Blogs

THE OCTOBER LOWDOWN – RECAP…

Posted by Francesca De Franco on 14 Oct 2024

The last two weeks of October are busy with half-term, Halloween events and everything from quizzes and school open days to charity nights. Here’s your lowdown recap for the rest of the month…

October at The Ginistry

Events still to come at The Ginistry this more are:

Quiz Night – Tuesday, 15th October (from 7pm) Please email to book your team in (theginistryepsom@gmail.com)
️Open Mic Night – Thursday, 17th October (from 7:30pm)
Pottery Workshop – Wednesday, 23rd October (from 7pm)

Full details of all of the events can be found here and see further down in the lowdown for more details on the amazing upcoming Halloween party and ABBA Bottomless Brunch.

Kids Meals for £1 at The Famous Green Man

Kids eat for £1 on Saturdays and Sundays at The Famous Green Man, Ewell. The promotion is available for bookings only. until Sunday, October 27th,

Ready Steady Cook Course (family edition) 

Bookings are now open for EMC’s free Ready Steady Cook Course. This is a fully immersive, fun and educational cooking course for parents and children aged three and over, dates still to com are  Wednesday, 16th and 23rd October (4pm-5.30pm).

To book, email: emcnursery@hotmail.co.uk

The Famous Green Man October Events     

The Famous Green Man in Ewell has lots of events and promotions on this October (listed above). See below for more details on each.

Glyn School Open Morning (perspective year 7) 

Families are invited to the Glyn School Open Morning Events on Tuesday, 15th October, Wednesday, 16th October or Thursday, 17th October (arrive by 9.30am). No booking is required.

Glyn School Sixth Form Open Evening

Families are invited to the Glyn School Sixth Form Open Evening on Thursday, 17th October (5pm-7pm). No booking is required.

Halloween Parties by Every Wish Entertainment

Looking to add a touch of magic to your Halloween party? Every Wish Entertainment is on hand to make your celebration unforgettable with its Halloween-themed one-hour and two-hour party packages.

These can include face painting, pass the parcel, musical statues, spooky games, glitter tattoos, balloon modelling, and dance games and both packages can be customised to suit your needs.

To book your Halloween party, email us at everywishentertainment@gmail.com or visit the website: https://www.everywishentertainment.co.uk/

The Big Draw Festival 

The big draw festival is comes to Epsom on Friday, 18th (3.30pm-6pm, Derby Square) and Saturday, 19th October (11am-1pm, The Horton Arts Centre). Come with the children and have fun participating and expressing yourself. Free drop in.


Club 80s: The Ultimate 80s Party


It’s Club 80s: The Ultimate 80s Party at Epsom Playhouse on Friday, 18th October (7.30pm-10pm).

The Club 80’s Live show will take you on a rollercoaster ride back through one of the greatest eras of music. Hits by Cyndi Lauper, Culture Club, Guns & Roses, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Erasure, Bon Jovi, Wham, Deacon Blue! and many, many more are crammed into a non-stop, musical trip, back-combed, to the time that fashion forgot.

Find out more and  book tickets here.

Epsom Riding for the Disabled Manure Sale Fundraiser 

The Epsom Riding for the Disabled Manure Sale in on Saturday, 19th October (10.00am–1.00pm).

High-quality horse manure, well rotted, bagged and loaded on to your vehicle and only £6 per bag, and there’s an autumn special offer: 3 for the price of 2 bags.

Pre-order your manure here: https://www.epsomrda.org.uk/event/autumn-manure-sale/ for collection on Saturday 19th October.

Location: St Ebbas Farm, Hook Road, KT19 8QW. All proceeds in aid of Epsom Riding for the Disabled. Payments by card or cash on the day.

ABBA Bottomless Brunch @ The Ginistry 

The Ginistry Epsom is hosting an ABBA-themed bottomless brunch on Saturday, 19th October (1pm-4pm).

Get ready to indulge in a brunch that’s fit for a dancing queen, with bottomless drinks, pizza and an iconic ABBA tribute duo!

Tickets are just £45pp and include food from Pizzerium, music and bottomless drinks including: Prosecco, Draught beer, Haymans Original G&T & Haymans Peach and Rose Cup with lemonade.

