heathscene spring 2018
Business Awards winners Town Centre latest Spring events diary
4-5
Message from the
Camberley Town Centre
Chief Executive
Key regeneration projects update
7
Welcome to the spring edition of Heathscene! We’ve got the latest updates on our regeneration of Camberley Town Centre, including the exciting work that will be transforming the High Street and surrounds over the coming months - see p4-5.
Camberley International Festival
Festival highlights
18
The 5th Surrey Heath Business Awards took place earlier this month, an excellent event as always which recognised fantastic businesses, big and small, in the Borough - go to p8 for all the winners.
Surrey Heath Show
Date for your diaries
22
Turn to p9 for an update on the new waste and recycling service in the Borough, delivered by Joint Waste Solutions - just one of the ways partnership working is making local government services more efficient.
Open for Business
Proactive business support
Cover photo: Windlesham and Camberley Camera Club Copywriting by Kate Noviss and Joanne Atkinson, 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 Š 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. For further information contact Frontline on 01342 312570 or email frontline@frontlinedesigners.co.uk
The latest in our interactive online consultation events, #TalkSurreyHeath, is featured on p6, while p10 features the official opening of the Windle Valley Cantre, which has undergone a brilliant dementiafriendly refurbishment. There are plenty of spring events coming up across Surrey Heath the third Camberley International Festival is set to be another great success (p7), Go-Tri Camberley returns next month (p12), not to mention Frimley Lodge Live (p14) and the Surrey Heath Show (p18) to name but a few. I hope you manage to make it to some of these community events that make our Borough so special. Best wishes, Karen Whelan Chief Executive
www.surreyheath.gov.uk I Heathscene I 3
town centre
Camberley The regeneration of Camberley Town Centre is happening now - bringing you a revitalised place to shop and socialise.
UPDATE
Artist’s impression of the High Street
Several key projects are now in place to improve and re-energise Camberley Town Centre, creating an attractive and vibrant place to live, visit, shop and socialise.
improvement to the High Street, which will include widening the pavements and improving road
High Street Surrey Heath Borough Council has secured £3.5 million in funding from Enterprise M3 Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) to improve the High Street and public spaces in Camberley Town Centre. SHBC will add funds of £900k so the total budget for the project is £4.4 million. In addition to substantial structural
and pavement surfaces, the project will also incorporate improving the public walkways in Knoll Walk and Princess Way.
4 I Heathscene I www.surreyheath.gov.uk/camberley
These improvements will not only greatly improve conditions for people visiting the High Street, they will also support the many retailers and independent businesses that are based there. Cllr Moira Gibson, Leader of the Council said: “Securing this funding is another key milestone in the regeneration of Camberley Town Centre. The improved High Street will complement Park Street and The Atrium, and the extensive renovations taking place in The Square shopping centre. We look forward to bringing an improved
town centre Town Centre to our residents and visitors very soon.” Planning for this project is taking place this year, with the structural work due to start in 2019. We are aiming for completion in 2021. The Square The first phase of the renovations in Grace Reynolds walk in The Square shopping centre is now complete. This section now has new flooring, signage and lighting, and attractive new artwork on the main walkway.
Ashwood House design
facilitate its future development. The upper floors of the building will be transformed into high quality residential accommodation, comprising of 116 flats.
Potential Square artwork
These improvements are extending into the rest of The Square, with completion expected late 2018. Ashwood House Ashwood House occupies a key site on Pembroke Broadway in Camberley Town Centre, and was acquired by SHBC in 2015 to
Work will start in Spring 2018 with the removal of the ramp on Pembroke Broadway, and the repositioning of the bus stops. Scaffolding and hoardings will then be put around the building as the construction work takes place. Following the completion of construction, affected areas of the footpath along Pembroke Broadway outside Ashwood House section and other public areas will be repaved, co-ordinating with the
work taking place on the adjacent Princess Way and High Street. Andrew McPhillips, Land and Planning Director at Berkeley Homes (Southern), the developer of this site, said: “Berkeley Homes is delighted to be working with Surrey Heath Borough Council to deliver this exciting project in Camberley, which will further improve the town centre, in addition to providing muchneeded homes’’ For further updates on these projects, check the News Section of our website, and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
www.surreyheath.gov.uk/camberley I Heathscene I 5
consultation
#TalkSurreyHeath - Any Questions?
The latest of our interactive #TalkSurreyHeath events, streamed live on Facebook, took place in January. Previous #TalkSurreyHeath events have focused around a specific theme - but this one was completely open to any questions from local residents and business owners.
advance or on the night, we really appreciate the chance to interact with you, hear your views and provide answers to your queries regarding Surrey Heath and council services.”
The panel facing the camera consisted of Leader of the Council Cllr Moira Gibson, Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Finance Cllr Richard Brooks, SHBC Chief Executive Karen Whelan, and the Council’s senior management team.
The video of the broadcast is available on the SHBC Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ surreyheath).
