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Community +

Real people, real stories – come and meet the locals and celebrate our community

Step into Autumn with a Soulful Day Out

From leaf-peeping to theatre trips, Angelina Villa-Clarke finds Surrey’s most satisfying days out to make the most of the new season ahead.

DRUM

A story of home and identity

Buy What you Love

Making art more approachable. If you’ve ever walked into a gallery and felt a little out of place, Carol Caiger understands and it’s exactly what inspired her to do things differently. “Art should be joyful and accessible,” she says. “Not intimidating.”

Soul Food

She Speaks Supper Club is an inspiring new space founded by local PR and mum-of-two, Jessie Wales

The Great Summer Treasure Hunt

Explore Surrey’s historic landmarks for the ultimate summer’s day out. Angelina Villa-Clarke puts the county’s prettiest beauty sites – steeped in fascinating facts - on the map.

The thrill of it

From scream-inducing rollercoasters to toddler-friendly character rides, visiting a theme park is one of the highlights of the summer. Here’s our ultimate guide of what to expect at some of the UK’s favourite parks.

Let's go... up the Downs

The Derby Festival may be the headline act but there's plenty more to enjoy beyond race day…

Union Jack

After walking from Epsom Clocktower to Glasgow earlier this year, dad-of-two Jack Percival, 30, is on a fundraising mission for causes close to home, including the charity he founded, Percy’s Homeless Hub.

Bloomin’ lovely

From green spaces bursting with flowers to whimsical fairy trails, Angelina Villa-Clarke tracks down a few of Surrey’s prettiest gardens

Awkwardly adulting

Local writer Kim Hawley is back to share her musings and this time it’s about reinventing Mother’s Day…

Celebrate in Style

Nestled at Woodcote End, just moments from the world-famous Epsom Downs, The Durdans - built in the 1760s by Charles Dalbiac - has stood as a cornerstone of Epsom’s history for centuries.

Bounce your way into Spring

From hiking across Surrey’s countryside to cooking in the wild, Angelina Villa-Clarke discovers six ways to get your mojo back as we say hello to longer days ahead.

20 things to love about Epsom & Ewell

Team OUT share their local gems, hidden treasures and hometown pride!

Fuel for thought

Dr Emma Derbyshire PhD has written a practical, neurodiversity-positive guide to boosting ADHD and dyslexic brain power.

Awkwardly adulting

Local writer Kim Hawley is back to share her festive musings, mishaps and (all-too-familiar) fond family memories…

Local Author & Illustrator Zehra Hicks

We chat to author and illustrator Zehra Hicks – who has just finished her 14th book – on what inspires her to create.

The Magic Makers

Bringing the festive magic to life, we’re shining a light on the behind-the-scenes heroes who are making the season special, in our ‘hood.

The Art of Wintering

As tempting as it might be to hole up once the temperatures plummet, the quiet days of winter are also the best time to try something new.

Treasure Seeker

When it comes to transforming your interiors with pieces that stand the test of time, A Hundred Stories, the home of vintage furniture in Surrey, definitely marks the spot.

Empowering Voices

A local initiative is changing lives by offering women from minority ethnic communities the chance to learn conversational English, fostering confidence and a supportive, local network.

Awkwardly Adulting

Local writer Kim Hawley shares her musings on being a grown-up, winging it and wondering where on earth the time has gone!

Scenic Strolls

Lace up your walking boots and explore the autumnal tones of our local landscape.

Back to the Future

While technology continues to plug itself into every single part of our daily lives, a retro revival is keeping pace right alongside it.

Indulge, Relax, Repeat

To celebrate National Spa Week, Angelina Villa-Clarke finds the best holistic havens.

Ripple Effect

Queen’s Promenade Friends are a volunteer group helping improve the river walkway in Kingston upon Thames. We spoke with Stefan Gross, Chair of QPF, about how rejuvenating areas along the river has renewed a sense of local, community spirit.

Bring the outside in

Local interior designer Dominika Palladino explores the art of bringing the outside in with verdant aesthetics and natural light spaces, merged with modern design.

Home for the Holidays

You don’t have to travel far - or spend lots of money - to embark on a summertime adventure. Angelina Villa-Clarke finds the best camping spots in Surrey, for a holiday to remember.

3 REASONS TO…

Feel the fear and just do it anyway!

Let’s hear it for our heroes

This Father’s Day, why not plan a day to remember for the special Dad in your life? Angelina Villa-Clarke finds five ways to make him feel on top of the world.

It’s Showtime

Discover and enjoy world class theatre right here on our doorstep at The Rose Theatre. This summer, explore an incredible line up from family friendly productions to shows that will have you laughing, singing and dancing in the aisles.

Take me to the River

Local hot spots to enjoy along the water this summer.

Small Space Big Ideas

Local interior designer Hannah Ashe works regularly with clients whose homes are short on space. She says, “The key is being creative with what’s available and making the most of every inch.” Here Hannah shares her top tips to give your small space an injection of creative thinking.

Easter Holiday Special

From egg hunts to indoor gaming, Angelina Villa-Clarke finds the best fun-fuelled activities to keep all-ages entertained during the Easter holidays.

Hear The Marsden Kids

Campaigning against the closure of children’s cancer services at The Royal Marsden in Sutton, we speak with local resident Jenny Houghton, organiser of the parent-led campaign Hear the Marsden Kids...

All creatures great and small 

From miniature ponies to giant bunnies, what better way to mark the arrival of springtime than a visit behind-the-scenes at Hobbledown, Epsom. Home to farm and zoo animals (who knew that a camel lived in our leafy borough?) we stuck our wellies on and mucked in, ready for an animal adventure…

Queen for the day

Mother’s Day falls on the 10th March this year, but why stop there? These special places are a treat all year round. From an afternoon tea or a lavish bite to eat, Angelina Villa-Clarke reveals the perfect places to truly spoil her.

Grooving through life with Hannah Dorman

Welcome to our musician spotlight! This month we have Hannah Dorman, a singer songwriter that has a big voice, and even bigger dreams. In this Q&A, we'll uncover her mottos in life, her inspiration for her music, and what's next for the future!

Fully Booked

From magical mythology to children’s fiction, Waterstones, Epsom recommends the gift of a good read this winter…

Meditation made easy 

Trained and qualified in meditation, sound and crystal healing therapy amongst several yoga disciplines, we asked Shikira from Temples for the Soul, to explain how we can all tap into some much-needed time out…

“We are only a phone call away.”

Amongst the merriment of the festive season, Dorah May Hancock and Marie Thackwell from local charity Age Concern Epsom & Ewell know too well how this time of year can be challenging for many…

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