Entertainment starts at 2pm with doors opening at 1pm. Book your tickets here. Please note, tickets are sold as tables, please email the Ginistry with name and group size once booked – theginistry@gmail.com

Great Pond Task 

On Sunday, 20th October, Epsom Common Association will continue its  programme of cutting back trees and scrub along the east side of the pond to maintain an area of rough, wet grass and waterside plants.

The work starts at 9.30am and finishes around 4pm, but if you have a few hours spare they’d be happy to see you. If you are new to the work parties please email: ecovols@epsomcommon.org.uk beforehand to let them know that you will be coming.

For more details go to the Facebook event page.

Christmas Showcase @ Be At One 

Book your place now at the Be At One Christmas menu showcase on Wednesday, 23rd October (5pm-8pm). This is the perfect time to get a sneak peek at what is coming up for the festive season and to plan Christmas parties.

Book by emailing here: beatone.epsom@stonegategroup.co.uk

Quirky Quiz Night @ The Grape Variety 

The next Quirky Quiz Night at The Grape Variety is on Wednesday 23rd October (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

Chessington School Fireworks, Fair & BBQ 

It’s Chessington School’s Fireworks, Fair & BBQ on Thursday, 24th October (gates open at 5.30pm and fireworks at 7.15pm).

Open to all students, families, friends, and the general public.
To book go here: https://www.chessington.kingston.sch.uk/beyond…/pta/events

Chef Renu B – Book Launch

Surrey-based private chef Renu Ballantine is launching her debut cookbook From Boardroom to Bouillabaisse at Epsom Social on Thursday, 24th October (5.30pm-8.30pm). I’ve had a sneak preview and it’s a great book, which simplifies complex cooking techniques and includes lovely, unique recipes alongside plenty of anecdotes.

The ticket price includes a buffet, curated drinks, a signed copy of the cookbook, cookery demo, samples, and a Q&A with Chef Renu Ballantine.

Find out more and book here.

Autumn Half-Term Fun at Ewell Library 

Looking for something creative to do with the kids during half-term? Head to Ewell Library (Bourne Hall) for its exciting STEM and coding workshops.

On Friday, 25th October (10-11am) and Wednesday, 30th Oct (2-3pm), kids aged 7+ can dive into its STEM workshop (£3 per child), where they’ll create their very own zoetrope—a fun, hands-on project with the brilliant Tinker Tigers.

Got a budding coder at home? The free coding workshops (ages 11+) run on Friday, 25th October (2-3pm) and Wednesday, 30th October (10-11am).

Spaces are limited, so sign up fast at the library desk or email: ewell.library@surreycc.gov.uk.
NEAT Halloween Party 

Head down to Neat Hq on Friday, 25th October (5.30pm-8pm) for a spook-tacular night of frightening fun! There will be music, trick or treat, games, fancy dress, mazes, and a tuck shop.

Prizes will be awarded, including a free week at Camp worth £150 for the best dressed! Pay online or on the door. For more details go here.

Live Music at The Famous Green Man Ewell 

There’s free live music at The Famous Green Man Ewell on Friday, October 25th (from 8.30pm) courtesy of Red Shanks, an acoustic duo who will be serving up all your favourite songs.

https://www.famousgreenmanewell.co.uk/

Ghouls + Giggles | Kids Halloween Yoga Trick-or-ReTreat 

Saturday, 26th October (1pm-4pm)

Bodhi Eden, 29 Waterloo Rd, Epsom KT19 8EX, UK

Leave your kids for an afternoon trick or re-treat at Bodhi Eden. They have an action packed afternoon planned for your little horrors including:

Kids yoga
Partner yoga
Yoga games
Mindful crafts
Mini meditations

Suitable for ages 4-8yrs old.

For more information and booking go here.

October at Hobbledown


This October, Hobbledown transforms into a spooky wonderland…

Dates: 12-13, 19-20, October 26 – November 3rd. 

Any tickets purchased for the dates listed above include all Hobble’ween celebrations, free of cost.

Tickets include:

– Skibbler School: Learn to become an undercover skibbler and master their secret handshake.

