Heathscene Winter 2014

Great Place • Great Community • Great Future

Camberley now and in the future Panto at Camberley Theatre Christmas waste collection dates Events for your diary

A30 London Road Artist’s impression

Winter 2014

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in this issue...

the Message from

ive Chief Execut

New 3G football pitch Improving local sports facilities

page 4

Christmas Events Don’t miss these festive events

page 10

Camberley Theatre Panto “Oh yes it is!”

page 15

Surrey Heath Sports Awards

Who are the 2014 winners?

page 23 plus many more articles of information and interest.

Copywriting by: Ian Macey, Stuart Wilson, 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.

Promote your business with Surrey Heath Borough Council

Would you like the opportunity to promote your business to 37,000 households in Surrey Heath?

Surrey Heath Borough Council offers advertising space at competitive rates in Heathscene magazine, distributed to every household in the borough.

As this is the final edition of Heathscene for 2014, I thought I’d use this opportunity to reflect on some of the activity that has happened in the borough over the past year. The summer in particular was packed with landmark events that have really put our borough on the map, regionally, nationally and even internationally!

Camberley Town Centre was given a real boost with the RMA Freedom Parade in June and the extremely successful Car Show in August which saw footfall in the town rocket.

Elsewhere in the borough we held our first outdoor rock concert, Frimley Lodge Live, which was a “rocking success” and of course the ever popular Surrey Heath Show in May and the Surrey Heath Sports Awards in October. However, the event for me that stands out above all others was the Tour of Britain Cycle Race, which not only thrust Surrey Heath well and truly into the international spotlight, but was also an amazing day for the borough and its partners who had worked so hard to bring this amazing event to Camberley. An achievement we are all very proud of!

November brings with it Remembrance and a time for reflection, even more so in this centenary year of the First World War. The Surrey Heath branches of the British Legion do an excellent job ensuring that we never forget the sacrifice that service people, both past and present, have made for our country.

You can find out more about their excellent work on page 16.

Finally, I’d like to take this opportunity to wish all Surrey Heath residents and businesses a very happy Christmas and a successful New Year!

Karen Whelan Chief Executive

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

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

leisure

New 3G football pitch

A full sized 3G football pitch is being built at Frimley Lodge Park, benefiting residents of Surrey Heath and the wider community.

The all-weather pitch will be available for hire by schools and local football and rugby clubs; plus general hire during evenings, weekends and school holidays.

It will be FIFA compliant making it a professional standard playing field.

Work began this autumn and is expected to be completed by early 2015, enabling several months play on the synthetic turf in the run-up to the next football season.

Further work will see the conversion of two changing rooms into a community hire and education centre. The space will be available for coaching, training and other associated events, with the remaining changing rooms and toilets also getting an upgrade.

Portfolio holder for business,

Cllr Craig Fennell (pictured sat in the digger) recently visited the pitch site during the works.

He said: “Based on current participation in football, there’s a real need for a full sized all-weather grass pitch within the borough, a view shared by Surrey Football Association.

“A 3G pitch at Frimley Lodge Park will enable the community to access football all year round, greatly enhancing local sporting opportunities.

“We’re committed to encouraging

people to be more active and I’m sure these inspiring new facilities will be welcomed by schools, football and rugby clubs.”

Frimley Lodge named one of the best

Frimley Lodge Park has won a prestigious Green Flag Award for the 14th year running, making it one of the very best in the UK. The flag confirms the space is well-managed, beautifully maintained and has excellent facilities.

Owned by Surrey Heath Borough Council, Frimley Lodge attracts a large number of visitors with its café, picnic areas, pitch and putt course, children’s

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

playgrounds, miniature railway and barbecue and private hire areas.

Portfolio holder for business Cllr Craig Fennell said: “To receive the green flag for 14 years in a row is a wonderful accolade. Well done to our Greenspace team, dedicated volunteers and our contractors who work hard to look after a fantastic place for everyone to enjoy.”

The green flag was unveiled at one of the park’s football pitches by Surrey Heath’s Greenspace team and the council’s contractor Glendale.

For more about Frimley Lodge Park visit www.surreyheath.gov. uk/leisure

leisure

Camberley celebrates the tour!

Camberley Town Centre was packed full of visitors on Saturday 13 September as Surrey Heath Borough Council hosted stage 7 of the Tour of Britain cycle race.

Thousands of spectators poured into Park Street to see the UK’s biggest free sporting event, as over 100 riders set off on a 220km trip to Brighton.

