Category: Family

Surrey Police Back to School Safety Advice

Following a long and hot summer, most children are going back to school this week. With this in mind, Surrey Police thought it would be a good opportunity for them to share with you some top safety tips for your loved one’s return to the classroom.

Quick Tips:

  • If you can, teach your child one emergency contact number and also write it down and put in their school bag.
  • Children should be taught basic road safety such as always walking on the pavement away from the kerb and only crossing at safe places like zebra crossings.
  • If your child gets lost or approached by a stranger on their way home from school, they should always try to go back to school or to a nearby shop and ask to speak to a staff member.
  • When sharing a child’s first day of school on social media, make sure to not share too much detail. Information such as full names, nicknames, school names, teacher names and personal home information, should be strictly avoided. These details could be used by someone with negative motivations to trick your child.

For children at secondary school, Surrey Police have included some more age-specific safety advice below:

  • Keep personal data safe online by activating 2-factor authentication across all messaging accounts, emails and gaming channels.
  • A reminder that screenshots can now make any ‘temporary’ photo or message permanent and shareable. If they are worried about any explicit images of themselves on the internet, ‘Report Remove‘ from Childline can help them confidentially report any images for removal.
  • If a young person is worried about a potential crime taking place within their social group or at school, but they don’t want to call us directly, they can report completely anonymously to Fearless.

Surrey Police hope this quick summary has been useful and wish everyone a safe return to school.

Bourne Hall Summer Festival

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council is pleased to announce that Bourne Hall will host a free Summer Festival on Saturday, 20 June 2026, from 12pm until 5pm. The free event promises fun for all the family, with live music, food, fairground activities, craft stalls and plenty to enjoy throughout the day.

The main stage will showcase a variety of live music performances, featuring talented local artists and bands. Artists supported by iPlay Collective, a local creative organisation that nurtures emerging performers and champions inclusive access to the arts, will perform across the day. Audiences can expect a lively and varied programme celebrating local talent and a wide range of musical styles, with a DJ host keeping the atmosphere buzzing between sets.

Festival‑goers can browse a wide selection of market stalls showcasing unique handcrafted items from local makers and artisan sellers. Visitors will find a diverse range of goods including seated acupressure therapy, hand‑turned wooden gifts and homeware, jewellery, laser‑engraved cheese and serving boards, handmade woodwork and textiles, locally produced Tropic organic skincare and make‑up, daily essentials and health supplements, alongside homemade gifts, keyrings, stickers, prints and cross‑stitch items. There will also be handmade natural soaps, stone and crystal candles, as well as stalls supporting good causes, including a dog rescue offering gifts and a tombola. The Rainbow Leisure Centre will also be present, promoting healthy lifestyles and community wellbeing.

In addition to the stalls, several local organisations and venues will be hosting activities throughout the day. These include the Home Improvement Agency, Epsom Playhouse, the Dementia Hub, Bourne Hall Museum and Ewell Library, ensuring there is plenty to explore and engage with for all ages.

For those looking for thrills, the fairground will feature trampolines and teacup rides. There will also be merchandise stalls selling balloon animals and bubbles, adding to the festive atmosphere.

  A variety of outdoor food options will be available, including burgers, nachos, ice cream and candyfloss, alongside refreshments from the Flying Saucer Café, which will be open from 9am until 5pm, serving hot and cold drinks and treats.

Ewell Epsom councillor Clive WoodbridgeSpeaking of the upcoming event, Councillor Clive Woodbridge, Chair of the Community & Wellbeing Committee, said:

“The Bourne Hall Summer Festival is a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together and enjoy a full day of free, inclusive entertainment. We’re delighted to be showcasing talented local musicians, including artists supported by iPlay Collective, who play such an important role in nurturing emerging performers.

“Alongside the live music, visitors can explore a fantastic selection of artisan and craft stalls, offering unique handmade goods from local makers – the perfect chance to support independent businesses and discover something special. With great food, creative talent and activities for all ages, the festival really highlights the vibrant community spirit of our borough.”

