Heathscene winter

Heathscene Great Place • Great Community • Great Future

Winter 2013

Step into the new

Camberley Theatre Christmas waste collection dates Vision for Camberley town centre Events for your diary

in this issue . . .

the Message from

ive Chief Execut

Camberley town centre Vision for the future

page 5

Collectively Camberley Getting ready for the festive season

page 11 Your new theatre Welcome to the revamped venue

pages 12 – 13

Playgrounds reinvigorated Upgraded parks to enjoy

page 20

In the last edition of Heathscene we told you about our plans to build on the Camberley Theatre’s recent success as a convenient meeting place for businesses and community groups by creating a brand new events and conference space, café and bar. Our decision to carry out this work was to make the theatre more financially sustainable, allowing it to continue to provide high quality entertainment for people of the borough and the surrounding area. Well after months of hard work I am delighted to say the new look theatre re-launched in September and is already proving to be a hit with theatre goers, hirers and those popping in to sample the excellent lunch-time and evening menu.

Go to pages 12 – 13 to find out more.

One event that has benefitted greatly from the regenerated Camberley Theatre is the Surrey Heath Business Breakfast, our bi-annual consultation and networking event open to all borough businesses.

At the October event the 150 or so delegates were treated to a sneak-preview of proposals for a new Camberley town centre, presented by development company Centros and Mall owners Capital & Regional. The exciting ideas ranged from the much-needed regeneration of the London Road frontage to the incorporation of a new town square. Find out more on page 5.

Finally, as this is the last Heathscene of the year I’d like to take this opportunity to wish all Surrey Heath residents and businesses a very happy Christmas and a successful New Year!

Best wishes Karen Whelan Chief Executive P.S. Don’t leave it too late to book your panto tickets at the Camberley Theatre as they’re selling fast (oh yes they are!). See page 15.

plus many more articles of information and interest.

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.

Social Networking If you want all the latest news, information, alerts and updates, why not ‘like’ our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter. www.facebook.com/surreyheath

Find us on

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.

Facebook www.twitter.com/surreyheath

For further information contact Frontline on 01342 312570 or email frontline@frontlinedesigners.co.uk

www.surreyheath.gov.uk I Heathscene I 3

council

Social Media Sessions come to Surrey Heath This October saw the launch of our free Social Media Surgeries which are designed to offer residents help in getting online and using social media.

With many of us using smart phones and tablets, now more than ever social media has become an integral part of everyday life for people looking for news and information.

The council already use and engage on a number of social media sites including Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. In just over a year we’ve seen our social media usage shoot up with 687 new Likes on Facebook, 1249 new followers on Twitter and a staggering 4086 new views on YouTube.

The new social media surgeries are run by Surrey Heath’s media and marketing team and offer free help in setting up a Facebook page, using the website to pay bills or report problems and understanding Twitter hashtags.

Corporate portfolio holder Cllr Liane Gibson said: “The council have heavily increased their social media usage recently and use it as an easy way to communicate with residents. It is important to become familiar with social media in order to stay in the loop and these free surgeries will help you do just that.”

You can bring your own smart phone, tablet or laptop and connect to our Wi-Fi or use the equipment provided.

The next session runs between 2-5pm on Thursday 19 December at Surrey Heath House, Knoll Road, Camberley.

For more details go to www.surreyheath.gov.uk/ socialmediasurgery or email socialmedia@surreyheath.gov.uk

e-Heathscene comes straight to your inbox!

As well as enjoying the tri-annual traditional format of Heathscene, you can now receive regular updates with our new e-Heathscene service. e-Heathscene is sent via email once a month and includes news articles, information and events from around the borough.

anyone else. Just go to our website and complete the short online form via www.surreyheath. gov.uk/council

Signing up is quick and easy and we won’t share your details with

4 I Heathscene I www.surreyheath.gov.uk

camberley town centre

Vote of confidence for Camberley town centre regeneration In September The Mall Limited Partnership (MLP) presented their vision to revitalise Camberley’s retail and leisure offer at a public display in the Mall Shopping Centre.

This landmark regeneration project is part of Surrey Heath Borough Council’s wider vision to rejuvenate the town and will deliver an estimated £100 million investment into Camberley. MLP have developed key masterplan principles that will enable the realisation of Camberley’s potential as an important retail and leisure centre.

Over 1,500 people turned out to view and offer feedback on the emerging masterplan principles, with the vast majority being very supportive of the ideas on display.

In fact over 96 per cent of respondents to a recent questionnaire support the principles to regenerate Camberley town centre, with 78 per cent clearly stating they want to see new and improved shops in the town.

Key themes that have emerged

from written feedback include a strong desire for a vastly improved frontage for London Road, new shops including a department store, and support for the creation of quality public spaces. More choice of restaurants was also highlighted as a priority, with a specific focus on creating a more attractive environment for families and over 30s.

