Category: News

College CEO Remarkable Trio of Honours

Julie Kapsalis, CEO and Principal at Nescot College in Epsom, has achieved a remarkable trio of prestigious awards – including an MBE –  in recognition of her leadership, dedication, and outstanding contribution across the region.
 
Julie’s year of accolades began with national recognition in the King’s 2026 New Year’s Honours List, celebrating her transformative work as Chair of the Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) from 2020–2025. During her tenure, Julie championed and delivered major investments in skills, infrastructure and business support, playing a pivotal role in strengthening the region’s economic landscape. This week, Julie was presented with her MBE for Services to Economic Development by His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle.
 
The success didn’t stop there. At the Gatwick Diamond Business Awards on 19 March, Dee Mathieson, Chair of the Gatwick Diamond Business Council, presented Julie with the Outstanding Contribution to the Gatwick Diamond Award — a special accolade widely celebrated by colleagues, partners, and all who have worked with her. The citation shared: “Over the span of two decades Julie’s career in economic development, skills enterprise and inclusive growth has made her one of the region’s most influential and transformative leaders. For her exceptional leadership, her sustained dedication to the region, and the tangible, lasting positive impact of her work, Julie is a profoundly deserving winner.”
 
Rounding off an extraordinary week, Julie was also named ‘Gamechanger of the Year’ at the Dynamic Business Awards in Brighton on 26 March. The award celebrates businesswomen who deliver significant, positive change within their industries — something Julie has consistently demonstrated through her bold leadership, commitment to innovation, and passion for skills development.
 
NESCOT College Julie KapsalisJulie Kapsalis, CEO & Principal at Nescot said: “I love working in this incredible region, building networks and (hopefully) making a difference. This recognition and the awards are shared with the wonderful colleagues I’ve worked with over the last 25 years, including at Nescot, Chichester College Group and Coast to Capital LEP. Meeting the Prince of Wales was such a proud moment – and made all the more special by having my family with me.”
 

Bursary to help tackle sports inequality

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council launches bursary to help tackle sports inequality

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council (EEBC) is proud to launch its Access to Activity bursary, designed to help tackle the financial challenges that may prevent 12–15-year-olds in the borough from taking part in sport.

The bursary offers up to £200 to help fund, or part fund, sports club membership costs, subscriptions and match fees. It is open to young people who receive free school meals and/or whose parents or guardians receive Universal Credit payments, and those who are living or have previously lived in care.

The bursary will open to applications on Monday 30 March 2026 and will close on 31 December 2026, or when the funding has been fully allocated.

The bursary will see a variety of local sports clubs participate throughout the year, and more clubs are welcome to apply to take part.

The bursary supports the aims of EEBC’s Health and Wellbeing Strategy (2025-28) which focuses on increasing physical activity, improving wellbeing and reducing health inequalities in Epsom and Ewell.

Ewell Epsom councillor Clive WoodbridgeCouncillor Clive Woodbridge, Chair of the Community & Wellbeing Committee, commented: “We know that for many families, the cost of taking part in sport can be a real obstacle. By helping to ease financial pressures, the Access to Activity bursary can help ensure 12–15-year-olds can take part in a sport they enjoy, feel included and thrive! We encourage parents, guardians and young people to explore what’s available and apply.

“Through our Health and Wellbeing Strategy, we remain committed to supporting the physical and emotional wellbeing of our children and young people. The bursary now offers eligible older children the same opportunity that younger children received through our first Young Legends programme, launched last year to help 9–11-year-olds build confidence, learn new skills and form social connections. Having seen the positive impact on participants, we’re excited that Young Legends will return this summer.

“We would like to thank our partners for their invaluable support with the Access to Activity bursary and the many community activities delivered throughout the year. Their help is essential in bringing our strategy to life.”

Application process

This is a one-off grant, and priority will be given to eligible residents who have not received an EEBC grant aimed at facilitating access to physical activity in the past five years.

If the 12–15-year-old is eligible, applicants will need to follow this process:

        1. arrange a taster session directly with participating sports club – the list of participating clubs can be found on the council’s website and it will be updated on an ongoing basis
        2. following the taster, if the 12–15-year-old wants to continue and enrol with the club, the council’s application form will need to be completed
        3. EEBC will then be in touch to confirm next steps.

Note: If the application is successful, the applicant will be asked to contact the sports club directly to enrol in their chosen activity.

All information about the Access to Activity bursary — including eligibility, the application form and participating sports clubs (updated as the bursary progresses) — can be found here: https://www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk/access-to-activity 

For any questions, email the Community Development team at Epsom & Ewell Borough Council: [email protected]

 

Review – The Victoria Pie Club

We were invited to experience Thursday night Pie Club at 3 AA Rosette pub The Victoria, and it’s safe to say this is no ordinary pie and mash—this is a more refined, indulgent take that’s absolutely worth seeking out.