– Fancy Dress Monsters Ball: Don your creepiest costume and dance the night away.

– Wake the Dragon: Help us awaken our resident dragon from its slumber!

– Bug Brunch: Feast on delicious (and slightly creepy) dried bugs.

– Costume Parade: Show off your spooky style in our Halloween parade.

Find out more here: https://www.hobbledown.com/epsom/whats-on/its-hobbleween/

Craft my Day Halloween-Themed Half Term Craft Clubs

Get ready for a fang-tastic week of creativity this half term! Craft my day’s Halloween-themed Crafty Holiday Clubs are packed with spooktacular activities that will unleash your child’s imagination. From crafting eerie decorations to designing their own costumes and making creepy-crawly creations, it’s the perfect way to get into the Halloween spirit!

For full details and bookings go to: https://www.craftmyday.com/kids 

Godstone Farm this October Half Term

Get ready for a spook-tacular time at Godstone Farm this Halloween. The family farm park will be hosting a range of ‘friendly-frights’ and festive fun from Saturday, 26th October to Sunday 3rd, November. As well as the ever-popular pumpkin carving, kids can putt their way through Godstone Farm’s Halloween mini golf course and enjoy a scavenger hunt around the Farm. Plus, new this year… “The Wall”! Visitors can bravely dare to place their hand into the unknown. Godstone Farm is also hosting its Low Bangs Fireworks event on Saturday, 26th October and Sunday, 27th October.

Epsom Vineyard Church Light Party 

Kids and families, you are invited to join Epsom Vineyard Church for a FREE afternoon of fun and entertainment with face painting, craft, games and more on Saturday, 26th October (4-6pm). Everyone welcome!

Where: Epsom Social, KT19 8AG

St John’s Season of Music and Comedy – Jonathan Veira

Saturday, 26th October 7.30pm at St. John’s Church, Stoneleigh

Tickets £10; wine and soft drinks available for a donation.

The amazingly talented and versatile international singer Jonathan Veira returns to Stoneleigh after last year’s sell-out show. You can expect a stunning evening of music and laughter. With a voice like melted chocolate, Jonathan sings songs from Billy Joel to gospel and everything in between.

Book tickets here.

Beginning Research on You Family History at The Horton 

Saturday, 26th October at 12pm.

This talk is a Who Do You Think You Are for everyone. Jane Lewis will take you step by step through the basics of family history, where to start, what to do and most importantly, how you can get help and advice on what is bound to prove an exciting project. It will also include lots of time (and money) saving tips and ideas, and outline some of the ways to store and present your research.

To find out more and book go here.

Ritchie Rosson’s Halloween Magic Show

Head to Bourne Hall for a magical extravaganza with the one and only Ritchie Rosson on Saturday, 26th October. Ritchie will be doing three shows delivering 45 minutes of spooktakular fun and amazement.

Don’t miss the best magic show in town promised to bring laughs, scares, and pure entertainment!

To book:

11am show: https://sessami.co/events/f828ab3e-74be-43ae-acb8-04e31335c439?utm_mediu…

1pm show: https://sessami.co/events/253cf6fc-01d8-4e88-a5a1-b027337e5f4c?utm_mediu…

3pm show: https://sessami.co/events/4d58c657-2ce5-4512-a770-d109e2783baf?utm_mediu…

Halloween @ The Ginistry 

 

Get ready to experience the spookiest night of the year at the scariest Halloween party yet on Saturday, 26th of October. Party from 7pm till 2am!

There’s a line up of DJs, musicians and hosts for the evening. The Best part? They’re giving away a £100 bar voucher for the best-dressed guest! That’s not all… The Ginistry will be extended with a seriously spooky marquee on the square to maximise its capacity to 200.

For more info and booking go here and here.

Disco Totz Halloween Party 

Autumn is here which means it’s time to get ready for the Disco Totz Halloween Parties!

Monday, 28th October and Thursday, 31st October.

Party times:
️9.45am- Disco Babiez (up to age 2)
‍11am – Disco Totz (2y- 4y)
️12.15pm – Disco KIDZ! (Reception- year 3* (for children who love dancing and discos!)