In addition, the need for improved parking facilities was highlighted, with improved pedestrian linkages also a priority for some. The development team will now review the feedback and comments received and feed them into the design process.

Mark Bourgeois, Executive Director at Capital & Regional, said: “The overwhelmingly positive response to our masterplan principles indicates that our vision for the town is

welcomed by the Surrey Heath community. What came across very clearly at the public exhibition was that local retailers, members of the public and elected members want a rejuvenated Camberley town centre.

Karen Whelan, Chief Executive of Surrey Heath Borough Council, said: “The delivery of a high quality landmark regeneration project for Camberley is our number one priority and is a significant aspect of our long term vision to reposition Camberley as a top 100 retail destination.”

If you missed the public exhibition you can view the emerging masterplan principles via www.themall.co.uk/mymall/camberley/ by clicking on the Camberley Town Centre Vision image.

www.surreyheath.gov.uk I Heathscene I 5

council

Festive events in your parks Get into the Christmas spirit with these festive events organised by the council’s Greenspace team.

Last Minute Christmas Trees Saturday 7 December Fancy cutting your own eco-friendly Christmas tree this year? Help clear young invasive pines from our heathland and you can take one (or more) home at the end of the session. Tools and gloves provided, as well as hot drinks.

Cost: £5 per tree taken home.

Takes place at Turf Hill off Guildford Road, Lightwater (opposite Blackstroude Lane West). Pre-booking essential, time to be confirmed on booking.

Call 01276 707166 for more information.

Auld Lang Stride Tuesday 31 December, 10am Come and join us in seeing out the old year and welcoming in the new with a charming and rejuvenating walk along the Basingstoke Canal.

Travel through woodland and back to Frimley Lodge Park in this leisurely two hour stroll.

Meet outside Pistachios in the Park Café, Frimley Lodge Park.

6 I Heathscene I www.surreyheath.gov.uk

Festive Fun Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 December Come along to the Heathland Visitor Centre at Lightwater Country Park and take part in the outdoor Christmas treasure hunt and on your return collect your rewards. Also have a go at making a Christmas card or hat.

Arrive anytime between 11am and 3pm.

Family event. £3 per child, accompanying adults free.

environment

Look out, look out lots of recycling about!

As 2013 comes to a close it’s a good time to thank all the residents in Surrey Heath for yet another great year of recycling performance. The borough has achieved a recycling rate of 64% - which is one of the highest in the country.

With the introduction of the textile collections earlier this year and the batteries/small electrical service in 2012, there really isn’t much left to put in the grey refuse bin.

Our resolution each year is to recycle even more than the previous one - thank you for helping us achieve this!

Don’t forget...

Food waste is collected every week.

Households have been provided with a silver caddy for indoor use and a dark green container for collection by the crews.

If you are unable to do anything

creative with your Christmas leftovers, please use the weekly food waste collection. Put food waste in your dark green collection caddy and place at the edge of your property by 6am on collection day. Food waste is turned into electricity and/or compost so it’s definitely worth recycling.

See more about food waste recycling at www.surreyheath. gov.uk/food-waste Remember we collect excess recycling Leave out as much recycling as you like on your recycling collection day.

Simply put next to your recycling bin in a bag or a box.

Over the holiday period there will be revised collection dates - please ensure you are aware of them so you can make the most of your recycling collections!

Week Commencing 23rd December: Normal Collection day Revised Collection day Monday 23rd collection as normal Tuesday 24th collection as normal Friday 27th Wednesday 25th (Christmas Day) Saturday 28th Thursday 26th (Boxing Day) Friday 27th Monday 30th Week Commencing 30th December: Normal Collection day Revised Collection day Monday 30th Tuesday 31st Tuesday 31st Thursday 2nd Friday 3rd Wednesday 1st (New Years Day) Thursday 2nd Saturday 4th Friday 3rd Monday 6th Week Commencing 6th January: Normal Collection day Revised Collection day Monday 6th Tuesday 7th Tuesday 7th Wednesday 8th Wednesday 8th Thursday 9th Thursday 9th Friday 10th Friday 10th Saturday 11th

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

council

Be prepared for winter A Cold Weather Plan for England has been published by Public Health England with emphasis on long-term planning, winter preparedness and action.

There are on average 24,000 excess winter deaths per year in England, many of which are preventable.

The plan has been published in collaboration with the Department of Health, NHS England and the Local Government Association (LGA).

It highlights several things individuals and communities can do to help prevent cold-related illnesses. These include having your flu vaccination if you are in a risk group, ensuring homes are properly insulated, and making sure heating systems are routinely checked.

As part of its advice to the public, the report highlights other top tips for keeping warm and well this winter: • Keep warm by setting your heating to the right temperature (18 to 21°C).

• Look out for friends, relatives and

neighbours who may be vulnerable to the cold.

• Stay tuned to the weather forecast and plan ahead with supplies.

• Have regular hot meals and drinks throughout the day and keep active to help your body stay warm.

