Heathscene Spring 2019

heathscene spring 2019

Camberley Be Entertained Surrey Youth Games Business Awards latest

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Planting Design

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Life can throw up all sorts of unexpected challenges. When this happens you will want to make sure that the people you deal with have your best interests at heart.

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Redhill | Oxted | Wimbledon | Teddington | Woking | Camberley Heathscene - Spring Edition 19.indd 1

08/02/2019 15:28

4-5

Message from the

Town centre latest

Chief Executive

Regeneration project updates

18

Spring is in the air in Surrey Heath and we’re looking forward to warmer weather across our beautiful Borough.

Recycling round up

We’ve been busy – as usual – and p4–5 includes an update on our key regeneration projects in Camberley Town Centre. You’ll also find details of ‘Be Entertained’, our fantastic events programme with free entertainment throughout the year.

Amazing results by residents

20

March 22 sees the Business Awards ceremony, celebrating the diversity and quality of firms big and small throughout Surrey Heath (p9).

Surrey Heath Show

Plans are also underway for this year’s Camberley Carnival in June – always a fabulous community day, turn to page 7 for more details.

News on this year’s event

25

For our younger residents, turn to page 15 for free training sessions being offered in 10 different activities ahead of the Surrey Youth Games in June. Tennis in the Park is also coming into its own, and there’s news on the amazing new Frimley Lodge Park playground too (p8).

Your vote matters

Local elections latest

Cover photo: Congratulations to Hayley Staff of Chobham who won our ‘Spring in Surrey Heath’ photo competition – her gorgeous photo is on the cover of this issue of Heathscene.

Copywriting by Kate Noviss and Joanne Atkinson, Surrey Heath Borough Council Designed and printed by Frontline, Ashdown House, Charlwoods Road, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 2HJ Published by Surrey Heath Borough Council, Email heathscene@surreyheath.gov.uk Tel: 01276 707100.

If you require this magazine in a different format, please call the media & marketing team on 01276 707312. Copyright © Surrey Heath Borough Council. Surrey Heath Borough Council does not accept responsibility for the views expressed by advertisers in this magazine, nor does it necessarily endorse products or services advertised.

Promote your business with Surrey Heath Borough Council

Would you like the opportunity to promote your business to 37,000 households in Surrey Heath? Surrey Heath Borough Council offers advertising space at competitive rates in Heathscene magazine, distributed to every household in the borough. For further information contact Frontline on 01342 312570 or email frontline@frontlinedesigners.co.uk

We’ve got news about our fantastic Meals at Home service on p12 – it really does offer more than just a meal, and is so valuable for our older and more vulnerable residents.

There’s information on the Council Tax setting for this year on p19, and details on the upcoming Borough elections on p25.

Finally, Leader of the Council, Cllr Moira Gibson, stepped down from the role after 21 years last month – I’d like to place on record my thanks to Moira for her commitment to Surrey Heath, and wish her a happy ‘retirement’.

Best wishes also to Cllr Richard Brooks in his new role as Leader of SHBC.

Karen Whelan Chief Executive

www.camberleybeinspired.com I Heathscene I 3

regeneration

Camberley 2019 is going to be another transformational year for Camberley town centre as it progresses through its significant regeneration programme, led by SHBC.

The Square, Glass Sculpture

The Square The Square shopping centre’s refurbishment is now complete.

The centre has a fresh, modern look with new flooring, lighting, fascias and a stunning new glass sculpture centrepiece.

A free soft play area for pre‑school children has been installed in Cambridge Square, outside House of Fraser, and is proving very popular.

We have also been installing colourful hanging art displays, which we’ve had lots of positive feedback about! So far these have included poppies, umbrellas and lanterns. These displays will continue to run through 2019, so remember to look up when you are passing through.

Ashwood House The preparatory work has now been completed on Ashwood House by Randall Contracting.

Ashwood House is a former office building on Pembroke Broadway which has been purchased by SHBC to facilitate its development.

Berkeley Homes are now on site transforming the building into 116 luxury town centre apartments which will be on the market in 2020. The ground floor, previously home to BHS, is now being considered for commercial uses with local businesses.

HIgh Street M3 Enterprise LEP have provided SHBC with a £3.5million grant to

4 I Heathscene I www.camberleybeinspired.com

improve the roads, pavements and street scene on the High Street and surrounds, to which the Council have also added funds of £900k. Works will start this year and once completed will provide a better pedestrian experience, including wider pavements, improved lighting, and seating areas.

Princess Way CGI

regeneration

– set to inspire Umbrella display in The Square

There will be some disruption to the High Street whilst these works are underway. We will be providing regular updates on our website and social media accounts.

Redevelopment The jewel in Camberley’s crown is the large 5.5 acre London Road development site at the top of town fronting the A30. The site has the potential for a mixed use-development with public realm areas. The redevelopment will also provide an attractive gateway to Camberley.

Camberley Be Entertained 2019 F abulous events in Camberley town centre every week throughout the year.