They answered dozens of questions during the hour-long session, and areas discussed included a wide range of subjects, including Camberley Town Centre, Recycling & the Green Waste Club, the Arena Leisure Centre and the ongoing Heathrow consultation. The livestreams of the six #TSH events so far have achieved
more than 20,000 views in total, demonstrating the potential for this social media-led format for consultation and engagement. Cllr Moira Gibson said: “This event gives Surrey Heath residents and business owners the opportunity to quiz Councillors and Council officers directly about various issues and events in the Borough. “Many thanks to everyone who submitted questions, either in
6 I Heathscene I www.facebook.com/surreyheath
For details of future #TalkSurreyHeath events follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and check the News section of our website, www.surreyheath.gov.uk.
culture
Festival feeling The third Camberley International Festival returns this summer, from 20 - 23 June.
In 2017 we had entries from as far away as Spain and Italy, although the winners were based somewhat closer to home. Two students from The Farnborough Sixth Form College, Francis Cousins and Evie Gordon, won this highly entertaining competition with their short film, ‘Cipid’s House’. Camberley Sikh Association dancing at last year’s Carnival
Showcasing a mix of world class entertainment, including music, film, comedy, literature and community events, it aims to build on the success of the first two years. Headlining the music element, we are extremely proud to welcome one of Britain’s finest folk bands, The Unthanks, to Camberley Theatre
on Friday 22 June. The depth and breadth of their many notable fans is quite remarkable - Martin Freeman, Elvis Costello, Ryan Adams, Rosanne Cash, Dawn French, Al Murray, Ewan McGregor, Colin Firth and Nick Hornby, to name a few. The Carpenters Arms will also host a CIF launch party on Wednesday 20th June from 8pm. This free to attend event will feature live music from The Mysteries - all welcome! The theatre also welcomes Jon Culshaw, one of Britain’s finest and funniest impressionists with his new show ‘The Great British Take Off ’ on Saturday 23 June.
The Unthanks
We are very excited to be hosting our second short film competition as part of this year’s CIF.
Jon Culshaw & Bill Dare
The festival’s patron, BAFTA-Awardwinning actress Juliet Aubrey, was part of the judging panel and presented the winners and runners up with their trophies. The final day of the festival, Saturday 23 June , will see the colourful Camberley Carnival parade through town towards the London Road Recreation Ground (behind the Arena Leisure Centre), where an afternoon of live music, gymnastic displays, children’s entertainment, retro computer games, food stalls and a beer tent awaits.
www.camberleyinternationalfestival.com I Heathscene I 7
business awards
Business Awards winners Congratulations to the winners of the Surrey Heath Business Awards 2018, announced at a ceremony at Camberley Theatre.
More than 130 delegates attended the annual awards earlier this month, hosted by the Surrey Heath Business Breakfast event. Now in their fifth year, the awards showcased the achievements of businesses big and small, spanning the length and breadth of Surrey Heath, from Bagshot to Frimley, and Chobham to Camberley. Recognising the great people and ideas that keep the local economy thriving, the shortlist featured a wide range of industries and professions, from health tech to hairdressing, and accountancy to sportswear. This year the Best Small/MediumSized Business category was renamed the Kevin Cantlon Award, in memory of SHBC’s Economic
Development Officer who sadly died last year. A new category was also introduced, Business Star of the Year, which was decided by a public vote. The remaining categories were decided by a judging panel. The six categories and their winners were: Kevin Cantlon Award for Best Small/Medium-Sized Business Legacy Performance Sportswear (small) Fins Swimming Club (medium) Community Action Specsavers Camberley Business Innovation Planet Ocean Ltd
Developing Talent Stewart and Co Business Star of the Year Rachel Bell - The Secret Stage School Outstanding Achievement This special award celebrates a company or individual who has significantly contributed to the growth and success of the Surrey Heath community over a number of years. Winner: Eli Lilly Leader of Surrey Heath Borough Council, Cllr Moira Gibson said: “This event is so important in recognising the borough’s best businesses, but also in supporting local firms who contribute so much to the Surrey Heath economy. Congratulations to all the winners.” The next Business Breakfast event is on 21 September. It’s an excellent networking opportunity and free to attend for all Surrey Heath businesses. To register to exhibit or attend, go to www.surreyheath.gov.uk/ businessbreakfast.
8 I Heathscene I www.surreyheath.gov.uk/shba
recycling
Recycling and waste update The new bin collection service in Surrey Heath started across the Borough last month.
