THE NOVEMBER LOWDOWN…
Posted by Francesca De Franco on 01 Nov 2024
I can’t believe we’re heading into November! No sooner are the pumpkins done with then we’re onto bonfire night, and dare I say it… Christmas is approaching.
Let’s stay with the here and now though; there’s plenty going on. Here’s your November Lowdown.
One of Surrey’s biggest fireworks displays is on Saturday, 9th November at Hook Road Arena.
Buy your tickets TODAY and save before the price increase on Friday, 1st November. All profits from this event benefit local charities. For tickets, go here: https://www.epsomfireworks.com/buy-tickets/
Epsom Halloween Walks
Friday, 1st November – there are three walks: 3pm to 4.30pm, 5.30pm to 7pm and 8.00pm to 9.30pm,
A Halloween walk in Epsom, visiting where the dead do not rest, flats, pubs, old houses, ghostly children, and school teaches in Epsom most haunted house, the matchstick ghost, the ghost that moved next door, an infamous 18th century ghost, a WW1 nurse, ghost policemen. Perhaps the ghost of Nell Gwyn and Mrs Beeton and even is Epsom clock tower a ghost!
Meet opposite the fire station in Church Street Epsom.
Cost £6 per person. Numbers are limited: to reserve your place please contact David Brooks 020 8394 1734 dbrooks@epsom-ewell.gov.uk, Bourne Hall Museum, Spring Street, EWELL, Surrey, KT17 1UF
King’s Church Epsom – Free Friday
King’s Church is opening its doors again this year to provide a Warm Space and free hot meal. They’ll be open from 3-6pm on Fridays from the 1st November to 28th February and are organising some fun things for people to do too.
More details here: thekingschurch.org/friday
Bourne Hall Artisan Market
The next Bourne Hall Artisan Market is on Saturday, 2nd November (10am -2pm).
A showcase for local businesses, products and producers, you’ll be treated to an array of goods including: wooden hand crafted gifts and toys, art, decor and vintage items; homewares, honey and beeswax products, handmade jewellery, fresh pastries and artisan breads; speciality coffee, award-winning preserves, herbs and spices; ladies clothing and accessories; handmade soap, body butters and vegan skincare products, bamboo eco-friendly products and more!
There’ll be plenty of stalls and ample opportunity to kick start your Christmas shopping.
St Giles’ Church Annual Bereavement Service
Head to St Giles’ Church on Sunday, 3rd November (3pm) for a peaceful service of thanksgiving, remembering with love those we have lost recently or long ago. Followed by tea and cake in The Dell Centre opposite.
Warm Welcome Space @ St Barnabas Church
The weekly Monday Warm Welcome Space at St Barnabas Church opens on the 4th of November (from 3pm to 7pm).
No need to register, just head along for free hot meal, hot drinks and cuppa soup, great company, activities, boardgames, energy advice, support and information.
Contact Allen on 07592 542530 for more details.
Guided Walk: Month of Remembrance
On this Month of Remembrance walk on Monday, 4th November (10.00am-12.30pm), discover the wonders of Langley Vale Wood, the Woodland Trusts First World War Centenary Wood, with their trusted guided walk leaders. Throughout this walk you will explore the site, the First World War art installations and hear how the Woodland Trust has transformed arable land into a haven for wildlife, people and created a space for reflection to remember those lost in the First World War.
This is a FREE event but booking is required here.
Meeting point: Langley Vale Wood Car Park, Ashtead, Epsom KT18 6BZ
Bourne Hall Art Workshop Annual Exhibition
It’s the Bourne Hall Art Workshop Annual Exhibition from Monday, 4th – Saturday, 16th November. There will be fabulous original paintings by local artists for sale.
For more information go to: https://www.bournehall.org/upcoming-events
Quirky Quiz Night @ The Grape Variety
The next Quirky Quiz Nights at The Grape Variety are on Wednesday, 6th and 20th of November (from 7.30pm).
It’s a minimum of £5 entry per couple with all money raised going to local charities and schools.