Free Summer Activities

Registrations Are Now Open for Free Summer Holiday Activities for 0-16s!

Mole Valley District Council (MVDC) is delighted to be partnering with local sport and leisure providers this summer to offer a wide range of free, fun and inclusive indoor and outdoor activities for children. These fantastic activities for all ages range from soft play and swimming to yoga, golf, dance, Pickleball, and so much more! Registrations have now opened, and booking early is strongly encouraged.

The programme is designed to help children stay active, try new activities and make friends over the summer holidays, with sessions that are inclusive and cater for a wide range of needs and abilities.

Activities are delivered by experienced local providers in safe and supportive environments. Activities will run from 23 July to 28 August, with sessions taking place across Mole Valley, including Leatherhead, Ashtead, Dorking, Bookham and surrounding areas. Locations include the Stockroom Society, Swan Centre, Leatherhead Leisure Centre, Ashtead Tennis Players Club, The Christian Centre, Dorking Sports Centre and St Josephs School, as well as outdoor spaces such as King George Playing Fields, Chart Downs, Kingston Road Rec, Leatherhead, Ashtead Rec and Nower Wood.

For more information on locations, please visit the site where you can browse the activities your child would like to take part in and when. The sessions are all mixed and cater for a range of different age groups and needs. To view the full programme and book activities, visit here. Please remember that all registrants must live in Mole Valley to participate.

cllr Nick Wright Mole ValleyNick Wright, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Tourism at Mole Valley District Council said: “We’re delighted to offer this opportunity for children in Mole Valley to take part in a broad range of different, inclusive activities, as well as make new friends over the summer. It is so important for young people’s health that they keep active and sociable, and these great activities cater for all levels of ability and experience. It’s great to see some new sessions join the programme this year, including boxing and yoga. Our free summer holiday programme is very popular, so we encourage you to book places for your children as soon as possible to avoid disappointment! As spaces are limited, please only book onto sessions you know your child can attend and cancel your space via the online booking system (Eequ) as soon as possible if they can no longer attend. Visit our website for more information.”

Free Summer Activities

Brooklands to celebrate centenary of first Grand Prix

Britain’s very first Grand Prix was staged at Brooklands, the birthplace of British motorsport, in 1926. Now, celebrating this year’s centenary in spectacular style, the award-winning Brooklands Museum is staging a very special event on Saturday 8 August – 100 years to the day after the original race was held.

Marking this milestone in British motor racing history, an amazing gathering of 100 Grand Prix cars will be on show at Brooklands, ranging from the very early pioneers to the high-tech Formula 1 machines of today.

Adding to the excitement, many of the earlier machines will be revving up on sections of the original banked oval circuit, while more recent racers will join them in action on the adjoining test track at Mercedes-Benz World – itself located within the historic 2.75-mile speedway.

“It’s going to be a wonderful occasion and a very apt celebration to mark the 100 years of Grand Prix racing in Great Britain ,” said Alex Patterson, Chief Executive of Brooklands Museum. “The Brooklands race in 1926 was fraught with danger and bravery, laying the foundation for Britain’s successful motorsport industry. Paying tribute to that watershed moment in time, this summer’s very special day will feature what’s certainly one of the biggest and most comprehensive collections of Grand Prix cars ever seen and, with many of those performing, it’s going to be a truly fitting tribute.”

Britain hosts its first Grand Prix in 1926
Brooklands was built in the Surrey countryside and was the brainchild of Hugh and Ethel Fortescue Locke King. When it opened in 1907, it was the world’s first purpose-built, banked motor racing circuit. With road racing banned on the British mainland, it quickly became the country’s motorsport capital, as well as home to equally intrepid early aviators.

It was therefore the natural venue for the Royal Automobile Club to stage Britain’s very first official Grand Prix. A one-off circuit layout was prepared using large sections of the banked outer oval track, with temporary earthwork chicanes on the finishing straight adding to the challenge.