The change is part of a new initiative which has seen Surrey Heath’s waste services combined with three other Surrey councils to form Joint Waste Solutions. This new organisation is managing a joint collection contract with Amey across all four areas, saving around £2.5m a year, whilst maintaining high quality services. Although collection days have remained the same, you will have seen a few small changes with food waste collected by a separate vehicle and small electrical items and textiles both being collected every week. Your bins may be emptied at a different time of day so please make sure they’re empty before you take them in. Councillor Vivienne Chapman, SHBC Portfolio Holder for Community, explains: “Food waste
vehicles don’t need to be emptied as often as rubbish and recycling vehicles so doing it separately is more efficient. The crews can make more collections without having to take the refuse or recycling to be unloaded.” The garden waste recycling has also been taken over by Amey. By now existing customers should have had the opportunity to subscribe to the new service at a reduced cost of £40 a year. Collection days will also remain the same and customers will keep their existing bins. If you’re interested in subscribing to the fortnightly garden waste collection service, or possibly share a subscription with a neighbour or a friend, you can find out more about this and the other services available on the Joint Waste Solutions website, jointwastesolutions.org.
This should be your first port of call for any queries, updates and changes. You can also call Amey on 03332 340978. Information and updates can be found on Twitter @JointWasteSols.
Quick facts • Bins will still be emptied on the same day • Separate vehicles are collecting food waste • Bins may be emptied at a different time of day • Textiles and small electricals are now collected every week, but need to be in separate bags
www.jointwastesolutions.org I Heathscene I 9
community
Windle Valley
Reopened
Bagshot’s Windle Valley Centre has been officially reopened following a £40,000 dementia-friendly transformation. SHBC invested in the refurbishment of the centre which provides a range of activities and services for older residents in the borough. The Council worked on the refurbishment with design company Access 21, who specialise in interior design for the care sector and also in dementia design, having been trained by the Dementia Services Development Centre at Stirling University. This ensured that the furniture, materials and colour schemes used in the refurbishment were dementia-friendly and specially designed for the care setting, as well as being modern and attractive. The grand re-opening of the centre
took place on 8 March, attended by guests including Surrey Heath Deputy Mayor Cllr Dan Adams, SHBC Chief Executive Karen Whelan and Surrey Heath Portfolio Holder for Community Cllr Vivienne Chapman. Centre Manager Louise Aartsen said: “It was a wonderful afternoon. The refurbishment has been a huge success - everyone likes the light and airy atmosphere, which we have balanced with comfort and practicality. “It’s a great springboard for the service - we are introducing a Carer Respite service. This will assist people caring for someone
at home, giving them a muchneeded break when they need extra support.” The Windle Valley Centre, open Monday to Friday, offers a range of activities to suit all tastes and abilities, including exercise, craft and music - along with a delicious home-cooked two course lunch.
As well as the chance to socialise and make friends, clients can also make appointments with a visiting hairdresser and Foot Health Practitioner. The Saturday Club for carers and the cared-for is also open from 2-5pm. Clients are welcome to visit using private transport, but many use the convenient Community Transport service which picks up from their home address and returns them home at the end of the day. For more information contact 01276 479185 or community. services@surreyheath.gov.uk
10 I Heathscene I www.surreyheath.gov.uk/windlevalley
health and fitness
Walking for health On New Year’s Day the Surrey Heath Walking for Health scheme played host to the Ramblers Festival of Winter Walks, to get 2018 off to the perfect active start. The aim of the festival, supported by the People’s Postcode Lottery, is to promote being physically active. The walking community is one of the most enjoyable and inclusive ways of keeping fit and healthy.
For more information on all our guided walks go to www.surreyheath.gov.uk/ walks • The Walking for Health scheme is also looking to expand its weekend walks for families. If you would be interested in becoming a weekend walk leader (training provided) please contact craig. alford@surreyheath.gov.uk
More than 80 people enjoyed the crisp winter’s morning at Lightwater Country Park - and there are plans to repeat this event over Easter all welcome!
GO-TRI is back! After the success of last year’s first Specsavers GO-TRI at the Arena Leisure Centre, it’s happening again next month. Our beginners’ triathlon is returning to Camberley on 22 April - it features a 200m swim in the Arena swimming pool, an 8km cycle through the flat and flowing roads of Camberley before finishing with a 2km run around London Road Recreation Ground.
Aquathlon to the day’s events, so younger athletes can take part too. The Aquathlon is a two-stage, swimming and running event. Open to 11-15 year-olds, it will consist of 200m swim followed by a 2km run - the perfect introduction to multisport events for youngsters.
This year we’ve added a Junior 12 I Heathscene I www.surreyheath.gov.uk/leisure
Surrey Heath Portfolio Holder for Business Cllr Craig Fennell said: “Last year more than 50 competitors swam, cycled and ran their way around Camberley - and this year we’re hoping it will be even more successful.” Please come along to support friends and family taking part in these events. www.surreyheath.gov.uk/tri
health
The right care at the right time NHS organisations nationwide are urging people to understand which health service to use if you feel unwell. Locally, this helps to ensure that the 96,500+ Surrey Heath residents needing help get the care they need as quickly as possible. Everyone has a shared responsibility to ensure you are accessing the most appropriate services to meet your needs. Choosing the right service will help you access the right treatment and professional advice faster as and when you need it. Going to A&E, or calling 999, should be used when someone is severely injured, seriously unwell or with symptoms such as severe breathing difficulties or persistent and heavy bleeding. A&E is for accidents and emergencies, not for anything and everything. You can dial 111 if you urgently need advice and your GP is closed
(outside 8am - 8pm Monday - Friday) but it’s not a life-threatening situation. If your illness is not life-threatening and you have been feeling unwell for a while, it is likely that you may need to contact your doctor. GP surgeries across Surrey Heath offer 8am - 8pm appointments Monday - Friday and pharmacists are on hand to offer advice.
