Category: News

Reigate School Awarded Eco-Schools Green Flag

Reigate St Mary’s Preparatory & Choir School has been awarded the prestigious Eco-Schools Green Flag with Distinction, recognising its exceptional commitment to environmental sustainability through innovative, whole-school initiatives.

Reigate St Mary’s Preparatory & Choir School is proud to announce it has been awarded the Eco-Schools Green Flag with Distinction, a prestigious international accolade recognising outstanding commitment to environmental sustainability in education.

The Eco-Schools programme is the world’s largest environmental education initiative, engaging millions of students across 70 countries. The Green Flag with Distinction is its highest honour, awarded to schools that demonstrate exceptional leadership, innovation, and whole-school engagement in sustainability.

“This award reflects the passion and dedication of our pupils, staff, and wider community,” said Headteacher [Insert Name]. “Sustainability is not just a subject at Reigate St Mary’s – it’s a way of thinking, learning, and living.”

The school’s success was driven by a wide range of impactful initiatives, including:

  • A collaborative meat-free cookbook, STEAM days, and Gardening Missions that fostered creativity and teamwork
  • Marine conservation projects such as a giant fish sculpture and interactive lessons on ocean plastics
  • Waste reduction efforts through Terracycle recycling, composting schemes, and inventive reuse for World Book Day costumes

These projects are part of a broader commitment to sustainability embedded in the school’s Education for Social Responsibility (ESR) curriculum. Pupils are encouraged to explore values that support personal wellbeing, community harmony, and planetary stewardship.

Reigate St Mary’s also continues to invest in sustainable infrastructure, including the recently opened Beech Lodge – an eco-friendly classroom block featuring energy-efficient lighting, natural wood cladding, and high-performance insulation.

“This distinction is a testament to the power of education to inspire change,” said Marcus Culverwell, Headmaster. “Our students are not just learning about sustainability – they’re leading it.”

 

Epsom & Ewell Council 2024/25 Annual Report

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council has published its 2024/25 Annual Report, which is available on the council’s website: Epsom & Ewell Annual Report 2024/25 | Epsom and Ewell Borough Council

The report highlights key achievements over the past year, including:

  • setting a balanced budget for 2025/26
  • allocating £331,966 to Neighbourhood CIL projects following bids from community groups and organisations, and £1,755,000 to three Strategic CIL projects
  • determining over 90% of planning applications within the statutory timeframe, including 100% of all major or larger applications, and introducing a new fast-track planning service
  • receiving a Green Flag Award for Epsom Common Local Nature Reserve for the eighteenth consecutive year; Nonsuch Park also received two South & South East in Bloom awards
  • installing the council’s largest solar panel array to date on the roof of the Rainbow Leisure Centre in Epsom, and hosting an event to mark Suicide Prevention Day in partnership with local charities and organisations.

Image of Jackie King Epsom & Ewell CouncilJackie King, Chief Executive of Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, said:

“I am proud to present Epsom & Ewell Borough Council’s 2024/25 Annual Report which reflects the dedication and impact of our teams on the borough over the last financial year.

As always, our Councillors and workforce of more than 280 officers have provided exceptional service to around 80,000 residents and 3,700 businesses across the borough, despite significant financial challenges.

The report showcases excellent work from teams across the council — from our Waste Services team, who collected 99.9% of the borough’s bins on time in 2024/25, to the Planning Policy team who were recently awarded ‘Best Plan’ at the Royal Town Planning Institute’s South East Awards for Planning Excellence. It highlights the proactive work of our Countryside team, backed by volunteers and partners, in protecting and enriching the borough’s biodiverse and beautiful green spaces.

I am grateful for the hard work and dedication of everyone at Epsom & Ewell Borough Council and I know we are in a good position to meet the challenges ahead.
I look forward to continuing to deliver the council’s new strategic priorities and working towards local government reorganisation – whilst continuing to provide the high-quality services our residents depend upon.”

Guildford Festival of the Arts

The Guildford Festival of the Arts is delighted to announce the success of its inaugural outing, which brought together artists, venues, and audiences from across the community over four days from September 25–28. More than 2,400 visits were recorded across twenty venues with participants enjoying 50 talks, workshops and demonstrations, as well as the festival’s three open-call exhibitions, featuring the work of 100 artists.

