Month: August 2022

Witness appeal following catalytic converter theft in Nonsuch Park

Surrey Police appealing for witnesses following a catalytic converter theft in Cheam on Friday (26 August).

The theft took place at some point between 1.30pm and 2.30pm in the car park next to Nonsuch Mansion on Fir Walk. The victim’s car was a white Honda CR-V.

Were you in the area of Nonsuch Park on Friday afternoon? Do you have dashcam footage that may assist our investigation? If you know anything that may help us please get in touch quoting PR/45220028788 via:

If you do not wish to leave your name, you can also call independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Catalytic converters are typically stolen and sold as precious metals. Owners are then left to foot the expensive repair bill on their vehicles. Vehicles are targeted on the road, in car parks, and even on driveways, and catalytic converters can be removed in a matter of minutes.

Thieves may seem as though they are legitimately working on a car and may also be wearing face masks.

Stay on the lookout for catalytic converter theft in Surrey

Here are some ways you can protect your vehicle from catalytic converter theft:

    • Lookout for suspicious activity around vehicles, such as a vehicle being lifted up or someone doing something to the underneath of the vehicle

       

    • Lookout for anyone attempting to steal number plates, as thieves may use these on their vehicles to avoid police detection

       

    • CCTV such as a video doorbells could provide key evidence and deter offenders

       

    • An alarm can be fitted to your vehicle that activates if it is tilted or shaken

       

    • Having your vehicle’s serial number etched on the catalytic converter could help police track stolen items and deter offenders (see retainagroup.co.uk)

       

    • A protective cover over the catalytic converter can help to guard your vehicle (see catloc.co.uk)

       

    • Garages can be asked to weld the bolts holding the catalytic converter on, to make it harder to remove

       

    • If you witness suspicious activity, don’t approach the suspects. Where possible, take note of the suspect’s vehicle registration. You can report this via our online form at surrey.police.uk/ro/report. In an emergency always call 999.

      For further information about catalytic converter theft see
    • www.surrey.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/theft-from-a-vehicle

Ewell History Day 17th September 2022

As part of Heritage Open Days Week Ewell History Day returns on Saturday 17th Sept from 10am-5pm.

Travel back in time as you walk around the grounds of Bourne Hall and meet…..

Neolithic

Meet Ewell’s first permanent residents, the Neolithic folk who originally lived at the head of the river (which is what the name Ewell means). See how they made use of the materials around them as they went about their lives, knapping stone tools, weaving cordage from nettles, and grinding grain to make bread – they were the first farmers in the area.  The living history display is filled with replica and reconstructed objects from the Stone Age. This display will be especially valuable for children who are studying prehistory in school.

Iron Age and Romans

Watch as Iron Age folk throw offerings to their gods into Bourne Hall’s sacred waters to seek their help – perhaps to stop the Roman army’s advance, but this fails and the Romans arrive, themselves making offerings to the old gods in the spring. The army are building a road from the south coast to what will become London. Up this road they bring a catapult, a weapon never seen in Britain before. Roman Ewell was a stopping-off point on this road where folk could rest, eat, and stay the night. They could also make an offering of a coin or brooch in the sacred spring or leave a larger offering in one of the sacred shafts dug deep in the chalk ground outside the settlement. Each shaft was sealed with the bones of three dogs to protect the living from what lay beneath.

Tudors

Henry VIII has been visiting his new-built palace at Nonsuch and now he enters the village. This will be your chance to chat and meet him but be careful what you say this is an older king made grumpy by a sore on his leg which will not heal. Don’t ask about Anne Boleyn who he promised to love until she died! He is here because of two lady pharmacists, news of whose skill has reached him so he hopes they can cure him with their herbs and potions. Learn how their cures used plants and herbs, and even mice, frogs and snails – did you know that onion is good for sunburn? The ladies have a musician with them who may cheer him up and you can try the latest in Tudor dances! As I said be careful what you say to the king as he will be BEHEADING back to London 

Witchfinder

Watch out for the witch hunter on the lookout for those who deal in the dark arts! He will be searching for Joan Butts, Ewell’s own witch. She’s charged with bewitching a local servant girl, sent to Southwark and put on trial for her life. Discover what happens,  you will be surprised

World War 2

Meet some men from the Hampshire Regiment who will describe what it was like at the Battle of Arnhem, with a display of their weapons and tales of how they survived. The 18th of September was the second day of the ill-fated battle, a bold – but ultimately unsuccessful – attempt to outflank German defences in north-west Europe by establishing a bridgehead across the lower Rhine.