He added: “By making the right choice, we can help to ensure money and resource is available to those who need it most. I know our community understands the financial pressures we are under, and has always been loyal and supportive of the NHS locally.” • For more information visit our website (below). • For health advice and information visit NHS Choices at www.nhs.uk
Until the end of March practices across Surrey Heath are working together to provide a Saturday morning services to support Winter Pressures. Visit individual practice websites for further information. Chief Officer Dr Andy Brooks, who is also a GP at Park Road and Old Dean Surgeries, Camberley, said: “We are working closely across health and social care to ensure the right care is available to you at the right time.
Save the date! NHS Surrey Heath CCG & Surrey County Council’s next Public Meeting will be on Tuesday 15 May, 1.30-4.30pm, at Camberley Theatre, Knoll Road, Camberley. To book a space please email shccg.communications@nhs.net
www.surreyheathccg.nhs.uk I Heathscene I 13
theatre
Camberley Theatre
highlights Jess Robinson Here Come The Girls Wed 11 April, 8pm, Full £19, Theatre Club £18, u15s £11 Join multi award-winner and Britain’s Got Talent 2017 star Jess Robinson for an evening of spot-on celebrity impressions, musical comedy and stunning vocal gymnastics. Like a wonderfully malfunctioning jukebox, Jess and her incredible vocals will take you on a dizzying journey through hilarious musical mash-ups, serving a feast of styles and genres from Billie Holiday and Judy Garland to Amy Winehouse and Beyoncé.
James Phelan, Trickster Fri 15 June, 7.30pm, Full £18, Theatre Club £17, u16s £15 James Phelan presents a night of light-hearted, prank-focused magic, utilising audience participation to comic effect. James is the nephew of the late Paul Daniels, and described by The Radio Times as having “a cheeky charm”. The show is presented through this personality and is both jawdropping and laugh-out-loud funny.
Theatre in The Park Sat 28 July, 1pm - Red Riding Hood, Full, £13, u16 £11, family of 4 £40 (2a, 2c) Come and enjoy open air theatre at London Road Recreation Ground this summer. There’s family friendly fun with Red Riding Hood - she may be little but she’s about to embark on a big adventure! Bursting with brilliant songs, jampacked with jokes and crammed full of colourful characters, you’ll be howling with laughter! 6pm - Romeo and Juliet, Full £15, u16 £8, family of 4 £40 (2a, 2c) The evening performance sees Shakespeare’s tragic love story, Romeo & Juliet, brought to life in an atmospheric setting.
14 I Heathscene I www.camberleytheatre.co.uk
Sponsored by
Get involved
sports development
Do you know a young person who could benefit from trying a new sport, or improving at one they already enjoy?
The Specsavers Surrey Youth Games are back for 2018, and are offering free of charge training sessions at local clubs and facilities. In conjunction with the Specsavers Surrey Youth Games, the Council are offering free training sessions in no less than 12 sports from April to June. You can choose anything from Boccia (a pan disability sport) to boxing, hockey to girls’ rugby, netball, swimming and many more! Sessions are hosted at schools, clubs and leisure facilities across the Borough either after school or at the weekend, and are led by qualified, passionate coaches. These ‘taster’ sessions could open
the door to a lifelong love of sport, while providing a fantastic chance to meet new people and make new friends. Many young people go on to join clubs after the event and enjoy the various benefits that an active lifestyle brings, including improved physical and mental wellbeing. Every young person who takes part in training sessions also gets the opportunity to compete for ‘Team Surrey Heath’ at the competition weekend at the Surrey Sports Park, Guildford and Woking Leisure Centre, coordinated by Active Surrey. The competition takes place on 23 and 24 June, and provides a unique
Olympic-style event where all 11 boroughs and districts in Surrey compete and show off their skills. Last year over 2,000 young people took part in the largest youth festival of sport in Surrey. Coaching sessions are open to anyone below county standard in their chosen sport (each sport is open to specific age groups/ gender) and currently living and/or attending school in Surrey Heath. For details of session venues, dates and times or to register, visit the website below, or call 01276 707100 and ask to speak to a member of the leisure team.
www.surreyheath.gov.uk/syg I Heathscene I 15
enforcement
Focus on...
Traveller Incursions Corporate Enforcement Manager Julia Greenfield answers your questions on unauthorised Traveller encampments. What are the Council’s powers regarding unauthorised encampments?
The Police can also use the powers contained in the Act when certain circumstances are met.
