Category: News

Author and Zoologist Jane Wilson-Howarth returns to Nescot

North East Surrey College of Technology (Nescot) welcomed Jane Wilson-Howarth, world renowned physician, author, zoologist and an authority on travel health to the college yesterday. Jane inspired and motivated our learners with two very special talks about her journey as a published writer, and her love for animals in her fascinating encounters with the wildlife in Madagascar.

Jane studied at the college in the early 1970s when it was known as Ewell Technical College, completing her Ordinary National Diploma in Sciences. She was delighted to return to her alma mater, now known as Nescot.

Jane’s first talk reflected on her career as an author and her time at the college. She spoke about how a letter-writing habit in childhood helped her writing abilities. She explained to students that writing is an essential and useful skill and emphasised the importance of finding your passion, “It doesn’t matter what it is, if you’re passionate about something, it will come across in your writing”, said Jane.

For her second talk, Jane spoke about her travels in Madagascar and her fascination and love for the wonderful wildlife on the island especially the lemurs. Our Animal Care students, some of whom have been to Madagascar on a college trip last year were fascinated to hear her experiences and reflections – including being bitten by a scorpion.

Jane was also given a tour of the college including the Learning Resources Centre (LRC) that featured an eye-catching and creative display of her fiction and non-fiction books, a selection of photographs from her travels and various newspaper articles. Students are able to borrow and browse Jane’s books from the LRC. At the end of her visit, Jane was delighted to be awarded with the Nescot Honorary Fellowship by Principal and CEO, Julie Kapsalis.

Julie Kapsalis, Principal and CEO said, “It’s been an absolute pleasure to welcome Jane back to her old college as one of our most illustrious alumni. A big thank you to Jane for sharing her extraordinary career as a writer and zoologist with our students and staff.

“It’s a privilege to award Jane with an Honorary Fellowship. We introduced the award in 2023 for the college’s 70th anniversary to recognise excellence of former students and members of the local community. It is the highest accolade the college can bestow.”

author and zoologist Jane Wilson-Howarth returns to NescotSpeaking about her visit, Jane said, “It’s a real pleasure to come back to Nescot. I was here from 1970 to 1972 and had a really good science education at the college and that gave me the confidence I needed. It’s been so wonderful meeting and speaking with students today. I was so touched by the time and effort that went into creating the wonderful display of my published work in the college’s Learning Resources Centre and the beautiful drawing I received of a leaf tailed Gecko by one of the students. I was especially thrilled to receive an Honorary Fellowship from Nescot. Thank you to everyone at the college for making me feel so welcome and for such a memorable day.”

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council submits Local Plan

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council has submitted the borough’s Local Plan to Government for Public Examination by the Planning Inspectorate. Submission at this time ensures that the Local Plan will be inspected according to the December 2023 National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). Public examination of the Local Plan by an independent Planning Inspector will take place later this year, once an Inspector has been appointed. This is anticipated to take place this summer.

The plan has been written in consultation with residents and stakeholders and is informed by an extensive evidence base. Public consultations took place in February 2023 and December 2024.

The Local Plan is a critical document in shaping the future of the borough. It covers a wide range of issues; from the creation of jobs, environmental protection and leisure development to sites for new homes, including affordable homes, and much-needed infrastructure improvements.

The council’s Local Plan Examination Webpage contains more information on the Local Plan Examination, including the documents submitted and copies of responses to the Proposed Submission Local Plan.

Councillor Peter O’Donovan, chair of the Licensing and Planning Policy CommitteeCouncillor Peter O’Donovan, Chair of the Licensing and Planning Policy Committee, said “I am very grateful to EEBC officers who have worked diligently to reach this milestone, ensuring that the Local Plan is assessed against the framework to which it was developed. Overall, it has been a huge undertaking.

I also thank all the residents who took the time to tell us their views. I know that the plan will not please everyone. However, I believe it is a huge step forward for our borough and our communities, and if adopted it will help ensure that all Epsom & Ewell residents can enjoy the benefits that this strategic plan aims to deliver – whether their focus is on access to affordable homes, leisure facilities and green space, to jobs and economic growth.”

The public examination will include public hearings. Details on these will be published on the council’s website.

