like to know more about First Touch please follow this link to their website https://www.first-touch.org.uk/

THE ALLOTMENT PROJECT

Did you know that Epsom and Ewell Rotary Cubs have set up and are running a community allotment project? It will provide food for the local Epsom food bank and other charities as well as a friendly atmosphere for people to work together.

The two Rotary Clubs are grateful to Surrey County Council’s Communities and Prevention Department for suggesting this very worth while project and for supporting it with a generous donation to buy a tool shed as well as negotiating  support from local company, Green Thumb to help in the grass clearing stage and gave a link into youngsters who built the raised beds. 

More details can be found if you follow this link https://www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/page.php?PgID=839319&ClubID=874  If you have skills which may be of use or want to take part, please contact Maria Anstiss [email protected]

KEEP EPSOM AND EWELL TIDY (KEET)

Epsom Rotary Club recently donated £150 to enable KEET to buy more litter picking equipment, including Ernie (pictured), the long handled favourite which can reach places other litter pickers can’t reach.  

KEET is the initiative of Epsom and Ewell resident, Lerryn Reynoldson, who quickly had the support of others and a common purpose of encouraging residents to help improve and enjoy the Borough’s environment. It all started with litter picking which is still KEET’s primary activity. KEET is now engaging with the Council, Councillors, local organisations and schools in other ways that we can all improve our Borough. There has already been a Borough – wide community litter pick and a trial of leaving litter picking equipment with cafes in our parks is currently under way. You will also find KEET at the Eco Fair at St Martin’s Church on 25th September. If you want to know more about KEET head over to their Facebook page, just type in Keep Epsom and Ewell Tidy. Join KEET and make a difference to the environment.

To find out more about  Epsom Rotary Club and to see what it does for the local community please follow this link to their website. https://www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/homepage.php?ClubID=874

Veterans On Parade At The Concours Of Elegance

Special display at Hampton Court Palace to salute 125th anniversary of the historic London to Brighton Emancipation Run

Celebrations to honour the 125th anniversary of the original London to Brighton Emancipation Run of 1896 gear up with a special display of pre-1905 vehicles at next month’s Concours of Elegance (3-5 September).

Staged in the wonderful royal surroundings of Hampton Court Palace, the world class showcase is famed for its outstanding collections of the world’s finest and rarest cars. 

Underlining that reputation, a dozen of the remarkable pioneers that will be participating in this year’s milestone RM Sotheby’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run on Sunday 7 November will be gracing the hallowed Thameside gardens on the Concours’ opening day.

The eye-catching automotive trailblazers will arrive at Hampton Court in grand style as icons in the morning’s ‘grand arrival’ entry parade. They will then be on public display before being officially presented under the spotlights on the main Concours Stage later in the afternoon.

The dazzling 125th anniversary gathering will include a number of very significant early pioneers including one of only three surviving Dennis cars known to exist. Dating back to 1902 (photo: below, row three, right), this two-cylinder tonneau-bodied four-seater has remained in the Dennis family for more than a century and has successfully completed all 67 London to Brighton Runs it has entered to date.

Other rarities include a 1901 Gasmobile, a 1902 Napier, a 1903 Knox and the sole survivor of the Parisienne marque Deckert dating back to 1902. As organisers of the RM Sotheby’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, the Royal Automobile Club will be represented by a pair of Daimlers ( which are in its guardianship, kindly loaned by the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust.

one of only three surviving Dennis cars known to exist
1903 Knox
Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust
1902 Napier

“We are delighted to be saluting what is obviously a landmark year for the Veteran Car Run at the Concours of Elegance,” said Ben Cussons, Chairman of the Royal Automobile Club. “The significance of the Emancipation Run of 125 years ago shouldn’t be underestimated. It marked the lifting of speed limits and thus gave motorists the freedom of the road as well as sparking a new level of personal mobility. It was a game-changer which, in turn, fuelled the global automotive industry, spawning all the stunning cars which will be on show at Hampton Court.”

In total, the Concours of Elegance will display around 1,000 cars in a number of special features, including a Gulf vs. Martini celebration, a line-up of the finest coach-built Rolls-Royces and a collection of 95 British cars gathered to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s 95th birthday. A range of ticket options including hospitality packages are available from concoursofelegance.co.uk/tickets.

Further information on the RM Sotheby’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run – including full details of how to enter – can be found on the official website: www.veterancarrun.com. 