The Council recognises and accepts the rights of Travellers and Gypsies and also those people on whose land unauthorised camping takes place.
What do we do when an unauthorised encampment occurs on our land?
Gypsies and Travellers are protected from discrimination by the Equality Act 2010. The Council and other official agencies will work to try to balance the rights of all those involved. If Travellers are camped on Council land without consent, the Council can recover possession of their land using a County Court Order under the Criminal Justice and Public Disorder Act 1994.
Unauthorised encampments are usually problematic. They rarely provide an appropriate or adequate setting and often result in poor living conditions. The use of the land for its usual purpose will often be prevented. If the incursion is on Council land, each incident is dealt with on a case by case basis. Our strategy is to engage with the Travellers, carry out welfare checks and attempt to achieve an informal resolution to end the encampment.
16 I Heathscene I www.surreyheath.gov.uk
If this is not possible then the Council will apply for a Court Order to evict the Travellers from the land. This can be a lengthy process - legal and clean-up costs can run into thousands of pounds. What if the incursion is on someone else’s land? If the encampment is not on Council land, it is the landowner’s responsibility to move the Travellers on. The Council will liaise with the landowner to offer support and guidance where applicable. How to report a suspected incursion Report online at www.surreyheath.gov.uk/ report-it or call our contact centre on 01276 707100.
ADVERTORIAL
A NEW LOOK OPTICIANS AND AUDIOLOGISTS STORE FOR SURREY DEBUTS IN CAMBERLEY Specsavers, located at 3 Princess Way in Camberley, has some very exciting news to share with the community.
Book an online appointment at www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/camberley The store, which has served locals for 25 years, has undergone a major £500,000 refurbishment. Delighted to offer Camberley world-class services Lateef Iqbal and Paul Stimson, the directors who part-own and manage the store, wanted to invest in a town they both love - Camberley. Says Lateef: “Our investment will provide locals with top quality, affordable optical services for many years to come.” The business is part-owned and managed by Lateef and Paul who are responding to an ageing population with their revamped store together with looking at how opticians can help provide some services which are currently provided in hospitals. Lateef adds: “Our 30-plus strong team are here to offer great audiology services,
eye examinations and advice with general eye health conditions such as dry eye. Our investment also sees us benefit from greater diagnostic innovations such as digital retinal photography that can help pick up wider health issues during an eye test.” What to expect from the new store The £500,000 has gone towards the store extension that includes over £100,000 of new optical and audiology equipment. This includes Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) - 3D scanning technology which is normally found in hospital eye departments and allows optometrists to view the eye in more detail than ever before. Specsavers in Camberley now offers its first dedicated Hearing centre with a clinical hearing booth. The debut of the latest wax removal techniques such as micro suction is another first for the town. Lateef concludes: “We are all really proud of our new store and welcome customers new and old to pop by for a tour. We cannot wait to show it off!”
For more information, visit Specsavers at 3 Princess Way, Camberley, GU15 3SP, call 01276 677 686 or go online at www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/camberley
events
Visit the Surrey Heath Show Back for an eleventh year, the Surrey Heath Show is a fun day out for the whole family...
Saturday 19 May Frimley Lodge Park, 10am - 4pm The Surrey Heath Show returns for an incredible eleventh year! With over 8,000 people flocking to Frimley Lodge Park for last year’s hugely successful 10th anniversary event, this year’s show is shaping up to be even better than the last. The Show will see the return of longstanding favourite, the Companion Dog Show. Alternatively, let your four-legged friend take on the fun agility course! Organised by Bob Potter, the Classic Car Show returns with a great selection of vehicles. The Show’s own BBQ will be offering delicious burgers, hot dogs and bacon rolls.
A wide range of stalls will offer food and drink, showcase local businesses, community groups and charities, alongside fun fairground rides. Explore the rest of the park by taking a ride on the miniature railway, and if you see the Show’s mascot Spike the Hedgehog, don’t forget to say hello! He’ll be more than happy to pose for a photo or two. Radio Frimley Park will guide the main arena through a variety of activities and performances. Music will be provided throughout the day by the Farnborough Concert Band of the Royal British Legion. Each year the Surrey Heath Show distributes some of its proceeds to local charities and community groups. In 2017 over £10,000 was given to such groups to help fund some of
their projects. The event is free to attend, with car parking for the day £5 - and don’t forget to pick up a free event programme to guide you through the day. For more details visit: www.surreyheathshow.org
Mayor of Surrey Heath Cllr Valerie White with mascot Spike the Hedgehog
Camfest 2018 Camfest 2018 is a community arts and craft festival showcasing static art, photography, sculpture and ceramics, alongside performance art, music, choirs and installation art.
Organised by The Camberley Society, in collaboration with Camberley Adult Learning, and supported by SHBC.
free to residents and visitors to Camberley, it will be a forum for groups and community organisations to come together to show off their talents by offering workshops, demonstrations and tasters.
