The Epsom
Eagle
EPSOM SPA Page 6
ISSUE No. 1 - NOVEMBER 2017
EAG LE COMMEN T
WELCOME TO THE EAGLE The Eagle aims to keep you informed of all facets of life in Epsom and engender a greater community spirit would like to welcome you to the inaugural issue of the Epsom Eagle. This publication would not be possible without the support of all the companies placing advertisements and I urge you to support them in return by quoting the ‘Eagle’ when you purchase any goods or services. I have been editing the Kingswood Village Voice, Tadworth & Walton Tribune, Banstead Beacon and Cheam Clarion for the last two years and have spent over 20 years in media and publishing. I would like to say at the outset that this magazine is ‘your magazine’ serving the residents of Epsom and aims to keep you informed of town life. I have no ‘axe to grind’ or
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political affiliations but it is being run by Carnah Events on a commercial basis. The Eagle therefore is open to all local associations, clubs, societies and groups to contribute articles. I can only apologise if you are one of the above and have not been made aware of the new magazine, but its not too late, and I would welcome any articles for the next issue which will be published on 15th February with an editorial deadline of 15th January. I hope you enjoy this first issue and please send me any letters, feedback, comments and suggestions for the next issue which will be bigger and better. Richard Milbourn, Editor Email: richard.milbourn@carnah.co.uk
The Epsom Eagle Forthcoming issue dates: Magazine
Issue
Kingswood Village Voice Banstead Beacon Cheam Clarion Tadworth & Walton Tribune Epsom Eagle
Dec Jan Jan Feb Feb
Editorial/Advert’g Deadline 31st October 30th November 15th December 31st December 15th January
Print Run 1,600 3,600 3,400 3,200 4,000
All magazines are A5 and published quarterly with advertisements costing as little as £64 for a half page or £108 for a page with the series discount. For further details, please contact Richard Milbourn, Editor, on 0844 561 1230 or email richard.milbourn@carnah.co.uk Carnah Events Ltd., 3 Mount Hill, Mogador, Tadworth, Surrey KT20 7HZ. Statements and opinions in the Epsom Eagle, unless expressly written, are not necessarily those of The Editor. Material in the Epsom Eagle may not be reproduced in any form without the permission of the Editor.
NOVEMBER 2017 3
W OODCOTE EP S OM RES IDEN TS SO C IETY
THE BROKEN WINDOWS THEORY Street tree planting: rorking in conjunction with Epsom and Ewell Tree Advisory Board and the Epsom and Ewell Borough council, a way has been found to continue the street planting activities that were stopped due to budget cuts by Surrey County Council. The basics are simple; previously, street trees that die or are diseased were replaced by Epsom and Ewell Borough Council. Budget constraints means that this replacement process has had to stop. Instead, to get a tree replaced, you need to have a contact point in EE&BC to talk with Surrey County Council. This link point has now been created and EE TAB are seeking the funds necessary to replace the many trees that are required each year. The target for the next planting season is a minimum of 50 trees. Without the necessary replacement on a year by year basis, the number of trees in our borough would decline, gradually, to a point where you may look around and ask where all the trees have gone? Something that I always remember about tree planting, "we will never see these trees fully grown, we plant now for future generations", was said to me by Mike Ford of the Epsom and Ewell Tree Advisory Board. Very wise and humbling words. Rosebery Park - pond: The pond is due to be repaired, funding has been secured and what now remains is for the tendering process to complete and the work to start. You may have seen people fishing the
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pond. These fine folks are from CALPAC, a voluntary group who have helped catch and relocate fish to other larger ponds in the area. The works that are planned for the pond will require it to be fully emptied, hence the fishing activity. There will be disruption in the park during the works and we kindly ask you bear with us while the works go on. Millenium Green - pond: There is work required to the pond at the Millenium Green site and funds are required to provide for this necessary work. It's a lovely piece of land at the back of Epsom hospital, which is well supported by local residents and kept in great condition. Have a look at page 15 and their web site for more information on how you can help. A very quick whistle stop update and I urge you to have a look at the groups in Woodcote area that you may be able to help and get involved with. Broken windows: Recently I was studying for Cyber crime exam and I came across the broken windows theory, which I found very interesting. The broken windows theory is a criminological theory of the norm-setting and signaling effect of urban disorder and vandalism on additional crime and antisocial behaviour. The theory states that maintaining and monitoring urban environments to prevent small crimes such as vandalism, public drinking and turnstile-jumping helps to create an atmosphere of order and lawfulness, thereby preventing more serious
W OODCO TE EP S OM RES ID EN TS  SO C IETY crimes from happening. Put simply if you see broken windows in your environment and they get fixed it provides for a better environment. If however the broken windows remain broken the likelihood is more windows will be broken and the decline continues. I relate this to our town in simple ways such as picking up litter, involvement in local affairs, getting involved, making a difference. Rosebery Park is a good example, the litter in the park is cleared by the borough council and they do a great job. In the summer there is a phenomenon I like to call the "McDonalds circle". Similar to crop circles although how these circles are created is very well known. A group of people can be seen sitting around in a large circle on the grass enjoying the park, sunshine and view. When they get
up to leave, generally all together, the "McDonalds circle" can be seen. This circle is basically all of their rubbish from the food and drink they've brought into the park to eat while catching up and having a great time. What I don't get is who they think is going to pick it all up? There are plenty of bins around. Broken windows, making a small difference to make a continued improvement for all. Steven J McCormick, Chairman Woodcote Epsom Residents Society www.woodcoteepsomresidentssociety.org EETAB - www.eetab.org.uk Friends of Rosebery Park - www.friendsofroseberypark.org.uk Woodcote Millenium Green - www.woodcotemillenniumgreen.org.uk Epsom Civic Society - www.epsomcivicsociety.org.uk/
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NOVEMBER 2017 5
EPSOM SPA From the early seventeenth century, places in Britain were promoted as spas. People flocked to places where such waters were readily available and inns and taverns were required to put up the visitors, while diversions and entertainments for the visitors usually developed as well. One of the earliest of these places was Epsom.