Camberley is set to be a fun vibrant place this year with a varied schedule of special events taking place every week in the town centre.

Events planned so far include free school holiday kids camps in The Square shopping centre, find the Easter bunnies located all over town for Easter, rooftop cinema screenings in June, Ascot Races promotion in The Atrium in the summer, Beer Festival in July and the famous Camberley car show in August.

Comedy, a film festival and the

Camberley Carnival will also take place as part of Camberley International Festival, There’s also the monthly Farmers’ Market on Park Street.

These events are brought to you by SHBC in partnership with Collectively Camberley, The Atrium and The Square.

You can see the full line up on the website below and our social media channels too as we will be adding more events throughout the year. www.camberleybeinspired. co.uk/news–events

www.camberleybeinspired.com I Heathscene I 5

council

Leader steps The Surrey Heath Borough Council Leader has resigned from her role after 21 years. the Council on 26 February, and will not be standing in the local elections in May of this year.

“It’s time for something new for Surrey Heath, and for me personally,” said Cllr. Gibson.

Cllr. Gibson has fulfilled a number of roles on behalf of Surrey Heath during her time as Leader, including Chair of the Regional Planning Committee, and Board Member of Enterprise M3 Local Enterprise Partnership.

Councillor Moira Gibson, Ward Councillor for Windlesham for 28 years, stepped down as Leader of

The regeneration of Camberley Town Centre has also been a major priority for the Council.

down “The Council has achieved a huge amount during my time as Leader and I am proud to have played my part,” said Cllr. Gibson.

“We have achieved a huge amount for Surrey Heath, but with challenging times ahead for Surrey there’s more to do. I wish the new Leader and new Councillors coming in in May all the very best in the future for retaining Surrey Heath’s special character.”

Former Deputy Leader, Cllr.

Richard Brooks (Town Ward Councillor) was elected as the new Leader at the Full Council meeting on 27 February 2019.

Green and clean Sodexo have taken over the Grounds Maintenance contract for the Borough.

The new five-year contract started on 1 February.

It covers all SHBC-owned and maintained parks and greenspaces, including sports pitches and bowling greens, along with highway verges.

Services provided by Sodexo will include play area inspection and maintenance, public toilet cleaning, tree surveying and arboricultural works.

Surrey Heath Executive Head of Business, Daniel Harrison, said: “We are pleased to welcome Sodexo as a partner in Surrey Heath.

“This new contract offers a reduction in the cost of the service, while providing significantly better value for money.

“We look forward to working with Sodexo in the coming years.”

6 I Heathscene I www.surreyheath.gov.uk

Camberley

culture

International Festival This year’s festival has been refreshed, with new elements added alongside popular favourites...

For 2019 we have changed the way we host the Camberley International Festival. Rather than cover all the elements over a few crazy days in June, we decided to take certain features out and give them their own place in the calendar.

The newly rebranded White Elephant Film Festival took place on 7 March at Camberley Theatre. The patron for the film festival is the BAFTA winning actress Juliet Aubrey. The evening included masterclasses and panel discussions hosted by industry experts, followed by the awards ceremony which took place in the main auditorium.

in the afternoon. We hope to raise the laughter count in Camberley considerably!

be a colourful parade through town to start things off, involving local schools, businesses, charities, clubs and associations. This year there will be a ‘Circus’ theme.

The parade will finish at the London Road Recreation Ground (behind The Arena) at around noon, where an afternoon of wonderful free entertainment will take place -including live music, children’s events, dancing, street food and a bar!

Saturday 22 June sees the return of the popular Camberley Carnival. Once again there will

For more details on all these Camberley International Festival events (including how to get involved with the Carnival parade) visit the CIF website below.

A new element for 2019 is The Camberley Comedy Festival - the first one will take place on Saturday 11 May and it’s looking brilliant!

There are children’s comedy workshops in the morning, and comedians performing www.camberleyinternationalfestival.com I Heathscene I 7

Tennis in the Park leisure

It’s time to get back on court

Did you know that the Council operates tennis courts at four recreation ground sites including

London Road and Watchetts (Camberley), Frimley Green and Mytchett?

With our new simple customer friendly online booking and payment system ‘ClubSpark’, it is easy to book a court at a time and location that suits you.

Players can still enjoy traditional ‘Pay and Play’ casual bookings, or benefit from our great value £39 annual membership which allows for a

household of up to 5 people to play Tennis in the Park all year round – meaning the whole family can play for the equivalent of just £3.25 a month!

There are also opportunities for junior and adult coaching.

To find out more, visit www. surreyheath.gov.uk/tennisinthepark

Playground Update Exciting news on our premier parks...

Thanks to everyone who gave us your views and ideas for new play areas at Frimley Lodge Park and Lightwater Country Park.

Hundreds of votes were received on the potential designs for Frimley Lodge Park, and the winning design will soon be installed at the Green Flag Award winning park.

