Category: News

Mole Valley District Council New Leader and Cabinet

Mole Valley District Council Welcomes New Leader and Cabinet to Drive Forward Strategic Vision

Mole Valley District Council (MVDC) is pleased to announce the appointment of its new Cabinet, led by Councillor Bridget Kendrick as the Leader. The new team brings together experience, professional skills and a shared commitment to delivering the MVDC’s strategic vision for a fairer, greener and more prosperous Mole Valley at time of unprecedented change.

Supporting the Leader is Councillor Claire Malcomson, who will serve as Deputy Leader and lead the Climate portfolio. The Cabinet also includes:

    • Councillor Rosemary Hobbs – Waste, Recycling and Environmental Health
    • Councillor Andrew Matthews – Finance
    • Councillor Keira Vyvyan-Robinson – Commercial Assets and Projects
    • Councillor Nick Wright – Leisure and Community Assets
    • Councillor Caroline Joseph – Services and Security
    • Councillor Bradley Nelson – Planning and Infrastructure
    • Councillor Paula Keay – Sustainable Economy

The Cabinet will be responsible for delivering MVDC’s key priorities, including the implementation of the Annual Plan and Corporate Strategy, as well as overseeing areas such as governance, emergency planning, community safety, climate change action, housing, economic development, and community wellbeing.

Businesses Invited to Free Climate Action Event to Cut Costs and Boost SustainabilityCouncillor Bridget Kendrick, Leader of MVDC said: “I am honoured to take on the role of the Leader of MVDC at such a pivotal time. Our new Cabinet is united in its commitment to delivering the Council Strategy and ensuring that residents, businesses and communities in Mole Valley can thrive. The next two years will be crucial for ensuring we’ll get things right for Mole Valley during the Local Government Reorganisation to protect its’ heritage, identity and interests among the wider Surrey councils.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Councillor Stephen Cooksey for his outstanding service to Mole Valley and its residents. As the longest-serving Leader in the district’s history, Stephen played a pivotal role in delivering some of our most significant projects, including the Local Plan, the Dorking and Bookham Masterplans, and the Service Transformation programme. It is a privilege to take the reins and lead MVDC at this landmark point in its history.”

More details on the new Cabinet appointments and portfolios can be found on MVDC website.

 

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

The Ho-Ho-Home of Christmas

Chessington World of Adventures announces Winter’s Tail event ticket release PLUS new year-round Christmas themed accommodation

The festive spirit lands at Chessington World of Adventures as it announces the much-anticipated ticket release for its popular Christmas event. And for festive fans who can’t wait until November, the attraction has launched a fully-themed Christmas hotel room bringing holiday cheer throughout the year.

The one-of-a-kind accommodation has been created in response to growing consumer demand for all things Christmas. New research from Chessington World of Adventures reveals that over a quarter of Brits (29%) wish Christmas would last longer and over a fifth (21%) who plan their Christmas experiences are doing so earlier than ever this year. The research found that spending time with family (57%), Christmas traditions (41%) and the nostalgia that Christmas brings (37%) are the things people love most about the holiday.

Our nation of Christmas-lovers admits to extending the holiday magic by keeping Christmas decorations up throughout the year, with the most popular being fairy lights (21%), Christmas tree (15%), stockings (9%) and baubles (8%).

Chessington’s Christmas Room means festive devotees no longer need to wait for the most wonderful time of the year to enjoy magical family Christmas experiences. Sleeping two adults and two children, with one large double bed and bunk beds plus ensuite bathroom, the space features seasonal details including:

      • Christmas Classics – the curated room includes twinkling decorations and garlands, floor-to-ceiling Christmas tree, Christmas crackers, hot chocolate and shortbread biscuits, and Christmas tunes jingling through the room’s speakers on arrival to create the festive mood, plus other seasonal touches.
      • Extra Christmas Trimmings – the hotel offers a special ‘Stocking Filling Service’ for parents to surprise little ones with gifts. Plus VIP experiences* include an Elf Wake-up Call and Reindeer Encounter at the zoo.
      • Christmas car parking space – the personalised reserved spot comes festively decorated to kickstart the Christmas cheer from the moment guests pull up in the car (or sleigh).

And from November, Chessington’s highly anticipated Winter’s Tail event will transform the theme park into a winter wonderland at the heart of which is the Christmas Village, where visitors will enjoy a silent disco, a meeting with Father Christmas, and a visit to the Enchanted Hollow: Toy Workshop to meet the elves who are hard at work.