The plan was for Allied paratroopers and land forces to launch a combined attack which would break through German defences in the Netherlands. But the bridge at Arnhem was never captured and the plan ended in failure just a week later, resulting in thousands of casualties. Codenamed Operation Market Garden, it was the largest airborne operation in history and one of the biggest disasters of the Allied war effort.

Bourne Hall Museum

Discover the fascinating past of Epsom and Ewell at Bourne Hall Museum.

Based in the futuristic grade II listed building of Bourne Hall, the free museum allows you to come face to face with the local past. With exhibits ranging from prehistoric times to the modern day. The permanent displays and regular exhibitions illustrate every aspect of local life and have something to interest all members of the family.

The Museum charts the Borough’s history through its collections of document and picture archives, fine art, costume, archaeology and social history.

Highlights of the collection include Lord Rosebery’s hansom cab, a 19th century fire engine, extensive Derby memorabilia and significant Roman archaeology from local sites. You can try brass rubbing too.

Bourne Hall Library

Drop into the library, try Celtic children’s activities throughout the day. 

The Bourne Hall café will be open for breakfast and be open all day for ice creams, sandwiches, ploughman’s, vegan boxes, kiddies’ boxes, scones and lots of lovely cakes – along with tea and coffee, soft drinks, and wine.

Keep Checking Back As More Details To Follow 

Thank You to….

Epsom & Ewell Council signs the Anti-Social Behaviour Pledge

Councillor Clive Woodbridge, Mayor of Epsom & Ewell Borough Council has signed an Anti-Social Behaviour Pledge which commits the council to supporting victims of anti-social behaviour.

The pledge is a set of principles put forward by the victims’ charity ASB Help. ASB Help have previously assisted the Community Safety Partnership on complex community trigger applications.

A community trigger can be activated if an incident has been reported three or more times within a six month period and not received a satisfactory response. This gives the victim the right to demand that agencies deal with persistent anti-social behaviour.

The pledge’s aims are as follows:

        • Promote awareness – Actively encourage the use of the community
          trigger to residents and partner agencies
        • Legality – Confirm an organisation is legally compliant and embracing
          the spirit of the community trigger
        • Ensure accessibility – Publicise the community trigger so the most
          vulnerable know what it is and how to invoke it
        • Develop the process – Embrace the full potential of the community
          trigger by continually reviewing and learning from best practice
        • Generate inclusivity – Use community trigger review meetings to work
          collaboratively and strategically, formulating solutions to end the anti-
          social behaviour
        • Establish a precedent of using the community trigger to put victims first
          and deter perpetrators

Councillor John Beckett, Chair of the Environment and Safe Communities Committee, said “Anti-Social behaviour is not welcome in Epsom & Ewell and we work hard with partner agencies to both reduce and prevent it. Anti-social behaviour can be anything from neighbourhood issues and noise nuisance to tall vegetation, bonfires, fly tipping and inconsiderate parking. 

“I would like to reassure victims of any sort of anti-social behaviour that we are there to support them. Signing this pledge is a reminder for us as a council and for our partners in the Community Safety Partnership to work more closely with ASB Help and ensure victims are effectively assisted.”

For more information on how to report a community trigger please see https://epsom-ewell.gov.uk/residents/communities-health-and-wellbeing/epsom-and-ewell-community-safety.    

 

Mole Valley Heritage Open Days is back!

England’s largest festival of history and culture will take place from 9 to 18 September 2022 and this year’s focus is on ‘Astounding Inventions’. There are over 40 events happening across Mole Valley.

Heritage Open Days brings together different organisations with a range of events offered annually. It’s a chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences, all for free.

The festival is now in its twenty-eighth year with over 40 in-person events for all ages happening across Mole Valley, including talks, walks, tours and more. This years’ national theme is ‘Astounding Inventions’, showcasing the diverse tapestry of English inventions that make our world go round.