We thank everyone for their patience in the transition phase, and hope the children of the Borough enjoy using this fantastic new facility.

Lightwater Country Park is also getting a new play area – it will move from the previous location to a new site next to the café.

Residents will again get the chance to vote on the potential designs before a final decision is

8 I Heathscene I www.surreyheath.gov.uk/leisure

made – keep an eye on our social media channels for updates.

Rewarding

business

excellence

This year’s Business Awards take place on March 22.

Surrey Heath’s sixth annual business awards celebrate the great people and ideas that keep our local economy thriving.

The awards will take place on Friday 22 March, hosted during Surrey Heath’s Business Breakfast event at Camberley Theatre.

The winners of the six awards, including the Outstanding

Achievement award, will be revealed at the ceremony.

The Awards • Business Innovation – Creative innovation with measurable results - this could be a new business approach, new product, a new way of working or a marketing campaign.

• Business Star of the Year – Voted for by the public, someone who goes the extra mile to make a business really special.

A brilliant salesperson, a fantastic team member, or someone who consistently offers outstanding customer service.

• Positive Social Impact – Recognising organisations who take responsibility towards the community and the environment.

• Kevin Cantlon Award for Best Small/Medium Sized Business – Recognising small to medium sized businesses located anywhere in the Borough.

• Developing Talent Award – Recognising businesses that provide opportunities for personal development.

• Outstanding Achievement Award – This award is selected by the judging panel. It will celebrate a company, organisation or individual who has significantly contributed to the growth and success of the Surrey Heath business community over a number of years.

www.www.surreyheath.gov.uk/shba I Heathscene I 9

environment

Cleaner air Working together to improve air quality.

The Blackwater Valley Group of Surrey Heath Borough Council, Guildford Borough Council, Rushmoor Borough Council, Surrey County Council and Hampshire County Council are working together to reduce roadside nitrogen dioxide concentrations on the A331 between the A31 and M3.

This is part of the Government’s plan to improve air quality within the shortest possible time.

dioxide and ensure compliance is reached as quickly as possible.

The preferred measure to achieve compliance with the NO2 levels is a 50mph speed limit for a stretch of the A331 in the areas of Rushmoor and Surrey Heath.

The stretch of road currently has a speed limit of 70mph.The work done so far on developing the feasibility study has been funded

This stretch of road has been identified in the plan as an area where an assessment at the national level indicated nitrogen dioxide concentrations would exceed EU limits.

Feasibility study The Blackwater Valley Group has now submitted a feasibility study to the Government with a view to implementing measures to reduce roadside nitrogen

10 I Heathscene I www.a331airquality.co.uk

by a grant from the Joint Air Quality Unit (JAQU) of Defra.

Following approval of the Outline Buisness Case by the Secretary of State for the Environment, and their agreement to fund the proposed measures, the next step would be statutory public consultation by Hampshire and Surrey County Councils as the relevant Highways authorities.

Arts & Crafts Dance Bridge Creative Writing Languages Photography

Enrol now for courses in Camberley

S N OME R A E L T

Camberley Centre France Hill Drive Camberley GU15 3QB

HI N G

W E N

Pick up our course directory from the centre or local library or call

0300 200 1044 www.surreycc.gov.uk/adultlearning 0026A Heathscene.indd 1

20/02/2019 10:01

community

More than a meal Our Meals at Home vans have had a makeover!

As well as looking great, they offer an important service to the elderly and vulnerable in the Borough.

If you or someone you know would benefit from having a hot, nutritious and delicious meal delivered to the door, visit www.surreyheath.gov.uk/ mealsathome for more details.

Our lovely drivers will check on wellbeing too, offering valuable peace of mind to individuals and their relatives.

This flexible, affordable service runs seven days a week, with various dietary and cultural requirements catered for.

Home Improvement Agency If you are an older, disabled or vulnerable resident, our Home Improvement Agency (HIA) team can advise you on adapting, maintaining and repairing your home. They can also help you apply for funding for any necessary work.

It doesn’t matter if you own or rent, if you need help making your home more accessible or safe contact us to see if we can help.

The type of works carried out include stairlifts, level access bathrooms, ramps and door widening. We can also carry out small repairs that make your home a safer place.

Our HIA team can also give you advice about benefits and other SHBC community services including Meals at Home and Community Alarms.

All our advice is free – we only charge a fee if you decide to carry out work with the support of our agency. The fee will vary according to the complexity and cost of the

work. If you qualify for a grant the fee may be covered by this.

“We are delighted with the work and it has made a tremendous difference to my father already” – HIA client

For more advice call the Housing Hub on 01276 707100 or email hia@surreyheath.gov.uk 12 I Heathscene I www.surreyheath.gov.uk

health

Spring forward into better health

With spring upon us bringing warmer and longer days, now could be the perfect time to get into shape and improve your health.

Being active not only improves your physical health, evidence shows there’s a link between being physically active and good mental wellbeing.