It aims to engage with visitors and their families to try out new activities from lacemaking to painting, feettapping and singing the Blues!
Camfest runs from 29 June to 1 July.
For more info go to www.camfest.uk or visit The Camberley Art and Craft Fest on Facebook (@Camberleyfest)
Inclusive, free to exhibitors, and 18 I Heathscene I www.surreyheath.gov.uk/whatson
leisure
Peter Pan-to Camberley Theatre’s 2017 pantomime Peter Pan proved to be the most successful show yet - gaining plenty of 5-star reviews.
Critics and audiences were particularly impressed by the choreography, songs and a wonderful leading performance by Harrison Spiers. “Peter Pan was such an incredible production to work on,” said Andy Edmeads, Camberley Theatre’s Venue Manager, and panto Producer. “The cast did an excellent job and were a real
pleasure to work with. I’m so pleased that audiences enjoyed watching it as much as we did creating it.” Plans are already under way for this Christmas - Sleeping Beauty will run from 10-31 December. This spell-binding production will feature singalong songs, high energy choreography, beautiful scenery and a host of side-splitting jokes!
On Sleeping Beauty, Andy said: “Despite being one of the most memorable fairy tales, we’ve never done this panto here before, so I’m really excited to work with the team on creating a brand new pantomime for our audiences to enjoy. “Our previous shows have set the bar really high, but I know that we’ll provide a memorable show for everyone once again. It’s going to be magical!” • Sleeping Beauty tickets are on sale at the Box Office: www.camberleytheatre.co.uk 01276 707600.
Skating fun Did you enjoy a visit to Ice Skate Camberley at Christmas? If so we hope you had a great time! SHBC managed to secure a spot for the ice rink right in the middle of Camberley Town Centre on Park Street. This meant skating could be enjoyed by people when they were doing their Christmas shopping, or when in town socialising with friends and family - and more than 5,000 of you did just that.
We’ve had lots of positive feedback, both from those who skated and town centre businesses. SHBC Chief Executive Karen Whelan said: “Our aim at SHBC was to bring a real ice rink to Camberley Town Centre last Christmas for our residents and visitors to enjoy, and we are absolutely thrilled with how great the Ice Rink looked on Park Street. It was fantastic to see so many people enjoying Ice Skate Camberley.”
www.surreyheath.gov.uk/leisure I Heathscene I 19
council
Financial
update
Despite the loss of central government funding, SHBC continues to deliver valued services for its residents. Following many years of reductions in central government funding, SHBC now receives no financial support from the Government to provide local services. All Council services are now paid for from local income from Council Tax, Business Rates, Investments and Charges. In fact, in the coming year, the Government is demanding £1m from Surrey Heath, exacerbating the situation further. To avoid cutting services which residents value, Members adopted a strategy of ‘Growth, Income and Efficiency’.
In 2016/17 the Council borrowed £130m to invest in property which included The Square shopping centre, Camberley. These investments are now beginning to pay dividends, not only through the regeneration of the town centre, but also the £1.9m in income that these investments have provided to support services. This would equate to around a 25% increase in Council Tax.
and the need to fund investment in the Borough. Members voted to increase Council Tax by just under 3% this year. This equates to a rise of £6.12 a year for a Band D property, making the Surrey Heath Borough Council element of the annual charge £212.42. Your total Council Tax bill is higher than this as it includes Surrey County Council, Surrey Police and the Parishes - Surrey Heath only keeps around 11% of the total.
Costs are also being reduced through new technology. We are working with other Councils through shared posts, and in February the new 4-borough Joint Waste service began.
Surrey Heath Finance Portfolio Holder Cllr Richard Brooks said: “As a Council we decided that we would aim to increase income rather than stop services as a response to Government cuts.
At a Full Council Meeting last month Members set the budget and Council Tax for 2018/19.
“With the assistance of our professional advisers, our investment strategy is delivering - but we know we will have to continue to evolve and innovate if we are to maintain the services our residents value into the future.”
The financial challenges the Council faces in the next 4 years are driven by the Government demanding £1m from Surrey Heath, inflation 20 I Heathscene I www.surreyheath.gov.uk
grants
Voluntary groups
funded
Voluntary organisations in Surrey Heath are to receive more than £160,000 of support in 2018/19.
In January the Council Executive approved grants to community organisations and charities dedicated to helping people within the Borough.
lunchtime club, West End. Cllr Josephine Hawkins, Corporate Portfolio Holder for Surrey Heath, said: “Voluntary organisations within Surrey Heath are hugely valued and do a fantastic job. “They continue to provide crucial services - whether helping people in their daily lives, or contributing to the community through the arts, sport, or access to the natural environment.