Set along Oxshott High Street, the pub blends a cosy country charm with a modern touch. It’s dog-friendly, relaxed, and instantly welcoming, with a warm atmosphere that’s matched by genuinely attentive and friendly staff who make you feel right at home from the moment you arrive.

The Victoria Pie ClubThe Pie Club menu keeps things simple, offering a choice of two freshly made pies, each cooked to order. There’s a short wait of around 20–25 minutes, but the quality more than justifies the patience. We went with the Steak and Guinness Pie which had a bone in the middle with melting butter and marrow bone. The pie is served with creamy mashed potato, seasonal vegetables, and a generous helping of parsley liquor, creating a comforting yet elevated dish.

The Victoria Pie Club

The pastry is a standout—light, crisp, and golden—while the filling truly steals the show. The steak is beautifully tender, melting in the mouth, and the pies are generously packed with rich, flavourful filling. There’s no skimping here.

We were initially unsure about sharing a pie between two, but any doubts quickly disappeared once the food arrived. The portions are impressively generous, and by the end of the meal, we were both completely satisfied.

The Victoria Pie ClubAt £70 for two—including a 500ml carafe of Pinot Grigio or Cabernet Sauvignon (or the option to swap for individual 250ml glasses or a pint of Victoria Lager or Victoria Hazy IPA)—it represents excellent value for the quality and experience on offer.

All in all, Pie Club at The Victoria delivers a thoroughly enjoyable dining experience: comforting food done exceptionally well, generous portions, and a welcoming pub atmosphere that makes it an easy choice for a return visit.

THE VICTORIA, OXSHOTT WEBSITE 

Review – Colombo Kitchen

At the top of Worcester Park Central Road is the Colombo Kitchen, which offers a vibrant introduction to authentic Sri Lankan cuisine — perfect for anyone like me trying it for the very first time.

colombo kitchenWe started with a sharing platter. This consisted of 2 Vadai, a spiced, doughnut-shaped fritters served with creamy coconut sambal, 2 fish cutlets, a spicy breaded croquette, 2 mutton rolls, a fried savoury crepe roll with a spicy, juicy mutton filling and 2 fish Pattis, a spicy empanada with fish filling encased in a flaky, buttery crust

Colombo KitchenWith this, we tried a traditional Sri Lankan street food dish egg hoppers,  The hoppers were particularly interesting: delicate bowl-shaped pancakes served with fried onion, coconut and a fiery raw onion and chilli relish that certainly wakes up the taste buds. This was a great way to sample a range of flavours.

 

Colombo KitchenFor mains we chose the king prawn curry, a dish inspired by the chef’s  home town, perfectly cooked prawns in a mildly spiced fragrant, creamy coconut curry and Negombo black pork, A traditional curry made with Negombo dark roast curry powder. These were accompanied by saffron rice and rotti. The restaurant allows you to choose your spice level, and I opted for a medium — what they describe as “English spicy.” Even at this level, the black pork delivered a wonderful tangy heat that lingered pleasantly.

Colombo KitchenOne of the highlights of the visit was the live kitchen visible from the restaurant area, which adds a sense of theatre and excitement as you watch the dishes being freshly prepared.

Service was excellent throughout. We weren’t entirely sure what to order, but the manager, Dinuka, was incredibly helpful and guided us to the perfect choices. His recommendations were spot on.

The restaurant itself strikes a nice balance in atmosphere — very clean, comfortably lit (not dark, but not overly bright) and with a relaxed, welcoming feel.

Portion sizes are generous. In fact, we found that one portion of rice was more than enough for the two of us.

There’s also a selection of traditional Sri Lankan desserts on the menu for those wanting to complete the experience, but we were full.

Overall, Colombo Kitchen is a fantastic place to discover the bold, aromatic flavours of Sri Lanka, delivered with friendly service and a lively atmosphere. A great choice whether you’re already a fan of Sri Lankan cuisine or trying it for the first time. Takeaway deliveries are also available.

For More Details or To Book Click Here Colombo Kitchen  

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

Primark reveals official opening date for Epsom

Primark will open the doors of its new store at Epsom’s The Ashley Centre on Wednesday, 25 March at 10am, taking over the former House of Fraser unit.

To mark the moment, the first customers and loyal Primark fans will be welcomed by a live DJ. The new store will cover 31,400 sq. ft set over two floors and follows the retailer’s recent recruitment of 90 new team members ready for opening day.