To book, email: adrian@thegrapevariety.com
Friends of Walton on the Hill Primary School Fireworks
The fireworks display on Thursday, 7th of November (from 5.30pm) will bring our community together and raise vital funds for the school.
Where: Breech Lane playing field. Full details above.
St John’s Church Stoneleigh – Christmas Choir
Join the friendly St John’s Church Christmas Choir! Rehearsals start on Thursday, 7th November and run through until the Carol Concert at 6.30pm on Sunday, 15th December.
People of all ages and abilities welcome. The dates for choir practice are as follows:
• Thursday, 7th November – 7.30pm – 9pm
• Thursday, 14th November – 7.30pm – 9pm
• Wednesday, 20th November – 7.30pm – 9pm
• Thursday, 28th November – 7.30pm – 9pm
• Wednesday, 4th December – 7.30pm – 9pm
• Thursday, 12th December – 7.30pm – 9pm
• Sunday, 15th December – 4pm – 6pm (followed by the big event at 6.30pm)
Please email Chris Webb on chris.webb@epicc.org.uk if you have any questions or would like more details.
The PTFA Fireworks – St Martin’s C of E School
It’s the St Martin’s C of E school PTFA Fireworks on Friday, 8th November.
Gates open at 4.45pm and fireworks start at 7.15pm. Discount tickets available here: https://stmartinsepsom-ptfa.sumupstore.com/
Friends of West Ashtead Primary School Fireworks Night
Friends of West Ashtead proudly presents West Ashtead Fireworks Night on Friday, 8th November (5.30pm-8pm). Their biggest fundraiser of the year is back for another year, lighting up the skies with an evening of fireworks, family fun & fundraising!
Gates will open from 5.30pm and display starts at 7pm sharp!
On the night there will be food stalls selling gourmet bbq, tea and coffee and FOWA sweet treats and a fully licensed bar onsite. Plus the light-up fundraising stall, offering fun light up toys.
Buy your tickets here: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/taleworth-road/west-ashtead-primary-school/friends-of-west-ashtead-school-fireworks-night/e-eylppe
Meadow PTFA Fireworks
Tickets to the Meadow PTFA firework spectacular on Friday, 8th November are available via: www.meadowptfa.org.uk
There will be a fully licensed bar and snacks and they also plan to sell flashing novelties, sweets, popcorn, hot chocolate and more.
This fantastic event is completely volunteer run by parents and the school community. So please volunteer to help on the stalls or marshall. Volunteer on the ticket website, let your class rep know or email meadowptfa@gmail.com.
An Evening with Chelsea Legends
Head to Epsom Playhouse for an evening with Chelsea legends on Friday, 8th November. Spend some time with strikers Kerry Dixon, Mark Hughes, and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink to talk all things Chelsea. Meet and greet options available.
Tickets available here.
Norse Gods and Runes – Bourne Hall Museum Kids Club
Learn about the Vikings, their beliefs, gods, and language. Discover how to translate and write in Futhark runes and handle some replica artefacts at the next Bourne Hall Museum Kids Club on Saturday, November 9th (1pm-2.30pm).
Cost: £6 per child. Contact: David Brooks, Bourne Hall Museum, Spring Street, Ewell, Surrey, KT17 1UF. Tel 020 8394 1734.
Email dbrooks@epsom-ewell.gov.uk
Orchard Volunteer Day
The Epsom and Ewell Borough Council countryside team and Friends of Horton Country Park are looking for volunteers to help manage the old fruit trees and plant new ones at Lambert’s Orchard in the Horton Country Park Local Nature Reserve. No experience is needed, tools and training are provided.
Saturday, 9th November
⌚ 10am-3pm
Meet at 10am at the entrance off John Watkin Close, Clarendon Park Estate. Email countryside@epsom-ewell.gov.uk or 01372 732000 for more information or simply to let the team know you want to take part – volunteers can also turn up on the day itself.
Rotary Club of Ewell Quiz Night
The Rotary Club of Ewell Quiz Night will be raising funds for Epsom Riding for the Disabled Association and The Sunnybank Trust on Saturday, 9th November (7pm for 7.30pm start).
