Month: November 2021

Public consultation to help shape next year’s Council budget

An eight-week consultation starts today (22 November) on Reigate & Banstead Borough Council’s draft 2022/23 budget proposals.

local residents, businesses and partners are invited to give  their views before the consultation ends on 17 January 2022.

Proposed budget recommendations

Reigate & Banstead has a strong track record of responsible financial management. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been forced to fundamentally review its medium-term financial plan and reduce the level of spending. At its meeting on 18 November, the Executive approved the Council’s draft 2022/23 budget proposals for consultation, including:

  • Revenue Budget savings and additional income proposals totalling £566,000, alongside the proposed total Revenue Budget growth of £567,000, meaning a net total budget growth of £1,000, 
  • forecasting a total of £1.3 million ongoing income budget pressures in 2022/23, caused by the COVID-19 pandemic,
  • the Council’s Medium Term Financial Plan Summary
  • and Revenue Reserve balances at 1 April 2021 of £41.74 million.

The proposals aim to manage the budget proactively, increasing some budgets and reducing others, by cutting costs, pausing some planned expenditures and/or finding new sources of income.

Savings are proposed through the restructuring of some teams, pausing the Council’s small and medium grants scheme for this year, introducing e-billing and a reduction in the frequency of its printed resident magazine, Borough News.

Help inform and shape the future budget

The council want to ensure that everyone can have their say.

Leader of Reigate & Banstead Borough Council, Cllr Mark Brunt explains: “We set a new budget each year, making the most of the resources available to provide our high-quality services, support the local economy and the most vulnerable in our communities. The pandemic has hit everyone hard, including the Council, and we have had to make some tough decisions about our proposed spending plans for next year.

“We welcome and value everyone’s comments as the Council develops its budget for 2022/23. I encourage residents, businesses and partners to give us their views during the consultation. Your responses will help inform the next important step, ahead of the final decision at the meeting of the Full Council in February 2022.

“We will also continue our work to maintain a strong financial position and secure the Council’s long-term financial stability.”

How to have your say

The consultation will run from Monday 22 November 2021 to 11.45pm on Monday 17 January 2022. You can view the relevant documents and supporting information on their Consultation website section.

You can comment using their online survey, in writing or by email to:

  • Email: [email protected]
  • Write to: Freepost RBBC CONSULTATIONS (Using this exact freepost address means you don’t need to put a stamp on the envelope.)

There will also be paper copies available in the three community centres or on request.

Please call the council on 01737 276000 if you have any questions about the consultation or how to respond.

Dorking Halls Awarded £100k Grant Boost

Dorking Halls is to benefit from £100,000 as part of the third round of the government’s Culture Recovery Fund, which was established to help support arts and cultural organisations during the coronavirus pandemic.

Mole Valley District Council’s theatre and cinema venue, Dorking Halls, is one of 925 recipients nationwide to receive grant funding in the latest round of support, totalling over £100million, made available from the Culture Recovery Fund*. Previous rounds of Arts Council England funding has seen Dorking Halls receive £200,000 in 2020 and a further £100,000 earlier this year.

The funding will help support Dorking Halls to cover some of the loss of revenue caused by fewer visitors during the height of the pandemic. Not only does the venue welcome a wide range of superb live acts and the renowned blockbuster films, but it plays an important role at the centre of the local community. It is home to the award-winning Applause Youth Theatre Company and hosted performances by The Leith Hill Musical Festival and Dorking Dramatic and Operatic Society since opening for the first time in 1931.

As restrictions have continued to be lifted, Dorking Halls has been boosted by an unprecedented level of customer demand in recent months. The venue’s autumn season is its busiest ever, with leading comedic stars Jason Manford, John Bishop and Kathryn Ryanhaving had sold out shows.

The good news for theatre lovers does not stop there as new events such as Russell Brand and Robert Plant are now on sale. In yet another boost for the venue, while tickets are still available, this year’s pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk is proving even more popular than the previous production, 2019s Aladdin. For the latest live events and films, visit dorkinghalls.co.uk.

