Heathscene Autumn/Winter 2012

Heathscene Great Place • Great Community • Great Future

Your Surrey Heath funds

Voluntary Groups Keep in touch with social media

Christmas waste collection dates

It’s panto time in Camberley

Winter 2012

2 I Heathscene I www.surreyheath.gov.uk

in this issue . . .

Collectively Camberley Getting ready for the Festive Season

page 6

Your local Museum New events and exhibitions of paintings and photographs

page 9

How we perform Achievements throughout Surrey Heath Borough

pages 12 & 13

Volunteering Opportunities for a helping hand

pages 18 & 19 le Feature Artic

the Message from

ive Chief Execut

In the summer edition of Heathscene we ran an article entitled "What Does My Council Ever Do For Me?" which highlighted some of the, possibly, lesser known services provided by Surrey Heath, ranging from meals-on-wheels to monitoring the borough’s air quality. We take great pride in these services and, despite the on-going financial challenges, continue to push ourselves. One way in which we do this is by setting ourselves key objectives which can be seen in our 2020 Strategy. On page 12 you will be able to see the highlights of our End of Year Review which should give you an indication of how we’re doing so far.

The financial challenges continue to impact all aspects of the public sector including welfare and benefits. You may be aware that from April 2013 there will no longer be a national Council Tax benefit scheme and councils will have to manage their own locally funded schemes. Go to page 4 for more information.

One way in which people can improve their own lives and the lives of others is by becoming a volunteer. There are a multitude of ways you can use your spare time productively in Surrey Heath ranging from helping with lunch-clubs for the elderly to assisting people with legal and money problems at the Citizens Advice Bureau. Read all about it on page 18.

Finally, with Christmas just round the corner please make sure you take advantage of all the fantastic events and activities taking place in Camberley this festive season. See page 6 to find out more.

Have a great winter!

Karen Whelan Chief Executive Social Networking

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.

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

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.

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

Council Tax Benefit changes might affect you From April 2013, the national Council Tax Benefit scheme is being abolished as part of the government’s welfare reforms.

It means that all councils will have to replace it with their own locally funded schemes, known as Council Tax Support.

Other changes to welfare benefits

As part of the reforms, the government is reducing funding for this support, meaning less money for councils to fund their new local schemes.

From April 2013 further reductions to Housing Benefit payments will affect working age people renting homes from Housing Associations. These changes will affect tenants who are living in a larger property than their household requires. For those with one bedroom more than they need, the estimated average housing benefit reduction could be around 14%. For those with two or more bedrooms than they need, the reduction could be around 25%.

Those affected will receive notification of this from their landlord.

Surrey Heath’s own scheme would start from 1 April 2013 and is proposed to broadly follow the rules of the existing current benefit scheme. However due to the reduction in money available to fund support, it is likely to mean that everyone of working age who currently receives Council Tax Benefit will have to pay something towards their Council Tax bill.

As required by the government, pensioner households will continue to receive the same level of assistance with their council tax as they would have done under Council Tax Benefit. However for everyone else there may be changes in their entitlement and even those on the lowest incomes may have to pay something towards their council tax.

Changes to Housing Benefit

The Benefit Cap A Benefit limit is being introduced by the government from April 2013. This means there will be a maximum amount that a working age household can receive in their total benefits.

The final local scheme will not be decided until after careful consideration of all responses received to the council’s consultation, which took place earlier this autumn.

Total benefit payable will be limited to a maximum of £500 per week for couples and lone parents and £350 for single people. Entitlement to certain other benefits may exempt people from the household benefit cap.

If the council were to decide on a ‘no change’ option, it would need to look elsewhere to find efficiences in order to cover the costs from its reduced budget.

Where households are assessed as being over the limit then the excess figure must be taken off the Housing Benefit payment in the first instance.

You can find out more about the scheme and how the changes might affect you and your family, by visiting www.surreyheath.gov.uk/counciltaxchanges

Surrey Heath Borough Council is working with a number of landlords and advice agencies to target information to those who may be affected by the changes.

For more information and advice on the changes please go to www.surreyheath.gov.uk/benefitchanges or call the benefits service on 01276 707121.

4 I Heathscene I www.surreyheath.gov.uk

council

Surrey Heath Social Media Like it or not, social media is all around us and here to stay. Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Flickr and many others form an important part of our social and working lives. Research shows there are now over 2.8 billion social media profiles, representing around half of all internet users worldwide*.

Surrey Heath Borough Council uses a wide range of social media and actively encourages interaction and participation. It’s a great way of building communities and networks as well as sharing news and information.

Here is a list of our social media accounts, so follow us, like us, tweet us, watch us and share us!

Twitter – read and send ‘tweets’ (messages or posts of no more than 140 characters)

• Deepcut Development @DeepcutDev

YouTube

• Surrey Heath Museum @SurreyHeathMuse

• YouTube.com/surreyheathbc

• Main Council Twitter @Surreyheath (Tweets include News, Events, Planning & Licensing Applications, general service updates.)