The brochure listing the events and where to book is out now and you can view it online on our Mole Valley Together website (link to the brochure).

The Arts Society East Surrey Area will launch the festival with a talk about the much loved Polesden Lacey on Friday 9 September. It will explore the inventions and innovations of the early 20th century which were coming to fruition when Margaret Greville moved into her freshly modernised country house.

View an exhibition about Sir Barnes Wallis, on Saturday 10 September and Sunday 11. A man best known as the inventor of the bouncing bomb used in the Dambusters raid in 1943 WWII. The exhibition will include a look over his ‘astounding inventions’, short films, documentaries and interview with him and his daughter.

Tours of the Keymer Handmade Clay Roof Tiles and Wienerberger factory in Walliswood take place on Saturday 17 September. Wienerberger’s factory has made many sustainable building and roofing products for over 100 years. Keymer tiles have been hand produced in the same way since 1588. There will be the opportunity to get hands on and make your own tile!

Councillor David Draper, Cabinet Member for Leisure, said: “Every year we enjoy a range of events that celebrate Mole Valley’s rich and fascinating heritage. This year’s theme, ‘Astounding Inventions’, offers an opportunity to learn more about historical figures that made an important impact on our lives today. There are also plenty of fascinating walks and tours that explore the broader richness of our local heritage”

To find out more about Heritage Open Days 2022, visit www.heritageopendays.org.uk.

Epsom Stables Open Day

The local racing community in Epsom are gearing up to welcome hundreds of attendees to the annual Epsom Open day on Sunday 11th September as part of National Racehorse Week – a celebration of the racehorse and a chance to see first-hand the love, care and attention that goes into looking after them.

Four of Epsom’s leading trainers (Jim Boyle, Pat Phelan, Mark Pattinson and Michael Attwater) will open their doors to the public, giving the opportunity to go behind the scenes at their yards and meet some of the equine stars who reside there, as well as the dedicated staff who care for them on a daily basis. The Open Day will provide a great day out for followers of racing and families alike, with a number of additional activities and demonstrations taking place, including the opportunity to see horses working on the gallops. 

British horseracing’s human welfare charity, Racing Welfare, organises the day which raises much needed funds, and supports the work they do in the area. In the first six months of the year in Epsom alone, 815 instances of support were provided to the local racing community. One of many people to benefit from the charity’s local presence is Louisa Allen – Head Person for Epsom trainer Jim Boyle.

Louisa Allen

Louisa has worked with Racing Welfare’s South-East representative, Katy Ferguson, since Katy joined the charity in 2017 and says:

“Katy has been amazing, she has worked so hard to bring racing’s people together. The community had become fragmented, but the change in recent years has been outstanding.”

When asked about the help she has received from Racing Welfare personally, Louisa speaks in-depth about the challenges she has faced with her own physical and mental health:

“I’ve been in racing for many years and being over 40 you can say I’ve had my fair share of tumbles! My injuries mounted up, and there came a time that I needed to seek help to be able to continue to do my job.

“I contacted Katy for help with the countless niggles I was facing. I’d injured my shoulder and my lower vertebrae in separate incidents, and the injury to my back in particular was starting to see effects on other areas of my body, such as shooting pains down my leg. There was a point where I didn’t want to carry on due to the pain.  I’d lost faith in my GP and my back pain was so bad that I was struggling to even sit in the saddle at one point.”

After contacting Racing Welfare for help, Louisa was referred to a physiotherapist through Racing’s Occupational Health Service.

“I can safely say that without the physiotherapy Racing Welfare provided the pain would have been unbearable and I’d not have been able to continue working in a racing yard at all. I’m not exaggerating when I say that my everyday life is genuinely so much more enjoyable now!”

Louisa continues to talk passionately about Racing Welfare’s services, as in her central role as a Head Person she is often the person that other members of racing staff come to in times of need.

“I have signposted countless members of Epsom’s racing staff to the charity for help with a myriad of issues – not just for their physical and mental health. I know that at the end of the phone there is someone that can help us get through any of life’s challenges, including bereavement, housing, financial issues and even nutritional advice!”

