What's On

West End Playgroup and Forest School are proud to have achieved a triple 'Ofsted Outstanding' rating, recognising that we have now been offering the very highest standard of care and education for over a decade. To read our Ofsted inspection reports, including our latest one dated March 2022, please see: https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/16/122442

Established in 1975 and located in the picturesque village of West End in Esher our playgroup and forest school sessions provide a stimulating and nurturing preschool for all children from 2 to 5 years old. The playgroup is run by a small but dedicated team who are well qualified with many years of experience.  We operate with a key person approach to the care and education of all children who attend and build strong links with our parents.

We have three play areas at the village hall, comprising two indoor areas for creative and messy play and an outdoor area with bikes, cars and scooters. We also have access to the beautiful green and woods for our nature walks and forest school sessions. In addition to the large variety of activities available, we also offer a structured program of termly themes and weekly topics including 'All About Me', 'Animals Through History' & 'Our World'.

Our daily routines include: key person circle time, snack time, music & movement, messy play, nature walks and forest school.

We arrange outings and organise visits from key members of the community and from parents and grandparents with different professions.

West End Playgroup is a not for profit organisation and has an active parent committee who organise social and fundraising events.

Pilates is a form of exercise that was developed by German born Joseph Pilates. He invented Pilates as an exercise program for injured soldiers during WWI, whilst he was living in the UK. Pilates focuses on strengthening the body with an emphasis on the core muscles, whilst also concentrating on breathing, posture, balance and flexibility.

"Having qualified as a Physiotherapist in 2002, I quickly saw the benefits Pilates offered my patients and the wider community. I chose to gain my Matwork Pilates instructor qualification from the Australian Physiotherapy and Pilates Institute (APPI) as they provide a unique program of rehabilitation based Pilates. Since having my family I have chosen to follow my love and passion for Pilates, so no longer work as a Physiotherapist. I feel the knowledge and experience I gained from being in the profession for nearly 15 years allows me to provide high quality, client specific Pilates programs."

"Since becoming an APPI Matwork instructor I have expanded my Pilates knowledge by attending numerous APPI courses. These have explored and focused on various pieces of small equipment such as the soft ball, weighted balls, the magic circle, the foam roller, the wobble board, the resistance tube and the wobble cushions. I have also attended courses that specialise  in standing Pilates, clients with osteoporosis, runner specific Pilates, as well as antenatal and postnatal Pilates."

"I hold both 1:1 sessions and very small group classes (6-8 people), from a 'Room with a View' in West End, Esher, Surrey. Joseph and the APPI believe getting the correct technique is key to Pilates. I feel this is achieved in my uniquely small class size, where I can monitor and correct everyone fully. I provide all the equipment you need.  All classes are grouped into abilities. I am keen to see all new comers on a 1:1 basis first so I can assess which class you are best suited to join.  All classes are booked in advance."

West End Bridge Club meet every Tuesday at 1:30pm.

Le Cercle Française d'Esher was founded in 1973 by Mrs. Josée Gray-Forton to encourage the study of the French language and its literature, to provide opportunities to speak French and to meet with friends. It benefits from subsidies from the Alliance Française de Londres.

Ember Manor Lodge will be celebrating its centenary in 2025. In 1925 a group of Masonic friends who lived in and around Molesey decided to form a new lodge, among them were several local shopkeepers.

They met at hotels in Molesey between 1925 and 1938 and then moved to Glenmore House, the Masonic Centre in Surbiton.  In 2005 we decided to move the meetings to the Village Hall in West End where we meet formally four times each year.

The formal meetings are held on the third Mondays of the month, except July and August. After the formal proceedings, we dine together. As well as the formal meetings we hold regular informal rehearsal meetings and various social gatherings during the year to which our wives and friends are invited.

We give to charities, both Masonic and non-masonic. The Freemasons are among the most generous donors to charities, only exceeded by The National Lottery.

If you are a Mason and you wish to join us or you think you might be interested in becoming a Mason, contact Steven Guzy by email at steve.guzy@btinternet.com and he will tell you more about Ember Manor Lodge and to invite you to one of our social gatherings.

Our wide variety of events range from literary lunches, a day out in London either for Christmas shopping or for a walking tour with a blue badge guide, fiendish quizzes, cream teas, fashion shows, down to learning new crafts such as portrait painting or willow weaving. Everything is possible and the members are encouraged to send in their ideas for the committees to consider for future events.

To many of the Surrey WI members, belonging to a WI gives them the opportunity to find friendship with a sense of togetherness and belonging. Monthly meetings can be lively and chatty with lots of fun and laughter. Some give you an opportunity to be creative and learn more skills, while at others you will learn about something new.

Many WIs organise a variety of other activities throughout the month. When you need it, the members can be very supportive and understanding. Being a WI member can be an inspiring experience, and most of all offers you FRIENDSHIP! So, why not give it a go and see what the WI can offer you.