Darts legends visit Nescot to prove that maths matters

Nescot (North East Surrey College of Technology) College in Epsom, Surrey welcomed a trio of darts legends and MC, Paul Starr to the college today to inspire students and encourage them to develop their mental maths skills.  Paul ‘The Asset’ Nicholson, Devon ‘The African Warrior’ Petersen and three-time darts World Champion Mighty Michael Van Gerwen visited the college for the ‘Nescot Loves Darts & Maths’ event promoting arithmetic and numeracy, launching a college darts league and sharing their stories of determination and success.
 
Nescot hosted a full day of darts events, aimed at students re-taking their maths GCSEs. Nicholson and Petersen played a 5-leg match, then the players and Paul Starr held a Q&A and participated in a darts related maths quiz with students. Smaller groups of students later met the players in workshops on self-belief and inclusion.
 
The players also formally opened the newly branded Nescot Department of Maths. Each classroom now has a darts board and is named after a darts legend. In addition, Nescot launched a darts club and league, the first college in the country to do so. The inaugural Kapsalis Cup was contested between Nescot and East Sussex College Group, with plans to roll out a wider college league. During the sessions, all three players plus the MC were awarded a Nescot Honorary Fellowship and the day concluded with a ‘meet and greet’ for students.
 
The event was masterminded by Julie Kapsalis, Principal and CEO at Nescot (centre of picture below), and also a massive darts fan. Julie makes an annual pilgrimage to the Lakeside World Championships and loves watching the sport, live and on TV. Having previously worked in sports PR, she also has contacts in the world of darts and reached out to them with the seed of an idea.
 

urrey college hits the bullseye! Darts legends visit Nescot to prove that maths matters 

Julie said “Exciting and engaging students retaking their maths GCSEs was the challenge that made this day take shape. We regularly invite leaders from business, sport and the community to share their stories and when looking for a maths enthusiast, my mind turned to my own sporting passion – darts.

“The response from the darts community was incredible, after one phone call we were gifted boards, surrounds and darts, then the representatives of top players suggested an entire day of events at the college. We created a mini arena, and it was so exciting to see darts legends step up to the oche at Nescot.  We’re so grateful to the players, their management and everyone involved for taking the time to promote maths and inspire our students. Highlighting role models from all kinds of backgrounds and making learning fun are key at Nescot. I can’t wait to see our students’ playing darts in the classrooms. Game on!”

urrey college hits the bullseye! Darts legends visit Nescot to prove that maths mattersMichael van Gerwen said “It’s great to see first-hand how Nescot are using darts to inspire their students. It’s a brilliant way to improve mental maths, as the two go hand in hand. I love the fact the college is going to have a dartboard in every maths class too. It will be a fantastic addition, and I’m sure the students will love it.”

Devon Petersen said “It was a pleasure to visit Nescot College, and it’s so good to see them following core values and using darts to enhance their arithmetic. I have seen darts and maths work together in the work that I do for Bullseye Maths with young children, and Nescot will definitely see the benefits of using darts to enhance their education.”

urrey college hits the bullseye! Darts legends visit Nescot to prove that maths mattersPaul Nicholson said “Seeing young people like the ones at Nescot College enjoying the sport of darts today is so good to see, and I have no doubt that including darts as part of the student’s maths learning journey will only be a good thing. Darts is a sport for all, and it can be educational as well as fun, as proved with what Nescot are doing. Schools and colleges can only benefit from adding darts to their learning program.”

Darts is a sociable, inclusive sport, which almost anyone can access. It can improve mental health by enhancing cognitive function, reducing stress and boosting confidence. It also improves motor skills, hand-eye coordination and problem solving. Importantly for the maths department, the mental maths involved in darts can improve maths skills generally, especially around multiplication and subtraction.
 
Maths skills and mental maths are important for many employers. Nescot welcomes students who would like to retake their maths GCSEs and improve their employment prospects before they step into the world of work.
 
As well as functional skills courses in maths and English, Nescot offers a wide range of college courses for school leavers and adults, including Animal Care, Business, Computing and IT, Construction, Performing Arts, Childcare, Health & Social Care and Beauty Therapy. The college has an open event on May 15th, from 4.30 – 7.30pm, where prospective students can learn more about the courses, campus and facilities. To find out more about studying at Nescot call 020 8394 3038, visit www.nescot.ac.uk or email [email protected]

MP visits Stoneleigh Job Club

Helen Maguire, MP for Epsom & Ewell, Champions Local Free Job Coaching by volunteers during her Stoneleigh Job Club visit 

Stoneleigh Job Club was honoured to welcome Helen Maguire, MP for Epsom & Ewell, today. Her visit highlights our ongoing commitment to providing free and invaluable support to job seekers within the local community.

