Tag: Epsom

Cinderella

Don’t be a pumpkin; grab your glass slippers and get ready to join us for this classic tale of Cinderella, a kind-hearted girl mistreated by her wicked stepmother and stepsisters. With a little help from her fairy godmother’s magic and a bit of bippity-boppity-boo, she transforms for the royal ball, where she catches the attention of Prince Charming. But when the clock strikes midnight, the illusion fades, leaving only a single glass slipper behind. Perfect for families, this enchanting production is generously dusted with heartwarming moments, tummy-tickling comedy, and glitzy costumes galore. Secure your tickets today and let Cinderella’s magic sweep you off your feet!

Epsom & Ewell Council announce partnership with the Lawn Tennis Association

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council announce partnership with the Lawn Tennis Association to improve local tennis courts

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council and the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) have announced a partnership to invest in and refurbish public tennis courts in Epsom & Ewell.

The LTA will provide £26,650 to invest in 12 tennis courts at Auriol Park, Alexandra Recreation Ground, Court Recreation Ground, Gibraltar Recreation Ground and Poole Road Recreation Ground.

The courts will benefit from gate access technology, a new online booking platform and court improvements which will ensure that quality facilities are available for the local community.

Alongside the investment, the council and local coach providers will also work with the LTA to deliver a range of activity across the park sites. This will include weekly, free tennis sessions for all ages, playing levels and experience where equipment is provided, meaning that people will not need someone to play with or their own racket. Local Tennis Leagues will also provide friendly, sociable, opportunities to get active through local competitions.

As part of the LTA’s Parks Investment Programme, the council will introduce a new ‘pay as you play’ scheme across all tennis courts in the borough in the new year. All income raised from the scheme will be reinvested into the borough’s tennis facilities to ensure future sustainability of tennis in parks.

Cllr John Beckett, Chair of the Environment Committee said: “The partnership between the LTA and the council is extremely good news for the tennis facilities in the borough. Their investment and the move to a ‘pay as you play’ scheme will ensure that the courts are maintained and improved into the future.

“The tennis courts are vital in providing opportunities for residents to get active and improve both their physical and mental health. The planned free coaching sessions will provide an opportunity to bring new people to the sport from all ages, abilities and socioeconomic backgrounds.”

 Julie Porter, Chief Operating Officer at the LTA, said: “We are delighted to be working with Epsom & Ewell Borough Council to improve their park tennis facilities and provide more opportunities for anyone to pick up a racket and get active.

“This investment is part of the UK Government and LTA’s Parks Tennis Project and will mean that courts will be available for people to use for years to come.

“We will also be working closely with Epsom & Ewell Borough Council to ensure that the local community have a range of accessible opportunities to get on court, and open up our sport to many more people.”

The project is part of a nationwide investment by the UK Government and LTA Tennis Foundation, delivered by the LTA, to refurbish public tennis courts across Great Britain, and open up the sport to many more people. This investment will see thousands of existing park tennis courts in poor or unplayable condition brought back to life for the benefit of communities across the country through renovation works, and improved court accessibility with new gate-access technology and booking systems.

A range of payment options will be available for people to get on court, including an individual court hire fee and an affordable season pass.

The costs for users who will book are:

Ad-hoc Cost Per Hour All Courts£6.00
Additional Cost Per Hour for Floodlights£6.00
  
Annual Household Subscription£40.00
Annual Household Subscription for those in receipt of low-income benefits£20.00

All income generated will be going back into the improvement of the facilities with a priority of improving the courts at Gib/Poole Road first.

All sites will be available to book online via the LTA website www.lta.org.uk/play

Mike Ford Copse

A dedication event was held on Sunday 3rd December at Alexandra Recreation Ground to honour local hero Mike Ford

In a heartwarming event volunteers from Friends of Alexandra Park and the Epsom & Ewell Tree Advisory Board (EETAB), local councillors Steven McCormick, James Laurence and Bernie Muir, the Epsom & Ewell Tree Officer and the Mayor, Councillor Rob Geleit gathered on December 3rd at Alexander Recreation Ground to pay tribute to a beloved local figure, Mike Ford, affectionately known as ‘Mr. Tree.’

