Heathscene Winter 2016

heathscene great place | great community | great future winter 2016

Comes to Camberley Theatre!

Camberley on Ice opens in December Christmas Waste collection dates Festive dates for your diary

‘A school that dares to be different’ The Good Schools Guide Hurst Lodge students are supported by a strong pastoral team who encourage students to develop confidence and fulfil their potential.

Outstanding academic results are achieved through small class sizes and dedicated staff who are wholly focused on the individual child and encourage each child to develop their many talents.

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Message from the

#talksurreyheath

Chief Executive

A live streamed event to engage with local residents and businesses #talksurreyheath

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Town Centre regeneration

Council announces ground breaking deal in Camberley

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Surrey Heath Sports Awards

Find out this year’s winners!

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2015/16 Performance

End of year report

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

You can’t fail to have noticed Christmas is approaching - this year we’re hoping the festive season in Surrey Heath will be even more special.

In December Camberley on Ice opens - a new addition to the borough, including an ice rink, café and Christmas market stalls.

At London Road Recreation Ground, it promises to be a unique festive experience for the area - see page 6.

We also have the ever-popular pantomime at Camberley Theatre - word is this year’s offering, Cinderella, is a cracker, so if you haven’t got your tickets yet then book before it’s too late!

We’re always keen to hear your views on issues that are important to you in Surrey Heath.

Our ground-breaking use of online live streaming in the new #talksurreyheath format is an exciting development - see page 4.

You’ll probably have heard about the ward and parliamentary boundaries consultations currently in progress (page 10) and we’re also asking for your opinion about Public Space Protection Orders see page 16.

Encouraging economic growth is one of our key priorities, and the Council is working to develop the area as a venue for tech-based industry. Turn to pages 22 and 23 to read more on this and the latest Business Breakfast.

Finally, as this is the last Heathscene of 2016, I’d like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Karen Whelan Chief Executive

www.surreyheath.gov.uk I Heathscene I 3

camberley town centre

#talksurreyheath Surrey Heath Borough Council delivered their first ever live streamed event over the summer, under the banner of #talksurreyheath.

The inaugural #talksurreyheath event focused on Camberley Town Centre and encouraged residents, business owners and interested parties to have their say, share their concerns and raise their questions on the Council’s number one priority.

of the public in this innovative way. It gives us the opportunity to ensure we represent the interests of residents and businesses in the town centre”.

The event was broadcast via Facebook Live. Panellists included: Cllr Moira Gibson, Leader of the Council; Cllr Richard Brooks, Deputy Leader; Cllr Charlotte Morley, Portfolio Holder for Regulatory; Karen Whelan, Chief Executive and Jenny Rickard, Executive Head - Regulatory.

Karen Whelan, Chief Executive of Surrey Heath Borough Council added “We are pleased that the public responded to our invitation and hope to deliver more of these types of events in the future.

We are one of the first councils to harness the power of new technology and engage with the community in this way. We hope to #talksurreyheath more in the future!”.

Leader of the Council, Cllr Moira Gibson said: “We are delighted to be able to share our progress on the town centre with members

The panel were posed around a question a minute during the hour-long event, on planned enhancements to the town centre,

Surrey Heath at MIPIM UK The Council showcased Surrey Heath to investors, developers and occupiers at the UK’s largest Property Expo in London in October 2016.

4 I Heathscene I www.facebook.com/surreyheath

improved public transport and delivery timescales for their town centre projects. To view the recording of the event visit: www.facebook.com/ SurreyHeath The next in this series of online Q and A events, on the subject of ‘Clean, Green, Safe’ is due to take place before the end of the year check our Facebook page for details.

camberley

Town Centre Regeneration

Surrey Heath Borough Council is set to invest over £110m to drive the regeneration of Camberley Town Centre.

This ground-breaking deal will create a clear path for the Council to deliver their ambitious vision for the town and ensure that the highest standards of service to customers are not only maintained but improved on, through further planned investment.

As one of the largest local authority backed town centre investment initiatives this year, Surrey Heath has purchased The Mall Shopping Centre and other assets owned

by Capital & Regional in an offmarket deal worth around £86 million, with other key town centre acquisitions in the pipeline.