On Saturday 7 August 1926, nine Grand Prix cars lined up before a vast crowd. Four hours later, victory went to the Delage 15-S-8 driven by French aces Louis Wagner and Robert Sénéchal, with Malcolm Campbell upholding local honour by finishing second in his Bugatti 39A. While many of the marques competing that day are no longer at the pinnacle of the sport, Aston Martin ­– a participant in 1926 – is very much on today’s Formula 1 grid.

Brooklands held a second Royal Automobile Club Grand Prix the following summer – again won by the then state-of-the-art Delage – and two further unofficial Grands Prix races were staged at Donington Park in the late thirties.

With the outbreak of war in Europe, Brooklands was given over to aircraft production. Hawker and Vickers expanded their established factories, building over the circuit’s concrete straights and assembling more than 18,000 Hurricane fighters, Wellington bombers and other military aircraft before Armistice was declared in 1945.

Brookland’s racing legacy
With Brooklands no longer available, motor racing quickly relocated to the runways and perimeter roads of many decommissioned World War II airfields. The former RAF base at Silverstone held the country’s first post-war Grand Prix in 1948 and, two years later, had the honour of hosting the very first points-scoring Formula 1 race. Thereafter, the British Grand Prix was also organised at Aintree and Brands Hatch before Silverstone became a permanent fixture on the World Championship calendar in 1987.

Although Brooklands fell dormant, its legacy endured. Significant sections of the circuit have been carefully preserved by the Brooklands Museum Trust, and its influence shaped Britain’s post-war motorsport landscape. Teams including Connaught, Cooper, Brabham and Tyrrell established themselves nearby in Surrey, while reigning World Champion McLaren is still based just a few miles away in Woking.

“Brooklands remains close to the hearts of motorsport fans everywhere and this is a great moment for the Museum to honour the past but importantly to look forward to the next 100 years of innovation,” said Patterson. “We are thrilled to be honouring the venue’s unique heritage with this summer’s centenary celebration. Alongside this remarkable array of cars, we will be inviting many Formula 1 drivers who have competed in British Grands Prix to join us for what promises to be a truly memorable and unmissable event.”

Tickets are now available via the official BrooklandsMuseum.com website. Adult admission is priced at £39.95 in advance, with tickets for accompanied children aged 4 to 17 (under 4s are free) available at £19.95. Members will be able to purchase tickets to an exclusive VIP Preview evening on the Friday and offered Saturday admission for £19.95 (child £9.95) – a special price that includes an official Show Guide.

Early booking is strongly advised for what is expected to be a truly outstanding occasion.

Brooklands to celebrate centenary of Britain's very first Grand Prix

Stay for the night, Play for the year

STAY FOR A NIGHT, PLAY FOR A YEAR! SHORT BREAKS BOOKED IN FEBRUARY UNLOCK ENTRY TO 20 UK MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS’ ATTRACTIONS

 Families can now unlock entry to some of the UK’s most exciting attractions this February with the ultimate short break deal.

Merlin Entertainments is offering guests an Essential Merlin Annual Pass with every short stay booking* from now until 1st March.

From  3rd February to 1st March 2026, guests who book overnight stays at Merlin’s incredible onsite accommodation** will unlock the Stay For A Night, Play For A Year offer – where each guest will score a year-long pass to more than 20 incredible UK attractions.

The fun begins from the moment you check-in to your short stay – whether that’s at the LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort, Alton Towers Resort, Chessington World of Adventures, Thorpe Park, or Warwick Castle. Guests can expect themed accommodation, delicious complimentary breakfasts and two jam-packed days in the park of your choice.

If that is not enough, select attractions sweeten the stay with exclusive perks – such as a tee off with 9 holes of golf included at Alton Towers Resort or special events, such as LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort’s 30th birthday bash, kicking off with the ultimate Brick Days build party this February Half-Term (14–23 Feb 2026).