Culture Secretary, Nadine Dorries, said: “Culture is for everyone and should therefore be accessible to everyone, no matter who they are and where they’re from. Through unprecedented government financial support, the Culture Recovery Fund is supporting arts and cultural organisations so they can continue to bring culture to communities the length and breadth of the country, supporting jobs, boosting local economies and inspiring people.”

Councillor David Draper, Mole Valley District Council’s Cabinet Member for Leisure and Tourism, said: “This funding boost comes as very welcome news indeed and will help mitigate the shortfall in income suffered over the last two years. The pandemic has really impacted the finances of organisations across the county, and Dorking Halls is no exception. Losses felt not only in revenue but the electric atmosphere created by audiences gathering in anticipation ahead of a fantastic night’s entertainment was sorely missed during the lockdowns particularly. The overwhelming popularity of the venue’s autumn season is, I am sure, going to be indicative of its recovery to pre-pandemic levels.”

Darren Henley, Chief Executive of Arts Council England, said: “This continued investment from the Government on an unprecedented scale means our theatres, galleries, music venues, museums and arts centres can carry on playing their part in bringing visitors back to our high streets, helping to drive economic growth, boosting community pride and promoting good health. It’s a massive vote of confidence in the role our cultural organisations play in helping us all to lead happier lives”.

FEE FI FO FUM… It’s Panto Fun For Everyone at Dorking Halls

X Factor and Celebrity Big Brother’s Stevi Ritchie leads panto cast in ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ at Dorking Halls

Enchanted Entertainment are planning another fantastic Christmas production at Dorking Halls this year, with the hilarious family panto ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’. The same creative team that produced the previous record-breaking pantomimes: ‘Cinderella’, ‘Peter Pan’ and ‘Aladdin’ have been brought back together to create another Christmas spectacular.

Producer Jezz Weatherall said:

“We’re really looking forward to returning to Dorking Halls this year for Surrey’s BIGGEST Christmas panto. There’s a real buzz around this show, especially after it being postponed for 12-months due to the pandemic. Panto’s back in Dorking and the entire team are incredibly excited to be producing the theatre’s pantomime once again this December”.

Enchanted Entertainment will be bringing 17 action-packed performances of ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ to Dorking Halls from 18th – 28th December 2021. The show features a host of top-quality performers including: The X Factor and Celebrity Big Brother’s Stevi Ritchie as Jack’s silly brother Simple Simon, the UK’s No1 Dame Chris Casserly as Dame Trott, Disney Princess Robyn McEnaney as Jill, Les Misérables and Mary Poppins’ star Nathan Taylor as the Giant’s wicked henchman Fleshcreep and singing sensation Daniel Bravo as Jack Trott.

Director Guy Pascall said:

“It’s going to be great fun for all the family and a real treat for Surrey audiences over the festive period. ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ is one of the most magical pantomimes there is and certainly the funniest, with such wonderful characters as ‘Daisy the Cow’, ‘Dame Trott’, our hero ‘Jack’, his silly brother ‘Simple Simon’ and of course the horrible ‘Giant’! We can’t wait to start rehearsals in December and are really looking forward to entertaining families with this hilarious Christmas pantomime”.

Enchanted Entertainment have assembled an amazing cast and are planning some spectacular pantomime magic to ensure ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ will be a dazzling pantomime with plenty of audience participation, fantastic sets and costumes, and of course jokes galore for all the family!

Tickets are on sale now and already selling fast. Call the Dorking Halls Box Office on 01306 881717 or book online at www.dorkinghalls.co.uk

Reigate & Banstead draft revenue budget proposals for 2022/23

Reigate & Banstead has published its draft revenue budget proposals for 2022/23 and updated medium-term budget forecasts in preparation for discussion at its Executive Meeting on Thursday 18 November.

This is the first formal stage in the Council’s budget setting process.

Following the meeting, the Council will consult with residents, businesses and partners on the recommendations in the report ahead of the final decision at the meeting of the Full Council in February 2022.