Apply now for a Mole Valley Community Grant

Local organisations have until Thursday 30 September 2021 to apply for the current round of funding for Mole Valley District Council’s (MVDC) Community Grants Scheme.

Allocated quarterly, the Small Grants Community Fund supports charities, community and voluntary groups that carry out valuable work in their communities, building increased resilience and self-reliance. Grants of up to £5,000 are available for revenue costs or improvements to community buildings.

Applications are considered from organisations that deliver valuable services to Mole Valley residents and support the priorities set out in MVDC’s 2019-2024 strategy in the areas of community wellbeing, environment and prosperity.

In 2020/21, 13 groups across the district received grants from the Small Grants Community Fund totalling more than £32,000. Causes include provision of household equipment to families in need, facilities for local food banks to distribute supplies to vulnerable people, and activities to improve the wellbeing of Mole Valley veterans.

Other funding opportunities include the Capital Fund, for major improvements to community buildings, and the Thomas Flack Trust Fund, which supports projects benefiting the residents of Leatherhead, Ashtead, Bookham and Fetcham.

Deputy Leader of the Council, Councillor David Draper said: “Through our grant schemes we support local organisations from the voluntary, community and faith sector that are making a real difference to the lives of people in Mole Valley’s communities. Their work is improving the social, environmental and economic wellbeing of our district.

“The first step is to register your interest online. We will then be in touch to confirm if your organisation and project is eligible for one or more of our grant funds. If they are we will provide the relevant grant application form(s). Make sure you register your interest in time to complete your application ready for the deadline of 30 September. We encourage applicants to raise funding through as many sources as possible and particular weighting will be given to applications where matched funding has already been raised from other sources.”

To find out more and to fill in an expression of interest form, visit www.molevalley.gov.uk/grants or call 01306 885001.

Esher Law Firm Raises Money To Help Children Amid Pandemic

L-R Victoria Friar, STC with Kay Steward and Joseph Beams from Audley Chaucer

A firm based in Esher raised enough money to fund PPE, handwashing kits, education supplies and food vouchers after taking part in a national will-writing campaign last November.

Audley Chaucer raised a total of £13,490 for Will Aid, after volunteering their time and expertise to write wills in exchange for a voluntary donation, even during such a difficult year.

The money raised by solicitors who take part in Will Aid supports the work of its nine partner charities and has helped their life saving work in response to the global pandemic – one of which is Save the Children.

Over the last year, Save the Children have been working both in the UK and overseas to provide food vouchers, PPE, education supplies and handwashing kits to help protect the younger generation from the impact of the deadly virus.

Victoria Friar from the charity explained: “Vulnerable families have been hit hard by the pandemic and children all over the world are suffering so they need our support.

“This is why donations from fundraising campaigns such as Will Aid are so important – now even more than ever.

“As little as £100 could buy 68 face masks for medical staff in high-risk areas and £12 a month could provide 75 sachets of therapeutic food paste to severely malnourished children, so the £13,490 that Audley Chaucer has raised will make a massive difference.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support from solicitors that have supported Will Aid, the donations they have raised have made a real impact during such a difficult time.”

Joseph Beams from Audley Chaucer said the team had written more than 300 wills during November to raise £13,490.

Joseph Beams from the firm said: “Charities have been hit hard due to the pandemic, so we’re delighted we were able to play our part in helping charities like Save the Children to continue their life saving work.

“Making a will is something that many people put off, but we have found that the pandemic has prompted people to get their affairs in order.

“Taking part in this scheme enabled people to get a professionally drawn-up will and peace of mind, while the charities receive much-needed donations for their vital work.”

Will Aid raises money for charities: ActionAid, British Red Cross, Christian Aid, NSPCC, Save The Children, Sightsavers, Age UK, SCIAF (Scotland) and Trocaire (Northern Ireland).

Hundreds of solicitors took part in the scheme in 2020 despite suffering a year of national lockdowns and uncertainty as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Peter de Vena Franks, campaign director, said: “Thanks to the commitment of local solicitors that took part in this year’s Will Aid, many people both in the UK and abroad will receive life-changing support and local people who used the scheme are prepared for the future.

“I would like to offer my heartfelt thanks to Audley Chaucer for their incredible efforts during a very difficult year, it is hugely appreciated.”

Will Aid will run again in November 2021. Find out more by visiting www.willaid.org.uk.