Many of those that came to see the event stayed throughout the day to enjoy a host of free activities organised by the Council and Collectively Camberley.

An event of this scale was a first for Camberley and Surrey Heath Chief Executive Karen Whelan, delighted with the turnout, said: “It was an absolutely fantastic day, I’ve never seen Camberley so busy and buzzing. It was great to see so many local businesses get involved and I’d like to thank the sponsors for their contribution. I was delighted with the activities post-race and feel the day really showcased what the town has to offer and what we can achieve.”

Stage 7 of the Tour of Britain was sponsored by The Mall, The Atrium, Collectively Camberley, Camberley Guest House, Luff and Wilkin,

Knights Security and Churchill Retirement Living.

The stage was won by Julien Vermote who finished the race in 5 hours 12 minutes.

See more at www.surreyheath.gov.uk/tob2014

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

camberley town centre

Celebrate Camberley

Efforts to raise Camberley Town Centre’s profile and attract more visitors went into overdrive this summer with an amazing programme of landmark events organised by Surrey Heath Borough Council and its partners.

The summer season of spectacular events began in June with a literal fanfare when 250 Royal Military Academy cadets and marching band, paraded through the streets of the town to celebrate them being granted the Freedom of the Borough.

In July, film lovers snuggled down on beanbags to watch the 80s classic Top Gun on a large screen on the top floor of Main Square car park. Organised by Collectively Camberley, this was Camberley’s first ever roof top cinema and was a sell-out success.

In August the town was completely taken over by weird and wonderful

vehicles for the third annual Collectively Camberley Car Show, featuring everything from some of the earliest vehicles ever produced to modern performance cars and even a 1960s Batmobile!

However, the grand finale was, without doubt, playing host to Stage 7 of the Tour of Britain cycle race (see page 5 for the full story) - which not only attracted massive crowds to the town but also, due to the unprecedented media coverage, put Camberley firmly on the map.

Surrey Heath Borough Council has produced a short video containing highlights of all the events mentioned

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

in this article as well as images and a visual of what Camberley will hopefully look like in the future (including the image used on the cover of this magazine). The video can be viewed here: www.surreyheath.gov.uk/camberley

camberley town centre Celebrate Camberley this Christmas with a whole host of festive activities across the Town Centre!

Saturday 29 November, 10am - 6pm Decorate a bauble for the Christmas tree in The Mall. (free) Thursday 4 December, 3pm - 7pm Live Ice Sculpture on Park Street. (free) Saturday 6 December, 10am - 6pm Decorate a bauble and make a festive photo frame in The Mall. (free) Monday 8 December Sunday 4 January Beauty and the Beast at Camberley Theatre. (see page 14) Wednesday 10 December until Christmas Eve Visit Santa’s grotto in The Mall.

Open every day 10am - 5pm, (11am to 4pm on Sundays)

Late Night Shopping Every Thursday until 18 December, many of Camberley’s national and independent retailers will be open until 8pm to give you more time to pick up that extra special gift this Christmas.

Many of the towns’ retailers offer Click & Collect, so there’s no need to wait at home for the postman to arrive; just select your local Camberley branch and collect direct from the store.

To make your late night shopping experience even better, arrive after 3pm on Thursdays and your parking will be free in Main Square, Knoll Road and The Atrium car parks!

Late Night Shopping Dates: 27 November, 4 December, 11 December, 18 December

Friday 19 and Saturday 20 December, 10am - 3pm Camberley Christmas Farmers Market on Park Street. Including Christmas street theatre, carols, music and more!

Love Camberley

@LoveCamberley #LoveCamberley

www.collectivelycamberley.co.uk

www.collectivelycamberley.co.uk I Heathscene I 7

leisure

Photo Competition winners revealed

The best of the borough has been featured in a selection of stunning pictures entered into the My Surrey Heath Photo Competition.

Displayed at Surrey Heath Museum, the exhibition showcased the competition’s best photos taken from around the borough.

A new mobile category featured in this year’s competition - now in its second year - allowing entrants to use their camera phones and filters to make their photo distinctive.

Three winners, chosen by judges for each category, won a canvas of their photo, as well as the chance to take part in a bespoke workshop led by Windlesham and Camberley Camera Club.

Over 50 entries were submitted capturing many subjects including outdoor space, people and urban settings.

The 2014 winners were: Under 18: Isaac Winn

Winners were announced in a special ceremony at the Museum where they were presented with their prizes.

Leigh Thornton, Executive Head of Business, said: “We were delighted to receive double the amount of entries this year and the standard was really high. We know Surrey Heath has lots to offer and it was great to see a range of highlights captured, shared and displayed for all to see.”