Being physically active is easier than you think, especially if you make activity part of your daily routine. Involve a friend in your activity routine if you can - you can support each other and have company too. Find physical activities you enjoy and think about how to fit more of them into your daily life.

In Surrey Heath there are lots of options to help get you moving, including: Walking for Health Surrey Heath is proud to be an accredited part of the national ‘Walking for Health’ scheme,

offering short, safe and sociable walks in the local community.

Walking can improve your health and happiness, and joining a group will give you the chance to explore the outdoors, meet new people and stay motivated. www.surreyheath.gov.uk/walks Sturdy and Strong Classes This group-based exercise class, currently held at the Arena Leisure Centre is aimed at older people who struggle with their balance and want to get stronger. It includes a mixture of gentle cardiovascular exercise, strengthening exercises and balance-improvement work to improve mobility and independence. There are both seated and standing exercises.

Participants must be happy being on their feet, the use of walking sticks and other aids is welcomed.

Save the date NHS Surrey Heath CCG & Surrey County Council’s next Public Meeting will be on Tuesday 14 May 2019, 2 – 4.30pm at Camberley Theatre.

Seated Exercise Class This is a seated group exercise class held at the Arena, aimed at people who need gentle, light strengthening exercises. Particularly suited to people who have had a stroke, and/or have limited mobility, especially when walking.

For more information on these classes, email HeidiZymela@pfpleisure.org, or call the Arena on 01276 417111. llFor more information on health, fitness and mental health in Surrey Heath visit www.surreyheathccg.nhs.uk/ mental-health

www.surreyheathccg.nhs.uk I Heathscene I 13

leisure

Theatre highlights Just look at the wonderful array of shows we have coming up over the next few months at Camberley Theatre!

From fabulous family shows, including The Tiger Who Came To Tea, Elmer The Patchwork Elephant and our Easter panto, Beauty and The Beast, through to rip-roaring comedy from

Stewart Francis, Al Murray and our monthly Comedy Clubs.

Straits, The Eagles, Motown, The Summer of Love and Abba.

We’ve got plenty of live music with The Jam’s bass player Bruce Foxton playing as part of From The Jam, plus tributes to Dire

For listings and to book There’s lots more on offer – visit www.camberleytheatre. co.uk or call 01276 707600.

14 I Heathscene I www.camberleytheatre.co.uk

sport

Sponsored by

Get active!

The Specsavers Surrey Youth Games are back for 2019, and offering free training sessions at local clubs and facilities.

Sessions are hosted at local schools, clubs and leisure facilities across the Borough, either after school or at the weekend, and are led by qualified and passionate coaches.

In conjunction with the Specsavers Surrey Youth Games, the Council is offering free training sessions in no less than 10 unique activities from April to June.

You can choose Boccia (a pan-disability sport), boxing, table tennis, couch to 2k, netball and many more!

These ‘taster’ sessions could open the door to a lifelong love of getting active, while providing a fantastic chance to meet new people and make new friends. Sessions are aimed at complete beginners with the aim of providing the perfect environment to try a new activity and have fun!

Following training sessions, every young person who takes part gets the opportunity to represent

Camberley Sprint Triathlon Good luck to all competitors in the Camberley Community Sprint Triathlon on 31 March.

The event, at the Arena Leisure Centre, combines a 400m swim in the pool with a 20km bike ride around Camberley, and a 5km run.

Last minute places may still be available – check www.surreyheath.gov.uk/tri.

‘Team Surrey Heath’ at the festival weekend at Surrey Sports Park, coordinated by Active Surrey.

The unique Olympic style event, on 15-16 June, sees all 11 boroughs and districts in Surrey come together to show off their skills. Last year over 2,000 young people took part in the largest youth festival of sport in Surrey.

Coaching sessions are open to beginners and non-club players (each activity is open to specific age groups/gender) currently living and/or attending school in Surrey Heath.

For details visit www.surreyheath. gov.uk/syg or call 01276 707100 and ask to speak to a member of the leisure team.

It’s the perfect middle ground between the entry-level GO TRI and longer distance triathlons, and the course is a great challenge for those new to the sport of triathlon. www.surreyheath.gov.uk/leisure I Heathscene I 15

economic development

Business matters An update from the Economic Development team.

The Surrey Heath Economic Development team is one year old.

In that time, we have met with many businesses across the Borough, and found out a huge amount about what a wonderfully diverse range of businesses there are operating from within our borders.

Collective Growth There is great ambition within Surrey Heath for collective growth, networking and collaboration in business.

The role of Economic Development is to be there to support businesses to achieve, whether it is to find land, new buildings, car parking, or signposting to where support can be accessed - essentially we are what businesses need us to be.

We work closely with colleagues across Surrey, and the Local

Enterprise Partnership area to help deliver support and knowledge to businesses within the Borough.

Co-Working Space Discussions are underway around the viability of a high street co-working flexible workspace aimed at helping provide people with an easy, comfortable, well connected place to work from.