Howard Ebison, Divisional Director (and Chief Christmas Cheer Officer) at Chessington World of Adventures said: “We love Christmas here at Chessington World of Adventures – so, there is ‘noel’ time like the present to unveil our Christmas Room offering year-round festive fun for families. We’ve worked hard to bottle the joy of Yuletide and create an experience like no other filled with seasonal touches for our guests to enjoy after spending a day at our park and zoo. What’s more, Winter’s Tail tickets are now on sale earlier than ever before, so families can start planning for memories to be made at Chessington this Christmas.”

Go to chessington.com/christmas to book a stay in The Christmas Room from 17th May and purchase tickets for Winter’s Tail starting from 22nd November.

Stays in The Christmas Room start from £77pp based on a family of four including breakfast and 1 day ticket pp. Add-on VIP Experiences* include…

Reindeer Encounter (from £32pp)
  • Experience the magic of Christmas with our Reindeer Encounter
  • Guests under 16 years old must be accompanied by a full paying adult
  • Minimum age 3 years
  • This is a 20-30 minute experience
 
Elf Wake-Up Call (from £25 per child)
  • Have your very own elf come knock on your hotel door in the morning! (plus each ticket will receive a little early Christmas present straight from the North Pole)
  • One ticket needs to be purchased per child in order for each child to receive a present
  • This is a time-slotted 5-10 minute experience
 
Winter’s Tail (from £32 per person)
A magical Christmas adventure awaits you and your family in the Christmas Village. Jingle away to a festive Silent Disco before you journey into a snowy woodland guided by an elf to visit Santa’s Grotto. Greeted by twinkling lights and the scent of a woodfire, join Father Christmas who is ready to hear your Christmas wishes and spread festive cheer to all who visit. Then adventure into Enchanted Hollow: Toy Workshop, where the elves are busy making gifts for Christmas, you may even receive an early Christmas gift.
 
The festive fun does not end there, enjoy everything else that Winter’s Tail has to offer, including festive trail, Christmas panto, carollers, select rides and attractions, and over 1,000 animals in Chessington Zoo and SEA LIFE. It’s the ultimate Christmas day out for families looking to make the season truly magical.
 
Visit before 24th December to enjoy all the magic of the Christmas Village – book early for the best price and availability. From 25th December, Father Christmas will head back to the North Pole with his elves. Guests can enjoy everything else that Winter’s Tail has to offer until 31st December.
 
Winter’s Tail Ultimate Christmas Package (from £140pp)
  • Have your very own dedicated elf come in straight from the North Pole to guide you around Winter’s Tail
  • Meet Father Christmas in the Christmas Village
  • Meet the reindeers in training
  • Enjoy a delicious meal in the theme park
  • Get instant VIP access to all selected rides and attractions open during your visit

Epsom & Ewell Proposal For A Three Unitary Councils

Epsom & Ewell Councillors voted to submit a final proposal for three unitary councils to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government,  At the same meeting, Councillors approved an amendment to the Council’s Four-Year Plan, replacing it with strategic priorities for 2025-2027 and aligning resources by setting up a new local government reorganisation (LGR) reserve.

Councillors agreed that strategic priorities will no longer include a proposed office move from the current Town Hall, instead relocating to the new Town Hall building and completing works to make the newer building fit for purpose for the next two to three years.

Strategic priorities agreed by the Council are:

      1. Explore future local governance e.g., a Community Council
      2. Move the old Town Hall into the existing new Town Hall
      3. Investigate future options for the existing Town Hall site and 70 East Street
      4. Carry out a review of major assets
      5. Create an Epsom Town Centre Car Park Strategy / Deliver the Hook Road (Utilities site) Car Park re-development
      6. Strategic CIL Projects
      7. Consider options for the future of Bourne Hall Museum.

surreySpeaking after the meeting, Councillor Hannah Dalton, the Leader of Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, said: “While we work towards local government reorganisation, the Council will prioritise strategic projects that can be delivered in the time available and that offer best value for our residents. Our goal is to meet the ambitious deadlines set by Government to transition to a new era of local government, whilst protecting the best interests of our local communities for the future.”