The Essential Merlin Annual Pass is your ticket to a year packed with adventure, offering access to UK Merlin attractions for 339 days and delivered digitally to your inbox. With an incredible variety of experiences, explore thrilling theme parks, cultural icons and London favourites such as the London Eye, Madame Tussauds, and The London Dungeon.

On top of unlimited fun, Essential Passholders enjoy 10% off Fastrack products and food and beverage. With so much to explore, it’s the easiest way to turn days out into unforgettable adventures all year long.

So why settle for just one day of fun when you can enjoy a whole year of adventures? Book now, pack your bags, and let the memories begin.

Please see Merlin Annual Pass for further information and Merlin Attractions for the full list of attractions included.

Festival of Friendship

Epsom and Ewell Borough Council Announces First-Ever Festival of Friendship – Ukraine

From 27 January to 1 February, Epsom and Ewell Borough Council is proud to partner with Epsom and Ewell Refugee Network, Epsom Library, and Epsom Picturehouse to host the borough’s first Festival of Friendship – Ukraine.

This week-long celebration will showcase traditional Ukrainian crafts, music, and cultural heritage, while highlighting the friendships formed between Ukrainian nationals who have settled in the borough and the local community that has welcomed them.

The festival offers a vibrant programme of exhibitions, workshops, films, and live performances, all designed to share Ukrainian culture and foster community connections.

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council has worked with partners to curate and run a week of workshops as part of the Festival of Friendship – Ukraine.

Key Highlights:

      • Free Workshops and Exhibitions at Epsom Library, including Ukrainian block printing, paper cutting art, wool crafts, and beading. Spaces are limited; please arrive early to secure your spot. All materials provided.
      • Film Screenings at Epsom Picturehouse, accompanied by live Ukrainian music performances. Tickets available via the Epsom Picturehouse website.
      • Children’s Activities, including a treasure hunt, face painting, and a special Paddington Bear appearance, at Epsom Library.

Ewell Epsom councillor Clive WoodbridgeSpeaking of the upcoming festival, Councillor Clive Woodbridge, Chair of the Community and Wellbeing Community said,

“The Festival of Friendship – Ukraine is a heartwarming celebration of culture and community spirit, it brings together Ukrainian nationals and local residents through shared traditions, crafts, music and friendship. Events like this remind us that kindness and mutual understanding are at the heart of a thriving borough—thank you to everyone helping to make this festival possible.”

The Festival of Friendship – Ukraine supports the three strategic pillars of the council’s Arts, Culture and Heritage Strategy by nurturing creative talents within our community, increasing access to creativity for all and championing economic growth via creative industries. The Festival of Friendship – Ukraine also delivers against the strategic aim of the council’s Health and Wellbeing Strategy which seeks to improve the mental and emotional wellbeing of residents.

Jo Sherring, Lead from Epsom & Ewell Refugee Network added,

“Epsom & Ewell Refugee Network are delighted to partner with Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, Epsom Library and Epsom Picturehouse to create this celebration of our friendship with Ukrainian nationals who live in our community.  Since the start of the war in Ukraine in 2022, we have been working with Ukrainian nationals who fled to the UK, helping them access work, housing, schools and community.  Their courage, resilience and determination have been an example to us. As we have helped them to navigate life in the UK, we have enjoyed building friendships and learning about their culture and traditions.

The Festival of Friendship is a chance for our Ukrainian friends to share their traditions and culture with the local community with activities happening during the week. We hope you will find time to join us during the week to be part of this celebration.”

Festival Timetable Highlights:

      • Tuesday 27 January: Opening Celebration at Epsom Library; Ukrainian craft workshops and exhibitions.
      • Thursday 29 January: Performance by Renaissance Choir and screening of Rocky Road to Berlin at Epsom Picturehouse.
      • Sunday 1 February: Music from Yuliia Komyshan (Ukrainian Bandura) followed by screenings of Sanatorium and Home for Ukraine at Epsom Picturehouse

Information correct at the time of release but please check the website for the most up-to-date information.