Colette Meager

Adult: Colette Meager Mobile: John Howcroft

John Howc roft Isaac Winn

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

leisure

Frimley Lodge Live Crowds flocked to Frimley Lodge Park when it hosted its first ever music festival this summer.

Bands Are You Experienced, The Doors Alive and The Wholigans, recreated the magic and ambience of the iconic music festivals of the 60s and 70s.

Ticket holders took advantage of the great weather, bringing picnics and low backed chairs, as well as enjoying refreshments from a bar and food stands.

Leigh Thornton, Executive Head of Business for Surrey Heath Borough Council said: “This truly exciting and

unique event was a first for us in Surrey Heath. Frimley Lodge Park is a much loved and treasured open space which has been nationally recognised by its Green Flag status as one of the best in the country.

Frimley Lodge Live gave residents another reason to love the park, as well as a chance to rock!”

The team are now working on a bigger event to follow on from the success of this year’s Frimley Lodge Live for summer 2015.

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

leisure

Christmas and Winter Events

Take your pick of some great festive events coming to your local parks this December.

Candlelit Carols in the Park Friday 5 December, 5.30pm Welcome the start of the Christmas season with carols in Frimley Lodge Park led by the Surrey Heath

Singers. This event is free but candles and refreshments will be available to purchase. This year, there will be a selection of stalls to enjoy too; Christmas really has come early! Event takes place at Frimley Lodge Park, Sturt Road, Frimley, GU16 6HY Christmas Wreath Making Workshop Lightwater Visitor Centre Sunday 7 December, 3pm - 5pm Flourish Community Garden at Frimley Lodge Park Wednesday 10 December, 6pm - 8pm Places limited so booking is essential. £15 per person (includes all materials and refreshments) Please contact Kate Turner to reserve your place on 07500 087689

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

Festive Fun! Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 December Come along to the Heathland Visitor Centre at Lightwater Country Park and take part in our outdoor Christmas treasure hunt and on your return collect your rewards!

Also have a go at making a Christmas card or hat. A children’s face painter will also be available for a small additional cost. Arrive anytime between 11am and 3pm.

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

To book or find out more please call 01276 707338 or email business.services@surreyheath. gov.uk

leisure

Park life

We’ve lots of activities happening in our parks and open spaces in the New Year. Why not start 2015 by joining us for one of the following, or have a look on our website for details of even more events.

Eco-Aerobics Saturday 31 January 2015 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 and gloves, hot drinks and maybe even biscuits will be provided!

Event takes place at Turf Hill (opp. Blackstroude Lane West) off Guildford Road, Lightwater.

This event is free of charge but pre-booking is essential The event will last approximately two and a half hours. Suitable for adults and older children. Sorry, no dogs.

Homes for birds Sunday 22 February 2015 Now is the perfect time to make a bird nesting box for the coming spring. Join a member of the Greenspace Team at 11am at the Heathland Visitor Centre, Lightwater

Date fo r yo u r d

ia r y

ster The Great Ea t n u Clue H Wednesday 8 April 2015

Country Park. All timber and nails are supplied. Please bring a hammer if you have one.

Cost is £6 per box. Suitable for adults and children. The event is indoors. Pre-booking essential.

Lightwater Bird Watch Sunday 22 March 2015 Join Gordon Voller of the Greenspace Team on a bird watching walk around Lightwater Country Park. Many birds will be in full song and easier to spot with the trees still bare.

Meet Gordon outside the Heathland Visitor Centre at 10am for this two hour walk.

Please bring binoculars if you have them. Suitable for adults, sorry no dogs.

Cost: £2 per person.

Pre-booking essential.

To book or find out more information please contact 01276 707338 or email business.services@ surreyheath.gov.uk

www.surreyheath.gov.uk/leisure I Heathscene I 11

environment

Christmas Collection Dates

Your collection day will change over the Christmas period. Please ensure that you check your revised collection dates shown below and look out for your collection calendar bin hanger that will be delivered during November.

Week Commencing 22nd December: Normal Collection day Revised Collection day Monday 22nd collection as normal Tuesday 23rd

collection as normal

Wednesday 24th

collection as normal

Thursday 25th (Christmas Day)

collection Saturday 27th

Friday 26th (Boxing Day)

collection Monday 29th

Week Commencing 29th December: Normal Collection day Revised Collection day Monday 29th collection Tuesday 30th Tuesday 30th

collection Wednesday 31st

Wednesday 31st

collection Friday 2nd

Thursday 1st (New Year’s Day)

collection Saturday 3rd

Friday 2nd

collection Monday 5th

Severe weather: In the event of severe weather please check www.surreyheath.gov. uk, call 01276 707690 or go to twitter.com/ surreyheath

Christmas wrapping paper: If you can rip it, you can recycle it! Wrapping paper that looks like foil is usually not recyclable.

