Heathscene Great Place • Great Community • Great Future
Head over heels at
Crabtree Skatepark RMA receive Freedom of the Borough Surrey Heath Show 2014 New Dementia Garden
Spring 2014
in this issue . . .
the Message from
ive Chief Execut
Freedom of the Borough Royal Military Academy personnel given new honour
page 4 Park life Enjoy your open spaces this spring
page 10
Surrey Heath Show Don’t miss this fun-packed event
page 12
Your local museum New exhibitions and events for all ages
page 27 plus many more articles of information and interest.
Surrey Heath’s heritage is inextricably linked to the military and its presence has had a significant influence on many of our towns and villages. Nowhere is this more apparent than Camberley which literally owes its existence to the Royal Military Academy (RMA). I believe that it’s a great privilege to have such an historic establishment in our borough and I was filled with immense pride recently when Surrey Heath Borough Council agreed to confer the honour of the Freedom of the Borough to all ranks of the Royal Military Academy. This gives the RMA the right to march through the streets of the borough, on ceremonial occasions, with colours flying, bands playing, drums beating and bayonets fixed. This right will be exercised for the first time on June 14 in Camberley Town Centre and I am sure it will be quite a spectacle! Surrey Heath can’t claim to have the longevity of the RMA but it will be reaching a significant milestone on 1 April when it turns 40. This gives us the opportunity to look back at how local government has changed since 1974, but also at how many things remain the same. Economic changes, housing shortages and factors such as an increasing elderly population mean that we have had to adapt and change quite quickly. However what hasn’t changed since 1974 is the commitment and dedication we have to serving our residents and ensuring that Surrey Heath continues to be a great place, with a great community and a great future.
Front cover photo courtesy of Ché Solder
Social Networking Copywriting by: Ian Macey, Andy Edmeads and Daniel Harrison, 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.
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www.surreyheath.gov.uk I Heathscene I 3
council
Royal Military Academy receives Freedom of the Borough On 26 February Surrey Heath Borough Council conferred the Freedom of the Borough on all ranks of the Royal Military Academy. This gives military personnel the privilege and honour of marching through the streets of the borough on ceremonial occasions, with colours flying, bands playing, drums beating and bayonets fixed. In recognition of the one hundredth anniversary of World War I, the Royal Military Academy will exercise this privilege on the 14 June 2014, to commemorate the sacrifice of so many residents of this borough in that and later conflicts. The Freedom will also act to confirm the longstanding links between the
borough and the Royal Military Academy, enhanced recently by the establishment of the Surrey Heath Community Covenant in 2012 which is a voluntary statement of mutual support between a civilian community and its local armed forces community. Further details were unavailable when Heathscene went to print but information on the march and other World War I commemoration events will be released on
Forty years on... borough’s ruby anniversary This year Surrey Heath celebrates its 40th year! The new borough council was formed on 1 April 1974 under the Local Government Act 1972, as a merger of Frimley and Camberley Urban District, and Bagshot Rural District (there had been an interim year in 1973 when the council did not have borough status and was called Surrey Heath District Council).
We will be marking the anniversary in various ways through the year ahead. Look out for updates in the next edition of Heathscene.
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the Surrey Heath website (www.surreyheath.gov.uk) and in the local media nearer the time.
leisure
Spring into fitness at the Arena The Arena Leisure Centre offers a wide range of activities for all ages and abilities. From a 100 station gym and 90 exercise classes a week, to a swimming pool and squash courts there really is something for everyone. We caught up with fitness instructor Sarah Gatehouse to find out more. Why is it important to exercise regularly? Regular exercise has huge health benefits such as preventing serious illnesses and helps reduce blood pressure and cholesterol, as well as improving your mental wellbeing. Why the Arena? It's a really sociable centre with friendly staff but also friendly members. We’ve got new gym equipment like the TRX suspension training system and Viprs exercise gadgets which are great fun and promise a hard work out with great results. We can also offer Personal Training and create bespoke programmes tailored to your needs. We run a 50+ programme which is a great way to meet new people and stay fit, plus teen sessions and dedicated classes for young people.
Top fitness tip? Aside from my Monday morning spinning class, my advice is to make sure you warm up, stretch, drink plenty of water and make your workout fun and varied!
