Category: Charity

The Great Get Together

THE GREAT GET TOGETHER is a free community event to celebrate all that unites us. It’s happening on Sunday 22nd June 2025 at St Joseph’s Church Hall, St Margaret Drive, Epsom KT18 7JQ from 1pm – 4pm

Good Company (Surrey) is hosting a FREE community event for all the family. This is part of a network of events around the country called The Great Get Together, inspired by Jo Cox’s belief that we have more in common than that which divides us.

“Hosting a community event like The Great Get Together allows us to bring people from all walks of life together in a spirit of unity, friendship and shared humanity. It’s an opportunity to celebrate our diversity, forge new connections, and show that Epsom is a place where everyone belongs” explains Jo Sherring, Epsom and Ewell Refugee Network Lead.

The event is completely free, with music, food, activities and entertainment for all the family. It will be opened by The Worshipful The Mayor of Epsom & Ewell, Councillor Robert Leach and the Mayoress.

The free entertainment includes songs from the Ukrainian choir, a Disney Sing-along, the Freedom Pulse Brass Band as well as children’s entertainment and crafts, treasure hunt, henna hand-paintng, artisan displays, and an assortment of games and sports including Crazy Golf.

Good Company incorporates Epsom & Ewell Food Bank, Epsom & Banstead Pantries and Epsom & Ewell Refugee Network.

Even though the event is free, entry tickets need to be booked using the QR code on the flyer below. This also shows the timetable of the afternoon.

The Great Get Together

King’s Award For Surrey Hills Radio

Surrey Hills Community Radio, based in Leatherhead, was presented with The King’s Award for Voluntary Service at a celebration evening on Monday (28th April) —the highest honour a voluntary group can receive in the UK and the equivalent to an MBE for a group of volunteers. The Award presentation was held at ‘The Stockroom Society’ in Leatherhead’s Swan Shopping Centre, bringing together current presenters, supporters, and community partners from over a decade of broadcasting.

His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey, Michael More-Molyneux, presented the Award to the station co-founder and station manager – Dave Smith. The citation was read by Deputy Lieutenant Neelam Devesher, one of the Award assessors. Among the distinguished guests were Peter Cluff, the High Sheriff of Surrey, Helen Maguire MP, and Vice-Chairman of Mole Valley District Council, Cllr Roger Adams.

The evening was a vibrant reflection of the community spirit SHCR has championed since its inception. Guests included representatives from Freewheelers Theatre and Media Company, The Theatre Academy, The Sunnybank Trust, The Orpheus Centre, The Paul Alan Project, Leatherhead Cricket Club, and Mole Valley Runners, Mole Valley Arts Alive Festival, the Mole Valley Employment & Skills Hub, plus their newest partners the organisers of ShyneFest. Also attending were local businesses who sponsor shows that have supported the station’s growth, including local caterer Nibble & Feast and The Golden Scissors hair salon.

A standout moment came from Claygate Primary School, who delighted the audience with two radio-themed songs, complete with dance moves. Adding to the emotional resonance of the evening, Millie Jane Franks gave a heartfelt speech before performing live, sharing her gratitude for SHCR’s continued support of her career through their new music programme. Her performance was a moving reminder of the station’s impact on local talent and creativity.

King's Award For Surrey Hills RadioStation Manager Dave Smith shared,
“This Award is not just for the radio station—it’s for every single person who has given their time, their talent, and their voice to make SHCR what it is today. We are so grateful to all who have been part of our journey.”

The announcement for the award in 2024 – the tenth year anniversary of the station, followed a memorable visit by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh who visited the studio in North Street and recorded a special radio show during which he interviewed key members of the team and presenters, which was aired a few days later on his 60th birthday.

Monday’s celebration marked not only a milestone for SHCR, but a reaffirmation of its mission: to bring people together through the power of local radio, community collaboration, and shared stories.

You can find out more about Surrey Hills Community Radio, including how to listen in to its exclusively online shows at www.surreyhillsradio.co.uk

King's Award For Surrey Hills Radio

Photography by Andy Newbold & Kayleigh Arunasalon.

Bishop of Guildford to join thrill seekers in Leap of Faith

Bishop of Guildford to join thrill seekers in a Leap of Faith to raise funds for Guildford Cathedral’s vital work

Guildford Cathedral is calling on adventurers to take part in its thrilling Daring Descent on Saturday 14 June 2025, an exciting fundraising event aimed at supporting the Cathedral’s vital upkeep and work.

Participants will climb the Cathedral’s spiral staircase, consisting of 249 steps, to a height of 160 feet, roughly the height of ten double-decker buses, where they will enjoy stunning panoramic views of Guildford before experiencing the thrill of abseiling back to the ground.