Week Commencing 5th January: Normal Collection day Revised Collection day Monday 5th collection Tuesday 6th Tuesday 6th

collection Wednesday 7th

Wednesday 7th

collection Thursday 8th

Thursday 8th

collection Friday 9th

Friday 9th

collection Saturday 10th

Remember we do collect excess recycling: Simply leave out next to your recycling bin on collection day in a bag or a box.

To check what you can recycle visit www.surrreyheath.gov.uk/recycling-at-home

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

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

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

community

The Windle Valley Wellbeing Centre up and running A long term partnership project between Surrey Heath Borough Council and Surrey County Council has finally come to fruition with the opening of a purpose built Wellbeing Centre at Windle Valley Centre, Bagshot.

Featuring a spacious main room with its own kitchenette and private consultation room, the new centre provides a bright and welcoming environment where people who have been diagnosed with dementia can go to spend time, have lunch and receive help and advice. Fully equipped and accessible for people with disabilities, the new facility even has its own entrance and car parking.

The Wellbeing Centre is already being used by a number of support groups and charities including Adult Social Care, Alzheimer’s Society, Age UK, Sight for Surrey, Deaf Plus and Surrey Heath Veterans Group.

Senior Community Care Officer, Jane Wilkins, is excited about this new addition to the borough’s

day centre and said: “As well as providing care and advice there are plans to use the space for chair based exercise and a small cookery group for the customers already attending Windle Valley.

We’re also looking into starting Yoga and singing/music groups which will be open to anyone who wants to attend.” She added, “Our aim is to help give people suffering from memory loss related illness the opportunity to maintain a good quality of life.”

If you would like to find out more about the Wellbeing Centre or Windle Valley Centre then please call 01276 479185 or email: windle. valley@surreyheath.gov.uk

A tightly knit group of friends at Windle Valley June Hurst has been running her popular craft groups in Surrey Heath for over fifteen years and in that time has passed on her love of textiles to countless older people across the borough.

June, and her assistant Jean Barber (standing in the picture bottom right) run their group from the Windle Valley Centre, Bagshot. The quality of the items produced is extremely high, so much so that they regularly hold table top sales and raffles to raise money for new materials.

June’s craft groups have also become synonymous over the years for producing thousands of tiny bonnets made especially for premature babies born at Frimley Park hospital.

group is a great way to meet new people, learn new skills and keep your mind active”. June is also keen to attract more men to the group.

“Craftwork isn’t just a female activity, and we do already have some men who enjoy weaving, quilt making and even knitting.”

The craft group runs every Tuesday and Wednesday.

To find out more please call 01276 479185.

June said: “Joining a craftwork

www.surreyheath.gov.uk/community I Heathscene I 13

camberley theatre

Camberley Theatre’s enchanting pantomime Beauty and the Beast This festive season, be enchanted by Camberley Theatre’s new pantomime Beauty and the Beast.

Camberley Theatre prides itself on producing its own in-house, high quality pantomime and word is spreading fast that this year’s show will be even more magical than last year’s popular Jack and the Beanstalk.

In this unique interpretation of Beauty and the Beast, time is running out for the Beast to break the spell put upon him by the evil sorceress Morphosia.

Beauty and the Beast begins on Monday 8 December 2014 until Sunday 4 January 2015 and includes a British Sign Language performance on Sunday 14 December at 4.30pm. There is also a relaxed performance on Friday 2 January at 12.30pm for children with special needs and their families to watch the show in a calm atmosphere.

Guided by the Fairy of the Rose; will he triumph or will he remain a Beast forever? Can the Beast find true love in his race against the clock?

Supported by his ever-cleaning, ever-singing Nanny Nounou, and his adopted little house guest, the adorable - Gawp the Gremlin, this is a heart-warming, heart-breaking story of love, family, battles and creatures of all shapes and sizes.

This magical show includes a superb selection of toe-tapping tunes, enchanted castles, wonderful characters and jokes to keep audiences laughing well into the New Year.