Mr. Ford has been a cornerstone of our community, dedicating countless hours to the preservation and enhancement of our natural environment. His unwavering commitment to the cause of tree conservation and environmental stewardship has left an indelible mark on Epsom & Ewell.

The dedication event served as a poignant moment to recognize and express gratitude for his exceptional contributions.

The event was opened by Howard Gregory the chair of EETAB with words from Kevin Greening and Simon Alford, EETAB members, before introducing the Mayor of Epsom & Ewell. The Epsom and Ewell Tree Officer then presented Mike with a collection of photographs taken when the original copse was planted.

In his speech Mayor Rob Geleit said “Mike is firmly rooted in his conviction that planting a tree today is an investment for the whole community, combating climate change and helping biodiversity as well as a thing of beauty in itself. His and the Epsom & Ewell Tree Advisory Board’s aim is ensure that they pass on to future generations a borough that is at least as leafy as the one we have all inherited.”

As well as speeches, the event included a symbolic tree layout for the planned rejuvenation of the Ford copse, and the unveiling of a commemorative plaque to forever mark Mike Ford’s contributions at Alexander Recreation Ground.

The event concluded with a sense of community pride and a commitment to carrying forward Mr. Tree’s legacy.

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For further information about Epsom & Ewell Tree Advisory Board:

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.eetab.org.uk/

Facebook: @EpsomEwellTreeAdvisoryBoard

 

 

 

 

A Tale of Two Kickers

Sutton & Epsom 21 Old Colfeians 17 – A Tale of Two Kickers


Old Colfeians arrived at Rugby Lane as the form team in the league with five victories on the spin. Meanwhile a resurgent Sutton & Epsom had won all their three November fixtures and were equally confident. Both squads were hit by injuries and illness with S&E giving a debut to Matt Symonds on the wing. The last time the Black & Whites played OCs in 2007 the Kent side managed to record the only blemish on James Clark’s perfect season. Fixtures between the two clubs go back 50 years and in the league era the matches have always been keenly contested and Saturday was no exception with Sutton winning 21-17.


There was a serious risk that the freezing weather might sabotage the game but a moderately milder morning, temperatures being above zero, meant that the crowd would not be disappointed. Freddy Bunting set the game in motion and the visitors immediately demonstrated their superlative form with the opening score after five minutes. Having spun the ball wide to both flanks the forwards took over in the 22. Phase after phase they remorselessly advanced under the posts until prop Tom Rameaux powered over. Chris Harris added the simple conversion for a 7-0 lead. In the early exchanges the powerful pack of the visitors initially held the upper hand in the set scrum but the host’s lineout was more efficient and also disrupted the Colfeians ball. Both sets of backs looked threatening when they had possession and expectations of a closely fought encounter, that had been anticipated before the kick off, were being fully justified.



In the closing moments of the first quarter Sutton had an attacking lineout. Josh Pulvirenti took the ball and the pack advanced. The referee noted an indiscretion by the visitors but he played the advantage and was soon raising his arm to signal Rob Hegarty’s try. Freddy Bunting’s conversion cleared the uprights but just drifted wide as S&E trailed 5-7. The game was being played at a furious pace with both sides tenaciously contesting the breakdown forcing turnovers and errors. On the half hour S&E had another opportunity with a 5-metre lineout. The ball was safely secured and Matt Whitaker exploded from the pack powering over the line with would be tacklers hanging off him. Normal service resumed as Freddy Bunting added the extras to put his team into a 12-7 lead.


Old Colfeians reply was immediate and the Sutton lead short lived. With commendable adventure they ran a penalty from halfway and advanced to the S&E 22. The jinking Chris Harris took over to score a stylish solo effort. He was unable to add the conversion to his try but the Kent team were level at 12-12. Before the interval the Sutton back division that had already endured three changes before the start had another set back as Steve Munford was forced off through injury to be replaced by the versatile Jack Howes. The momentum had shifted to the visitors and Chris Harris came off his wing to create the overlap and the OCs surged from their 22 but the Sutton cover forced a knock on. The half concluded with the Black & Whites pressing hard but undone by an error in the opposition 22 and there was no further addition to the score and the sides turned around at 12 apiece.