• Get financial support to make your home more energy efficient, improve your heating or help bills.

• Have your heating and cooking appliances checked regularly.

• Wear a few layers of thin clothing rather than one thick layer, and when you need to go outside wear shoes with slip resistant, good grip soles.

• Have your flu jab to protect yourself and others from influenza, if in an eligible group - aged 65 or over, pregnant, have certain medical

Food hygiene ratings scheme If you’re choosing to eat out at a local restaurant, pub or hotel, don’t forget to check its food hygiene rating.

The ratings are based on inspections carried out by the council’s environmental health officers and range from zero to a top rating of five, depending on how hygienic a food outlet is.

ratings sticker or certificate on their premises and they are available to see on www.food.gov.uk/ratings or via a free phone app from the same website.

The food hygiene rating is not a guide to food quality but shows customers which outlets take food hygiene seriously so they can make an informed choice about where to eat.

In Surrey Heath as many as 400+, or 83%, of food outlets have a rating of four or above.

The food hygiene ratings also encompass cafés, takeaways and food shops.

Most food businesses display their

8 I Heathscene I www.surreyheath.gov.uk

conditions, live in a residential or nursing home, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person.

In the event of snow or icy conditions, updates and information will be available from www.surreyheath.gov.uk or via www.twitter.com/surreyheath or on our Twitter at www.twitter.com/surreyheath or Facebook page www.facebook.com/surreyheath

community

Hopes for community garden!

Last month Surrey Heath residents were urged to vote for the borough’s fantastic Windle Valley Day Centre which has a good chance of winning £18,000 to build a dementia friendly garden.

The company Supra, who supply key safes and other equipment for elderly and vulnerable people, will give the prize money to one of seven projects that receives the most votes from the public.

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.

Leigh Thornton, Commercial Services Manager at Surrey Heath Borough Council, said: “Our project will deliver a new and innovative

Dementia friendly community garden at Windle Valley Day Centre, open and accessible to all and specifically aimed at day centre users, local residents and local schools, plus disability and community groups.

“We want to get as many people gardening as possible to help prevent the onset of Dementia and help those living with it to keep physically and mentally active.”

The prize winner is to be announced in mid-November after Heathscene went to press.

Camberley Care Trust Registered charity Camberley Care Trust has been providing a helping hand since 1974.

Based in Surrey Heath House in Camberley, the trust aims to enable local elderly, disabled and vulnerable people to remain in their own homes by providing car transport and affordable handyperson repair services.

The Care and Repair service operates throughout the borough while the Care Cars service is available to residents of Camberley and Frimley only.

All kinds of small repairs and adaptations are provided by Care and Repair, at an affordable subsidised hourly rate of £15hr (minimum one hour), plus cost of materials, for jobs such as fitting handrails, replacing taps, sealing baths or showers, or fitting curtain rails and shelves.

The Care Cars service is available for any reasonable journeys such as visits to the GP or hospital, shopping, or social activities.

happy to stay with their clients during hospital, GP, dental and podiatry appointments, if required and is something that is often much appreciated.

Whilst there is no formal charge for Care Cars to clients, they are invited to make a suggested donation based on the length of the journey to cover the cost of fuel. Camberley Care Trust funds the car service wholly from client contributions and those it receives from outside donors. All donations are gratefully received.

Further information on the trust can be found at www.camberleycare.org with new clients, volunteers and donors warmly welcomed.

Each service has its own dedicated telephone number, with Care Cars on 01276 707696, while Care and Repair is on 01276 707692.

The volunteer drivers are also

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

council

Car parking charges frozen until 2014 Surrey Heath Borough Council has decided to postpone the proposed changes to parking charges in Camberley Town Centre until after the planned improvement work, including the installation of new payment machines, better lifts and refurbished stairwells, has been completed early next year.

Frozen since 2010 the council had agreed to introduce new parking tariffs earlier this year but in a bid to avoid the disruption that implementing the improvements might create over the festive season, charges will remain the same until 2014, with the addition of free parking on Thursday late night shopping evenings.

To alleviate problems that might arise during busy periods the Surrey Heath parking team has already put together a package of measures, including improved signage and the employment of extra temporary parking marshals to assist car park users.

The new charging structure, which will be implemented in 2014, will

see a slight increase to some parking tariffs with the majority remaining the same. The extra revenue raised from this increase will be ring-fenced to be used for the future upkeep and improvement to the town’s parking provision.

Surrey Heath’s portfolio holder for business services Cllr Craig Fennell said: “Our number one priority is the regeneration of Camberley Town Centre and to deliver this we need to ensure that the town’s parking facilities are of the highest possible standard.

“As Camberley is used by thousands of people from outside of the borough, we believe it’s unfair that this cost be footed solely by the council tax payers of Surrey Heath.

10 I Heathscene I www.surreyheath.gov.uk

“This is why we opted to slightly increase some of our parking tariffs which will allow us to build up a fund that will be ring-fenced for future improvements.”