Customers will be able to shop the bestselling Primark products they know and love across clothing, kidswear, beauty, lifestyle and home.

In further good news for local shoppers, its popular Click & Collect service will also be coming to Epsom to enable customers to browse and order on the Primark website before picking up their items in store, at a time that best suits them.

Ewa Klepczuk, PrimarkEwa Klepczuk, Primark Epsom’s store manager, said: “After working at Primark for many years, I’m excited to now be part of bringing our exciting new store to Epsom. We know there is a lot of anticipation for our arrival, and with 90 new retail colleagues now in place, we’re all working hard behind the scenes to ensure we’re ready for opening day. I’m really looking forward to seeing the reaction of local shoppers when our doors open, where they’ll find our famous Primark must-haves, all at unbeatable value for the entire family. Everyone is welcome to join in with our celebrations – we can’t wait to see everyone there!”

Louisa Butters, CBRE PrimarkLouisa Butters, Head of Urban Destinations (Retail & Offices) at CBRE Investment Management, owners of Ashley Centre, said: “The opening of Primark marks a significant milestone for the Ashley Centre and is a strong acknowledgement of the progress we’ve made through our recent refurbishment programme. As one of the UK’s leading retailers, Primark brings both scale and drawing power, playing a key role in strengthening the scheme’s anchor line-up and enhancing its overall proposition. Its arrival will further elevate the quality, accessibility and relevance of the destination, while reinforcing the confidence that major national brands have in our long-term vision for its continued transformation.”

The new Epsom store will be Primark’s 199th store on the UK high street and follows the retailer’s last store opening in December 2025

Epsom & Ewell Council Approves Final Budget

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council Approves Final Budget Ahead of Transition to East Surrey Council

On Tuesday 10th February evening, councillors agreed to approve Epsom & Ewell Borough Council’s budget for 2026/27.

This will be the final budget prior to Epsom & Ewell Borough Council dissolving and the new East Surrey unitary authority becoming responsible for the facilities and services currently provided by the borough and county councils. The council is required to set a balanced budget every year, having regard to the costs of service provision, estimates of income and agreeing the level of council tax for the coming year.

Like many other local authorities, Epsom and Ewell Borough Council has faced financial pressures in recent years due to rising inflation and the increasing demands of homelessness provisions. However, efforts to identify £700,000-worth of savings through careful review of capital and maintenance budgets and more favourable government funding, particularly for temporary accommodation costs, have helped significantly.

It was also agreed to increase council tax by 2.98%, which equates to an additional £6.93 per annum or 13.3 pence per week for a Band D equivalent property. With Consumer Prices Index inflation between 3.8% and 3.2% in the autumn, this still represents a below inflationary increase for residents and remains one of the lowest council tax levels in Surrey.

The impact of these changes has helped reduced the original three‑year budget gap from just over £5 million to £579,000 and enabled the 2026-27 budget to be balanced without the use of reserves.

Policy committees have ensured budgets reflect genuine local priorities, with specific investments for the coming year including £750,000 additional investment to meet rising demand for homelessness and temporary accommodation and £974,000 in Disabled Facilities Grant investment to support vulnerable residents.

cllr Neil Dallen Epsom & EwellCouncillor Neil Dallen, Chair of the Strategy & Resources Committee, said:

“I am pleased that we have been able to deliver a balanced budget without the use of reserves that still provides real value for money for our residents and local communities, while ensuring the borough’s finances are stable ahead of the formation of the East Surrey unitary authority in April 2027.

“Over the past year, services were asked to identify further efficiencies for 2026/27 where possible and seek new opportunities to reduce pressure on council budgets, which contributed to a saving of around £700,000.

“I also welcome the provisions allocated in the Local Government Financial Settlement from central government, in particular the increase in funding to help with temporary accommodation costs.

“Temporary accommodation costs have been one of the biggest expenditures for the council in recent years. Our housing team has worked tirelessly to prevent homelessness and reduce the need for temporary accommodation through schemes such as the Private Sector Leasing Scheme and Rent Deposit Scheme, however supply has often outstripped demand. So, I’m pleased that the government has recognised the challenge and accepted that they should be contributing to the cost.”

“I am also pleased that the government has finally got to grips with EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) and manufacturers of poor packaging are now contributing to the council’s cost of managing it.

“The Residents’ Association-run Council can be proud of its achievements over the last 90 years and are ready to contribute its knowledge and experience to the East Surrey Unitary Authority.”