An artist's impression of Epsom Common with an early well building. Inset: A modern day photo of Epsom Wells.
radition told how the healing powers of the waters were discovered in 1618 or thereabouts. A villager called Henry Wicker was looking after animals on Epsom Common in a dry summer, when there was a shortage of water for cattle. He found a trickle of water in the hollow hoofprint of a cow, and dug a square hole about it before taking the animals home for the night. Returning the next day he found the hole that he had made was full and running over with clear water. But his cattle, however thirsty, would not drink from it because of its mineral taste. Wicker tried the water himself, and was the first person in history to experience the effects
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of Epsom salts. Enthusiastically, he set about promoting the waters as a medicine. By the Commonwealth period, Epsom already had some of the attractions of a spa town. In 1656, gentlemen from as far away as Rutland and Cornwall were coming to spend a week at Epsom, usually in August when it was most popular. After the Restoration of Charles II a Dutch visitor, William Schellinks, came to the Wells. 'Epsom' he wrote, 'is a very famous and much visited place, very pleasant, and that because of the water which lies not far from there in a valley, which is much drunk for health reasons, having purgative powers, being sent in stoneware jars throughout the land, being
E P S O M
S PA
A painting of the well building in 1795.
a spring, and is with a wall around enclosing a raised well, and the ground paved with bricks. It has in the middle an opening in the ground for the water flow. This well stands at the rear of a small house in which there are some small rooms, and many people come there to drink, also to shelter from the sun. The practice of the drinking of the water is early in the morning and from then until 8, 9, 10 o'clock. It is drunk on an empty stomach from stoneware mugs holding about one pint. Some drink ten, twelve, even fifteen or sixteen pints in one journey, but everyone as much as he can take. And one must then go for a walk, works extraordinarily excellent, with various funny results. Gentlemen and ladies have their separate meeting places, putting down sentinels in the shrub in every direction. It has happened that the well is drunk empty three times in a morning, in hot and dry summers when the water has more strength. And the people who observe this come then in such crowds that the village which is fairly large and can spread at
least 300 beds, is still too small and the people are forced to look for lodgings in the neighbourhood. Some stay there on doctor's orders for several weeks continuously in the middle of the summer, drinking daily from this water, and many people take after the drinking some hot meat broth or ale.' In the late 1600s the well was housed in a little building on the Common but a new Lord of the Manor, John Parkhurst, took over in 1707 and had better premises built. The Wells were located in a large light brick built room .There was a coffee house, two rooms for 'gameing' and shops selling' sweetmeates' and 'fruite'. 1692 two London goldsmiths acquired the bowling green site on the corner of South Street and the High Street, and erected premises known as the New Tavern and Assembly Rooms, subsequently Waterloo House. This provided facilities for dining, dancing, gambling and meeting people; there was also a coffeehouse opening onto the C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 8
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E PSOM SPA C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 7
street, and in the gardens at the back was the bowling green and a cockpit. The bowling green and cockpit have long gone but the original building has been acquired by Wetherspoons and the name 'The Assembly Rooms' restored. Around 1699 a second well was sunk to the west of the town, on land owned by a Mr. Symonds. This was near the public house to the west of South Street, known since at least 1755 as the Magpie but renamed Symonds Well in 1996. The discovery that water laden with Epsom salts could be found nearer the town inspired a local entrepreneur, John Livingstone, an apothecary who had recently moved into the town. After he had discovered that the mineral waters could be obtained to the west of the town, he started buying property in the area: first a little land near Symonds Well, and later some larger plots in 'Shoulder of Mutton Close', which lay between the present West Street, High Street and South Street. He started building there and in 1707 advertised his development as the New Wells, to be opened that Easter. 'There are Shops now to be Let at the said Wells for a Bookseller, Pictures, Haberdasher of Hats, Shoomaker, Fishmonger and Butcher, with Conveniences for several other Trades. It is design'd that a very good Consort of Musick shall attend and play there Morning and Evening during the Season and nothing will be demanded for the Waters drank there'. The gaming and dancing were to take place in a new Assembly Room - the third to be provided in Epsom, following the ones on the Common and in Waterloo House. Like the New Tavern complex, which was just on 8 NOVEMBER 2017