14 I Heathscene I www.camberleytheatre.biz

To book your tickets call the Box Office on 01276 707600 or go online to www.camberleytheatre.biz

camberley theatre

Win a Festive Cabaret family ticket Dining Experience to see Beauty and the Beast 18-20 December, dinner served at 7.30pm

To win a chance to see the fantastic new pantomime at Camberley Theatre, answer the following question: What does Nounou mean in French?

Finding Christmas hard to swallow? Enjoy a festive antidote with musical comedy from vintage chanteuse Baroness Maria von Hackemann.

Accompanied by a pianist, the Berlin Baroness will present her brash take on Christmas, with songs, sass and sparkle inspired by the music of the early 20th century. This show includes a three course meal.

There’ll be fun, wit and laughter with songs from Berlin and Paris Cabaret, British Music Hall, American Jazz Age and more.

The Festive Christmas Antidote takes place on 18-20 December. Tickets cost £35 and includes a delicious three course meal prepared and cooked by our in-house chef. To book tickets call the Box Office on 01276 707600.

A: Silly B: Cheeky C: Nanny Send your answer along with your telephone contact details to: ‘Heathscene Panto Competition’, Camberley Theatre, Knoll Road, Camberley, Surrey, GU15 3SY, or email camberley.theatre@ surreyheath.gov.uk with ‘Heathscene Panto Competition’ in the subject heading. The closing date is Monday 15 December.

A family ticket consists of six tickets, of which a minimum of two must be children. This prize is not exchangeable for any other show or cash value.

Camberley Theatre Wedding Fair Following the success of our first wedding fair earlier this year, the next one will be held on 22 February 2015, from 11am to 3pm.

The day will include a professional catwalk of bridal and grooms’ wear, plus a banqueting display. Talk to our venue and caterers about your celebrations. Selected local suppliers will also be on hand to discuss your requirements, including cake makers, photographers, jewellery makers and more.

Camberley Theatre and the Surrey Heath Council Chamber are now licensed premises for weddings. If you are interested in holding your special day at one of our venues please call 01276 707600 and ask to speak to the Theatre Manager.

Brides should preregister to enjoy a free glass of bubbly and a slice of cake, call 01276 707600.

Interested stall holders should also call this number. This event is free entry.

www.camberleytheatre.biz I Heathscene I 15

community

Camberley Royal British Legion Branch

Founded in 1921 The Royal British Legion (RBL) provides financial, social and emotional care and support to all members of the British Armed Forces - past and present and their families. It is also the national Custodian of Remembrance and safeguards the Military Covenant between the nation and its Armed Forces and is best known for the annual Poppy Appeal and its emblem the red poppy.

The Camberley branch of the RBL was formed in 1929 and until 2009 operated from its club in Victoria Avenue. The branch now meet in the Territorial Army Hall on London Road where they hold their monthly committee meetings and social events such as quiz nights.

Despite not having an official home the branch has continued to function very effectively and every year holds a Poppy Concert at Lakeside, Frimley Green as well as participating in the Mayor’s Remembrance Service and Parade on Remembrance Sunday.

The branch also manages an extremely successful Poppy Appeal

each year and is consistently in the top three branches annually in Surrey for fundraising. David Kemp, Branch Chairman said: “This is largely due to the dedicated band of voluntary collectors, distributors and counters who support us every year and of course the generosity of people of Camberley who donate to this important cause.”

take place on 1st November in Camberley Town Centre.

To find out more about the Camberley branch of the RBL please go to www.britishlegion. org.uk and search Camberley.

When Heathscene went to print the branch were also busily working on their first ever allday “Initial Poppy Day Launch Event” to

War Memorial renovation

The War Memorial alongside the A30 London Road in Camberley has been restored to coincide with 100 years since the First World War. Built in 1922, the memorial stands adjacent to the gates of the Royal Military Academy.

As part of refurbishment by Surrey Heath Borough Council, the stone and surrounding perimeter walls were cleaned and the inscribed letters restored.

The renewal was carried out by Haven Memorials from Fleet, whose recent work includes restoring plaques in the Royal Military Academy’s War Memorial Chapel.

The Camberley U3A Family History Group kindly photographed each side of the memorial and created name lists for confirmation during restoration.

The joint project has been funded by Surrey Heath Borough Council, the

RMA and the War Memorials Trust.

Surrey Heath Military Champion Cllr Colin Dougan said: “The restoration coincides with the First World War centenary in 2014, but also commemorates the contributions made by troops involved in more recent conflicts too, enabling us to remember and honour all those who gave their lives for our country.”