Includes:
1 hour disco!
Bubbles
Disco dancing
Instruments
Rainbow parachute
PLUS…
All children receive a treat!

Book now at: https://discototz.com/find-class-or-event

 

Make Lunch Club Epsom

The Make Lunch Club Epsom October half-term session will take place on Tuesday, 29th October, from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM at St Barnabas Epsom, Temple Road, KT19 8HA.

Parent & Child Half-term Bread Baking Class

Learn to make Spooky Hallowe’en Bread with mum or dad on Tuesday, 29th October (9.00am-12pm).

This special hands-on morning class will be held at Honey & Bamboo in the heart of Ewell Village. Pick up all the ingredients you need from the shop then you’ll bake your bread with me in the brilliant new workshop space behind. All instructions, recipe sheets and snacks will be provided. Suitable for ages 7-13 and a parent/grandparent must attend the class.

*New Venue* – Honey & Bamboo Zero Waste Shop, 40 High St, Ewell KT17 1RW
More info & to book: CLASSES | Bake 88

Ebbisham 1-day Badminton & Squash Camp

Ebbisham is hosting a 1-day Badminton & Squash Camp on Tuesday, 29th October from 9.00am-3.00pm.

The camp is suitable for children aged 7-14 years old of all standards.

For more information or to book, please email: admin@ebbishamsportsclub.com

Half-term at The Horton 

There’s so much on at The Horton this half-term.

Kids Halloween Art Club – Clay Gargoyles and Monsters
Tuesday, 29th October (11am – 1pm)

Get creative this half-term making Halloween-themed expressive sculptures using air drying clay. Experiment with moulding, shaping and mark-making and create something unique to take home.All materials and equipment provided.

More details and booking here.

Shivers And Shadows

Tuesday 29 October, 11.30am

Get ready to shiver, shake n shudder and scream as Squashbox Theatre presents its first ever show for Halloween.Craig, your friendly host, has just inherited a creepy mansion from his Great Uncle Vladimir. Join him as he explores the mansion’s secrets and meets some of its strange and spooky inhabitants.

More details and booking here.

Kids Halloween Mosaic Workshop

Wednesday, 30th October (10am – 12.30pm)

Choose from a range of spooky shapes and fill with tiles to make your very own unique Halloween mosaic.

You will learn how to cut glass tiles with mosaic nippers. The edges can be sharp, so you will also learn how to be careful with tools and materials. You will be given grout and instructions to complete your mosaic when it is fully dry.

This workshop is suitable for children aged 10 and over.

More details and booking here.

Short Stories Tall Tales – Mouse and Sam’s Winter Holiday 

Friday, 1st November (11.30am and 1.30pm).

A live, sensory first theatre experience from Short Stories Tall Tales. Hannah Summers brings classic, modern and original stories to life.
Immerse your little ones imaginations through live performance, fully interactive role-play, props, music and creative drama. An exciting adventure into stories and exploration through the senses.

More details and booking here.

Crafty Saturdays at Epsom Vineyard Church 

Saturday, 26th October (2:00pm – 4:00pm)

Crafty Saturdays is a space to bring your own craft and do it alongside others who love crafting too.

If you would love some space and time to work on your craft projects and enjoy free tea, coffee, biscuits and some friendly chatter, then head down to the Church Centre: 23 Lansdowne Road, Ewell, KT19 9QJ

Please remember to bring your own craft materials 🙂

Angel Swim October Crash Course 

 

Angel Swim is running 30 minute daily swimming lessons from Monday, 28th October until Friday, 1st November at Cheam and Surbiton.

Find out more and book here: www.angelswim.london

Aerial Tumbling Club Half Term Gymnastics Camps 

Bookings for Aerial Tumbling Club’s half-term gymnastics clubs is now open.