For full details and booking information, visit: Festival of friendship – Ukraine | Epsom and Ewell Borough Council.

Hobble’ween Returns for Spooktacular Half-Term Fun

This October half-term, the award-winning farm, zoo and adventure park Hobbledown will be transformed into a world of magical mischief, spooky surprises and family fun as Hobble’ween returns from Saturday 25th October to Sunday 2nd November 2025. Families can look forward to a packed programme of immersive activities, live entertainment , hair-raising fun – all included with standard admission.

A Frightfully Fun Line-Up

From bug eating and monster discos to creepy crawlies and mischievous skibblers, Hobble’ween is packed with frightfully good fun for families seeking memorable moments together:

  • • Hobble’ween Storytime – Gather round for enchanting tales from the Hobblers’ world.
  • • Skibbler School – Join the prank-loving Skibblers and master their mischievous ways, from silly walks to cackling laughs.

     

  • • Monster’s Ball – A family-friendly party where fancy dress is strongly encouraged and monster moves are a must.

     

  • • Bug Brunch – Daredevils can sample real dried bugs and gain the title of Bug Champion.

     

  • • Hobble’ween Trail – Explore the park, hunt for hidden clues and reveal the secret word to claim a sweet prize.

     

  • • Skibbler Passport – Collect stickers throughout your visit and trade in your completed passport for a sweet treat – no tricks, just treats.

Add-on Adventure: Trick or Treat Maze Challenge
For just £6 per child, little explorers can brave the Trick or Treat Maze Challenge, held daily at 10:30am to 11:30am and 3:00pm to 4:00pm. Work with the Hobblers to solve the mystery and claim your treats.

Hobbledown Hobble’ween is open from 25th October to 2nd November 2025. Tickets start from £17.50pp when booked in advance online. For more information and to book, visit: https://www.hobbledown.com/epsom/whats-on/hobbleween-at-hobbledown/.

 

2 Theme Parks For The Price of 1

Running till the 17th August, the Twice the Fun offer allows guests to plan two unforgettable days out for the price of a single ticket at one of four of UK’s top theme parks including Alton Towers Resort, LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort, Chessington World of Adventures Resort, and Thorpe Park.

Families can mix and match their visits across these parks or visit the same one twice, with the flexibility to redeem their second visit at any point before 30th September 2025.

Schools out for the summer! But for many parents that means a full six weeks of keeping the kids entertained which can be a daunting prospect. Fear not, Merlin is here to lend a helping hand in the form of its new money saving offer giving guests the chance to enjoy two of the UK’s top theme parks, for the price of one which means double the fun.

Running till the 17th August, the offer allows guests to plan two unforgettable days out for the price of a single ticket at one of four UK’s biggest and best-loved theme parks including the LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort, Alton Towers Resort, Chessington World of Adventures and Thorpe Park.

Whether you’re building memories brick by brick, roaring into action, or flipping out on record-breaking coasters, there’s a world of fun waiting, and with four parks to choose from, families can mix, match, or double down on their favourite.

Guests can simply purchase their Twice the Fun tickets online at the park’s website to unlock free entry to a second day out. And the best part?  Families can extend the summer fun with the flexibility of visiting the second theme park until 30th September.

For the thrill seekers, a stop at Alton Towers Resort is a must. From heart-racing coasters to joy-filled moments that become lifelong memories, there’s no feeling like it! Dive into epic adventures, explore fantastical worlds, take on the world’s first 14-loop rollercoaster, and brave Toxicator – the brand-new ride for 2025 at Alton Towers Resort. Find out more at  https://www.altontowers.com/ . 

Can’t get enough? Head to Thorpe Park, the ultimate destination for high-adrenaline fun. Brave the Big Six coasters, including Hyperia – the UK’s tallest and fastest rollercoaster – or cool off on epic water rides like Tidal Wave, with its jaw-dropping splash! It’s the perfect spot for thrill seekers. See https://www.thorpepark.com/ for details.

