Heathscene Summer 2012

Heathscene Great Place • Great Community • Great Future

Heading to the Olympics, Surrey Heath’s own

Danny Williams

Summer days out

Park Life Recycling service expands Camberley Theatre, what’s on

Summer safety tips

Directory of local contacts

Summer 2012

in this issue . . .

London 2012 Surrey Heath’s own representing Team GB pages 10 & 11 le Feature Artic

Recycling expands Household recycling collections have been expanded page 7

Surrey Heath What does my council ever do for me? pages 12 & 13

Summer Safety Be prepared come rain or shine pages 18 & 19 plus many more articles of information and interest.

Copywriting by: Ian Macey, Jennifer Humphreys and Karen Loy, 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.

the Message from

ive Chief Execut

Love it or hate it – sport has been a prominent feature this summer with the Euro Cup, Wimbledon and various other major sporting events – but probably none more so than the Olympics. Unlike some of our neighbouring districts we don’t have any events taking place in our Borough, which is either a shame or a relief depending on your viewpoint; however that’s not to say that we don’t have strong links to the games. Go to page 10 & 11 to find out more about our Olympians and Paralympians who will be taking part!

Now, from major sporting events to major civic events. On the 16th May I was pleased to be involved in the making of Surrey Heath’s 40th Mayor at Annual Council. Taking on this prestigious role for 2012/13 is Cllr Bruce Mansell who is already proving to be a first class Mayor and I wish him all the best in his forthcoming duties. Read more about our new Mayor on page 4.

The weather this summer has been unpredictable to say the least but occasionally we have been blessed with a few sunny days. This often results in a mad rush to the coast or popular tourist spots only to find that half the population of the UK have had the same idea! So next time we get some really good weather instead of spending most of it in a motorway queue why not explore some of the great green spaces and parks on your doorstep here in Surrey Heath. Find out more on page 6.

Have a great summer!

Karen Whelan Chief Executive

Find us on

Facebook

Promote your business with Surrey Heath Borough Council Would you like the opportunity to promote your business to 36,000 households in Surrey Heath?

Surrey Heath Borough Council is now offering 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

www.surreyheath.gov.uk I Heathscene I 3

council

New Mayor for Surrey Heath Councillor Bruce Mansell was chosen as Surrey Heath's 40th Mayor at the Borough Council's Annual Meeting on 16 May. He was first elected to represent the Frimley ward in 2003 and has served on the Standards and Planning Committees and was Chairman of the External Partnerships Scrutiny Committee from 2005 to 2011. In 2011/12 he was appointed Chairman of the Licensing Committee and the Deputy Mayor.

Councillor Mansell has lived in Frimley for 56 years and prior to retiring in 1996 worked for a major bank in the City. He is married to Rosemary, who will support him as Mayoress in his mayoral duties.

They have two sons and two grandchildren.

honoured to become Mayor and hope to be invited to many local events. I would like to help increase the profiles of local community groups and businesses; another aim is to hopefully assist in promoting industry within our splendid borough.”

For this Mayoral year the Mayor will be raising money for the Frimley Children's Centre and hopes to raise enough to purchase a Dinosaur Paediatric Examination Table. This will hopefully take some of the fear away from children when they have to visit the hospital.

This year's Deputy Mayor is Councillor Beverley Harding.

The Mayor said: “I am extremely

Further information on The Mayor of Surrey Heath can be found at: www.surreyheath.gov.uk/mayor.

Alternatively, call The Mayor's PA Sarah Ruddock on 01276 707331, or email: sarah.ruddock@surreyheath.gov.uk

Council website scoops accessibility award Surrey Heath Borough Council has become the first council in Surrey to receive the Shaw Trust Plus Accessibility award for its website.

Shaw Trust is a national charity which supports disabled and disadvantaged people to live more independently.

Following a rigorous assessment process, Shaw Trust awarded www.surreyheath.gov.uk its highest available award for being easy to use and accessible to people with disabilities.

Corporate portfolio holder Councillor Colin Dougan said: “With more and more people using our website for transactions and information year on year, it's fantastic to be recognised by Shaw Trust for being inclusive to all.

“At Surrey Heath we value customer satisfaction and the importance of making our services accessible to everyone. The award reflects the hard work put in by our web team who ensure the content and navigation is simple and easy to use.”

A Trust spokesman said: “Shaw

Trust's accreditation process makes sure websites are accessible for users who have different needs in accessing, navigating or reading information online. Disabled people won't return to a website that they can't access, meaning that through no fault of their own they could be missing out on vital information about services. Councils do a huge

4 I Heathscene I www.surreyheath.gov.uk

amount of work to make sure the information they publish is accessible, and we're pleased that disabled people in Surrey Heath will have improved access to important information as a result of our work.”

council

Make sure you can vote!

From July through to early October, Surrey Heath Borough Council is conducting the Annual Canvass of Electors, an audit of the local Register of Electors, to ensure that all eligible people are accurately included on the register.

Forms for the audit will be arriving at every property in the borough and residents are legally obliged to provide the information asked for in the form. The canvass is taking place earlier than normal due to the Police and Crime Commissioner elections in November. Please confirm your details as soon as you can to ensure you don’t miss out on the chance to vote.

How does the canvass work?

