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Welcome! The Epsom and Ewell Talking Newspaper is a charity producing a weekly* sound recording of news and other items primarily for blind and partially sighted people. Please explore our site to find out more about what we do.
Happy New Year to all listeners, volunteers and visitors to the EETN website. This week’s audio news features a visit by the Prime Minister, a Royal Warrant and another Local Plan consultation. It’s the time of year for Warm Welcomes across the borough and we have a list of venues as well as a selection of events in our What’s On section.
To listen to this week’s audio news click Play
Local news week of 9th January 2025
NHS Recovery Plan
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Health Secretary Wes Streeting visited Epsom Hospital on 6th January to unveil plans for reducing NHS backlogs through millions of additional appointments. The visit highlighted the success of the Southwest London Elective Orthopaedic Centre. Local Liberal Democrat Mp Helen Maguire stressed the urgent need for repairs at Epsom and St. Helier hospitals. Her statement advocates prioritizing a new specialist emergency care hospital in Sutton. More available on Epsom and St. Helier NHS Trust’s website.
Epsom and Ewell Borough Council
Local Plan Consultation
The council has launched a Regulation 19 Local Plan Consultation, open until February 5, 2025, a vital opportunity for residents, businesses, and organizations to shape the borough’s future. The consultation aims to balance development with green space preservation and infrastructure improvement. More information and submission guidelines are available on council’s consultation.
Financial Pressures and Tight Budgets
Epsom and Ewell face significant financial constraints in 2025-26. The government’s funding settlement aligns with expectations but highlights challenges, with only modest contributions from the New Homes Bonus. The council is focusing on prudent financial management, details can be found on the council financial reports.
Local Government Reorganization in Surrey
Surrey’s local government is set for a transformative overhaul as plans to introduce mayoral authorities take shape. Changes could see the replacement of 11 borough and district councils with one or two unitary authorities led by a strategic mayor. The proposed changes aim to streamline councils and shift power away from Westminster. Despite concerns from district and borough leaders about the rapid pace of change, Surrey County Council has moved forward by requesting government approval for postponing the May 2025 elections to accommodate the reorganization.
Financial Support for Vulnerable Residents in Epsom and Ewell
Epsom and Ewell Borough Council is collaborating with three local charities to distribute £44,000 from the Household Support Fund, aimed at assisting residents facing financial hardship. The initiative, running until March 31, 2025, targets vulnerable groups such as families, pensioners, unpaid carers, care leavers, and individuals with disabilities. Partner Charities:
The Meeting Room: Supports homeless, vulnerable, and socially isolated individuals through drop-ins and activities. Located in Ashtead, Leatherhead and at King’s Church, Epsom. Call: 07413 978422 or email: themeetingroom123@gmail.com
Residents can also visit the Advice Café every Friday morning between 10:00 AM and 12:00 noon for broader cost-of-living assistance at St Barnabas Church, Temple Road, Epsom. Call 020 8224 9838 or email office@stpb.co.uk
Warm Welcome Venues in Surrey
Surrey County Council continues its Warm Welcome initiative, offering free hot drinks, energy advice, and essentials at over 80 venues. The program supports vulnerable residents during the winter. Find a venue near you on the Surrey County Council warm welcome venues or read their winter advice. The following locations are in the Epsom and Ewell area:
Celebrating 50 Years of Epsom and Ewell Talking Newspaper
The Epsom and Ewell Talking Newspaper (EETN) proudly marked its 50th anniversary of service, an achievement recognized in Parliament through an Early Day Motion submitted by local Liberal Democrat MP Helen Maguire. This milestone celebrates the invaluable support EETN provides to visually impaired residents, ensuring they stay informed and connected to their community. Read more in our news story by EETN volunteer Jan Collier at EETN IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE IT HAS BEEN PUT ON RECORD IN PARLIAMENT
What’s On!
Epsom Rotary Club Centenary Ball
Celebrate 100 years of community service with the Epsom Rotary Club Centenary Spring Ball. The event will feature live music from AVARICE, exciting raffle prizes, and exclusive auction items.
When: Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 7:00 PM to 11:45 PM
Where: The Jockey Club Room, Epsom Racecourse
Tickets: Early bird tickets are £85 per person until February 16, increasing to £90 thereafter.
Enjoy a stunning performance by the world-famous Band of the Scots Guards, fresh from their iconic Changing the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace Thursday, January 23, 2025
Sing-Along Musicals Alive!
Sing your heart out to classic musical theatre songs with giant karaoke lyrics, backed by a West End soloist and a lively show choir. Saturday, February 8, 2025
Take your little ones to enjoy delightful performances at the Polka Theatre Wimbledon, featuring audio-described shows and touch tours. A selection of upcoming performances:
The PEA and the Princess: February 15 – March 30, 2025
Listen to this week’s episode for full details of these news stories and events including the story about Epsom-based business Cirrus being awarded a Royal Warrant by King Charles III. Please remember to share with anyone you know who would benefit from our talking newspaper service as explained on our Subscribe page.
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