Heathscene Autum/Winter 2012

winter 2011/12

Heathscene

Recycling award for Surrey Heath Festive events for your calendar Christmas waste collection dates

Great Place • Great Community • Great Future

s! m gs er ar .. in ord W ter Lin ain ep in al urt 2 Ke is W erm ned c .01.1 th Th L li ds 31 EE n AL r en FR de o Offe a gr Up

2 I Heathscene I www.surreyheath.gov.uk

contents

Camberley Town Centre Businesses say ’Yes’ to BID 101 - The new police non-emergency number Tell Us Once The Camberley Vision Preparing for colder weather 24 hour council tax information service Create a Big Splash at The Arena!

Christmas comes to Camberley The Camberley Theatre invites you to the best ball in town!

Winners of Surrey Heath in Bloom 2011 Winter Walks and Events Recycling award for Surrey Heath What’s on at Surrey Heath Museum Changes to sewer ownership Help available for switch to digital TV Live Your Life Your Way Get composting this autumn Frimley Lodge gets Green Flag Award for the 11th year Get ready for the Chobham Village Christmas Extravaganza The subtle signs of Domestic Abuse Stay safe in the dark A friend to benefit your local community Do you know the food hygiene rating of your favourite eatery?

Volunteering opportunities for young people Tomlinscote Vocational Centre opens A-Z of local services Copywriting by: Ian Macey, Jennifer Humphreys and Bridget Maume, 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.

Editor ’s column

4 4 4 5 6 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 – 13 14 14 16 16 17 17 17 18 19 20 20 21 21 23

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

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

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

In July Surrey Heath Borough Council won a National Recycling Award for its work to boost recycling in the borough. The council was chosen for the award, held proudly aloft by Roary on the cover of this magazine, because its recycling rates have increased from 32% to an amazing 64%. Find out more on the award and recycling on pages 12 – 13.

Another large scale project gaining momentum is the regeneration of Camberley Town Centre which began with the redevelopment of Park Street and the opening of the Atrium in 2008 but is likely to continue for some years to come. Go to page 5 to find out about the Council’s vision.

Finally, with the Christmas frenzy looming, please don’t forget to stop and take advantage of some of the great things happening in the borough over the festive period. See pages 8 - 9 for more information.

Have a great winter!

Daniel Harrison Media & Marketing Manager Social Networking If you want to hear 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

www.surreyheath.gov.uk I Heathscene I 3

council

Camberley Town Centre Businesses say ’Yes’ to a Business Improvement District In July this year, businesses and organisations in Camberley Town Centre made their voices heard and voted in favour of taking more control over their futures by setting up a new Business Improvement District (BID). fund additional projects and services set out in the BID Proposal.

The Yes vote sent out a positive message that businesses in Camberley Town Centre are willing to work in partnership to fund agreed additional projects and initiatives, to improve the local environment and enhance the identity of the area, despite the current economic challenges.

The BID commenced in October and will run for a five year term. All eligible businesses or properties in Camberley town centre will be billed for 1.5% of their rateable value each year. It is anticipated that over the five years, nearly £1.5 million will be generated to

The BID was promoted by the Collectively Camberley Task Group consisting of key businesses in the area and chaired by Glen Fulton, General Manager of The Mall who said: “The result of the ballot was a very positive day for businesses in

The Collectively Camberley BID will be run through an independent not for profit company governed by a Board of Directors elected from the BID levy paying businesses. It will deliver on four key projects: • Marketing and Promotion of the Town Centre • Access, including car parking promotions • Improving the attractiveness of the town centre • Business Support, including negotiating reductions for some routine services

101 - The new police non-emergency number 101 is the new number to telephone your local police when it’s less urgent than 999. 101 replaces 0845 125 2222 and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Call 101 to report crimes that do not require an urgent response, to contact the police with a general enquiry or to speak to a local officer. For example, call 101: • If your car has been stolen • If your property has been damaged • If you want to give the police information about crime in your area.

101 is easy to remember and costs only 15p from landlines and mobile phones per call, no matter what time of day or how

Camberley Town Centre and I would like to thank them. With the establishment of the BID, we will now be able to deliver a whole range of improvements to the area. I believe the result also demonstrates that businesses understand the real difference that a BID can make to an area.

long you are on the phone. Calls from telephone boxes are free.

The geographic number 01483 571212 will remain for customers who may be unable to use the 101 service (for example, those calling from abroad) or you can also report a crime online at www.surrey.police.uk If you are hard of hearing or speech impaired, text the police on 07786 204020.

Always call 999 in an emergency.

4 I Heathscene I www.surreyheath.gov.uk

Tell Us Once Losing a loved one is hard enough without having lots of calls and paperwork to deal with.

A new 'Tell Us Once' service will now make it as easy as possible for people to inform local and central government departments about a death, at the same time.

There is no charge for using the Tell Us Once service.

Surrey residents will be offered the service when registering a death, enabling the registrar to inform the relevant services.

Organisations or services that Tell Us Once is able to assist notifying include the Identity and Passport Service, The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority, the Department for Work and Pensions, libraries and electoral services.