To enter your team, contact Olive Harrison on 07876 343730 or olive.harrison@btinternet.com
Pre-Loved Baby & Child Table Top Sale
There’s a Pre-Loved Baby & Child Table Top Sale at Barnett Wood Infant School on Saturday, 9th November (10am-12pm).
To book your table and for more information please email: friendsofbarnettwood@gmail.com
Back to 80’s party at The Famous Green Man
It’s the big Back to 80’s party at The Famous Green Man on Saturday, 9th November (9pm until late). Save the date and get those fancy dress costumes out to win the prize!
St Mary’s Ewell – Remembrance Sunday
St Mary’s Ewell will be conducting a service of remembrance and wreath laying at the War Memorial on Sunday, 10th November (10.45am). This will be followed by a memorial service in church.
Wallace Fields Infant and Junior School Fireworks Night
Wallace Fields Infant and Junior School Epsom, invites you to its Family Spectacular Fireworks Event on Sunday, 10th November. Gates open at 4.30pm with food, drinks, glow stalls, free scavenger hunt, music and fun! Tickets are limited and are available to purchase through the school booking system only. Please note that NO tickets can be purchased on the gate.
More details an booking here.
Central Band of the British Legion @ Epsom Playhouse
The Central Band of The Royal British Legion, now in its 80th year, is delighted to return to Epsom on Sunday, 10th November (3pm-5pm) and present its annual concert marking Remembrance Day. The programme will include a range of reflective and uplifting pieces from traditional favourites, to stage, screen, and pop classics. The Central Band has performed at many high-profile events, most recently for WW2 veterans on their recent 80th anniversary D-Day commemoration trip to France and on the One Show D-Day Special, accompanying The D-Day Darlings. The band is led by the irrepressible Captain David Cole OBE.
For more details and booking go here.
The Nonsuch Craft Group Christmas Fair at Bourne Hall
Head down to Bourne Hall for the Christmas Craft Fair hosted by the Nonsuch Craft Group Monday, 11th to Saturday, 23rd November (9am-5pm Monday to Saturday closed Sunday). Get into the festive spirit with unique handmade crafts, perfect for gifts or treating yourself. There will be 20 stalls at the Craft Fair with a variety of quality items for sale, including: textiles, pottery, jewellery, jams and honey, wooden goods, glassware, sewing, knitting and crochet, greetings cards, Christmas decorations and more.
FREE entry. No ticket required.
Annie @ Epsom Playhouse
Coming this November, Sutton Theatre Company presents Annie, featuring your favourite smash-hit songs, dazzling dances, and the bestest pooch who always comes in handy, Sandy! Of course, the sun may come out tomorrow, but will the wicked Miss Hannigan succeed in thwarting Annie’s search for her true family?
It’s running Tuesday, 12th – Saturday, 16th November. Get your tickets through the Epsom Playhouse website here or call on +44 (01372) 742555 / 742227.
Warm Wednesdays @ Epsom Methodist Church
Warm Wednesdays return for the third year every Wednesday from now until the end of March
No booking is required, just drop in – you are welcome
Advice and support
Free hot drinks all day
Free tasty soup and roll for lunch
Family after school club with crafts and games
Free freshly prepared evening meal
❤️Friendship and Community❤️
Epsom Methodist Church, Ashley Road, KT18 5AQ
All Saints Christmas Craft Fair
It’s the All Saints Christmas Craft Fair on Saturday, 16th November (1pm-4pm). Santa will be visiting, there’ll be choirs singing from 1.30pm and there’ll be lots of local stall holders selling their home made crafts. Entry is free.
Tadworth Craft Fair
It’s the Tadworth Craft Fair on Saturday, 16th November (10am-3pm) at The Church Of The Good Shepherd. There’ll be crafts, jewellery, clothing, art, housewares, Plush items, sweet treats and refreshments available all day.
£1 entry (under 16s free).
Dance Schools On Stage – Bourne Hall
The Dance Schools on Stage end of year showcase is on Saturday, 16th November (1pm-4.30pm). This free event highlights the incredible talent of local dance schools on the wonderful Bourne Hall stage. Join to celebrate their accomplishments of the year and enjoy an amazing performance.