Reigate & Banstead has a strong track record of responsible financial management. In response to the pandemic, it has been forced to undertake a fundamental review of its medium-term financial plan. A significant reduction in demand for parking, as a result of changes to working patterns following the Covid-19 pandemic, has directly led to a £1.3m decrease in the Council’s parking income. With parking demand now not expected to return to pre-pandemic levels, this represents a reduction of around 7.5% in the resources available to fund our services.

The Government has provided some short-term help in 2020/21 and 2021/22 to cover these income losses but that support is not likely to be available in the future.

As a consequence of this reduced revenue forecast and to be able to set a balanced budget for 2022/23, it is necessary to reduce the level of Council spending. This has been achieved in the budget report before the Executive by reducing costs, pausing some planned expenditures and/or finding new sources of income. This proposed budget ensures that the Council can continue to maintain its key services to residents, deliver high standards of service and meet the aims and objectives of its corporate plan, Reigate & Banstead 2025.

The report outlines detailed proposals to manage the budget proactively, increasing some budgets and reducing others. Savings are proposed through the restructuring of some teams – most notably senior management which includes a reduction in head count (vacant positions), details of which are being finalised. The Council remains committed to its support to our voluntary sector partners and will continue to maintain existing funding commitments, but is proposing to pause its small and medium grants scheme for this year. Additional savings proposed include introduction of e-billing and a reduction in frequency of its resident magazine, Borough News.

Budget growth is being sought for an additional waste and recycling crew to meet increasing demand, for the implementation of improved technology for other areas to compensate for reduced Government funding and increased business rates.

Leader of Reigate & Banstead Borough Council, Cllr Mark Brunt explains: “The pandemic has been hard on us all. Throughout, we’ve continued to deliver our high quality services and prioritised supporting the most vulnerable in our communities. However, as part of our responsible financial management we have had to make some tough decision about our spending plans for next year so that we can continue to maintain the core council services that residents expect.

“With this proposed budget, I am confident we can maintain our strong financial position ready to respond to future challenges. We will continue our work towards generating the new sources of income we need to help secure our long-term financial stability.

“We set a new budget each year and each year we work hard to get the most out of what resource we have available. I am confident that by managing our spending as we propose in the budget we will be able to offer more in future.”

Proposals in this report are based on a number of assumptions, including that Reigate & Banstead’s share of the council tax bill will increase by an average £5 per year for Band D households – which is subject to confirmation of Government guidance and agreement by the Full Council. Additional clarifications over the coming months will help provide a more accurate financial picture and further inform the final 2022/2023 budget.

Once these initial proposals have been discussed at the Executive Meeting on 18 November, an eight-week public consultation will launch on 22 November. Full details on how residents, businesses and partners can share their views will be made available soon.

Alongside this and looking to the future, the Council continues to develop its strategy to support future commercial and investment activity around its corporate plan objective to be financially self-sufficient.

Report headlines

Key areas of proposed budget movement identified in the draft Service & Financial Planning report include:

  1. Community Partnerships: commitments to the nine voluntary sector organisations remain secure. Budget savings are proposed in CCTV maintenance costs, a pause on small and medium grants and taxi vouchers.
  2. Neighbourhood Services: growth is being sought to fund an additional waste and recycling crew in response to the increased number of households and record volumes of recycling as well as to manage the impact of the tree disease, ash dieback, across the borough.
  3. Management Team: savings are proposed with a planned review and restructure of the current senior management team, including deletion of two vacant posts. Details are being finalised.
  4. Property and Facilities: growth is sought to reflect higher business rates payments associated with council assets.
  5. Communications: reduced frequency of resident magazine Borough News.
  6. Revenues, Benefits and Fraud: growth is necessary due to reductions in Government funding whilst savings have been identified through the introduction of e-billing.
  7. Planning: an increase in income is proposed via increased pre-application advice fees.

The Magic of Mole Valley returns for the Christmas season!