The amendment to the Council’s approved Four-Year Plan follows the directive from Government to reorganise local government across the UK, abolishing two-tier councils and replacing them with single-tier, unitary authorities. New unitary councils in Surrey will likely come into effect in April or May 2027, at which time Epsom & Ewell Borough Council (EEBC) will be dissolved.

EEBC and seven other district and borough councils in Surrey believe that the best option for residents and local businesses is to reorganise local government in Surrey into three unitary councils. This model would see Epsom & Ewell become part of an east Surrey unitary council along with Tandridge District Council, Reigate & Banstead Borough Council and Mole Valley District Council. Surrey County Council and some district and borough councils are proposing a two unitary model.

Councillor Hannah Dalton said: “Reorganising local government in Surrey into three unitary councils would emphasise alignment with established economic areas, as well as prioritising local identity and community empowerment.

Unitary councils in north, west and east Surrey would be the right sizes to improve efficiency and capacity to deliver high quality and sustainable public services, whilst meeting local needs informed by local views.

“The proposal is rooted in what local government is all about: local identity, representation and economic alignment.”

The agenda for the meeting can be read here: Epsom and Ewell Democracy

The full Council meeting can be watched here: https://www.youtube.com/@epsomandewellBC/playlists

 

Change to The Betfred Derby Draw

The Betfred Derby will become a 72-hour declaration race in 2025 for the first time in its 245-year history, The Jockey Club has announced today.

In an historic move, the world’s most famous Flat race – which was first staged in 1780 and is one of the five Betfred British Classics – is the first Group One race staged in Britain to introduce 72-hour declarations.

It is hoped that bringing forward the deadline to confirm horses and jockeys by an extra 24 hours will prove beneficial in building a sense of anticipation and excitement both domestically and globally for the prestigious £1.5 million contest, which is staged at Epsom Downs and was broadcast by a record 36 broadcasters across 160 territories worldwide in 2024.

The change is the latest in a long line of firsts at Epsom Downs Racecourse, including:

·       Staging the first recorded horse race in the UK on March 7th 1661 in the presence of King Charles II.

·       The Derby became the first horse race to be filmed in 1896 and was shown in cinemas after the event.

·       Then in 1931, the Derby became the first televised horse race and first remote outside television broadcast in the world.

·       The Grand Metropolitan at Epsom Downs was the first horse race to use a Photo-Finish, on April 22nd 1947.

The 246th running of the Betfred Derby is due to take place this year on Saturday 7th June. With 72-hour declarations now in place, this means the final field for the Betfred Derby in 2025 will be known shortly after 10am on Wednesday 4th June, with all decisions on jockey bookings confirmed by 1pm on the same date.

Jim Allen new manager at Epsom Downs DerbyJim Allen, General Manager of Epsom Downs Racecourse, said: “This racecourse has been at the forefront of positive change and new initiatives in British horseracing for generations, with The Derby becoming the first race to be filmed back in 1896 and then the first sporting event to be broadcast in 1931.

“We’re delighted to be able to introduce 72 hour declarations for this year’s Betfred Derby, demonstrating that we are always looking for new ways to innovate and ensure that our sport’s most iconic Flat race continues to stand out from the rest.

“Having consulted with a range of stakeholders on this issue we are confident that this change will not only help build anticipation for the world’s most famous Flat race earlier in the week but also provide more certainty around the runners and riders on the day, driving more interest and engagement in advance of the start of the Betfred Derby Festival.

“We are hugely grateful to the British Horseracing Authority for their co-operation and help in order to make this change happen at relatively short notice, and to all those participants who have supported us in making this move.”

Coinciding with the introduction of 72-hour declarations, there will also be a significantly enhanced draw ceremony for the Betfred Derby this year, with Epsom Downs Racecourse and the British Horseracing Authority using the balls and other equipment deployed for football’s world famous FA Cup draws.

The ceremony will take place at around 11am on Wednesday 4th June at Epsom’s Picturehouse, a beautifully redeveloped cinema in the centre of the town, and with dignitaries from the horseracing industry and local community in attendance.

The BetFred Derby

Allen continued: “Changing the stalls draw for the Betfred Derby from the randomly generated process used for nearly every other Flat race in the UK to a ceremony with balls picked out live on Racing TV has definitely helped increase the sense of excitement and anticipation in recent years.

“As part of the review into all aspects of last year’s Betfred Derby Festival, we felt that it was important that the draw is staged in the local community again and have been looking at ways to make the ceremony itself more sophisticated and give it a sense of occasion.