Major General Stuart Skeates, the Commandant of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst paid tribute to the dedication of those involved in the restoration saying. “The restoration of this iconic memorial is particularly fitting in this the centenary year of the start of World War 1. It is also a reflection of the special relationship between the Royal Military Academy, Surrey

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

Heath Borough Council and the town of Camberley which has endured for so long. I am grateful to all of those involved for ensuring that the monument continues to stand as a testament to the local young men and women who gave so much in the service of their community and country.”

council

Keep warm and well Winter may not be everyone’s favourite season however with a little preparation you can stay healthy and warm in your home.

The council is working in partnership with Action Surrey, who have a trusted installer network and can provide free no obligation quotes, and access up to 100% funding for loft and cavity wall insulation and towards boiler replacement.* The Streets Ahead project offers partial funding for those with solid walls.

If your boiler has broken down and you need temporary heating, the council has a limited number of electric heaters to borrow and keep warm packs consisting

of blanket, gloves, soup and mugs which are free to the vulnerable.

Please collect from the council offices, Knoll Road, Camberley.

A limited number of Keep Warm Keep Well kits including radiator reflector panels are also available.

For further information contact Action Surrey on 0800 783 2503, email: info@actionsurrey.org or visit: www.actionsurrey.org *Subject to survey/availability/eligibility

Act now to secure your vote

With the UK Parliamentary, Local and Parish elections taking place on Thursday 7 May 2015, the council is urging voters to make sure they are registered to vote in time.

The elections are already a very hot topic, but you’ll only be able to have your say if you’re registered to vote by the deadline of Monday 20 April 2015.

Moved home? You need to make sure that you’re registered, or you might not be able to vote. When you move, you are not automatically registered at your new address, even if you pay council tax.

Registering is quick and simple.

All you have to do is: Go to www.gov.uk/register-to-vote Fill in your name, address, date of birth and a few other details. You’ll also need your National Insurance number, which can be found on your National Insurance card, or on official paperwork such as payslips, or letters about benefits or tax credits.

Look out for confirmation from your local electoral registration office to say you’re registered.

If you don’t have access to the internet, please contact the Electoral Registration Office on 01276 707165 or e-mail: vote@surreyheath.gov.uk

www.surreyheath.gov.uk I Heathscene I 19

community

Help and advice for those out of work or with financial problems The beginning of October saw the launch of the Surrey Heath Job Club and Surrey Save Credit Union at St Mary’s Church on Park Road, Camberley. Speaking at the event were Michael Gove MP and the Mayor of Surrey Heath Cllr Bob Paton.

For many people, the biggest barrier to finding work is nothing to do with not having the right skills or experience for the job. It’s often more to do with lacking the right skills or experience to be able to apply for the job in the first place, such as creating a professional CV and filling in online application forms.

The Surrey Heath Job Club, run by volunteers, helps users of the club to improve these important skills, which will hopefully lead to more interviews and eventually employment.

Run in conjunction with the Job Club is the Surrey Save Credit Union which will offer a vital service

to those currently stuck in the spiral of debt and high interest “payday loans”. Credit unions are not-forprofit community banks which provide affordable loans and target the financially excluded who cannot access standard high street banking.

They also support local communities by saving people money that can then be spent locally.

To find out more about the Surrey Heath Job Club please call David Reed 01276 27367.

To find out more about the Surrey Save Credit Union please go to www.surreysave.co.uk or call 01932 339290

Rent your property through the council The Housing Options Team helps residents looking for somewhere to live find settled homes. One option is a tenancy through a private landlord.

Lettings negotiator Sarah Greenland joined the housing team earlier this year. With a background in private sector lettings, Sarah is working with landlords to find the right tenants for the right homes.

Sarah can advise landlords on their rights and responsibilities as well as the practicalities of setting up a tenancy.

Potential tenants can access advance rent loans and deposit bonds with the help of the council’s Rent Choice scheme. Once a tenancy has started, on-going advice and support is offered to both landlord and tenant to make sure the tenancy is successful.

With the help of the Housing Options Team, local resident Danielle and her children found a three bedroom house to rent.

She said: “I didn’t know what to expect when I first approached the council. To have received the help and advice I did in finding a new home for my family has been fantastic.”

If you are a landlord or someone who has rooms or a property to let, please call Sarah on 01276 707142 for an informal discussion about how the council can work with you to find the right tenant for your property.

20 I Heathscene I www.surreyheath.gov.uk

community

Family Support Project improves lives

The Surrey Family Support Programme works in partnership with vulnerable families in every borough across Surrey. It enables families to build on their strengths while helping them to overcome concerns, challenges or obstacles they may be facing in their lives.

