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MP Calls For The New Hospital At Sutton To Be Protected

New Liberal Democrat MP for Epsom & Ewell Helen Maguire has called for the planned new emergency care hospital in Sutton and the upgrading of Epsom Hospital to be protected following this week’s Chancellor’s statement to the House of Commons 

In the Statement, Chancellor Rachel Reeves said that a number of infrastructure projects were at risk of being cut in order to balance the books following years of Conservative economic mismanagement including plans to deliver 40 new hospitals.

In response, Epsom & Ewell’s new Liberal Democrat MP Helen Maguire said that this should not include the new emergency care hospital at Sutton. Helen said that her constituents “cannot wait any longer” for the previously promised investment in the new hospital as it is designed to relieve pressure on Epsom and St Helier hospitals, by offering a new centre of excellence and a state-of-the-art facility for the most serious emergency hospital cases.

The new Lib Dem MP said that without it, staff and patients in Epsom, Ewell, Ashtead and Leatherhead would continue having to put up with sub-standard buildings on the two current over developed sites – both of which will also need to be upgraded once the new hospital relieves pressures on them.  She said that she looked forward to taking up the Chancellor’s offer of a meeting with the Health Secretary for those MPs whose constituencies are affected by changes to the scheme.

In that meeting Helen said they would put across her, and her constituents’ concerns, about any withdrawal of funding and the consequences this may have on local people.

Helen Maguire MP for Epsom & EwellHelen Maguire MP said, “We must be clear. The Conservative party’s economic vandalism decimated the public finances, left our services in tatters and stretched household budgets to breaking point. The Conservative various promises to build our new hospital were clearly not worth the paper they were written on.

“My constituents have been crying out for improvements at Epsom and St Helier and so it is vital that this project must go ahead.

“That is why I look forward to taking up the Chancellor’s offer of a meeting with the Health Secretary where I can relay the concerns of the people of Epsom, Ewell, Ashtead and Leatherhead directly, and to call on the government to protect funding for the new Emergency Care Hospital at Sutton.

“My constituents should not have to wait any longer for this desperately needed investment in our area and for our local health service to get back on its their feet after years of decline under the Conservatives.”

To contact Helen email [email protected]

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Epsom Common awarded the Green Flag Award

Epsom Common Local Nature Reserve has been awarded the coveted Green Flag Award and officially recognised as one of the country’s best green spaces 

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council is celebrating receiving the prestigious Green Flag Award – the international quality mark for parks and green spaces – for an 18th consecutive year, for Epsom Common Local Nature Reserve (LNR).

Epsom Common LNR dates back to Saxon times and is a nationally and internationally important wildlife site, as well as being designated a ‘Site of Specific Scientific Interest’ due to its rare insects and its importance of breeding bird habitat. Epsom Common LNR contains oak woods, open pasture woodland and wetland habitats including large ponds and hosts species including cotton spotted orchids and purple emperor butterflies.

Councillor Liz Frost, Chair of the Environment Committee said: “Epsom Common is a beautiful and biodiverse space that is available for people, horse riders and cyclists and we’re incredibly proud to receive this award for an 18th consecutive year. This award is a true testament to the hard work and dedication of our volunteers and partners including the Epsom Common Association, the Lower Mole Partnership and Natural England.

Thanks to staff and volunteers for continuing to provide a safe, green space for residents to enjoy.”

To find out more about the walks and tours taking place, managed by the Countryside Team at the council, take a look here: What’s on | Epsom and Ewell Borough Council (epsom-ewell.gov.uk).

Keep Britain Tidy’s Green Flag Award Scheme Manager, Paul Todd MBE, said: “I would like to congratulate everyone involved at Epsom & Ewell Borough Council on achieving a Green Flag Award. Epsom Common LNR is a vital green space for communities in Epsom and Ewell to socialise, enjoy nature, for children to play safely and it provides important opportunities for park users to improve their physical and mental health.

We know that staff and volunteers work tirelessly to ensure that it maintains the high standards of the Green Flag Award, everyone involved should feel extremely proud of their achievement. It is important that our free to use spaces are maintained to the Green Flag Award standard, making them accessible for all members of the community while ensuring the environment is protected.”

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Free Tennis Sessions in Epsom & Ewell

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council to offer free morning tennis sessions over the school summer holidays. 

Continuing the enthusiasm for tennis following Wimbledon, Epsom & Ewell Borough Council will be offering bookable free tennis sessions from Tuesday 23 July to Monday 26 August, between 8am and 12pm.