For those households where the electoral roll details remain unchanged, re-registering couldn’t be easier! Simply dial the freephone number, key in the two part security code printed on the canvass form,

confirm the details are correct and that’s all you need to do!

Using the Freephone telephone and internet service means all of your household’s details can be confirmed in minutes.

The Freephone service is a fullyautomated touch-tone system available 24 hours a day, seven days a week during the canvass period. In addition, details can be confirmed using the Internet registration system which allows residents to visit a secure website and register their “no change” details online.

For more information, contact your local office on 01276 707165 or

email vote@surreyheath.gov.uk You can also download and print voter registration forms from www.aboutmyvote.co.uk

Investment in Camberley Town Centre car park Main Square multi-storey car park is to be upgraded as part of a £343,500 improvement programme.

The latest project will support improvements completed at the car park in 2011 when CCTV and energy efficient lighting were introduced and the main stairwell revamped with new doors, repainted walls and a high quality floor surface.

economic growth of the town centre by providing a more pleasant parking experience for customers and

support local traders by encouraging return visits.”

The new enhancements will involve providing a facelift to improve the remaining two stairwells and refurbishing three lifts, as well as closing off upper floors when not in use at night, improving security and saving energy costs.

Surrey Heath's portfolio holder for the built environment, Councillor Liane Gibson said: "The Council is committed to regenerating Camberley town centre and is working closely with its partners and local businesses to deliver this.

“The latest upgrade will support the

www.surreyheath.gov.uk I Heathscene I 5

council

Park life

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Guided Walks

Family Bike Ride

Countryside Fun .. and more

❉

Not sure what to do on the long summer days and nights? Make sure you visit the borough’s parks and open spaces - there are more than 30 in Surrey Heath! The council’s Greenspace team have organised fun days for children, beautiful walks and energetic events for you to enjoy.

Family Bike Ride Saturday 4 August – Start 2pm Circular two-hour family bike ride starting at Chobham Place Woods, taking in the historic sights and ancient trees, the well-hidden Round Pond and local wildlife that gathers in this area.

Meet at Chobham Place Woods Car Park,Valley End Road.

River Chob Walk Wednesday 8 August – Start 10am Follow a one-hour circuit walk taking in the river, wildlife and their beautiful country setting.

Discover magnificent trees, secretive wildlife and, if the sun shines, visit the nearby Round Pond to view dragonflies.

Meet at Chobham Place Woods Car Park, Valley End Road.

Survival Skills. Booking is essential, please call 01276 707166.

Meet at: Heathland Visitor Centre, Lightwater Country Park.

Pistachios in the Park Countryside Fun Tuesday 14 August to Thursday 16 August Cost £12 Join the Rangers at Lightwater for a series of child only events, suitable for 8-11 year olds.

Activities include Totem Pole Painting, Mini-Beasting and

Frimley Lodge Park, located in the pavilion Come and visit Pistachios in the Park, the café offers freshly prepared food, hot drinks and ice cream. You can make the most of the outdoors and use the takeaway service. Open 9am to 6pm daily.

Meet at Chobham High Street Car Park

Summer in the Woods!

Sunday 12 August – Start 11am Join a Greenspace Ranger for a walk through the historic Chobham Place Woods.

For more information visit www.surreyheath.gov.uk/leisure or call 01276 707100.

6 I Heathscene I www.surreyheath.gov.uk

environment

Recycling Expands Household recycling collections have been expanded to include a separate collection of batteries and small electrical items.

You can now recycle: • Batteries • Clocks • CD players • Irons • Kettles • Radios • Telephones • Toasters ... and more.

This offers residents a more convenient way to recycle any small electrical item with a plug or that uses batteries.

Don’t bin it, Bag it!

Simply separate the batteries from the unit and follow the steps below.

Recycle in 3 easy steps 1 Carrier Bag Items must be small enough to fit in a standard carrier bag and batteries should be bagged separately.

Larger items should be taken to a Community Recycling Centre (Wilton Road, Camberley or Swift Lane, Bagshot). Alternatively you can arrange for a Bulky Waste Collection (please note there is a charge).

2

Clearly Label

Bags left out for collection don’t need to be tied but should be labelled ‘electricals’.

ls a c i r t c E le

3 Collection day Simply leave the carrier bag next to your bin on your recycling collection day. Please do not put the bag in your recycling bin.

You can check your collection day using the website or by calling the information line (see below).

Labelling should help your recycling crew to identify bags of batteries and/or electrical items.

Meet ROSEi To mark the launch of the new scheme, we’ve unveiled our new electrical recycling mascot ROSEi (Recycle Old Small Electrical items). ROSEi is an elephant made from old small appliances like drills, irons and telephones and was inspired by Camberley's familiar concrete elephant landmark on the A30. You can come and meet ROSEi at the Surrey Heath Museum. More information is available on the Recycling Information Line (01276 707690) or via www.surreyheath.gov.uk/small-electricals

www.surreyheath.gov.uk/recycling I Heathscene I 7

camberley theatre

What’s on at your local theatre Whether you want to watch a show or take to the stage yourself, there’s a mix of entertainment to enjoy at the Camberley Theatre this season and beyond…

Children’s pantomime auditions This Christmas, Camberley Theatre presents JM Barrie’s Peter Pan and is holding auditions for the roles of Michael, John and the Lost Boys and Girls on Sunday 9 September. For more information about how to take part in the auditions see the Camberley Theatre website www.camberleytheatre.biz or call the Box Office on 01276 707600.

