In this issue we start with a celebration of a well-established organisation which has provided much help to our residents over many years. Our councils and police then come in for a little criticism and we follow on with two medical articles with very different outcomes. Surrey County is then shown to be an attractive place to live and we finish on a high note. All our articles have been taken from the Epsom and Ewell Times unless otherwise mentioned.

Citizens Advice Epsom and Ewell has revealed its significant impact over the past year, helping thousands of local residents with financial and social issues. The charity has expanded its outreach programs to support underrepresented communities and continues to provide vital assistance to those in need.

External auditors have criticized Epsom and Ewell Borough Council for a lack of transparency in its decision-making processes. The report highlights a culture of secrecy and calls for more openness, with councillors expressing frustration over the council’s governance arrangements.

The family of actor Philip Morris is suing Spire Saint Anthony’s Hospital in Sutton after he died during weight loss surgery. The coroner concluded that Morris would have survived if a carbon dioxide monitor had been working correctly. The family is seeking compensation through the High Court.

Epsom and Ewell Borough Council has completed its largest solar panel installation to date at the Rainbow Leisure Centre. The project is part of the council’s climate change action plan and aims to reduce carbon emissions and electricity costs.

The government has postponed Surrey County elections from May 2025 to May 2026 as part of a local government reorganization. The reform aims to replace Surrey’s current two-tier system with unitary authorities, but concerns remain over council debts and the financial burden on local authorities.

Saint James’s Church in Shere, Surrey, known for its appearance in the film Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, is highlighted as a romantic location. The church has a rich history and is a popular spot for visitors.

Seven-year-old Jackson Hall from Sutton, who spent almost half his life undergoing cancer treatment, is now thriving at school. Despite missing significant time due to his illness, Jackson has returned to school full-time and continues to do well.

The village of Nork, located on the border with London, is known for its unusual name and high property prices. The village has a rich history, including being the site of a Victorian highway robbery, and offers a range of amenities and green spaces.

Surrey County Council and local community groups have opened a network of warm welcome spaces to support residents affected by the cost of living and energy crisis. These venues offer a warm place to stay, hot drinks, and additional services such as social activities and energy advice.

Plans for four new homes in Ewell have been refused due to the potential presence of bats in the existing bungalows. Councillors emphasized the need for a thorough bat survey before approving the demolition and construction of new homes.

Jazz Dynamos, a five-piece band, will be performing at the Horton Arts Centre. The band is known for transforming well-known songs from the 70s and 80s with a mix of jazz, bossa, and samba. The performance will feature world-class vocalist Lucy Randall.

Epsom Jazz Club will host a performance by Coloriage, featuring Mike Guy on accordion and Harry Diplock on guitar. The event will explore the legacy of Richard Galliano and include a mix of Argentine tango, French music, and gypsy jazz.