For more information about the Tell Us Once service, call 0300 200 1002 or visit www.surreyheath.gov.uk/tellusonce

camberley town centre

The Camberley Vision Regular visitors to Camberley Town Centre couldn’t fail to notice the dramatic changes that have taken place in recent years. The most significant being the redevelopment of Park Street and the opening of the Atrium Leisure and Retail complex in 2008. However, as far as Surrey Heath Borough Council is concerned this is only the start!

Artists impressions of how Camberley Town Centre could look

Number one priority In 2010 the council published its 2020 Strategy which placed delivering an improved Camberley Town Centre as its number one priority. This includes the regeneration of the town as a whole with specific attention being given to the redevelopment of the A30 frontage.

A resilient town Practically every shopping centre in the UK has been affected by the ongoing recession and Camberley

Work

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is no exception. However, despite losing a number of businesses, including some big high street names, Camberley has managed to survive and even thrive to the extent that in 2010 it was recognised as the town recovering from recession faster than anywhere else in Britain*.

Hive of Activity Camberley is most definitely going places. Since the opening of the Atrium, the town has been a constant hive of activity with

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Play

numerous new shops opening, ranging from well known brands to small independents as well as restaurants, hotels and residential developments. The council is currently working with partners to maintain this momentum towards the next phase of regeneration.

To find out more about the council’s vision for Camberley go to www.camberleyvision.com *Experian, September 2010

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www.camberleyvision.com I Heathscene I 5

council

Preparing for colder weather With winter approaching, it’s important to know where to find out the latest information about council services when there’s snow or icy conditions.

In the event of similar weather conditions seen last year, updates and information are available from www.surreyheath.gov.uk or on our Twitter at www.twitter.com/surreyheath.

vehicles, checking travel routes, local weather forecasts, keeping up to date with the latest warnings, looking out for neighbours and clearing snow from their footpaths and driveways with care.

In case of adverse weather, Surrey County Council’s winter fleet has been extended to help clear Surrey’s roads, including 50 farmers, Surrey’s 4x4 group and a further ten snow ploughs.

Additionally Surrey Heath Borough Council will receive double the amount of grit to spread in town centres this year.

More information and advice, including details of services affected by bad weather, priority gritting routes and grit bin locations can be found at www.surreycc.gov.uk/winter. You can also follow Surrey County Council and BBC Surrey’s new twitter feed, providing updates on roadworks, traffic and news such as gritting activity at www.twitter.com/surreytravel

Residents are being asked to plan ahead for winter by preparing their

24 hour council tax information service Surrey Heath residents can now access a comprehensive range of information about Council Tax, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The Council Tax Information Service gives residents quick access via telephone to frequently requested information, as well as providing the ability to pass on details to the council.

The service is simple to use and there is no call waiting queue.

The council’s corporate portfolio holder Cllr Colin Dougan said: “Introducing this new 24 hour telephone service is another important step in our continued goal to enhance customer service.

The new easy-to-use system will mean straightforward enquiries can be answered at any time. It will also enable our customer service advisors to spend time on more complex or urgent enquiries and with customers who may need a greater degree of support.”

The service is available on the local charge number 01276 707176.

6 I Heathscene I www.surreyheath.gov.uk

arts & leisure

Create a Big Splash at The Arena!

Swimmers across Surrey Heath will now be able to make a Big Splash after the Arena Leisure Centre in Camberley became part of the world’s largest celebration of swimming. support on www.bigsplash.co.uk where they will have: • Access to a range of training programmes and tips, including British Gas Swimfit, which will help whether you’re a beginner or a little more advanced.

• The chance to track your progress, including virtual challenges, such as swimming the Thames.

The Arena Leisure Centre has joined forces with British Swimming and the BBC to deliver the Big Splash and inspire the nation to swim.

The pool will be offering a number of exciting Big Splash activities including all sessions below;

Casual Swimming Swimming is a fantastic way to have fun and keep fit for all ages.

Pop along to our casual swimming sessions running daily. Please view the timetable at www.arenaleisurecentre.co.uk

For further details on swimming lessons or to book your place, call 01276 417119 or email hazelmetcalfe@dcleisure.co.uk

Do you swim twice a week or more?

The Arena swimming membership packages offer great value for money. Benefit from unlimited swimming during public times and access to the early morning members session.

Single package only £23.00* per month

£4.00 £2.60

Joint package only £34.50* per month (2nd adult half-price)

Under 3s 3 years and over

FREE £2.60

Disabled

£2.60

Family package only £34.50* per month (Not only 2nd adult halfprice but all your children go free)

Adult Senior/Student

Don’t forget a pound coin for your locker.

• A chance to become part of the Big Splash online community.

Double Olympic champion Becky Adlington is supporting the campaign: “Swimming is my life but just getting in the pool a couple of times a week is a really great way of getting active and staying healthy. I’m right behind anything that encourages people to take the plunge and swim more often.”

To view the latest Big Splash swimming timetable visit www.arenaleisurecentre.co.uk For further details call the Arena Leisure Centre on 01276 417111. *£20.00 admin fee applies.

Pool users can also benefit from comprehensive web-based

Learn to Swim Programme Lessons available from Parent and Baby to Adults Are you an adult that can’t swim and have no water confidence?