From Winter Markets, Festive Fairs and Santa’s Grottos to family-friendly Pantomimes, Miniature Railway Rides and FREE live outdoor Saturday Entertainment in our town and village centres… the festive season has truly arrived in Mole Valley! 

To launch the 2021 Christmas season and welcome back festive shoppers into the towns and villages, Mole Valley District Council is putting on a series of free live Saturday lunchtime performances (starting on 20 November) in locations in Dorking, Leatherhead, Ashtead, Bookham and Fetcham, featuring local performers such as Loud & Proud, Martineau Brass and the Mole Valley Silver Band.

From now until Christmas Day, shoppers can indulge in eclectic independent retailers as well as winter markets such as theLeatherhead Christmas Market  Beare Green Court Christmas Market and Dorking Artisan Market to name a few. Pantomime dames will once again entertain the audiences of Dorking Halls with Jack and the Beanstalk (18-28 December) and Leatherhead Theatre with Cinderella (18-30 December). From 8 November to 5 December, visitors to Dorking town centre can follow the Dorking Window Art Trail (starting at Dorking Halls), featuring an excited Christmas shopper and his quest for gifts. And to the delight of young families, Santa will return in-person to grottos across the district, ranging from the Dorking Christmas Festival (28 November) and Leatherhead’s Swan Centre (4, 11, 18 December) to Denbies (27 November-24 December).

With so much taking place and to capture the Magic of Mole Valley, residents and visitors can search on the relaunched Mole Valley Together events calendar to find out what festive activities are happening in their local area. Community and non-commercial event organisers are also welcome to list an event on the calendar.

When not walking, cycling or catching the bus, residents and visitors can take advantage of the free parking available every pre-Christmas Saturday in December in MVDC-owed car parks.

Councillor Clayton Wellman, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Economy and Security, said: “After the restrictions of Christmas 2020, we are delighted to welcome residents and visitors back to enjoy a full calendar of seasonal events this year featuring everything that a festive Mole Valley has to offer. Our local businesses are ready to share their Christmas joy, and we encourage our residents to shop local and support the best of Mole Valley. Whilst we look forward to bringing the community together across the festive season, we also remind everyone to remain cautious and mindful of social distancing in busier areas.”

When using the Mole Valley Together events calendar, users are advised to check the individual event organiser’s website and social media before travelling as events and details may change.

Cycling Back to Health

Epsom Medical Equipment Fund were able to purchase a much needed £2,199 Recumbent Exercise Bike for the Cardiac Rehabilitation Unit at Epsom General Hospital thanks to Mrs. Jo Stein and generous donations made in memory of her husband, Alfred Stein.  It was a coincidence that her husband had needed the unit a few years back and had been looked after by Mary Evans, Cardiac Rehab Clinical Nurse Specialist and Steve Pomroy, Cardiac Rehab Physical Activity Specialist who remembered him well

Mary Evans  explained that “Cardiac rehabilitation at Epsom Hospital has always been inclusive of all ages and cardiac conditions, including heart attacks, bypass surgery, valve surgery, heart failure and heart transplants.  The delivery of this service is significantly assisted by appropriate exercise equipment, and the donation of this recumbent bike will enable a broader range of patients to benefit from this outstanding form of exercise.  The recumbent bike provides a device where patients can literally step into, and then be supported in a comfortable seated position. This bike will enable safe, comfortable and effective exercise for those patients who have reduced mobility and will enhance the programme provided to them.”

Mary Evans said “We are extremely grateful to receive it. Thank you”

Steve Pomroy, Cardiac Rehab Physical Activity Specialist demonstrated how the bike worked whilst Malcolm Coombes, Cardiac Rehab Physical Activity Specialist explained what was happening on the screen to Mrs. Jo Stein.

Local Volunteer Receives Award from Princess Anne

Epsom RDA is very proud that long standing volunteer, Jo Lee, was presented with the National Riding for the Disabled Association Presidents’ Award from HRH The Princess Royal, Princess Anne at a ceremony held at the RDA National Centre on 5 November. This is the most prestigious volunteer award presented by the National Riding for the Disabled Association and is awarded for exceptional dedication.