During the visit, Helen Maguire MP, met with job seekers, and volunteer staff members to discuss the challenges and opportunities faced by those seeking employment.

“We are thrilled to have Helen Maguire MP  visit us and show her support for our mission,” said Peter Webb, founder and chair  of Stoneleigh Job Club. “Her presence and engagement with our clients and volunteer team highlight the importance of community-driven efforts to address unemployment and underemployment.”

Stoneleigh Job Club, established in 2015, has been a vital resource for job seekers in the local area, providing free workshops, one-on-one coaching, and networking opportunities. The dedicated team of ten volunteers from the local community work tirelessly to help individuals of all ages build their skills, confidence, and connections to secure meaningful employment. With welcome funding support from the National Lottery , Community Foundation and local councillors amongst others over the period , our ability to sustain appointments and drop in  sessions on Tuesdays at Stoneleigh Library has been much helped.

For more information about Stoneleigh Job Club and its services, please visit stoneleighjobclub.co.uk, email at [email protected], or call on 07900 489282.

Businesses Invited to Free Climate Action Event

Mole Valley District Council (MVDC) is inviting local businesses to a free “Introduction to Climate Change & Carbon Emissions” event designed to help them reduce costs, improve efficiency, and build a more sustainable future.

Taking place on Tuesday, 18 March, from 8.30am to 10.30am at the picturesque Hartsfield Manor, the event, funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), will provide practical steps for businesses to lower their carbon footprint and save money. Hosted by Bioregional, a leading sustainability charity, the session will offer expert guidance on net zero strategies, cost-saving energy efficiencies, and decarbonisation planning.

Attending businesses will gain:

  • Cost-saving insights by identifying ways to cut energy and resource expenses
  • Clear guidance on net zero by demystifying the jargon and focusing on real-world benefits
  • Tools to calculate carbon footprint to help businesses track and reduce emissions
  • Practical steps for decarbonisation—tailored to businesses of all sizes
  • Access to MVDC assets—helping sustainable businesses to get started
  • Networking with like-minded businesses over a complimentary breakfast and refreshments

 Councillor Bridget Kendrick, Deputy Leader for MVDC and Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Finance said: “Sustainability isn’t just good for the environment—it makes business sense too. By improving efficiency and reducing energy costs, businesses can strengthen their operations while playing a vital role in tackling climate change. We encourage all Mole Valley businesses to attend this free event and take advantage of expert advice on how to future-proof their business while saving money.

This is a must-attend event for businesses looking to stay competitive, reduce risks, and unlock financial benefits while contributing to a greener future. Spaces are limited, so please don’t wait too long to book your complementary space. Register now: Select tickets – Reduce Costs & Boost Your Brand with Climate Change Awareness for Businesses – Hartsfield Manor.”

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].

The Oracle Group Supporting CRY

As National Heart Month kicks off this February, Epsom-based property PR agency, The Oracle Group is making a powerful commitment—announcing Cardiac Risk in the Young(CRY) as its official charity of the year for 2025.

With a mission to prevent sudden cardiac deaths in young people through raising awareness, screening, and research, CRY also provides vital support to families affected by cardiac deaths. Known for leading the conversation in the property sector, The Oracle Group is ready to amplify CRY’s message, using its media connections to raise both awareness and essential funds to drive life-saving change for the Leatherhead-based charity.

Dr Steven Cox, CRY’s Chief Executive, comments; “I’d like to thank The Oracle Group for pledging to support CRY in 2025 – which also marks our 30th anniversary year!

“Our services receive no government support and therefore it’s only due to the fundraising efforts of families, communities and local businesses, that we’re able to deliver screening to young people across the UK at no cost to any individual who wishes to have their heart tested.

“Corporate donations and a commitment to giving valuable ‘volunteer-time’ also helps us to fund CRY’s specialist, ‘peer-to-peer’ bereavement network – a unique service for families and friends as they try to navigate their unimaginable grief. So, thank you again, Oracle – we really do appreciate everything you’re doing in support of CRY’s work.”

Over the course of the year, the team at The Oracle Group will be taking part in a number ofactivities to support CRY. These will include volunteering at the charity’s Heart of London Bridges Walk in June and something special to support CRY’s own Heart Week in November. More details will be revealed closer to the time – watch this space!