“Epsom’s Picturehouse is the perfect venue and we’re grateful to the FA for allowing us to use their iconic draw equipment.”

The other seven races staged on Betfred Derby Day and all those taking place on Ladies Day will retain their 48-hour declaration deadline.

For More Details on this years BetFred Derby Festival CLICK HERE

King’s Award For Surrey Hills Radio

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

King's Award For Surrey Hills Radio

Photography by Andy Newbold & Kayleigh Arunasalon.

Proposals Outlining Plans for Surrey

On Tuesday 29th April 2025, district and borough councils have published proposals for local government reorganisation on their websites, to be debated at Council meetings across Surrey in the coming days. Final proposals will be submitted to the Government by 9th May 2025.

Eight of the eleven district and borough councils are proposing a three unitary council model for Surrey. They believe that this is the best way to preserve local democracy and accountability, and would ensure that new councils align with Surrey’s existing economic and community identities – creating the foundation for more responsive governance and stronger local economies. There is also a proposal for two unitary councils being submitted by Surrey County Council. Those councils that have been undecided so far will make a final decision between the 6 and 8 May.

The new structure for local government will replace the current two-tier system of district, borough and county councils.

surreyCouncillor Hannah Dalton, Chair of the Surrey Leaders Group and Chair of the Epsom & Ewell Borough Council Residents’ Association (Majority Group) said:

“This is a significant achievement and the culmination of much collaboration and hard work by council leaders and officers across the county.

“There are still issues to be resolved, including how debt will be managed. Over the coming weeks and months, we will continue to work at pace towards a vision for the county that delivers for our residents and communities, that enables us to unlock the wider benefits that devolution can ultimately bring.

“I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who took part in the recent resident engagement which sought opinion on shaping Surrey’s future, the results of which indicated clear public support for a three unitary model of local government.

“We also appreciate the time given to us by representatives from charities, parish and town councils, residents forums, health services, community groups and others across the county in our stakeholder engagement exercise and roundtable group sessions. It was really important to make sure as many voices as possible were heard in this journey about the risks and opportunities of changes that will impact local services and communities.”

Government is expected to decide on proposals by the end of the year. If approved, legislation will be passed to allow the changes, and elections for new shadow unitary councils will be held in May 2026, with a view to the new unitaries going live in May 2027.

Proposals are published on council websites:

PAW Patrol-Themed Land Opening Spring 2026

Leading UK family theme park, Chessington World of Adventures, has announced a major new partnership with Paramount Location-Based Experiences and global preschool powerhouse, PAW Patrol, produced by Spin Master Entertainment.

The London attraction will launch a themed, immersive land comprising four thrilling rides -including an entry-level ‘my first rollercoaster’ – play areas, and interactive character ‘meet and greet’ events. Guests will also enjoy a dedicated food and beverage outlet and picnic space, plus a customised retail store.

The new must-visit destination for preschoolers and their families, targeting children aged two to five years old, will be the UK’s first and only PAW Patrol-themed land. Representing a multi-million pound investment, with a 1.4 acre footprint, the new land will also be Chessington’s largest preschooler attraction.

PAW Patrol, the top-rated preschool series in the UK and globally, follows the adventures of a tech-savvy boy named Ryder and his team of heroic rescue pups who are ready to save the day. Whenever there’s trouble, pups Chase, Marshall, Rubble, Skye, Rocky, Zuma, Everest and Tracker are ready for action, no matter what comes their way. With a mission to work together to keep Adventure Bay safe, no job is too big, and no pup is too small. Since launching on Nickelodeon in 2013, the franchise has expanded with consumer products, two feature films with a third coming up in 2026, and live events including PAW PatrolTM Live! in the UK this summer. PAW Patrol is produced by Spin Master Entertainment and airs on Nickelodeon, Channel 5’s Milkshake! and Paramount+ in the UK.

PAW Patrol-themed land opening in 2026
The new attraction will see PAW Patrol’s Adventure Bay setting represented in vibrant landscape theming with the land’s storytelling drawing on the role of the pups in the community, demonstrating purpose and everyday heroism. PAW Patrol’s values of teamwork and friendship resonate with parents and children and support families on their preschooler journey. These themes will come to life in the immersive experience at Chessington, with messaging around emotional and social engagement integrated into the fun. This aligns with Chessington’s core purpose for its guests – driving valuable connection between parents and children while they enjoy family-friendly thrills.