A special offer is available of 8 Lessons for just £30. Lessons take place on: Tuesday

11.15am - 12.00pm.

Thursday

7.45pm - 8.30pm.

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

community

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Christmas comes to Camberley

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Christmas Farmers Market, Park Street, Camberley – Saturday 24 Dec Trading is from 8am - 12 noon.

Get all your last minute Christmas treats!

Breakfast with Santa, Every Tuesday between 22 Nov and 20 Dec Santa and his Elf will be having breakfast in various locations throughout the town centre and he would love children to join him.

Tickets are £3 per child and include a breakfast/drink, a gift from Santa, a balloon, face painting and a sticker!

For more information and to book a place, visit: www.collectivelycamberley.co.uk

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The festive season is just around the corner and that means Christmas shopping and lots of exciting events and things to do!

Farmers Market, Park Street, Camberley – Saturday 26 Nov From 9.30am - 3pm Fresh regional produce - stock up for Christmas!

Craft Market, Obelisk Way, Camberley – Saturday 3 Dec

The Mall opening times: Starting on Thursday 24 November, every Thursday until Christmas will be late night shopping until 8pm.

A wonderful festive mixture of handmade arts and crafts.

Christmas Continental Market, Park Street, Camberley – Fri 9 to Sun 11 Dec

Then opening times are:

On all day.

Mon 19 Dec – Fri 23 Dec 9am – 8pm

Delight your taste buds with food from the continent.

Sat 24 Dec

9am – 5pm

Camberley Christmas Carol Concert, Park Street – Thursday 15 Dec from 7pm

Christmas Day Closed Boxing Day

10am – 5pm

Starring the renowned Charles Church Band and the Surrey Heath Choral Society. Don’t miss this festive treat!

Tues 27 – Sat 31 Dec

9am – 5.30pm

New Year’s Day

10.30am – 4.30pm

Santa's Grotto will be in The Mall from Wednesday 23 November until Christmas Eve. Opening hours will be: Wednesday

11am - 4pm

Thursday

11am - 7pm

Friday, Saturday & Sunday

11am – 4pm

Monday & Tuesday

Closed

visit www.collectivelycamberley.co.uk for information on how to take part in a competition to win £££s.

8 I Heathscene I www.surreyheath.gov.uk

Monday 2 Jan 10.00am – 5pm Please note: selected shops may be open later on selected days

camberley theatre

The Camberley Theatre invites you to the best ball in town!

The Camberley Theatre promises to bring a breathtaking production to audiences this Christmas with an exciting interpretation of the timeless classic Cinderella.

Win a family ticket to see Cinderella 7 December 2011 - 2 January 2012

This wonderful fairytale has an enduring quality and will delight every member of your family and friends. From the glorious magical coach to the lavish royal ball, as well as hilarity with the grotesque Ugly Sisters, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this top class Christmas show.

Aled Powys Williams will be playing Cinderella’s royal love interest Prince Charming. Aled is perfect for this role as he is a former member of the male voice choir, Only Men Aloud who won BBC’s Last Choir Standing competition as well as being Classical Brit Award winners.

This year the superb cast is headed by EastEnders, The Bill and Strictly Come Dancing’s Louisa Lytton playing the lead role Cinderella, while Camberley favourites Scott Burgess and Mark Slowey from last year’s Aladdin panto are to play the parts of the riotous sisters.

Returning audiences will know to expect a show that will raise the roof with laughter!

The magic begins on Wednesday 7 December 2011 and runs until Monday 2 January 2012, with times varying each day.

Follow your heart this year to watch one of the nation’s favourite pantomimes and accept the invitation to the best ball in town!

Ticket prices vary and can be booked by calling the Box Office on 01276 707600 or online at www.camberleytheatre.biz.

The Camberley Theatre is giving away a family group ticket for six to see this magical spectacular.

To enter all you need to do is answer the following question: Which of the following does the Fairy Godmother use to create Cinderella’s carriage?

A) a Turnip B) a Pumpkin C) a Swede Send your answer along with your telephone contact details to: Heathscene Cinderella Competition, Camberley Theatre, Knoll Road, Camberley, Surrey, GU15 3SY or email camberley.theatre @surreyheath.gov.uk.

The closing date is 5 December 2011. The lucky winner will be picked at random and only the winner will be notified by phone. The tickets may not be exchanged.

www.camberleytheatre.biz I Heathscene I 9

arts & leisure

Winners of Surrey Heath in Bloom 2011!

Pat Aitken

Matthew & Sebastian Grove

On 19 September a special presentation was held at The Camberley Theatre for the winners of this year's Surrey Heath in Bloom competition.

The competition is now in its 19th year and the Council runs it to encourage more people and schools to get out in the garden and try their hand at growing plants and new creations.

Portfolio holder for arts and leisure Councillor Craig Fennell says: “This competition is tremendous fun and has been very popular in the borough

Best Front G arden

for nearly 20 years.

“It’s lovely to see what new designs residents and schools think up for their gardens and plants every year.