the other side of South Street, Livingstone's New Wells had a bowling green, gardens, and a coffeehouse next door (now the Albion). These stood on the rising ground behind the so-called Old Manor House in West Street, and were entered from an alley still to be seen alongside the Albion Hotel. Livingstone's enterprises must have prospered, since he was later able to give the land in East Street on which almshouses for 12 poor widows were built. This may have been intended to secure his reputation, because there were rumours of sharp practice about some of Livingstone's dealings. After opening the New Wells, he rented the site of the Old Wells on the Common, and although he ran both sites for a few years, he then closed down the earlier site - thus eliminating the main competition to his own facilities. But the public did not seem to mind: they were too busy enjoying the social life in the heart of the town. The Height of the Fasionable Spa It was not just visitors who were impressed by Epsom. The writer John Toland, who was looking for retired lodgings after an eventful career as a spy and theologian, took summer lodgings at Woodcote when the first quality houses were being built there, between 1710 to 1718. He was full of praises for Epsom; it reminded him of the civilised towns where he had stayed in Holland, rather than the crude English countryside. The place was much frequented for its most healthy air and excellent mineral waters, and he described it as full of convenient houses in the latest style built for the entertainment of strangers, set in a beautiful countryside, C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 1 0
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E PSOM SPA C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 8
with tree shaded side walks where you may meet the people you expect at the Exchange or St. James' Park. The two bowling greens at Waterloo house and the New Wells kept up a friendly competition with each other, and there was music playing most of the day. A fairer circle of people was never seen in the continental spas of the time than could be admired on the High Green or Long Room, where a young man can easily find a blooming beauty. Doctors, instead of prescribing the waters for the vapours or the spleen, told their patients to get involved instead in the entertainments and enjoy themselves in the shops, the taverns, inns and coffeehouses, 'which latter for social virtue are equalled by few'. Coffeehouses were still a novelty then, and very fashionable. Epsom's position as a Spa was always under threat. Other sites were soon developing, with better facilities. Bath and Tunbridge both had the patronage of Catherine de Braganza and the vogue for Bath became almost universal. Places near London were looked down on, whatever the qualities of their water, and those that were further away had a better social cachet. Daniel Defoe said 'the nobility and gentry go to Tunbridge, the merchants and rich citizens to Epsom ... the common people chiefly to Dulwich and Streatham'. Epsom had another disadvantage - its water supply was limited and the scraping of the bottom often made it cloudy. There were also suspicions of dilution. Celia Fiennes on her first visit says: 'its not a quick spring and very often is dranke drye, and to make up the defficiency the people do often carry water from common wells to fill this in a morning (this they have been found out in) which makes the water 10 NOVEMBER 2017
A drawing of Epsom High Street showing the Assembly Rooms on the right and the white painted old clock house left of centre c.1837 (image courtesy of Surrey Libraries and is held in the Epsom & Ewell Local And Family History Centre Collection).
weake and of little operation'. It is not surprising that Epsom could not compete with places where there was an abundance of water - like Bath, Buxton, Cheltenham, Harrogate, Leamington, Malvern, Tenbury, Woodhall, to name but a few, mostly discovered long after Epsom had started the fashion. Starting with Nehemiah Grew in 1695, chemists had established what gave Epsom's water its medicinal quality, and Epsom Salts were soon cheaply available over their counters. This meant that there was no longer any need to go to the town for them, especially as the quantities of water from the two Epsom Wells were never large enough for manufacturing on any scale. With Livingstone's death in 1727, Epsom lost its most successful marketing director and the decline set in. By 1738, an updated edition of Defoe's tour cut out his enthusiastic description of the entertainments, saying that Epsom used to be frequented a few years ago on account of the mineral waters, but is now a town of fine houses, retreats for London merchants. The assembly rooms and other public buildings had fallen into decay, and
EPSO M SPA
An early photograph of Epsom High Street with the Assembly Rooms with railings on the left c.1890 (image courtesy of Surrey Libraries and is held in the Epsom & Ewell Local And Family History Centre Collection).