Entries invited for Cyril Frazer Award 2026

The Epsom and Ewell Town-Twinning Association is delighted to invite applications for this year’s Cyril Frazer Award. The Cyril Frazer Award was set up as a memorial to Cyril Frazer, who died in 2016. He was the Mayor of Epsom and Ewell when it was first twinned with Chantilly in 1995 and was a founding member of the association. As well as Twinning, one of his other great passions was singing, and he was a keen member of the Epsom Male Voice Choir. Both are reflected in the requirements for the top award of £500.

The award aims to encourage young people in their studies and leisure pursuits by offering a cash award, in cases where funding is not readily available and/or where there is a special need. Such studies and pursuits could include French language and culture, performing arts such as music and dance, either within a school or club environment or by an individual or individuals. It is hoped this might provide an opportunity for them to develop existing links with Chantilly or open up the possibility of future contacts, joint activities and friendship, as well as engaging younger people in Twinning. 

The award is open to  individuals and groups within the Borough and will be awarded to qualified applicants who meet some or all of the following agreed criteria:

• Applicants live or study in the Borough
• The award meets a special need, such as mental or physical health
• It benefits young people
• It has cultural/educational value
• It is music or performing arts related
• It furthers friendships or links with Chantilly
• It supports a key twinning or community event 
 

 

Entries invited for Epsom and Ewell Town Twinning Association’s Cyril Frazer Award 2026 Last year’s winner was Sarah Carpenter of Southfield Primary School, with   runners up, Siobhan Cornell and Jo Johnstone from the French and Music departments at Wallace Fields Junior School, and Olivia Gioffredo from Epsom College.

The winner received a grant of £500 to help support French visits and learning activities planned by Southfield Park school, while the joint runners-up each received £250 to support their work in the fields of French education and musical study.

Association Secretary, Diana Deavin, said: “Last year we were very impressed by the quality of the receive submissions, which is why we awarded a total of £1000 in the end. We are looking forward to receiving ideas and suggestions and are hopeful that this year will exceed our expectations once again. Please do consider submitting an application as we are keen to receive entries from as wide as possible a range of potential beneficiaries and keep Cyril’s name alive in this very meaningful way.”

The prize will be awarded at the Twinning Association’s AGM in June and the deadline for applications is May 31st 2026. For further information and to apply please contact: [email protected].

Swap Screens for Adventure & Magic at Hobbledown

Swap Screens for Laughter, Adventure & Magic at Hobbledown This February Half-Term!

With February half-term around the corner, it’s time to swap screens for adventure, laughter, and a sprinkle of magic! Families are looking for ways to keep kids active, happy, and entertained – and Hobbledown has it all covered! From meeting animals to collaborative play, indoor play barns to thrilling outdoor activities, there’s fun for the whole family around every corner!

Play Is the Best Workout in Disguise

Recent UK research shows that screen use now far outweighs physical activity among children, with British children spending significantly more time in front of screens than engaging in exercise; more than 14 hours of screen time and less than four hours of physical activity per week which is well below national activity recommendations.

At Hobbledown, active play such as climbing, running, sliding, bouncing, and exploring gets children moving without them even realising they’re exercising, plus adults get to join in the fun too. Energetic play sessions burn calories, help meet recommended activity levels, and provide social, emotional, and cognitive benefits. Adventure has never been this good for your health!

Make February Half-Term Magical at Hobbledown

Running from 14th to 22nd February, Hobbledown is taking half-term fun to the next level with its Fairies, Dragons & Bubbles event—packed with adventure, imagination, and family fun! Alongside all your favourite daily activities, extra magical treats have been added to delight little imaginations.

Indoor Adventures

Step into Fairy & Dragon School, where children can learn magical moves, unleash their creativity, and earn their fairy or dragon status. Discover The Imaginarium – part reptile house, part water play, part insectarium, and part interactive jungle – full of caves, tunnels, pools, and hands-on animal encounters that spark curiosity. Explore the Indoor Play Barn, bursting with giant climbing frames and endless adventure, perfect for fun come rain or shine.

Outdoor Adventures

Step outside into a sparkling bubble-filled adventure, running, jumping, and twirling through gigantic clouds of dazzling bubbles. Explore Hobbledown’s enchanting Outdoor Adventure Play Villages, packed with climbing structures, tunnels, slides, and jumping pillows for energy-busting fun. Meet a huge collection of zoo and farm animals, from cheeky lemurs and curious meerkats to adorable capybaras and majestic camels, there’s plenty to discover. Wander through immersive walk-throughs, marvel at Birds of Prey shows, and enjoy engaging animal talks throughout the day. Perfect for families with children aged 2 to 12, whether they are climbing, sliding, bouncing, exploring, or chasing bubbles bigger than they are, Hobbledown packs fun, adventure, and movement into every magical moment.

Don’t miss the magic this February, Hobbledown is the place to be this half term! Click Here For More Details 

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.