He added: “We’re committed to ensuring that Camberley is well used by visitors, which in turn supports retailers and business. Our new pricing structure is comparable to our neighbours, with some tariffs significantly lower. We will also continue to provide the free 30 minute parking bays on the High Street and St George’s Road for quick errands, something that no other town in the area offers.”

camberley town centre

Christmas is just around the corner This means Christmas shopping and lots of exciting things to see and do in Camberley.

Whether it’s an office party night out, finding that special gift, or visiting the festive markets, Camberley has Christmas all wrapped up for you.

There is something for everyone in Camberley, from traditional High Street brands to our fantastic independent retailers offering that something a little bit different. And when you’ve shopped until you drop, why not finish off all that activity with a well-earned meal or drink in one of the town’s fantastic restaurants, bars and pubs.

Christmas Market comes to Camberley 4 – 8 December 2013 A wonderful mix of handmade arts and crafts, and other unique Christmas gift ideas - plus hot food and mulled wine! There will even be live street entertainment and music each day!

The Christmas market will be open from: • 10am to 6pm on the Wednesday • 10am to 8pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday • 11am to 5pm Sunday

Free Parking Collectively Camberley have been working with Surrey Heath Borough Council and The Atrium to secure periods of FREE PARKING over the festive season.

We are pleased to announce the following dates and times: • Thursday 21 November – 19 December (Thursdays only) – Free from 5pm • Wednesday 4 – Sunday 8 December – Free from 3pm This includes Main Square, The Atrium and Knoll Road car parks and applies to cars entering after the stated times.

Join us for the last Farmers’ Market of the year - with great local produce at fantastic prices!

Whether it’s a seafood starter from Pimpernel Fisheries you’re looking for, or your favourite cut of meat from Hunts Hill Farm, our Farmers’ Market has everything you need for the perfect Christmas dinner. And of course, your festive meal wouldn’t be complete without a cheese board from Batch Farm Cheese.

To make the market even more festive, entertainment will be provided by The Surrey Heath Singers accompanied by The Charles Church Band.

Late Night Shopping Avoid the weekend crowds and visit Camberley Town Centre this Christmas for our late night Thursdays. With FREE parking from 5pm and most shops open until 8pm – why shop anywhere else?

For more information on Collectively Camberley please go to www.collectivelycamberley.co.uk or follow us on @LoveCamberley.

www.collectivelycamberley.co.uk I Heathscene I 11

camberley theatre

Camberley Theatre re-launched and refreshed During the summer Camberley Theatre underwent a dramatic transformation, which not only gave it a fresh new look but also saw the addition of a redesigned cafĂŠ bar and new events and conferencing facilities.

The first thing visitors will notice when entering the theatre is the light and spacious box office, complete with a new welcome desk and plasma screens previewing forthcoming events.

The bar area has been completely redesigned and doubles as an inviting cafĂŠ offering a mouthwatering lunch and pre-show menu as well as cakes and high quality coffee. All the food is prepared fresh

Cllr Beverley Harding, Mayor of Surrey Heath and Simon Spearing Theatre Manager officially open the new look Camberley Theatre

12 I Heathscene I www.camberleytheatre.biz

camberley theatre on the premises, using the finest ingredients - and there’s even a gluten free menu as well as options for kids. The bar also offers a wide range of quality drinks including draft lagers and real ale.

The events and conference space has also been extensively renovated with bold lighting and new flooring to create multi-purpose function rooms, fully equipped with plasma screens and free Wi-Fi, available to hire at affordable rates to businesses, organisations and for private parties.

The new space is ideal for anything from small corporate meetings to large networking events, conferences, exhibitions and weddings.

showcasing the dramatic changes, eye-catching new branding and exciting programme of events.

If you are interested in hiring the theatre for your meeting or event please call 01276 707600 or go to www.camberleytheatre.biz/ hireus

The new look theatre was officially opened on Friday 27 September

by Cllr Beverley Harding, Mayor of Surrey Heath, followed by a launch weekend which included a performance by West End star Lee Mead and an Open Fun Day

www.camberleytheatre.biz I Heathscene I 13

camberley theatre

What’s On at Camberley Theatre The Camberley Theatre not only looks great but also has a fantastic range of productions coming soon!

Tickets for the Christmas pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk are on sale now and audiences can expect laughs and boos aplenty in this family show starring Daniel Slade as Jack and his mum Dame Trott played by panto favourite Mark Slowey.

Looking ahead into 2014, That’ll Be the Day returns by popular demand with a new show full of the hits of the 50s, 60s and 70s.

The show is in its 28th year proving rock ‘n’ roll will never die so check it out on 24 January.

