1 st December 2004
"My 18 Years in Epsom & Ewell with remission"
by David Smith, Chief Executive
This Ladies Lunch was held at the Queens Stand on the Epsom Racecourse, this was a change from our normal venue at Cuddington Golf Club and David Wood chose this venue our President who further facilitated our dinner. A good turn out of members and friend filled the restaurant on the fourth floor to near maximum capacity, in all about one hundred
and twenty members and friends enjoyed the occasion.
Our guest and speaker for the occasion was by David Smith, Chief Executive of Epsom and Ewell Borough Council who used the unusual title of "My 18 Years in Epsom & Ewell with remission" But before he spoke Richard Whittington the Ladies Lunch organiser for the last 8 years, arranged for a splendid three course traditional meal
followed by coffee and mince pies. This was extremely nice although the service between courses was rather slow, but this gave Richard the opportunity to arrange for the lucky ladies to draw for the very nice prizes that had been donated.
Our President controlled the occasion as befits a Borough Councillor, indeed in the gathering we believe we had at least eight past or present councillors and at least three ex Mayors, well done the Probus Club of Ewell. Our President reminded all but perhaps more for the ears of the CEO our speaker, that he was born and bred in Ewell and those
in the Council needed reminding that Ewell had more historical lineage than Epsom although from time to time this fact was neatly forgotten!
David Smith then spoke on a wide range of topics and reminded us that although the Council budget had barely changed in value over the last decade or two, the changes that government had force upon all councils meant that new ventures, acts of parliament, health and safety etc had meant a constant change in duties of not only the CEO but all of
the 300+ staff under his care.
He reminded us that many of his duties took place, in what is called unsociable hours, the evenings; hence he praised the support of his wife who was present for missing his company during many late sittings of the Council.
Our President had asked David to focus on the aspect of the Downs as this was the location we were in, so many aspects of the Council's many facetted functions were not covered, but below David has given a link to the Council web site, so after reviewing this please browse their site.
David continued by giving the historical origins of this open space called the Downs, taking us through the various "ownerships" and grazing right if any of the commoners, at this stage the President wondered if he could graze his sheep during the Derby, we assume he was talking about real sheep and not his Probus members.
Our speaker reminded us all that the area was now covered by a local Act of Parliament, but in fact the ground was owned by Epsom Racecourse Ltd, the Council only owned one house which in fact was on a long term lease hold to one of the local trainers.
Hence the Council works in close partnership with the Racecourse authorities to ensure that the horse trainers had full access to the course and training circuits up to midday, at the same time the public had free access apart from the actual race meeting days.
David outlined some of the conflicting interest apart from the obvious race horse of high breeding that could respond dramatically not just to model aircraft with their noisy engines but to the silent kites that arrived swiftly without any warning of their approach, to the mountain bikes, walkers, joggers and selfish dog owners that let their
pets rush around without due control, not all David told us, but the selfish few. Humorously he said that other unmentionable activities that took place in car parks or other areas were sometimes a problem.
Considering the time constraints due to the overlong meal and David had yet another meeting of the Council where the budget plans for the forth coming year and as he alluded our future Council taxes were being discussed, this was an entertaining presentation, generally in a light hearted vein, which of course did not diminish the members views of
the most efficient Council we have in Epsom and this is due to the leadership of David Smith. After a short vote of thanks those present responded in our customary applause to a well deserving CEO not just for his presentation but for all the hard work generated over the past 18 years, we all agreed he is more than due his full remission!
Eve Douthwaite responded on behalf of the invited ladies as follows: - Mr. President and members of the Probus Club of Ewell may we the ladies here today thank you for your kind invitation to this delightful venue. We very much appreciated your twice-yearly invitation to
join you and enjoy the friendship and indeed the splendid meal and of course the gifts showered upon the lucky ladies.
We give a special thanks to your President who has facilitated this change of venue from the normal at Cuddington Golf Club to the Queens Stand, thank you David Wood. Naturally
we appreciate that splendid functions like this do not just happen, but behind the scenes is a well oiled machine, the driving force being Richard Whittington who has expertly planned the day, with a few members of the committee, well done men.
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David Smith
To view a few pictures of the occasion CLICK here.