This deal follows previous significant development projects in Camberley, including the opening of the successful Atrium leisure and retail complex and the purchase by the Council of Ashwood House for redevelopment in 2015.

Cllr Moira Gibson, Leader of Surrey Heath Borough Council, said: “I have always believed that with the right investments and control of strategically important assets in Camberley, we can fulfil the Council’s ambitions for the town centre; one that the residents of the borough and surrounding area are proud of and that will attract new business to the town”.

The Mall is a 390,000 sq ft covered shopping centre and is home to more than 150 national and independent retailers. Brands include Smiggle, O2, TopShop, Patisserie Valerie, Jones the Bootmaker and Monsoon anchored

by House of Fraser, Boots and Primark, all benefitting from an average weekly footfall of more than 170,000.

The Council is funding this project through local government finance, including loans from the Public Works Loans Board.

Karen Whelan, Chief Executive

of Surrey Heath Borough Council added “The Council’s investment in its own town centre is testament to its ambitions to make Camberley an exciting destination and ‘kickstart’ our regeneration proposals.

These investments will help secure long term financial stability for the Council as government funding for local authorities is reduced.

Attracting high quality development and exciting new retailers and businesses starts with our own belief in our place. Making this financial commitment helps secure our plans for future development and improvements to the town.”

www.surreyheath.gov.uk/camberley I Heathscene I 5

leisure

Get your skates on!

Plans are well underway to bring a winter wonderland to Camberley this December! Inspired by European Christmas Markets, boasting a fabulous real ice rink and bursting with traditional Christmas fun and flavour.

There will be something for all the family at Camberley on Ice. The Council is working in partnership with Surrey based company Event

by Event whose wide experience of similar events will ensure it’s a fantastic occasion not to be missed.

With planning and licensing approval now in place this new event will bring festive fun to Camberley, making the town a destination of choice for all your Christmas needs.

Skating sessions will be on the hour from 11am-8pm with prebookable slots via the dedicated website. There will be enticing seasonal refreshments such as mulled wine, hot chocolate and other festive foods all served in the comfort of The Lodge cafĂŠ, with market stalls providing a range of traditional foods and gifts.

Whilst providing a family-friendly

6 I Heathscene I www.camberleyonice.co.uk

event for the whole borough, to minimise the impact on local residents the Council is providing free and discounted parking in Knoll Road and Main Square car parks for skaters, as parking will be heavily restricted in roads surrounding the event.

For more information and booking details visit www.camberleyonice.co.uk

camberley theatre

Cinderella will go to the ball

at Camberley this Christmas!

Following 2015’s ‘Aladdin’, which received fantastic reviews, we are delighted to welcome ‘Cinderella’ to Camberley Theatre this Christmas.

‘Cinderella’ will be brought to life through stunning costumes, hilarious Ugly Sisters, unforgettable songs and dances, a script bursting with jokes plus a ton of magic and audience interaction.

Camberley Theatre is delighted to announce The Wugly Sisters will be starring in this year’s pantomime. Dot and Babs, AKA The Wugly Sisters, are created and performed by Steve King and Olly Taylor, who combine the collective

experience of television, theatre, puppetry and magic, to originate and create their own unique amazing costumes.

Dot and Babs told us: “We’re thrilled to be gracing Camberley with our presence this Christmas.

Aside from being fabulous in the show and keeping Cinderella in check, we will also be doing a good turn for the people of Camberley by bringing much needed glamour and sparkle to the dowdy masses.

You lucky people!”

Along with all the usual pantomime dates through December, the show will host an adults-only night on Friday 16 December - perfect for Christmas parties and work dos!

Bill’s in Camberley are offering a 20% discount to Camberley Theatre Cinderella ticket holders collect these vouchers when buying your tickets from our box office.

Special Heathscene discount ticket offer - use the code Heathscene2016 to get tickets for £14 on the following evening shows: 8, 14, 15, 21, 28, 29, 30, 31 December.

Plus these 10.30am shows: 7, 8, 9, 15, 16, 20 December.

