The Epsom and Ewell Talking Newspaper local audio news for the two weeks ending 21st December 2023 features Epsom Playhouse’s January events, three awarding winning restaurants and winter attractions to blow away the cobwebs. We have stories featuring an innovative device for dementia, an appeal by a community farm and a story remembering the late great Sir Norman Wisdom!
To listen to this week’s audio news click the Play button
Sutton Community Farm Appeal
Sutton Community Farm appeared recently in a BBC London news story as it makes an appeal for funding. Following a surge in popularity during the pandemic, the farm is now running at a “significant loss”. The head of communications said there had been a lack of support from Sutton Council, where the farm is based, and Surrey County Council, who own the land. The community owned farm is run by seven full-time staff and volunteers, including neurodivergent residents, who find it supports their mental wellbeing and health as well as helping provide food to the local community. The council said it was a “great supporter” of its work.
Banstead library introduces ‘magic table’ to help people with dementia
The Tovertafel is an award-winning innovation from the Netherlands that offers therapeutic play for people with dementia and learning disabilities. Specifically designed for people living with dementia, the projection-based games system also has activities for adults and children with learning disabilities.
The Tovertafel is free to use and is available at Banstead Library during regular opening hours. Adults are welcome to come and discover the magic table and enjoy using it with their families or carers. Organisations and care homes are also welcome to make bookings.
To find out more, or to register your interest, please contact Banstead Library via banstead.library@surreycc.gov.uk.
Three Surrey Restaurants named in awards
Three Surrey restaurants have been named in the Top 100 places to eat in the UK for 2024 by review guide Harden’s: Sorrel Restaurant in Dorking, Latymer at Pennyhill Park Hotel in Bagshot, and The Dining Room at Beaverbrook in Leatherhead. They were placed 18th, 30th, and 76th respectively and were widely described as “special in every way”, “high-end”, and in possession of the “wow factor”.
What’s On!
EPSOM PLAYHOUSE
A newly refurbished Epsom Playhouse is looking forward to welcoming residents to their exciting full programme:
On I Bang – Miles Jupp
In “On I Bang” Miles Jupp, known from his TV and theatre appearences, tells the story of how during his busy filming and appearence schedule he suffered a brain seizure. Leading to the discovery of a tumour the size of a cherry tomato, and an urgent need to undergo major neurosurgery. On I Bang – a tale about surprise, fear, luck, love and qualified medical practitioners Thursday 11th January.
The Real Manhunter – Colin Sutton
Colin Sutton was a police officer for 30 years, serving as the head of a Metropolitan Police Murder Squad for the last nine of them. After retiring 11 years ago Colin wrote about two of his major investigations, adapted for ITV’s drama “Manhunt”. In the show Colin talks through his career, how policing has changed, what it is like to chase a serial killer and how he made the step from policing to story-telling. Thursday 18th January 2024.
Band of the Coldstream Guards
The Coldstream Guards Band has a worldwide reputation for performing outstanding and spectacular concerts to packed houses in some of the most prestigious concert halls in the world to critical acclaim and now, for the first time, is playing at Epsom Playhouse on Friday 19th January 2024.
For more information and to book tickets visit Epsom Playhouse or Telephone: 01372 742555 / 742227
Painshill
Painshill Park, Cobham, with it’s Crystal Grotto and, until 7th January, Alice in Wonderland Trail, is a beautiful place to visit all year round with it’s “Masterpiece of Garden Design”, events and attractions. You can take a picnic or visit Mr Hamilton’s Tea Room. Tickets can be purchased online at Painshill Park.
Listen now for full details of these attractions and events as well as other local news stories, including an announcement by Surrey Police on the actions they have taken to tackle shoplifting and a story about a very special Epsom resident, the late Sir Norman Joseph Wisdom, whose life story is soon to be made into a film, with some personal details added by this week’s EETN News Editor, Richard Palmer.
Sources
Many of this fortnight’s news articles come from the Epsom and Ewell Times or Surrey Live.
Community information is available from the websites: Surrey County Council and Epsom and Ewell Borough Council and Leatherhead Living.
The Go Epsom website has the Epsom Going out Guide which features some of the events listed plus other events you may be interested in.
The local news is just one of three sections of the Epsom and Ewell as described on the About Us page.
If you have any local stories or information that you think will be of interest to our listeners please Contact Us