Highlights included the festival’s Art Trail with some 300 people taking part, collecting stamps on their festival maps at eleven trail locations in the town centre and discovering a wide range of creative work along the way. Waiting for them at the end was a free drink at either the Star Inn or Britannia pub, courtesy of Shepherd Neame brewers. Another was the transformation of the exterior of the Old Orleans building – a collaboration by 10 street artists led by artist Roo and Guildford Borough Council.

Artist Alexandra Bateman received the Knight Frank Art Prize for her work Cyclist 13, awarded by the festival’s Open Call judges Peter Gordon, Nathalie Beauvillain-Scott, Alex Tommis and Sue Dragon, while Mabel Welvaert was given the George Weil Student Prize for her painting Squint. Artist Ellen Doggett won the public vote for her piece 100 Days of Lockdown and will receive an opportunity to exhibit her work at New House Art Space.

‘I loved being a part of the inaugural Guildford Festival of the Arts. Both as someone holding a pottery class for others to attend and taking part myself by making a pot for the Watt’s Gallery celebration of Mary Watt’s 175th birthday. It was also great to see venues I hadn’t visited before, despite not completing my trail for a free beer!’ – Ysanne Brooks, host of Handbuilding Pottery Workshop at Solar Sisters.

‘I am so grateful for the support shown throughout the festival, from the artists and venues to our sponsors, partners and everyone who joined the trail, workshops and exhibitions. When we first set out, we wanted to shine a light on the creative spaces in Guildford that support the arts all year round. We hoped people would discover somewhere new, try a new craft or activity, and perhaps even find a passion that inspires them to sign up for more workshops in the future. I think it’s safe to say we’ve succeeded.’ – Charlie Cluff, Co-founder and Director of GFOTA

Plans are already in the works for next year with Charlie Cluff and Co-Founder Lauren Gerrard looking to build upon the momentum of this year’s event, further fostering relationships with the festival’s venues, artistic partners and sponsors to showcase the vast richness of Guildford’s creative community.

Arts Alive Arts Festival Now On!

Mole Valley’s Arts Alive festival is underway! Throughout October, Mole Valley is home to 135 artistic and cultural events for people to come and experience. Nearly half of these events will be either free, or under £5 to attend. More good news is that you won’t need to wait until October to get started! Arts Alive kicked off with two big launch events in Dorking and Leatherhead that were free to attend.

You can now browse and book sessions you would like to join via the Arts Alive website here. There are plenty of activities for families as well as evening events, and there’s truly something for everyone whether you’re looking to spectate or perhaps try your hand at something artistic! We want everyone to feel empowered to try something new at Arts Alive this year and find a passion that might grow into an exciting new hobby for years to come! Some interesting highlights for this year include:

      • Come and Sing St John’s Passion at St Martin’s Church with Leith Hill Music Festival – 11 Oct
      • The Magic of Bees – Rituals Workshop with The Wild Bee Company – 25 Oct
      • Come and Try Acro, Ballet, Musical Theatre or Tap with Lisa Allen Dance & Arts (LADA) – 4 Oct
      • A number of fascinating talks and events at the newly renovated Pippbrook House including a wine glass painting class and a talk on the work of Agatha Christie.

Helping to promote this year’s festival is Magic Radio presenter, as well as Surrey local, Jack Pepper! One of the UK’s youngest commissioned composers, national radio broadcaster and featured in HM the King’s “35 under 35” list, Jack can now add “2025 Patron of Arts Alive” to his list of accolades, joining such luminaries as Dame Judi Dench, Lorraine Kelly and Gyles Brandreth.

cllr Nick WrightMVDC’s Cabinet Member for Leisure & Community Assets Cllr Nick Wright said: “It’s great to see Arts Alive return in 2025 with a huge variety of cultural activities for people to experience. Supported by Mole Valley District Council, the Arts Alive Festival committee has worked hard to organise a packed itinerary of events for everyone in Mole Valley to enjoy. Whether you’re building on existing interests, knowledge or skills, or would like to experience something new, I highly encourage you to take a look at the programme online and book yourself a place!”