For more details please visit www.camberleytheatre.co.uk, call in at the box office or phone us on 01276 707600

Our sponsors this year are STIHL and The Best Print.

www.camberleytheatre.co.uk I Heathscene I 7

christmas

Festive parish events Bagshot Christmas Lights Switch On Bagshot Community Events will be hosting the switch-on of the Bagshot Christmas lights, attended

by Deputy Mayor Cllr Valerie White, on Saturday 3 December at 5pm.

West End Christmas Tree Festival A Christmas Tree Festival will take place on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 December at Holy Trinity Church, West End. The church will be filled with 40 trees which will be decorated by local groups, businesses and individuals.

shared between Woking and Sam Beare Hospice, and church funds for the maintenance of Holy Trinity in West End and St John the Baptist in Bisley.

This popular event includes the blessing of the tree by the local vicar, barriers around the tree are decorated with children and elderly residents’ Christmas wishes, and there’ll be plenty of singing of both hymns and Christmas songs.

Chobham Christmas Extravaganza Get your festive shopping off to a great start at the annual Chobham Christmas extravaganza.

Opening times will be 11am until 6.30pm, with a church service to end the festival.

Entry is free, refreshments will be available and donations will be

The museum will be open if you’d like a break from the shopping and the Morris Men will be livening up the evening. There’s free parking in the village car park, Christmas lights and carols too.

Opening times 3.30-8.30pm.

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

To stay up to date with festive events across the borough sign up for our news and events email at www.surreyheath.gov.uk/ whatson

Photos: Alan Meeks

On Friday 2 December all the shops in the High Street will be open late, offering special ‘on the night’ promotions and there’ll be a number of festive stallholders too.

leisure

Mayor officially opens Lightwater Country Park café The Mayor of Surrey Heath, Cllr John Winterton, has officially opened the new Lightwater Country Park café.

The cosy log cabin-style building offers a variety of Lavazza real coffees, other delicious hot and chilled drinks, hot paninis, freshly made sandwiches and mouthwatering cakes, as well as ice creams and other snacks.

Along with the comfy chairs inside the café, there are plenty of outside picnic tables and seats for when the sun is shining! Well-behaved dogs on leads are also welcome at the new café and their owners are encouraged to call in after a walk.

Open every day from 10am until

4pm, the café has opened on the site of the old visitor centre.

The Mayor of Surrey Heath said: “I’m delighted to open the new Lightwater Country Park Café which offers a much needed stop for refreshments. The food is freshly prepared and the coffee is fantastic!

“It’s lovely and cosy inside and on sunnier days you can sit in the picnic area enjoying the sounds of a wide variety of birds. The café really is a year round feature at this popular park.”

Lightwater Country Park comprises of 57 hectares of heathland and lakes, and is a popular location for walking and cycling. An ideal destination for all the family, it has a children’s adventure playground, and plenty of great picnic spots.

The new café is operated by Churchill Catering, who also run the Frimley Lodge Park cafe.

The café will also display informative panels about the Country Park and the Heathland habitats. Leaflets and other local information will also be available.

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

council

Electoral Reviews The 2018 Parliamentary Boundary Review On 13 September 2016 the Boundary Commission for England (BCE) published its initial proposals for new parliamentary constituency boundaries. This marked the start of a 12-week consultation period, the first of three rounds of consultation which will be undertaken before the BCE makes its recommendations for new parliamentary boundaries to Parliament in September 2018.

Heath constituency will continue to include the Guildford Borough wards of Ash Vale, Ash Wharf and Ash South and Tongham.

On 4 October the Council’s Executive agreed to submit a response to the BCE on behalf

of the Council stating they would recommend that Bisley remains in the Surrey Heath constituency.

The BCE are keen to hear the views of members of the public on the proposals - have your say at www.bce2018.org.uk

In relation to Surrey Heath Borough, the proposals include moving Bisley Ward from the Surrey Heath constituency to the Woking constituency. The Surrey

Electoral Review of the Borough The Local Government Boundary Commission for England is conducting a review of the Borough because of electoral inequality in some wards. The review will decide the total number of councillors (council size); the pattern of wards for the entire borough; the number of wards; the names of wards and the boundaries of wards.