Dive into unmissable family fun at Chessington World of Adventures with wild rides for all ages and come face-to-face with over 1,000 majestic animals across Chessington Zoo & SEA LIFE Aquarium. Race through the Jumanji jungle on Mandrill Mayhem and step into the pages of your favourite storybook with The Gruffalo River Ride Adventure, before staring wide-eyed at a tower of Rothschild’s giraffe. Head to https://www.chessington.com/ to find out more.

There’s no better way to cool off this summer than the LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort where families can splash about at Drench Towers or slide into fun at Splash Safari. The thrill seekers can experience the world’s first LEGO® duelling rollercoaster, Minifigure Speedway, a high-energy race full of twists and turns. Whether you’re a high-flyer, wave rider, or master builder-in-the-making, there’s something awesome for every adventurer. Visit https://www.legoland.co.uk/ for more details.

“We know how much families value quality time together over the summer, and Twice the Fun is our way of making those magical moments go even further,” said Sabrina de Carvalho – Senior Vice President, Managing Director, UK at Merlin Entertainments. “With two visits for the price of one, it’s double the fun, double the laughs, packed with thrills, chills and smiles for miles!”

Whether you want to discover somewhere new or revisit your favourite theme park again, this is the ultimate summer deal to enjoy two days of thrills for the price of one.

So why wait? Pack your bags and get ready for the ultimate ride of your life!

To book your ticket and get a second visit to another theme park for free, visit one of the following sites the LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort, Thorpe Park, Alton Towers Resort or Chessington World of Adventures. 

 

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

New Digital Guide Of Horton Country Park

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council has launched a new digital tour that showcases local beauty spot, Horton Country Park Local Nature Reserve. The tour is available to download now via Bloomberg Connects. Epsom and Ewell Borough Council created the tour to help both first-time and returning visitors explore the history of Horton Country Park Local Nature Reserve.

This is the second tour to be launched on Bloomberg Connects by Epsom & Ewell Borough Council; in September 2023, Nonsuch Park went live on the app, allowing users to peruse the formal gardens at their leisure.

Horton Country Park Local Nature Reserve covers 200 acres and is situated in the northern half of the borough of Epsom and Ewell. There are 14 stops along the tour, which include Pond Wood with a mention of the bomb crater which was left from an air raid in 1941; volunteering at Horton Country Park; as well as the community orchard where residents can pick apples in the summer season. It also highlights the Horton Light Railway, which once ran through the area, serving the largest hospital cluster of its kind in Europe at the time. The entire walking tour takes approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours, but can be enjoyed at any pace, returning to the start at any of the designated turning points.

The new digital tour of Horton Country Park Local Nature Reserve is packed full of information, interesting facts, photos, history and more. It is the perfect accompaniment to enhance the experience of those visiting Horton Country Park Local Nature Reserve and makes information accessible to people anytime, anywhere.

The tour is an important part of the council’s Arts, Culture and Heritage Strategy. One of the aims of the strategy is to increase access to culture and heritage in Epsom & Ewell, allowing people to engage with our colourful and varied cultural past in new and engaging ways.

Ewell EpsomCouncillor Clive Woodbridge, Chair of Epsom & Ewell Borough Council’s Community and Wellbeing Committee, said,

“I am delighted to support the launch of our latest free-to-enjoy digital tour about the Horton Light Railway at Horton Country Park Local Nature Reserve. Showcasing the richness of our borough’s heritage, the tour is a great way to spend time outdoors, learning about the importance of the railway and its vital contribution to the borough’s hospital cluster.”

The Bloomberg Connects app is available for download from Google Play or the App Store.

You can also view the tour of Horton Country Park Local Nature Reserve here: https://links.bloombergconnects.org/6Ggw/175fz8wz