Arts alive now on

Equipment Worth Over £148,000 Donated to Epsom Hospital

Epsom Medical Equipment Fund donates life-saving equipment worth over £148,000 to Epsom Hospital, aided by snooker legend Jimmy White at the Epsom Club on Wednesday, 24th September.

The Local charity, run by Bess Harding MBE, continues vital support for hospital services with major donations including 29 defibrillators, specialist laser equipment, and an advanced eye camera

Life-Saving Defibrillators Replace Ageing Equipment

Following an urgent request from the hospital’s RESUS team, EMEF has purchased 29 new defibrillators at a cost of £44,000 to replace equipment that had reached the end of its useful life. The new AED 3 BLS devices have been strategically placed throughout the hospital in A&E, clinics, and outpatient areas, ensuring life-saving equipment is readily available where needed most.

The presentation of the defibrillators took place at Epsom Club, hosted by Darren Hull, with snooker champion Jimmy White taking time from his busy schedule to present the equipment to Chris Rivers, Estates Director at Epsom General Hospital.

Epsom Medical Equipment Fund Donates Life-Saving Equipment Worth Over £148,000 to Epsom General Hospital

Memorial Donation Enhances Ear Surgery Capabilities

In August 2025, EMEF acquired a £40,000 specialist laser for day surgery procedures on delicate and complex areas of the ear. The equipment has been donated to Epsom General Hospital in memory of Jimmy Hendry, a highly regarded physiotherapist at the hospital who recently passed away. Mr Hendry was known for his innovative approach to patient care, notably inventing the “Hendry Hand” device for wrist injury treatment, which reduces patient discomfort during treatment.

This donation means patients can now receive specialist ear surgery locally without needing to travel to St. George’s Hospital.

Advanced Eye Care Technology Prevents Blindness

EMEF has also funded a specialised eye camera costing £64,000 for the Epsom Eye Unit. The sophisticated equipment enables consultants to capture detailed photographs during examinations, which can be studied independently or collaboratively with colleagues to determine optimal treatment pathways and help prevent blindness.

Community Support Strengthens Fund

The charity has received valuable support from the Ashley Centre, which provided accommodation when EMEF lost its room at the hospital. The centre’s Kids Club has donated money to the fund, and EMEF continues to hold carol singing events at the centre.

Epsom Medical Equipment Fund Donates Life-Saving Equipment Worth Over £148,000 to Epsom General Hospital

Professional Endorsements

Paul Day, Deputy Resuscitation Manager at Epsom Hospital’s Resuscitation Service, commented: “We are delighted to accept this incredibly generous donation of AEDs from the Epsom Medical Equipment Fund. These defibrillators are used in public areas such as waiting rooms and outpatient clinics, and are also mounted on the walls of our corridors. They replace older models, upgrading the existing equipment on the Epsom site.”

Chris Rivers, Director of Estates, stated: “The NHS provides essential equipment for patient care, but charities like EMEF can go further by funding upgrades, improvements, and additional items that enhance safety and patient experience. Thanks to their generosity, we can now offer state-of-the-art AEDs that are intuitive, lightweight, and easy for both the public and healthcare professionals to use. We would like to thank EMEF, particularly Bess Harding and all her supporters, for their hard work in raising funds for this life-saving equipment.”

Epsom Medical Equipment Fund Donates Life-Saving Equipment Worth Over £148,000 to Epsom General Hospital

Rob Chave, Territory Manager for Hospital South London & South East England at ZOLL Medical UK, added: “The AED 3 BLS is a device specifically designed by ZOLL to suit both hospital and community settings. The AED features a dashboard for both skilled rescuers and lay responders, and can be customised to suit any clinician’s preferences. Every cardiac arrest demands high-quality CPR compressions, so ZOLL’s intuitive dashboard provides real-time feedback on depth and rate, along with verbal prompts during resuscitation. We are very proud to partner with Epsom Medical Equipment Fund to renew these AEDs, ensuring the trust has life-saving equipment for the next ten years.”