The Commission will publish its draft recommendations on future warding patterns for further public consultation between 29 November 2016 and 6 February 2017. Residents are encouraged to view the draft recommendations and have their say on how they are represented in the future at: www.lgbce.org.uk/currentreviews/south-east

During the first stage of the review the Commission announced its ‘minded to’ decision that the number of Borough Councillors for Surrey Heath be reduced from 40 to 34.

Following this decision, a public consultation on future warding

The Commission’s final recommendations will be published on 11 April 2017 and the Order laid before Parliament in May 2017. The new warding arrangements will come into effect with the Borough Elections in May 2019.

patterns took place between 26 July and 10 October. The Council, at its meeting on 5 October 2016, agreed a submission on future warding patterns which will be considered by the Commission when formulating its proposals.

10 I Heathscene I www.surreyheath.gov.uk

meals at home

Don’t cook it! Book it!

If you find it difficult to cook for yourself or to go out food shopping, give Surrey Heath’s Meals at Home Service a try. Available seven days a week, we provide nutritiously balanced meals, hot and ready to eat.

To your door Our meals are cooked in our specially adapted vehicles and delivered by a team of staff to your door or into your home between 11.30am and 2.15pm each day.

New choice based menu!

We’ve introduced a choice based service offering two or three course menu options each day. Meal choices are selected in advance on joining the service to create your own four week rolling menu.

Your dietary needs We can cater for a range of dietary and cultural requirements so if our standard menu doesn’t suit, pick from one of our other specialised menus including vegetarian, reduced sugar, gluten free, soft diet, halal and kosher.

Sandwich Service If you would like an additional lighter bite in the evening, we can deliver a freshly prepared sandwich at the same time as your hot meal for a small additional charge.

“The Meals at Home Service has undoubtedly made a huge difference to the level of care we’re able to provide for my mother. The staff are friendly and courteous. I thoroughly recommend it for anyone worried about making sure their family member is eating properly” Quote from the daughter of a Meals at Home client

12 I Heathscene I www.surreyheath.gov.uk/mealsathome

More than just a meal delivery Our Meals at Home staff will check on your wellbeing when delivering your meal, offering peace of mind and reassurance to you and your relatives.

Sign up!

To request Meals at Home, contact our team on 01276 707651 or visit www.surreyheath.gov.uk/ mealsathome to sign up online.

health

Stay well this winter

NHS Surrey Heath Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is urging local people to keep themselves and their families well and healthy this winter.

Dr Andy Brooks, Chief Officer of the CCG, says it is important for people to take the following simple steps to prevent minor issues becoming major problems:

Dr Brooks added: “The vast majority of people can look after themselves and talk to pharmacists and get over-the-counter medicines to help with symptoms.

• Get the flu jab

“If someone is worried about themselves or anyone else, they

• Don’t run out of prescription medication, especially over the Christmas holiday • Get help and advice from your pharmacist when you feel unwell • Drink fluids to keep hydrated Dr Brooks, who is also a GP in Camberley, said: “I would urge those with long-term health conditions to follow the above steps, so that a minor ailment does not become a serious illness.”

can also get advice from NHS 111 or their GP practice.

“I would appeal to everyone to remember that A&E should be reserved for people with emergencies or life-threatening conditions.”

Who should have the flu jab?

Everyone who is: • aged 65 years or over • living in a residential or nursing home • the main carer of an older or disabled person • a household contact of an immunocompromised person • a frontline health or social care worker • pregnant • aged two, three and four years old, or in Year 1, 2 or 3

www.surreyheathccg.nhs.uk I Heathscene I 13

sports development

Sporting success

on show

The Surrey Heath Sports Awards celebrated the best in local sporting achievement last month with a special ceremony at Camberley Theatre.

Organised by Surrey Heath Borough Council, the awards honour people from across the borough who have excelled in their sport, exceeded personal targets or made a meaningful impact on the local community.

Around 45 nominations were whittled down to a short-list of just three finalists per category before winners were selected by the Surrey Heath Sports Council.