✹

Peter Pan

Summe rS Price F tars reeze!

Sam

Summer Stars Come along and discover your star quality Due to popular demand, Summer Stars, the Camberley Theatre’s summer school is back!

Summer Stars will teach new skills and build confidence as a performer in a fun and friendly environment.

The course will be led by a number of performing arts professionals; including leading West End choreographer Stuart Sweeting who choreographed last year’s pantomime Cinderella.

This year’s pantomime is on sale now!

e price for the pas t 2 year s

Take part in various routines and pieces which will be showcased on the theatre’s main stage at the end of the week, which friends and family can attend.

Summer Stars is suitable for those aged 8 to 16 and runs from Monday 23 to Friday 27 July and Monday 30 July to Friday 3 August. The course costs £125 for one week or both weeks for just £200 (please note the format is the same for both weeks).

The Bootleg Shadows For anyone who loves the sound of the 60s, make sure you put Saturday 28 July in the diary. The Bootleg Shadows perform a unique concert that encompasses the Shadow’s amazing career from 1960 up to the early 80s. This unique tribute group has audiences humming the tunes and doing the Shadows famous ‘walk’ long after they have left the theatre.

Starring the Disney Channel’s Art Attack presenter Jassa Ahluwalia as Peter Pan and Freya Copeland (Emmerdale) as Mrs Darling. This timeless classic tale of the boy who refused to grow up will be brought to life by the Camberley Theatre's fantastic in house production team.

Audiences can expect another feel-good pantomime full of real swashbuckling adventure, plus lashings of fairy dust, laughs, songs and dance. Peter Pan promises to be a great festive treat for you and your loved ones.

It runs from Saturday 8 December 2012 to Saturday 5 January 2013.

Tickets for all shows can be purchased by calling the Box Office on 01276 707600 or visiting www.camberleytheatre.biz.

8 I Heathscene I www.camberleytheatre.biz

leisure

Check out your local museum Surrey Heath Museum has a brand new exhibition celebrating London 2012 and the borough’s sporting heritage.

Find out about the history of local clubs and societies from football to judo, as well as the Olympic stars of today who live or train locally. Plus there’s free interactive crafts for children of all ages and the following sessions:

Summer Holiday Free ‘drop in’ workshops for all ages, 10.30 to 12 noon.

Thursday 26 July Celebrate London 2012 with a workshop packed full of activities.

Thursday 9 August Create your own mammoth model and discover the animals who walked Surrey Heath, long before us.

Thursday 23 August Make a toy car and explore how it can be powered without electricity.

Toddler Sessions Free ‘drop in’ sessions for the

under 5s, 10.30 to 12 noon. Craft activity, toys, colouring in and storytime!

Tuesday 7 August Summer Sunbeams, create your own rainbow using different craft materials.

Saturday 25 August Medal Making, make a medal to become an Olympic Champion.

Tuesday 18 September Clay models, a chance to create a model animal, car or whatever you wish.

For more about Surrey Heath Museum visit www.surreyheath.gov.uk/museum or call 01276 707284.

Surrey Heath Museum is located on Knoll Road, Camberley and is open Wednesday to Saturday, 11am to 5pm. FREE admission.

Shining stars in sport Do you know someone in Surrey Heath who’s made a difference, raised the bar or gained success in sport this past year?

Perhaps overcoming a challenge or achieving victory in a recent event.

Or are you a part of a team with a successful year under your belt?

We’re asking for your nominations for the 2012 Surrey Heath Sports Awards in categories such as: Young Sports Team, Sports Club, Disability Sports Award, Young Volunteer,

Sports Personality, and Outstanding Service.

Enter your nominations or download a form from www.surreyheath.gov.uk/leisure /sportsawards The Awards take place on Sunday 7 October from 6pm at the Camberley Theatre.

www.surreyheath.gov.uk I Heathscene I 9

london 2012

Heading to the Olympic Games, Surrey Heath’s own Danny Williams Three members of Camberley Judo Club have been selected to represent Team GB. Danny Williams, Winston Gordon and Karina Bryant will represent their country at the upcoming London 2012 Olympic Games. A fourth member of the team, Tom Davis, is also selected as Olympic reserve.

Danny Williams will compete in his first Olympic Games. Danny is in great form, just recently winning the bronze medal at the Czech European Cup and placing 5th in the European Team Championships with the GB Men’s team. We chatted to Danny about his hopes: Congratulations on being selected for Team GB. How did you feel when you heard you’d been selected?

day, five days a week. It includes condition and strength training as well as one-on-one practice under conditions of actual contest.

Happy and relieved, it’s a weight off my mind. The pressure I put on myself with training was high and until the moment you hear you’re going forward you can’t think about competing.

What does competing in the Olympics mean to you?

Where in Surrey Heath do you live?

I moved to Camberley Judo Club to train in 2009 and I’ve lived here since then.

Where, how and at what age did you start Judo?

I'm originally from Shrewsbury in Shropshire. On the local estate where I grew up my mum took me to a Judo club at the age of four. I can still remember my first session there and enjoying it. I’ve been into Judo ever since.

Getting the chance to do the thing I love in front of people I love on a world stage.

I’ve always wanted to be an Olympic Champion and this is my opportunity; I’m going to give all I’ve got to perform as well as I can.

