HeathsceneGreat Place • Great Community • Great Future Spring 2014

RMA receive Freedom of the Borough

Surrey Heath Show 2014

New Dementia Garden

Head over heels at

Crabtree Skatepark

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www.surreyheath.gov.uk I Heathscene I 3

Copywriting by: Ian Macey, Andy Edmeads and Daniel Harrison, Surrey Heath Borough CouncilDesigned and printed by: Frontline, Ashdown House, Charlwoods Road, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 2HJPublished by: Surrey Heath Borough Council, Email heathscene@surreyheath.gov.uk Tel: 01276 707100.If you require this magazine in a different format, please call the media & marketing team on 01276 707312.Copyright © Surrey Heath Borough Council. Surrey Heath Borough Council does not accept responsibility for theviews expressed by advertisers in this magazine, nor does it necessarily endorse products or services advertised.

Promote your business with Surrey Heath Borough CouncilWould 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 Heathscenemagazine, distributed to every household in the borough.

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

Surrey Heath’sheritage isinextricably linkedto the military andits presence hashad a significantinfluence on manyof our towns andvillages. Nowhere isthis more apparent than Camberleywhich literally owes its existence to theRoyal Military Academy (RMA).

I believe that it’s a great privilege to havesuch an historic establishment in ourborough and I was filled with immensepride recently when Surrey HeathBorough Council agreed to confer thehonour of the Freedom of the Borough toall ranks of the Royal Military Academy.This gives the RMA the right to marchthrough the streets of the borough, onceremonial occasions, with coloursflying, bands playing, drums beating andbayonets fixed. This right will beexercised for the first time on June 14 inCamberley Town Centre and I am sure itwill be quite a spectacle!

Surrey Heath can’t claim to have thelongevity of the RMA but it will bereaching a significant milestone on 1April when it turns 40. This gives us theopportunity to look back at how localgovernment has changed since 1974,but also at how many things remain thesame. Economic changes, housingshortages and factors such as anincreasing elderly population mean thatwe have had to adapt and change quitequickly. However what hasn’t changedsince 1974 is the commitment anddedication we have to serving ourresidents and ensuring that Surrey Heathcontinues to be a great place, with agreat community and a great future.

Message from the

Chief Executivein this issue . . .

Find us on

Facebook

Park lifeEnjoy your open spaces this spring

page 10

Surrey Heath ShowDon’t miss this fun-packedevent

page 12

Your local museumNew exhibitions and eventsfor all ages

page 27

Freedom of theBoroughRoyal Military Academypersonnel given new honour

page 4

plus many more articles of information and interest. Front cover photo courtesy of Ché Solder

borough and the Royal MilitaryAcademy, enhanced recently by theestablishment of the Surrey HeathCommunity Covenant in 2012 whichis a voluntary statement ofmutual support between acivilian community and its localarmed forces community.

Further details wereunavailable when Heathscene

went to print but informationon the march and other

World War Icommemoration

events will bereleased on

the Surrey Heath website(www.surreyheath.gov.uk) and inthe local media nearer the time.

council

4 I Heathscene I www.surreyheath.gov.uk

On 26 February Surrey Heath Borough Council conferred the Freedom of the Borough on allranks of the Royal Military Academy. This gives military personnel the privilege and honourof marching through the streets of the borough on ceremonial occasions, with colours flying,bands playing, drums beating and bayonets fixed.

Royal Military Academy receives Freedom of the Borough

In recognition of the one hundredthanniversary of World War I, theRoyal Military Academy will exercisethis privilege on the 14 June 2014,to commemorate the sacrifice of somany residents of this borough inthat and later conflicts.

The Freedom will alsoact to confirm the

longstanding linksbetween the

The new borough council wasformed on 1 April 1974 under theLocal Government Act 1972, as amerger of Frimley and CamberleyUrban District, and Bagshot RuralDistrict (there had been aninterim year in 1973 when thecouncil did not have boroughstatus and was called SurreyHeath District Council).

We will be marking theanniversary in variousways through theyear ahead. Lookout for updates inthe next edition ofHeathscene.

Forty years on... borough’s ruby anniversaryThis year Surrey Heath celebrates its 40th year!