“Thank you to all of our sponsors; The Camberley Theatre, The Arena Leisure Centre, Coblands Nurseries, Glendale Grounds Management and Surrey Heath Borough Council's Greenspace Team.”

llows: The winners are as fo

hool Pine Ridge Sc

Mr & Mrs Bav erstock

The Best Wildlife Garden Sponsored by The Greenspace Team, Surrey Heath Borough Council: 1st Prize - Mr & Mrs Baverstock, Camberley 2nd Prize - Prior Heath School 3rd Prize - Carwarden House School

The Best School Garden Sponsored by The Greenspace Team, Surrey Heath Borough Council: 1st Prize - Pine Ridge School 2nd Prize - Prior Heath School 3rd Prize - Cross Farm Infant School

The Best Hanging Basket Sponsored by Glendale Grounds Management: 1st Prize - Mrs Eves, Camberley 2nd Prize - Mr Ian Welsh, Camberley 3rd Prize - Lesley Buttery, Lightwater

The Best In Bloom Photo Sponsored by Coblands Nurseries: 1st Prize - Mrs Pat Aitken, Camberley 2nd Prize - Mr John Howcroft, Mytchett 3rd Prize - Mrs Jennifer Watson, Mytchett

The Best Front Garden Sponsored by The Camberley Theatre: 1st Prize - Lesley Buttery, Lightwater 2nd Prize - Mrs Pat Aitken, Camberley Joint 3rd Prize - Mrs Taylor and Louis Oilke

The Best Allotment Sponsored by Greenspace Team, Surrey Heath Borough Council: 1st Prize - Mr Paul Hurford, Brook Road Allotments (Camberley) 2nd Prize - Mr & Mrs Reed, Barossa Road Allotments (Camberley) 3rd Prize - Mr John Rumbold, Wharf Road Allotments (Frimley Green)

The Tallest Sunflower, Sponsored by The Arena Leisure Centre Matthew & Sebastian Grove, Bagshot - 3.99 metres

10 I Heathscene I www.surreyheath.gov.uk

arts & leisure

Winter Walks and Events The Council’s Greenspace team have planned some exciting events this winter so come and join in the fun! These are just a sample of what’s in store. For further details of walks and events, visit www.surreyheath.gov.uk/leisure or call 01276 707100.

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Lastminutechristmastrees.com (Free) Saturday 10 December, 1pm Fancy cutting your own eco-friendly Christmas tree this year?

Help clear young invasive pines from our heathland and you can take one home at the end of the session!

Turf Hill Car Park, Guildford Road, Lightwater (opposite Blackstroud Lane West)

Auld Lang Stride (Free) Saturday 31 December, 9am to 11am Enjoy a walk along the Basingstoke Canal, through the SSSI woodland and back to the Lodge. Please wrap up warm and wear suitable footwear.

Meet outside Pistachios in the Park Cafe, Frimley Lodge Park

Build a bird box for your garden! (£6 per box) Tuesday 14 February, 11am Join a member of the Greenspace Team and build a bird box for your garden.

Everything supplied but extra hammers are welcome.

Heathland Visitor Centre, Lightwater Country Park

Eco-Aerobics (Free) Panto in the Park - Christmas Carols (Free) Tuesday 13 December, 5.30pm to 7.30pm Get in the festive spirit by joining the cast of Cinderella for some Christmas Carols.

Festive refreshments are available to purchase.

London Road Recreation Ground Pavilion Festive Fun (£3 per child) Sunday 18 and Wednesday 21 December, 11am to 3pm Take part in our Christmas treasure hunt and have a go at making a Christmas card or hat.

Heathland Visitor Centre, Lightwater Country Park

Saturday 7 January, start 1pm to 3.30pm

Eager Weavers (Free)

An afternoon of conservation work on the endangered heathland of Turf Hill with the Greenspace Team clearing the pine saplings that threaten to smother the precious heather.

Learn how to make miniature baskets using only our natural materials and your natural abilities.

Turf Hill Car Park, Guildford Road, Lightwater (opposite Blackstroud Lane West)

Saturday 3 March, 12pm to 2pm

Heathland Visitor Centre, Lightwater Country Park Early Spring Birdwatch (Free) Sunday 25 March, 10am - 12pm

Scrub and Spuds (Free) Saturday 4 February, start 12pm, up to 4 hours An afternoon of scrub-bashing with the Greenspace Team in the woodlands. Enjoy baked potatoes cooked on the bonfire afterwards.

Join a member of the Greenspace Team on a birdwatching walk. Many birds will be in full song and easier to spot with the trees still bare of leaves.

Heathland Visitor Centre, Lightwater Country Park

Heathland Visitor Centre, Lightwater Country Park

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

recycling

Recycling award for Surrey Heath Borough Council has won an award at the National Recycling Awards 2011 for its work to boost recycling in the borough.

The award was in the “Local Authority Target Success” category which recognises those councils that have made a significant improvement in domestic recycling rates.

A major contributor to the excellent recycling performance has been the weekly food waste collection service which has resulted in 3,300 tonnes of food waste being diverted from landfill each year.

Not only is this good

for the environment but the waste is also recycled into compost and used to generate electricity.

Community Portfolio Holder Cllr Vivienne Chapman said: “To be chosen out of hundreds of local authorities is a fantastic achievement.”