This would also benefit from unparalleled business support from Surrey Heath Borough Council and its partners at all stages of business.

Off The Grid In November 2018 we opened our first ever pop-up shop. Off the Grid was an opportunity to showcase local artisans and give them the chance to access new markets, outside of online and craft markets. In total, 17 suppliers supported the project and we are delighted that all gained sales through the project.

16 I Heathscene I www.surreyheath.gov.uk/business

If you are in business within Surrey Heath, get in touch! We would love to hear from you and see how we can help you and your business grow and thrive. Email: economic.development@ surreyheath.gov.uk.

Teresa Hogsbjerg

Sam Marshall

ADVERTORIAL

Everything you need to know about the silent thief of sight This March, Specsavers Camberley is putting the spotlight on a condition that is often symptomless and classed as the silent thief of sight.

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible sight loss. It is thought to affect 700,000 people in the UK today, but as many as 50% of cases are undiagnosed.* To mark World Glaucoma Week, Camberley store director Lateef Iqbal answers common questions about the condition.

What is glaucoma?

How is glaucoma treated?

Can it be prevented?

Glaucoma is a relatively common eye condition, which occurs when the optic nerve is damaged.

We are all at risk of glaucoma, although it is more common in older people, which is why regular eye tests – every two years at least – are so important.

If not diagnosed and treated early, glaucoma can lead to sight loss, and you may not have any symptoms until it is too late.

We recommend a sight test every two years to check for changes in your vision and monitor the overall health of the eye.

At Camberley, we have the latest technology including Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT).

This uses 3D scanning to give us a detailed image of the back of the eye and helps detect conditions like glaucoma at a much earlier stage.

Your treatment will depend on your individual circumstances, but could include eye drops, laser treatment and surgery – and you will need regular check-ups.

You cannot prevent glaucoma – and unfortunately sight loss which happens before it is detected cannot be reversed. Treatment can stop it getting any worse, so early detection matters.

How often should I have my vision checked?

* The State of the Nation Eye Health 2017: A Year in Review, Specsavers/RNIB

How do I book an appointment?

You can book an appointment online at https://www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/Camberley or call 01276 677686. We are located at 3 Princess Way, Camberley, GU15 3PS.

recycling

Waste and

Recycling update

Thanks to all of our residents for their commitment to recycling.

A message from Tim Pashen, SHBC Executive Head of Community

2018, a 99.6% collection rate was achieved across the 36,000+ homes in the Borough.

Firstly, we’d like to say a huge thank you to our Surrey Heath residents for your exceptional recycling efforts.

We continue to work with JWS and Amey to improve the service offered, including reducing missed collections further, and making the JWS website experience more user friendly.

In the latest figures released

by Defra, for the financial year 2017-18, Surrey Heath achieved the 5th highest recycling rate in the country.

This fantastic result has been achieved through the commitment of our residents and the quality of our collections service, and we are extremely grateful to everyone we couldn’t do this without you.

ll If your bin is missed, or to report a problem with your waste service, visit www.jointwastesolutions. org or call 03332 340978.

Since Joint Waste Solutions was formed, with Amey taking over our collections contract in February 2018, we know there have been issues with missed collections, and have been working hard to make improvements. Throughout

Recycle your garden waste There’s no place like gnome in the winter, but now it’s time to head outdoors and get your garden prepped for summer. And what better way to get some gnome comforts than to recycle your garden waste and turn it into compost to help new things grow?

The best way to do it is to make some compost.

It’s easy to do, is the most environmentally friendly option and, with compost bins from just £13, it’s cheap too.

You can also get your waste collected from your gnome sweet gnome by subscribing to our garden waste collection service. It’s just £45 a year – and if you don’t produce much waste, you can share a subscription with a neighbour. You can also take garden waste to your local community recycling centre for free.

It’s gnome joke that garden waste shouldn’t go in the rubbish bin. It’s bad for the environment and costs taxpayers’ money that could be spent elsewhere.

18 I Heathscene I www.surreyheath.gov.uk/rubbish

council

Financial

update

Despite financial pressures Surrey Heath continues to provide valuable services for residents.

100% of the funding for services delivered by the Council continues to be raised locally - be that from Council Tax, Business Rates, Investments or charges.

maintain Council services and to deliver regeneration.

Local government no longer receives any Central Government funding, and of the Council Tax and Business Rates residents pay, only 11% and 4% respectively is retained by the Borough.

These property investments do come with risks – but the alternative would be significant reductions in Council services driven by the 25% reduction in our net budget from lost Government funding over the last few years.

The Council has decided that it wishes to preserve valuable services for residents and so has continued with its strategy of creating income and driving efficiency.

SHBC’s property investments have been made with the dual aims of generating income to

SHBC has been successful in that income has been delivered to preserve services.

is a legal requirement that the Council must set a balanced budget and although this has been challenging due to inflation, it has been achieved without any cuts to services.

