Epsom and Ewell Talking Newspaper local audio news for the two weeks ending 3rd August 2023 features funding news for Wildlife Aid and Epsom’s Employment Hub, updates on ULEZ and the ticket office closures consultaiton and lots of events, Walks and Talks in Epsom and Ewell throughout August.
To listen to this week’s audio news click the Play button
Epsom and Ewell Borough Council News
Our lead story this week is Epsom and Ewell Borough Council (EEBC) agreeing to join the Debate Not Hate campaign. Following a Local Government Association (LGA) census that found an increase in abuse, councillors of all political parties united to join the campaign that aims “to raise public awareness of the role of councillors in their communities, encourage healthy debate and improve the responses and support for local politicians facing abuse and intimidation.” To find out more visit Debate Not Hate.
EEBC announced that they will use the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to expand Epsom and Ewell Employment Hub‘s free employment and skills services to residents of all ages, including refugees and those with additional needs. The hub is open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and is based in Global House in the Ashley Centre, in Epsom town centre.
Surrey County Council News
Wildlife Aid Centre
Surrey County Council (SCC) announced that they have awarded a £2.8 million Your Fund Surrey grant to the Wildlife Aid Foundation to build “a new accessible visitor centre and community hub which will provide year-round activities for visitors. The funds will also be used to install accessible boardwalks, viewing platforms and hides which will offer visitors free access across the site.” The Wildlife Aid Centre will be on the A245 Woodlands Road, half a mile from the current site.
Ultra Low Emmission Zone
Following the SCC and four London boroughs’ joint bid to halt it, we have an update on the High Court’s decision to permit the expansion of ULEZ into almost all areas of Greater London including to the border of Epsom and Ewell. We have the Mayor of London’s reasons for the expansion of ULEZ, the scrappage scheme and the costs. To check whether a vehicle is compliant visit Transport For London.
Chobham Common on countryfile
Surrey County Council ’s Explore Surrey webpage recently highlighted the BBC Countryfile team’s visit to Cobham Common. John Craven interviewed Surrey Wildlife Trust‘s Adam Bolton for their episode on wildfires and how to prevent them with Surrey Fire and Rescue Service also appearing on the programme.
Transport News
Ticket Office Public Consultation
Accessibility campaigners have been successful in their plea to rail operators to extend the ticket office closure public consultation from three weeks. It is now open until the 1st September 2023 so there is still time to contribute, to find out more visit our page RNIB campaign.
One Day Travel Card
In other transport news, Transport For London (TFL) are going to phase out the paper One day Travelcards for trips to London, following a drop in sales. Oyster cards or own debit cards can be used instead.
Future Events
There are many upcoming events over the next month in our news with a fulll list of the venues, dates and programmes.
Epsom Rotary will be marshalling every Free Family Fridays throughout August, run by BID – Go Epsom providing free entertainment for children and families in the Marketplace, Epsom with rides and music.
Epsom Social Food Hall also has a full range of events in August including their Wednesday Evening Quiz, Acoustic Lounge on Fridays, and Family Fun Sundays and will be holding their first birthday celebration on the 26th August from noon with live music and magicians at 1 Derby Square, Espom. For more information visit Epsom Social or email info@epsomsocial.com
This year’s Swali House Association Quiz Night will be on the 8th September at Bradbury Hall, Swail House from 6-8pm. There will be a professional Quiz master, with sighted volunteers to assist. Refreshment and snacks will be provided. Please let SHA know if you will be attending so they can allocate people to teams. Email swailhouseassociation@gmail.com or telephone 07711 659851
Local History Walks
A series of fascinating guided walks around Epsom and
Ewell for all the family during summer 2023.
Explore Epsom Common Wednesday 9th August 1:30pm to 3pm Discover the ancient village of Stamford and the surrounding area of Epsom Common. Hear how the Common folk made a living and used the Common for brick making and laundry work.
Hidden Ewell Walk Thursday 10 August 11.30 to 1pm Peel back time and discover Ewell’s hidden past and unseen history with a guided walk around the village.
Heart of Epsom Wednesday 16 August 1.30pm to 3pm See beneath Epsom’s genteel surface and stroll around its ancient centre discovering on your way the dark deeds, wrongdoings and ghosts of days gone past.
The Manor Hospital and Manor Wednesday 23 August 1.30pm to 3pm Uncover the medieval landscape of Horton with its long-forgotten moated manor house and ancient barn.
The 1919 Epsom Riot! Thursday 24 August 11.30pm to 1pm A talk about the 1919 Epsom riot, the attack on Epsom Police Station and
the death of Sergeant Thomas Green.
Nonsuch Park and Palace Wednesday 30 August 11.30 to 1pm
Enjoy a guide walk around Nonsuch Park and explore the history of the
beautiful landscape.
Epsom Downs Thursday 31 August 1.30pm to 3pm Discover the history of Epsom’s Grandstands, which provided a home for Mrs. Beeton and a hospital for wounded soldiers.
Ashley Road Cemetery Thursday 31 August 11am to 12.30pm
Explore Epsom’s Victorian cemetery and visit the final resting place of the town’s great and good
Local History Talks
All talks at Bourne Hall, Ewell Cost £5 per person
Tuesday 15 August 11.30am to 12.30pm: Roman Ewell
Tuesday 22 August 11.30 to 12.30pm: The story of Epsom Spa
Tuesday 29 August 11.30pm to 12.30: Epsom and Ewell in WW2
LOCAL HISTORY WALKS AND TALKS
Walks cost £5 per person and are limited to 20 people per walk.
Places must be booked with David Brooks, email: dbrooks@epsom-ewell.gov.uk or telephone 020 8394 1734 For more details visit https://www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk/visitors/whats-on
Listen for full details of these events and other news stories including an update on Sutton hospital and Ashtead Good Neighbours from Chris Grayling’s newsletter, a Glynn student’s charity bike ride and why we’re talking rubbish!
Most importantly, please remember to share the EETN with anyone you know who is blind or has a visually impairment.
More Contact Information for this week’s news stories
For information about volunteering visit Ashtead Good Neighbours or email ashteadgn@gmail.com or more on Sutton Hospital update chris,grayling.mp@parliament.uk
Sources
This fortnight’s news articles come from the Epsom and Ewell Times including some provided to them by the Local Democracy Reporting Service of the BBC, the Surrey Comet, Surrey Live and original article from the Surrey News featured in Leatherhead Living
Community information is available from the websites: Surrey County Council, Epsom and Ewell Borough Council and Epsom and Ewell Families.
The local news is just one of three sections of the Epsom and Ewell as described on the About Us page.