Gruffalo Live is an ideal introduction to live theatre for children and comes to Camberley on 15 and 16 February. The Sunday Times called the show “a fine piece of children’s theatre” and features songs and lots of laughs for those aged 3+ and their grown-ups.

accompanied by a full audio-visual backdrop and light show. There will also be an enjoyable Question & Answer section plus an appearance by a local dance school.

Don’t forget, Camberley Theatre also runs a popular youth theatre and adult drama class programme, with classes from four years and up! So if a recent production has inspired you to tread the boards contact the box office to find out how their classes, led by experienced and trained practitioners can help.

More details on these and other productions can be found at www.camberleytheatre.biz or by calling the Box Office on 01276 707600. You can also sign up for the free e-newsletter at camberley.theatre@ surreyheath.gov.uk.

Fans of Shakespeare are encouraged to book for a new production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream on 5 and 6 March. Award winning Immersion Theatre present a thrilling and original adaptation of the much loved classic play with laughs, magic and young love. The production is being presented in two different ways; ‘The Dream’ which emphasises the magic and beauty of the story while ‘The Nightmare’ explores the darker elements of the text.

Fans of Strictly Come Dancing are advised to book early for An Evening with Pasha and Katya on Friday 21 March. This fabulous show features four guest dancers, all beautifully costumed, demonstrating a series of stunning dance routines,

14 I Heathscene I www.camberleytheatre.biz

camberley theatre

A GIANT of a pantomime!

Join Camberley Theatre for a GIANT of a pantomime this Christmas with Jack and the Beanstalk.

Times are hard and Jack’s family urgently need some cash. So Dame Trott sends Jack off to market to sell their cow Daisy. But Jack returns home with a big bag of beans and Dame Trott is not convinced they are ‘magic beans’ and flings them out of the window!

And so the story begins. Root for Jack on his bean-tastic adventure.

Our hero will want you on his side as he outwits the evil Giant and his henchman Fleshcreep in the castle at the top of the beanstalk growing in his back garden!

We caught up with some of the pantomime cast to find out more about the show.

Can you tell us about your character?

Daniel Slade (Jack): He is slightly under confident, not really very sure of himself. But he’s very adventurous and wants to save the day and get noticed. A really nice guy, loveable and the hero in the end - something I’m really excited about.

Michael Goble (Simon): I’ve been described as an idiot but with a heart of gold. I think Simon tries too hard and is always a bit of the fall guy.

Simon is Jack’s younger brother unless we are twins, like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito!

Caroline Fitch (Fairy): I play the fairy - and I’ve never played the fairy before - so I’m really looking

forward to it. And very excited about my prop wand!

What is special about pantomime?

Mark Slowey (Dame Trott): Everyone has been really friendly and just nice people to work with. Daniel who plays Jack was my son in Panto last year and I’ve worked with some of the others before too so it’ll be nice to work with old friends.

Caroline Fitch: I haven’t done panto in my adult career so when I got the chance to audition I jumped at it. It’s creative and there’s lots of room to play around with things.

Michael Goble: Panto is the style of theatre I really enjoy, so on my days off I’ll be seeing other shows with my friends in. I’ve done three or four pantos and my circus skills normally come in at some point.

One year during Peter Pan, I did a straitjacket escape 20 feet in the air!

I should have warned my mum!

The fun begins from Tuesday 10 December until Sunday 5 January and tickets are on sale now priced from £15.95 with discounts for families and groups. Call the Camberley Theatre Box Office 01276 707600 or select your own seat online at www.camberleytheatre.biz

www.camberleytheatre.biz I Heathscene I 15

community

A need on your doorstep east to west – Supported Lodgings Scheme Founded in 1996, east to west is a trust that brings hope to over 1,400 children, young people and families in Surrey and Berkshire each year, helping them through the issues that they are facing. This has led to the creation of a Supported Lodgings Scheme to support homeless teenagers, who are referred through Surrey County Council’s Youth Support Service.

What is Supported Lodgings?

like fostering. This provides security, stability and confidence in order to cope with the move towards independence. The host does not have parental responsibility for the young person, but is asked to help nurture skills such as cooking, budgeting, or shopping economically.

All hosts are trained and supported by east to west’s Supported Lodgings Team and/or the Youth Support Service Case Worker.

Supported Lodgings places a young person into a family or individual’s (host) home for up to a year, much

Lucy’s Story: Lucy was 17 years old and sofa-surfing at friend’s houses as she was no longer able

Over 400 young people aged 16 and 17 become homeless in Surrey every year and in Surrey Heath the Youth Support Service supports 12 young people who are at risk of becoming homeless each week.

This can be a traumatic time and it is during this period of vulnerability that east to west seeks to support young people through its Supported Lodgings Programme.

to live at home with her mum due to family breakdown. Lucy was referred by social services and placed with an east to west Supported Lodgings host family which allowed her to re-engage in education and move on to independent living nine months later.

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.

What support do hosts receive?

Supporting young people in this way is an exciting and rewarding experience in itself; however you will receive the housing benefit payment that the young person is entitled to. In addition you will receive training and have an allocated support worker whilst a young person is with you to provide support and advice.