Jo said “When I first arrived at Epsom RDA as a teenager I never for one moment imagined that I would still be volunteering there over 30 years later and that Epsom RDA would become such an important part of mine and my family’s life. I am delighted to have been recognised in this way, but I am mindful that I am one individual representing the wider Epsom RDA community. It is a community that I am very proud to be part off especially so in the recent challenging circumstances.”

In her over three decades of service to Epsom RDA Jo has made an outstanding contribution to the charity frequently going the extra mile for the benefit of the charities’ riders, volunteers and ponies. As well as coaching disabled riders on her regular Wednesday evening riding sessions she is responsible for managing the herd of horses and is a Trustee.  Most recently she has brought the experience from her professional life as a School Business Leader at a large local primary school to contribute to the processes to keep Epsom RDA Covid safe for its’ volunteers and riders.

For more information how you can help Epsom RDA CLICK HERE

Epsom RDA is very proud that long standing volunteer, Jo Lee, was presented with the National Riding for the Disabled Association Presidents’ Award from HRH The Princess Royal, Princess Anne at a ceremony held at the RDA National Centre on 5 November. This is the most prestigious volunteer award presented by the National Riding for the Disabled Association and is awarded for exceptional dedication.

Jo said “When I first arrived at Epsom RDA as a teenager I never for one moment imagined that I would still be volunteering there over 30 years later and that Epsom RDA would become such an important part of mine and my family’s life. I am delighted to have been recognised in this way, but I am mindful that I am one individual representing the wider Epsom RDA community. It is a community that I am very proud to be part off especially so in the recent challenging circumstances.”

In her over three decades of service to Epsom RDA Jo has made an outstanding contribution to the charity frequently going the extra mile for the benefit of the charities’ riders, volunteers and ponies. As well as coaching disabled riders on her regular Wednesday evening riding sessions she is responsible for managing the herd of horses and is a Trustee.  Most recently she has brought the experience from her professional life as a School Business Leader at a large local primary school to contribute to the processes to keep Epsom RDA Covid safe for its’ volunteers and riders.

For more information how you can help Epsom RDA CLICK HERE

Remembrance Events in Epsom & Ewell 2021

With Remembrance Day Thursday 11th November and Remembrance Sunday 14th November. We have put together a list of events that are taking part across the borough. 

Garden of Remembrance,
Wednesday 10th November, 10:30am,
Bourne Hall, Spring St, Ewell

The small Garden of Remembrance  will be opened by the Mayor of Epsom & Ewell with a planting of a Poppy Wooden Cross. Local school children will perform songs and poems before planting wooden crosses of remembrance. Members of the public are invited to attend

Armistice Day Service
Thursday 11 November, 10.50am
The Clocktower, Marketplace, Epsom

The borough’s main Armistice Service is organised by the council and will be held as usual at the Clock Tower, Epsom. This service will be attended by the Mayor and Councillors, Royal British Legion, 135 Geographic Squadron Royal Engineers, Surrey Police, various schools and representatives of different faiths. The two minute silence is marked at this service at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in memory of those who gave their lives for their country.

Remembrance Day Services
Sunday 14th November
St Mary’s Ewell 10:30am & St Martin of Tours Epsom 10am

The various places of worship within the borough will be holding services – please check with your local place of worship for details.

The Royal British Legion will be organising the traditional wreath laying at St Mary’s, Ewell. The Mayor will be attending and laying a wreath on behalf of the borough.

The Deputy Mayor will be attending the service and laying a wreath at St Martin’s, Epsom.

The Royal British Legion will be organising the traditional wreath laying at St Mary’s, Ewell. The Mayor will be attending and laying a wreath on behalf of the borough.

Remembrance Day Concert
Sunday 14th November
The Epsom Playhouse, 3pm

The Central Band of The Royal British Legion are back at The Epsom Playhouse to celebrate the Centenary of the founding of The Royal British Legion in 1921.

There will be music to celebrate Sir Captain Tom Moore, popular show and stage tunes, pop classics and favourites from the classical world.