Award Winners: Coach of the Year Pedro Lemos Club of the Year - Swifts Juniors

Young Sports Team - Camberley Town U13 Boys

Sports Personality - Phil Burgess

Disability Sports Award Penny Froude

Surrey Youth Games ‘Performance of the Games’ Ellen D’Arcy

Outstanding Service Christine Thompson

Surrey Youth Games ‘Coach of the Games’ - Chris Pratt

Special thanks to our generous sponsors Specsavers, Places for People, Surrey Playing Fields, Active Surrey, Complete Coaching, 96.4 Eagle Radio, Eight Wealth Management, The Massage Company and Legacy Clothing.

Sports Team of the Year Camberley Rugby Club Men’s First XV Young Sports Personality Zayna Gallacher Young Sports Team Camberley Town U13 Boys Young Volunteer Phoenix Govey-Gray

Sports Personality - Phil Burgess

For photos and videos of the event, please visit www.surreyheath. gov.uk/sportsawards

14 I Heathscene I www.surreyheath.gov.uk/sportsawards

Young Sports Personality - Zayna Gallacher

leisure

Walking Football A slower version of the beautiful game Anyone over the age of 50 from Surrey Heath who may have thought their playing days were over can return to the beautiful game through ‘Walking Football’ sessions at Frimley Lodge Park.

Walking Football is played with similar rules to the traditional game except that running is not permitted and results in a free kick to the opposition. This helps to create a more level playing field, allowing players who might be less mobile to

still get involved with play.

The Surrey Heath sessions, which run in conjunction with the Surrey FA, take place on the prestigious ‘3G’ all weather pitch and focus on the 3 F’s; Football, Fitness and Fun.

New players (male and female) are always welcome - sessions take place on Wednesdays from 1-2pm and cost £2 per week. Please go to www.surreyheath.gov.uk/ walkingfootball or call 01276 707100 to find out more.

www.surreyheath.gov.uk/walkingfootball I Heathscene I 15

consultation

Give your views on Public Spaces Protection Order consultation Residents are being asked to have their say on proposals to help address anti-social behaviour in public places around Surrey Heath.

Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) were introduced by the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014, to regulate activities in Public Spaces that have a detrimental effect upon the local community.

The Council is considering introducing PSPOs that help address anti-social behaviour, that will assist in taking steps to deal with issues relating to alcohol, psychoactive substances (formerly known as legal highs) begging and irresponsible dog ownership.

How do I get involved?

There’s a range of ways to express

your views before the consultation closes on 17 January 2017.

More information, including an online questionnaire, map and a list of the proposed areas for restrictions, are available at: www.surreyheath.gov.uk/PSPO If you wish to receive a paper copy questionnaire to complete, please call the Council to request this on 01276 707100 or email pspoconsultation@ surreyheath.gov.uk Or you can come along to one of our drop-in events below: • The Mall, Camberley Saturday 26 November, 12-2pm

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

• Lightwater Country Park Café Saturday 7 January 2017, 11am-1.30pm • Frimley Lodge Café, Frimley Lodge Park - Saturday 14 January, 11am-1.30pm What happens next?

The Council’s Executive will make the final decision about the Public Space Protection Order in the new year, with the details of the meeting and subsequent decisions to be published on www.surreyheath.gov.uk.

recycling

Christmas

Collection dates Your collection day will change over the Christmas period because the disposal sites will be closed. Please ensure that you check your revised collection dates shown below.

Week Commencing 26 December

Normal Collection day Monday 26 (Boxing Day) Tuesday 27 Wednesday 28 Thursday 29 Friday 30

Revised Collection day collection Tuesday 27 collection Wednesday 28 collection Thursday 29 collection Friday 30 collection Saturday 31

Christmas aper wrapping p

Collections are back to normal on Monday 2 January.

, you can it ip r n a c If you ellopaneC ! it le c y c re ing is not type wrapp recyclable.

Look out for your collection calendar bin hanger that will be delivered during November.

Recycling -

Don’t bag it when you bin it!

To check what you can recycle visit www.surreyheath.gov.uk/green-recycling-bin Clean Please make sure that food residue is removed from recyclable packaging.

Dry Make sure that jars and bottles are empty and do not contain any liquids Loose Don’t bag it when you bin it!

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

council

Performance Report for April 2015 to March 2016

In an environment of constant change and financial pressures, the Council is working hard to deliver the best services possible for local residents and is committed to improving performance to achieve the Council’s Five Year Strategy objectives.