• Roary Recycles @RoaryRecycles

Flickr

• Business Breakfast @SHBCbusiness • Camberley Theatre @CamboTheatre

– watch our online videos

– view our online photo albums Facebook – post and share info and photos

• Flickr.com/surreyheath

• Facebook.com/surreyheath

SoundCloud

• Facebook.com/frimleylodgepark

– listen to past radio interviews and audio content.

• Facebook.com/ CamberleyTheatre.Surrey

• Soundcloud.com/surreyheath *source: agentmedia.co.uk

www.surreyheath.gov.uk I Heathscene I 5

council

❄ ❄ ❆ ❆ ❆ ❆ ❄ ❆ ❄ ❅

❆ Festively Camberley

Brought to you by Collectively Camberley (Camberley’s Business Improvement District team) – this year’s festive season is going to be the biggest and best yet! The Christmas lights switch-on and lantern parade on 22 November was only the start of what will be a fun packed few weeks leading up to the big day.

Christmas Carol Concert Thursday 20 December, 7 – 8.30pm, Park Street Visit Park Street from 7pm to listen to fantastic local choirs sing your favourite festive carols. Park Street stores will offer late night shopping and The Atrium will be offering festive treats for visitors.

Giant Snow Globe A white Christmas is guaranteed on Park Street between 19 and 21 December as there will be a giant snow globe which you will be able to go into and have your photo taken whilst dodging snowballs.

Exclusive Money Off Vouchers!

Breakfast with Santa and his elf Come and have a special festive breakfast with Santa in Camberley Town Centre.

Santa and his elf will be having breakfast on Tuesday mornings in Camberley Town Centre at various locations and he would love children to join him.

Go to www.collectivelycamberley.co.uk to download exclusive money-off vouchers for a wide range of Camberley shops and restaurants.

To find out more and book your places please go to: www.collectivelycamberley.co.uk/meetsanta

Make a Christmas Decoration for The Mall Christmas tree Collect a bauble at The Mall Ask Me Point and decorate it at home or at the special workshop on Saturday 24 November.

Return your brilliant bauble to the Ask Me Point and then visit our Giant Christmas Tree in The Square to see your decoration in all its glory!

Late Night Shopping!

Many Camberley shops will be staying open until 8pm every Thursday night between now and Christmas.

❄❅

❆❆ ❄

❄ ❆❄ ❆❄ ❆

6 I Heathscene I www.surreyheath.gov.uk

❆

❆

❆

environment

Christmas waste collection dates Your collection day will change over the Christmas period as disposal sites are closed.

Please ensure that you check your revised collection dates shown below. Look out for your collection calendar bin hanger that will be delivered during November.

Week Commencing 24th December: Normal Collection day

Revised Collection day

Monday 24th

collection as normal

Tuesday 25th (Christmas Day)

Thursday 27th

Wednesday 26th (Boxing Day)

Friday 28th

Thursday 27th

Saturday 29th

Friday 28th

Monday 31st

Week Commencing 31st December: Normal Collection day

Revised Collection day

Monday 31st

Wednesday 2nd

Tuesday 1st (New Year’s Day)

Thursday 3rd

Wednesday 2nd

Friday 4th

Thursday 3rd

Saturday 5th

Friday 4th

Monday 7th

Week Commencing 7th January: Normal Collection day

Revised Collection day

Monday 7th

Tuesday 8th

Tuesday 8th

Wednesday 9th

Wednesday 9th

Thursday 10th

Thursday 10th

Friday 11th

Friday 11th

Saturday 12th

Enter your street or postcode to find your Recycling & Refuse collection day information, local facilities and amenities, your local Councillors and Interactive online maps.

Severe w eather In the ev

en weather, t of severe ple www.surr ase check eyheath.g ov.uk, call 0127 6 70769 0 or go to twitter. com/surr eyheath

ma s per t s i r h C ping pa w rap tear it, you caonks can at lo if you it! Paper th ble. la recycle is not recyc il o f e lik

Remembe do col lec r we excess ret cycl ing Simply le

ave out ne your rec ycling bin xt to on collectio n day in a bag or a box.

If you’re unsure about your collection day over the Christmas period, you can check online using the My Surrey Heath search box. The search panel (pictured left) can be found on our homepage www.surreyheath.gov.uk Simply type in your street or postcode, select your address and your revised collection days/dates will be displayed.

What is My Surrey Heath?

View more online Borough maps

For enquiries relating to recycling and refuse, visit www.surreyheath.gov.uk\recycling or call 01276 707690.

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

camberley theatre

What’s On at The Camberley Theatre Winter at The Camberley Theatre is jam-packed full of fantastic entertainment. Much more can be found at www.camberleytheatre.biz, but here are just a few highlights.