Sutton & Epsom were fast out of the blocks in the second half from a lineout it was a vintage run from Matt Whitaker carrying the ball 40 metres. Sadly, the talismanic eight had outrun his support but soon had the consolation of a penalty. From a central position near halfway Freddy Bunting thumped the ball between the posts for a 15-12 lead. Once again the visitors responded with an assault on the Sutton 22 with the sidestepping Chris Harris to the fore. Alex Mount conceded a penalty but immediately made amends by winning a turnover from the quickly taken play. S&E replaced Tom Boaden with Callum Gibson, who is a man of considerable ‘avoirdupois’ whose 140kg frame might turn a deck-chair to match-wood, to add ballast to the front row. In addition their lineout with the catch and drive was becoming a potent weapon.



The weather began to deteriorate as not only did the temperature plummet but also a fog began to descend and gradually envelop proceedings. As Colfeians sought parity they probed the 22 and were awarded a penalty for a Ghumra knock on. Chris Harris went for the three-point option but hooked his kick. In stark contrast a couple of minutes later Sutton were awarded a penalty on the halfway line on the angle with a distance in excess of 50 metres. With a truly magnificent strike Freddy Bunting bisected the posts. The strike was greeted with rapturous applause from the crowd as much for the 18-12 lead as for the opportunity to warm their hands.


As had been the case throughout the match the men from Horn Park responded at once in the grand manner. Winning a kickable penalty they opted to kick for the corner. They won the lineout and after sustained pressure the ball was transferred to hooker Daniel Orubo who dismissively broke through the tacklers to score. With the conversion going awry there was now only a solitary point in the game with Sutton & Epsom holding the advantage at 18-17. With the game entering the final quarter and so finely poised the hosts now played their best rugby of the match. With a slender lead the key is to play in the opposition’s half and they proceeded to dominate the territorial battle.


The game opened up and Sutton scrum half Chris Ballard became more influential making sniping breaks and playing at a high tempo. From one counter the 9 won a penalty and took the quick tap which instigated multiple attacks from the Rugby Lane XV. Colfeians defensive resolve was impressive as they managed to halt Kyren Ghumra in the corner and the hosts were held up over the line. S&E were then gifted a great chance by a careless knock in the 22. From the scrum Matt Whitaker headed for glory. Once more the Horn Park men stood firm and Sutton were held up over the line. The visibility deteriorated and the distant Clubhouse was shrouded in fog. A shrill blast of Tobias Whitney’s whistle indicated another penalty for Sutton. Freddy Bunting stepped up and hammered it home for a 21-17 lead with a couple of minutes of normal time remaining.

a tale of two kickers match photo

Up to this point Sutton had been exemplary on receipt of the restarts but at this vital stage they gave away a penalty. The visitors, conscious of the clock, turned down a shot at goal. Now the anxiety of the crowd as much as the fog descended on Rugby Lane as they knew another Colfeians try would see them take the lead. As they tried to work an overlap on the 22 Kyren Ghumra made a priceless interception. From the subsequent Sutton scrum the hosts failed to find touch and invited more pressure on themselves but forced a knock on with thunderous tackle. S&E conceded a penalty from the scrum and OCs turned the screw by opting for another scrum. Their followed a commendable moment of tactical acumen as the home team replaced their hooker with a prop. The beefed up Black & White pack drove their opponents off the ball and were awarded a penalty which was greeted by the loudest cheer of the day. Bunting kicked to touch, the lineout was secured and the clock was run down before the ball was kicked to the grandstand. Sutton had won this epic encounter 21-17.


The excellence of Freddy Bunting’s placekicking had made the vital the difference. The Colfeians powerful forwards with the outstanding Number 8 Conor Gray had an influential afternoon with Chris Harris their creative hub in the backs. However, Sutton & Epsom played with steely determination that bodes well for the rest of the season. Once again they raised their game in the second half with their collective desire epitomised by debutant Matt Symonds’ nerveless display. This is the midpoint of the season and the reverse fixtures begin next Saturday with a trip to Balmoral Avenue to take on leaders Beckenham. Back in September on that remarkably hot day the Kent side won 42-41. It will be another stern test for the Black & Whites especially as their hosts will no doubt be smarting from having just lost to bottom of the table Sidcup.