When are you competing?

What have your career highlights been so far?

In the under 73kg weight category on Monday 30 July.

Winning Gold in the European Cup in Bosnia and competing in the World Championships at Bercy Stadium in Paris in 2011.

What do you hope to achieve at London 2012?

How often do you train and what does it involve?

In a typical week I train three times a

I’m still young in my senior career. Up to this point I’ve not placed in a global event. My coach has given me a goal of top 7. If I achieve that I’ll be satisfied, but I’d love to get a medal.

Go Surrey For more about what's happening in and around Surrey during the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games Visit www.gosurrey.info Follow @GoSurreyLive on Twitter Like gosurrey on Facebook. Call 0300 200 1018.

10 I Heathscene I www.surreyheath.gov.uk

london 2012

London 2012 Paralympics Paralympic basketball player Helen Turner from Chobham is flying the flag for Team GB in Wheelchair Basketball at the 2012 Paralympic Games.

Q&A with Helen How, why and what age did you start your sport?

I started when I was 21, as soon as I was able to after my accident which caused my disability. I'd seen it being played whilst in hospital and it looked such a good sport to play. I joined my local club and started playing as a hobby but soon I was playing three or four times a week. When I saw the Sydney games on TV in 2000 and knew some of the players, I was determined that I'd go to the next games.

How often do you train?

I train five days a week, usually a couple of sessions a day. Training is a mixture of game play, on court skill training, shooting sessions and strength and conditioning sessions.

What does competing in London 2012 mean to you?

London will be my third games and

each one is special and very different.

London will be amazing, the crowds and having my family there who all come from London will be great.

What do you hope to achieve at London 2012?

We are a great team and have great potential, we are ranked 6th in the

world so if things go right we can medal. Every game we play will be very tough and we will have to play at our best to win each match. We will need the crowd behind us to give us that edge.

Olympic Road Cycling Races The Olympic Road Cycling Races will be coming to Surrey on the following dates: • Saturday 28 July - Men’s Road Cycling Race • Sunday 29 July - Women’s Road Cycling Race • Wednesday 1 August - Men’s and Women’s Road Cycling Time Trial Both the Road Race and Time Trial are predominantly free for spectators to watch in Surrey. The exception is a 2.5km stretch of road on the Zig-Zag Road incline and Donkey Green on Box Hill where up to 15,000 ticketed spectators will watch the Road Race. The rest of the Box Hill loop is free for spectators to view.

along the route will be in place from the early hours of the morning until early evening on event days. The closures will also impact on surrounding roads, with traffic congestion likely along key routes.

For maps of the route, suggested places to view the race and events taking place on race days, please visit: http://www.gosurrey.info/ olympic-road-cycling/

Street decorations go up Camberley Town Centre will be decorated with official Olympic bunting, flags and banners to celebrate London 2012.

Provided by Surrey Heath Borough Council, Surrey County Council and Collectively Camberley, they will be up for the duration of the Olympic and Paralympic Games and be spread around the town centre.

Please note that extensive road closures and parking restrictions

www.surreyheath.gov.uk I Heathscene I 11

council

What does my counci

We all use public services. Some are provided by authorities covering the whole of Surrey such as provided by your local borough council - Surrey Heath.

We don’t just collect your rubbish

and outdoor events for people of all ages and abilities.

You are all probably aware of some of the services provided by Surrey Heath, such as our very successful refuse and recycling scheme but there are other services that touch your lives on a daily basis that you might be surprised to learn are also provided by us.

What about the fun stuff?

As well as all the important stuff we also provide many services that

Keeping you safe Did you know that all of our 750 restaurants, cafes, sandwich shops and takeaways are regularly checked by our environmental health officers to make sure they are preparing and selling food safely? We also carry out around 5,000 building inspections each year to make sure that they have been built correctly and are safe to use.

Looking after older and vulnerable people A lot of what we do enables many of our residents to continue to live in their own homes. Services such as meals-on-wheels, dial-a-ride, helpline and our Windle Valley day centre play a massive role in maintaining quality of life for many of our older and vulnerable residents.

Keeping you healthy and active As well as keeping you safe we also want to help you to keep healthy and active. Most of you will be aware of the Arena and Lightwater Leisure Centres but did you know that throughout the year we also work actively with schools and youth organisations to promote sport which is celebrated annually at the Surrey Heath Sports Awards. We also provide a multitude of organised walks

12 I Heathscene I www.surreyheath.gov.uk

make our lives better such as over 252 hectares of parks and open space which can be enjoyed all year round. These range from local community play areas to our award

council

l ever do for me? policing, fire and rescue and the services provided by Surrey County Council. Others are

winning Frimley Lodge Park with its ‘pitch and putt’, Pistachios Café and family BBQ areas. In addition to the parks we also own and manage the Camberley Theatre and Surrey Heath Museum providing entertainment, education and culture for all.

All this for 50p a day!

The majority of your council tax goes to Surrey County Council which provides services such as schools and looking after the roads.

The police get the second biggest share to help maintain Surrey Heath’s low crime rate. Surrey Heath Borough Council receive the third biggest share – about 10% which pays for everything mentioned above and a whole lot more (see list to the right), which works out at about 50p per day!* To find out more about the services provided by Surrey Heath go to www.surreyheath.gov.uk, follow us on twitter (@surreyheath) or ‘like’ us on Facebook. *Based on a Band D Property.