For more information please go to www.supportedlodgings.org or call Supporting Lodging Manager Nick Hill on 01784 438 007, or email nick@easttowest.org.uk For more information about SCC Youth Support Service, email Gavin Kitchen Surrey Heath Team Manager gavin.kitchen@surreycc.gov or call 01252 835308.

16 I Heathscene I www.supportedlodgings.org

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...see Curtain Flair Fitters on page 26

council

Six applications successful through community grant scheme A host of local not-for-profit groups and organisations are to receive support from Surrey Heath Borough Council through its Community Fund Grant Scheme.

The scheme provides grants up to £25,000 where funding is needed for projects bringing community benefits.

Local groups or organisations have the chance to apply for funding twice a year and successful applications for the latest round were agreed by the council’s Executive in October.

Frimley Cricket Club based at the Chobham Recreation Ground in Frimley is raising funds to provide artificial cricket practice nets for use by adult teams, youth members and coaching for schools. The club will receive £9,500 towards its £43,122 project, aiming to increase participation in cricket from the whole area, as well as improve cricket opportunities for people who are visually impaired.

Jigsaw (South East) Ltd provide a service to children of all ages and cultures who are facing bereavement or have a family member with a life threatening illness. Their successful grant request of £3,250 will go towards extending the service into Surrey Heath to support children and families.

The Camberley Citizens Advice Bureau has been granted £7,000 towards a project aiming to expand its training and recruitment programme, providing wider public benefit to the community.

Gordon’s School in West End has been awarded £2,000 for its project to renovate its 1902 statue of General Gordon. The school itself is a national memorial to General

Gordon; any member of the public or community group is welcome to visit the statue by arrangement. Tours of the school and the history of the statue are regularly carried out and there are plans for more promotion and a planned museum display.

The Windle Valley Youth Project was granted £8,525 towards their project creating a youth hub. The funds will be used for training volunteers, as well as equipping and furnishing an empty building they use at the Deepcut MOD community centre.

Outline is a volunteer led charity offering advice, guidance and signposting to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGB&T) people.

Support is provided through a helpline, email and social groups.

A £850 grant has been awarded towards raising awareness of Outline’s services available to LGB&T people living in Surrey Heath.

Corporate portfolio holder Cllr Liane Gibson said: “These grants provide an excellent opportunity for local community groups and organisations to continue or enhance their work.

“Many of us benefit from the great work these groups and volunteers do and each bid has been made with the hope of making a real difference to the lives of local people.

“We encourage local groups who might need assistance towards a worthy project to get in touch and find out how they can apply for future grants.”

Groups wanting to apply for funding should visit http://www.surreyheath.gov.uk/ CommunityFundGrants

www.surreyheath.gov.uk I Heathscene I 19

leisure

Playgrounds reinvigorated Three borough parks have been upgraded in as many months, much to the delight of visitors.

Southcote Park in Camberley now hosts an impressive new play area with a range of timber playground equipment, including a zip-wire, trim-trails and swing sets, as well as a roundabout and improved basketball area.

Many families were present to see the park opening, which was led by three-year-old Charlie Grainger, a local resident with quadriplegic cerebral palsy; demonstrating its suitability for young people with disabilities.

The park was previously a large green space and the new playground is a gated, dog-free area. Adopting a ‘green’ approach, the play area uses locally-sourced, recycled materials, including the wooden picnic benches.

Further enhancements are being planned, including the addition of bird and bat boxes.

Burrell Road Play Area in Frimley has seen a transformation replacing what was some of Surrey Heath’s oldest play equipment.

Ideal for ages four to 12, some of the fantastic new apparatus includes a trim trail and a multiplay unit.

Frimley ward councillors Bruce Mansell, Ian Sams and David Hamilton cut the ribbon to declare the park open in September. The wooden equipment is made from sustainable timber sourced locally.

Overseen by Surrey Heath’s Greenspace team as part of their ongoing development of play areas, the project was made possible through planning contributions from previous developments completed in the area.

Frimley Green playground is another park to receive a makeover and was opened last month.

Divided into two areas, the playground has been fitted with equipment for children aged 8 years and under, such as new swings, a see-saw, development boards and a multiplay unit.

The over 8s area features a freeride board, new swings and a large uniplay unit offering

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

challenging features including a rope bridge and slide.

The project has been championed by local resident Kim Holliday, who led a focus group to inform the council what equipment local parents wanted in their local park.

The play area was funded by planning infrastructure contributions from a local development at the former Clewborough House School in nearby Frimley Green.

leisure

Park life Walks and events galore are planned for the new year, inviting you to explore the many open spaces on your doorstep. Join us and get active whilst enjoying the beautiful countryside of Surrey Heath!