Top fitness tip?Aside from my Monday morningspinning class, my advice is to makesure you warm up, stretch, drinkplenty of water and make yourworkout fun and varied!

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

leisure

Why is it important to exercise regularly?Regular exercise has huge healthbenefits such as preventing seriousillnesses and helps reduce bloodpressure and cholesterol, as well asimproving your mental wellbeing.

Why the Arena?It's a really sociable centre withfriendly staff but also friendlymembers. We’ve got new gymequipment like the TRX suspensiontraining system and Viprs exercisegadgets which are great fun andpromise a hard work out with greatresults. We can also offer PersonalTraining and create bespokeprogrammes tailored to your needs.We run a 50+ programme which is agreat way to meet new people andstay fit, plus teen sessions anddedicated classes for young people.

The Arena Leisure Centre offers a wide range of activities for all ages and abilities. From a100 station gym and 90 exercise classes a week, to a swimming pool and squash courts -there really is something for everyone. We caught up with fitness instructor Sarah Gatehouseto find out more.

Spring into fitness at the Arena

Membership starts from just £16.99per month. To find out more call01276 417111 or gowww.dcleisurecentres.co.uk/centres/arena-leisure-centre

The Prudential RideLondon-Surrey cycle events will be coming back to Surrey on Sunday10 August. To find out more visit www.prudentialridelondon.co.uk

council

An Examination in Public of theCamberley Town Centre Area Action Plan (CTCAAP) was held by an Independent PlanningInspector in December 2013.

Through the examination, theInspector can propose modificationsto ensure soundness of the plans.

The Inspector has proposed sixmain modifications to the CTCAAPand these reflect minor changesput forward by the council when

Camberley TownCentre Area ActionPlan modificationsProposals by Surrey Heath Borough Council to revitalise and improve Camberley Town Centre aremoving forward.

the plan was submitted forexamination last year.

Consultation on the modificationstook place for six weeks from theend of February to early April.

For more information visit:www.surreyheath.gov.uk/ctcaap

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

parking

Ticketless Parkingcomes to CamberleyThe long awaited work to improve Camberley’s car parks has begun with the recentinstallation of new clearer signage at Main Square Car Park.

This will soon be followed by thereplacement of the paymentmachines with a state-of-the-artticketless system. Payments will beable to be made via cashlesspayment, season tickets and cash.

In addition to the new paymentmachines, the council will also beundertaking a programme ofimprovements to the car parksincluding refurbished stairwells andupgraded lifts in Main Square.

Throughout this work we will ensurethe car park remains fully operationaland disruption is kept to a minimum.

For more information on theprogramme of works, look out forinternal signage or go to:www.surreyheath.gov.uk/parking

Calling all buddingphotographersLocal amateur photographers are invited to get snappy andshowcase what they love most about Surrey Heath.

Surrey Heath Borough Council ispleased to announce its My SurreyHeath Photo Competition is back fora second year with a brand newcategory and the chance to submiteven more stunning pictures.

Open to anyone of any age that livesin Surrey Heath, the entries will bedivided into three categories - under18s, adult, and a new Mobilecategory which is ideal for SmartPhone users who like using appsand filters to make their picturesstand out!

One winner from each category willreceive a canvas of their photographas well as the chance to take part ina bespoke photography workshop

led by Windlesham and Camberley Camera Club.

An exhibition of the winners and entries will be displayed at various local venues around the borough this summer.

The competition is open now and the closing date for entries is 30 May 2014.

To enter or find out more visitwww.surreyheath.gov.uk/photocompetition

camberley theatre

8 I Heathscene I www.camberleytheatre.biz

Weddings and Partieswith Showbiz Sparkle

Following a refurbishment lastautumn, the theatre now enjoys astylish banqueting service with arange of function rooms as wellas in-house restaurant catererswho can tailor a menu for yourspecial occasion.

The theatre provides a dramaticbackdrop for your special eventand the Auditorium, with its raisedstage, is a wonderful space forcouples wishing to be firmly in thespotlight on their big day. Guestscan enjoy a tour of the venue soit’s well worth discussing yourevent with our Venue Manager.

