Welcome to E-Borough Insight

To mark E-Borough Insight's 100th issue, we would like to thank all our subscribers and renew our promise to bring you important and interesting information from around the borough.

Please share E-Borough Insight with others in the borough and encourage them to subscribe at https://insight.epsom-ewell.gov.uk/subscribe.

National Day of Reflection

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council recently took part in the National Day of Reflection on the three year anniversary of the first Covid-19 lockdown.

It was a chance to remember all those who were lost during the pandemic, acknowledge those still affected by Covid-19 and an opportunity to reflect on the solidarity shown by the community during this time.

There were Books of Remembrance placed in the Town Hall and Bourne Hall, the clock tower in Epsom Market Place was lit up in yellow and wreath laying ceremonies were held across the borough.

Preparing for the Local Elections

Voting in the local elections on 4 May gives you the opportunity to have your say on local issues that matter to you.

To do so, make sure you're registered by 17 April. Register today – it only takes 5 minutes.

If you want to vote by post, please apply as soon as possible to receive your postal ballot in good time. The deadline is 5pm on 18 April. Photo ID is not needed if you vote by post.

For a proxy vote, apply by 5pm on 25 April.

To vote in person at a polling station, you will need to bring photo ID. Find out more about Voter ID.

Specsavers Surrey Youth Games come to Epsom & Ewell

The Specsavers Surrey Youth Games is kicking off next month, with a wide range of activities available in Epsom & Ewell. The Games are the largest multi-sport youth programme of their kind in the South East, offering FREE local training for 7-16 year olds across Surrey, leading to a final celebratory event for the whole family. 

The Games are for beginners who may not get the opportunity to attend clubs, or are put off by the thought of initially competing against others. Supportive coaches will help participants join in, have fun, learn new skills and boost their confidence. 

Registration is now open for the free training sessions across a range of activities, which start after Easter and are aimed at those who live or go to school in the borough. All teams then unite for a family-friendly event at the Surrey Sports Park in Guildford on Saturday 17 June.

You can find out what's on offer in the Epsom & Ewell borough and register for a place by visiting www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk/syg

Defibrillators installed across the borough

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council have worked in partnership with national charity Community Heartbeat Trust to install 12 new 24/7 defibrillators across the borough. The project was delivered with funding secured via the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).

Defibrillators are designed to be used by members of the public with no previous experience in the event of someone going into cardiac arrest. They can, and do, save lives. The new defibrillators have been installed in the following locations:

• Market Place, Epsom
• Ebbisham Centre, Epsom Square, Epsom
• Town Hall (Rear entrance)
• Harold Bell Solicitors, 174 Kingston Road, Ewell
• St John’s Parish Centre, Station Approach, Stoneleigh
• Auriol Park Café, Salisbury Road, Worcester Park
• The Parade Dental Practice, 177 Kingston Road, Ewell
• Ruxley Chemist, Ruxley Lane, Ewell Court
• Horton Pharmacy, Pelman Way, Epsom
• Horton Country Park, Horton Lane, Epsom
• Londis Convenience Store, Hollymoor Lane, Epsom
• NISA Convenience Store, Ruxley Lane

Epsom & Ewell residents need photo ID to vote at elections in May

For the first time, residents in Epsom & Ewell will need to show photographic ID to vote at this year’s local elections. Residents are being urged to make sure they are ready to vote in May by checking they have an accepted form of ID.

Accepted forms of ID include:

• A UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport
• A UK, EEA or Commonwealth drivers’ licence
• Some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card.

Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.

Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of ID will be able to apply for free ID online at voter-authority-certificate.service.gov.uk or by completing a paper form.

The full list of accepted ID is available on the Electoral Commission’s website, along with more information about the new requirement and details of how to apply for the free ID, at electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID.

Surrey Energy Advice

Online Energy Advice Tool to help you save money

Surrey County Council have created a new online Energy Advice Tool. The tool asks a series of short questions and depending on the answers will offer tailored information on grants, support and advice, and non-financial help on a range of topics including:

· Find free or part-funded schemes to make you home more energy efficient

· Signpost to debt relief grants

· Where to find additional services such as clothes and food banks

· Fuel vouchers

Other support available

Welfare Hub

Surrey County Council have pulled together financial, health and welfare information on their website to ensure you find what support is on offer in the country. For more information, visit the Welfare Hub.