Each year the Council sets out performance targets in an Annual Plan and measures performance and achievements against key priorities. The full report is available on the Surrey Heath Borough Council website.

• Negotiated an innovative joint waste contract with other Surrey Borough’s and Districts

To improve Camberley Town Centre and support economic development across the Borough whilst creating an infrastructure for growth, the Council has;

With a focus on customer service the Council has:

• Acquired two investment properties in Camberley (Pembroke House and Ashwood House) generating rental income in excess of the cost of borrowing • Implemented the new Community Infrastructure Levy regime; this has delivered £284,439 for infrastructure projects • Provided free business advice clinics and supported the creation of new Business Associations for Deepcut and Frimley.

• Submitted funding bids to the Local Enterprise Partnership for improvements to Camberley Town Centre public areas and bus links to local business parks To increase service efficiency whilst maintaining quality of delivery the Council has;

• Launched email billing for Revenues and Benefits - increasing efficiency but also providing customer choice

• Achieved Gold for Investors in People Award and Commitment level in the Workplace Wellbeing Charter • Maintained or improved customer satisfaction scores and service delivery targets • Launched a new website design with refreshed content for an interactive site providing ease of access for users • Launched a new Parking Services Customer Service Charter to provide client choice and increase customer service

Customer Service Results for 2015/16 • 100% of major planning applications were determined within target times • 98% of customers felt that the Contact Centre Service was good or excellent • The Council has the fourth highest dry recycling rate in the Country • 100% of noise complaints were resolved within 60 days of receipt • 97% of food establishments are broadly compliant with food hygiene law • 99.3% of Council Tax was collected • 99% of land searches were carried out within 3 working days

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

community

Supporting Vulnerable Syrian Families

Millions of Syrians have been displaced by the ongoing conflict, and many have ended up in refugee camps in Syria and neighbouring countries.

In response the Government set up the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme to help those in the greatest need by giving them protection and support in the UK. Priority is given to women and children at risk and people requiring urgent medical attention.

The Government has asked local councils, in partnership with their communities, to lead in this work and Surrey Heath Borough Council has agreed to help in this humanitarian effort.

We are committed to welcoming

two families to the Borough this year and up to eight more families by 2020.

The work the Council does is funded by a grant from central Government and we will also be working with local community organisations and businesses to support families.

Affordable housing is scarce in Surrey Heath so we do not plan to use social housing for the families we welcome. We are looking for people with selfcontained properties to rent so

if you have a property you think might be suitable, even if it is not immediately available, please send your contact details to svprs@surreyheath.gov.uk.

• You need to have some life experience and maturity, and be aged between 21 and 70.

• You need to be able to speak English fluently enough to speak with the child you are fostering.

• Any children living at home with you need to be happy with becoming a fostering family.

• You can’t have any criminal convictions involving violence or convictions against children.

• You don’t need to own your own home as long as you have a stable tenancy.

You could make a huge difference to a child’s life. If you would like to find out more, visit: www.surreycc.gov.uk/fostering

Could you foster?

Due to a shortage of foster carers in Surrey, over 30% of fostered children from the county are placed with foster carers outside of Surrey.

Surrey County Council is keen to hear from you if you’d like to foster a child.

• They welcome people who are single, married, in a civil partnership, BME (Black and Minority Ethnic) or identify as being LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Transgender).

20 I Heathscene I www.surreyheath.gov.uk

community

Funds awarded to community groups

A range of local not-for-profit groups are to receive support from Surrey Heath Borough Council through its Community Fund Grant Scheme.

The scheme provides grants of up to £25,000 to assist groups and organisations in Surrey Heath if funding is needed towards projects benefiting local communities.

In September, the Council’s Executive awarded a total of £25,000 in grant funding to support All Saints Church Hall in Lightwater, Camberley Cricket Club and Windlesham Bowls Club.

Applications to the Community Fund Grant scheme are considered twice a year following deadlines of 30 June and 31 December. Full details of the scheme can be found via: www.surreyheath.gov.uk/ communitygrants

• All Saints Church Hall in Lightwater will receive £15,000 to modernise their kitchen and toilet facilities.