Surrey Heath and Runnymede Borough Councils have been working jointly with Surrey County Council since September 2013 to deliver the project, which works towards addressing issues such as poor school attendance, unemployment and anti-social behaviour.

The project uses an approach involving all family members, including grandparents, parents, young people and children and also includes support in parenting, housing, bereavement, relationships and managing disabilities.

The Surrey Family Support Programme is agreed between the Council, Surrey Police and District and Borough Councils across Surrey.

Surrey Heath and Runnymede Family Support Team Manager, Jacqueline Riddles, said: “The programme supports the most disadvantaged members of the local community, and in particular children. It means families can access a range of services through a single conversation with one of our dedicated Family Co-ordinators.�

The Surrey Heath and Runnymede Family Support team is on-track to meet its targets for successfully working with families ahead of schedule and is likely to be the first project in Surrey to do so.

For more on the Family Support Programme, visit: www.surreyheath.gov.uk/ familysupport

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council

Surrey Heath Borough Council end of year Performance Review Surrey Heath Borough Council sets out its performance targets each year within its Annual Plan.

In an environment of constant change and financial pressures, we are working hard to deliver the best services possible for local residents.

Between April 2013 and March 2014, achievement highlights set out in the 2013/14 Annual Plan include: • A new Saturday Club established at the Windle Valley Day Centre for dementia sufferers and their carers.

• Work to extend the Windle Valley Day Centre to accommodate a wellbeing centre.

• An agreement to secure a joint waste contract with four other Surrey local councils when the current contract expires in 2015, which should considerably reduce costs.

• A new kerbside textiles recycling service introduced is proving popular, with hundreds of residents using the service.

• Membership of the garden waste club increased by 1000 members since April 2013.

• The percentage of customers that felt that the Contact Centre service was good or excellent was 94%.

• The number of visitors to the museum exceed the 4000 per year target.

For more information on council performance please contact the Transformation Team on 01276 707100.

You can view the Annual Plan via www.surreyheath. gov.uk/annualplan

Textiles collections

• Ongoing flood relief works undertaken in Bagshot, Lightwater, Bisley, West End, Windlesham and Chobham have helped to increase flood resilience. As a result Surrey Heath coped well during periods of heavy rainfall in early 2014.

Our performance targets continue to show strong performing areas of service delivery: • Household waste collections remain successful with a 99% collection rate.

• The percentage of customer enquiries resolved at the first point of contact exceeded its target of 80%.

• Hits on the council website rose to nearly 400,000 in the third quarter.

• The percentage of noise complaints resolved within 60 days was 100%.

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

Windle Valley Saturday Club

leisure

Awards celebrate sporting success

The Surrey Heath Sports Awards celebrated the best in local sporting achievement on Sunday 19 October at an invite-only ceremony at Camberley Theatre, attended by hundreds of players, coaches and volunteers.

Cllr Craig Fennell, portfolio holder for Business said, “This year has been a stellar year for sport in the borough with gold medals for Camberley Judo Club at the Commonwealth Games and Camberley hosting the Tour of Britain. The awards have been a great chance to enjoy and reflect on our achievements and look to further successes in the future.”

Surrey Youth Games, Performance of the Games: Ellie Kirby

The list of winners: Young Sports Team of the Year: Camberley Cricket Club U9

Young Sports Personality of the Year: Jade Blackburn, England U16 Basketball

Sports Team of the Year: Heatherside Galaxy Sports Club of the Year: R-U-Able-2 Disability Sports Award: Gary Dunford Young Volunteer of the Year: Megan Cowlard

Surrey Youth Games, Volunteer of the Games: Mandy Pack Coach of the Year: Pete Collins, Deepcut Community FC

Sports Personality of the Year: Owen Livesey, Camberley Judo Club Outstanding Service to Sport: Reg Rapley, Windlesham Bowls Club

With thanks to our sponsors: Accent, Active Surrey, Arena Leisure Centre, Basepoint, Specsavers Camberley and Surrey County Playing Fields Association.

For photos and videos of the event please go to www.surreyheath.gov. uk/sportsawards

Commonwealth Games Champions!

Three Camberley athletes are now Commonwealth Games Champions. Ashley McKenzie, Danny Williams and Owen Livesey from Camberley Judo Club won gold medals this summer at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. All three gave inspiring performances, showcasing their skill, determination and fighting spirit.