Caroline Coskry, Chair of The Oracle Group comments: “Every year we like to partner with a local charity and for 2025, our team voted to support Cardiac Risk in the Young. Being based in Epsom, we are very local to CRY’s Headquarters and to its National Cardiac Screening Centre in Leatherhead, and we are impressed by the incredible work that the charity does. We are looking forward to working with CRY throughout the year to help make a real difference to young people and their families.”

CRY estimates that 1 in 300 young people have a potentially life-threatening heart condition and report that every week in the UK 12 young people die from ‘hidden’ heart defects. Cardiac screenings are therefore vitally important for identifying and subsequently managing these underlying conditions.

Making screening more accessible for young people, CRY offers cardiac screening services at local venues across the country at no cost to the individual. To date, CRY has screened over 314,000 young people aged between 14 and 35 since launching its nationwide programme in 1995. The programme uses painless and non-invasive ECG machines to screen the heart for most cardiac abnormalities in just a few minutes. Where abnormal readings are detected, the CRY team refers young people on for further investigation.

Founded in 2011, The Oracle Group offers a comprehensive range of PR and marketingservices including event organisation, digital strategy and social media management. Specialising in driving meaningful change for clients in the property sector, Oracle has delivered creative campaigns rooted in expertise and industry knowledge to produce measurable results. Reflecting the changes in the way audiences consume information, The Oracle Group recently launched sister-brand, Influenced by Oracle, to connect brands and content creators in authentic partnerships.

For further information about CRY, please visit https://www.c-r-y.org.uk/.

To find out more about The Oracle Group’s services, visit https://theoraclegroup.co.uk/.

Epsom & Ewell Council sets a balanced budget for 2025/26

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council (EEBC) set its budget for 2025/26 Tuesday 11 February 2025, at a Full Council meeting.

The council has agreed on a balanced budget without needing to draw from council reserves, despite a difficult climate. The council faces inflationary pressures, a rise in staffing costs owing to the increase in Employer National Insurance contributions, and the increasing demands of homelessness provisions. There has been no boost to EEBC’s financial settlement from the central government.

In setting the budget, councillors have agreed a 2.98% increase to the borough council portion of council tax – this is the equivalent of 13p per week for the average band D property or £6.75 per year. This council tax for this borough remains below the average for Surrey.

Funding for the budget comes from several sources including income generated from the council’s commercial activities, fees and charges for certain services, business rates, government grants and council tax, which Epsom & Ewell Borough Council also collects on behalf of Surrey County Council and Surrey Police.

Of the overall council tax paid by residents, EEBC receives just 10%, Surrey Police receives 14%, and 76% funds Surrey County Council activities. Surrey County Council has agreed a council tax rise, including the adult social care precept, of 4.99%. The Surrey Police and Crime Commissioner has set an increase of 4.19%. This means the overall tax bill to residents will go up, on a Band D property, from £2,308.34 to £2,416.39, an increase of 4.68%.

The 10% of council tax that EEBC receives allows it to deliver a wide range of services for residents including: waste and recycling collections, tending to the borough’s green spaces, supporting people facing homelessness, licensing, planning and development, managing car parks, environmental enforcement, community outreach services and running and maintaining venues such as the Community and Wellbeing Centre for people aged 55+, community venue Bourne Hall and Epsom Playhouse Theatre.

cllr Neil Dallen Epsom & EwellCouncillor Neil Dallen, Chair of the Strategy & Resources Committee, said: “The prudent administration of Residents Association run Epsom & Ewell Borough Council means we can balance our budget without needing to draw on reserves or cut the essential services our residents rely on.

“We have also improved the efficiency of Bourne Hall with solar panels and are installing double glazed windows which will reduce the venue’s carbon footprint.

“During last night’s meeting I highlighted the ten actions we have taken to reduce homelessness which is one of our highest risks and an issue that has a huge impact on those who, through no fault of their own, find themselves without anywhere to live.

“As we prepare for local government reorganisation in the coming months, we do so in the knowledge that we are in a financially stable position, delivering real value for money for our residents and local communities.”

Animals MOT

Chessington World of Adventures zoo animals receive ‘New Year Health MOT’

The ‘new year, new you’ health kicks are in full swing for many this January – and the 1,000 animals at Chessington World of Adventures Zoo are no exception.