Dorking Halls Offers £5 Cinema Tickets to Boost Jab Uptake

Dorking Halls, which is owned and operated by Mole Valley District Council, is launching a new initiative to encourage younger adults in Mole Valley to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

The venue will be distributing a total of 1,000 £5 cinema vouchers, targeting those under 40 in the district who have yet to receive both vaccinations. The voucher will include key coronavirus messages encouraging people to get vaccinated with both doses and point towards websites with more information.

The vouchers will be distributed in Dorking and Leatherhead on Friday 27 August by promotional teams targeting the relevant age groups.

Councillor David Draper, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Tourism, said: “Everyone over the age of 16 is now entitled to receive the COVID-19 vaccination, but we still have over 20% of people under 40 in Mole Valley who are yet to receive the first dose*. We are amplifying our vaccination messages by placing them on a voucher rather than a flyer; people are more likely to read a voucher and keep hold of it for longer.

“As well as boosting the uptake of vaccinations, we want to give younger people a discount on a night out at Dorking Halls. The vaccine will restore many of their freedoms, including the ability to enjoy a film on the big screen – something that has been limited or lost over the past 18 months in order to save lives and protect the NHS.”

See Dorking Halls’ general terms and conditions.

Take a look at what films and shows are coming up.

Astodia Vein Finder presented to Special Care Baby Unit at Epsom

L to R June Irvine, Senior Sister, Gerry Cotter, Dr Saifa Rashid and Health Assistant Elvira Giordano

June Irvine, resident of Epsom & Ewell for over 40 years presented an £815  “Astodia” Vein Finder Senior Sister, Gerry Cotter from the Special Care Baby Unit, Epsom General Hospital.

Matron Carolyne Payne and Senior Sister Gerry Cotter thanked June Irvine for her very generous donation and for making this piece of equipment available for Epsom General Hospital.

They said “The Special Care Baby Unit at Epsom General Hospital were grateful to accept an “Astodia Vein Finder” from the Epsom Medical Equipment Fund.  A donation was made to the fund by June Irvine which has supported this purchase.   Matron Caroline Payne and Senior Sister Gerry Cotter, appreciate the generosity of the donator and the assistance of Bess Harding and her team to make this possible”.

The “Astodia Vein Finder” is a handheld tool to support the cannulation process which can be very challenging in premature or sick new-born babies.

Finding a vein in a newborn baby hand can be very tricky and can causes distress to the newborn if not done correctly first time. The Astodia Vein Finder shines a very bright light from underneath the hand which highlights were the veins are. To see how this works shine the torch on your mobile phone under the ip of your finger and see how your nail lites up.

The device is user friendly, safe, and effective and prevents multiple cannulation attempts.  So, it saves time with quicker results and no delay of treatment.  It is also more cost effective as less cannulas are used and most importantly, babies will experience less pain/trauma, reducing stress.

Less experienced medical and nursing staff will benefit from its ease of use allowing them to gain more confidence and experience, with the ability to prevent a difficult technique on such tiny veins.

It can also be used as a training tool for Junior Doctors and newly qualified nursing staff.

Dr Saifa Rashid with the “Astodia” Vein Finder

Epsom Medical Equipment Fund (EMEF) formed in 1979 (as Epsom Endoscopy Fund, later renamed) has raised over £5 million to purchase items for Epsom General Hospital (EGH), ranging from a £230,000 CT scanner to a £17 specially shaped pillow.

Helped by a small band of volunteers, the Fund was, and still is run by local woman, Bess Harding MBE, pictured above with HRH Princess Alexandra, who visited Epsom General Hospital to open the new Urology Unit. 

If you like to support the wonderful work Bess and her hard working team of volunteers do please CLICK HERE to donate…..Thank You. 

Bank Holiday Family Fun Day Returns to Epsom Downs Racecourse

Hugely popular bank holiday family fun day returns to Epsom Downs Racecourse Monday 30th August 2021.

Racegoers of all ages will once again be able to enjoy Epsom Downs Racecourse’s hugely popular Bank Holiday Family Fun Day when it returns next Monday for the first time since 2019.

The event was cancelled last year due to COVID-19, but Epsom Downs General Manager Simon Durrant and the team at the track are excited to be staging it again on Monday 30th August.

Under 18s are admitted free and there will plenty of activities and attractions for youngsters around the course. A bungee trampoline, mobile climbing wall, football darts and a ‘Wild West’ adventure will keep even the most energetic of children engaged, while younger children can have their faces painted or enjoy pony rides, a carousel, balloon modeller, snappy dragon or crocodile encounters.