Surrey Heath Borough Council • Collects recycling and refuse from more than 34,000 households • Delivers 32,000 meals on wheels annually • Provides two Leisure Centres, Camberley Theatre and the Surrey Heath Museum • Cleans 1,413 miles of Surrey Heath’s streets • Provides more than 36,000 journeys by dial-a-ride bus annually • Is responsible for 750 food premises in the borough and 1,500 Health and Safety visits • Maintains 252.5 hectares of parks and open spaces • Carries out approximately 5,000 building inspections annually

We also • Collect stray dogs • Monitor air quality • Deal with noise pollution • Re-house homeless people • Manage and coordinate all current and future building and development • Play an active role in the economic development of the borough • Provide parking across the borough and control illegal parking …plus lots more

www.surreyheath.gov.uk I Heathscene I 13

community

Volunteers in community clean sweep Residents in the Heatherside area have given their neighbourhood a spring clean with two community ‘spruce-ups’ in one day!

More than 20 volunteers helped out and working alongside local residents were people from Surrey Heath Borough Council, the local Police, the Church Community Group and the Girl Guides.

The first clear-up involved removing litter and overgrown shrubs from the alley way connecting Theobalds Way to Edgemoor Road.

The group then moved on to Shildon Close to repeat the process in an area of public open space, once again where the volunteers

collected enough to produce a large pile of green waste later collected by the council for recycling.

The spruce-up was organised to

open up the two areas and in a bid to tackle issues with littering and other anti-social behaviour.

Service with a smile Many people when they hear Rotary mentioned think only of collections held at Christmas and when disasters occur. But there’s a lot more to the Rotary Club of Camberley as Club PRO Derek Dearmer explains…

Th eR Clu otary b Ca mb of erle y

Stand at an ou tdoor event.

er areas tent distributed to disast Rotary Shelterbox and throughout the world.

Camberley Rotary Club, a service organisation, provides help to the Surrey Heath community as well as assisting with overseas projects.

The Club, which prides itself on friendliness and sociability, meets every Tuesday evening at Camberley Cricket Club. These meetings allow members to discuss events and projects or listen to entertaining speakers.

As a service club, we undertake

hands on projects as well as raising money at fetes and fun days to help pay for them. We are always looking for new local projects to consider.

Our current projects involve working with the Vincent de Paul Society in providing assistance to those in our community who have hit hard times.

We collect and deliver unwanted furniture and clothes, provide books for a rehabilitation unit at Farnham Hospital and we provide marquees

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

for weddings and other occasions (for a donation). Every penny of which is used for local charities.

The Club also holds regular social events for members and friends often working with our Inner Wheel and Rotaract Clubs.

If you have a little spare time and want to make new friends, while giving service to your community, why not visit the Club to find out more about us; you will be made very welcome.

For further information contact Derek on 01276 501938 or email derek.dearmer@ntlworld.com.

www.surreyheath.gov.uk I Heathscene I 15

economic development

Surrey Heath Business Breakfast Friday 28 September 2012 • 7.00 to 9.30am

Delegates will hear from guests including Glen Fulton and Steve Coburn of Collectively Camberley, Tina Varns of the Waitrose Community Matters Team and Danny Pecorelli, Chair of Camberley Judo Club talking about the club’s achievements in the London 2012 Olympic Games.

This free event also gives local businesses the chance to make new contacts and for companies wanting to make an even bigger impact there is reasonably priced exhibition space available.

Business people are invited to register to attend the next Business Breakfast to discuss the latest key issues that affect local businesses today as well

as hear from a range of guest speakers.

The theme will be ‘business and communities working together’.

Businesses interested in coming or exhibiting should visit www.surreyheath.gov.uk/business to register.

Mosaic Competition As part of Surrey Heath Museum’s Nepali Connections exhibition last month, the Museum received funding to create a Community Mosaic outside the Museum entrance.

The Museum is inviting Surrey Heath residents to create their own designs for the mosaic.

To give you an idea, the proposed mosaic will be similar to the one pictured, but will feature the 16 Wards of Surrey Heath.

The museum is looking for instantly recognisable and eye-catching designs to represent each individual

ward. The competition is open to people of all ages and no previous experience of working with mosaics is required.

The Surrey Heath Wards are: Bagshot, Bisley, Chobham, Frimley, Frimley Green, Heatherside, Lightwater, Mytchett and Deepcut, Old Dean, Parkside, St.Michaels, St.Pauls, Camberley Town, Watchetts, West End and Windlesham.

The 16 designs will be positioned around the central circle and your entry will need to fit the slab shape.

Each winner will have the opportunity to attend a workshop to create their design in the final mosaic.

How to enter Please submit your design on an A4 sheet by 18 August. Include a separate sheet with your name, address and telephone number. Send to Surrey Heath Museum, Knoll Road, Camberley, Surrey GU15 3HD. All winners will be asked to attend a workshop in August to create their winning design.

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

community

First anniversary for Food Hygiene Rating Scheme Surrey Heath Borough Council launched the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme a year ago and over the last 12 months many eateries have risen to the challenge and bettered their original scores.

Eighty per cent of the food businesses in Surrey Heath currently have a rating of four or five out of five on their hygiene standards when a food hygiene inspection is carried out

by Surrey Heath Borough Council.