“We are extremely grateful to the residents of Surrey Heath as without them embracing the new collection scheme and making such an effort to recycle we would never have won 64% this award.”

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Surrey Heath Recyclometer

The borough’s recycling collection scheme, called ROAR (Recycling Organics and Refuse) headed up by Roary the Recycling Tiger, started in September 2009 and provides residents with separate wheeled bins for rubbish, mixed recycling and a sealed caddy for food waste. Since its introduction the recycling rate for the borough has increased from 32% to an amazing 64% - making it one of the best in the country.

100%

90%

80%

70%

60%

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

Check your next collection day online Visit www.surreyheath.gov.uk and enter your postcode into the My Surrey Heath search box.

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

recycling

Surrey Heath Christmas Recycling Tips Turkey Bones

e do cycl ing w r re mb e Remect excess xt to your col le ave out nellection day

Don’t fo your t rget you ca urkey n recy bones cle weekly u s f o in o g d t waste he collec tion s ervice .

ly le n co Simp ling bin o x. o c recy ag or a b b in a

Polystyrene

ember Plea se rem collect We don’t fuse. excess re

Cardboard

ace!

Make more sp Flatten all cardboard.

Christmas wrapping paper

a If it snaps like it r e ck prawn cra e n is polystyre e and cannot b recycled.

If you can tear it, you can recycle it! Paper that looks like foil is not recyclable.

Christmas & New Year Collection Reminder Normal Collection Day Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 26

26th Dec 27th Dec 28th Dec 29th Dec 30th Dec

Revised Collection Day Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

27th Dec 28th Dec 29th Dec 30th Dec 31st Dec

Bank Holiday. There are no collections on this day.

Collections will be a day later than normal.

that collections the week commencing 2nd January will be on your normal collection day.

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Put your closed bin and locked food waste container out by 6am on the day of collection.

Severe Weathe r

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Please remember

In the event o f severe weath er please check www.s urreyheath.go v.uk, call 01276 70 7690 or go to twitter.com/s urreyheath

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

community

What’s on at Surrey Heath Museum Jan Niedojadlo’s Crystal Podule

Under new legislation, property owners are no longer responsible for certain sewer pipes that connect their homes to public sewers.

Throughout November to Saturday 17 December The Crystal Podule by Jan Niedojadlo is a large interactive sculpture made from a variety of recycled materials and inspired by natural and biological forms. Uniquely, visitors are encouraged to climb inside the sculpture and be inspired by the sights, sounds and smells.

During the exhibition there are two special displays, ‘100 Years of Recycling’ featuring recycled objects from the museum's collection and a display by the Council’s Neighbourhood Services on recycling in the borough.

Children’s Workshop

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Saturday 17 December Free ‘drop in’ session between 11am and 2pm. Make your own Christmas decorations using non-recyclable materials.

The Poulter Drawings exhibition Saturday 14 January to Saturday 31 March 2012 Architectural drawings from the renowned local Architects firm of H.R and B.A. Poulter (c.1903-1923), inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement and illustrating some of the most notable buildings in the borough, such as St. Andrew’s Church in Frimley and St.Tarcisius in Camberley.

Changes to sewer ownership

This means that across Surrey Heath, the ownership and maintenance for private sewers and lateral drains, which are the sections of sewer pipe or drain shared with another person’s property or that run through another person’s land, have now transferred to Thames Water.

This is a Government initiative removing the responsibility away from property owners, who can face potentially expensive costs or complex ownership issues when problems occur with these pipes.

Householders do not need to do anything, as the transfer has happened automatically.

Toddler’s sessions Free drop in sessions for the under 5s, from 10.30am to 12noon.

Fuzzy Pets Saturday 19 November Christmas Crackers Tuesday 13 December

To find out more contact Thames Water on 0845 070915 or visit www.thameswater.co.uk/ privatesewers

Mountain Mayhem Tuesday 17 January Mural Magic Saturday 25 February Spring Bunnies Tuesday 20 March

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For more details on any of the events, 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.

14 I Heathscene I www.surreyheath.gov.uk

Owners are still responsible for the section of pipe within their property boundary that takes waste water away only from their property. Any pipes which don’t connect to the public sewer system will also remain in private ownership.

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G R O U P

Now Open

H O L D I N G S

P L C

FLEXIBLE LEASES & ECONOMICAL RENTS IDEAL SPACE FOR YOUR BUSINESS

Full Day Care Age 3 Months to 5 Years Opening times: 7.30am to 6.30pm Monday to Friday

Call us on 01276 29774 105 Portsmouth Road, Frimley, Surrey GU16 7AA.

visit our website: www.treasuremontessori.co.uk SPECIALISTS IN COMMERCIAL LETTING & RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT

Tel 01276 854400 Dolphin Head Group Holdings Plc Dolphin House, 103 Frimley Road, Camberley, Surrey, GU15 2PP

Email property@dolphinhead.com Web www.dolphinhead.com

www.surreyheath.gov.uk I Heathscene I 15

community

Help available for switch to digital TV

Digital TV switchover is the biggest change in television since the introduction of colour. In February 2012 the traditional TV signal will be switched off in your area. If you don’t

have digital TV by the time of switchover, you will lose your TV channels.