At a glance The Sound of Music Wednesday 21 – Sunday 25 November, 7.45pm (Sat & Sun mat 2.30pm) CAMUS presents this family favourite musical.

✹

Christmas Crooners Friday 23 November, 2.30pm

It’s Pan Time .. to o yes it is h !!

September saw the launch of three new regular events. From the free monthly Book Group held on the first Thursday of every month, to 11am Parent and Baby Cinema Screenings and a termly Adult Drama Class held on a Monday night. All these events run throughout the year, so if any sound like they are for you, simply contact the theatre to find out more.

Of course, with winter comes Pantomime!

From 8 December 2012 to 5 January 2013, see the theatre transformed into Neverland as Peter Pan flies into Camberley with all the magic, music and mayhem you have come to expect from a sparkling Camberley Theatre Christmas production. Starring Jassa Ahluwalia (Disney Junior Channel Art Attack) and Freya Copeland (Emmerdale, The Bill).

Make this Christmas one to remember by booking your tickets today.

Do you have any budding performers in your family?

Led by qualified drama instructors and experienced theatre professionals, Camberley Theatre’s Youth Theatre is the perfect place for them. With classes throughout the week for children between the ages of 4 – 18, young people can enjoy developing their performance skills in a creative environment, whilst making new friends and growing in confidence along the way. A sibling discount is also available to those with more than one child in the family wishing to join. Term begins 5 January – 28 March 2013.

Songs by Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra.

Book Group Thursday 6 December, 7.30pm Share your thoughts with fellow book lovers.

Saturday 8 December 2012 – Saturday 5 January 2013, times vary

The hottest ticket in panto-land this year.

To book tickets or find out more about any of the theatre events, telephone the Box Office on 01276 707600 or go online to www.camberleytheatre.biz.

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

New events at Surrey Heath Museum have been the freshest air in England and good for asthmatic and tubercular sufferers. He worked from his studio on Plantation Row in Yorktown and advertised his services to the local town. His work consists of local scenes and portraits of people and animals.

There will be a number of events as part of the exhibition, please contact Surrey Heath Museum for more details.

Exhibition - Percy Harland Fisher (1865 to 1944) 19 January to 9 March 2013 Surrey Heath Museum has a large collection of paintings by Percy Harland Fisher, a renowned artist who chose to live in Camberley from 1903 onwards. Percy was one of three brothers and each studied at Dulwich College, an art school with close connections to the Royal Academy.

Percy suffered from bronchitis and it is thought he came to this area, after living abroad for 20 years. The Surrey heathland was reputed to

Ghosts and Ghouls Up to 22 December 2012 An exhibition featuring local ghost stories and folklore, brought to life with ‘ghostly’ items from the museum’s collection. Come and find out about Surrey Heath’s favourite haunts!

Surrey Heath Museum Calendar 2013 ‘Preserving Local Memories’ The museum has recently had a number of the photographs in their collection digitalised and have produced their first calendar.

Available to purchase for £5, the calendar features local scenes from the past 100 years and compares them with a present day view – scenes such as Camberley Station in 1890, the R P Over and Sons department store on London Road,

ar 2013 Museuum Calend Surrey Heath

Frimley High Street in the 1960s and Stokes Diary on Park Street. If you would like a calendar please call in at the museum or phone the number below.

Toddler’s Sessions Saturday 15 December 10.30am to 12noon.

Free drop-in session for the under 5s, Make your own Christmas Decorations.

Children’s Workshop Thursday 20 December 10.30am to 12 noon, £2.50 Drop in session. Make your own Victorian Christmas Cards.

Surrey Heath Mu seuum Ca lendar 2013

You can call the museum on 01276 707284 or email: museum@surreyheath.gov.uk Surrey Heath Museum is located on Knoll Road, Camberley and is open Wednesday to Saturday, 11am to 5pm. Admission is free.

www.surreyheath.gov.uk I Heathscene I 9

leisure

Park life Take your pick of the many great events coming up in your local parks and open spaces.

Eco Friendly Christmas Trees Saturday 8 December – Prebook now!

Join the Rangers at Lightwater for some eco-friendly Christmas tree cutting. Help out with vital conservation work and bring home your own tree (or two!)

All tools and gloves provided.

Pre-booking is essential.

Call 01276 707166 for more info.

Takes place at Turf Hill (opposite Blackstroud Lane West), off Guildford Road, Lightwater

Festive Fun Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 December - 11am-3pm Cost £3 per child Come along to the Heathland Visitor Centre and take part in the fantastic, outdoor Christmas treasure hunt. Also try having a go at Christmas card or Christmas hat making. £3 per child, arrive anytime between 11am and 3pm.