• Camberley Cricket Club was awarded £5,000 to supply and fit a replacement disabled lift within the clubhouse.

from the services provided by local community groups and we are pleased to support their work with these grants. We encourage local groups who might need assistance towards a worthy project to get in touch and find out if they can apply.”

• Windlesham Bowls Club will receive £5,000 towards a project to extend the club house by four metres which will provide space for a new disabled toilet, storage area and an opportunity to modernise the kitchen area.

Corporate portfolio holder Cllr Josephine Hawkins said: “Many people in Surrey Heath benefit www.surreyheath.gov.uk/communitygrants I Heathscene I 21

business

Business Breakfast

More than 100 representatives from local businesses attended the latest Surrey Heath Business Breakfast event at Camberley Theatre on Friday 30 September.

They joined councillors and council officers to network, exhibit, and listen to a ‘Question Time’-style panel debate on the subject of Camberley town centre.

The panel consisted of Cllr Moira Gibson, Leader of Surrey Heath Borough Council, Deputy Leader Cllr Richard Brooks, SHBC Chief Executive Karen Whelan, Lucy Boazman of Collectively Camberley, and Mark Selby of EM3 Growth Hub and the University of Surrey.

The panel members discussed various issues connected to Camberley town centre, including current projects, transport links, and future plans, while also taking questions from the delegates.

Attendees also watched a new video, made in conjunction with Collectively Camberley, celebrating the positive aspects of the town.

The event was live-streamed via Facebook Live on the Surrey Heath Facebook page, and the

video can be viewed at www.facebook.com/ SurreyHeath.

More than a dozen exhibitors attended the Business Breakfast, which is a bi-annual event, hosted

by Surrey Heath Borough Council.

Cllr Moira Gibson said: “This event is a popular one among the Surrey Heath business community, as can be seen by the full house at the theatre despite the early start.

“The feedback received shows local firms appreciate this opportunity to meet existing contacts, make new ones, and discuss issues relevant to them.

“It is also a chance for us to celebrate all that is good about business in the borough.”

The next Surrey Heath Business Breakfast event will take place on Friday March 31, 2017. It will host the 2017 Surrey Heath Business Awards. Businesses interested in attending, exhibiting or speaking about their organisation should visit www.surreyheath.gov.uk/ business

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

economic development

Digital

Network

In line with one of the Council’s key priorities encouraging economic growth - work is progressing to improve the digital footprint in Camberley, attracting creatives and high-tech businesses. work gets five minutes to display, talk and discuss case studies and examples with the rest of the group. This is a great opportunity to find out more about other members of the collective.

The Council is working with a number of local companies to develop the area as a venue for tech-based industry and attract young ‘millennials’ to live and work in Surrey Heath. One of the initiatives we are supporting and sponsoring is Frames.

to anyone with a passion for storytelling and creative video making, using animation. Frames’ aim is to build a collective of members who have a desire to collaborate, develop skills, acquire knowledge and increase their network of like-minded individuals.

Frames is an incubator and social hub for budding animators and filmmakers based in Surrey and the surrounding area. It is open

Participants can showcase their individual skills and portfolio during a ‘show and tell’-type evening. Each person that wants to share their

Frames is a fantastic patform for those in the ‘digital community’ in the Surrey Heath area to connect with each other in a relaxed, friendly and welcoming environment. If you’d like to find out more or get involved with upcoming events then please visit the website at the bottom of the page, or email dan@fudgeanimation.com or kevin.cantlon@surreyheath. gov.uk

www.meetup.com/FRAMES-The-Animators-Filmmakers-Collective/ I Heathscene I 23

enforcement

We’re watching you…

Surrey Heath Borough Council has joined forces with environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy in a bid to reduce dog fouling in key problem areas.

The hard-hitting campaign, with the strapline ‘We’re watching you’, sets its sights on irresponsible dog owners, with recent research showing that dog walkers are more responsible and pick up after their dogs when they think that they are being watched.