A PAWsome 2025 at Chessington
Children don’t need to wait until 2026 to meet their favourite pups. Families can begin to immerse themselves in PAW Patrol at Chessington from spring 2025. Pups Chase, Skye and Rubble will be on site helping to oversee the construction of the new land, giving guests the opportunity to interact with their favourite characters in a brand-new PAW Patrol Meet and Greet experience opening for May half term, from 24th May.

From this summer, PAW Patrol fans can enjoy a ‘pawfect’ short break when Chessington’s Safari Hotel opens an exclusive collection of five themed rooms – the first and only PAW Patrol accommodation in the UK. And in September, Marshall will join his pup pals to launch PAW Patrol Autumn Adventure* – an action-packed day of fun including a pup-tastic park trail, the opportunity to meet the heroic pups, and access to 20 magical preschool rides and attractions.

PAW Patrol themed land opening Spring 2026

Howard Ebison, Divisional Director of Chessington World of Adventures, said:

“Our purpose at Chessington is to be the UK’s greatest place for young families to create lifelong memories​. As one of the world’s leading pre-school brands – delighting children across the globe with the stories of Adventure Bay – the power and appeal of PAW Patrol is unparalleled. It’s a great privilege to join forces with Paramount to create this immersive land – the UK’s first and only PAW Patrol themed land – to provide magic and excitement for our young guests. We can’t wait to welcome the pups to Chessington World of Adventures. As the pups would say, Chessington is ready for action!”

Marie Marks, SVP, Global Experiences at Paramount, said:

“We are so excited to see the iconic PAW Patrol brand come to life at Chessington World of Adventure, and incredibly pleased to be partnering with Merlin Entertainments to bring these beloved pups to their first fully themed land in the UK. Chessington World of Adventures and Nickelodeon have a deep commitment to creating entertainment that families can enjoy together, and we are delighted that this new themed land will immerse young visitors in their very own PAW Patrol adventure.”

Visit www.chessington.com/paw-patrol

*PAW Patrol Autumn Adventure runs from 3rd to 26th September mid-week during term time. Day tickets start from £29 per person.

Happy Birthday Vampire Ride at CWOA

UN-BITE-LIEVABLE! VAMPIRE ROLLER COASTER AT CHESSINGTON WORLD OF ADVENTURES CELEBRATES 35 YEARS.

Chessington World of Adventures is celebrating 35 thrilling years of its legendary Vampire roller coaster by giving away a fang-tastic 100 fast tracks!

Fast track passes – worth £60 per person – will be awarded to the best-dressed little vampires and their families visiting on Friday 11th April

Chessington World of Adventures’ iconic ride, Vampire, is marking an incredible 35 years next Friday 11th April.

As Europe’s first ever suspended roller coaster, which first took flight in 1990, the London theme park’s Vampire roller coaster has thrilled millions, and cape-tivated visitors with daring drops, swooping turns and eerie theming throughout.

To commemorate this mystical milestone for one of the nation’s favourite rides, the attraction is hosting a special weekend of celebrations, including giving away 100 free fast track tickets worth £60 per person.

Kids aged 6 to 15 are invited to come to the park dressed to thrill, donning their finest vampire attire*, to be in with the chance to win ‘Ultimate 8’ fast track access to Chessington’s top rides, including Croc Drop, Mandrill Mayhem and the iconic Vampire.

Howard Ebison, Divisional Director at Chessington World of Adventures said: “Vampire is one of those rollercoasters that everyone knows and loves. It’s one of our most popular coasters, and what makes it so special is the nostalgia it brings. Every day we have visiting parents (and even grandparents!) reminisce about riding it when they were young. And now they have the opportunity to take their kids on one of their childhood favourite rides. This big birthday weekend is a fantastic opportunity for families to create more unforgettable memories, and we can’t wait to see our park filled with the excitement and creativity of our youngest guests.”

“This special offer serves as a thank you for three and a half decades of support, ultimately making Vampire a cherished part of our attraction history.”

Over the Vampire birthday weekend (11th-13th April), Chessington World of Adventures will be in spooky festive mode. Wild Woods will be transformed into a gothic garden party and Violet, Chessington’s much-loved vampire bat character, will be making a special appearance to meet with children every morning.