Sutton & Epsom:
Gareth O’Brien, Kyren Ghumra, Steve Munford, Ciaran Mohr, Matt Symonds, Freddy Bunting ©, Chris Ballard, Tom Boaden, Chris Farrell, Alex Mount, Ewan McTaggart, Josh Glanville,
George London, Josh Pulvirenti & Rob Hegarty.

Replacements: Callum Gibson, Ben Tame & Jack Howes.

Match Report:John Croysdil
Photos: Robin Kennedy

For the latest News, Fixtures, Events and how you can get yourself or child into rugby visit Sutton & Epsom RFC website today CLICK HERE

Mark Lascelles announced new Head of Epsom College

Alex Russell OBE, Chair of the Board of Governors, has announced that the next Head of Epsom College will be Mark Lascelles. He will assume the role in September 2024.

 

54-year-old Mark has spent 12 years as Head of Dauntsey’s School, a place where he always imagined he would finish his teaching career. “I had not been looking for a move, however the opportunity of leading Epsom is too tempting to pass up,” Mark says. “It is a school I have admired from a distance for a long time, and the more I discovered the keener I became to take on this role.”

 

Mark arrives at Epsom with an impressive record of transformational leadership within co-ed boarding education. Prior to Dauntsey’s, Mark spent three years at The King’s School, Canterbury, two as Lower Master and one as the Acting Head; and 17 years at Shrewsbury School as Teacher of Geography, Coach for the 1st Football, Cricket and Fives teams, and a much-respected Boarding Housemaster.

 

“We are delighted to announce Mark’s appointment,” says Alex Russell. “The search for a new Head started in earnest in the summer and we saw an exceptional calibre of candidates. Heads from some of the UK’s leading schools stepped forward, each with a bold and persuasive vision of Epsom’s future. The Board of Governors and members of Council conducted a rigorous selection process and ultimately, Mark proved to be the strongest candidate. He is our unanimous choice. From the very start Mark impressed and as the process moved on he got stronger, pulling away from a formidable pack.”

 

Mark takes on the role as Head of Epsom College from September 2024, and will liaise with current Head Sir Anthony Seldon, and Second Master Paul Williams, to ensure a seamless transition.

 

“I could not be more delighted than I have been by the appointment of my much sought-after successor,” says Sir Anthony. “Mark Lascelles combines deep experience, great empathy and high intellect. Epsom is going to have a very exciting future indeed under him.”

 

Mark is married to Amber, and together they have three daughters, Alex, Nina, and Romilly. Alex leaves school in the summer for university and then the Army, while Romilly is likely to join Epsom in September, in Year 9, and Nina will become an Epsom Sixth Form student in 2025 after she completes her GCSEs at Dauntsey’s.

 

Mark was educated at the Dragon School, Shrewsbury School and Durham University. He has been a Governor of three Prep Schools – Yarlet Hall, The Ryleys, and Brambletye – and he is currently on the boards of St Michael’s Prep, Jersey, Abingdon School and Bishop Wordsworth’s Grammar School in Salisbury.

 

To find out more about Mark and why he chose Epsom College, CLICK HERE

Epsom & Ewell Community Safety Action Plan

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council launches consultation on its Community Safety Action Plan 

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council has launched a public consultation on the priorities for community safety in the borough and are asking residents, workers, visitors and businesses to have their say on the proposed action plan.

The council is part of the Epsom and Ewell Community Safety Partnership, which also includes Surrey Fire & Rescue Service, Surrey Police, Surrey County Council, Kent, Surrey and Sussex Probation Service, Surrey Downs Clinical Commissioning Group, Surrey Police & Crime Commissioner and Rosebery Housing Association.

Community safety covers a wide range of activities designed to reduce the likelihood of crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour, protect victims and hold perpetrators to account. It also involves reducing incidents of domestic abuse and behaviour damaging to the community.