Surrey Heath Borough Council has signed up to the edgy and uncompromising campaign to tackle dog fouling hotspots. The ‘We’re watching you’ series of signs are visible after dark, and use innovative

Feedback suggests that dog fouling tends to occur at night time and during the months with shorter days, as some dog owners feel that they can’t be seen ‘under the cover of darkness’.

Last year Keep Britain Tidy conducted a campaign pilot, funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), working with land managers across the country. This pilot saw an average reduction of 46% in the levels of dog fouling.

So far, 120 land managers have joined the campaign since its launch in November 2014.

24 I Heathscene I www.surreyheath.gov.uk/littering

cutting edge materials.

Julia Greenfield, Surrey Heath’s Audit, Counter Fraud and Corporate Enforcement Manager, said: “Feedback from Surrey Heath residents has told us that dog fouling is a key issue in the area that they would like to see addressed.

“We know that the public perceive dog fouling to be by far the most unacceptable and dirtiest type of litter.

“The vast majority of dog owners are responsible people, who habitually pick up after their dog and dispose of the poo bags correctly, either in the nearest bin or by taking home to dispose of in their own household waste bin.”

Surrey Heath Borough Council hope to see the same results as the local authorities who have already signed up to the campaign. #werewatchingyou

community

Focus on Volunteering “Nobody can do everything, but everyone can do something” There are lots of reasons that people volunteer. It’s a chance to give something back to your community or make a difference to the people around you.

It’s also a great opportunity to develop new skills or build on existing knowledge - and it is fun!

Whatever the reason, volunteering is rewarding. Within Surrey Heath there are many different types of voluntary organisations looking for individuals to help.

Loneliness is a major factor in today’s society - two-fifths of all older people say the TV is their main source of company. The elderly are particularly vulnerable to social isolation because of the

loss of friends and family, reduced mobility or income. Voluntary schemes in Surrey Heath who offer befriending, mentoring and social groups are urgently looking for additional volunteers.

If you work locally and want to get involved in volunteering through a work-based scheme or as a team of employees, Voluntary Support North Surrey can identify a suitable and worthwhile volunteering project.

Last year they enabled nearly 1,300 employee volunteers to participate in 50 projects for local voluntary organisations.

To find out more call 01276 707565 or visit www.voluntarysupport.org.uk

Tackling Rough Sleeping The Council has launched a new service to support homeless people in the Borough, called Team Around the Person Project, or TAPP. TAPP recognises that homeless people usually have more than a housing problem. Often there are other things they need help with such as unmet health needs, mental health issues, money problems and alcohol misuse.

TAPP gets people to the right services and supports them to accept the help available, while at the same time working to find the right housing.

As well as making a difference to the lives of the individuals affected, the Council’s work also supports other services by reducing unnecessary A&E attendances, freeing up police time, and helping to get people off benefits and into work.

This winter the Council are also working with The Vine Centre (www.thevinecentre.org.uk) to provide emergency accommodation during severe weather. If you are aware of anyone sleeping rough please let us know at: www.streetlink.org.uk

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museum

Surrey Heath Museum

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There’s plenty going at Surrey Heath Museum - why not pop in?

Open Wednesday to Saturday from 11am to 5pm, located on Knoll Road, Camberley and admission is free!

Exhibitions Frimley & Camberley Society of Arts - until 23 December 2016 This returning annual selling exhibition by the vibrant and talented local society is a great opportunity to view and buy some fantastic artwork.

Foyer - Christmas Decorations from the Past

Camberley: The First 140 Years 28 January to 24 March 2017 An exhibition documenting the town’s development since adopting the name ‘Camberley’ in January 1877.

Family Activities Drop-in fun and craft sessions for the under 5s, 10.30am - 12 noon (50p per child suggested donation) Saturday 26 November Victorian Christmas Trees Tuesday 13 December Christmas-themed crafts Friday 23 December Making Tree Decorations 10.30am - 12 noon, £2.50

Foyer - New acquisitions from the Collection

Surrey Heath 2017 Calendar This year’s calendar features photographs from the collection of local photographer Ron Francis - it costs £5 and makes the perfect Christmas gift!

Available from the Museum shop, The Heritage Gallery in the Mall, or by calling 01276 707284 (p&p applies).

26 I Heathscene I www.surreyheath.gov.uk/museum