Membership starts from just ÂŁ16.99 per month. To find out more call 01276 417111 or go www.dcleisurecentres.co.uk/ centres/arena-leisure-centre
The Prudential RideLondon-Surrey cycle events will be coming back to Surrey on Sunday 10 August. To find out more visit www.prudentialridelondon.co.uk www.surreyheath.gov.uk/leisure I Heathscene I 5
council
Camberley Town Centre Area Action Plan modifications Proposals by Surrey Heath Borough Council to revitalise and improve Camberley Town Centre are moving forward. An Examination in Public of the Camberley Town Centre Area Action Plan (CTCAAP) was held by an Independent Planning Inspector in December 2013. Through the examination, the Inspector can propose modifications to ensure soundness of the plans. The Inspector has proposed six main modifications to the CTCAAP and these reflect minor changes put forward by the council when
the plan was submitted for examination last year. Consultation on the modifications took place for six weeks from the end of February to early April. For more information visit: www.surreyheath.gov.uk/ctcaap
parking
Ticketless Parking comes to Camberley The long awaited work to improve Camberley’s car parks has begun with the recent installation of new clearer signage at Main Square Car Park. This will soon be followed by the replacement of the payment machines with a state-of-the-art ticketless system. Payments will be able to be made via cashless payment, season tickets and cash. In addition to the new payment machines, the council will also be undertaking a programme of improvements to the car parks including refurbished stairwells and upgraded lifts in Main Square. Throughout this work we will ensure the car park remains fully operational and disruption is kept to a minimum. For more information on the programme of works, look out for internal signage or go to: www.surreyheath.gov.uk/parking
Calling all budding photographers Local amateur photographers are invited to get snappy and showcase what they love most about Surrey Heath. Surrey Heath Borough Council is pleased to announce its My Surrey Heath Photo Competition is back for a second year with a brand new category and the chance to submit even more stunning pictures. Open to anyone of any age that lives in Surrey Heath, the entries will be divided into three categories - under 18s, adult, and a new Mobile category which is ideal for Smart Phone users who like using apps and filters to make their pictures stand out! One winner from each category will receive a canvas of their photograph as well as the chance to take part in a bespoke photography workshop
led by Windlesham and Camberley Camera Club. An exhibition of the winners and entries will be displayed at various local venues around the borough this summer. The competition is open now and the closing date for entries is 30 May 2014. To enter or find out more visit www.surreyheath.gov.uk/ photocompetition
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camberley theatre
Weddings and Parties with Showbiz Sparkle Camberley Theatre is the ideal venue for weddings, parties and family celebrations. Following a refurbishment last autumn, the theatre now enjoys a stylish banqueting service with a range of function rooms as well as in-house restaurant caterers who can tailor a menu for your special occasion. The theatre provides a dramatic backdrop for your special event and the Auditorium, with its raised stage, is a wonderful space for couples wishing to be firmly in the spotlight on their big day. Guests can enjoy a tour of the venue so it’s well worth discussing your event with our Venue Manager. The main Function Room offers a welcoming space suitable for a variety of seating arrangements
including a comfortable banquet style for up to 100 guests. The modern Café Bar - open daily for lunches, drinks and snacks - can be utilised for your event and there’s also a relaxed sofa area with a large screen audio visual facility. Wedding Fair and Baby Show On Sunday 13 April the theatre will hold its first combined Wedding Fair and Baby Show with free entry to the public. Visitors can view the space and talk to a range of local and regional suppliers.
There will be a Bride and Groom Catwalk show at 12 and 2pm, and the Café Bar will be open throughout the event offering lunches, hot drinks and refreshments. The function room will be set up with a range of chairs and tables dressed for special occasions to give you some décor ideas. If you are planning an event and are considering using our facilities, why not book an appointment in our VIP Room with our in-house team to discuss your requirements? To book your time-slot please call 01276 707600 or visit www.camberleytheatre.biz for more information. We look forward to seeing you on Sunday 13 April!