This unique event will feature 20 brave individuals, including Right Reverend Andrew Watson, the Bishop of Guildford, who will be raising funds for both Guildford Cathedral and the Bishop’s Communities Fund. The remaining participants will focus their fundraising efforts on the essential £3,500 it costs every day to keep the Cathedral’s doors open, supporting its operations, services, and community outreach.

“We are incredibly grateful to all who are participating in the Daring Descent to raise funds for the ongoing maintenance and mission of Guildford Cathedral,” said Nicola Pratt, Head of Development at Guildford Cathedral. “It costs £3,500 every day to keep our doors open, and these funds will ensure we can continue to serve our community, preserve our historic building, and offer a beautiful space of welcome, worship and culture.”

The Bishop of Guildford’s Communities Fund, for which Bishop Andrew is also raising money, gives grants to a variety of local which provide much needed support and outreach to some of the most disadvantaged and vulnerable people in our Diocese.

While 20 participants have already signed up, including Cathedral Staff and their families, Choristers, Congregation members and Diocese of Guildford Staff, Guildford Cathedral is encouraging even more thrill-seekers to join in and help raise much-needed funds for this beloved local landmark. Experience is not essential as instructions and full safety equipment will be provided by experts.

Get your camera at the ready as this experience will be worthy of posting on your social media! This is an experience to tick off the bucket list, all whilst raising vital funds for a good cause.

Whether a seasoned abseiler or a first timer, the Daring Descent promises an unforgettable experience for those taking part.

To sign up for the event or for more information, please contact Nicola Pratt, Head of Development at Guildford Cathedral on 01483 547884 [email protected]

For more information about our exhibitions, tours, and events, visit www.guildford-cathedral.org.

Guildford Cathedral is the newest Church of England Cathedral consecrated on a new site and the only Cathedral dedicated to the Holy Spirit. Known for its stunning architecture and vibrant community, it serves as a spiritual home and cultural landmark in Surrey.

When WWII halted the building process, leaving the Cathedral partially completed, fears arose that it might never be finished, and there were even talks of demolishing what had been built. In an incredible display of support, thousands of individual bricks were purchased by members of the public and community groups. Even Queen Elizabeth II participated, buying and signing a brick. These contributions marked the beginning of the journey of the “People’s Cathedral.

Today, Guildford Cathedral stands strong on Stag Hill, an instantly recognisable symbol of Guildford visible for miles around—a beacon of hope and a sign of homecoming. Inside, the Cathedral’s natural light highlights its open space, creating an atmosphere of stillness and peace. It serves not only as a place of worship but also as a vibrant venue for community events.

This remarkable building is a testament to what can be achieved when people pull together. From the passion and dedication that made its construction possible in the 20th century to the present day, Guildford Cathedral remains “Open to God, Open to All.”

 

3rd Anniversary of Ukraine War in Epsom Market Place Event

Epsom & Ewell Refugee Network (EERN) and Surrey Stands with Ukraine (SSWU) invite the community to a commemorative event marking the third anniversary of the war in Ukraine. The gathering will take place on Saturday 22nd February 2025, at 11am in Epsom Market Place in the presence of The Worshipful The Mayor of Epsom & Ewell:  Councillor Steve Bridger and the Mayoress: Carol Bridger.

The ceremony will feature a rendition of the Ukrainian National Anthem, led by Ukrainian singer Helin Konyar and members of the Ukrainian choir, Renaissance. Helen Maguire MP has asked us to read out some words on her behalf as she is unable to attend. Ukrainian Constantin Ryzhikov, will share personal reflections, followed by a collective prayer for peace in Ukraine.

Ukraine

Helin Konyar, who was studying at the Kiev Municipal Academy of Circus and Variety Arts before relocating to the UK, has continued her musical journey by securing a three-year scholarship at Laine Theatre Arts College in Epsom.

EERN has been steadfast in supporting refugees and asylum seekers in the Epsom and Ewell area since 2015. In response to the Ukrainian crisis, the organization has intensified its efforts, offering assistance with housing, education, and integration into the local community.

SSWU has been instrumental in providing aid, raising awareness, and supporting Ukrainians both in Ukraine and within the local community. Their partnership with EERN in hosting this event highlights their ongoing commitment to standing in solidarity with those affected by the conflict and ensuring that the voices of Ukrainian refugees are heard and supported.

This event aims to honour those affected by the ongoing war and to foster solidarity within the local community. All are welcome to attend and show their support.

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday 22nd February 2025
• Time: 11:00 AM
• Location: Epsom Market Place, Epsom (opposite Weatherspoons)
 

For more information about the event or to learn how to support EERN’s initiatives, please visit www.epsomrefugeenetwork.org or contact them at [email protected].