Louisa will be among the team at Jim Boyle’s South Hatch Stables welcoming people on Epsom Open Day. She said: “I hope that everyone attending the Epsom Open Day has an enjoyable day. All of us at South Hatch Stables are looking forward to welcoming members of the public, and to raising money for a charity that has had such a huge impact on our local racing community in recent years.”

Tickets are available now for just £10 for adult admission, while under 16s go free. Book at www.epsomopenday.co.uk.

“Enabling You With Technology” wins award for innovation

A partnership pilot project “Enabling You With Technology” between Surrey County Council and Mole Valley District Council has been recognised for its work to help older people live independently for longer.

The team won the Innovation and Improvement Award at the Surrey Downs Health and Care Partnership (SDHCP) inaugural Better Together awards.

The hi-tech home monitoring system can help identify early warning signs of declining health or mobility and help prevent falls by installing sensors into everyday objects and places around the home, helping people remain independent and detect whether they may be in need of additional support before they reach crisis point.

Thirza Sawtell, Place Lead from SDHCP said, “The Enabling You With Technology team demonstrated the ability to apply new technology in order to improve the delivery of care across Surrey Downs. The team worked closely with the county council’s local Mole Valley social care team to trial the use of a home monitoring system in their local area. Due to the success of the initial trial, the TEC pilot has now been rolled out to more teams across Surrey, enabling thorough risk assessments to be put in place, with the ultimate goal of supporting people to stay at home for longer and reducing system pressures.”

Sinead Mooney, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, said: “Congratulations to all involved in this project which is showing us the potential for care technology to change lives for the better and enable people to stay independent in their homes for longer.

“Not only is the service improving quality of life for our residents, it’s also providing reassurance to families who are able to check in on their loved ones remotely. It complements face-to-face care and is one of the ways we’re working with partners to transform and modernise care for the benefit of our residents.

“The project is going from strength to strength and we’re looking forward to highlighting further steps forward for the partnership in the near future.”

The county council partners with Mole Valley Life, the district council’s technology-enabled care service to provide the service.

Councillor Caroline Salmon, Cabinet Member for Community Services at Mole Valley District Council, said: “I am thrilled that the hard work of the Mole Valley Life team and our partners at Surrey County Council has been recognised at the inaugural, SDHCP Better Together awards. Receiving the Innovation and Improvement award is a testament to our strong partnership working and the huge benefits the “Enabling You With Technology” pilot is already delivering to our health and social care system at neighbourhood and place level.

“At an individual level, TEC can allow our most vulnerable citizens to feel that they can stay safely in their homes, whilst also providing vital reassurance to families who can’t be with loved ones 24 hours of the day. I hope that our partnership with the County and neighbouring councils will support many more residents to live safe and well at home for longer.”

Sue, whose mum has had the home monitoring system installed said, “Mum wants to be in her own home as long as possible and we want the same. It’s put my mind at rest a lot, just to know that mum’s safe. I think it would suit a lot of people.” Watch the family’s story here.

The system is currently available through Adult Social Care in Mole Valley, Reigate and Banstead, Tandridge and Epsom and Ewell. Plans are underway to make the service available to people to purchase from Autumn 2022.

Visit the Technology Enabled Care webpages on the Surrey County Council website for more information.

Pioneering “Enabling You With Technology” pilot project wins award for innovation
(L-R) Stuart Cole, Business Development Manager, Mole Valley Life, Mole Valley District Council, Claire White, Lead Practice Improvement and Development manager, Adult social care, Surrey County Council (holding the Innovation and Improvement award) and Louise Carrigan, Senior Occupational Therapist - Technology Enabling Care (TEC), Surrey County Council.

Opening date confirmed for Epsom’s new food hall

Surrey’s first food hall, Epsom Social, is opening its doors later this month with an opening date slated for 29th August. The 200 seat venue will bring together 7 food vendors, with a central bar serving local coffee from Redber, craft beer from Esher-based Big Smoke brewery, cocktails, wine and non-alcoholic drinks, and a range of entertainment from local artists.

The food hall features 7 tempting kitchens in addition to regularly rotating pop ups offering up a range of cuisines and innovative menus. Food options will include local pizza purveyors Doughboyz, award-winning Venezuelan street food vendors Pabellón, Curry On Naanstop (as seen on BBC’s ‘Britain’s Top Takeaways’), as well as Lebanese, Mexican, Korean and dessert options.