If you are still watching analogue TV (five channels or fewer) on any of your sets, you need to convert them

Live Your Life Your Way Advice for people living with disability and their carers If you care for a family member and need advice on health or social care matters then www.surreyinformationpoint.org.uk is the place to visit.

The website is a joint project by Surrey County Council, Social Information on Disability and NHS Surrey and it provides users with free and reliable information on care, community and health issues. The site also has links to other useful organisations that help local people and families help themselves and find out about the care and support options available to them.

People who don’t have access to a computer, or would prefer to chat through their needs with someone can dial 0300 200 1005 to speak to an advisor who will help find the correct information.

People living with a disability and their carers can also visit one of the two Information Hubs in Epsom and Redhill. Both Hubs are one-stop shops full of information and advice on community and care issues and can help individuals and their carers lead happier and more independent lives.

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

to digital. Virtually any existing TV can be converted using a Freeview box, a digital satellite service or digital cable.

Almost everyone will be able to watch Freeview after switchover – even homes currently out of coverage. You can check the options for going digital in your area, and what channels will be available through an aerial, using the postcode checker at www.digitaluk.co.uk.

For older and disabled viewers who may find making the switch difficult, the BBC-run Switchover Help Scheme is at hand to provide everything you need to switch one TV set to digital.

If you have any questions about switchover, you can call the Digital UK advice line on 08456 50 50 50 or visit www.digitaluk.co.uk For further information on the Switchover Help Scheme visit www.helpscheme.co.uk or call free on 0800 40 85 900. Textphone users can call 0800 40 85 936.

environment

Get composting this autumn Whether you’re a keen gardener or just want to choose a green natural way to deal with your food and garden waste, composting is a great solution.

Getting started is easy. All you need is a compost bin or a small space in the garden to create a heap.

Autumn is a great time of year to get started as there’s lots of material that can be collected in a pre-winter garden clean up and left to compost over the colder months, ready for the spring bloom.

Frimley Lodge Park in Frimley Green is one of the best in the country - and that's official!

The park has recently received the prestigious Green Flag Award for the 11th consecutive year. The award recognises how well the park is maintained and managed as well as the excellent facilities it has to offer.

Cultural and Commercial Services portfolio holder, Cllr Craig Fennell said: “This is another superb achievement for the borough.

Grass cuttings, dried leaves, prunings and twigs are just some of the ingredients that can go into a compost bin or heap to make peat-free compost – ideal to use in your garden or allotment.

“I’d like to congratulate the Surrey Heath Green Space team, volunteers and our contractors Glendale for their hard work, which has resulted in the Council gaining the award for the eleventh year in succession. This recognition highlights the fact that Frimley Lodge continues to be Surrey Heath’s ‘Jewel in the Crown’ as well as being a great place for the community to visit and enjoy.”

To find out more about making a compost heap, or to buy a discounted bin starting from £14, visit www.surreywastepartnership.org.uk or call 0844 571 4444. You’ll also find lots of other helpful tips and information there too.

Get ready for the Chobham Village Christmas Extravaganza A Christmas Extravaganza takes place in Chobham Village on Wednesday 7 December, from 3pm to 9pm, and everyone is invited!

Frimley Lodge gets Green Flag Award for the 11th year

Adding to the success, Pistachios Café in the park pavilion, has been awarded the maximum 5 rating for food hygiene by the council. The stylish new café is open during park opening times, serving a wide range of quality snacks, lunches and drinks.

The event will start with the arrival of Father Christmas and a visit by the Mayor of Surrey Heath.

Through the day there will be a farmers market in the church hall and stalls on Benhams Corner, as well as activities for children including face painting, hair plaiting and a merry-go-round.

A “Spot-the-odd-one-out” competition will give visitors the chance to win a £100 prize to spend in a Chobham village shop.

Many of the shops on the high street will be open late (till 9pm) with special offers and festivities.

Visitors will also enjoy carol singers, a rock choir and Morris dancers adding to the Christmas cheer.

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safer surrey heath partnership

The subtle signs of Domestic Abuse When people hear the phrase ‘Domestic Abuse’ an instant reaction is to think about physical abuse – hitting, slapping, pushing and so on.

Whilst these are common forms of abuse and can result in terrible injuries and sometimes death, many people experience a different sort of abuse which can utterly debilitate and exhaust them.

Perpetrators of domestic abuse want to control their partner and they find many different ways to do this, sometimes without ever resorting to any sort of physical violence.

Emotional and psychological abuse can be a much more subtle form of maltreatment and is very difficult to detect – it leaves no physical scars or bruises.

Many people who have experienced a controlling and abusive partner talk of having to ‘constantly walk on egg shells’ so as not to provoke a row.

They also speak of being constantly humiliated and belittled, criticised and threatened, called ‘stupid’, ‘clumsy’, ‘ugly’, ‘fat’, ‘a bad parent’ or ‘mad’ to name just a few. This will happen not once but repeatedly – so often that the non-abusive partner starts to believe what is being said.