Courts can be booked by visiting Epsom & Ewell Parks Tennis / Home (lta.org.uk).

The free summer sessions follow the council’s move earlier this year to introduce a new ‘pay as you play’ scheme across all tennis courts. The scheme seeks to make the borough’s tennis courts more self-sufficient, with all income raised being reinvested into the courts.

The council has also implemented free coaching opportunities at Court Recreation Ground and free booking slots on Saturdays to enable those of all ages, experience, and socio-economic background to participate.

Councillor Liz Frost, Chair of the Environment Committee, said: “The decision to extend free, bookable morning sessions at our tennis courts during the summer holidays gives residents, particularly our younger ones, a greater opportunity to keep active and have fun during the break.”

“We hope that this this will encourage those who have otherwise not considered playing tennis the incentive to give it a go and if they enjoy it, join as members in the future.”

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Guildford’s Boathouse Cafe set to sizzle this summer

Guildford’s unique riverside restaurant set to sizzle this summer as they announces new Head Chef and seasonal summer menu

The independently run, award-winning riverside restaurant, The Boathouse Cafe, (theboathousecafe.co.uk) has officially launched its summer menu – created by their new Head Chef, Rafal Milarski, with the restaurant now reopen for dinner.

While soaking up the atmosphere from the restaurant’s riverside terrace, guests can expect to enjoy a delicious and fresh summer menu, which focuses on British fare with a twist. The new all-day menu is inspired by local, seasonal produce, offering an array of mouth watering dishes including crab and prawn plates, cod ‘schnitzel’, poke bowl, primavera tagliatelle, and premium ‘Surrey Hills’ ribeye steak.

The Boathouse

With a career spanning top-tier establishments across Europe, new Head Chef, Rafal Milarski, brings a wealth of expertise and passion to the chic riverside restaurant. Having discovered his love for cooking at the young age of eight, when at home watching his mother in the kitchen, Rafal was educated in Poland with certificates in Culinary Arts, Professional Cooking and Baking. Rafal was previously Head Chef at The Harbour Hotel Guildford and The Drummond at Albury, and is known for his creativity, leadership, and dedication to quality.

The Boathouse Creative Director, Jessica Meins says: “We are delighted to announce Rafal Milarski has joined The Boathouse Cafe, working alongside our talented team – led by The Boathouse Cafe General Manager, Justyna Cichocka. Rafal’s impressive background and shared vision for seasonal British food makes him an exciting culinary leader to take our independent, destination restaurant into the next chapter. We look forward to welcoming all our guests dining with us this summer!”

Having opened its doors in July 2023, The Boathouse Cafe has been described as a “hidden foodie gem upon Guildford’s River Wey”. Located at the bottom of Guildford high street, the former 1960’s Boat House has been meticulously reimagined by the Meins family and now provides the perfect location for meeting friends and enjoying alfresco, riverside dining.

The Boathouse Cafe maintains a unique position as one of a handful of Guildford’s remaining independent restaurants. The destination restaurant is also offering a series of events this summer, including live music nights, health and wellness events, and boat hire.

The restaurant is open for dinner Thursdays – Saturdays, as well as Tuesdays – Sundays for breakfast and lunch.

More information can be found on The Boathouse Cafe website (theboathousecafe.co.uk) and Instagram channel – @theboathousecafeguildford.

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Local CCTV Monitoring Arrangement

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council and partners agree to local CCTV monitoring arrangements to help promote nighttime safety and combat retail crime 

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, alongside partners Go Epsom, Surrey Police and The Ashley Centre, today announce they have entered an arrangement for town centre CCTV cameras to be monitored locally by The Ashley Centre’s security team, Mercury Security.

The Ashley Centre team’s knowledge of the local area and persons of interest will prove invaluable in tackling retail crime, supporting Epsom’s nighttime economy and improving safety in the town centre overall.

Last year, 15 new, fully digital, high definition CCTV cameras were installed in the town centre as a result of a successful bid for government funding by the council, Go Epsom, Surrey Police and the Police and Crime Commissioner in 2022. The funding made it possible to implement measures to make the streets of Epsom safer – including upgrading CCTV cameras in the town centre.

Councillor Shanice GoldmanCouncillor Shanice Goldman, Chair of Crime and Disorder Committee, said: “I’m very pleased we and our partners have come to an agreement with The Ashley Centre and their partner security firm, Mercury Security, to monitor the town centre’s CCTV.