If you like to donate to EMEF CLICK HERE

 

 

Excessive Noise and ASB on the A24

Views Sought on Reported Excessive Noise and Anti-Social Behaviour on the A24

Mole Valley District Council has launched a public consultation to better understand reports of vehicles making excessive noise and carrying out acts of anti-social behaviour on a section of the A24, including roads in Mickleham and Westhumble, and the impact on people using these roads and those who live and work in the local area.

 The feedback received from Mole Valley District Council’s (MVDC) seven-week public consultation, which ends on Friday 31 October 2025, will help inform whether any action is required to be taken in the future by MVDC, which could include the introduction of a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), should there be sufficient evidence to support this.

PSPOs can be introduced in an identified location to help address specific concerns of anti-social behaviour. PSPOs give MVDC and Surrey Police the power to issue a Fixed Penalty Notice or start formal prosecution if one or more of the specific anti-social behaviour restrictions set out in a PSPO is breached.

The short online survey, which should take no longer than five minutes to complete, is available on molevalley.gov.uk/a24. Alternatively, paper copies of the consultation can be collected from the reception of MVDC’s Pippbrook offices in Dorking and Dorking Halls. For more information, please email [email protected] or call MVDC on 01306 885001.

Councillor Caroline Joseph, MVDC’s Cabinet Member for Services and Security, said: “Before it is decided how best to respond to the issues reported to us and the Police, it is essential that we first listen to the views from as wide a range of voices as possible to gain a clear picture of this matter. One possible outcome could be the introduction of a PSPO, but no decisions have yet been made. We require answers to questions that will help us gauge the impact of these reported issues on those who live, work and use the roads in this particular area of the district. We look forward to hearing from you.”

Views Sought on Reported Excessive Noise and Anti-Social Behaviour on the A24

Arts Alive: The Countdown is On

Arts Alive: The Countdown is On for One of the South East’s Largest Community Arts Festivals!

Mole Valley’s Arts Alive festival is nearly here! Since 1997, Arts Alive has provided a month-long community arts festival where visitors can get hands-on with a range of artistic pursuits. 2025’s festival will kick off with launch events in both Dorking and Leatherhead on the following dates:

      • Dorking: Saturday 13th September – 10.30am – 12.30pm – St. Martin’s Square
      • Leatherhead: Saturday 20th September – 10.30am – 12.30pm – Leatherhead High Street

This year will see a fabulous programme of 135 events taking place across Mole Valley throughout October with historical talks, walking tours, music, comedy, dance and theatrical performances all set to provide unique opportunities for people to follow their passions and engage with the arts. Nearly half of these events will be either free, or under £5 to attend.

There are a range of activities for families to enjoy, including during the October half term week, as well as evening events for adults such as dance classes. There will also be events taking place at the recently-refurbished Pippbrook House. Last year saw 14,800 participants attend across the available events, with event browsing and booking for this year opening to the public in early September on the Arts Alive website.

Helping to promote this year’s festival is Magic Radio presenter, as well as Surrey local, Jack Pepper! One of the UK’s youngest commissioned composers, national radio broadcaster and featured in HM the King’s “35 under 35” list, Jack can now add “2025 Patron of Arts Alive” to his list of accolades, joining such luminaries as Dame Judi Dench, Lorraine Kelly and Gyles Brandreth.

To promote the festival in the run-up to the launch, Jack can be available for radio and other media contributions. Email [email protected] to organise.

cllr Nick WrightMVDC’s Cabinet Member for Leisure & Community Assets Cllr Nick Wright said: “We are delighted to continue our investment in the arts and culture of the district by supporting the annual Mole Valley Arts Alive festival. The Festival is a tribute to all the talent we have in the district so take the opportunity to book onto as many events as you feel you can. You likely to find something that appeals to your current interests, but the Festival also provides the perfect opportunity to try something new and even discover a hidden talent!”

Arts Alive

Epsom & Ewell Young Legends programme

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council launches its Epsom & Ewell Young Legends programme – 9-11 year olds are invited to try something new this autumn

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council is proud to announce its new local initiative – Epsom & Ewell Young Legends – an exciting programme of sports and creative activities taking place from 11 October to 24 November 2025. Designed for children aged 9 to 11, this free programme is open to children who live within the borough. Places can be booked on the council’s website and spaces are limited.