The full list of Revenue Grants awarded: • Citizens Advice Surrey Heath: £80,000 • Voluntary Support North Surrey: £30,000 • Tringhams, West End: £13,000 • Surrey Heath Age Concern: £10,000 • Basingstoke Canal Authority: £10,000 • Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership: £10,000 • Camberley and District Job Club £7,000 • Surrey Heath Sports Council: £3,500 • Surrey Heath Arts Council: £1,400
“In these times of reduced funding from central government, while the council has limited resources from which to give grants, we are committed to recognising their vital work in Surrey Heath.” A total of £164,900 will go towards supporting groups including Citizens Advice Surrey Heath, Voluntary Support North Surrey, Surrey Heath Age Concern, and Basingstoke Canal Authority. The grants have been allocated for the past 15 years, with the funding reviewed annually by the Council. The other organisations awarded grants were Surrey Heath Arts Council, Surrey Heath Sports Council, Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership, Camberley and District Job Club and Tringhams www.surreyheath.gov.uk I Heathscene I 21
business
Support for business At Surrey Heath we recognise the vital role our businesses play in the economic prosperity of the Borough.
Through our “Open for Business” suite of business support, the Council has taken a proactive stance to engage with the local business community, deepen our relations with local firms and help businesses to achieve their aspirations by Case study - Kevin Cantlon Shop Front Improvement Grant Scheme
The Kevin Cantlon Fund offers grants funded by SHBC to owners or occupiers of commercial buildings within the Borough to improve and enhance shop fronts, windows, doors and signage in a traditional and sympathetic manner, through repair of existing traditional features or reinstatement of historic architectural details. Following the Fund’s launch last year, the Council recently awarded the first grant to PS Hairdressing in Frimley. Owner Philippa Sumner said: “My brothers Luke and Peter designed and painted the original shop sign in 2008, which was supposed to be temporary. “After my brother Peter died in
removing barriers to growth. Support available includes planning support for expansion, breakfast meetings, engagement with Business Associations, start-up clinics, and funding for shop front improvements. 2010 I couldn’t part with the sign, and did all I could to maintain it for as long as possible. “But eventually it needed to be replaced, for the benefit of the business and the High Street, as it was looking rather forlorn! “I discovered the Surrey Heath ‘Kevin Cantlon’ Shop Front Scheme, and found SHBC very helpful with the application I needed to submit. “We’ve received many compliments for the new look of the salon, just in time for our 10th anniversary.” More info: www.surreyheath.gov. uk/shopfront
Case study Business Association
Sarah Jane Croke, Vice Chair of Frimley Business Association (FBA), said: “FBA was born back in January 2015 when a group of local independent businesses came together to ‘talk shop’. With the help of the Council’s then-Economic Development Officer Kevin Cantlon, we formed an official organisation.
“Now in our third year, we’ve had excellent support from SHBC throughout, and a few major achievements behind us including winning a Silver medal with RHS Britain in Bloom, and reinstating the annual lighting of the Frimley Christmas tree as a community event. “We currently have around 25 local businesses involved in the FBA - but we are looking for more to get involved. “This year’s projects include campaigning to reduce the speed limit in the High Street to 20mph, installing CCTV, and organising another fantastic Christmas Event.” To find out more go to www.facebook.com/ frimleybusinessassociation
or email Philippa Sumner and Natalie Cantlon outside the new shop front
22 I Heathscene I www.surreyheath.gov.uk/business
frimleybusinessassociation1st@ gmail.com
community
Young citizens More than 400 Surrey Heath Year 7 students have learned about leading safe, healthy lives by taking part in the Young Citizen programme. The day aims to help young people broaden their social responsibility skills and learn how to deal with real-life situations. Through a range of interactive sessions, students explored themes such as first aid, alcohol awareness, personal safety, peer pressure, as well as internet safety and how they can report a crime anonymously. Students from Kings International College and Collingwood College were involved in the practical sessions delivered by qualified professionals.
Among those hosting the workshops were: Surrey Police, St John Ambulance, Counter Terrorism Policing - Prevent, Surrey Crimestoppers and Solomon Theatre Company. SHBC Children’s Champion Cllr Josephine Hawkins said: “Young Citizen is a brilliantly effective way of helping young people gain the knowledge and skills to lead safe, healthy lives. I’m sure the students involved have benefitted hugely from this experience.” Kings College pupil Angel Parmar said: “We’ve learnt so much
- how to be private on social media, what a crime means, and the dangers of drinking and encouraging others to drink.” The course is organised and funded by the Safer Surrey Heath Partnership and the schools involved. www.surreyheath.gov.uk/ youngcitizen
Wellingtonia Avenue An update on the work to restore this magnificent avenue of Redwood trees on Heatherside.
month, so come mid-summer we should see a meadow-like display of colour along this section.