An abusive partner may make constant petty demands such as the exact time dinner has to be put on the table or constantly call their partner by a generic name such as ‘babe’ or ‘honey’. Whilst this may not come across as an abusive form of behaviour, over time it makes someone lose a sense of their own individuality.

Survivors tell stories of losing contact with friends and family because their partner would make it difficult to see them – isolation is a common consequence of being in an unhealthy relationship and can severely alter a person’s perception of what is abusive behaviour and what is not.

Some perpetrators play mind games – they move objects and then deny doing so. The abused partner starts to feel they are losing their grip on reality.

repeatedly over time, this behaviour can make someone feel very low, lack self-esteem and confidence, feel isolated and alone, and believe that they are to blame.

Perpetrators may also leave the house taking all the house keys with them, meaning that the abused partner can’t leave the house because they can’t lock the doors or get back in, which effectively makes them a prisoner in their own home.

This will happen not once but over and over again making it difficult to see friends or even go to the shops.

If you are worried or concerned about yourself or a friend or family member, then please call the your Sanctuary Domestic Abuse 24-hour helpline on 01483 776822 to speak in confidence to a trained member of staff or volunteer.

Control over all the finances is another way in which somebody can abuse their partner. Demanding receipts for all expenditure, forcing their partner to fraudulently claim benefits, demanding that all money earned is kept in their account and handing over ‘pocket money’ when they see fit. Having no access to money can make seeking support and leaving a bad relationship very difficult and can further isolate someone.

If looked at individually, these actions may not appear very harmful. Yet if they start to form a pattern of behaviour then it could be a sign of an abusive partner.

Taken together,

18 I Heathscene I www.safersurreyheath.info

Alternatively, please visit www.yoursanctuary.org.uk

community

Stay safe in the dark Now that the days are shorter and it’s dark early, make sure you take precautions to keep safe.

While Surrey is one of the safest counties in England and crime levels are low, there are many ways to safeguard yourself and prevent crime. Heathscene is highlighting several precautions you can take if you are going to be out and about in the evening: • Tell someone when you’re leaving and where you’re going and what time you expect to be back. If these plans change, you should tell someone as soon as possible.

• If possible, always travel in a group and stay in well-populated and busy areas.

• Try to use well lit, busy streets and use the route you know best.

• Avoid danger spots like quiet or badly lit alleyways, subways or isolated car parks. Walk down the middle of the pavement if the street is deserted.

• Keep your mind on your

surroundings – remember if you are chatting on your mobile phone or listening to music through headphones, you will not hear trouble approaching.

• Carry your bag close to you.

• Try not to keep all your valuables in one place. Instead place valuables such as wallets in an inside pocket.

• Consider carrying a personal safety alarm. In the event of an incident it can raise the attention of others.

• Never accept a lift from a stranger or someone you don’t know very well, even if you are

wet, tired or running late.

• Keep a charged mobile with you at all times. If you sense any trouble then you can immediately call someone.

• Be extra careful when using cashpoint machines. Make sure nobody is hovering nearby and do not count your money in the middle of the street.

• Look around and make sure you aren’t being watched or followed.

If you are, go to the nearest place where there are other people - a pub or hotel, or anywhere with a lot of lights on.

• In an emergency always call 999.

Remember if you’re getting a taxi: • The council is responsible for the licensing of taxis and private vehicles – always look for the identification plate and driver ID. • Avoid private hire cars or minicabs which are touting for business.

• Book a mini-cab over the phone, and ask for a description of the car and the drivers name.

• Do not use an unlicensed vehicle – the driver will not be properly insured, the vehicle may be unsafe and the driver will not have been subject to all the necessary checks.

• If in doubt, don't get into the taxi.

For more information on staying safe in the dark go to: www.surrey.police.uk/safety/ keeping_safe.asp

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community

A friend to benefit your local community People with an hour or so to spare on a weekly basis who enjoy the company of older people are encouraged to contact Age Concern Surrey Heath about volunteer opportunities.

Surrey Heath has a rising number of older householders, many of whom are single occupants over the age of 75. Poor health and reduced mobility can make it difficult to get out and can result in them becoming lonely and isolated, as well as having increasing difficulty in coping with the complications of modern life.

The Visiting and Befriending service aims to support older people, particularly those who are housebound and isolated, by matching them to a suitable volunteer visitor or ‘befriender’, who visits regularly, providing mutual friendship and companionship.

It gives the older person the

opportunity to discuss day-today worries and the visitor can provide reassurance and advice with tasks such as understanding official correspondence or finding out about local services.

If you’d like to make a difference to the life of an older person and join this rewarding scheme as a volunteer, call 01276 707585 or email ageconcernfandc@hotmail.co.uk for further information.

Do you know the food hygiene rating of your favourite eatery?

Surrey Heath Borough Council is reminding residents to look out for a food hygiene rating sticker or certificate in the window of businesses in the borough that serve and prepare food.

Back in June, The National Food Hygiene Rating Scheme was launched in Surrey Heath. All food businesses including restaurants, cafes, schools, takeaways and staff canteens in the borough were issued with a rating zero to five. Each

premise was given a certificate and sticker with their score on to put up in their window or on the wall.

“People are entitled to know that the place they are eating at has good food hygiene levels”.