Meet at Heathland Visitor Centre, Lightwater Country Park

❇ ❄

Eco Friendly Christmas Trees Festive Fun

Panto in the Park

❈

Panto in the Park Wednesday 19 December – 5.30pm Get into the festive spirit by joining the top cast of Peter Pan for fun and Christmas Carols. Festive refreshments are available to buy.

Park in Main Square Car Park and meet at London Road Recreation Ground Pavilion, Grand Avenue, Camberley ‘Auld Lang Stride’ Monday 31 December – Start 10am Come and work off your Christmas dinner whilst welcoming the New Year with a charming and rejuvenating walk along the Basingstoke Canal. Travel through woodland and back to Frimley Lodge Park with a leisurely two hour stroll.

Meet outside Pistachios Café, Frimley Lodge Park Winter activities at Flourish Various Dates – Contact Kate Turner on 075000 87689 Flourish Community Garden will be hosting events including arts and crafts, natural soap making, and Christmas themed creations over the winter period.

All activities will be at Flourish Community Garden, Frimley Lodge Park

Eco-Aerobics Saturday 2 February – Prebooking essential!

Join us for an afternoon of exercise and fun conservation work on the endangered heathland of Turf Hill, clearing invading pine saplings. All tools and gloves are provided, as are drinks and biscuits for hard workers!

Call 01276 707166 for more info.

Event takes place at Turf Hill (opposite Blackstroud Lane West), off Guildford Road, Lightwater Homes for Birds!

Tuesday 19 February – Start 11am Cost £6 per box Now is the perfect time to make a bird nesting box for the coming spring. Suitable for adults and children, come in half term where timber and nails are provided but are limited and will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis.

Please bring a hammer if you have one.

Meet at Heathland Visitor Centre, Lightwater Country Park Eager Weavers Saturday 2 March – Prebooking essential!

Come and learn how to make miniature baskets using only our natural materials and your natural abilities! Suitable for children and adults, no previous experience required.

Call 01276 707166 for more information. Meet at Heathland Visitor Centre, Lightwater Country Park

To request a full walks and events brochure call 01276 707338 or email Greenspace@surreyheath.gov.uk

10 I Heathscene I www.surreyheath.gov.uk

leisure

Surrey Heath Sports Awards 2012 The annual Surrey Heath Sports Awards were held in October at The Camberley Theatre. Celebrating a fantastic year of local sporting achievement, the awards organised by Surrey Heath Borough Council recognise the best athletes, coaches and teams.

Nominees must live in the borough, or study and train at a borough school or club. Anyone can nominate, whether you are a sportsperson, spectator, coach or parent.

The awards were presented in front

of a packed auditorium made up of invite only guests from sports teams and clubs all over the borough.

Special guests included the Mayor of Surrey Heath and Karina Bryant from Camberley Judo Club who won bronze in the London 2012 Olympic Games.

The winners on the night were; • Pineridge Sports Personality of the Year: Karina Bryant • Multisports4schools Young Sports Personality of the Year: Annie Usher • Club of the Year: Chobham Rugby Club • Active Surrey Coach of the Year: Luke Preston, Camberley Judo Club • Lightwater Leisure Centre Sports Team of the Year: Valley End Cricket First XI • Arena Young Sports Team of the Year: Curley Park Rangers • Disability Sports Award: Helen Turner (pictured) • Surrey County Playing Fields Association Young Volunteer of the Year: Zak Soliman Cllr Craig Fennell, portfolio holder for business said: “The Surrey Heath Sports Awards is one of the most exciting and anticipated events in the borough calendar. It is a great chance to celebrate the achievements of local athletes, clubs, coaches and volunteers.

Become a Sport Maker and get more active!

Sport Makers are people who make sport happen. You could organise a game of cricket in the park, start up a running group or help at a local sports event - it’s your choice!

To become a Sport Maker all you need to do is attend a FREE Sport Makers workshop, then it’s over to you to make sport happen.

Sign up today at www.sportmakers.co.uk and book on a workshop to begin your sporting journey.

Sport Makers is an official Olympic & Paralympic legacy programme delivered in Surrey

by Active Surrey.

Following a fantastic summer of sports with London hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games, this year’s awards were even more special and memorable. Well done to all the winners and those who were nominated.”

www.surreyheath.gov.uk I Heathscene I 11

council

Surrey Heath Borough Council e

Surrey Heath Borough Council had a very successful year from A

• Particularly good performance demonstrated by the Customer Contact Centre which contin • Recycling and composting levels rose to one of the highest in the country at 65%, with this • The demand and satisfaction for services at the Windle Valley Day Centre remained strong • More achievements show how Surrey Heath Borough Council is meeting its four corporate

Objective 1:

Objective 2:

We want to make Surrey Heath an even better place where people are happy to live.

We will sustain and promote our local economy so that our people can work and do business across Surrey Heath.