Heathscene Discount Lunch at Camberley Theatre Café Bar Present this voucher to Café Bar staff and receive a 25% discount on your food bill! This offer is only valid on food purchases between 12 and 2.30pm (drinks not included). Offer runs up to and includes 30 April 2014. For detailed terms and conditions visit www.camberleytheatre.biz
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flood prevention
Flood prevention work tackles adverse weather On-going drainage work and flood prevention measures helped Surrey Heath cope well following heavy rainfall early this year. The council’s Drainage Works Programme operates all year round, undertaking maintenance and improvements to minor watercourses such as ditches and streams, as well as managing drainage systems on land the council owns. During 2013, a range of improvement work was carried out around the borough to reduce the impact of excessive rainfall. Improvements undertaken in Bagshot, Lightwater, Bisley, West End, Windlesham and Chobham have all helped to increase flood resilience, with much more restoration and maintenance planned for the year ahead. Recently the council has been successful in securing several Defra grants, with support from the Environment Agency, which will be used to continue flood mitigation in all areas of the borough. Cllr Keith Bush portfolio holder for Regulatory said: “Parts of Surrey
Heath are susceptible to flooding because of water draining off the heathland into local rivers and streams. “The effect of our drainage programme to slow down this flow of water has meant the borough coped tremendously well with the heavy rainfall. “As well as this on-going work we will continue to pursue external funding opportunities to support further improvements that benefit local flood resilience.” As part of its Drainage Works Programme, the council works closely with neighbouring authorities and landowners to help enhance flood resilience. Anyone that has a watercourse within the boundary of their land is responsible for the maintenance. For advice contact Surrey Heath Borough Council on 01276 707100 or visit www.surreyheath.gov.uk
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leisure
Park life As the weather gets milder and the days longer, there’s a lot happening in your local parks this spring and summer. Here’s a selection of events to choose from! The Great Easter Clue Hunt Tuesday 15 April Anytime between 11am and 3.30pm Join the fun at the Visitor Centre, Lightwater Country Park, where the Easter holiday hunt will have families finding clues, solving puzzles and claiming rewards. After that you can make a wildlife hat and meet the animals from the Farms 2 Ewe mobile farm. Don’t miss out as the event is for one day only.
Ranger Patrol - Dusk Discoveries on the Heath 5, 12, 19 and 21 June Join a ranger on his moonlit patrols of Lightwater Country Park. See the dark side of the Heathland and hunt for amazing nocturnal beasts such as nightjars, bats and tawny owls! If the skies are clear then there’ll be a chance to do some star-gazing too. Wear warm clothing as it may become cool later. Sorry, no dogs. Cost £3. Pre-booking essential for these 2-3 hour events. Times advised when pre-booking.
The cost is £4 per child (with one accompanying adult free - £4 per additional adult). Easter Birdwatch! Saturday 19 April Join Gordon Voller of the Greenspace Team on a birdwatching walk around Lightwater Country Park. Discover some of our resident birds and also new arrivals from the South. Meet Gordon outside the Heathland Visitor Centre. Please bring binoculars if you have them. Sorry, no dogs. Cost £2 per person, pre-booking essential. Time advised when pre-booking. Suitable for adults.
For bookings or for more information call 01276 707166 / 01276 707323 (Field Safari only). To see a full list of local leisure events go to: www.surreyheath.gov.uk/leisure
Field Safari Tuesday 27 May 10 to 11.30am Join a Greenspace Officer for a safari session amongst the long grass and flower meadows of Frimley Lodge Park, to spot the mini-beasts that call it home. Gawk and gaze at chafer beetles, field crickets and many more! Nets provided but places are limited, prebooking essential. Sorry, no dogs. Cost £2.50 per child.
