From community action to protect our swans at Bourne Hall, to new investment in local services and expanded school support, there’s plenty happening that shows our collective heart.
And with half-term events popping up across town (plus a few pumpkins still to pick), there’s no better time to get out, explore, and connect with what’s right on our doorstep.
🚀 Latest news
Investment: The Epsom & Ewell Borough Council has approved £1.37m for four local projects including a service where residents can borrow useful household items.
Expansion: nearly 500 new specialist school places for children with additional needs/disabilities will be made available across Surrey.
Vandals: Police are investigating after the Epsom Islamic Centre mosque was spray-painted with offensive language for the second time in recent months.
Protecting Epsom’s Swans From Attack
Over the past week, many of us have been shaken by the distressing reports from Bourne Hall. A local swan was found injured and later rescued by The Swan Sanctuary after what’s believed to be a deliberate attack, possibly involving a catapult or fishing line.
The images and updates shared across local Facebook groups have sparked an outpouring of anger, sadness, and determination. For many, these swans aren’t just wildlife, they’re neighbours. Families visit them on weekend walks, children feed them by the pond, and their presence gives Bourne Hall its calm, living beauty. To see them harmed so senselessly has rightly horrified residents.
What’s heartening, though, is the response that’s followed. Locals are now mobilising, from community patrols and WhatsApp groups to calls for stronger protection laws. Residents like Natalie Rogers are liaising with councillors, MPs, and the police to push for better wildlife protection. Others have suggested crowdfunding for patrols, CCTV, or awareness campaigns.
The admin of Facebook Group Hogsmill Local Nature Reserve Wildlife, who first reported the attack, confirmed the incident was filmed and posted to thee group, presumably by the perpetrators themselves. This info was passed to Surrey Police and the accounts involved have since been banned. Meanwhile, The Swan Sanctuary has reassured us that the injured swan is recovering well and will be returned home once cleared by the vet.
Still, the bigger issue remains: why are attacks like this happening at all?
Whether it’s a symptom of antisocial behaviour or a deeper disconnect from nature, it’s something we can’t ignore. These senseless incidents don’t just harm animals, they erode the sense of care and respect that makes Epsom what it is.
If you’d like to get involved in the new wildlife protection group, or help raise awareness around Bourne Hall, you can reach out via local Facebook pages or message organisers directly. Even small action - like reporting suspicious behaviour, joining a walk, or spreading the word - can make a real difference.
Epsom has always been a town that looks after its own. Let’s make sure that includes our wildlife too.
🔥 What’s happening this week
A Celebration of English Wine Fundraiser – Tasting Evening at The Horton Arts Centre
Friday 24 October, The Horton Arts Centre. An evening of wine tasting with a focus on English wine.Hobbleween at Hobbledown
Get ready for spooky family fun at Hobbledown on Saturday 25 October – Sunday 2 November 2025. Expect bug-eating challenges, monster discos, treat trails, Skibbler School, animal talks and more—most included in your general admissionArt-K’s October Half-Term Holiday Art Workshops for Children at Art-K Ashtead
Give your young artists the perfect creative outlet this half-term with age-grouped morning (10:00–12:00) and afternoon (13:30–15:30) art workshops, running from Tuesday 28 October to Thursday 30 October at Art-K in Ashtead.Code Ninjas Epsom – Coding Camps for Kids
Transform your child’s love for technology into a fun learning adventure at the Epsom Code Ninjas centre. Ages 5-14 explore tech through themes like Robotics, Roblox, Minecraft and YouTube, while building life skills in leadership, creativity and problem-solving. From 27th October at St Martin’s Church.Quiz Night at Metropolis Epsom
Wednesdays can only mean one thing – Quiz Night at Metropolis Epsom! Spin the wheel for prizes and a cash jackpot. £2 entry per person, pay on the door.
Next session: Tonight and next Wednesday 22 October, 7:00 pm (regular weekly event)
🏆 Photo (or painting) of the Week
I have to tell you about our trip to Malice in Lavenderland at Mayfield’s Secret Lavender Garden in Epsom on Saturday. The kids (and adults) absolutely loved it. We rocked up to the pumpkin-patch, wandered through the trail following the White Rabbit, solved a few riddles, and picked out a couple of pumpkins. It was great getting outside while it’s still mild, the coffee at the Glasshouse café beforehand was a nice bonus, and for a £5 ticket it was well worth the outing. Highly recommend.
Answer from last week 🔍
The legendary rock guitarist who lived at 34 Miles Road in Epsom and recorded a song named after that address with Eric Clapton is Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin. The track, “Miles Road,” was recorded in 1965 during early jam sessions between the two icons.
New question of the week 🔮
Which Game of Thrones actor hails from Epsom?
You’re up to date 👋
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Till next time,