As part of the Epsom & Ewell Community Safety Partnership, the council have committed to playing its part in the following themes:

1.              Focus on the most vulnerable or those at risk of harm

2.              Serious organised crime and PREVENT

3.              Identify and tackle crime and anti-social behaviour

4.              Improve Community Engagement

The new Plan is the first time the council has publicly committed to actions in support of those themes and they would like to gather the views of the community.

Alex Coley, Chair of the Council’s Crime and Disorder Committee said: “I asked for this community safety action plan to go to a public consultation so we can hear what local people  think our priorities should be. The government recently conducted a national consultation on expanded anti-social behaviour powers and the relationship between Community Safety Partnerships and Police & Crime Commissioners.

“Now it’s time to ask what our local community want from the Council and our partners. Please tell us your community safety priorities and share with others so we hear from as many people as possible.”

The consultation will run until 17 December 2023 and can be accessed via:

www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk/council/consultations. Comments can be made by email to [email protected]

The U’s have it

Epsom & Ewell FC, Salts,  were drawn against Sutton United in the first round of the Surrey Senior Cup and they knew they would be a good test for the team.  Sutton United fielded most of their Academy side and the Salts made a few changes from their recent home loss to Knaphill.  Most notable of the changes was their Manager, Steve Springett playing in the holding role in midfield something he told us after that he had not played in for at least 40 years!!! – only joking Steve.


A healthy crowd of over 140 turned up to watch the game on a cold night at the Reg Madgwick stadium in Cobham and the fans had their first sight of the “Zac Powell’ appreciation society, unfortunately Zac was injured and was unable to turn out, but this did not dampen the groups enthusiasm for their hero throughout the evening.

The first half was good to watch with both teams having chances and the Sutton attack finding the Salts goalkeeper and Captain Harvey Keogh in fine form, he made a string of great saves.  The pace of George Owusu for the home side was causing all sorts of problems for the Sutton rearguard.  The half ended 0-0.


The second half started in much the same vein as the first half with both teams playing well and creating the odd chance or two.  In the 60 minute, the Salts were awarded a penalty which Luke Miller took and it was well saved by the Sutton keeper low down to his left.  From the penalty the ball was turned away for a corner which the Salts manager Steve took, as the ball swung in from the corner it was headed home at the far post by Ethan Nelson-Roberts from around 12 inches!!!

The Salts were then put under increasing pressure from their visitors with our attacks becoming few and far between, it was no surprise that Sutton equalised as the game reached its closing stages and then the Salts fell behind 8 minutes later to Sutton’s winning goal.  The game then began to fizzle out and the Salts did not create too much more in the way of chances. Final score 2-1 to Sutton Utd


What can the Salts take from the game? they played well in parts and it gave them a chance to see their new centre back signing, Louis Elsom from the Aldershot U19’s who acquitted himself well when he came on in the second half.

The Salts now move onto a local visit to play Tooting and Mitcham next Saturday 11th November which again looks like a good test for the team as they attempt to rise from our current position in the table.

To Follow the Salts visit their website CLICK HERE 

Report by Pete Mutton
Photos by Gemma Jarman

Christmas At Hobbledown

Santa’s secret village comes to Hobbledown Epsom this Christmas! 

Hobbledown Epsom – the fantastical adventure park, zoo and indoor play – will be welcoming Santa’s Secret Village this festive season from the 25th November until 24th December. As the go-to family destination all year round, Hobbledown is brimming with outdoor adventures and captivating animal encounters for families of all ages.

From the moment you step onto these enchanted grounds, you will be surrounded by festivities. With every experience tailor-made to craft lasting memories with your loved ones, Hobbledown Epsom is ready to let you unwrap the magic and create cherished Christmas memories this year.