Children are also encouraged to dress in their favourite fancy dress outfit on the day, whether that is a superhero or sports star, and all of the on course activities and entertainment are free with an admission ticket.

The highlight of the seven live races is the Gentleman’s Derby, which gives amateur riders the chance to race over the exact same undulating and challenging course as used in the world’s greatest Flat race, The Cazoo Derby.

General Manager Simon Durrant said: “Last year we were only able to host one raceday at Epsom Downs – The Derby – so we are delighted to be able to welcome people back this August Bank Holiday for one of our most popular events, the Family Fun day.

“This fixture is always great fun, with the amateur jockeys taking centre stage on the track and all of the fantastic activities for children, big and small, creating a family friendly atmosphere throughout the day. We are really looking forward to it.”

It is not just the horses who will be running on the iconic turf, with a mascot race providing a wildly entertaining spectacle in front of the stands as well as a chance for children to race against each other on the iconic home straight.

For those wanting to take in the action from more relaxed surroundings, there are several hospitality options available, all providing delicious menus and providing exceptional views across the racecourse.

For more information, tickets and hospitality, please visit thejockeyclub.co.uk/epsom/

Witness Appeal From Kingston Police

A murder investigation has been launched following a fatal stabbing in Kingston.

 

At 03:45hrs on Saturday, 21st August, police were called to reports of a disturbance in Clarence Street.

Officers attended and found a 22-year-old man who had been stabbed. He was taken to hospital by the London Ambulance Service where he was later pronounced dead.

His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

A post-mortem examination will take place in due course.

A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and possession of an offensive weapon. An 18-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder.
Both men remain in custody at a south London police station. Detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command are investigating. A crime scene remains in place and enquiries are ongoing.
 
Superintendent Richard Smith, part of the local policing team in Kingston, said: “I am truly saddened by the events overnight and wish to send my condolences to the victim’s family as they come to terms with their loss.

“A dedicated team of detectives is working on the investigation. It is right that we do not speculate and give them the time and space they need to complete their enquiries.

“I understand the concern this will cause within the community, although I would like to stress that we do not believe there to be any risk to the wider public.

“The Met is committed to tackling violence across London, but we cannot do it alone. I would ask anybody who has concerns or information about criminal activity in their neighbourhood to report it to police or to contact Crimestoppers anonymously.”

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call police on 101 or tweet @MetCC quoting CAD 1211/21AUG.
Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
 
Hard calls save lives. Are you close to someone on the fringes of knife crime? Do the right thing, please give information, 100 per cent anonymously, through the independent charity Crimestoppers.
No piece of information about knife crime is insignificant or too small. Any information you give to Crimestoppers can make a difference in reducing knife crime and the harm it causes to families.
Crimestoppers never ask your name and they cannot trace your call, your IP address or the device you use. Fill in their quick online form or call 0800 555 111. It could save a life.

Family Fun Day comes to Dorking town centre

Mole Valley District Council (MVDC) is to hold a Dorking Family Fun Day in Meadowbank Park on Saturday 28 August.

From 11am to 4pm on Saturday 28th August, Meadowbank Park and Dorking town centre will play host to Dorking’s Family Fun Day with the promise of fair rides, artisan market stalls, live entertainment and activities for the whole family.

Benson’s Funfair will be on hand to thrill with classic rides and attractions, whilst local market stalls and street traders from across the Surrey Hills region will be selling food and drink to tantalise all taste buds; from locally sourced artisan products to traditional ice cream treats from a van.

There will be live music from brass band Martineau Brass.

Visitors to the event are also encouraged to explore the streets of Dorking town to experience the full and eclectic range of independent businesses, many of whom are offering special deals for the day.

The Dorking Town Partnership’s LoyalFree app, which hosts a range of discounts and recommended trails to follow throughout the town, is FREE to download to help visitors make the most of their day.

 

Councillor Clayton Wellman, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Economy and Security, said “As part of Mole Valley District Council’s programme of Summer Events, we are thrilled to bring this fun-packed family day to the residents and visitors of Dorking. Meadowbank Park is a green gem, located within the heart of the town centre, and we look forward to seeing the community come together in celebration of all there is on offer.’

The Dorking Family Fun Day is supported by the Welcome Back Fund (which supports the safe recovery and return to high streets following the Covid-19 pandemic) and is part of MVDC’s ‘Summer Events in Mole Valley’ programme. For details of all summer and autumn events check out the Mole Valley Together website.