WHAT’S HAPPENING IN AND AROUND THE AREA – MAY PART 1
Posted by Francesca De Franco on 30 Apr 2021
The first of the May bank holiday weekends is almost upon us – hurrah! Whilst quite a lot of things are still virtual, more and more real-life events and activities are back on the agenda. There certainly seems to be a buzz everywhere.
Here’s a round up of some of the things happening in and around the area in the next couple of weeks.
My Book Bug’s Marvellous May Sale
Stock up! There’s an online Usborne book sale on May 4th (8pm-10pm). There’ll be lots of bargains to snap up on the night – and competitions to win books/book vouchers. The sale will remain open for a few days for you to browse and add orders. All new May titles will be 15% off during the sale! More details here.
Epsom and Ewell Health Walks
Epsom and Ewell Health Walks (EEHW) are resuming on Wednesday, 5 May (all walks start at 10am). The walks are free, but must be booked in advance. Find out more in this month’s e-Borough Insight: https://insight.epsom-ewell.gov.uk/…/walking-for-health
Grow Cook Enjoy
If you have a child off to Uni, completing their D of E or who just needs to learn how to cook then the Teenage Cooking Club is perfect. You can join them onto a course or book an individual class to learn essential skills. The next individual class is on May 4th (6:30pm – 7:30pm BST). Book here.
Grow Cook Enjoy is also running its Summer Cooking Club (online) for children aged 5-11 years (current term runs now until 25th May; resuming 8th June to 6th July). The theme is alfresco dining. Find out more here.
Taste of the World Market
The usual Friday Taste of the World Markets are taking place on Friday, April 30th, May 7th and May 15th but there is a bonus market on Bank Holiday Monday (May 3rd). Find out more here.
Epsom and Ewell Showcase
Epsom Rotary Club has put together a super programme that includes some of the best performers in Epsom & Ewell. You can watch the charity event from the comfort of your own home on Saturday, 1st May (children’s acts 6pm-7 pm, adult’s 8pm-10pm. Find out more here.
Epsom Farmers Market
The next monthly farmers market is on Sunday, 2nd May. Find out more about what’s on offer: https://epsomandewellfamilies.co.uk/epsoms-thriving-markets-internaational-food-crafts-farmers-vegan-antiques/
Round the Borough Bike
Round the Borough Bike, the popular non-competitive cycle event, is returning in May and this time it’s virtual. You can complete the 20-mile route throughout the month and get the chance to explore the beauty of Epsom and Ewell by bike. Read more here: https://epsom-ewell.gov.uk/news/round-borough-bike-back and register here.
May Open Day at Gatton Park
On Sunday, 2nd May, the beautiful and historic Gatton Park in Reigate will be open to explore with walks around the rock garden, Japanese garden, lake and more. Booking is essential: https://gattonpark.co.uk/events/may-open-days/
Bounce Epsom
Regular group Bounce fitness classes will return to Epsom College from Wednesday, 5th May. Find out more and book here.
RHS Virtual Chelsea Flower Show
The world’s greatest flower show is going virtual between May 17th-21st. “Expect inspirational ideas, top tips from nursery exhibitors who would have been at the May show, conversations with designers and celebrity gardeners, and exclusive September show news.” Find out more here.
Wellbeing Walks
The Mary Frances Trust is resuming its Leatherhead and Epsom Downs Wellbeing Walks from Tuesday, 4th May and Thursday, 6th May (respectively). Pre-booked places only; find out more here.
Captain Tom 100 Challenge for Home-Start Epsom, Ewell and Banstead
Get involved in The Captain Tom 100 Challenge from April 30th until May 3rd and raise funds for Home Start, a community network of volunteers, which helps families in the Epsom & Ewell area.
Everyone is invited to take on a challenge around the number 100 anytime and anywhere over Captain Tom’s birthday weekend. Donate or fundraise for Home-Start Epsom, Ewell and Banstead through Virgin Giving https://bit.ly/3eyI3F3
You can also raise funds for Epsom and St Helier Hospitals Charity
Epsom Craft Market
The Folly Fairs monthly craft and gift market is back in Epsom on Sunday, May 9th (10:30am to 3:30pm). You’ll find an array of handmade products such as soaps, candles, luxury hampers, unique jewellery, glassware, ceramics, art and woodcrafts all made by local people. Go to the Folly Fairs Facebook page for more details.
Tadworth Art Group Spring Exhibition
This year, The Tadworth Art Group is hosting its spring exhibition online at: https://www.tadworthartgroup.com/ Between the 14th and 23rd May, you’ll be able to to view and purchase art works by its select group of artists. They can deliver locally and via courier.
Wandgas Free Cricket Taster Sessions (and full courses)
The last of the Wandgas Cricket Club FREE Cricket Taster sessions is on May 6th.
“Wandgas Cricket Club are offering 2 highly engaging and entertaining programs for girls and boys aged 5-11. All Stars Cricket (Ages 5-8) and Dynamos Cricket (Ages 8-11). This is a fun and natural progression in the sport and is a great opportunity for kids to develop a lifelong love of Cricket and to make new friends. Great value, excellent facilities, a fully operational indoor/outdoor bar for parents 😉, Wandgas is a home for the whole family this summer.”
See https://wandgas.play-cricket.com/ for more info on the full courses commencing 13th May.
Blossom Photoshoot
Little Pip Photography are holding evening Blossom Sessions, limited spaces available contact Karen at littlepipphotography@yahoo.co.uk, visit the website www.littlepipphotography.co.uk.
Book now
Ignite: fire and fantasy at Polesden Lacey
A new after dark experience at Polesden Lacey… “Ignite is a trail of light, lanterns, fantasy and fire. It’s a brand new family-friendly, playful wonderland filled with the shimmering effects of fire and light – expect the unexpected!”. This isn’t until Autumn (22nd October – 31st October & 3rd November – 7th November), but tickets are selling out fast. Book here.
Other news and info
Surrey Day
The third annual Surrey Day is on Saturday 1 May. It’s led by Visit Surrey and partners BBC Radio Surrey and Surrey Life magazine and celebrates the county through a variety of online and live events.
More info here: https://www.visitsurrey.com/whats-on/surrey-day
The Grumpy Moles (including Epsom, Cheam and Tadworth) are now open for outside dining. Check out other places in the area where you can enjoy Al Fresco dining in Dee’s blog.
Surrey County Council Elections
Have your say in the local elections on May 6th. Find out more about the Epsom & Ewell candidates here.
Review
Things are really starting to open up and there’s plenty to enjoy; some of the Epsom & Ewell Families team even managed to indulge in a bottomless Prosecco brunch at the Well House Inn (much fun, drinking, eating and even singing and chair dancing!). Read Kat’s review here. I’d definitely recommend a visit.
Until next time…
Fran x
*Main photo credit: Little Pip Photography.
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.