Koon Wah Wan opened New China, Chinese Takeaway in Bagshot High Street 19 years ago. He has recently improved his rating and has achieved the top rating of five.

Mr Wan says: “I am of course very proud of this achievement but it does not stop there, it's something you (From left to right) Surrey Heath have to maintain all the time and we Borough Council's Environmental Health intend to.”

Technician Julia Adams, New China's This national scheme, developed by Owner Mr Wan and Nathita Fleet, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) in a Surrey Heath Borough Council partnership with local councils, Environmental Health Officer.

provides information on food hygiene standards to help you choose where to eat out or shop for food.

Restaurants, takeaways and pubs are all inspected by the council's food safety officers. The hygiene standards found at these inspections are then rated on a scale ranging from the top ranking of five which represents very good to zero which shows urgent improvement is found to be necessary.

Food businesses are given a sticker and certificate showing their rating which they are encouraged to display in their shop windows.

Ratings are available to view on the FSA website: www.food.gov.uk/ratings

Barbecue food safety Now that July is here what could be better than inviting friends round for a summer barbecue?

Unfortunately, it’s not just the British weather that can put a damper on your barbecue. Cooking outdoors can increase the risk of food poisoning because it’s harder to keep food very hot or cold and to keep everything clean. To make sure your barbecue is safe, as well as fun, try to follow these tips: • Always wash your hands thoroughly before preparing food and after touching raw meat.

• Defrost frozen meat and chicken thoroughly before cooking.

• Keep food to be cooked, especially meats, away from food which is ready to eat.

• Do not use the same utensils for cooked and raw foods.

• Keep chilled foods like meat and salad in the fridge or separate coolbags until they are ready to eat or cook.

After the barbecue, throw-away chilled food that has been left out in the open air.

Remember, the summer warm temperatures will help food poisoning bacteria grow quickly.

• Cook meat, burgers, sausages and poultry thoroughly and ensure food is piping hot throughout.

• If possible, pre-cook meat in your cooker and then take it straight to the barbecue to finish off.

• Everyone should wash their hands before eating.

• Eat food as soon as it’s ready.

There’s lots more information on food safety on www.surreyheath.gov.uk or you can call 01276 707100.

www.surreyheath.gov.uk I Heathscene I 17

community

Being prepared, come rain or shine Drought, hosepipe bans, flooding, a heatwave, the dampest April for 100 years – 2012 has had them all so far. As Heathscene went to press at the end of June, the month was on target to be the wettest since 1860. We can’t predict what the rest of summer will bring and there might well be a long hot spell as you read this.

During all these types of conditions it’s important to be prepared.

Tips for coping in hot weather The following advice applies to everybody when it comes to keeping cool and comfortable and reducing health risks: • Shut windows and pull down the shades when it is hotter outside.

Open them for ventilation when it is cooler.

• Avoid the heat: stay out of the sun and don’t go out between 11am and 3pm (the hottest part of the day) if you’re vulnerable to the effects of heat.

• Keep rooms cool by using shades or reflective material outside the windows. If this isn't possible, use light-coloured curtains and keep them closed (metallic blinds and dark curtains can make the room hotter).

• Have cool baths or showers, and splash yourself with cool water.

• Drink cold drinks regularly, such as water and fruit juice. Avoid tea, coffee and alcohol.

• Stay tuned to the weather forecast on the radio or TV, or the Met Office website.

• Plan ahead to make sure you have enough supplies, such as food, water and any medications you need.

• Identify the coolest room in the house so you know where to go to keep cool.

• Wear loose, light, cool clothing.

• Check up on friends, relatives and neighbours who may be less able to look after themselves.

For more tips visit: www.nhs.uk

Flood warnings on Facebook The world's first flood warning Facebook application has been launched by the Environment Agency to give people better and easier access to flood warning information through social media.

Known as ‘FloodAlerts’ the application uses live flood warning data from the Environment Agency. It enables Facebook users to get maps and warning information directly through their social network.

Facebook users are able to 'like' the new application and then choose a place or postcode that they wish to monitor. They will then get 'alert' notifications on their Facebook wall when a flood alert, warning or severe flood warning has been issued for their monitored location.

For more on flood warnings visit www.environment-agency.gov.uk

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

community

Many of us enjoy spending time in the countryside when the weather is good, whether it’s camping, going for a country walk, riding bikes or maybe even a picnic or barbeque. So it’s important that everyone understands how easily a fire can spread in these environments, resulting in serious consequences both to humans, wildlife and also the natural surroundings.

In Surrey Heath we are fortunate enough to have lots of unique heathland areas and countryside to enjoy and explore.

These areas are at risk of wildfires during the warmer months; many are accidental but there are unfortunate incidences where people commit arson.

Whether that is an attempt to endanger life or the environment, these deliberate acts will not be tolerated and anyone caught committing arson could face a prison sentence.

To help keep you and our countryside safe, Surrey Fire and Rescue Service have come up with a checklist for what to do if there is a fire.

What to do: • Do not try and tackle the fire yourself.

• Call 999 and request the fire service.

• Give an accurate location of the fire, such as name of the nearest road, access points, map grid references, locally known names or visible land marks like farms or power lines.

• Move to a safe area and contact the local land manager if possible.