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youth
Crabtree Skate Park Improvements Regular users of the Crabtree skate park can now take advantage of a host of exciting new ramps and features thanks to the hard work of the Surrey Heath Youth Council, an organisation made up of local 11-18 year olds who act as a voice for young people in the borough. Using funding successfully secured from Surrey Heath Borough Council and Surrey County Council, the Youth Council worked closely with Gravity Skateparks and the Surrey Heath Greenspace Team to create a new park that caters for all users of the facility. Members of the Youth Council canvassed young people across the borough to find out what features they would like to see at the park, which Gravity were then able to translate into an exciting design. The new plan innovatively works with the existing ramps and within the current park footprint, creating an inspiring arena for all wheeled sports. The new facilities include a quarterpipe and roll-in ramps, a new double pump bump and a spine; setting the stage for some impressive riding and skating skills! Young people across the borough have already been testing the new equipment and putting themselves through their paces! If you are interested in the work of Surrey Heath Youth Council, or would like to become a member visit www.surreyheathyc.org.uk
Photo courtesy of ChĂŠ Solder
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leisure
Surrey Heath Show set to be bigger than ever! The Surrey Heath Show returns to Frimley Lodge Park on Saturday 3 May 2014 and organisers are sure it will be the biggest and best yet! Up to 8,000 people are expected to attend the family fun day packed with stalls, food outlets, rides and activities. There’ll be exciting arena displays from local community groups, which last year saw breathtaking dance and aerobic displays. Further attractions will include a crafts tent, bouncy castle, the ever popular dog show and a display from Camberley Judo Club. If you’d like to have a stall at the show please visit www.surreyheathshow.org and download a booking form. You can also “Like” their Facebook page and follow #SurreyHeathShow on Twitter for updates on the day! Twitter @SurreyHeath #SurreyHeathShow Facebook.com/surreyheathshow
Chobham Carnival Preparations for this year’s Chobham Carnival on Monday 5 May are well under way. The theme this year is The Magic of Children’s Characters and the procession starts from Burrow Hill at 11.30am before going through the village to the recreation ground. A day of entertainment will then feature music, stalls and amusements, as well as traditional favourites like Punch and Judy and magic shows. A May Ball to raise additional funds towards The Carnival Association’s charity work within the village takes place on Saturday 3 May in the Village Hall. The black tie event includes live music, dinner, a raffle and an auction with top prizes. Tickets cost £30 per person. More info, stall and procession forms are available from www.chobhamcarnival.co.uk or call 01276 24738 (stalls) or 01276 858170 (procession).
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camberley town centre
Culturally Camberley... What’s On? It’s all happening in Camberley! Whatever your age or interest, the spectacular events programme is sure to captivate every visitor. We have selected the absolute must-see-don’tmiss exhibitions, theatre shows and evenings out for you to enjoy over the coming months! Theatre Shows Camberley Theatre
Exhibitions Surrey Heath Museum:
Sunday 13 April We’ve Only Just Begun is a celebration of the Carpenters music and the spirit of Karen Carpenter. Close your eyes and re-live the magic of one of the greatest female voices in pop music history as Toni Lee becomes Karen Carpenter and sings hits including Close To you, We’ve Only Just Begun, and more.
5 July - 30 August War Time Cartoonist Mr Cox was an eminent illustrator who worked for the local newspaper during the First World War. He sketched many cartoons of everyday life in the area - full of humour, drama and social comment. These unique sketches are on display for the first time alongside St. George’s First World War memorial stones. Once displayed in the church on Knoll Road, Camberley - the stones have been in storage since the church was demolished in the early 1970s.
Friday 27 June Back by popular demand - Des O’Connor. Don’t miss this chance to see Des O’Connor, television personality, multi-million record selling artist and brilliant comedian live on stage here at Camberley.
Local Live Music Every Thursday - The Bear, Park Street - Live Music from local bands
Thursday 17 April So Asia, High Street - Abbalicious Friday 25 April Alcatraz, Obelisk Way - The Best of Buble & Pop With Albie! Upcoming Town Centre Events 3rd Saturday of each month The Camberley Farmers Market, Park Street Saturday 28 June The Big Curry, Park Street Saturday 30 August The Love Camberley Car Show, Camberley Town Centre For more information on all the above events, visit the Collectively Camberley What's On guide www.collectivelycamberley.co.uk or follow us on Twitter and Facebook - Love Camberley.