Guests will be able to immerse themselves in captivating festive tales during the heartwarming storytime sessions with Santa, embark on a treasure hunt through the realms of Hobbledown with the 12 Days of Christmas Hunt, enjoy watching special Reindeer Walks and explore the beautifully decorated play areas under twinkling lights.  While the General Admission ticket offers a fantastic way to revel in the festivities, the magic doesn’t end there. Hobbledown offers Christmas treats including:

  • Santa’s Grotto experience: step into Santa’s magical grotto and tell him all your Christmas wishes before being given a token to claim a free present from the Hobbledown Elves! For More Details CLICK HERE

  • Breakfast with Santa – savor a delicious breakfast, juice or hot drink. You can enjoy this while Father Christmas himself shares a heartwarming festive tale and you will also receive an exciting present! For More Details CLICK HERE

  • Elevate the Experience with Christmas Premium Experience  For an extra dose of magic, the premium package includes a private Grotto experience with Father Christmas and a visit to the Teddy Bear Workshop, allowing children to create their very own furry friend to take home. Guided by charming Elves who will also give children a special present For More Details CLICK HERE

Hobbledown’s Christmas offerings promise a season of enchantment, joy, and shared memories for families. Whether taking in the wonder of the Christmas Delights, crafting cherished cuddly companions in the Bear Workshop, embarking on a magical journey to meet Father Christmas, or indulging in a festive breakfast, Hobbledown Epsom is poised to make this Christmas a truly unforgettable experience for everyone.

For more information, visit www.hobbledown.com/epsom.  

Epsom & Ewell Local Plan process to be un-paused

Councillors at Epsom & Ewell Borough Council have voted to un-pause their Local Plan, at an Extraordinary Council meeting on Tuesday 24 October.

The decision means that it is now possible for work to restart to progress the Local Plan to the next stage, which is a further public consultation on the proposed submission version of the Local Plan (Regulation 19).

A Local Plan sets the vision and framework for development in the borough, focusing on a wide range of areas such as supporting businesses, creating jobs, infrastructure improvements, environmental protection and leisure development, alongside sites for new homes including affordable accommodation. The council’s Local Plan has been paused since March of this year, when a motion brought to an Extraordinary Council meeting was approved.

Cllr Steven McCormick, Chair of the Licensing and Planning Policy Committee, said: “We are very pleased that work on the Local Plan can recommence. We are legally required to review our Local Plan every five years, and are currently outside of that timeframe, which leaves us open to the risk of speculative development or government intervention.

“We recognise that the pause came about because of strength of feeling in the community regarding the inclusion of green belt sites in the Draft Local Plan, and want to reassure our residents and partners that their views and feedback will be taken into account in the next iteration of the Local Plan. Since the Local Plan was paused, council officers have been working hard on analysing all responses received during our Draft Local Plan consultation period in early 2023.

“We have also completed our call for sites which has brought forward some additional potential brownfield sites for development, which will now be carefully considered.

“Now that we can move forward with this work, we will prepare an updated Local Plan timetable (the Local Development Scheme), which will set out the key milestones for progressing the Local Plan towards adoption. All Councillors will be involved in the development of the proposed submission version of the Local Plan, and at a future meeting of full Council they will collectively decide if it is ready for the next stage of public consultation.

“We are committed to developing a Local Plan that allows all those who live, work, visit and study in the borough to thrive.”

Epsom & Ewell Council and Glyn School Collaborate on Community Mural

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council and Glyn School have come together to transform an unused building on the site of the Upper High Street car park with a community mural funded through the Government’s Safer Streets initiative.

Ten local secondary school students recently worked in collaboration with the council and international graffiti artists from Positive Arts to create a large-scale mural celebrating the biodiversity within our borough. The artwork has dramatically improved the aesthetics of the building, which previously looked tired and in need of renovating.

Giving support to the project, Councillor Clive Woodbridge, Chair of the Community & Wellbeing Committee at Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, said: “It is a goal of the council to ensure that our natural environment is both celebrated and accessible to all. This project showcases how culture and creative practices can help to elevate the natural landscape of our borough in new and colourful ways.

“This type of project sits within the emerging Cultural Strategy for the council, which seeks to nurture and champion the creative talents within our community while increasing access to creativity for all to enjoy and engage with. The students’ teamwork has also been extremely impressive and is something to be proud of”.

Julian Phethean from Positive Arts said, “The young people were really determined to produce something they could be proud of and that’s exactly what they achieved!

“All of the students worked well in a team, made a positive social impact, and displayed a high level of creativity, focus and drive.”

A spokesperson for Glyn School said: “The students involved thoroughly enjoyed this unique experience to give back to the community in a very different way.”