Welcome to a historic milestone, the 2400th issue of the Epsom and Ewell Talking Newspaper.

You are invited to the Mayor’s Charity Ball on Saturday, 5th April at Epsom College. The event will support three local charities (Epsom and Ewell Phab, the Ruxley Foundation and Epsom and Ewell Puffins Sports Club for Disabled Adults) and seeks sponsors and raffle prize donations.

The NHS has opened its booking system for 7.5 million eligible people to receive their spring COVID-19 vaccination. The vaccine is crucial for adults aged 75 and over, care home residents, and those with weakened immune systems.

Councillor Julie Morris has left the Liberal Democrats to become an independent member. She has served Epsom and Ewell Borough Council for nearly 20 years and led several environmental campaigns.

National Highways is closing a southbound bridge over the M3 for maintenance from Friday, 4th April to Monday, 7th April. A diversion route has been set up to minimize disruption.

Epsom and Ewell Borough Council will offer free morning tennis sessions at council-owned courts this summer, from 22nd July to 29th August. Free Sunday morning sessions are also available starting 1st April.

Scientists at the University of Surrey have developed a microbial electrochemical technology to recover 90-95% of lithium from spent lithium-ion batteries, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional methods.

Thames Water has won a court battle to secure a £3 billion loan despite opposition from creditors. Epsom and Ewell’s MP demands the company be put into special administration instead of receiving a bailout.

Toyota has raised over £500,000 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association and extended its partnership with the charity until 2027. The funds support research and grants for wheelchair adaptations.

Professional dog walkers are protesting a new licensing scheme at Banstead Common, which they claim is expensive and poorly managed. The scheme aims to ensure safety and control commercial activity on the land.

The University of Surrey has received £1.4 million to research vertical farming as a method to improve the UK’s food system resilience. The project aims to grow nutritious leafy greens year-round using controlled environments.

Tony Drakeford shares observations on swallows returning to the UK from South Africa. The birds build nests along the Thames at Kingston and raise multiple broods during the summer.

The athletics community mourns the loss of Don Turner, a dedicated member of Epsom and Ewell Harriers for 70 years. Turner was an accomplished athlete, official, and administrator who contributed significantly to the sport.

The Epsom Light Opera Company will present “Crazy for You” from 8th to 12th April. The musical tells the story of Bobby Child, a banker with dreams of becoming a Broadway star, who falls in love and stages a show to save a failing theatre.

The Horton Gallery will host a series of Spanish music and dance performances on 18th and 19th April. The event celebrates Spanish classical music and dance and pays tribute to Felix Garcia.