Heathland Hike Saturday 25 January 10.30 am – 12.30 pm Join a Greenspace Officer for a four mile leisurely winter ramble across the open heathland of the Lightwater area. Return via the scenic view point of High Curley Hill.

Free event. Dogs on leads welcome.

Suitable for adults and older children.

Meet outside the Heathland Visitor Centre, Lightwater Country Park, The Avenue, Lightwater.

Eco-Aerobics!

Saturday 1 February Join us for an afternoon of conservation work on the endangered heathland of Turf Hill, clearing the invading pine saplings that threaten to smother the precious heather. It will be great

exercise but you can work at your own pace. Tools, gloves and hot drinks provided.

Event takes place at Turf Hill (opp.

Blackstroude Lane West) off Guildford Road, Lightwater.

This event is free of charge but prebooking is essential, the time to be confirmed on booking.

Footpaths and Fairways Sunday 23 February 10 am – 12.30 pm Join a Greenspace Officer on a pleasant 4.5 mile circular ramble that takes in woodland, country lanes and even a golf course. Free event. Suitable for adults and older children. Dogs on leads welcome.

Meet at Chobham Place Woods Car Park, Valley End Road (off Windsor Road), Chobham.

Eager Weavers Saturday 1 March Are you an eager weaver?

Then come along to Lightwater Country Park and learn how to make miniature baskets using only our natural materials and your natural abilities!

Cost £2 per person. Suitable for adults and children. Sorry, no dogs.

Pre-booking is essential, the time will be confirmed on booking.

Call 01276 707166 for bookings or more information about any of these events.

Visit www.surreyheath.gov.uk/leisure to see a full list of upcoming walks and events.

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

community

Can you help a good cause?

Tourettes Action is a national charity based in Camberley, working to make life better for people with Tourette Syndrome (TS). It provides information and support to people and their families, and informs educators and other professionals about TS. Hundreds of calls and emails are answered by its helpdesk each year, helping people to access diagnosis, treatment, community support and practical information.

Helen Robbins, Tourettes Action Services Co-ordinator said: “Tourette Syndrome is a commonly mis-informed neurological condition.

We hear from a variety of people, of all ages, whose diagnosis range from mild to severe.

“Speaking to somebody on the helpline who is well informed, calm and a good listener can be of significant help and support to people.

“We are looking for a team of volunteers to support the helpdesk in answering calls and emails.

The role can be both office and home based.

“The charity provides training to selected volunteers, backed up with

on-going refresher and personal development training.”

For more information about the work of Tourettes Action or volunteering opportunities, visit www.tourettes-action.org.uk or call 0300 777 8427.

Faith lunch grows The Surrey Heath Faith Lunch, held on 23 September at High Cross Church, Camberley, was even more successful than last year with 52 people attending.

The aim was to encourage different faith groups in Surrey Heath to work together and strengthen inter faith relationships. The lunch was organised by Surrey Heath Borough Council, Surrey Police, Churches Together in Camberley, and Surrey Faith Links.

widest spread religion in the world.

The Faith Lunches have enabled attendees to make useful contacts that have benefitted their organisations and plans are already underway for the next event.

Faith groups attending this year were even more diverse with representatives from the Christian, Bahá’i, Muslim, Buddhist, Sikh and Hindu faiths. The theme of the event was ‘Bring and Share’ and people brought along a cultural dish for everyone to enjoy, from curries and samosas to lots of cake!

The event included a presentation on the Christian faith and a tour of High Cross Church, with a quiz afterwards to test what everyone had remembered!

Following lunch was a presentation about the Bahá’i faith; the second

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

For more information contact Joanna Hardy, business and community development officer on 01276 707545 or email Joanna.Hardy@surreyheath.gov.uk

business

Surrey Heath Business Breakfast goes from strength to strength On Tuesday 22 October, the new look Camberley Theatre played host to the increasingly popular Surrey Heath Business Breakfast event. Attended by over 150 representatives of local business, community groups and charities; the event, now in its 15th year, features presentations from prominent guest speakers and provides vital networking opportunities.

This time delegates were treated to an exciting preview of proposals to regenerate Camberley town centre by Spencer Winter from development company Centros and Mark Bourgeois from Capital and Regional, owners of The Mall shopping centre. The proposals included dramatically improving the London Road frontage, the addition of a new “anchor store� and improved access into the town centre.

For more information on this project please go to page 5.

Also speaking was Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey Kevin Hurley who used the opportunity to explain his role and how he fits into the local policing strategy for Surrey. He spoke passionately about the future of the county and changes he intends to make to ensure Surrey stays a safe place to live and work.

The event was seen as one of the most successful to date and received a great deal of positive feedback from the business community. Business Breakfast is open to all Surrey Heath businesses and the next event will be held on Friday 28 March 2014.

Businesses interested in attending or exhibiting need to book their place via www.surreyheath.gov.uk/business

Left to right: Mark Bourgeois, Spencer Winter, Cllr Moira Gibson and Kevin Hurley.