Cost of Living Support

Visit Epsom & Ewell Borough Council's Cost of Living Support webpage for more support and advice.

Coronation Fete at Bourne Hall

The Museum of Epsom and Ewell - Bourne Hall.

On Saturday 29 April, between 10am and 5pm, as the borough prepares to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III, Bourne Hall will be hosting a Victorian-themed Coronation Fete. 

Activities will include:

• Punch & Judy Show
• Join in with some Maypole dancing 
• Ewell Morris Men
• Gift market
• Music from Victorian Music Hall performers 
• Royal fancy dress competition - come dressed as your favourite King, Queen, Princess or Prince!
• Tug of war competition - register your team now, email:bournehallmailbox@epsom-ewell.gov.uk
• See Penny Farthing bikes
• Victorian fire engine and even have a go with the hose!
• Discover what happened with the Victorian Horrible Murder!
• Meet some Victorian Soldiers
• And much more..!

We are looking for teams of eight to take part in our tug of war competition: anyone from schools, pubs, clubs or just a group of friends who want to have a go. There will also be a special competition for primary schools. Trophies will be awarded to the winners of the different groups.

Email: bournehallmailbox@epsom-ewell.gov.uk

Jobs at Epsom & Ewell Borough Council

Our small but ambitious authority offers you the opportunity to become involved in a wide range of varied and interesting work.  That, together with an enviable array of staff benefits and a rewarding and challenging career is our unique offer to you.

If you have the passion and the drive to make a real difference, we really want to hear from you. View a list of all current vacancies at Epsom & Ewell Borough Council here.

At Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, we are passionate about maintaining an inclusive workplace for all that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from all sections of our community particularly from underrepresented backgrounds, including BAME, LGBTQ+ and those with hidden or visible disabilities.

We are committed to ensuring all our staff – regardless of gender, age, religion, sexuality, ethnicity or disability – can thrive and succeed whilst working with us.

 

Dementia Hub - specialist respite daycare

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council have renamed their Dementia Daycare Service the Dementia Hub – and are using the opportunity to remind those living locally about the fantastic service the Hub offers for the community.

The Dementia Hub, situated in Sefton Road in Epsom, offers specialist respite daycare for people living with memory loss and dementia. It offers a safe, friendly environment where clients can enjoy activities, social interaction and develop skills to improve their quality of life.

The Dementia Hub is part of the Community & Wellbeing Centre, a support hub which offers social and recreational activities for over 55s. The Community & Wellbeing Centre also provides services including assisted bathing, a community alarm service, foot clinic, meals at home, a shopping service and transport from home. 

The Dementia Hub’s new name and logo will make it easier for people to find information about the facility online, as well as helping create a stronger identity for the service.

People who are interested in finding out more about the Dementia Hub or who’d like to book a free assessment can call 01372 727583 or visit: www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk/dementia-hub.

What's on in Epsom & Ewell

There's lots happening in Epsom and Ewell over the next few weeks. 

For the full events list, take a look at the events page on the Epsom & Ewell Borough Council website.  

The Wild Escape 

Bourne Hall Museum, Bourne Hall 
Saturday 15 April
10am - 4pm

The Wild Escape invites families with children aged 7–11 to Bourne Hall Museum to celebrate Swans, an animal which is featured in the collection at Bourne Hall Museum. So, join the team at Bourne Hall Museum on April 15 for story time, arts and crafts, even learn a few steps from the ballet Swan Lake! And lots more. 

Bluebell Walk

Join a member of the Countryside Team for a walk around Horton Country Park, taking in all the beauty of spring.
Sunday 30 April 
2pm - 4pm
Meet at the information centre at 2pm.

Take a look here for more information on the Bluebell Walk.

Find out about events in Epsom & Ewell here: epsom-ewell.gov.uk/whats-on

Markets in Epsom & Ewell.