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community
Let’s Get Growing community garden idea wins £18,000! Surrey Heath’s campaign to win £18,000 to build a dementia friendly garden at the borough’s Windle Valley Day Centre has paid off! Residents were urged to vote for the popular facility in Bagshot, which had the chance of winning the cash for a project aimed at getting more people gardening. The company Supra, suppliers of key safes and other equipment for elderly and vulnerable people, pledged to give the prize money to one of seven shortlisted projects receiving the most votes from the public. The campaign to win votes featured posters, leaflets and badges as well extensive press and social media coverage. This hard work obviously paid off as when the results were announced it was revealed that Surrey Heath had received around a quarter of the total votes. By 2015 Surrey Heath is estimated to have over 1,000 people with dementia as well as the fastest projected increase in Surrey by 2020 due to an ageing population. Paul Foster, Surrey Heath Borough Council's executive head of business, said: “We’re overwhelmed with this result and the brilliant response that led to our Let’s Get Growing campaign winning! “Our project will deliver a new and innovative dementia friendly community garden at Windle Valley
Day Centre, specifically aimed at day centre users, local residents, and visitors to the new Wellbeing Centre to be built later this year. “We want to get as many people gardening as we can to help prevent the onset of dementia and help those living with it to keep physically and mentally active. “Thank you to all those who made the time to vote for this worthy cause.” Wellbeing Centre A wellbeing centre for people with dementia is being built at the Windle Valley Day Centre this year. The single storey, 50 square metre extension will provide space for groups of up to 12 people at a time. Aimed at people in the early stages of dementia, and their carers, it will offer a pathway into
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assessment and support services as well as a place to meet for help and advice. A Dementia Friendly Organisation The council is taking steps towards becoming a Dementia Friendly Organisation after approving a scheme to help support the wellbeing of people living with the condition. By signing up to the Governmentled initiative, the council will receive free training for customer facing staff as well as access to free advice, information and support. As a Dementia Friendly Organisation, the council will take a lead in influencing local services about how to be more empathetic to the needs of people with dementia.
community
Surrey Heath Community Services The Community Services team in Surrey Heath offer a huge range of options to help people live independently for as long as possible. These include our popular and ever expanding Meals at Home, the Windle Valley Centre and Community Alarm service. All these services are provided at a reasonable cost and led by experienced, trained and friendly staff. Meals at Home Our Meals at Home service ensures elderly and vunerable people have at least one hot, nutritious meal a day. You can choose from three courses and all meals are cooked in our vans meaning they arrive hot and fresh at your door. We can also cater for many specific dietary requirements. We’ve recently expanded to offer a lighter option of freshly made sandwiches which can also be delivered. The Meals at Home service is offered 7 days a week, 365 days a year and you don’t need a referral letter; just call 01276 707660 for more info. Community Alarm Our Community Alarm scheme offers the ability to call for help at the touch of a button. Older people who are on their own may feel vulnerable in times of a crisis but this scheme offers 24 hour peace of mind and help in an emergency. Specialist equipment can now remind residents to lock their door at night, take regular medication and use bed sensors to alert family or emergency services should the resident not return to bed after a predefined period. Saturday Club Saturday Club at Windle Valley Day Centre in Bagshot offers carers and those they care for some time-out to enjoy fun activities. Held every Saturday between 2-5pm, the club is a great way to meet and talk to new people with similar interests, take part in crafts and games - all to be enjoyed over some tea and cake! Saturday Club costs just £6 and to book please call Aline on 01276 707659.
For more information on these and other Community Services please go to www.surreyheath.gov.uk/ communityservices or call 01276 707679.
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business
Profile: Kevin Cantlon Economic Development Officer Surrey Heath appointed its first Economic Development Officer earlier this year. Heathscene recently caught up with Kevin to tell us about his role. You’re the council’s first Economic Development Officer. Tell us about this new role. By creating a post specifically to focus on economic development, the council is demonstrating its firm commitment to sustaining and promoting the local economy. We want people to know that Surrey Heath is open for business. My remit will be to spread the word wherever and however I can. I want people to see me as the first point of contact for all conversations about business in Surrey Heath. What are your main aims? I want to help existing companies develop and grow and provide a "soft landing" for those wishing to
move into Surrey Heath. I also aim to support people who want to improve their skills and increase their employment opportunities. How will you be involving the business community? By visiting companies and discussing with them what together we want to achieve. I attend breakfast meetings, evening meetings, and talk to as many business associations and companies as I can. I’ll be using social media as I travel round the borough and will be tweeting about all of the great things available in Surrey Heath and the opportunities for businesses.