only one house remained occupied at the Old Wells, from which a man and his wife carried the water in bottles to adjacent places. It is clear from a manorial survey of 1755 that the entertainment centres had all closed down by that date, their greens becoming yards for smiths or coopers. Many of the lodging houses took on the appearance of slum tenements, as their rooms were let out permanently to workmen and their families. Local people did not know who to blame, although by the 1760s there was a vigorous tradition that Livingstone, far from having founded the Spa, had helped to ruin it by adulterating the waters. This was rather unfair, if only because the waters had never been the main reason for coming to the town. Commercially, Epsom did not suffer too much from the loss of the Spa, since the early eighteenth century had seen many houses built for the gentry in Woodcote, and these continued to provide employment for the locals. It may be that these resident clergy and stockholders actively discouraged further use of the Spa facilities, suspecting that they might appeal to a lower-class market like those
at Hampstead or Islington, and so lower the tone of the town. But many visitors had realised the attractions of Epsom as a place to live. It was so near to London, and so healthy; besides, there were the Downs nearby, with the attraction of horseracing. The streets contained many fine houses of gentry and London merchants, some of whom commuted daily to London. Of all this the New tavern coffeehouse and long room survive- a fine building of the late 17th century on the south end of the High Street. It had, and still has, sash windows - still a bit of a novelty at the time. By 1755 the property had become disused: it was divided up, at first into houses, and then converted into shops. A series of drapers, beginning with Baileys in the early 19th century, and followed by Oldridge and Wheelers, ran a high class establishment here, while the original pleasure grounds were used by blacksmiths and as a furniture yard - after a spell as a car park, this area is now built over by the Ashley Centre. The main building was substantially conserved and rebuilt by Elys in 1952: they retained original features, such as the archway for the central carriage drive, through which vehicles would pass to drop off visitors in comfort within the building. , More recently the building has reverted to its old name, 'The Assembly Rooms', and a similar use to that of its original purpose, a place where individual's can obtain refreshment. This article is taken from an account written by Jeremy Harte, Curator of Bourne Hall Museum who based his account on some original research of Maurice Exwood. www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk www.epsomandewellhistoryexplorer.org.uk NOVEMBER 2017 11
RESTORATION OF THE GRAVE OF LT COL FRANCIS VERNON NORTHEY On 9th December 1879, Lt Col Francis Vernon Northey was carried to his grave. The streets were lined by people from Epsom as a mark of sympathy for this brave young officer who had died earlier that year in the Zulu Wars 2nd April 1879 s dawn broke, the enemy did exactly what Lord Chelmsford had hoped for. An imp of 10,000 warriors, all veterans of Isandlwana, came storming across the Inyezane River in their classic fighting formation. ‘It must’, wrote a contemporary observer, ‘have been about 6.20 am when the Zulus made their first great effort to storm the front, right and rear faces of our defences. Their advance was indeed a splendid sight, as just at that moment the sun came out and shone full on the lines of plumed warriors, who, with their arms and legs adorned with streaming cowtails and each brandishing his coloured ox-hide shield and flashing assegais, rushed forward with a dash and elan that no civilised troops could have exceeded’. In the laager at Gingindlovu all was ready; a few orders were given – ‘no independent firing – volleys by companies when they are within three hundred yards’. The Gatling gun was allowed a short burst at 800 yards, and cut a swathe through the Zulu ranks which was a foretaste of what was to come. The Zulus closed in on all sides of the laager, coming under increasingly heavy fire from the regulars and an assortment of others perched in the waggons. Again and again the Zulus stormed up the laager, taking terrible losses. Only one got inside, a
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Lt Col Francis Vernon Northey.
young boy who was captured and ended up a mascot on a ship of the Royal Navy. After about an hour and a half, the Zulus began to fall back in a retreat, which became a rout when Chelmsford unleashed the colonial mounted infantry and natives in pursuit. Lieutenant Colonel Northey was serving with the 3rd battalion of the 60th Rifles. He commanded six companies of the 3/60th as part of the Rear Division of Chelmsford’s column. The Zulus could not breach the British defences at Gingindlovu, but they were able to use captured rifles to open fire on Chelmsford’s men. Lt Col Northey was hit deep in the right shoulder
R E S T O R AT I O N   O F   T H E   G R AV E by a Zulu bullet. He turned his command over and went to the surgeon who removed the bullet. As he cheered his men on, shouting to be heard above the din, he suffered a sudden haemorrhage and collapsed, bleeding heavily from his brachial artery. He died four days later, on the 6th of April. Initially he was buried with the other casualties of the conflict (another officer, and eleven privates, had died) but later his body was exhumed and brought to England. Along with his grave maker made from wood taken from a biscuit box, this was attached to his grave in Epsom. This marker was recovered some years ago and has been in the safe keeping of Bourne Hall Museum who has had it conserved. A reproduction of the maker will be returned to the grave, and the original maker will be on display in the chapel.
On 9th December 2017, we will be remembering him with the restoration of his grave and a march of military reenactors following the original route from Christ Church West Hill Epsom to the cemetery in Ashley Road. The march will proceed from Christs Church at 11am and proceed down West Hill and into the town centre, where there will be a halt to explain the significance of the event to those watching. It will then continue up Ashley Road to the cemetery. At the cemetery there will be a service of blessing for the reinstated grave, at 12.30pm followed by a talk in the cemetery chapel. The chapel will host a display which will included the original grave maker until 3.30pm. David Brooks, Museum Assistant Bourne Hall Museum www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk
www.roofsofesher.co.uk NOVEMBER 2017 13
E P S O M C O M M O N A S S O C I AT I O N
HISTORY OF EPSOM COMMON
The Great Pond (picture by Eileen Taylor).
lthough the Romans built roads and a
Cattle on Great Pasture (picture by Bruce Critchley).