Regular markets in Epsom marketplace take place on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday plus special markets are held on most Sundays.

For information on the weekly markets at Epsom Marketplace see: www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk/market 

Farmer's Market - Epsom Marketplace
This market usually takes place on the first Sunday of the month
9.30am - 1.30pm
Find out more at www.surreymarkets.co.uk/event/epsom-market/

Artisan Market - Ewell Village
Come along to see a gorgeous selection of wooden children's toys, handmade jewellery, local honey and jams and lots more. 
First Saturday of the month
10am - 3pm

£Cash in the Wardrobe - Bourne Hall
A new market for pre-loved and vintage clothes and accessories.
This market will be every third Saturday of the month.
10am - 2pm

NEW Vegan, Re-use and Recycle Market - Epsom Marketplace
This new market will take place on the 3rd Sunday of every month from 16 April, 10am - 3pm.

Explore Epsom and Ewell

Get closer to nature and enjoy the outdoors with our various guided walks. Explore local nature reserves, discover your borough's history and boost your health and wellbeing too.

Visit the walks page on our website to discover a range of walks that take place across Epsom and Ewell.  

Epsom Common Association (ECA)

ECA supports the preservation and protection of Epsom Common local nature reserve and site of special scientific interest. ECA works in partnership with the Council, the Lower Mole Countryside Management Project and English Nature to contribute to the long term management and conservation of the Common.

Nature walks
ECA organises a number of walks on the Common each year which are led by local natural history experts. The subjects that are usually covered each year include birds in early spring, wildflowers, butterflies, invertebrates particularly bush crickets, bats and fungi. For more info on their Summer Walks Programme see: Epsom Common Nature Walks 

The EcoVols
If you care about the Common and enjoy its wildlife and beauty why not join the EcoVols, the volunteer group of the ECA. EcoVols carry out a variety of conservation projects on the Common throughout the year in association with English Nature, the Council and the Lower Mole Countryside Management Project. You don’t need any special skills or experience just your enthusiasm and time! For more info and the 2020 EcoVols programme see: Conservation on Epsom Common

Ewell Village Bowling Club Open Day

Ewell Village Bowling Club is holding an open day on Sunday 21 May. 

Why not go along and try your hand at lawn green bowls? All ages and skill levels are very welcome and the day is free to attend. 

All equipment will be provided - just wear flat shoes or trainers. 

Find out more information here: epsom-ewell.gov.uk/ewell-village-bowling-club-open-day 

Refreshments will be available.

Family Voice Surrey

Are you the parent of a child or young person with additional needs?

Family Voice Surrey champions the needs and rights of SEND families in Surrey: families with children or young adults up to the age of 25 who have special educational needs, chronic illnesses, including mental health conditions, or disabilities.

Find out more on the Family Voice Surrey website.

Hogsmill 5 race - organised by Epsom Allsorts

The Epsom Allsorts Hogsmill 5 mile running race is on Sunday 14 May 2023. 

Council meetings in April

The following meetings of the Council will be held in April:

April 

• Thursday 6, 7.30pm: Audit and Scrutiny Committee
• Tuesday 18 April, 7.30pm: Full Council
• Wednesday 19 April, 10am: Licensing Sub-Commitee
• Thursday 20 April, 7.30pm: Planning Committee

The agendas and details on how to view the council meetings will be published seven days before the relevant meeting on the website links above. 

Meeting dates are subject to change. When looking for details of a particular meeting, please contact the relevant officer to confirm that the meeting is going ahead as scheduled.

The calendar of Council meetings can be found here: democracy.epsom-ewell.gov.uk/Calendar

You can subscribe to updates in order to receive information via e-mail regarding arrangements for particular committee meetings.

Community Notice Boards

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council is now in the pre-election period.

During this time, we will not be accepting submissions for our community notice boards and existing posters will be removed.

Only Council notices relating to the election will be allowed on the boards.

Submissions will recommence from Friday 5 May. Events can still be submitted on our events webpage throughout this time.

We’re are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.