• We supported the Old Dean Community Group to develop and consult on plans to improve the estate and secured funding for a new Jobs Club at the Old Dean; • Approval by the Government’s Inspectors of the Council’s Core Planning Strategy; • The Deepcut Supplementary Planning Guidance was adopted; • We have started planning for the future of the Arena Leisure Centre when the current management contract comes to an end in 2016.

• Published our first economic development strategy aimed at supporting local businesses and developing Camberley Town Centre; • Formation of Surrey’s first Business Improvement District (BID), where members including the Council agreed to fund additional improvements in Camberley Town Centre such as the monthly farmers’ markets and hanging baskets.

For further information on the above please contact the Business and Community Development T

12 I Heathscene I www.surreyheath.gov.uk

council

nd of year Performance Review

April 2011 to March 2012. Highlights include:

ued its excellent approval ratings for customer service at 94% satisfaction. achievement resulting in the borough winning a national recycling award. , evidenced in a customer feedback survey following its extension to a five day service. objectives from its 2020 Strategy:

Objective 3:

Objective 4:

We will build and encourage communities where people can live happily and healthily.

We will deliver our services better, faster and cheaper.

• Signing of the Surrey Heath Armed Forces Community Covenant. The covenant is a voluntary statement of mutual support between a civilian community and its local Armed Forces community;

• A challenging agenda of internal restructuring and efficiency reviews saw over £1/2million removed from the overall budget as part of our Transformation Programme;

• A new Food Hygiene Rating scheme was introduced; • We continued funding valuable voluntary organisations such as the Citizens Advice Bureau and Voluntary Services Surrey Heath;

• Rest centre and emergency control room exercises were undertaken; • Surrey County Council Adult Social Care staff moved into Surrey Heath House.

• New play area opened at Avenue Sucy in Camberley; • The 2012 Olympics Celebration Fund awarded seven grants to help residents of Surrey Heath celebrate 2012.

Team on 01276 707100. You can view the 2020 Strategy via www.surreyheath.gov.uk/2020strategy

www.surreyheath.gov.uk I Heathscene I 13

community

FREE

home insulation

Action Surrey in partnership with Surrey Heath Borough Council and through UK Home Insulations Ltd is now able to offer free insulation for all homeowners or private tenants (with the landlord’s permission). Previously the offer of free insulation was only available to those aged over 70 or in receipt of benefits, however now insulation is free for all, subject to survey and property size.

Three reasons to insulate your house now: 1. Cavity wall and loft insulation can save you in excess of £300 a year in energy bills as well as making your house more comfortable to live in, being warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer!

2. Insulate your house ready for the winter and the recent rise in gas prices.

3. The current subsidy scheme that is now giving insulation free to everyone is due to the change at the end of this year! The current scheme will be replaced by the Governments Green Deal whereby a loan based scheme will be attached to the property and paid off by savings in the energy bill.

The offer is subject to availability and a free, no obligation survey to measure the size of the house.

Contact Action Surrey today for a free survey of your property on 0800 783 2503 or email: enquiries@actionsurrey.org Visit www.actionsurrey.org for more info.

Are you entitled to a free gas safety check?

All of your gas appliances, including your gas boiler, gas cooker and gas fire should be safety checked once a year and serviced regularly according to a manufacturer’s instructions.

Gas appliances that are left unchecked could be dangerous and may cause the risk of Carbon Monoxide poisoning.

Did you know your gas supplier may be able to provide you with a free of charge gas safety check upon request?

This service may apply to home owners on means tested benefits and certain other criteria. Please contact your energy supplier for more information on eligibility.

Always ensure all your gas appliances are tested and worked on by a Gas Safe registered engineer. To check if the engineer is

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

Gas Safe registered, visit: www.gassaferegister.co.uk or call 0800 408 5500. Text phone for hard of hearing - 0800 408 0606.

! s ers m .. ng rd ar r ini n o W nte l L rtai ep Wi ma cu .13 Ke this her lined 31.01 T L ds EE n AL r en FR de o Offe a gr Up

www.surreyheath.gov.uk I Heathscene I 15

community

Camberley Judo Club’s Karina Bryant wins Olympic Bronze Camberley Judo Club’s Karina Bryant was selected to compete in the London 2012 Olympics in the over 78 kg section, in what would be her fourth Olympic Games.

On 3 August, she started her campaign at the Games and her first match was a victory over an Algerian competitor. In the next round she edged past a Slovenian fighter. Moving into the quarter-final, she beat Kazakhstan’s Gulzhan Issanova to progress to the semifinal match against Japan's Mika Sugimoto. Karina narrowly lost that bout, dropping her into the bronze medal contest against Iryna Kindzerska from Ukraine.

After initially going down by 7 points, she responded with a strong counter and evened the contest.

Her opponent then scored another 5 points on her, but Bryant pulled a maximum score throw out of the bag when it mattered most and took the victory and the bronze medal.