Today the Association has several hundred
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members. We continue to work with the
middle ages it was the “waste” of the manor,
the Common remains a special place, with a
where commoners had rights such as grazing.
mosaic of habitats including ancient woodland,
There was a large fish pond; in the 1970s the
heath, rough grassland and ponds. We hold
Association repaired the dam, creating the
two meetings a year with invited speakers,
present day Great Pond. In 1618 a herder on
walks led by experts on birds, plants,
the Common noticed his cattle refused to drink
butterflies, etc., and distribute three
from a spring. The water tasted bitter, was
newsletters. From autumn to spring we run a
found to be purgative, and Epsom became a
monthly conservation task; over summer we
fashionable spa. However by the 1740s the well
clear bracken and help check the cattle. We
had closed and the visitors gone. In 1932 the
also make charcoal from wood cut during
Common was bought by Epsom Council; it was
management.
villa nearby, little is known of the early history of Epsom Common, but by the
Council and Lower Mole Partnership to ensure
then mostly grassland and heath with some
For more information see:
woodland. During World War II the central area
www.epsomcommon.org.uk. If you support our
was ploughed to grow food, but this was later
objectives, please do consider joining, £3.00
abandoned. In 1955 most of the Common was
per household. Helping with conservation work,
designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
such as scrub clearance or checking cattle, is
In 1974 the Epsom Common Association
definitely optional, but we would be delighted
was formed to fight the threat of a new road.
to see you. Our volunteer group comprises men
The objectives were fostering interest in the
and women of various ages and everyone
Common and, in cooperation with Epsom &
works at their own pace.
Ewell Borough Council, maintaining it as a
Our next talk is: “A Review of the Butterfly
natural habitat. During the 1990s
Year” by Bill Downey, at Christ Church Hall,
management became more active and since
KT19 8NE, on Wednesday 29th November at
then most of the secondary woodland that
8.00 pm. Non-members £2.00. Do come along
had developed on the ploughed area has
and we can also tell you more about the
been cleared and cattle grazing reintroduced.
Association.
14 NOVEMBER 2017
T HE MILLEN N IUM
G R EEN
GREEN APPEAL LAUNCHED
he Millennium Green is a wonderful woodland and pond area located in Epsom, just behind the Epsom General Hospital. Created in 1999 and set up as a charity, the land was turned from a disused overgrown scrub into the attractive piece of managed natural woodland that it is today. However as one of Epsom’s historic havens for wildlife, it is now under threat. The pond has already lost most of its fish population but is still a haven for birds. However, having been there for hundreds of years it could disappear and be reduced to a stinking swamp. That’s because it is both silting up and has been invaded by evasive plants such as New Zealand Pygmy weed.
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The volunteers have done a considerable amount of restoration work over the years to make the area accessible for everyone to enjoy. However, it now needs professional work to both remove the weeds and clear the surrounding area. If it is not done the pond will silt up and drain away, leaving a horrible quagmire. Some other ponds in Surrey have already disappeared with a devastating loss of habit for a wide variety of wildlife. The charity needs to raise £15,000 to get the work done and ensure its longevity and have launched an appeal are relying on local people to make a lasting difference. To find out more, and donate, visit www.woodcotemillenniumgreen.org.uk NOVEMBER 2017 15
E P S O M & E W E L L S P O RT S AWA R D S 2 0 1 7
CELEBRATING LOCAL SUCCESS
Young Sports Team of the Year - Blenheim High School Under 13’s.
he seventh annual Epsom and Ewell Sports Awards celebrated the borough's sporting success over the past 12 months on Tuesday 3 October at Epsom Downs Racecourse. Over 150 people including shortlisted nominees and guests enjoyed the awards ceremony hosted by Epsom & Ewell Borough Council in partnership with the Epsom & Ewell Sports and Leisure Council. Thank you to everyone who nominated their local sporting hero. All 80 nominations were assessed by an independent panel and whittled down to a shortlist. Every year there are 10 different awards with each individual award sponsored by a local organisation or business. The 10 winners on the night were:
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l Tyri Donovan - Epsom Gymnastics & Trampoline Club Young Sports Personality of the Year l Epsom Embers Mens Vets Hockey Epsom Golf Club Sports Team of the Year l James Peters - Active Surrey Coach of the Year and Surrey County Playing Fields Association Young Volunteer of the Year l Epsom Sports Club - Epsom & Ewell Sports & Leisure Council Sports Club of the Year l Adam Boothroyde - Epsom & Ewell Colts Football Club Volunteer of the Year l Blenheim High U13s Girls Football Team - AFC Ewell Young Sports Team of the Year l Alan & Jackie Cunningham - The Rotary Club Outstanding Service to Sport
E P S O M & E W E L L S P O RT S AWA R D S 2 0 1 7 Club of the Year Epsom Sports Club.
