THE MAY LOWDOWN…
Posted by Francesca De Franco on 01 May 2022
We’re still ploughing through the Easter chocolate even though May is here!
There’s plenty happening this month and lots of outdoor activities. Have you seen any big bluebell displays yet? If not, check out my post on some of the best places to see them nearby.
Here’s what else is going on in and around the area including details about what Epsom & Ewell is doing to celebrate The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee 2022.
Nonsuch Town & Country Show
The show that bills itself as having something for everybody is back on May 1st and 2nd (10.30am-5.30pm).
Whether you’re a foodie, a dog lover, want entertainment for the kids, love living history or simply want a fun filled day out with live music and shopping head to Nonsuch Park.
There’ll be a variety of shows within shows with excellent main ring attractions, celebrity chefs, some wonderful and unique children’s attractions, model aeroplanes, tractors, classic cars, horses and more.
For further details and tickets got to: https://www.nonsuchcountryshow.co.uk/
Epsom and Ewell Veterans Community Hub
The Epsom and Ewell Veterans Community Hub is holding an event to celebrate its third anniversary on Tuesday, 3rd May (10.30am to 12.30pm).
It will be held at The Army Reserves Centre, Welbeck Close, Ewell, KT17 2BG. All Veterans and their families welcome. RSVP Tracey Morris at tracey.morris@surreycc.gov.uk or contact on 07790 585352.
Mary Frances Trust – New women’s wellbeing group
The Mary Frances Trust is launching “My Time”, a women’s peer support group that supports wellbeing in Epsom. It starts on Thursday, 5th May (11am-1.30pm) and runs until the 9th June.
This group is free to anyone living in Surrey and in need of mental or emotional wellbeing support. More details above. To take part, first register with them as a client on www.maryfrancestrust.org.uk then contact their office on 01372 375 400, SMS 07929 024 722 or email info@maryfrancestrust.org.uk
The Big Comedy Showcase
Celebrate 18 years of Momentum Children’s Charity with an unmissable night of comedy at the Rose Theatre, Kingston on Sunday, 8th May (8pm – running time is approximately two hours).
The night will be hosted by Erich McElroy, who will be joined by top stand-up acts from around the UK including Maisie Adam, Dane Baptiste, Ivo Graham and Esther Manito – with more great names still to be announced.
Tickets: All seats are£22 and on sale now through Rose Theatre Box Office. Age advisory: 16+ (there may be some strong language)
Tutankhamun: How a tomb cast a spell on the world (Bourne Hall Museum Kids Club)
King Tutankhamun’s tomb was discovered 100 years ago by British archaeologist Howard Carter. At the next Kids Club on Saturday, 7th May (1pm to 2.30pm) you can hear all about the secrets it held and find out whether the tomb really was cursed…
King Tutankhamun ruled Egypt as pharaoh for ten years until his death at age 19. He was barely known to the modern world until 1922, when Carter chiselled through a doorway and entered the boy pharaoh’s tomb, which had remained sealed for more than 3,200 years.
The tomb’s vast hoard of artefacts and treasure, intended to accompany the king into the afterlife, revealed an incredible amount about royal life in ancient Egypt, and quickly made King Tut a superstar. Triggering a worldwide interest in ancient Egypt.
Cost £5 per child. Advance booking is essential. Further information is available from David Brooks dbrooks@epsom-ewell.gov.uk
Hat making for the Jubilee
Drop into Epsom Library (the atrium) from 11am onwards on Saturday, 14th May to create your very own millinery masterpiece for the Jubilee. This is a FREE event.
Princess Alice Hospice – Bereavement café
Bereavement cafés are monthly drop-in sessions that are open to all bereaved people, whether or not they have had a loved one under the care of Princess Alice Hospice. The cafés offer refreshments, and a chance to talk with someone who is trained to listen and to share experiences with other bereaved people.
The Ewell Bereavement Café meets at St Mary’s Church Hall on the third Thursday of each month between 2.45pm-3.45pm. The next one is on May 19th.
For more information go to: https://www.pah.org.uk/
Age Concern – Create Your ‘Royal Hat’ Workshop
Age Concern’s Platinum Jubilee themed market stall will be in Epsom market place every Thursday throughout May (8.30am-4.30pm). It will provide inspiration, creative activities, demos and decorations to help you prepare for your celebrations.
Additionally, its ‘Create Your ‘Royal Hat’ Workshop’ will take place on Wednesday, 18th May at the Old Town Hall. For further details or to register interest email: marie.thackwell@ageconcernepsom.org.uk
For more info on all their royal-themed activities visit: https://ageconcernepsom.org.uk/
Jubilee Stamp Design Competition
Children are invited to design a postage stamp to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. The lucky winner will have the chance to join the Mayor of Epsom and Ewell for tea in the historic parlour at the Town Hall.
There are two age groups:
- ages 4 to 7
- ages 8 to 12
You can download a template for your design or visit Ewell Library at Bourne Hall and pick one up. From 26 April, the library at Bourne Hall will have all the materials you’ll need, so you can complete your design there and then.