• If the fire is in a remote area, please meet emergency services at the access point so that you can guide them to the location.

What not to do: • Do not discard cigarettes.

• Never leave barbecues unattended or have them in unauthorised areas.

• Do not discard rubbish particularly reflective materials.

• Never start camp fires out on the commons.

• Avoid burning off garden rubbish during hot periods or if you live close to woodland or heathland.

• Avoid having bonfires on hot days or during prolonged periods of dry weather.

Remember prevention is the key!

It’s taken thousands of years to create the unique habitats that we have in the UK - a wildfire could destroy these in hours. Help Surrey Fire and Rescue Service keep you safe this summer.

!

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

leisure

The Arena Leisure Centre

The Arena Leisure Centre on Grand Avenue, Camberley has been an important feature of the town centre since it was built in 1984 and, through regular investment, such as the £1.7m refurbishment in 2009, has continued to develop and adapt to the changing needs of its customers for nearly 30 years.

A successful centre The Arena is extremely successful and visitor numbers have continued to be consistently high since it opened. In 2010/11 over 700,000 people visited the Arena to swim, spin, Zumba or just meet for a coffee. Also, in 2009 the Centre was awarded an impressive 85% in its Quest certification, the leisure

industry award for excellent services and customer care, placing it in the top two per cent across the country.

Borough Council, Surrey Heath House, Knoll Road, Camberley, Surrey GU15 3HD.

The future

Although we are considering the future of the Arena, don’t forget that it is still very much alive and kicking, offering a fantastic range of activities for all ages and abilities.

Visit the www.surreyheath.gov.uk and type ‘Arena’ in the search box to find out more.

The Arena is managed on behalf of Surrey Heath Borough Council by a third party company and the current contract expires in 2016. In addition to this, time and extensive usage has meant that parts of the building will require some updating, so now is the perfect time to consider the future of the centre from 2016 onward to ensure that it continues to be a modern, accessible centre, fit for purpose in the 21st Century.

Still alive and kicking!

Your views Towards the end of the year Surrey Heath Borough Council will begin a programme of consultation with residents, Arena users and other key stakeholders to try and build a picture of what the future Arena should provide.

However in the meantime we are still keen to hear your views so please contact us either via email at consultation@surreyheath.gov.uk or in writing to The Leisure & Recreation Manager, Surrey Heath

What’s on at the Arena trampolining, Chelsea Football Club coaching, gymnastics, musical theatre and ballet.

Holiday Camp runs from 8.30am – 5.30pm weekdays for 5 to 11 year olds. Things to do are swimming, trampolining, bouncy castle, arts & crafts and lots more. From £25 a day including a hot or cold lunch, breaktime snacks, drinks and all activities.

At the Arena Leisure Centre children of all ages can enjoy a packed programme of activities running from 23 July until 31 August.

Mini Sports Courses are an excellent way for children to try a new activity before our courses start in September. Activities cost from as little as £10 and include basketball,

Soft Play Drop-in Sessions for under 5s are on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday mornings.

Play for a nifty £1.50! For children under 15 years to play with friends and family on weekdays. Just £1.50 per person between 9.30am to 5.30pm. Activities include badminton, short tennis, squash and table tennis.

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

For more on any of these, download the summer programme from www.arenaleisurecentre.co.uk or call 01276 417111.

WIN!

WIN a day at Holiday Camp or a Mini Sports Course!

Just email the following details to enquiries@arenaleisurecentre .co.uk by Friday 3 August: your name, phone number, email address, child’s name and age. Please state if you would like to be entered into the draw to win a day at Holiday Camp or a Mini Sports Course.

community

Windle Valley Centre gets thumbs up from its users

left) and Jane Chapman (top cer with Cllr Vivienne unity Care Offi m om C r io en (left) and Wilkins S Dennis Brown s er us y le al Windle V Peter Collier.

Diamond Jubi lee celebratio ns

The Windle Valley Centre is “just the best” with “a good menu and friendly people”, according to its users who gave it the thumbs-up in a recent survey.

Open Monday to Friday, the centre in Bagshot offers older people a two course lunch and the opportunity to get out, make friends and enjoy a range of activities.

from the centre, while card games and bingo, talks by guest speakers and crafts such as painting are some of the activities users said they enjoy most.

consider new ones to bring in.

Since the survey we are already taking views on board and have started a film club which is proving really popular.”

More than 100 regular users took part in the survey carried out by Surrey Heath Borough Council, who run the centre.

When asked what they would like to see provided in the future, more than half of respondents said a film club and visits and talks from different community groups.

As part of changes to Community Services, from October 2010 the council increased the operational times of Windle Valley from three to five days a week. Open to all older people, the centre offers a priority service to customers in the greatest need or with reduced mobility.

The results revealed a unanimous vote of approval to the choice of food and menus offered, with no less than 100% being either very happy or happy with the range, quality of food and menu offered.

More than 96% are happy with their allotted arrival and departure times

Surrey Heath's portfolio holder for community Councillor Vivienne Chapman said: “We'd like to thank all our users who took part in the survey as the feedback means we can continue to offer services or activities our clients enjoy as well as

If you’d like to find out more about the centre you can email windle.valley@surreyheath.gov.uk or call 01276 479185.