The Epsom & Ewell Young Legends programme aims to help children boost their confidence, develop new skills, make friends, and ease the transition for those preparing for secondary school.

A diverse range of activities such as Arts & Crafts – with dedicated sessions for children with special needs, Basketball, Girls Rugby, Judo, Musical Theatre (song and dance), Rap Therapy, and Yoga & Meditation. Delivered by trusted and skilled professionals in a safe and supportive environment, the programme encourages children to try new things and have fun.

The Epsom & Ewell Young Legends programme forms part of the council’s Health and Wellbeing Strategy and follows on from the Specsavers Surrey Youth Games.

Ewell Epsom councillor Clive WoodbridgeCouncillor Clive Woodbridge, Chair of the Community & Wellbeing Committee, commented:

“We’re proud to launch our first-ever Epsom & Ewell Young Legends programme – a key step in delivering our Health and Wellbeing Strategy. By offering free access to sports and creative activities for 9 to 11-year-olds, we aim to inspire, build confidence and support them as they take their next steps – including the transition to secondary school.

“Bringing the Epsom & Ewell Young Legends programme in-house has allowed us to tailor it to the needs of local children and align it with our Health and Wellbeing Strategy. We’ve made a conscious effort to reach those facing barriers to participation, including children supported through the government-funded Holiday Activities and Food programme.

“A huge thanks to the coaches and practitioners from Body & Brain Epsom, Cagers Basketball Club, Creative Minds, Laines Theatre Arts, Rap Therapy, Sutton and Epsom Rugby Club and Westcroft Judo Nork, for their support in delivering the Epsom & Ewell Young Legends.

“Whether a child is sporty, creative, or simply curious, Young Legends is about helping children to feel confident in trying new activities, and we warmly invite parents to encourage their children to take advantage of this exciting opportunity.”

Programme timetable & sign-up information

Up to two activities can be selected per child and places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. More information including the timetable and sign-up information can be found here – Epsom & Ewell Young Legends | Epsom and Ewell Borough Council. Forms can also be completed at Epsom Town Hall during opening hours.

For any questions, email the council’s Community Development team: [email protected]

Epsom and ewell young legends

Epsom & Ewell Virtual Day Trips

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council Launches Two New Virtual Day Trips

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council has launched two new inclusive tours, part of their Virtual Day Trips series, in partnership with Whistlestop Tours. These two new virtual tours explore Epsom and Ewell, shining a spotlight on the history and cultural heritage of the two places. The Virtual Day Trips can be watched online for free – from the comfort of home, a school classroom or in shared communal or community spaces.

The tours include film and audio. Immersive resource packs and memory boxes, designed to bring the tours to life, are also available.

The Epsom and Ewell Virtual Day Trips were funded by the Arts, Culture and Heritage UKSPF 2024/25 allocation. The tours sit alongside the Nonsuch Formal Gardens tour produced in 2024.

The project is part of the council’s strategy to widen access to the rich heritage of histories within our borough, allowing people to engage with the information and activities in a way that is comfortable to them.

The tours last for around 30 minutes. Highlights include:

  • architectural elements from Nonsuch Palace that can be found by the Assembly Rooms in Epsom town centre
  • meeting residents and hearing about their passions, from throwing pottery to playing the bandura, the national instrument of Ukraine
  • taking a rare peek inside the Watch House on Ewell High Street
  • hearing ghost stories from residents, and
  • enjoying a behind-the-scenes tour from the Epsom Beekeepers Association.

Ewell Epsom councillor Clive WoodbridgeSpeaking of Epsom & Ewell Borough Council’s Virtual Day Trips, Councillor Clive Woodbridge, Chair of the Community and Wellbeing Committee, said: “I have lived in the borough of Epsom & Ewell for many years, and I found these tours completely fascinating. I thoroughly recommend them, whether you are new to the borough, a long-time resident like me, or someone who is interested in the local area – they can be enjoyed by everyone. These two new inclusive Virtual Day Trips show our commitment to increasing access to our borough’s rich history and cultural heritage. They will help people really get to know our fantastic local area.”