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What’s your take on business growth in Surrey Heath? Surrey Heath is a great place to live, work and do business. It has high tech business parks, an abundance of small and growing businesses and is well connected to cities, motorways and airports. There’s also a great mix of big names, independents, attractive villages and vibrant urban areas. The country is getting back on its feet, confidence is returning, and the council is committed to supporting local business growth. I think we’re in for exciting times. To contact Kevin, email kevin.cantlon@surreyheath.gov.uk or follow him on Twitter @KevinCantlon
council
Council Tax - Are you paying the right amount? Did you know that council tax is charged based on two people living in a property? Reductions are available to the amount payable in certain circumstances. These include: Single Person Discount If you live alone you can get a 25% discount. Discounts for people who are not counted - Certain people are not counted when working out the number of adults who live in your home, therefore your bill could be reduced. This includes full time students, student nurses and people who are severely mentally impaired. Disabled band reduction scheme - If there is a room or other extra space in your
property needed by a disabled occupant, the disabled band reduction scheme may entitle you to a reduction in your Council Tax. Empty property - Since April 2013, Council Tax has been payable on most furnished and unfurnished empty properties. From April 2014, no council tax is payable on an empty unfurnished property for the first 28 days from when the property becomes empty.
circumstances, such as property owned by a charity, left empty by someone who has moved to receive personal care in a hospital or a care home, or repossessed properties in possession of a mortgage company. How to apply If you think you are eligible for any of the above discounts and exemptions, please visit www.surreyheath.gov.uk/ counciltax or call 01276 707176.
There are some exemptions for property left empty in certain
European Parliamentary Elections - 22 May 2014 European Parliamentary Elections will be taking place on Thursday 22 May. You will need to be on the Electoral Register in order to cast your vote at this election. Paying Council Tax does not automatically include you on the Electoral Register. Applications for new registrations must be received by Tuesday, 6 May 2014 in order to be accepted. The election of Members of the European Parliament takes place every 5 years. Any elector can vote by post if they cannot or do not want to vote at the polling station. All you need do is complete and return a postal voting application form before 5pm on Wednesday, 7 May 2014 and we will make sure your ballot paper is sent to you by post.
Postal votes are sent out approximately eight working days before an election. Your vote sends a powerful message, please don’t waste it...it counts! For further information and application forms, please contact the Electoral Registration Office on
01276 707165 or e-mail: vote@surreyheath.gov.uk Alternatively, write to: Electoral Registration Office, Surrey Heath Borough Council, Surrey Heath House, Knoll Road, Camberley, Surrey GU15 3HD.
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community
Can you bring hospitality and hope to transform a life? east to west Supported Lodgings Scheme In the last issue of Heathscene we highlighted east to west - a trust bringing hope to over 1,400 children, young people and families in Surrey and Berkshire each year. Supported Lodgings places a young person aged 16 or 17 into a family or individual’s (host) home for up to a year, much like fostering and an article in the winter Heathscene lead to 10 enquiries which resulted in two new placements! Who can be a Supported Lodgings Host? east to west needs people from all walks of life, married or single, with or without children, young or not so young. All that they ask is that people are in good health, have a spare room and are willing to share their home and lives with a young person.
shopping economically.
A host doesn’t have parental responsibility for the young person, but is asked to help nurture skills such as cooking, budgeting, or
What support do hosts receive? Although a rewarding experience in itself, hosts will receive the housing benefit payment that the young
person is entitled to as well as training and have an allocated support worker. For more information please go to www.supportedlodgings.org or call them on 01784 4380070.
English classes for retired Gurkha soldiers Surrey Heath has a significant number of retired Gurkha soldiers and their families living in the borough. To enable Gurkha residents to integrate and access local services, Surrey Heath Borough Council has secured government funding to provide English classes which will take place at the Camberley Adult Education Centre. Continuing throughout most of 2014, the classes will also aim to encourage volunteers from the wider community to eventually become English tutors of the future. Volunteers are being offered funding to undertake CELTA (Certificate in
English Language Teaching to Adults). If you or anyone you know might be interested in getting involved and perhaps doing a CELTA course,
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please contact Sarah Groom on 01276 707263 or e-mail: sarah.groom@surreyheath.gov.uk
youth
Young Citizen course teaches safety and responsibility Hundreds of Year 7 pupils in Surrey Heath have taken part in the Young Citizen scheme, a one-day course aiming to equip young people with the skills and knowledge to lead safe and healthy lives. Young Citizen saw more than 400 children learning first-hand about dealing with emergency situations, as well as protecting personal safety and being responsible towards others. Pupils from Kings International College, Collingwood College and Carwarden House Community School all took part. During the day, a range of informative and interactive sessions were provided by Surrey Fire and Rescue, St John Ambulance and Surrey Police. A play by the Soloman Theatre Company entitled ‘Last Orders’ was performed by young actors, highlighting issues around alcohol abuse and its consequences. The young people were then encouraged to debate and explore the themes and relationships in a discussion workshop which followed. Special guests visiting the Young Citizens were the Mayor of Surrey Heath Cllr Beverley Harding and Jeff Harris, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey. The Mayor said “I was pleased to see so many local organisations working together to deliver Young Citizen. It was great to see all the schools involved in such a valuable scheme, providing young people with important skills that hopefully they will remember throughout their lives. “The interactive sessions were thought provoking and led to lots of discussion and debate from the young participants.” The scheme was organised by the Safer Surrey Heath Partnership (SSHP) and Surrey Heath Learning Partnership (SHLP).