Daniel Wolff - Epsom & Ewell Football Club Disability Sports Award l Michael Helps - Better Sports Personality of the Year Award Speaking at the event, Councillor Barry Nash, Chairman of the Community and Wellbeing Committee said, "The awards are a great opportunity to recognise and reward our talented local athletes, coaches, volunteers, teams and clubs for their outstanding achievements in sport over the past 12 months. "Everyone nominated for an award should feel extremely proud to be shortlisted. It is a fantastic achievement and you are all a credit to our borough. Congratulations! “We would also like to thank all of the award sponsors, a special thank you to our headline sponsor The Jockey Club and event sponsor Specsavers". Also present at the awards l
ceremony were the Mayor of Epsom & Ewell, Councillor Liz Frost; Rio 2016 Paralympics bronze medallist, Alexandra Rickham; Epsom based horse trainer Laura Mongan; GLL Sport Foundation funded athletes from Epsom and Ewell who received certificates in recognition of their achievements and representatives from the Royal Automobile Club's Sporting Talent programme. All local winners will go to through to the assessment panel for the Surrey Sports Awards 2017, providing they meet the county nomination criteria. Shortlisted nominees for the county awards will be announced in November, showcasing the very best of sporting talent and dedication in Surrey. For more information on the Epsom and Ewell Sports Awards visit www.epsomewell.gov.uk/sportsawards NOVEMBER 2017 17
E P S OM LAWN TENN IS C LU B
THE JEWEL IN THE CROWN psom Lawn Tennis Club is the jewel in the county’s tennis crown, with the club offering first class playing facilities. Members now have the choice of four different surfaces on which to play namely grass, artificial clay, astro and macadam over a total of 12 courts. All of the all-weather courts are floodlit to the latest LTA recommendations allowing members to play until 10pm, seven days per week. The club is a friendly place to be and prides itself on being all-inclusive to players of all ages and abilities. A range of membership categories are available to suit both playing standard and desired playing times. A new online booking system makes court booking straightforward and guarantees court availability when used. Head Coach Mike Lavey and his team of professional coaches offer a comprehensive programme of lessons for both juniors and adults throughout the week at different times of the day. Individual lessons are also available. Junior and adult club sessions taking place on a Monday night and Saturday morning for the juniors and Tuesday and
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Thursday nights, Saturday and Sunday afternoons for full members with two additional sessions during the week daytime for off-peak members. With these members just pitch up and play with other members, rotating partners throughout the session in a relaxed and welcoming environment. For those of a reasonable standard, the club offers the chance to play team tennis against other clubs for all ages in both winter and summer leagues. Internal tournaments and competitions are also offered throughout the year for all club members. Membership is currently open and if you would be interested in joining or would like to find out more, please either take a look at our website www.epsomtennisclub.co.uk or contact Mandi Tindall, the Membership Secretary on epsommebers@gmail.com. Mark Ayers, Chairman
A L E X A N D R A R E C R E AT I O N G R O U N D
MAKING A RACQUET
he refurbished Alexandra Recreation Ground’s community tennis and basketball courts have reopened. Members of the community are now being invited to make a racket about the new look courts, which are free to use all year-round. The three tennis courts and two basketball courts are available for use by adults and children, with teenagers also being encouraged to play with their friends. Councillor Barry Nash, Chairman of the Community and Wellbeing Committee, said “The committee wanted to invest in the courts, which had started to deteriorate, and avoid the loss of a valuable facility. “This refurbishment will mean that the sport is accessible to all and will enable the community to treasure these valuable assets. This is part of our ongoing maintenance programme for our facilities, to continue to offer ‘free tennis’ for our borough residents. “Who knows, there may be a Wimbledon winner of the future about to start their tennis career in Epsom!” Alexandra Recreation Ground is
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close to Epsom town centre. It is used for sporting fixtures, including football, cricket and bowls. It has playground for the under 12’s and a multi-use play area (MUGA) for the over 12’s. Alexandra Recreation Ground was officially opened on 27 June 1901 and the tennis courts were installed in 1912. The park was selected for Epsom’s celebrations for both George V’s coronation in 1911 and for the town’s peace celebrations following WW1. As part of the Queen Elizabeth II jubilee celebrations in 2012, Alexandra Recreation Ground achieved QEII status - this protects the park for future generations.
“Caring for your pets as much as you do�
A modern, independently owned veterinary practice which combines high level vet services with a friendly and caring approach. For more advice about your pet, please call or visit our website. Full range of routine services:v Extensive experience in exotic pets v Keyhole surgery available v Advanced imaging facilities inhouse
v Pet health plan v Dental xray facilities v In house laboratory
Winton Lodge Vets 36 Ashley Road, Epsom, Surrey KT18 5BH Tel: 01372 722313 Email: epsom@wintonlodgevets.co.uk www.wintonlodgevets.co.uk Outside normal hours: Full 24 hour cover through dedicated emergency provider Also Winton Lodge Vets Leatherhead, 76 Copthorne Road, Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 7EE Tel: 01372 360699 Email: leatherhead@wintonlodgevets.co.uk
EP S OM ROTARY CLU B
HELP TO RESTORE GARDEN
psom Rotary Club is looking for volunteers to help restore a walled garden area at the Old Moat Garden Centre in Epsom. Rotary's Steve Sharkey has undertaken to coordinate volunteer groups meeting monthly, possibly more often next year. The first volunteer session is on Saturday 7th October at 9.30am for a couple of hours. There is something for everyone... from building compost bays, taking down a large greenhouse, weeding, mowing, planting and tidying up. Tools and cup of tea are provided. The Old Moat is run by the Richmond Fellowship as a charity and gives people with mental health problems the opportunity to enrol on formal and informal training and work experience programmes. With funding cuts, it needs to pay its way and expand both its garden centre and café. The walled garden area will become
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a community facility and might be suitable for open air events next year. Steve Sharkey (President of Epsom Rotary) said "The more people who sign up to this project, the more we can do to help this great organisation. This area can become a really worthwhile space for people using the Old Moat and for the residents of Epsom and Ewell. Please contact me if you can come either by email stevesharkey80@gmail.com or telephone 0759 2509029.”