Karina’s coach Luke Preston (head coach of Camberley Judo Club) said of the result: “I’m delighted

for Karina that she has achieved the medal that was missing from her judo career. Moreover it is brilliant for everyone at Camberley Judo Club and for everyone in the borough.”

After winning her Olympic bronze medal, Karina was overwhelmed with emotion and said: “I've dreamt of getting a medal since I was a kid and I couldn’t ask for a better stage than this. I hope mine and Gemma Gibbon’s (-78kg London Olympic Silver medalist) performances will inspire the next generation to start Judo and maybe one day become champions too!”

If you would like to try judo please email info@camberleyjudo.co.uk and quote ‘Heathscene’ for two free taster classes!

Businesses come together over breakfast The bi-annual event is a great way for local business - big and small - to showcase themselves and network. Running for over 11 years, the meetings are well attended with over 160 delegates pouring into the theatre.

September’s theme was ‘businesses and communities working together’ and included presentations from Steve Coburn of Collectively Camberley - Surrey’s first Business Improvement District, Helen Pyttlik of Waitrose Community Matters and Danny Pecorelli, Chair of Camberley Judo Club.

A highlight was Olympic bronze medallist Karina Bryant who took to the stage to proudly show off her medal. Many attendees took the chance to chat with Karina and she was happy to have photos taken with anyone wanting a chance to see and hold her medal.

Delegates could also visit the numerous exhibition stands, finding out more about the companies and their services.

Cllr Moira Gibson, leader of the council said: “This event has become a main fixture in local businesses calendars and because of the high turnout we continue to keep running it. It's a great way for existing and new businesses in Surrey Heath to network, share ideas and contacts.”

Registration is now open for the next Business Breakfast on

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

1 March 2013. For more about attending or exhibiting, visit www.surreyheath.gov.uk/business or call 01276 707312.

community

Local GPs in driving seat from next April Nine Surrey Heath GP practices have created a new NHS organisation called Surrey Heath Clinical Commissioning Group or “CCG” for short. From April 2013 the CCG will have an annual budget of over £100m of taxpayers’ money to spend on providing the best healthcare for local patients.

The Surrey Heaths CCG will include these practices: • Camberley Health Centre, Old Dean, Gordon Road, Park Road and Heatherside • Frimley Green Medical Centre and Station Road Surgery • Bagshot Park House Surgery • Lightwater Surgery • Ash Vale Health Centre.

Dr Andy Brooks from Park Road is Chief Officer Designate. He told us what it’ll mean for patients: “It’s a

big change but I think the benefits will be worth it. GPs see patients day in, day out, so we know what they need and what their concerns are. We see which services work and how services could be tweaked to make them work even better for patients and ensure they get the best care and treatment quickly.

understanding of what we need to commission and where there are areas to improve care.

“Let me reassure you it’ll be business as usual when people need to see their GP. We’ll still be available to care for our patients.

The bonus for the NHS is that our clinical insight will give us a clear

“Take a look at our website www.surreyheathccg.nhs.uk for more information. You can join our Surrey Heath Health Network to be first to hear about opportunities to take part in projects and events.”

Dr. Andy Broo ks

Dementia wellbeing centre given go-ahead Surrey Heath Borough Council's Executive has given the go-ahead to proposals for a wellbeing centre for people with dementia at the Windle Valley Day Centre, Bagshot.

The centre will be created by demolishing garages at the Windle Valley site in Bagshot and building a single storey 50 square metre extension, providing sufficient space for up to 12 people at a time.

Aimed at people in the early stages of dementia, it will offer information, help and advice and a pathway into appropriate assessment and support services.

The £80,000 centre will be funded

by Surrey County Council from a £500,000 one-off budget being used

to provide wellbeing centres spread across Surrey’s 11 boroughs and districts.

Surrey Heath’s portfolio holder for community Councillor Vivienne Chapman said: “Dementia presents a huge challenge to society both now and increasingly in the future.

In 2009 just under 14,000 older people in Surrey were estimated to have the illness, by 2020 this is predicted to be over 17,000.

“There are huge benefits in providing a wellbeing centre,

not least bringing about improved awareness among older people and assisting with early diagnosis.

“Windle Valley already offers highly valued services and I’m pleased it will be expanding to help make life easier for even more people.”

From Monday to Friday, Windle Valley is open to older people as a day service in which users can make friends and enjoy a range of activities such as bingo and painting as well as receiving a cooked lunch.

www.surreyheath.gov.uk I Heathscene I 17

community

Ever thought of The council supports many voluntary organisations within Surrey Heath that provide vital services to those who need a little help in our community. These include Camberley Citizens Advice Bureau, Voluntary Services Surrey Heath and Surrey Heath Age Concern, as well as Tringhams and The Butts centres for older people.