Complementing the 8 food vendors is a 12 metre long bar, where Guildford-based Redber coffee and Esher-based Big Smoke craft beer will be served, in addition to a selection of wines, spirits and cocktails.

Another key offering of Epsom Social is a performance area where there will be a curated range of events such as live music, sport on a large screen, comedy nights, cultural events and cooking demonstrations, using local artists and creatives where possible.

Epsom Social will be soft launching over the course of a week, with an invitation only VIP event on Thursday the 25th August before opening up to the public on Monday 29th August.

Located in the heart of the town, at Epsom Square, just off the high street and 1 minute from the train station, Epsom Social will be open Monday – Sunday catering for everything from the morning coffee run, lunch and dinner through to evening cocktails and get-togethers.

Co-founder of Epsom Social, Peter Farrell, said: “We can’t wait to open later this month and for the local community to experience the really exciting things planned for the venue.”

Epsom Common is awarded Green Flag Award

Epsom and Ewell Borough Council is pleased to have received a Green Flag Award for Epsom Common Local Nature Reserve, one of 2208 UK winners. The award is the international quality mark for parks and green spaces. This is the 16th year that Epsom Common Local Nature Reserve has received this award.

Over the last few years, borough parks and nature reserves have been vital places for people to relax, exercise and meet friends and family safely.

Councillor John Beckett of the Environment and Safe Communities Committee said: “We have some fantastic parks and green spaces in the borough. The news that Epsom Common Local Nature Reserve has achieved the Green Flag Award for the 16th year in a row is a testament to our teams and volunteers whose hard work all year-round ensures it is well maintained.  We are also reminding everyone to be fire aware and not to light any BBQs in our green spaces as there is currently such a high risk of fires spreading in this dry spell.”

Commenting on the news Epsom Common Local Nature Reserve has met the Green Flag Award standard, Keep Britain Tidy’s Accreditation Manager Paul Todd said: “I would like to congratulate everyone involved in making Epsom Common Local Nature Reserve worthy of a Green Flag Award.

“Epsom Common Local Nature Reserve is a vital green space for the local community. This award is testament to all the hard work of staff and volunteers, who do so much to ensure that it maintains the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award.”

The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.

A full list of Green Flag Award-winning parks and green spaces is available at https://www.keepbritaintidy.org/sites/default/files/2022%20GFA%20UK%20winners%20list.pdf.

Wisdom on Wellness Festival at Painshill

Announcing the launch of a new wellbeing festival, located at the stunning PAINSHILL PARK the setting of the NETFLIX series BRIDGERTON. Bringing together speakers, practitioners, yoga, food, and wellness experiences to create a holistic and joyful day out.

For More Details or To Book CLICK HERE

Wisdom on Wellness (WOW) has been launched by a trio based in South London whose passions and expertise sits in the wellness, events, and media space. WOW will bring people together over two days on the 20th and 21st August at Painshill Park, Cobham, Surrey.

This stunning venue will be the setting for WOW Festival, hosting two days of free and ticketed events and activities. The tranquil walled gardens will be the home of yoga an breathing classes, the crystal grotto caves will be used for an immersive and unique sound bath experience. There will also be a free guided forest bathing walk through the grounds, lake, and historical landmarks. The stage, situated in the Amphitheatre, will be the setting for expert guest speakers to inspire and motivate. Free experiences from breath work, shamanic drumming and more, will ensure everyone who takes part has fun, tries a new activity, and leaves WOW having learnt something that can be incorporated into their day to day lives to improve their wellbeing.

Healers, Masseurs, Psychic guides, Reiki masters, Sound and Energy healers will be available for treatments in the Wellness Marketplace along with more immersive workshops from Macrame to Cacao Ceremonies.

There will be live music, good coffee (a must), CBD drinks and a selection of nutritious food trucks on site.

Event c0-founder Alix Bramwell; “I want to create a festival that brings likeminded people together to connect and celebrate not only physical, but mental wellbeing in an exciting, and safe space. Through my own mental health journey, I want to inspire and open conversations around mental wellbeing. Raising money and awareness for a charity close to my heart is also an important motivation for founding this project.”