EP S OM ROTARY CLU B
TAKE A LOOK AT EPSOM ROTARY
psom Rotary is a group of around 50 men and women who want to help and change the local community. You will see us out and about assisting local charities, running events such as the Epsom and Ewell Borough Family Fun Day and arranging choirs in the Ashley Centre at Christmas. We also support the Old Moat Garden Centre, The Children’s Trust Tadworth and run a wide variety of other activities such as Youth Competitions including Young Musician and Young Photographer. We also believe in having fun ourselves and meet for evening meals, lunches, days out, wine tastings, theatre trips, bowling and many other
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social activities. We also have the opportunity to compete against other local Rotary clubs in the district sports competitions. We follow the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self” while enjoying fun and friendship along the way. We are actively recruiting now for new members and have recruited around ten more people this year alone. We have a wide age range from 18 upwards and there is plenty to do for all ages. Please get in contact if you want to help us “make a difference”. We will be glad to meet you and invite you to a few meetings to see if it suits you Contact clive.richardson@btinternet.com NOVEMBER 2017 23
E PS O M & EWELL A RT C LU B
GET THE PAINTING BUG ou see something. You like it. You want to paint it. Then quite possibly you have the painting bug. Once you start you really can’t stop, you just want to go on and on trying to improve. The next painting will be even better, you just know it! Well, if that colouring book really didn’t float your boat and you hunger for a taste of the real thing then why not try a painting group? You could put your toe in the water with the Epsom and Ewell Art Group. With its wide range of activities there may be something to suit you, and if you prefer trying it out in an inviting, friendly and relaxed atmosphere then this could be the group for you. The Group is a great place to meet people and make really good friends of like-minded people that share a common interest. It meets most weeks at Bourne Hallin Ewell, offering a varied menu of demonstrations by professional artists, which provides a real chance to see how the experts do it, appraisals of members’ works, talks on aspects of art and artists together with opportunities to draw and paint together as a group. Once a month there is a special workshop at Glyn Hall in Ewell village where members meet and work together, and then chat about it over a cup of tea. The big events for the Group are its art exhibitions. There is a real buzz about preparing for an art show. What a boost to have your own works shown, appreciatedand, fingers
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crossed, selling them! Painting some of our beautiful Surrey countryside is both stimulating and challenging, but definitely great fun when done as part of a group. In the summer the Group meets at locations chosen specifically to provide good subject matter, with the chance to take home your own memory of what you have seen. Art is something that can be enjoyed whatever your age. It really is a case of ‘painting for all’ whatever your talent or experience so why not give it a go? To see some of the work of the Group and what it offers go to www.epsomandewllartgroup.co.uk.
TH E S U N N Y BA N K T R U ST
LASTING IMPRESSION
alking into any of The
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St. Barnabas Church every Thursday.
Sunnybank Trust’s activities
• Swag Club – our monthly 16-30s club held at
tends to leaves a lasting
Nescot and led by young adults with learning
impression on people, whether
disabilities, with support from us.
it’s our weekly social club, our coffee and cake
• Advocacy - our volunteer advocates work
club mornings, or one of our more formal
one-to-one to ensure local people with learning
advocacy meetings.
disabilities have a voice in all decisions in about
‘The Kites Club leaves you feeling like you
their life.
have been to an incredible party with dear
• Buddy Scheme – our penfriends, one-to-one
friends!’ Katy, celebrating 8 years volunteering.
buddy and buddy groups are a great way to
What makes volunteering for Sunnybank so special? People. Especially those we support and those who support us. People are at the heart
have fun and meet new people. ‘Volunteering saved my life.’ Gillian, celebrating 5 years volunteering. With so many ways to support people, the
of all we do. We support over 200 people of all
range of voluntary roles is broad as the charity
ages with all sorts of learning disabilities.
is small. If you want to make a difference to
David, 52, lives alone, is used to being
local people with learning disabilities – whether
called a ‘freak’, and has been a victim of many
face to face at any of our projects or behind the
financial scams. He has just grown his own
scenes in the office – we’re always welcoming
lettuces for the first time and would love a
to anyone who wants to get involved.