Coach Luke Preston said: “I am extremely proud. For Camberley to be home to three Commonwealth Games gold medalists is a fantastic achievement. It’s great for the club, the whole town and the borough. We now need continued support to help qualify our athletes for Rio 2016.”

Surrey Heath Chief Executive, Karen Whelan said: “Huge congratulations

to Ashley, Danny and Owen. Gaining not just three medals but three golds is a fantastic result for them as well as Camberley Judo Club and as a borough we should all be very proud.

“They’ve achieved these lifetime dreams and ambitions through their own sheer drive and determination as well as the important funding they receive from generous sponsors.

Let’s all get behind our fantastic athletes and wish them every success in their journey to the Rio games in 2016.”

For more about the club, visit: www.camberleyjudo.co.uk

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business

Business Breakfast looks to great future for Surrey Heath

Business representatives from across Surrey Heath recently came together for the latest Business Breakfast meeting, held at Camberley Theatre.

The bi-annual event gives business people a chance to network, listen to speakers and find out more about doing business in Surrey Heath.

A special video entitled Celebrate Camberley kick-started the presentations, spotlighting the spectacular events that have taken place in the town this year, as well as an exciting vision for the future of Camberley Town Centre. You can view the Celebrate Camberley video online here: www.surreyheath. gov.uk/camberley The meeting’s key note speaker was

Geoff French, Chairman of Enterprise M3, the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) for the M3 corridor.

Geoff explained how Enterprise M3 LEP has secured £118.1m from the Government’s Local Growth Fund to support economic growth in the area. Enterprise M3 covers 14 district areas over Surrey and Hampshire, including all of Surrey Heath. More information is available here: www.enterprisem3.org.uk Also speaking at the event were Paul Marden, Director of Orcare Limited, and Suzanne Brock,

Director of Nutriment Ltd - two Camberley-based businesses and winners of the 2014 Surrey Heath Business Awards held last spring.

Leader of Surrey Heath Borough Council, Councillor Moira Gibson said: “The Business Breakfast was, as usual, very well attended and we heard from some excellent speakers.

It provided valuable networking too; giving delegates opportunities to make connections and grow their business, while the video was a fantastic way to reflect on the great things happening in Surrey Heath, now and in the future.”

The next meeting is at Camberley Theatre on Friday 20 March 2015 and businesses interested in attending or exhibiting should visit www.surreyheath.gov.uk/business

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council

What’s on at Surrey Heath Museum

Dates for your diary

Discover all that’s on offer as part of an exciting festive schedule at Surrey Heath Museum. The Museum will be showcasing everything from arts and crafts, wildlife photography and all important Christmas events. Here are a few exciting highlights!

Exhibition Frimley and Camberley Art Society An array of local artistic talent will be on display at the museum until 20 December 2014 including a foyer display of wildlife photography by Andrew Furber (free entry Wednesday to Saturday 11am - 5pm). A FREE Saturday art demonstration will run alongside this exhibition and display pieces will be on sale to the public.

December Friday 5 Candlelit Carols in the Park, 5.30 - 7.30pm, Frimley Lodge Park.

Events Toddler Tuesday Hand Print Christmas Cards craft session 9 December, 10.30am to 12pm Entertain your under-5s with the museum’s fun, festive and free Hand Print Christmas Cards craft session. A donation of 50p for materials is suggested.

Monday 8 First night of Camberley Theatre panto, Beauty and the Beast. Various times until Sunday 4 January.

Children’s Saturday Christmas craft session - drop-in 20 December, 10.30am to 12pm Get your kids in the festive spirit by treating them to crafty seasonal activities at the museum’s Christmas Crafts session. Price: £2.50 per child.

For more information on the museum’s festive events and exhibitions, email museum@surreyheath.gov.uk or call 01276 707284.

More museum events can be found at: www.surreyheath.gov.uk/museum Surrey Heath Museum is located on Knoll Road, Camberley and is open Wednesday to Saturday, 11am to 5pm.

Hidden Gems of Surrey Heath Calendar An exciting new calendar showcasing the borough’s hidden places, countryside, townscapes and local activities will launch in 2015 costing just £6. Items from the museum’s collections over the past year including photos, objects and much more, will also be featured. Buy your copy from the Museum or the Heritage Gallery in The Mall Camberley.

January Wednesday 14 Bagshot Walk, join a gentle walk along charming lanes and woodland, 10 to 11am.

February Saturday 22 Wedding Fair at Camberley Theatre, 11am to 3pm.

March Wednesday 4 A led walk through the landscape of Lightwater Country Park, 10 to 11am. www.surreyheath.gov.uk/events

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