John Wardley – one of the world’s leading rollercoaster creators – is the mastermind who designed the iconic Vampire coaster for Chessington back in 1990. On the milestone birthday, John commented: “It is incredible to see the lasting impact Vampire has had over the past 35 years. From initially writing to Chessington Zoo’s director with the idea to transform the attraction into a theme park, to being the first to ride the Vampire track, the process and making-of Vampire has been a thrilling adventure in itself.

“I have always been fascinated with illusions and special effects, and this was something I really wanted to bring to life with Vampire – giving riders the opportunity to be fully immersed in the adventure. It was this inspiration that ultimately led to the revolutionary suspended track – with Vampire being the first roller coaster of its kind in the UK. It’s inspired coasters globally since.

“It brings me immense joy to know Vampire continues to delight and inspire new generations.”

Vampire hangs at 70 feet, soaring through the skies, swooping over the rooftops of Wild Woods and flying through the treetops with speeds of 45 miles per hour. The ride’s height restriction starts at 1.1metre.

For those with an undying love for Vampire, looking to ride it for the first time, or simply joining the celebrations at Chessington, head over to chessington.com/Vampire-35th-birthday for details of the fast track giveaway and what’s on over the birthday weekend.

*To qualify for the offer the child must be dressed in a recognisable Vampire costume – this will be assessed at the discretion of the Chessington ticket office team

HOW TO ENTER:

  • Come to the Safari Hotel at Chessington World of Adventures at 10.15 on Friday 11th April to take part in the contest (Chessington’s Admissions team will direct you from the entrance gates)
  • Entrants should be dressed in a recognisable vampire costume
    The competition is open to children aged 6 – 15 years old, accompanied by an adult
  • Please note participants must have a pre-booked Chessington ticket
  • Each winner will receive four Ultimate 8 Reserve and Ride passes for themselves and three additional people. Up to three children can be part of each group of four. Each group must include at least one adult over 18 years old. Free passes are limited to a total of 100 fast tracks

    See full terms & conditions at chessington.com/Vampire-35th-birthday

News Community Sports Centre at Reigate Grammar School

We are thrilled to share an exciting new project that will enhance student life and shape the future of sport and activity at Reigate Grammar School for generations to come. After receiving planning approval, we are moving forward with the design and build of a new, state-of-the-art sport and activity centre – The Andy Paul Sport and Activity Centre.

This incredible community facility, set to open in September 2027, is made possible thanks to a generous donation from former pupil Andy Paul, alongside financial resources we can now rely on from our RGS International partnerships. This generosity and commitment to RGS has enabled us to move forward with our plans to ensure that sport, fitness, and wellbeing remain at the heart of school life.

A Vision for the Future of Sport at RGS

The Andy Paul Sport and Activity Centre will provide outstanding new facilities. The centre will include:

A multi-sport competition-standard Sports Hall for netball, indoor hockey, cricket, badminton, and more.

A fully equipped fitness and conditioning suite supporting student active wellbeing and performance sport.

A dance / multipurpose studio .

Outdoor Multi-Use Games Areas (MUGAs) providing all-weather spaces for both sport and an enhanced play space for all.

With the construction beginning in April 2026, this project builds on the success of the Harrison Centre and reflects our ongoing commitment to enhancing RGS facilities for future generations.

Why This Matters for Our Students and the Future of RGS

Through sport and physical activity at RGS, we develop character, instil a lifelong love of movement, and provide pathways for excellence, ensuring that every student finds their place within our sporting community. As part of our 350th year commitment to the future, The Andy Paul Sport and Activity Centre is a legacy project, securing the long-term success and stability of RGS. It will keep us at the forefront of independent education, attract the best students and staff, and continue to ensure that an RGS education is one of excellence, ambition, and opportunity.

“My time at RGS helped me become who I am today. I want to give back and ensure future generations have the very best facilities to thrive, just as I did.” Andy Paul.

We are incredibly grateful to Andy Paul and our International Partnerships for making this possible and look forward to celebrating this next chapter in RGS history with you all.

What Happens Next?

-April 2026 Construction begins

-September 2027 Opening of The Andy Paul Sport and Activity Centre

Follow our journey - we will share updates and progress on our website and social media channels as we bring this vision to life.

Follow RGS Sport @reigategrammarsport to see how we are leading the way in school sport at RGS.