This week’s audio news features a visit from Sir Ed Davey to the Surrey Stands With Ukraine hub, Employer of the Year, new bridge access to RHS Garden Wisley and Festive events and performances in our regular What’s On section.
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Community Support for Ukraine Praised
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey visited the “Ukraine Hub” alongside local MP Helen McGuire, to applaud their two years of aid work. The hub, donated by the owners of the Ashley Centre, is home to the Epsom and Ewell Refugee Network and Surrey Stands With Ukraine. The charity, founded in 2022, has shipped £3.5 million worth of aid, including medical supplies and power generators, to Ukraine.
Epsom and Ewell Borough Council News
Public Consultation
From 4 November Epsom and Ewell Borough Council is consulting residents about a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to curb antisocial behavior. The consultation will run for 8 weeks and ends on 5 January. PSPOs deal with a particular nuisance or problem in a specific area that is detrimental to the local community’s quality of life, by putting restrictions on how people can use public spaces in that area. The consultation survey is available here – Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) Public Consultation.
Temporary Housing and Climate Change plans
The council approved three new homes on brownfield land to address homelessness. Supported by a Brownfield Land Relief Fund grant, the initiative will provide affordable, energy-efficient housing. The council also reaffirmed its commitment to its Climate Change Action Plan aiming for carbon neutrality by 2035.
Surrey College Wins Employer of the Year
The North East Surrey College of Technology (NESCOT) claimed the Employer of the Year award at the Surrey Business Awards. Praised for fostering staff and student success, NESCOT was also lauded for its leadership in regional development and education. Anyone interested in joining the team at ‘Employer of the Year’ – Nescot, can visit www.nescotcareers.co.uk or email jobs@nescot.ac.uk
M25 Infrastructure Update
From 11th November a new bridge to RHS Garden Wisley opened, improving access and reducing congestion at the M25 junction. The bridge is the first milestone to be completed as part of the National Highways project to upgrade junction 10 of the M25 and access to the A3. We recommend that visitors check satellite navigation systems or traffic apps before travelling. More information can be found here RHS FAQs
What’s On!
Nonsuch Craft Group Christmas Fair
Dates: Open now until Saturday, 23rd November
Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Monday to Saturday)
Location: Bourne Hall, Ewell
Shop from 20 stalls offering handmade crafts, pottery, textiles, and festive decorations. Perfect for gifts or self-indulgence.
Epsom Christmas Lights Switch-On
Date: Friday, 22nd November
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Epsom Marketplace
Kick off the festive season with the Epsom Christmas light switch-on, hosted by the mayor, Councillor Steve Bridger. Witness the town’s transformation into a winter wonderland
Ashley Centre Christmas Fair
Date: Saturday, 23rd November
Time: Activities from 11:00 AM, Lights at 4:00 PM
Location: Ashley Centre, Epsom
Celebrate with artisanal Christmas activities, craft gin tasting, and an exclusive VR sleigh ride. Enjoy face painting, choirs, and roaming entertainers. Special guests from the Epsom Playhouse Cinderella panto and Ashley Bear will join Santa for the big event.
Sutton Christmas Markets
Dates: Every Saturday and Sunday from 30th November to Christmas Week
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Times Square Shopping Centre, Sutton
Explore a vibrant market featuring local makers, crafters, and producers. Find unique gifts and festive treats at this weekend event. Check out the Times Square website for more.
Epsom on Ice
Dates: Thursday, 28th November – Sunday, 5th January 2025 (excluding Christmas Day)
Location: Epsom Downs Racecourse
Enjoy the first-ever ice rink at Epsom Downs, featuring a covered rink, festive food, and drinks. Advance booking required. More information is available on the Jockey Club website.
Performances
EPSOM CHORAL SOCIETY
Epsom Choral Society presents Verdi’s Requiem on November 23 at 7:30 PM at St. Martin’s Church. Experience Verdi’s masterpiece in an intimate setting with a special chamber ensemble arrangement. Tickets include programme and glass of wine £20 (under 25s half price) via epsomchoral.org.uk or call the Box office 01372 727078
Epsom Symphony Orchestra
Epsom Symphony Orchestra will be performing their annual Christmas concert on Sunday the 1st of December at 3:00pm at Epsom Playhouse. Enjoy festive melodies and classical favorites including works by Strauss and Rimsky-Korsakov. Tickets cost £15 and are selling fast. Book via the Epsom Playhouse website or call the Box office on 01372 742 555.
Listen to this week’s episode for full details of these events and news stories including the heartwarming story of stolen dog Daisy reunited with her owners after 8 years and the return of Warm Wednesdays at Epsom Methodist Church. Please remember to share with anyone you know who would benefit from our talking newspaper service as explained on our Subscribe page.
Sources
These news articles come from the Epsom and Ewell Times, BBC News Surrey, Surrey Live and Epsom Town Cryer.
Community Information has been sourced from Epsom and Ewell Borough Council, Epsom and Ewell Families, Surrey Police and Leatherhead Living.
If you have any local stories or information that you think will be of interest to our listeners, please Contact Us
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