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The Future of Nonsuch Park

There have been some concerns in the Sutton and Epsom area about the future of Nonsuch Park, after which Nonsuch Rotary Club is named.

Surrey County Council. who technically own the freehold to the park had wanted to "dispose of the Mansion House for development" releasing funds to finance future upkeep of the Park.

500 Local residents at a meeting of Surrey County Council's Executive
On Tuesday 27th February 2007, over 500 local residents attended a meeting of Surrey County Council's Executive who were reviewing their proposals for the park to express their concerns and anger over these proposals.

David Smith, Chief Executive of Epsom & Ewell Borough Council and Clerk to the Nonsuch Park Joint Management Committee, Paul Slaughter , Chairman of Stoneleigh & Orial Residents Association and Paul Burstow, MP for Sutton & Cheam spoke against the Council's proposals.

At least two petitions signed by almost 4,000 residents were also presented to show the strong public feeling against these proposals.

The Leader of the Council, Mr Nick Skellett commented that he had never seen such a large representation concerning a community issue.

The Council agreed to work with the Nonsuch Park Joint Management Committee and the two Boroughs (L B of Sutton and Epsom & Ewell B C) to review their proposals and hoped to have developed a plan acceptable to the local community in the next two months.

After the meeting, whilst feeling positive of the outcome so far, Paul Burstow commented that the battle was not over as Surrey had not withdrawn their plans. It is therefore important for local residents to keep up the pressure and contribute to future discussions about the future of a much loved and valued local amenity.

Further information is available from The Friends of Nonsuch website and from www.savenonsuch.co.uk

Note that the views expressed in this news item are not necessarily the views of Nonsuch Rotary but are presented as of interest to the local community.

Winner of Bizz Quizz 2007

Nonsuch Rotary's second Bizz Quizz was held at the Phoenix Club in Epsom on Thursday 22nd February 2007.

11 teams from local organisations enjoyed a Fish & Chip Supper whilst competing for the Bizz Quizz trophy. It was a very close run event with the winning team just streaking ahead on the final round by playing a tactical joker!

David King with Sophie Millard
The winners were Sophie Millard Costume Jewellery, a small business based in Kingston specialising in the manufacture and hire of costume jewellery to the film and theatrical industry. Sophie Millard, who read about the Quizz in a local paper said "We are so shocked but very pleased to have won thus contest at our first attempt. We have had a very enjoyable evening and will certainly come again".

Nonsuch Rotary run Bizz Quizz to encourage fellowship with local organisations as well as to raise funds for local charities. As with the 2006 Quizz, the profit form the evening will be donated to The Queen Mary's Hospital for Children's Neo Natal Unit Appeal.

Bizz Quizz will be run again in February 2008.