The Greater London zoo’s keepers have had a busy start to the year performing a series of important health checks behind the scenes as part of the zoo’s ‘New Year Animal Health MOT’. From hoof pedicures to horn treatments, faecal sampling to weight tracking – the zookeepers have been hard at work making sure all 1,000 of the attraction’s animals are set for a healthy year ahead.

Animal MOT

The zoo’s resident Southern White Rhinos had their horns treated with salve to prevent cracking and breaking. Their dung was also examined as the keepers carried out the regular faecal sampling to ensure their health and diet are in check. All five bachelor Rothschild’s giraffes enjoyed hoof pedicures to ensure their hard-working hooves were in tip top shape. On the smaller side, the zoo’s baby porcupine, Pip, took to the scales with his mum, Pickle. And the zoo’s popular penguins formed an orderly queue as they waited in line to have their January weight checked at Penguin Bay.

Adam Douglass, Zoo Manager at Chessington World of Adventures Resort said:

“Whether it’s mammals, reptiles or birds, every one of our animals’ health and wellbeing is the top priority every day here. This January we are hard at work performing the first of many thorough ‘MOTs’ to ensure every hoof, paw, flipper, fang, coat, fish scale, and even faeces sample is checked and recorded, and all of the many animals in our care, are set up for a healthy year”.

Guests can get close to the zoo’s 1,000 animals at Chessington’s Zootastic Days Out running until 9 March. From expert animal talks by the zookeepers, special events and an activity trail perfect for all ages, there’s so much to learn, see and do. To book tickets visit: www.chessington.com/explore/events/zootastic

Council kicks off 2,600-tree planting project

On 7 January, Epsom & Ewell Borough Council began planting 2,600 trees at sites in Ewell Court Park, the Hogsmill Local Nature Reserve, London Road Recreation Ground, Long Grove Park, Manor Park and Poole Road Recreation Ground. This is part of the council’s Climate Change Action Plan and the first stage of its Tree Management Plan which aims to plant 6,000 new trees across the borough by 2035.

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council has committed to tackling climate change in the borough, embarking on an ambitious programme of work with partners to support its operational net zero target by 2035. Within its Climate Change Action Plan in 2020 was an action to increase tree cover in the borough to enhance the borough’s biodiversity and increase carbon capture. This activity will also help mitigate ash dieback, a serious disease that has the potential to devastate an estimated 90% of the borough’s ash tree population over the next decade.

 

This tree planting activity is funded through the Forestry Commission’s Local Authority Treescapes Fund, awarded as part of a joint bid with Surrey County Council and three other district and borough councils within the county.

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council kicks off 2,600-tree planting project

The council’s Arboriculturist has coordinated the planting of the trees and Penfolds Woodland Management has been contracted by Surrey County Council to plant the trees.

Over 20 different tree species have been carefully selected to suit the local habitat; they will help enrich surrounding nature and can even adapt to changing weather conditions associated with climate change. These include several planned stands of native woodland tree and shrub species that aid biodiversity as the trees themselves start to blossom. In Sweet Chestnut Avenue the trees planted will create a real heritage feature that will endure through the ages.

Councillor Liz Frost, Chair of the Environment Committee said: “This is another great step to help us meet our ambitious carbon neutral target. These new trees will make our green spaces more beautiful and appealing for our community. Importantly, they will also provide habitats for our wildlife to flourish and help combat climate change by capturing carbon as the trees grow.

This is a great effort by everybody involved and I would like to thank Surrey County Council for coordinating this bid that led to this invaluable funding being awarded and for commissioning the suppliers – thanks to Penfolds Woodland Management for planting the trees. One final thanks to our very own Arboriculturist for coordinating this vast tree planting activity.

We hope these trees will provide a platform for everybody to learn about the complexities of trees and their importance to biodiversity and climate change. I’d encourage all our residents and visitors, including our school children, to visit our parks and open spaces to look at and learn about our beautiful trees.”

Marisa Heath, Surrey County Council Cabinet Member for the Environment said: “The County Council’s ambition to plant 1.2 million new trees is not something we can deliver alone. Our collaboration with local borough and district councils, parish councils, schools, landowners and community groups is vital to achieve this ambition. Planting more trees helps tackle the impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss and by working together we will have a greater impact.”

For more information about trees in Epsom & Ewell – Trees in Epsom & Ewell | Epsom and Ewell Borough Council