Each need the on-going support of volunteers who make a big difference to the wide range of services offered. Their volunteering roles vary to reflect the time anyone has available, however small or irregular.

Why volunteer?

Learn something different, meet new people, add something special to your resume to give you a competitive edge and make a difference to someone’s life.

What does volunteering provide you with?

Learn new skills, make new friends, broaden your experience and be involved in worthwhile projects.

How will it help in your community or area?

It can really make a difference in helping make someone’s life easier and better. We all need a helping hand from time to time and some need it more regularly. Volunteering can fit in with most lifestyles; either a regular or occasional commitment can make all the difference.

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

Opportunities exist in a wide range of local organisations. Here are some that may be of interest:

The Butts, Bisley A lunchtime club for older people that meets on a Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at Bisley Village Hall. If you go along either to join-in as a client or a helper you will receive a warm welcome from team leader Wendy, her assistant Ruth and the cook Daphne. They are always on the lookout for help, with volunteers getting involved with the all-important cup of tea, biscuit, smile and friendly conversation. The volunteer role offers rewards in a currency of smiles and laughter. To find out more about either giving a helping hand or joining the club, call 01483 489701.

community

volunteering?

Tringhams

Camberley Citizens Advice Bureau

Surrey Heath Age Concern

In the nearby West End Centre, Tringhams is another similar group providing cooked lunches, outings and activities for retired people on Mondays and Fridays. If you can offer any help, either driving or befriending at the centre please call 07506 461600 (Mondays & Fridays only).

Located behind the library in Knoll Road, Camberley CAB, helps people resolve their legal, money and other problems by providing free, independent and confidential advice. The organisation has a high demand from the community, which they are able to deal with due to the combined effort of staff and the volunteers, some of whom have been helping out there for more than 10 years.

There’s a wide range of interesting roles needed to keep the bureau open.

Manager Tara Hastings says that all the team enjoy the challenge of the work, and there is a great sense of achievement in getting things done and working for the client. Please contact them on 01276 417900.

A local independent charity whose aim is to make life better for older people in Surrey Heath. Their services entail visiting and befriending older people; providing a carers respite sitting service, and running a tea and coffee shop in Camberley Town Centre. A small team of committed members of staff manage and deliver the services backed up by teams of volunteers who give up their time so generously. For further information, call Surrey Heath Age Concern on 01276 707585.

Voluntary Services Surrey Heath Soon to be renamed Voluntary Support North Surrey, this service is based in the council offices in Camberley. They provide support to a wide range of charities and voluntary groups that operate in the borough. Typical support includes fundraising, CRB checking, and giving business planning advice, all of which make it easier for charities to get on and do their business successfully. They also recruit volunteers for the not-for-profit sector, and have recently focussed on providing crucial links between businesses and the community, for example the company SC Johnson’s annual community day, which gives staff the opportunity to work on local community projects.

If you’re interested in volunteering but not sure how to get started, call Voluntary Services on 01276 707565.

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

community

Don’t let food poisoning ruin your festive celebrations If there's one thing guaranteed to ruin your Christmas meal out with friends, family or colleagues, it's a nasty bout of food poisoning.

But if you're eating out, how do you know if the restaurant owner takes food hygiene seriously?

The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme rates eateries and other places that sell food on their hygiene standards, based on inspections carried out by Surrey Heath Borough Council. What's more, these ratings are available for everyone to see.

This national scheme, developed by the Food Standards Agency

(FSA) in partnership with local authorities, rates food outlets on a scale ranging from zero at the bottom (which means 'urgent improvement necessary' to a top rating of five ('very good'). You can check the rating online at www.food.gov.uk/ratings, via a free phone app, or look for the distinctive green and black rating sticker that businesses are encouraged to display.

If you're organising a Christmas gathering with family, friends or work colleagues at a local restaurant, pub or hotel don't just examine the menu, also check what their hygiene rating is too.

Cllr Vivienne Chapman, community portfolio holder said: “When dining out, you'll choose to go to a place where you like the food and you know you'll have a good time. It makes sense to look

before you book and check out the food hygiene rating as well.”

Catriona Stewart, head of the food hygiene ratings team at the FSA, added: “No-one wants to gamble with their health when eating out, particularly when celebrating a special festive meal.

Local authorities, including Surrey Heath Borough Council, have worked with the FSA to successfully roll-out the scheme which helps people choose where to eat. Our app makes it even easier for people to check hygiene ratings before deciding which place to visit.”

Telecare - Independence for you, peace of mind for your family Telecare is a 24-hour service using simple equipment to help potentially vulnerable people live independently in their homes. unit together with a pendant for the user to wear. When activated the alarm alerts a 24-hour care service in an emergency.

A range of additional sensors and devices are also available, designed to automatically contact the call centre if there is a problem.

It can be used by those who live alone or feel vulnerable because of reduced mobility, a long-term condition or disability.