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

community

Illegal tobacco is a drag on our community Surrey Crimestoppers are fronting a campaign urging the public to recognise the damage sales of illegal tobacco can do in local communities and report the criminals involved.

Illegal tobacco across the country is becoming a significant problem with organised criminal gangs targeting vulnerable people by selling cigarettes and hand rolled tobacco at reduced prices. Surrey is no exception with illicit tobacco being found by Surrey County Council Trading Standards in many boroughs across the county.

Common brands of illegal tobaccos to look out for include Jin Ling, Raquel, Richman and Camelford which cannot legitimately be bought in the UK. If tobacco products do not contain health warnings written in English or display the 'UK DUTY PAID' fiscal mark, they are also illegal.

There are several other more serious considerations to take into account: • Illegal tobacco products are unregulated with unknown amounts of nicotine, tar and lead.

• They are known to include contaminants such as manure, rat droppings and asbestos.

• Criminals, using pocket money prices, target young people getting them hooked on tobacco.

• Since 2011, all tobacco paper products in the EU must be self-extinguishing, in a bid to reduce the risk of house fires.

Most illegal tobacco products do not comply and can create serious fire risks.

Crimestoppers recognise that often people know what is happening but are too scared to speak out to the authorities and offers an anonymous safe and secure route to inform on those involved in illegal tobacco sales.

If you think you know where illegal tobacco is being sold, stored or made, call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit www.crimestoppersuk.org. Calls are not recorded, IP addresses are untraceable and no one will ever know it was you who called – not even Crimestoppers.

www.crimestoppers-uk.org I Heathscene I 25

Phoenix Orthopaedic

...see Curtain Flair on page 17

Phoenix Orthopaedic Veterinary Service in Camberley Does your dog/cat need a fracture repair or specialist bone or joint operation?

Have you been asked to take him/her to a remote specialist practice for treatment?

Does your dog/cat have a spinal disease which needs special care and treatment?

We can help you Phoenix Orthopaedic referrals is a local, convenient, and much more economic solution than many other specialist practices.

Ian Simpson has a tertiary qualification in Small Animal Orthopaedics and twenty-three years’ experience of orthopaedic disease management

Give us a call on 01276 21225 for a friendly chat or advice at any time. We are just up the road from Frimley Park Hospital, at 93 Portsmouth Rd, Camberley.

council

What’s on at Surrey Heath Museum

Dates for your diary

December Saturday 8 – Blackwater Park walk, from 10am to 1pm.

Frimley and Camberley Art Society Exhibition Surrey Heath Museum’s latest exhibition showcases local talent from the Frimley and Camberley Art Society. Featuring still life, landscapes and seascapes, the

selling exhibition runs until 21 December, with demonstrations taking place on most Saturdays from 1pm to 3pm. There is also a People’s Choice vote running throughout the exhibition and a Children’s Autumnal Art Competition.

The Surrey Heath Museum Mosaic In 2012 the Museum ran a successful ‘Nepali Connections exhibition’, celebrating the local Nepali community. As a result, the museum secured funding for a circular mosaic featuring designs for each of the 16 wards of Surrey Heath. Local councillors kindly provided ideas for the mosaic, which were interpreted by local artist Paul Butler.

for the museum to have developed and we warmly thank all the donors and welcome the involvement from councillors and local school children”.

Mosaic Artist Dave Bowers, who grew up locally, is working with four local schools who have been asked to create a mosaic design for their ward as well as three other wards.

Four pupils who create the winning designs from each school will work with Dave in their classroom to create their mosaic.

In the coming months, the mosaic will be laid in a large outer circle in front of the Obelisk in Camberley Park off Knoll Road, while the inner circle will feature a compass.

Senior museum officer Gill BarnesRiding said: “This is an exciting project

Surrey Heath Museum Calendar 2014 The museum has published a new calendar for 2014. This year’s theme is ‘Surrey Heath Remembers’ to mark 100 years since the outbreak of the First World War, as well as other local anniversaries, such as the 50th year of the Concrete Elephant on London Road and 60 years since the death of George Edward Lodge, renowned local Naturalist and Artist.

The calendar is on sale in the museum shop priced £5.

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

Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 – Festive Fun at Lightwater Country Park. Anytime from 11am to 3pm. £3 per child.

Tuesday 31 – Auld Lang Stride two hour guided walk from 10am. Meet outside Pistachios in the Park Café, Frimley Lodge Park.

January Friday 24 – That’ll Be The Day show at the Camberley Theatre.

Wednesday 29 – Basingstoke Canal walk at 10am.

February Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 – Gruffalo Live at the Camberley Theatre.

Sunday 23 – Footways and Fairways walk at Chobham Place Woods, 10am to 12.30pm.

March Saturday 1 – Make miniature baskets with Eager Weavers at Lightwater Country Park. www.surreyheath.gov.uk/events

www.surreyheath.gov.uk I Heathscene I 27