Maintenance work will continue, including flail-mowing by our contractors twice a year, to After the extensive clearance keep on top of the ever-growing work on Wellingtonia Avenue in nettles, brambles, and the odd October 2016, sunlight is now able ‘garden escapes’ such as sycamore to reach the avenue floor, allowing and bamboo. plenty of opportunity for new Six new young Wellingtonia trees growth and a beautiful view down are due to be planted along the the clear stretch of the avenue. avenue near the end of March. Wildflowers will be sown next
Before
After
www.surreyheath.gov.uk I Heathscene I 23
highways
Highways update An improved Meadows roundabout is just around the corner. Improvements to the Meadows roundabout in Camberley are taking shape, and site works are due to start this summer. Lessons learnt, and your feedback from the A331 shared pedestrian and cycle route and junction upgrades at Riverside Way and Stanhope Road, have helped us to improve our plans for this work. Together with SHBC, Hampshire County Council and Bracknell Forest Borough Council, we are working to minimise disruption to your journeys. Where possible we will schedule lane closures outside peak traffic periods or at night. However, we are restricted as the A30 and Meadows roundabout are part of the M3 diversion route and we are required to keep the road open to a certain standard in case the motorway unexpectedly closes.
Cllr Mike Goodman meets residents
For regular updates on the Meadows roundabout improvements for both businesses and residents, please sign up for our e-newsletter on the Surrey Heath Major Projects page of the SCC website. For general enquiries please email meadowsimprovements@ surreycc.gov.uk. Working together Cllr Mike Goodman, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, said: “Surrey County Council and Surrey Heath Borough Council are committed to preserving a safe, healthy and environmentally sustainable environment in Surrey Heath for the benefit of our residents. “Improved bus service efficiency and better infrastructure for walking and cycling help reduce the use of private cars particularly for short journeys. The Meadows
24 I Heathscene I www.surreycc.gov.uk
and A30/Camberley Town Centre highway improvements will help reduce vehicle emissions caused by traffic congestion.” Improving access to Camberley Town Centre Surrey County Council with SHBC will be submitting a joint business case for the A30/Camberley Town Centre highway improvements to the Enterprise M3 Local Enterprise Partnership this summer. The plans will improve traffic flow on the A30, create shared footpaths and safer crossings for pedestrians and cyclists, and support the wider regeneration of Camberley Town Centre. Additionally, the county council will be seeking Enterprise M3 Local Enterprise Partnership funding in 2018 to improve access to upgraded bus stops with real time bus information, and road improvements to ensure buses are on time.
Parish news Walking football scheme extends
Christmas tree recycling update
In conjunction with the Surrey FA and SHBC, Surrey Heath Walking Football Club have launched a new Chobham session.
Thanks to everyone who recycled their real Christmas tree for free this year.
Come to the Carnival!
The scheme, which offered 15 drop off sites across the Borough from 2-14 January, collected 810 trees - an increase of more than 60% compared with the previous year.
Walking Football is an adapted but equally fun form of the game for the over 50s. Since January, a new Friday lunchtime session has kicked off at Chobham Recreation Ground from 1-2pm, delivered by an FA qualified coach.
community
Sponsored again by Bagshot company, Branch Management, the collected trees are turned into woodchippings and used to replenish the paths in our beautiful green spaces.
Chobham Carnival returns with a Transport and Travel theme on Monday 7 May. The Bank Holiday event will include a parade through the village, and many arena events including stunt shows, crazy bikes, Morris dancers, a fairground, children’s entertainment, and plenty of food and drink stalls. Now in its 31st year, staged by the Chobham Carnival Association, the annual event raises thousands of pounds for local community groups. www.chobhamcarnival.co.uk
All welcome - from those who might be new to the game or more experienced players. The new session expands on the original Walking Football session at the 3G pitch at Frimley Lodge Park, which runs on Wednesdays between 1-2pm. www.surreyheath.gov.uk/ walkingfootball www.surreyheath.gov.uk I Heathscene I 25
council
Review of the Borough’s
Polling Places
Following the outcome of the Local Government Boundary Commission for England’s review of the Council’s size and ward boundaries, the Council will be carrying out a review of its Polling Places over the next few months. While the majority of electors will continue to vote at their usual polling station, changes to ward boundaries mean that some electors will need to go to a different polling station in order to vote at the elections for Borough and Parish Councillors in May 2019 and at any following elections.
Council’s draft proposals will close on 31 May. Representations are invited from all electors. More details can be found at
www.surreyheath.gov.uk/ elections or by contacting the Democratic Services team on 01276 707165, or at vote@surreyheath.gov.uk.
The new ward boundaries can be seen at www.lgbce.org.uk/ current-reviews/south-east. Those electors affected by a change in polling station will be notified in writing. The consultation setting out the
Surrey Heath staycation... You may have seen our guide to family friendly Half Term activities in the borough last month - if so, we hope you managed to try some of them, from den building to military coding workshops, and had fun in the process!
please do take a look on our website at www.surreyheath. gov.uk/holidays and see if anything takes your fancy. There’s a range of indoor and outdoor activities, to suit all budgets, from guided walks to swimming and kids’ clubs.
We’ve put together a similar guide for the Easter holidays, featuring a wide range of suggestions, so
26 I Heathscene I www.surreyheath.gov.uk