The Epsom and Ewell Talking Newspaper for the 11th July 2024 begins with news of the new MP and features planning news, a pilgrimage and a petition and a playing out scheme. The What’s On section has a selection of local events from a film festival to a Bridgerton Ball.
To listen to this week’s audio news click the Play button
Epsom and Ewell Elect First Non-Conservative MP
In a historic turn of events, Epsom and Ewell have elected their first non-Conservative MP. The Liberal Democrat candidate Helen McGuire secured 20,674 votes, surpassing Conservative Mhairi Fraser and Labour’s Mark Todd. For full details visit Epsom and Ewell Times.
New Homes to Replace Poundland
Plans have been submitted to convert the building above the old Poundland in Epsom High Street into 12 new homes. The development will feature studio apartments and flats without altering the building’s exterior, ensuring the commercial viability of the ground floor remains intact. The proposal is pending approval from Epsom and Ewell Borough Council. Plans for an Aldi store have been rejected again over fears the increased traffic would have a severe impact on road safety.
Australian Man’s 10,000-Mile Pilgrimage to Horton Cemetery
John Bates traveled from Australia to Horton Cemetery in Epsom to honor his grandmother, Beatrice Bates. Horton Cemetery, Europe’s largest abandoned asylum cemetery, is under threat of development. Friends of Horton Cemetery continue to campaign for its preservation, emphasizing its historical significance. A petition, already signed by over 1200 supporters, calls on Epsom and Ewell Borough Council. to change its damaging opinion that the Cemetery is “amenity woodland”. Read John Bates’ personal account of his May 2024 pilgrimage from Adelaide at Epsom and Ewell Times.
New App Shows When Surrey Grass and Verges Will Be Cut
Surrey residents can now track grass and verge cutting schedules via a new interactive map introduced by Surrey County Council. The map highlights areas left to grow to boost biodiversity. Despite delays due to weather and operational issues, the council is working to improve the service and encourages residents to suggest new rewilding sites. Visit SCC Interactive Map.
Epsom Library Modernisation
Epsom Library is undergoing a transformation as part of Surrey Libraries‘ modernization program. Residents are invited to review and provide feedback on the new designs, which include flexible layouts, improved furniture, and increased study space. The designs will remain on display in the library until the 23 of July to provide an opportunity for further feedback. To enable initial setup works to be completed, the library will be closed from the 5th of August and will then reopen from the 12th of August within Epsom library’s learning centre.
Epsom Community Passion Play 2025
For a number of years before COVID-19, Churches Together in Epsom used to put on a Passion Play in Epsom town centre on Good Friday. For the 2025 Passion Play, the community is invited to join in. Come and meet with members of your community as writer and director Susie Pottenger shares her vision for next year’s Good Friday Passion Play in the heart of Epsom. The Envisoning Meeting will be held on Saturday, 20th July from 3:00 to 4:00 PM at Epsom Methodist Church.
What’s on in July-August!
A selection of What’s On locally from this episode:
Ewell Grove Talk
Part of the CBA Festival of Archaeology Thursday 18 July 7.30pm to 8.30pm. At Bourne Hall, £6 per person
Ewell Grove hides a long history from the Bronze Age through the Romans up to modern times. Traces of the Iron Age and Roman settlement have been found there and it became the site of Ewell’s Saxon cemetery. Its secret tunnels and the traces of Nonsuch Palace in its boundary wall add to its mystery.
REgency Ball at The Horton
The Horton Regency Ball Saturday 20th July, 7.30pm
If you’ve loved the spectacle of the new series of TV historical romance drama Bridgerton you now have the chance to take part in a unique immersive event. G uests are invited to dress at their best and:
- Listen to the sounds of a string quartet and grand piano playing pop favourites in a classical style
- Learn traditional group ballroom dances
- Try a hand at portrait sketching
- Catch up on the latest gossip from Lady Livingstone
- Appreciate the opulent decorations in this grade-II listed heritage venue
- Take memorable photographs with beautiful backdrops
- Enjoy speciality cocktails, mocktails and treats
To Book Tickets visit The Horton’s Regency Ball
International Film Festival Returns to Epsom
The Satisfied Eye International Film Festival (SEIFF) returns to Epsom from 26th to 28th July at the new Epsom Picturehouse. The festival will showcase the best films from previous events and offer various activities. Film enthusiasts can look forward to a weekend of cinematic experiences. Enjoy a weekend of great films and fun activities for the full programme and tickets visit the events Epsom Playhouse SElFF
Local Walks and Historical Tours
Upcoming local walks and historical tours:
- Tuesday, 30th July: Epsom’s oldest road walk from 10:00 to 11:30 and Explore Epsom Common walk from 1:30 to 3:30.
- Wednesday, 31st July: Hidden Ewell walk from 1:00 to 2:30
- Thursday, 1st August : Ashley Road cemetery walk from 10:30 to 12:00 and Epsom Downs walk from 1:00 to 2:30
Each walk costs £6 per person and is limited to 20 people. Places must be booked with David Brooks, Bourne Hall Museum,Email: dbrooks@epsom-ewell.gov.uk or call 020 8394 1734
Finally
Listen to this week’s episode for full details of these and many more news stories, including falling trees, local crime and how to join the local Playout Scheme.
Sources
Many of this fortnight’s news articles come from the Epsom and Ewell Times, Surrey Live and Surrey Comet
Community information is available from the websites: Surrey County Council, Epsom and Ewell Borough Council and Epsom and Ewell Families.
The Go Epsom website has a calendar of What’s On featuring local events which you can add to.
The local news is just one of three sections of the Epsom and Ewell as described on the About Us page.