The basic kit consists of a Telecare

The service, provided by Surrey Telecare, a partnership of all Surrey’s local councils and the County Council, includes a free 12 week trial (subject to conditions) followed by a small weekly charge for the basic unit and free sensors.

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

For more details on Telecare services, visit www.surreytelecare.com, call 0800 1956035 or text 07976 843825.

planning

Highly Commended award for building control Surrey Heath Building Control Consultancy (SHBCC) has won a Highly Commended award at the LABC South East Building Excellence Awards for its partnership working with a local architect.

A further three local building projects, all nominated by the building control team, beat off

competition from 40 local boroughs to become finalists at the awards.

SHBCC provides the Building Control services on behalf of Surrey Heath Borough Council.

Samantha Hallam, senior building control surveyor at SHBCC, said: “All these projects deserved to be finalists. They are great examples of how the commitment of our building control surveyors, along with good working relationships that we strive to achieve with our colleagues within the building industry, can produce excellent results. I’m looking forward to next year’s awards and fingers crossed that we will have even more success.”

SHBCC provide advice and assistance to architects, developers, builders, members of the general public and other professionals on building control matters; from new houses and commercial buildings, to home extensions and demolition.

Visit their new website www.shbcc.org.uk for building information, advice and application forms. You can also call the team on 01276 707223.

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

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

Dog Warden environmental.health@surreyheath.gov.uk Phone: 01276 707360 www.surreyheath.gov.uk/environment/ dogwarden

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

Elections and Electoral Registration vote@surreyheath.gov.uk Phone: 01276 707165 www.surreyheath.gov.uk/council/ electoralinformation

Planning development.control@surreyheath.gov.uk Phone: 01276 707222 www.surreyheath.gov.uk/planning

Benefits benefits@surreyheath.gov.uk Phone: 01276 707121 Benefit fraud hotline: 01276 707372 www.surreyheath.gov.uk/ctbenefits/ benefits

Flooding building.control@surreyheath.gov.uk Phone: 01276 707223 www.surreyheath.gov.uk/environment/ floodingdrainage

Surrey Heath Museum museum@surreyheath.gov.uk 01276 707284 www.surreyheath.gov.uk/leisure/ tourism/shm

Car Parks parking.services@surreyheath.gov.uk Phone: 01276 707152 www.surreyheath.gov.uk/transport/ carparking

Food Safety environmental.health@surreyheath.gov.uk Phone: 01276 707330 www.surreyheath.gov.uk/environment/ foodsafety

Street Cleansing environmental.health@surreyheath.gov.uk Phone: 01276 707330 www.surreyheath.gov.uk/environment/ streetcleansing

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

Greenspace greenspace@surreyheath.gov.uk Phone: 01276 707338 www.surreyheath.gov.uk/leisure/ parksandrecreationareas

Community Services Windle Valley Centre windle.valley@surreyheath.gov.uk Park Street, Bagshot Phone: 01276 479185 www.surreyheath.gov.uk/community/ communityservices Community Transport (Dial-a-Ride) community.services@surreyheath.gov.uk Phone: 01276 707658 Community Alarm Help-line community.services@surreyheath.gov.uk Phone: 01276 707659 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 or 707660 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

Health and Safety environmental.health@surreyheath.gov.uk Phone: 01276 707330 www.surreyheath.gov.uk/environment/ healthsafety Housing housing@surreyheath.gov.uk Phone: 01276 707127 www.surreyheath.gov.uk/housing Payments enquiries@surreyheath.gov.uk Phone: 0845 5645697 http://www.surreyheath.gov.uk/council/ onlineservices/onlinepayments.htm Leisure and Recreation Centres Arena Leisure Centre Grand Avenue, Camberley Phone: 01276 417111 or email: enquiries@arenaleisurecentre.co.uk www.arenaleisurecentre.co.uk Lightwater Leisure Centre Lightwater Country Park, The Avenue, Lightwater Phone: 01276 472662 reception@lifestylelightwater.co.uk www.lightwaterleisurecentre.com

Waste and Recycling enquiries@surreyheath.gov.uk Phone: 01276 707690 www.surreyheath.gov.uk/environment/ wastecollection Surrey County Council Phone: 03456 009 009 www.surreycc.gov.uk Parish Councils Bisley Parish Council 194 Guildford Road Bisley, Woking Phone: 01483 480172 Email: clerk@bisleyparishcouncil.co.uk Chobham Parish Council Recreation Ground Station Road, Chobham Phone: 01276 856633 Email: parish@chobham.net West End Parish Council Benner Lane West End, Woking Tel: 01276 855361 Email: westendparish@btconnect.com Windlesham Parish Council The Avenue, Lightwater Phone: 01276 471675 Email: clerk@windleshampc.gov.uk

www.surreyheath.gov.uk I Heathscene I 23