“Over the past two years, the council and our partners have implemented many measures to improve safety and reduce crime in Epsom. Moving to a locally monitored CCTV service, with personnel who are familiar with the area and likely perpetrators, can only improve results.”

Karen Pengelly, BID Manager at Go Epsom, said: “Epsom should be welcoming and safe for all residents, workers and visitors. Lots of hard work by the BID, Surrey Police and the Council is now seeing tangible results, information on offenders is being gathered and shared and now, active CCTV monitoring will mean another step forwards in public safety”

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Helen Maguire MP Calls For New Laws On GP Appointments and Cancer Care

Helen Maguire MP for Epsom & Ewell calls For new laws on GP Appointments and Cancer Care In King’s Speech. 

Liberal Democrat MP for Epsom & Ewell, Ashtead and Leatherhead, Helen Maguire, has called on the new government to prioritise the NHS and social care in this Wednesday’s King’s Speech.

 Maguire has called for new laws to tackle the crisis in GP and cancer care waiting times. The Liberal Democrat general election manifesto called for giving patients new legal rights to see a GP within a week and to start cancer treatment within 62 days of an urgent diagnosis, with new laws putting a statutory duty on the Government to deliver them.

The NHS crisis was one of the most raised issues on the doorstep by local people, and the Liberal Democrat MP is now taking those concerns to Westminster.

Since the Conservatives promised to hire 6,000 more GPs, the number has fallen by almost 500, leaving our GP services in crisis and people struggling to get an appointment.

More than 100,000 patients in the last year waited longer than the NHS target of 62 days to start urgent cancer treatment.

Helen Maguire MP for Epsom & EwellHelen Maguire MP commented:

“I have heard so many heartbreaking stories from local people about the state of the NHS. People tell me it has become almost impossible to see an NHS dentist or GP when you need to, whilst cancer care targets are constantly being missed.

“Years of neglect under the Conservative Party have left our local health and care services in a state of chaos. That is not good enough and our community deserves better.

“I hope the new government does the right thing and puts the NHS and care at the top of their priority list. We cannot wait any longer to restore local health services,” said Maguire.

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Chessington World of Adventures zoo animals receive ‘New Year Health MOT’ The ‘new year, new you’ health kicks are in

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M25 Weekend Closure in July

The M25 will once again be closed in both ways between junction 10 Wisley and junction 11 Addlestone  from 9pm Friday 11th July to 6am Monday 15th July so a new bridge can be installed.

National Highways are asking drive only to travel if your journey is necessary. A detailed diversion has been set up, and drivers are being urged NOT to rely on their Sat Navs but to follow the diversion routes instead.

Diversion route

The local diversion route is the same for both directions:

Junction 10 to Junction 11

North bound A3 to Painshill Junction, A245 towards Woking, and then A320 to M25 Junction 11.

Junction 11 to Junction 10

A320 south towards Woking, A245 towards Byfleet and Painshill junction, Southbound A3 to Junction 10.

Avoiding the closure by taking the M25 via the Dartford Crossing may also be quicker.

There are concerns that Sat Navs may direct vehicles, including lorries, onto smaller town roads, causing significant congestion alongside the delays that will happen with the diversions. So please follow the diversion route and not your SatNav.

The M25 junction 10 project profile page tells the story of our ongoing work during 2024/25 to transform the junction and surrounding area.

Lib Dem Helen Maguire Wins Historic Victory in Epsom & Ewell

Liberal Democrat Helen Maguire wins historic victory in Epsom & Ewell and calls on Labour to support political reform.

Helen Maguire has won a historic victory to become the new Liberal Democrat MP for Epsom & Ewell.

Former Royal Military Police Captain Maguire overturned an 18,000 vote Conservative majority in a constituency that has been Conservative since its inception in 1885.

In her speech following the result at the iconic Epsom racecourse – the home of the Epsom Derby – Maguirethanked former MP Chris Grayling for his 23 year service in Epsom & Ewell. She thanked her Lib Dem colleagues – some 400 who worked on the campaign – as well as her family.

Turning to political reform Helen Maguire said, “We know that Labour have won an overall majority in Parliament and I urge them to use this majority to enable political reform. At a recent Labour conference 85% of their members voted for proportional representation and so this morning I am asking Labour members here to put this to their leadership to reform the political system, to allow people to truly have their say so that in the future they won’t’ have to navigate the endless polls and opinion surveys.
 