For More Details or To Book CLICK HERE

Wreath Laying by the Mayor & Mayoress of Epsom & Ewell
13th and 14th November 

The Mayor and Mayoress of Epsom & Ewell will lay wreaths at the various war memorials across the Borough on behalf of residents. over the 13th and 14th November.

Month of Remembrance
3rd-28th November
Langley Vale Wood

From 3-28 November, discover fascinating facts about how Langley Vale Wood played an important part in troops’ preparations for battle, and how the local community were involved in the war effort.

Explore the new ‘Witness’ sculpture, installations in Jutland Wood and information panels as part of a 2.5 mile self-guided walk.

Share your own reflections at the willow wreath sculpture in the tranquil surroundings of Langley Vale Wood. 

For More Details and Self Guided Walk Maps CLICK HERE

Walk To Remember, cancelled

Sadly What’s On In Epsom WILL NOT be holding our Walk To Remember. The current state of the footpath is unsafe to walk on with uneven surfaces and wet leaves covering the path. BUT we will be laying our wreath at the Ashley Road Memorial on the afternoon of Thursday 11th November. 

Bulb giveaway heralds 2022 Borough in Bloom

After the hard work and success of Go Epsom’s Epsom In Bloom, which won silver, Epsom & Ewell Council have decided to do Borough In Bloom. 

Epsom and Ewell residents are being encouraged to take part in a council spring bulb planting giveaway to brighten up their local communities.

Following this year’s South and South East in Bloom success in Epsom town centre and to launch the 2022 borough-wide application, the council will be giving away 20,000 spring bulbs this autumn.

Those receiving the bulbs must commit to planting them alongside street name signs, where they can be enjoyed by the local community. Residents will be encouraged to share their planting on social media by tagging Epsom & Ewell Borough Council (EpsomEwellBC). Schools, community groups and interest groups are also invited to take part.

Mayor of Epsom & Ewell, Councillor Peter O’Donovan, said “This is very much a resident driven initiative. Residents have asked what they can do to enhance their specific local areas, and planting around street names has been a recurring theme. To support this, we’re launching our bid to enter the borough in South and South East in Bloom 2022 by providing bulbs to be planted around street signs”.

“As an elected representative of the borough, I know how passionately residents care about where they live. As mayor, it has been gratifying to see how many people are prepared to actually do something positive for their community.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing the results of the mass planting”.

The bulbs being provided are a low growing variety of daffodil which has been selected to ensure the resulting blooms do not obscure street signs.

The council recognise that not all areas in the borough have street signs in verges where bulbs can be planted and are happy to accept ideas if residents have alternative ideas suitable for the street scene.

Bulbs will be distributed on a first-come-first-served basis at

  • Epsom – Market Place Sunday 7 November between 10-12
  • Ewell – Bourne Hall Sunday 7 November between 1pm-3pm
  • Stoneleigh – the Broadway Sunday 7 November 3pm-5pm

The planting packs are available on a first come, first served basis, one pack per household.  Any packs leftover will be distributed to schools, community and local interest groups.

Neighbourhood Watch 2021 Crime and Community Survey

For the second year running, Neighbourhood Watch Network (the umbrella charity for Neighbourhood Watches across England and Wales) would like to hear from the public about crime and community.
The survey is open to everyone across England and Wales, regardless of whether you live in a Neighbourhood Watch area or not.

The results will enable Neighbourhood Watch to better understand: crime levels; fear of crime; neighbourliness; the willingness of communities to work together; and benchmark whether membership of a Neighbourhood Watch scheme or living in a Neighbourhood Watch area impacts all of the above.
Last year, the survey received just over 30,000 responses from England and Wales, providing Neighbourhood Watch with a rich and useful set of data.

I you have already completed the survey, many thanks. If you have not, we really need your support to ensure we can create not only a valuable national report but also informative regional reports. We would be grateful if you could complete this survey before the 16th November and share it as widely as possible. The link is below.
www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/XGBRNJF