Ashtead Park Garden Centre – Christmas Shop and Save Reward Weekend
Ashtead Park Garden Centre’s Christmas celebrations start with a weekend of savings for reward card holders over the weekend of the 16-17th November.
Choose your Christmas delights (lights, decorations, artificial trees, wreaths, festive games, crackers, cards, plus lots more…) and use your reward card to save 10%.
If you’re not a reward card holder you can sign up on the day.
Check out the website for further details: https://www.ashteadpark.com/christmas/christmas-shop-and-save-weekend
80s Soul Saturday at The Ginistry
Head down to The Ginistry on Saturday, 16th November from 7pm for a night of great music and delicious drinks. Taking you back to the 80s with soul music and feel good tunes is DJ Regan Bowes.
What’s more, it’s free entry!
Bottomless Brunch @ The Famous Green Man
It’s The Famous Green Man Bottomless Brunch on Saturday, 16th November with not one but two sittings (11am-1pm and 1.30pm to 3.30pm).
Get a Mimosa on arrival and enjoy unlimited Prosecco with your meal. Book your table now by calling: 01372855186.
When You’re An Addams! @ Leatherhead Theatre
Tickets have now gone LIVE for The Theatre Academy’s winter production of When You’re An Addams!
Your favourite spooky kooky family is coming to The Leatherhead Theatre on Saturday, November 16th. Join The Theatre Academy as they perform their fabulous winter production of When you’re an Addams, based on the beloved 1993 classic “The Addams Family Values”.
More information and booking here: https://theleatherheadtheatre.com/…/when-youre-an-addams/
Epsom Common Association 50th Anniversary Exhibition @ The Horton
Epsom Common Association Exhibition – Past, Present & Future
Tuesday, 19th – Saturday, 30th November (Tuesday to Saturday 9.15am-4.30pm).
This year marks the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the Epsom Common Association. It was started by a group of residents concerned about abuses, such as driving cars and dumping rubbish on the Common.
This FREE exhibition celebrates the work of the association with photos, maps and documents. Showcasing why the Common is such a special place, and how people can help preserve and improve it.
For more details go here.
Leatherhead Operatic Society present Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
From Tuesday, 19th November to Saturday, 23rd November, Leatherhead Operatic Society is bringing Roald Dahl’s beloved tale to life on the Epsom Playhouse stage with vibrant energy and whimsical charm, featuring a score by Marc Shaiman with lyrics by Scott Wittman. Following young Charlie Bucket as he wins a golden ticket to tour Willy Wonka’s well-guarded and mysterious chocolate factory, this production is bedecked with lavish sets and dazzling costumes. Seat yourself comfortably in this world of pure imagination and get ready for a magical musical experience suited to children and adults alike.
For more information and booking go here.
Ciao Italia and the Dylan Strong Foundation – Ladies at Lunch Charity Event
Ciao Italia Restaurant and the Dylan Strong Foundation are teaming up again to bring back the Ladies at Lunch Charity Event on Thursday, 21st November (12pm to 4.30pm). Their last event raised an incredible £3,200!
Join for a festive and fun-filled afternoon, featuring:
️ A delicious 3-course lunch
A glass of fizz
Live entertainment
️ Raffle prizes to be won
Get your tickets here: https://buy.stripe.com/5kA14Dcdt1zBeOI28h
Open Mic Night at Bourne Hall
It’s the very first Open Mic Night at Bourne Hall on Thursday, 21st November (7pm-10.30pm).
Join for a chilled evening bursting with tunes, laughter, and good vibes. It will be held in the Flying Saucer Café – a perfect spot to soak up the acoustic sounds. Bar drinks and snacks will be available for purchase. This is a FREE event.
Epsom Christmas Lights Switch On
It’s the Epsom Christmas Lights Switch On on Friday, 22nd November (4pm-9pm). There’ll be entertainment from local performing arts schools and other entertainers, fun fair rides including the Ferris wheel and tea cups as well as food stalls, candy floss, mulled wine and mince pies.