buddy to talk to about gardening. Julie, 21, who has Autism and Downs
Sunnybank is a community of people who care. So if you would like to find out more,
Syndrome, would love to work in an office (so
contact us on enquiries@sunnybanktrust.org or
volunteers in ours) and have friends to go to
phone 013727 49871. We look forward to
the gym with each week (so we’re on the
hearing from you! www.sunnybanktrust.org
lookout for a gym buddy). The Sunnybank Trust is there to support them and many of their peers in whatever way they need. We support people through: • Kites Club - our weekly all-ages social club at 26 NOVEMBER 2017
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E PSOM & EWELL
CITIZEN S A D V IC E
HELPING WITH ENERGY COSTS n average there are at least 10,000 excess winter deaths in the UK attributable to cold homes each year. For vulnerable people; the elderly, very young, those living in fuel poverty or those living with an existing respiratory or cardiovascular health condition, living in a cold home can cause or exacerbate poor health. Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell is working on two special projects this coming winter to advise local people on securing affordable energy and to support those struggling to pay fuel bills with payments made possible from donations of the Winter Fuel Allowance. For advice on energy matters, Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell are holding special drop-in advice sessions at the Foodbank at Ruxley Church, Ruxley Lane, Ewell on Wednesdays 2-4pm over the winter months to March 2017. This is in addition to our usual service based in Epsom Old Town Hall, and also available by phone on 0300 330 1164 (Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm). For those struggling to meet the cost of fuel bills, Rotary Club of Ewell and Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell are working together to bring ‘Project Wenceslas’ to our Borough this coming winter. This scheme allows those who receive (but do not need) the Government’s Winter Fuel Payment to donate it to Ewell Rotary so that it can be distributed to people in critical need of assistance with fuel bills (‘fuel poverty’). All monies donated are redistributed 100% without any deductions for costs or expenses. Liz Dobson, Chief Executive of Citizens
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28 NOVEMBER 2017
Advice Epsom & Ewell said: “We are delighted to be working in close partnership with both the Foodbank at Ruxley Church and the Rotary Club of Ewell to deliver these services, which we hope will be especially useful to those in our Borough needing help to stay warm this winter. Our ambition is that no-one in our Borough has to suffer through being unable to afford basic heating for their homes this winter. “ For further information, contact Liz Dobson, Chief Executive Officer email: ceo@caee.org.uk; phone: 01372 732626 For more details about us, please see our website: www.caee.org.uk About Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell itizens Advice Epsom and Ewell is a local charity providing specialist advice knowledge to help local people deal with the problems they face in life. Our service is invaluable for many people – the typical feedback we get is, “I don’t know what I would have done without you”. We help about 3,000 people each year with approximately 12,000 problems. How we can help Our service is free, confidential and open to people who live, work or study in the Borough of Epsom & Ewell. Our staff (who are mostly volunteers) are trained to advise on virtually any issue, including: • welfare benefits • money and credit problems • employment • consumer rights • housing • neighbourhood disputes
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Project Wencesslas The Rotary Club of Ewell is pleased ple to announce the launch of PROJECTT WENCESLAS in our ur area, a project that helps local people in fuel poverty. If you are in rec n receipt of the Winter Fuel Paymen nt from the Government and can c afford to pass it on to someone in need then the ry Club of he Rotary Ewell would gratefully receive your donation. All the money that you donate will be given without any deduction for expenses towards helping those in fuel debt or struggling with the cost of their electricity and gas bills. We are are working in partnership on this with Citizens Advice A Epsom & Ewell, E who will be overseeing distribution to local p people in fuel povverty and in need of assistance. Rotarian Maureen Kilminster Ć?Ä&#x201A;Ç&#x2021;Ć? Í&#x161;Althou ugh we live in a fairly affluent area, there are still people in the borough b who need our help p,, particularlyy as the weather is is turning colder and the need to keep warm becomes a necessity - plea ase help lp if you can.Í&#x203A;
For more information please p visit Rotaryy Club of Ewell website:
www.ew wellrotaryclub.orrg.uk For infformation on supp port through this scheme, ccall Citizens Advicee on 0300 330 1164 (Mon- Fri, 10am-4pm) or visit our websitee www.caee.orrg o g.uk
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C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 2 8
• • • •
education and healthcare immigration and residency queries human rights family and personal issues. We arm you with all the facts and possible outcomes of different options. That way you can make the decision that’s right for you. If needed, we can also offer practical support such as help with filling forms, writing letters or negotiating with third parties. How to get advice from us:Phone us: 0300 330 1164 Mon-Fri 10am - 4pm or drop in to see us in Epsom at The Old Town Hall, The Parade, Epsom KT18 5AG. We are also open now in Ewell this winter (till April 2018) at Ewell Foodbank, Ruxley Church, Ruxley KT19 0HY Wed 2pm - 4pm. What happens when you contact us? Whether it’s by phone or drop-in, you’ll be offered a short session with an assessor,
who will identify the most appropriate way for us to help you. This could be giving you the information you need to solve your problem yourself, or it could be making an appointment to discuss your problem further. Sometimes we might direct you to a different organisation that is better placed to help. We receive no funding centrally or nationally but are totally dependent on local organisations, companies and people for the funding we need to keep running. Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell is an operating name of Epsom & Ewell Citizens Advice Bureau, which is a registered charity (Number 1085779). To find out more, volunteer or donate, visit our website at www.caee.org.uk
DO EXTRATERRESTRIALS REALLY EXIST? And if there are Alien Beings on other Planets, why haven’t they come to visit us yet...? But what if they already have and we didn’t know! Read “THE HENDECA ASSOCIATION.” A new and exciting Sci-fi adventure novel by Surrey based author Hugh Willowbrook and find out who they are, what they look like, where their secret hideaway is and learn their special secret number. “THE HENDECA ASSOCIATION” will confirm what you always suspected. We really are not alone!
Available in paperback and E-book. Local author, universal story. www.olympiapublishers.com and many other websites
30 NOVEMBER 2017
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Care and Nursing at Home
Do you need a Helping Hand? If you are looking ffo or an alternativ e e to residential care or extra support ffo or tho ose everyday tasks that are becoming difficult ffo or you or a loved one – then we’re here to help p in Epsom p from 30 minutes per week to full-time live-in care. Our care teams have been providing award winning quality home care since 1989 and can help with: personal care, housekeeping, help getting around or even to provide a break to an existing ffa amily member or care-giver.
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