Event co-founder Mary Cox; “WOW fest will be a space for people to pause and unwind, nourishing their mind, body & soul. I want to encourage others to come back home to themselves, to share and explore what mental, physical, and spiritual wellbeing means to them. To share their own Wisdom on Wellness.”

Event co-founder Kerry Flower; “I’m excited to launch an event that brings together people of all ages who are open to embracing change and growing spiritually. Creating joy, having new and fun experiences in the most stunning venue where people can embrace nature is what I’d love to achieve over these two days”

The WOW team are dedicated to highlighting the importance of balancing mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing, with a charity raffle being held to raise money for the Grace Dear Trust, a mental health charity aiming to help prevent suicide in young people.

Entry to Painshill is only an incredible £11 for day guests, and free for members of the trust, which includes entry to the WOW Wellbeing Festival with access to talks, forest walks and taster events are all free. This is in addition to the beautiful 18th century historical landscape gardens.

Statement from Leader of Mole Valley District Council

Councillor Stephen Cooksey, Leader of Mole Valley District Council, said: “Temperatures are expected to reach the mid-30s towards the end of this week. An Amber warning has been issued and expected to be in place until Sunday 14 August. With ground conditions extremely dry already and no rain forecast anytime soon, the risk of wildfires is ever growing. This is of course a worry and, to reiterate what I said in my last address, prevention is the key. Please refrain from using disposable BBQs out in the open. The effects of a wildfire are devastating and I urge everyone to take care and act responsibly. That aside, I hope you have embraced the run of fine weather experienced in recent weeks and taken the opportunity to explore our beautiful surroundings, whilst also remembering to take responsibility for yours and your family’s safety. Advice on how to stay safe in hot weather can be found on the GOV.UK website.

“We have launched a public consultation this month inviting residents to tell us the three priority areas they identify are in need of improvement in their local community. The views we receive will play a vital role in us better understanding where money from our Neighbourhood Fund, totalling almost £1million, could be spent in the future to deliver new, or maintain or improve existing, infrastructure. I would urge residents not to miss the opportunity to have your say by Wednesday 31 August 2022.

“In my previous address I provided an update on the industrial action taking place in Elmbridge and Surrey Heath affecting their bin collection services. While those two boroughs form part of a wider joint contract that includes ourselves and Woking, I am pleased to report that although the strike is now in its second week, there continues to be no impact on our waste collections.

“I am pleased to be able to provide an update on the discretionary fund, totalling a little over £235,000:

    • Residents in receipt of Council Tax support and/or who have a physical or mental impairment living in Council Tax band E-H properties will soon be given £150
    • Individuals in the same position in band A-D properties who already received the funding will get an additional £37 this time around
    • Residents who have moved into band A-D properties since 1 April will also get £150.

Payments will be made by direct debit to individuals we have bank account details for and a credit will be put on council tax accounts for those residents we don’t.

“The cardboard collection banks at Reigate Road (Dorking) and Ashtead Peace Memorial Hall car parks will be removed on 1 September 2022. This is a consequence of the budget savings that we have had to make. However, considering all the other ways available to support the disposal of excess cardboard such as kerb side collection, additional recycling bins and Community Recycling Centres, I very much hope that it will not cause an inconvenience to residents who are currently using those sites. More information on how to manage your excess cardboard can be can be found our website.

“The Mole Valley Employment Skills Hub – which very recently celebrated its first anniversary – will soon be offering budding entrepreneurs in the district some valuable insight by way of hosting a drop-in event, ‘Thinking of starting your own business or going self-employed’ on 25 August 10am-1pm, in addition to a ‘Start your own business’ two-day workshop on 7 and 8 September from 10am to 4pm. You will have to secure a ticket for the September sessions to ensure your place, but both are FREE to attend.

“I am delighted that a partnership pilot project, ‘Enabling You With Technology’, delivered in partnership by our Mole Valley Life team and Surrey County Council recently won the ‘Innovation and Improvement’ prize at the inaugural Better Together Awards. The technology is vitally important in helping older people live independently for longer by identifying early warning signs of declining health or mobility. Congratulations to everyone involved in the delivery of this technology to those who need it most.”