Christmas Lights Switch on Event – Ashley Centre
Head down to Ashley Centre for festive activities and the annual Christmas Lights Switch On event on Saturday, 23rd November
Experience a magical ride on the exclusive VR sleigh, plus a great line-up of Christmas entertainment, artisanal Christmas fair, craft gin tasting and more.
The activities commence from 11am, with roaming entertainers, face painting and choirs – including the award-winning Epsom Rock Choir throughout the day, leading up to the much anticipated Christmas Lights Switch On from 4pm.
This year, special guests from the cast of the Epsom Playhouse Cinderella Panto will be joining for the official switch as willAshley Bear and Santa.
Special guests Bluey and Bingo will also be visiting Ashley centre at intervals on Sunday, 24th November.
The Ginger Cat House Rescue Christmas Bazaar
The Ginger Cat House Rescue Christmas Bazaar at The Willow Tree Pub, Worcester Park is on Saturday, 23rd November (12-5pm). There’ll be loads of stalls to stock up on Christmas gifts, an online raffle, bottle and chocolate tombola, cake stall and festive cheer. FREE entry.
To find out more about the event and the rescue and re-homing work done by The Ginger Cat House Rescue, go to: www.gingercathouserescue.com
Bohemian Rhapsody Screening
Join St. Mary’s Church at the Ewell village community cinema on Saturday, 23rd November and watch Bohemian Rhapsody. It’s only £5 a ticket and there’s a licensed bar. Doors open at 6.30pm.
For more details go here.
Epsom Antique & Brocante Street Market
The Epsom Antique & Brocante Street Market returns on Sunday, 24th November (10am-4pm).
Find out more about what you can expect to find at this exciting market here.
VIP Christmas Shopping Event at Mulberry & Thyme
Head down to Mulberry & Thyme on Tuesday, 26th November (4pm – 7pm) for an evening filled with holiday cheer, complete with mince pies, mulled wine, Prosecco, and Christmas carols.
Tickets are £20, redeemable on the night, and the first 24 VIP ticket holders will receive a fabulous goodie bag worth £40. You can still attend the event even if you don’t purchase a ticket.
Secure your VIP spot today by calling 01737 362 753 or just drop by to soak up the festive fun.
Christmas Carols & Tea at St George’s Church
Those over 75, head down to St George’s Church, Ashtead on Wednesday, 27th November (2pm-4pm) for a medley of traditional Christmas Carols, followed by tea and cake in the hall.
Please book tickets in advance so they know numbers for catering. Speak to Jacqui Dawson on the number below to do this or book your space online. The suggested donation for this event is £2 per person – which can be paid on the day.
If you need support with lifts from the Ashtead area on the day, then please do contact Jacqui Dawson on 01372 813200.
The Dylan Strong Foundation Christmas Market
This year, The Dylan Strong Foundation is hosting its Christmas market on Thursday, 28th November at Epsom Downs Racecourse from 7-9.30pm.
Epsom On Ice at Epsom Downs Racecourse
Head down to Epsom Downs Racecourse for Epsom On Ice Thursday, 28th November to Sunday, 5th January – ice skating for the whole family with fun guaranteed.
Open every day excluding Christmas Day, skating sessions are 45 minutes and sessions start at 10am (last session at 8pm).
Booking in advance is advised to secure your spot. Tickets will be available on the gate every day subject to availability.
For further information and to book online visit: https://www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/…/events…/ice-skating/
Bandeoke @ The Ginistry
Get ready for an exciting night at The Ginistry Epsom on Friday, 29th November (starting at 7.30pm).
“Ever dreamed of singing your favourite song with a live band or just want to see your friends perform hilariously? This is your chance!
Join us for bandeoke – karaoke with a band! Choose from 50+ songs and come ready for a great time, whether you’re a star or just here for the laughs.”
Just £5 per person. Book here.
Bourne Hall Christmas Lights Switch On
Head down to Bourne Hall on Saturday, 30th November (4pm – 7pm) for the big Christmas light switch on. There will be market stalls to browse, mulled wine stalls, live music, carol singers, and Ewell Grove Players will be hosting a special community Panto on the same day, which is raising money for the food bank (more details below).