In order to maintain services, residents will see an increase of 2.94% (or £6.24 for a Band D property) in the SHBC element of their Council Tax, taking the annual charge to £218.66.

The Council has also continued to drive efficiencies by working with other partners in areas such as waste collection, environmental services and community services.

Your total Council Tax bill will be higher than this however as Surrey Heath only retains 11% of the total charge, with 13% going to Surrey Police and 75% going to Surrey County Council.

In February the Council set its budget for the coming year. It

SHBC continues to work hard to deliver value for all its residents.

www.surreyheath.gov.uk/counciltax I Heathscene I 19

community

Visit the Surrey Heath Show The Surrey Heath Show returns for a twelfth year with the 2019 event shaping up to be even better than the last!

Frimley Lodge Park, Saturday 18 May, 10am to 4pm. For the first time the Show will host a beer tent and a stage for live music. It will

also see the return of long-standing favourites the Companion Dog Show and the Classic Car Show.

Radio Frimley Park will guide the main arena through a variety of performances including L & G Acrobatic Gymnastics, Sandhurst and District Corps of Drums and Creative Minds Academy.

There will be refreshments available alongside a whole host of stalls. Explore the park by taking a ride on the miniature railway and if you see the Show’s

mascot Spike the Hedgehog, make sure you say hello!

Each year the Surrey Heath Show distributes some of its proceeds to local charities and community groups. In 2018 over £6,000 was donated to help fund such projects.

The event is free to attend, with car parking for the day £5. www.surreyheathshow.org

Voluntary groups funded Surrey Heath voluntary organisations will receive more than £160,000 of support in 2019/20 after the Council approved grants.

Citizens Advice Surrey Heath, Voluntary Support North Surrey, Surrey Heath Age Concern, and Basingstoke Canal Authority.

Valley Countryside Partnership, Camberley and District Job Club and Tringhams lunchtime club, West End.

A total of £164,900 will go towards supporting groups including

The grants have been allocated for the past 16 years, with the funding reviewed annually by the Council.

All awards made are linked to Service Level Agreements, to ensure the changing local priorities and needs continue to be met.

Revenue Grants awarded ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll ll

Citizens Advice Surrey Heath: £80,000 Voluntary Support North Surrey: £30,000 Tringhams, West End: £13,000 Surrey Heath Age Concern: £10,000 Basingstoke Canal Authority: £10,000 Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership: £10,000 Camberley and District Job Club £7,000 Surrey Heath Sports Council: £3,500 Surrey Heath Arts Council: £1,400

20 I Heathscene I www.surreyheath.gov.uk

The other organisations awarded grants were Surrey Heath Arts Council, Surrey Heath Sports Council, Blackwater

opportunities

Aim for

an apprenticeship

Have you considered an apprenticeship?

At SHBC, as an apprentice you can earn money whilst studying too.

Typical apprenticeship roles are in ICT, Finance, Law, Community Development and Greenspace.

Apprenticeships also involve studying with an approved training provider, which could include colleges or universities, as an apprenticeship can provide you with the opportunity to study at degree level.

Want to find out more?

We’re currently recruiting for two Revenue & Benefits Apprentices, to find out more visit www.surreyheath. gov.uk/council/jobs or email recruitment@ surreyheath.gov.uk

Surrey Heath’s recent apprentices share their experiences...

Community Development Apprentice Natalie was named Intermediate Apprentice of the Year for the South East in the National Apprenticeship Awards 2018.

Natalie said: “After studying politics at college, I was keen to get into a role within UK government.

This role is definitely influenced by event organisation; I’ve already learnt so much – not just workbased skills, but life skills.”

“Since starting at SHBC, the support given to me by my training provider has been fantastic, while I study for a Level 3 NVQ in Business Administration.

“My favourite part of the role is the customer-facing element.

Legal Apprentice Luke said: “The role has been very engaging and kept me on my toes throughout the time I have worked here.

“This is mainly due to the variety of matters that are dealt with by our in-house legal team.

“I have learnt a wide range of skills that have helped me to grow into my role.”

www.surreyheath.gov.uk/apprenticeships I Heathscene I 21

community

Community News An update on news and events across the Borough

Ground, Shaftesbury Road. Profits to a different charity each week.

West End Fete The annual West End Village Fete will be held on Tringham Recreation Ground (GU24 9JP) on Saturday 8 June, with an Outer Space theme.

The procession from Fellow Green, West End will start at 12.30pm, with the fete formally opened by the West End Citizen of the Year at 1pm.

The fete will feature family favourites including children’s roundabout, coconut shy, croc smash, tombolas, dog show, dancing and gymnastics in the arena, as well as a licenced bar and BBQ. Free admission, all profits go to local village groups and charities.

Bisley Strawberry Fayre on the Village Green on Sunday 30 June, 1.30-5pm. Traditional country fayre with over 60 stalls, refreshments and entertainment.