Businesses do not need to display these stickers and certificates by law but it has been noticed that some food businesses do not display their rating sticker. The council wants residents to look out for these stickers and question those places that do not have them on view.

Principal Environmental Health Officer Justine Fuller says: “The vast majority of Surrey Heath’s food businesses have good standards of compliance with food hygiene legislation.

Surrey Heath’s portfolio holder for community Cllr Vivienne Chapman says: “I welcome the introduction of this scheme and would encourage all customers to look for the food rating sticker which rates the premises.

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“Around 80% of these have a food hygiene rating of 3 or above”.

These ratings are also available on the FSA website at www.food.gov.uk/ratings For more information about the Council’s Environmental Health team and their work go to www.surreyheath.gov.uk/environment

community

Volunteering opportunities for young people

By Declan Embley, age 19, Camberley

Young people can get a negative reputation in local and national media, especially after the summer riots across the UK. However, the kindness and enthusiasm of young people involved in voluntary work often goes unrecognised. Through social media, like Facebook and Twitter and also on online networks, young people have been able to get involved in helping their local communities like never before. It seems the young people of Surrey Heath are no different.

There are numerous opportunities for young people to lend their skills and time to the local community in and around the borough. The easiest way to find out what’s out there is to log on to www.do-it.org.uk - here you can

put in your postcode and find out the groups near you that are looking for volunteers.

There’s also Voluntary Services Surrey Heath who have an office in the council building in Knoll Road,

Camberley. Opportunities to lend a hand involve anything from protecting the environment and local green areas to getting involved with supporting the elderly at home and in the community. For more information visit: www.vssh.org.uk Surrey Youth Focus has 20 years of experience helping young people volunteer locally and new opportunities are always being made available. The National Citizen Scheme has recently been extended in Surrey to 15-17 year olds and is a great opportunity for teens to get involved with volunteering activities from dramatic performances to water sports which help them to engage with the local community. More about Surrey Youth Focus is on: www.surreyyouthfocus.org.uk/home

Tomlinscote Vocational Centre opens Last month the new Tomlinscote Vocational Centre opened its doors for the first time.

Situated at the entrance to Tomlinscote School and 6th Form College, Frimley, the centre offers training programmes designed for 15 to 19 year olds, equipping them with practical skills to progress into employment or further training.

The centre is open to students from other Surrey Heath Schools, who will benefit from the wide range of

opportunities this £3.6m facility has to offer.

Courses on offer include childcare, site carpentry, hair dressing, beauty therapy, catering & hospitality, creative media and football coaching.

In the new year, it’s envisaged that evening and weekend courses in a range of

subjects will be offered for the local community to enjoy.

For further information on future courses visit www.tomlinscote.surrey.sch.uk or contact the school on 01276 709050.

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A-Z 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 Dog Warden julia.adams@surreyheath.gov.uk Phone: 01276 707390 www.surreyheath.gov.uk/environment/ dogwarden Arts and Leisure commercial.services@surreyheath.gov.uk Phone: 01276 707338 www.surreyheath.gov.uk/leisure Benefits benefits@surreyheath.gov.uk Phone: 01276 707121 Benefit fraud hotline: 01276 707372 www.surreyheath.gov.uk/ctbenefits/ benefits Car Parks parking.services@surreyheath.gov.uk Phone: 01276 707152 www.surreyheath.gov.uk/transport/ carparking Camberley Theatre camberley.theatre@surreyheath.gov.uk Phone: 01276 707600 www.camberleytheatre.biz Community Services Windle Valley Centre Park Street, Bagshot Phone: 01276 479185 windle.valley@surreyheath.gov.uk www.surreyheath.gov.uk/community/ communityservices Community Transport (Dial-a-Ride) community.services@surreyheath.gov.uk Phone: 01276 707655 Meals on Wheels Service community.services@surreyheath.gov.uk Phone: 01276 707651 Community Alarm Help-line community.services@surreyheath.gov.uk Phone: 01276 707659 or 707660 Community Centres leisure.services@surreyheath.gov.uk Phone: 01276 707338 www.surreyheath.gov.uk/leisure/ communitycentres

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

Noise environmental.health@surreyheath.gov.uk Phone: 01276 707330 www.surreyheath.gov.uk/environment/ pollution Planning development.control@surreyheath.gov.uk Phone: 01276 707222 www.surreyheath.gov.uk/planning Surrey Heath Museum museum@surreyheath.gov.uk 01276 707284 www.surreyheath.gov.uk/museum Street Cleansing environmental.health@surreyheath.gov.uk Phone: 01276 707100 www.surreyheath.gov.uk/environment/ streetcleansing Waste and Recycling enquiries@surreyheath.gov.uk Phone: 01276 707690 www.surreyheath.gov.uk/environment/ wastecollection Surrey County Council Phone: 03456 009 009 www.surreycc.gov.uk Parish Councils

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 Leisure and Recreation Centres commercial.services@surreyheath.gov.uk Phone: 01276 707338 Arena Leisure Centre Grand Avenue, Camberley Phone: 01276 417111 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.lifestylefitness.co.uk/index.php/ clubs/lightwater-leisure-centre

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

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