Epsom & Ewell Seeks Your Stories for 90th Anniversary
A Milestone Moment for Our Borough
Epsom & Ewell is preparing for a significant milestone—the 90th anniversary of our borough council’s establishment in 1937. This landmark gives us all a chance to reflect on nearly a century of change, growth, and community spirit across the neighbourhoods we know and love. From the heart of Ewell to the surrounding areas like Horsley and East Horsley, the borough has evolved dramatically over these nine decades. The council is launching an appeal to residents and long-time community members, asking you to dust off those old photograph albums and dig into your memories. Whether you remember the post-war rebuilding period, the rise of local businesses, or transformations in our town centres, your stories matter. These contributions will create a meaningful historical record that captures not just the official timeline, but the lived experiences of people who’ve shaped this place. As we look toward 2027, this is our collective opportunity to ensure that the voices and memories of Epsom & Ewell’s past aren’t lost when the borough transitions into the new East Surrey Council structure.
How Your Community Can Get Involved
The appeal is open to everyone—whether you’ve lived here for five years or fifty. Epsom & Ewell Borough Council is actively seeking photographs, written accounts, and personal anecdotes that showcase our borough’s character and development. These contributions will be shared across the council’s social media channels and, importantly, permanently archived at Bourne Hall Museum in Ewell, ensuring they’re preserved for future generations. You don’t need to be a professional writer or photographer. A simple snapshot of a familiar street, a memory of a local landmark, or a story about how a neighbourhood has changed is valuable. Perhaps you have memories of independent shops that have since closed, recollections of local community events, or photographs showing how areas near Woking, Dorking, or Guildford’s surrounding communities have transformed. Whether your story relates to family milestones, local businesses—from traditional bathroom fitters and kitchen renovation specialists to modern retailers—or community initiatives, it’s worth sharing. The council’s leader, Hannah Dalton, emphasises that every single contribution helps tell our collective story and honours what makes Epsom & Ewell special.
What Happens Next: Your Legacy and the Borough’s Future
The 90th anniversary celebrations planned for 2027 will feature a comprehensive programme honouring the borough’s heritage, achievements, and community spirit. Your contributions will form the backbone of these events and displays. Beyond social media sharing, submitted materials will be catalogued and made accessible through Bourne Hall Museum, creating a permanent digital and physical archive that residents, researchers, and future community members can explore. This matters now more than ever, as the borough council prepares for its merger into East Surrey Council. Rather than viewing this transition negatively, the anniversary campaign frames it as an opportunity to celebrate what we’ve built together and document our identity before this chapter closes. Local organisations, businesses, and community groups across Epsom & Ewell are being encouraged to participate. Whether you’re involved in local heritage societies, shop owners, or simply a resident with meaningful memories, your involvement enriches the historical record. To submit your stories and photographs, contact Epsom & Ewell Borough Council directly through their official channels. This is your chance to ensure that 90 years of Epsom & Ewell’s community life—the everyday moments that define us—are remembered and celebrated properly.
Source: Appeal for memories of Epsom & Ewell borough’s 90-year history