Generous Gym Congratulations to Maximus Gym in Frimley, who raised just under £70,000 for different charities in 2018. Among the fundraising events held included a boxing show for Cancer Research UK, and a successful Christmas toy appeal, with almost 1,000 collected toys going to those on the children’s ward at Frimley Park Hospital, and to children at Shooting Star Chase Hospice.

Bisley events Teas on the Rec – now in its 9th year! Tea and homemade cake every Thursday afternoon from 30 May – 29 August between 2-5pm on Bisley Recreation

22 I Heathscene I www.surreyheath.gov.uk

Almac Bisley Brass Band ‘Brass on the Grass’ concert on Bisley Village Green - Sunday 14 July at 4pm.

Tree-mendous news!

Thanks to everyone who dropped off their real Christmas trees for recycling – the final total collected was 1,180 trees!

This is almost a 50% increase on last year’s scheme – and the collected trees have been turned into wood chippings and used to replenish the paths in Green Flag Award-winning Frimley Lodge Park.

The good news is there are plans to run the Council scheme again in January 2020.

leisure

Panto-tastic!

Once again Camberley Theatre broke its own box office record for the annual panto. 2018 saw a wonderful production of ‘Sleeping Beauty’ entertain audiences through December.

Collingwood College secondary school and sixth form. She delighted audiences in the leading role, alongside handsome Prince Florizel, hilarious dame Nanny Nee Naw, and madcap jester Muddles. Trio of fairies Here, There and Everywhere added some serious soul to the show!

Local girl Louise Young played Princess Aurora. Louise grew up in Lightwater and went to

Not only did the record crowds turn the performances into another box office hit, but their

generosity when donating to the panto’s chosen charity, the Children With Special Needs Foundation, raised nearly £3,000.

This Year’s Panto Plans are already underway for this year’s panto – with Robin Hood tickets now on sale.

Get yours at www. camberleytheatre.co.uk/ Box Office 01276 707600.

Camberley Be Enchanted Last Christmas we brought a special programme of events to Camberley together with Collectively Camberley, The Square and The Atrium.

These included a magical Christmas parade with Santa arriving in a horse drawn carriage

Credit: Bernie Cawson

accompanied by community and dance groups, a unique Elf School in The Atrium, and free arts and crafts in Cambridge Square’s Pixie House.

There was also live music in The Square with The Surrey Heath Singers, local singer and X-Factor star Jack Mason, and the Ultimate Bublé tribute.

The Christmas Light Switch On event on Park Street enjoyed

a great atmosphere, as Britain’s Got Talent star Stavros Flatley entertained the crowd.

Santa’s Grotto featured a brand new location, with singing penguins and a magical winterland walkway. The former BHS store’s windows also had a makeover with special Christmas displays.

We hope this all helped make your Christmas enchanting!

Credit: Alan Meeks

www.surreyheath.gov.uk/whatson I Heathscene I 23

highways

Highwaysupdate The latest on Surrey County Council’s major projects.

Meadows Roundabout Update Do you know that the Meadows improvement is currently Surrey County Council’s largest single highway construction works site?

Our contractor Mildren got straight back to work after a short festive break, and SCC and our contractors are working hard to keep traffic flowing during the day.

Thank you to the public for your continuous feedback on how our works are affecting your travel.

Carriageway resurfacing works are due to start mid-March. The good news is, work is on schedule, and the roundabout should be fully open in May/June 2019.

You’ll notice the planting has been cut back so you can

now see through the central sections of the gyratory.

The ‘Wish Stream’ in the centre of Meadows Gyratory has been cleaned of old tyres and other dumped items. It will become a feature at the centre of the new road layout.

Removing and responsibly disposing of these fly-tipped items is an additional cost to the project.

The dumping of items into the stream can impede the flow of water and risk flooding of the adjacent road sections.

If you see fly tipping in progress, please call 999 and ask for the police.

To report a fly tip after the event, go to www.jointwastesolutions.org

24 I Heathscene I www.surreycc.gov.uk

For regular updates and to sign up to our e-newsletter, visit www.A331.today.

A30/London Road Highway Improvements We have submitted a bid for funding from the Local Enterprise Partnership, Enterprise M3 (EM3) for improvements to the A30.

The works include improvements for traffic, buses, pedestrians and cyclists on the A30 between Knoll Road junction and Meadows.

The planned improvements also include improving traffic flow through the Frimley Road/A30 junction.

For updates on this, visit www.surreycc.gov.uk and go to the Surrey Heath Major Transport Schemes page.

council

Your Council,

your vote

On Thursday, 2 May 2019 elections will be held in Surrey Heath to elect Borough councillors.

Parish Council elections will also be held for the four parishes in the Borough.

to do this is online at www. gov.uk/register-to-vote.

The deadline to register is midnight on Friday 12 April 2019.

Poll Cards will be sent to all registered electors at the end of March. Please check your Poll Card carefully, as there have been changes to some electors’ polling stations.