Helen said “Finally, I would like to thank the voters of Epsom & Ewell who have put their trust in me. Today the hard work begins and I look forward to starting the job as your Member of Parliament and serving this wonderful community,”

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Wild Noises & Animal Voices

Wild Noises & Animal Voices: Britain’s Got Talent sensation Geneviève Côté comes to Chessington World Of Adventures

Chessington World of Adventures Resort has announced a new interactive wildlife-themed show like no other: ‘Wild Noises & Animal Voices’. Professional ‘noise maker’ and Britain’s Got Talent 2024 star, Geneviève Côté, will be joining families at the London theme park and zoo on 27 June 2024 to captivate guests with her incredible animal impressions. Making the journey all the way from Canada, Geneviève is gearing up to learn some new animal noises from some of Chessington’s zoo residents.

Many children’s toys and books focus on animal noises.. but roars and ribbits aren’t just fun and games. Imitating these simple sounds plays an important role in early speech and language development and can help to enhance children’s cognitive skills[1]. Parents can support their children by using animal sounds, whether in play or reading a book. And when children hear those animal noises in real life, in nature or at a zoo, it can help them develop a deeper understanding of the world.

So family favourite, Chessington World of Adventures, is inviting parents and children alike to level up their animal noises with a hands-on masterclass. Putting her unique vocal talents to the test, Geneviève will be barking along with the California Sea Lions, and working on her neigh with the Grévy’s Zebras. She will also be joined by zookeepers who will provide fascinating facts and insights about all the animals Geneviève mimics. It will be a fun and interactive experience the whole family will go wild for.

Guests can oink, chirp, and neigh their way through this one-of-a-kind event on 27 June 2024. Performances of Wild Noises & Animal Voices will take place throughout the day and are included in a day ticket, starting from £29 per person, with access to the theme park, zoo, and SEA LIFE Aquarium. For more information visit chessington.com.

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Jack Stein and others at FeastyFest

JACK STEIN, DEAN EDWARDS, MIRA MANEK & MORE ANNOUNCED FOR FEASTYFEST LIVE DEMO KITCHEN. MICHELIN-STARRED CHEFS, MASTERCHEF FINALISTS AND BROADCASTING STARS TO APPEAR AT SURREY FESTIVAL 

Independent Surrey food & drink festival FeastyFest have announced a host of world-famous and award-winning chefs, who will be taking turns to cook up a storm in the live demo kitchen. A weekend of the best food, music and entertainment for all ages in the heart of Surrey, FeastyFest exists to provide families with an amazing but affordable festival experience while creating a platform for the area’s phenomenal food & drink producers.

Leading today’s announcement is familiar TV face and Chef Director of Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurants Jack Stein. As well as regularly appearing everywhere from the BBC’s Saturday Kitchen to Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch, Jack has also filmed several successful TV series himself, including Born to Cook: Jack Stein Down Under, Wine, Dine & Stein and Jack Stein: Inside The Box.

Jack Stein, Dean Edwards, Mira Manek & more announced for FeastyFest live demo kitchen. Michelin-starred chefs, MasterChef finalists and broadcasting stars to appear at Surrey FestivalJoining Stein at FeastyFest is Bristol-born Dean Edwards who burst onto the culinary scene after reaching second place in the BBC’s 2006 edition of Masterchef. Since then, Dean has become renowned for his cost-cutting, accessible and family-friendly recipes, not to mention his cheeky personality, as resident chef-demonstrator on ITV breakfast show Lorraine.

 

Also popping up in the demo kitchen is Jeremy Hollingsworth who, having cooked under culinary icons like Anton Mossiman and Marco Pierre White, became Chef Director of three acclaimed gastropubs in London. Having collected accolades such as TimeOut Gastro Pub of the Year 2005 and Yorkshire Life Neighbourhood Restaurant of the Year 2011 as well as gracing the Michelin Guide.

Elsewhere, inspired by the Gujarati flavours of her heritage, Mira Manek will be exploring the succulent secrets of her vegetarian and vegan Indian recipes that have featured in the likes of The Independent, Grazia and Waitrose Magazine, as well as on BBC Radio and in her latest book The Book of Chai, whilst highly-regarded private chef Renu Ballantine will be leading a masterclass in creating delicious, nutritionally balanced meals that champion local produce.