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council
Planning Search online www.surreyheath.gov.uk Since its launch in June 2013 the planning search function on www.surreyheath.gov.uk has become more and more popular. The planning pages are designed to make life easier for residents wanting to find out about specific planning applications. Via the Planning Applications Search section, visitors can use the search box to find planning information, by either entering the application reference number, address, or postcode. The single search box also lets users search by case officer, applicant name or agent name. Geographical Information System (GIS) Manager James Rutter said: “The latest search function offers
local residents, businesses and the wider public even easier access to planning information and the amount of data that can be searched for is now even more comprehensive than ever.� The Planning Applications Search can be found via Planning and Building and then Planning Applications on www.surreyheath.gov.uk
Highlighting irresponsible dog owners Dog mess found in the borough is being sprayed with coloured paint to shame irresponsible owners. Surrey Heath Borough Council is responding to dog fouling reports with high visibility patrols and marking where people fail to clear up after their pet, drawing attention to the problem and aiming to make dog owners think twice. Bagged dog mess can go into any public litter bin and additional awareness signs have been added to more bins recently, together with penalty signs on posts. Neighbourhood officers regularly patrol parks and other open spaces and have the power to issue ÂŁ75 fixed penalty notices to those caught not clearing up after their
dogs. They have been talking to owners and issuing dog poo bags where appropriate. Some specific reports have resulted in evening and weekend patrols. Patrols in hotspot areas have been shown to reduce dog fouling. Surrey Heath is a clean borough and the vast majority of dog owners clean up after their pet. If you see anyone not clearing up after their dog and can identify them please report it via www.surreyheath.gov.uk/ reportit or call 01276 707100.
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community
M3 motorway upgrade The Highways Agency is planning a £174m upgrade to the M3 in Surrey. The upgrade will transform a 13.4 mile stretch of the route into a ‘smart motorway’ by adding an additional lane in both directions between junctions 2 and 4a and using variable speed limits to manage traffic flow. The measures aim to increase capacity, reduce congestion and boost average speeds for motorists, hopefully cutting four minutes per vehicle from a morning commute
into London and one minute per vehicle from the evening journey. Due to the capacity increase, emissions from the extra traffic are forecast to breach local air quality limits on a short section of the route unless the section is limited to 60mph during certain times of the day. At the time of Heathscene going to press, the Highways Agency was consulting on proposals to introduce
a 60mph speed limit on the three mile section from junction 3 at Lightwater to junction 4 near Farnborough between 7am and 7pm. The consultation closes on 11 April. Construction of the smart motorway scheme is expected to start this year. For more info visit www.highways.gov.uk or call the Highways Agency’s information line on 0300 123 5000.