Virtual Day Trips:

Explore Epsom & Ewell here:

https://www.whistlestoparts.org/epsom

https://www.whistlestoparts.org/ewell

The first Virtual Day Trip which was produced was Nonsuch Park, which can be viewed here: https://www.whistlestoparts.org/nonsuch

Digital tours are also available for Horton Country Park and Nonsuch Park on Bloomberg Connects. Take a look:

Horton Country Park Local Nature Reserve: Take a Tour of Horton Country Park Local Nature Reserve | Horton Light Railway | Bloomberg Connects

Nonsuch Park: Nonsuch Park | Bloomberg Connects

Water Voles return to the Hogsmill

Once extinct in the county, the much loved water vole has made an historic return to the Upper Hogsmill in Ewell. This milestone is the result of a pioneering wetland restoration project led by the South East Rivers Trust (SERT) and reintroduction project by rewilding organisation Citizen Zoo, with support from Wildwood Trust, Natural England Species Recovery Programme, Thames Water and Epsom & Ewell Borough Council.

Around 50 water voles were released onto the Hogsmill river and Chamber Meads wetland at a celebratory event. This was the culmination of many years of work by the South East Rivers Trust, Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, Citizen Zoo, and partners to restore the river and create the new wetland habitat. The return of this endangered species marks a major milestone for Surrey’s biodiversity and one of the most exciting rewilding projects in the region.

“Water voles were once a familiar sight on the Hogsmill, but due to habitat loss and invasive predators, they died out.  Now, after years of dedicated river restoration work, and the creation of the flagship wetland at Chamber Mead, as well as extensive monitoring by a band of dedicated local volunteers , we’re thrilled to have brought them back to the upper Hogsmill in Surrey,” said Dr Bella Davies, CEO of the South East Rivers Trust. 

Water voles back in the hogsmill The Wildwood Trust, based in Kent and Devon, is one of the UK’s leading centres for conservation breeding, and bred 50 water voles through its expert captive breeding programme for release on the upper Hogsmill river. Wildwood has played a key role in restoring water vole populations across the UK.

 “The UK’s biodiversity is facing a critical decline – putting our ecosystems, food security, and climate resilience at risk,” said Tyrone Capel, Conservation Officer at Wildwood Trust. “Ambitious rewilding projects like this are central to our mission: returning nature to the places it once thrived. We’re proud to support this initiative by breeding water voles for release along the Hogsmill and ultimately reversing the near 20 year extinction of Water voles in Surrey.” 

Water voles back in the HogsmillThe creation of the Chamber Mead wetlands and river restoration work undertaken by SERT has improved conditions on the Hogsmill and transformed the area into an ideal habitat for water voles. This work forms part of SERT’s broader vision to revive this rare urban chalk stream and inspire nature recovery in towns and cities.

Citizen Zoo, a rewilding organisation that has delivered a previous successful water vole release along the Hogsmill further downstream in Kingston, led on the reintroduction. The team is now calling for local volunteers to support ongoing monitoring of the population.

“This is not just a win for water voles—it’s a flagship moment for urban river restoration across the UK,” said Elliot Newton,  Director of Rewilding at Citizen Zoo. “With the help of local people, we’re giving this species a real chance to thrive again.” 

Cllr Liz Frost “We are deeply committed to protecting and nurturing habitats that help biodiversity flourish, and we are honoured that the Upper Hogsmill River in our borough has been chosen as the second release site for the reintroduction of water voles.” said Councillor Liz Frost, Chair of Epsom & Ewell Borough Council’s Environment Committee.

“They will be the first water voles living in the wild in Surrey for over 20 years. This milestone reflects the strength of our partnerships to create the right conditions for these once-extinct animals to thrive and reflects our borough’s dedication to managing biodiversity and creating resilient ecosystems that play a role in tackling climate change.”

Water voles—made famous as Ratty in The Wind in the Willows—are one of the UK’s fastest-declining mammals, having disappeared from 94% of their former range. Their return to Surrey is both a symbolic and ecological milestone.