This lineup of some of the country’s finest chefs will be joining a full festival programme packed with music, sports, activities and much more for all ages. Previously announced for Feasty’s music euro-pop icons Vengaboys as well as the euphoric live-experience of The House and Garage Orchestra with The Dolly Parton Experience, Strictly UB40, Club Tropicana, The Dunwells, Ska Wars, All New Blues & Soul Revue and much more.

Already boasting an incredible array of independent and artisanal street food vendors, FeastyFest 24 have announce that the likes of Venezuelan Arepas from Avila, Korean Fried Chicken courtesy of Nimtoh, Oh My Dog’s infamous hot dogs and a double decker converted into a Fish and Chip Bus on wheels, will all be joining this unbeatable gathering of the very best local and international food.

With over 100 traders street food, produce and other traders set to attend the festival this year, FeastyFest have shared the first look at this year’s food & drink programme with League Of Fire’s world champion chilli eatingcompetition taking centre stage alongside Cocktail Masterclasses, Gin Tasting, Live Chef Demos, Wine Tasting, VIP Bar and the inaugural Golden Yorkie Roast Awards with more still to come.

Launched in 2018 by local event professionals looking to create a brilliant but affordable event for their hometown, FeastyFest has grown into Surrey’s largest independent food festival, attracting thousands of attendees from across the region.

With a huge programme covering everything from live-cooking demos, chilli eating competitions, wrestling, sports and a full music line-up on the main stage, the team behind FeastyFest hope to offer a cost-of-living busting festival experience with adult tickets priced from just £27.50 per day with under 12’s going absolutely free.

As a not-for-profit festival, FeastyFest is committed to supporting initiatives in their local community via their Feasty Community Projects. Supporting  both local charities and individuals, Feasty Community Projects has financially supported initiatives including days out for families of children with complex needs, Christmas dinners for the elderly in sheltered housing where government funding has been removed, a Secret Santa for struggling families in the community and life-changing mobility items essential to people’s jobs and careers.

Line Up For FeastyFest

Demo Kitchen

Jack Stein, Dean Edwards, Jeremy Hollingsworth, Mira Manek, Renu Ballantine

Food Traders

Bratwurst UK, Lisa’s Luscious Bakes, Wow Bao Club, Churros Ole, Barnyard Birds, Nimtoh, Churros Garcia, Street Food Spain, Tasty Affair Souvlaki, Tasty Affair Pizza, Ray’s Fusion Eats, Newdlez & co, Fish and Chip Bus, Greek Souvlaki, Angus Beef Burger, Hog Roast, Loaded Fries, Berlin Doner/German Sausage, Caribbean Hut, Uptown Flava, Oh My Dog, Rizz Events, Jaffna Kitchen, Meat and Bread, SoleLuna Pizza, The Chimney Baker, Baraka Falafel, Olivecorner, Avila

Music

The House and Garage Orchestra, Vengaboys, Kevin Davy White, Ska Wars, RPJ, All New Blues and Soul Revue, The Dunwells, The Dolly Parton Experience, Strictly UB40, Rockin The Joint, Mick Brown Club Tropicana, Corazon & more

Food & Drink

League of Fire – Chilli Eating Competition, Hot Pods Public Chilli Comp, Cocktail Masterclass, Gin Tasting, FeastyFest Kitchen – Live Chef Demo’s, Wine Tasting, VIP Area, Golden Yorkie Award and over 100 street food, produce and other traders

Activities

Water Wars, Swingball, Bushcraft, Bezerkas Circus, Outdoor Theatre, BEW Wrestling (live), Storytelling with the Fairy Bookmother, TicTac Skate School, Tree Climbing, Bouncy Castles, Bungee Run, Archery, Yoga Tots – Baby Zumba, ContaKids & Contact Improv, Arts and crafts, Wild About Britain and much more.

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Tickets for FeastyFest 2024 are on sale now with Under 12’s going free

LINK

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Mike Quinton, FeastyFest founder said:

“While we’ve got activities for the whole family, loads of live music and so much more, FeastyFest is still a food festival at heart and we take so much pride in our demo kitchen and food programme. To have people like Jack Stein and Mira Ramek coming to FeastyFest to cook their amazing food and share their incredible skills and experience with our audience is such an exciting thing. Outside of that, we’re thrilled to share some of the incredible traders joining us at the festival this year. We really can’t wait!” 

Jack Stein photo by James Ram

animals MOT

Animals MOT

Chessington World of Adventures zoo animals receive ‘New Year Health MOT’ The ‘new year, new you’ health kicks are in

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05/02/2025 No Comments