Please email to book your child’s place: aerialtumblingclub@hotmail.com

Website: https://www.aerialtumblingclub.co.uk/

Ewell Halloween Walks

Tuesday 29th, Thursday 31st, October and Saturday, 2nd November
Three walks on each date: 3pm to 4.30pm, 5.30 to 7pm, and 8pm to 9.30pm

Discover the darker side of Ewell’s history with a guided tour around its historic heart. Visit graveyards and crime scenes if you dare. Hear tales of local folk who won’t stay dead, ghostly coach crashes and exploding gunpowder mills Are you brave enough to dare to tread where the Resurrection Men once stood whilst you learn about their grisly trade? Experience for yourself what it was like to be imprisoned in Ewell’s 18th century jail be careful you don’t get left behind. Discover Roman rituals.

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.

Please meet in the foyer of Bourne Hall.

Epsom Halloween Walks

Wednesday, 30th October and Friday, 1st November

There are three walks on each date: 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

Half Term Activities at Merland Rise Church

Merland Rise Church has half term activities running from Wednesday, 30th October until Friday, 1st November.

✨ What’s in store?
Dance & multi-sports workshops with Kick London
Art workshop with Ember Designs UK

Whether your child loves to dance, play sports, or get creative, there’s something for everyone!

Spaces are limited! Visit: merlandrisechurch.org.uk to book your child’s spot today.

Princess Live @ Leatherhead 

Princess Live! Is coming to Leatherhead Theatre on Wednesday, 30th October (show times 1pm & 4pm).

After a recent sell out tour, join your favourite fairy tale princesses this half term for the ultimate hour long pop princess party.

Princess Live! Is a magical show where princesses create the ultimate girl group which will have everyone singing and dancing along. At the end of every show you will get the chance to have a FREE photo opportunity with the stars of the show.

Book here: https://theleatherheadtheatre.com/whatson/princess-live/

Halloween Spooky Stories at Epsom Library 

Be prepared to be scared on Thursday, 31st October  (2-3pm) as Epsom Library hosts a special Halloween Spooky story time in the temporary Epsom Library.

Tickets, which are free, are limited and will be handed out on a first come, first served basis. Stories suitable for older children, ages 6+ .

Light Party (Halloween Alternative) 


Kids aged 2 – 11 (with their adult) are welcome to help light up Ashtead on Thursday,  31st October (5-7pm) at St Giles’ & St George’s Light Party. Enjoy fun inflatables, games, challenges, and craft and take a treat home at the end!

Book your space on-line at: sgsgashtead.org.uk/kids

Grow Cook Enjoy Spooky Special Halloween Workshops

Join Grow Cook Enjoy for a morning of spooky fun on Thursday, 31st October (10am-12pm) and make:

* Pumpkin Calzone
* Oozy Skull cookies
* Cake pop bats

More details and booking here.

And/or join for an afternoon (1pm-3pm) of fun and make:

* Bat Boxes
* Flutter flyers
* Spooky cookies
* Graveyard chocolate brownies

More details and booking here.

These workshops are for children aged 5 plus unless accompanied by an adult.

St John’s Stoneleigh – Treat and no trick 


·
☕ Get warmed up by popping along to the FREE hot chocolate stand outside of St John’s church (by Stoneleigh Station on the opposite side to the Broadway) on Thursday, 31st October between 5.30pm and 7.30pm.

Neil Sands presents Christmas Memories at The Epsom Playhouse 

Thursday, 31st October – Neil Sands and his wonderful cast are back with the new 2024 production of their hit show, Christmas Memories. Filled with over 60 of your all-time favourite classic songs and carols that will have you singing along from start to finish, this sparkling show will bring back many wonderful memories of Christmases past. Join Neil for this spectacular spirit-lifting and heart-warming afternoon of festive nostalgia!

Tickets: £14.50

For booking go here.

Book Now!

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/

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.

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.

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.

Get your tickets now by emailing: aladinewell@gmail.com

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

A lovely occasion for all the family!

This is a fundraising event in aid of Age Concern Epsom & Ewell. For more details and booking go here.

Weekly

Grow and Glow is a free mental health support group exclusively for women, which meets weekly at Epsom Methodist Church every Wednesday (7pm to 8.30pm).

The support group gives women a supportive environment to come together to engage in meaningful discussions about mental health challenges, exchange coping strategies and foster strong relationships with other members.

Coming Up! 

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

I’ll be back again in a couple of weeks for the  November Lowdown…

Fran x