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

FROM

22 I Heathscene I www.surreyheath.gov.uk

Directory of local services Customer Contact Centre enquiries@surreyheath.gov.uk Phone: 01276 707100 (this is a 24 hour line) Opening Times: Monday to Thursday 8.30am to 5.30pm; Friday 8.30am to 5pm Arts and Leisure commercial.services@surreyheath.gov.uk Phone: 01276 707338 www.surreyheath.gov.uk/leisure Benefits benefits@surreyheath.gov.uk Phone: 01276 707121 Benefit fraud hotline: 01276 707372 www.surreyheath.gov.uk/ctbenefits/benefits Car Parks parking.services@surreyheath.gov.uk Phone: 01276 707152 www.surreyheath.gov.uk/transport/carparking

Camberley Theatre camberley.theatre@surreyheath.gov.uk Phone: 01276 707600 www.camberleytheatre.biz Community Services

Dog Warden Julia.Adams@surreyheath.gov.uk Phone: 01276 707390 www.surreyheath.gov.uk/environment/ dogwarden Elections and Electoral Registration vote@surreyheath.gov.uk Phone: 01276 707165 www.surreyheath.gov.uk/council/ electoralinformation Flooding land.drainage@surreyheath.gov.uk Phone: 01276 707100 www.surreyheath.gov.uk/environment/ floodingdrainage Food Safety environmental.health@surreyheath.gov.uk Phone: 01276 707330 www.surreyheath.gov.uk/environment/ foodsafety Greenspace commercial.services@surreyheath.gov.uk Phone: 01276 707338 www.surreyheath.gov.uk/leisure/ parksandrecreationareas

Planning development.control@surreyheath.gov.uk Phone: 01276 707222 www.surreyheath.gov.uk/planning Surrey Heath Museum museum@surreyheath.gov.uk 01276 707284 www.surreyheath.gov.uk/museum Street Cleansing environmental.health@surreyheath.gov.uk Phone: 01276 707100 www.surreyheath.gov.uk/environment/ streetcleansing Waste and Recycling enquiries@surreyheath.gov.uk Phone: 01276 707690 www.surreyheath.gov.uk/environment/ wastecollection

Windle Valley Centre windle.valley@surreyheath.gov.uk Park Street, Bagshot Phone: 01276 479185 www.surreyheath.gov.uk/community/ communityservices

Health and Safety environmental.health@surreyheath.gov.uk Phone: 01276 707330 www.surreyheath.gov.uk/environment/ healthsafety

Surrey County Council Phone: 03456 009 009 www.surreycc.gov.uk

Community Transport (Dial-a-Ride) community.services@surreyheath.gov.uk Phone: 01276 707655

Housing housing@surreyheath.gov.uk Phone: 01276 707127 www.surreyheath.gov.uk/housing

Community Alarm Help-line community.services@surreyheath.gov.uk Phone: 01276 707659 or 707660

Leisure and Recreation Centres

Bisley Parish Council 194 Guildford Road Bisley, Woking Phone: 01483 480172 Email: clerk@bisleyparishcouncil.co.uk

Arena Leisure Centre Grand Avenue, Camberley Phone: 01276 417111 or email: enquiries@arenaleisurecentre.co.uk www.arenaleisurecentre.co.uk

Chobham Parish Council Recreation Ground Station Road, Chobham Phone: 01276 856633 Email: parish@chobham.net

Lightwater Leisure Centre Lightwater Country Park, The Avenue, Lightwater Phone: 01276 472662 reception@lifestylelightwater.co.uk www.lifestylefitness.co.uk/index.php/clu bs/lightwater-leisure-centre

West End Parish Council Benner Lane West End, Woking Tel: 01276 855361 Email: westendparish@btconnect.com

Community Centres commercial.services@surreyheath.gov.uk Phone: 01276 707338 www.surreyheath.gov.uk/leisure/ communitycentres Meals on Wheels Service community.services@surreyheath.gov.uk Phone: 01276 707651 Council Tax revenues@surreyheath.gov.uk Phone: 01276 707176 Please ensure that you have your Council Tax Account Number when you call. www.surreyheath.gov.uk/ctbenefits/ counciltax

Noise environmental.health@surreyheath.gov.uk Phone: 01276 707330 www.surreyheath.gov.uk/environment/ pollution

Parish Councils

Windlesham Parish Council The Avenue, Lightwater Phone: 01276 471675 Email: clerk@windleshampc.gov.uk

www.surreyheath.gov.uk I Heathscene I 23

Little Echoes Day Nursery Little Echoes is an independent nursery catering for children aged 3 months to 5 years, set in spacious accommodation with good outdoor play facilities.

Little Echoes is a registered charity, staffed and managed by a team of qualified personnel who work together to provide a warm, secure environment in order to encourage all aspects of development.

Opening hours are from 8 am to 6 pm, approximately 50 weeks each year, closing at Christmas and Easter. A hot lunch is provided, prepared by our own chef, with high tea at 4 pm. Children are provided with milk and fruit at snack time. Special diets can be accommodated.

The nursery is registered for a number of tax-saving childcare schemes.

We are also registered with Ofsted and Surrey County Council for the Nursery Education Grant.

We opened in Spring 2012 at our new location and have some vacancies for childcare.

Little Echoes Day Nursery Whitmoor Road, Bagshot GU19 5QE

01276 453113 www.littleechoes.co.uk

Charity no 1144850