Support for homes and businesses to improve energy efficiency The Green Deal is a new scheme that can help you make energy-saving improvements to your home or business without paying all the costs up front. Improvements you can make under the Green Deal include: • heating • double glazing • insulation - such as loft or cavity wall • Renewable energy generation solar panels or heat pumps
The costs are paid back in instalments through your fuel bill as the Green Deal is a loan, not a grant. The Government advises that savings on your energy bills after improvements should cover the cost of the loan over time.
tenants must agree before going ahead with improvements. This includes Social Housing. For more details call the Energy Saving Advice Centre on 0300 123 1234 or visit www.gov.uk/greendeal-energy-saving-measures
If you live in rented accommodation, both owner and
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community
Volunteer today Do you think you could spare the time to give something back to your local area? Do you wish to become more involved with the community and make new friends or learn new skills? Many charities and voluntary groups in Surrey Heath operate principally through the contributions made by volunteers. Local groups offer a variety of free or low cost services to the vulnerable and those in need. In addition there are social groups, support groups and sports groups as well as young people and animal charities. Voluntary Support North Surrey (VSNS) focuses on improving the lives of the people in Surrey Heath by promoting voluntary work and supporting local voluntary and community organisations. We know that many people in Surrey Heath would like to give something back to their community but don’t know where their help would be most needed. Voluntary Support North Surrey match volunteers’ interests and skills with voluntary and community groups looking for support. Currently there’s a need for drivers for local good neighbour schemes, people with empathy for befriending opportunities and mentors for young people. If you have time to commit to running or steering a charity there are always opportunities to get involved. Additionally VSNS specialises in encouraging team volunteering and helps organisations to fulfil their corporate social responsibilities. Team challenge days enable groups of willing volunteers to leave their normal place of work and embark on a project that will help the community and also help build team spirit. Please call into the VSNS office located next to Surrey Heath House on Knoll Road, Camberley, or phone us to find out more about volunteering on 01276 707565, or visit our website www.voluntarysupport.org.uk
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council
What’s on at Surrey Heath Museum
Dates for your diary
There’s a lot to see and do at Surrey Heath Museum and our programme is packed full of exciting events, talks and workshops for all ages. Here are a few highlights! Exhibitions Why, What, When and Where This exhibition features both objects and archival material from the borough to celebrate our unique heritage. It also features the unveiling of the Surrey Heath Mosaic - a special project working with the local community to create a mosaic of the area.
April Wednesday 16 Basingstoke Canal walk. from 10am - 11am Saturday 19 Easter Birdwatch! 9am-11am Lightwater Country Park. £2 per person A Postcard from Surrey Heath is a special display by a local collector, featuring 120 years of local scenes sent as postcards. Both exhibitions are free and run 5 April until 21 June. Events Monuments and Memorials, Walks of RMA Sandhurst - 28 May, 16 July and 17 Sept, 9.30am to 12.30pm. A special collaboration to mark 100 years since the First World War began between the Museum, The Sandhurst Trust and The Sandhurst Collection. Enjoy a three hour tour of Royal Military Academy looking at the important monuments and memorials it holds, plus an exclusive tour of the Indian Army Memorial Room, the Royal Chapel and the Sandhurst Collection. Light refreshments will be provided. Price £25 and all bookings must be made in advance by calling 01276 707284 or emailing museum@surreyheath.gov.uk. Other highlights Saturday 10 May, 11am-3pm. Go behind the scenes at the Museum and discover our hidden treasures! Free. Thursday 5 June, 6-7.30pm. Walk around historic Yorktown with local historian Ken Clarke. £2.50. Please book in advance. Children’s ‘Drop In’ Sessions 9 April to 17 April (normal opening hours) - Compete in our free Easter Quiz around the museum and enter our Easter Egg Competition.
Saturday 21 June, 11am-3pm. Investigating Insects - come along for a special day of insect activities to celebrate National Insect Week, led by Entomologist Jemma Waters. More on these and other Museum events can be found online at www.surreyheath.gov.uk/museum Surrey Heath Museum is located on Knoll Road, Camberley and is open Wednesday to Saturday, 11am to 5pm. You can call the museum on 01276 707284 or email museum@surreyheath.gov.uk
Thursday 24 Tribute to Cliff & The Shadows. 7.30pm at Camberley Theatre
May Saturday 3 The Surrey Heath Show. Frimley Lodge Park 10am - 4pm Thursday 15 Chris Packham’s Wild Night Out. 7.30pm at Camberley Theatre
June Wednesday 4 Lightwater Country Park 1hr walk. 10am Heathland Visitor Centre Friday 13 Talon, The Best of the Eagles. 7.30pm at Camberley Theatre
July Saturday 12 Alice Through the Looking Glass (out door performance). 1pm at Frimley Lodge Park www.surreyheath.gov.uk/events
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