Santa Claus will also be flying in specially for the day to open the Christmas grotto and retuning every Saturday up until Christmas.
Ewell Grove Players Panto
The Ewell Grove Players are back! There are two panto shows at Bourne Hall on Saturday, 30th November (2pm and 5pm) with all the terrible joking, shocking dancing, enthusiastic singing, squirmlitious farting and bargainatious merching you can handle.
All proceeds will go to Epsom and Ewell Foodbank.
To book A-lad-in Ewell Panto please follow the below links:
2pm show: https://sessami.co/events/07573091-237e-4072-8e0f-404d979f3968
5pm show: https://sessami.co/events/6616b0e2-eaa2-4861-bc56-28356fb677d3
Epsom Beaumont Care Home – Christmas Market
Enjoy the refreshments and browse the stall for som special gifts at the Epsom Beaumont Care Home Christmas Market on Saturday, 30th November (2-4pm).
Crown Ballet present The Nutcracker @ Epsom Playhouse
The Nutcracker is an eternal season favourite, and Crown Ballet returns this year to the Epsom Playhouse on Saturday, 30th November to enchant you with their delightful production.
The Nutcracker is a charming and kind fairy tale and one of the jewels of Tchaikovsky’s repertoire. See the magic of classical ballet, performed live on stage.
For more details and booking go to: https://www.epsomplayhouse.co.uk/shows/crown-ballet-present-nutcracker
Book Now!
Gymboree Cheam Christmas Party
This year Gymboree Cheam is hosting a Christmas party for mobile (crawling) little ones to 4 years old on Friday, 6th December (2pm or 3.15pm). The party will last for one hour and will include the usual games, climbing, dancing and also a visit from Santa with a present each! Tickets will be £15 and a great chance to get into the festive spirit.
Follow on Instagram and Facebook for more about when tickets will be released.
Candlelit Christmas Concert @ Christ Church, Epsom
The Candlelit Christmas Concert returns to the beautiful Christ Church, Epsom on Friday, 6th December and promises a magical evening of seasonal festivities.
Including music and performances by solo artists, duets, groups & local choirs. It’s guaranteed to get you into the Christmas spirit and there will be an opportunity to join in with the singing in the second half.
Doors open from 7pm where you are invited to enjoy seasonal treats in the festive hall next door. Please note the concert will start at 7.30pm
This is a fundraising event in aid of Age Concern Epsom & Ewell. For more details and booking go here.
Santa’s Christmas Cracker at Epsom Playhouse
Santa and his friends are coming to the Epsom Playhouse this December from Saturday, 7th to Tuesday, 24th. Join him, Dotty the Elf and Dasher the Reindeer for a 45-minute fabulously festive adventure and receive a cracking present from the man himself.
Last year’s show sold out, so get your tickets for Santa’s Christmas Cracker soon. More information and booking here.
A Jockey Club Christmas
Get ready for a night of alpine elegance at Après Ski: A Jockey Club Christmas! From a welcome drink to unforgettable entertainment, this is the festive event of the year!
To book go here.
Save the Date!
Tadworth Primary School Christmas Fair
Santa’s Grotto is back, and it’s as magical as ever! ✨ Keep an eye out for when tickets go on sale—pre-booking for the Grotto will be available soon. Mark the date and get ready for a festive day of fun!
The Children’s Trust Winter Festival
Save the date for The Children’s Trust ‘Winter Festival’ on Saturday, 7th December from 12pm – 7pm.
https://www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk/events/winter-festival
2nd Epsom Scouts Christmas Tree Sale
It’s the 2nd Epsom Scouts Christmas Tree Sale at Christchurch Scout HQ on Saturday, 7th December (9am-4pm) and Thursday, 12th December (6pm-8pm).
All proceeds go to support the group.
St John’s Church Stoneleigh – Christmas Services 2024
See above for St John’s Church Stoneleigh Christmas Services including its Crib and Christingle service, which is such a popular event with families that it’s being held twice.
For more details go here.
What a busy month! Don’t forget to check back regularly as more events are added throughout the month. Plus there’ll be the mid-month recap. See you again for the December Lowdown!
Fran x