If you’re not able to go to your polling station on 2 May, you can choose to vote by post or proxy – the deadline for postal vote applications is 5pm on Monday 15 April 2019 and the deadline for proxy votes is 5pm on Wednesday 24 April 2019.

Only people who are registered to vote can take part in May’s elections. If you are not already registered the quickest way

Paper forms can be downloaded from the registration site, or requested by emailing vote@surreyheath.gov.uk.

Council Tax update Make sure you keep your Council Tax records correct and up to date.

The Revenues and Benefits Service is committed to a proactive approach in preventing and reducing the risks associated with Council Tax fraud.

Statutory powers already exist which allow the Council to impose civil penalties where people fail to notify us of a change in circumstances promptly, or provide inaccurate information. From 1 April 2019, these powers will be used.

Whilst we recognise that the majority of our residents claiming discount or exemption in respect of their Council Tax keep the Revenues Team informed of changes, some do not.

A civil penalty of £70 can be imposed in cases where a resident fails, without a reasonable excuse, to supply information (or negligently supplies incorrect information). Where a £70 penalty has been imposed and a further

request to supply information is made, additional penalties of £280 may be imposed for each subsequent failure to provide the requested information.

For a limited time, to 30 April 2019, there is the chance for those who are not entitled to a discount or exemption to cancel their claim with no further questions asked.

Claims can be cancelled by sending an email with the subject ‘Civil Penalty Amnesty’ to revenues@surreyheath.gov.uk or by calling 01276 707100.

www.surreyheath.gov.uk I Heathscene I 25

information

Citizens Advice

update

Citizens Advice Surrey Heath (CASH) is moving to a new location.

After 20 years based in the portakabin behind Camberley Library, CASH is moving the short distance into Surrey Heath House on Knoll Road in April.

CASH will still retain their independence and confidentiality as a local charity. However, they will be providing the advice people need for the problems they face from a much more welcoming environment for volunteers and clients alike.

People will be able to access:

ll Advice and Information on a wide range of issues ll Assistance with applying online for Universal Credit and personal budgeting support ll Debt management ll Help with filling in disability forms and appeals ll Home visits for those who are housebound ll Social Prescribing ll Foodbank referrals and food bags ll A weekly legal surgery

Opening hours remain Monday to Thursday, 10am to 4pm. Help is also available via their Adviceline on 03444 111444, or webchat.

Go to www. citizensadvicesurreyheath.org.uk for further information.

What’s on at the Museum Historic walks Led by local historians. Please book in advance

Exhibition: Percy Harland Fisher,

15 May – Central Camberley with Ken Clarke, £3

A Camberley Artist

13 June – Historic Bagshot with Phil Stevens, £3

26 March to 22 June

19 July – National Rifle Association, Bisley with Tim Price, £5

May is Local and Community History Month 11 May, 12 to 3pm – Behind the Scenes at the Museum Enjoy a tour of the museum stores - and join the campaign to raise awareness of local historical research.

25 May, 11am to 1pm – ‘What Have You Found There?’

A variety of experts will be available to help identify items found locally.

An accomplished Royal Academy artist who moved to Camberley in 1903, Fisher became an integral part of the local life, marrying and raising a family whilst running art classes and painting local landscapes and portraits. We welcome new artwork to the exhibition and museum collection, kindly donated by the Harland Fisher family and their descendants.

33 Obelisk Way, The Square, Camberley. 01276 23771. Tue – Sat 11am – 4.30pm, free entry. www.surreyheath.gov.uk/museum

26 I Heathscene I www.surreyheath.gov.uk

Volunteers needed now Emotional support and practical help at home

No job too small!

Central Heating, Boiler Replacement Specialist

Megaflow Systems and all heating needs Boiler Servicing Landlord Gas Safe Certificates Bathroom and all general plumbing needs

T: 01276 489386 M: 07930 365189 gary.gaskin@btinternet.com

Brigitte Trust volunteers offer vital emotional and practical support at home when a life-threatening illness has been diagnosed.

Our service covers Surrey Heath and we need volunteers now to join our next ‘taster sessions’ and free training courses.

If you are a car driver with four hours weekly to offer please call us today.

01306 881816 www.brigittetrust.org

Thinking of Selling?

Hamiltons are offering a 50% reduction on all sales fees on properties that are instructed with this leaflet.

If you would like to discuss the sale of your property or to arrange a free, no obligation valuation of your home, please call our experienced

sales team on 01276 409 448

WWW.HAMILTONSPROPERTYSERVICES.CO.UK

We understand the journey people living with dementia, and their families, go through We understand how frightening and heartbreaking it can be for someone to lose their memories. Our dedicated team at Lakeview Care Home are specially trained to help people living with dementia make the most of each day. And our care is unique to each person, at every stage of their journey.

To arrange a visit, call 01276 480430 or for more To arrange ago visit, call 01788 811976 or for more information, to www.hallmarkcarehomes.co.uk information, go to www.hallmarkcarehomes.co.uk