Designs must be in by Wednesday 1 June. For more details visit: https://www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk/visitors/whats-on/event/jubilee-stamp-design-competition
5 Day Gift Market at Bourne Hall
The 5 Day Gift Market returns to Bourne Hall from May, 24th through to May, 28th (10am to 5pm; closes 4pm on 28th May). Stall holders are picked for originality, quality and usability, and there will be jewellery, skin care items, luxury handbags, home utilities, books and more on offer.
Free entry and convenient parking – Bourne Hall, Spring Street, Ewell, KT17 1UF.
If you are interested in having a stall, contact Della Finch on della.finch@ymail.com
Surrey Hills Artisan Festival
On Saturday 21st and Sunday, 22nd May (10.00am-5.00pm) Denbies Wine Estate, Dorking, will be hosting an open air festival showcasing over 60 artisans from the Surrey Hills.
It’s a family and dog-friendly event, which celebrates the arts, crafts, food and drink being produced in the Surrey Hills and provides the opportunity to meet exceptional, skilled artisans, participate in interactive demonstrations and activities, observe intriguing craft making and buy locally-made food, drink, arts and crafts.
Browse a wide array of outdoor stands offering takeaway food, wine, beer, gin, chocolate, skincare, jewellery, textiles, woodwork, glass, ceramics, painting, sculpture and more.
Tickets £7.50 in advance or £10.00 on the door. Kids under 16 go free. Visit here for booking.
Wildflower walk
Enjoy a beginners guide to the wildflowers in Horton Country Park Local Nature Reserve on Sunday, May 22nd on the Wildflower Walk.
Meet a member of the Countryside Team at the Information Centre at 2.00pm.
More information here.
Epsom Derby Walk
In the 1700s, thousands of people made it their annual pilgrimage to travel to the Epsom Downs for Derby Day, a journey that would take around two weeks. Fast forward to today with much easier and faster travel and faster; that journey is the inspiration for ‘the Derby Walk’, which commences two weeks before The Derby and now raises money for charities.
On Sunday 22nd, May, you can join the 22 mile journey, starting at 9am in Knightsbridge, through south west London and on to Morden which will then lead the walk via Rose Hill and on to the Epsom Downs.
https://www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/epsom/events-tickets/derby-walk/
Epsom Music NHS Staff Benefit Concert
Epsom Music Charity will host an NHS Staff Benefit concert, featuring the Salieri Quartet, as part of local Jubilee celebrations on Friday, 27th May at midday (one hour long) at the Epsom Playhouse.
Tickets are £10 donation. For more details and booking go to: www.epsommusic.org
The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee 2022
In 2022, The Queen will become the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee after 70 years of service and Epsom and Ewell will be celebrating. The extended bank holiday weekend runs Thursday, 2 June to Sunday, 5 June. However, there are plenty of other things happening to commemorate this amazing milestone.
Go here to find out all the Platinum Jubilee events taking place: https://www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk/council/queens-platinum-jubilee-2022
Book now
Mega Camps – May half term
Mega Camps has a wide range of activities on this half term from arts & crafts, animal zoo workshop and magic workshop to Nerf wars, sports, and loads more exciting activities!
To see the full activity schedule for your local camp and to book visit their website www.megacamps.net
Robofun – half term course
Robofun makes robotic engineering fun and gives your children skills for the future. This is done through expert teaching; building, creating and experimenting.
May half term gymnastics holiday camp
Aerial Tumbling Club is a British Gymnastics registered club which run holiday camps during every school holiday. The camps are run by a team of qualified and experienced coaches. Children get a full day of Gymnastics and get the opportunity to learn new skills and make friends.
Spaces are allocated on a first come, first served basis and tend to fill up very quickly.
Contact Head Coach Justine for more information or to reserve a place: aerialtumblingclub@hotmail.com
Website: www.aerialtumblingclub.co.uk
Age Concern Epsom & Ewell – charity sky dive
Epsom Playhouse – Neil Sands Presents Happy & Glorious
Can you help?
Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust
With the Platinum Jubilee approaching, Epsom and St Hellier University Hospitals NHS Trust are looking for donations of red white and blue bunting for their celebrations. They’re also calling out to any of you knitters out there for knitted bunting. Here’s the pattern.
If you can help out, drop your bunting off at the main reception at St Helier (B block) or the PALS office at Epsom (Headley Wing). For more details visit their Facebook page.
For up-to-date information please do join us on Facebook or Instagram and if you need a local service then do check out the Epsom and Ewell Families directory where all services have been vetted.
Have a great month, and fingers crossed the warmer weather makes an appearance soon! 🌞
Fran x
I'm a freelance PR consultant and also run my own blog where I write about the things that we do, the places that we visit, the toys and games that we play with as well as all the every day parenting (and some non-parenting) stuff in between.
My love for communicating and writing, mirrors my passion for trying to be the best mum I can be. Interests include good food and wine, Italian culture, football and personal finance.