The main Function Room offers awelcoming space suitable for avariety of seating arrangements

including a comfortable banquetstyle for up to 100 guests. Themodern Café Bar - open daily forlunches, drinks andsnacks - can be utilisedfor your event and there’salso a relaxed sofa areawith a large screen audiovisual facility.

Wedding Fair and Baby ShowOn Sunday 13 April thetheatre will hold its firstcombined Wedding Fairand Baby Show with freeentry to the public.Visitors can view thespace and talk to arange of local andregional suppliers.

There will be a Bride and GroomCatwalk show at 12 and 2pm, andthe Café Bar will be openthroughout the event offeringlunches, hot drinks andrefreshments.

The function room will be set up witha range of chairs and tables dressedfor special occasions to give yousome décor ideas. If you areplanning an event and areconsidering using our facilities, whynot book an appointment in our VIPRoom with our in-house team todiscuss your requirements?

To book your time-slot please call01276 707600 or visitwww.camberleytheatre.biz formore information. We look forward toseeing you on Sunday 13 April!

Camberley Theatre is the ideal venue for weddings, partiesand family celebrations.

Heathscene Discount Lunch at Camberley Theatre Café BarPresent this voucher to Café Bar staff and receive a 25% discount on your food bill! This offer is onlyvalid on food purchases between 12 and 2.30pm (drinks not included). Offer runs up to and includes30 April 2014. For detailed terms and conditions visit www.camberleytheatre.biz

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

flood prevention

Flood prevention work tacklesadverse weather

The council’s Drainage WorksProgramme operates all yearround, undertaking maintenanceand improvements to minorwatercourses such as ditches andstreams, as well as managingdrainage systems on land thecouncil owns.

During 2013, a range ofimprovement work was carried outaround the borough to reduce theimpact of excessive rainfall.

Improvements undertaken inBagshot, Lightwater, Bisley, WestEnd, Windlesham and Chobhamhave all helped to increase floodresilience, with much morerestoration and maintenanceplanned for the year ahead.

Recently the council has beensuccessful in securing severalDefra grants, with support from theEnvironment Agency, which will beused to continue flood mitigation inall areas of the borough.

Cllr Keith Bush portfolio holder forRegulatory said: “Parts of Surrey

Heath are susceptible to floodingbecause of water draining offthe heathland into local riversand streams.

“The effect of our drainageprogramme to slow down thisflow of water has meant theborough coped tremendouslywell with the heavy rainfall.

“As well as this on-going workwe will continue to pursueexternal funding opportunities to support further improvementsthat benefit local flood resilience.”

As part of its Drainage WorksProgramme, the council worksclosely with neighbouringauthorities and landowners tohelp enhance flood resilience.

Anyone that has a watercoursewithin the boundary of their landis responsible for themaintenance. For advice contactSurrey Heath Borough Councilon 01276 707100 or visitwww.surreyheath.gov.uk

On-going drainage work and flood prevention measures helped Surrey Heath cope wellfollowing heavy rainfall early this year.

Ranger Patrol - Dusk Discoverieson the Heath5, 12, 19 and 21 JuneJoin a ranger on his moonlit patrols ofLightwater Country Park. See thedark side of the Heathland and huntfor amazing nocturnal beasts such asnightjars, bats and tawny owls! If theskies are clear then there’ll be achance to do some star-gazing too.Wear warm clothing as it maybecome cool later. Sorry, no dogs.Cost £3. Pre-booking essentialfor these 2-3 hour events.Times advised when pre-booking.

For bookings or for moreinformation call 01276 707166 /01276 707323 (Field Safari only).To see a full list of local leisureevents go to:www.surreyheath.gov.uk/leisure

leisure

The Great Easter Clue HuntTuesday 15 April Anytime between 11am and 3.30pmJoin the fun at the Visitor Centre,Lightwater Country Park, where theEaster holiday hunt will havefamilies finding clues, solvingpuzzles and claiming rewards. Afterthat you can make a wildlife hat andmeet the animals from the Farms 2Ewe mobile farm. Don’t miss out asthe event is for one day only.

The cost is £4 per child (with oneaccompanying adult free - £4 peradditional adult).

Easter Birdwatch!Saturday 19 AprilJoin Gordon Voller of theGreenspace Team on a birdwatchingwalk around Lightwater CountryPark. Discover some of our residentbirds and also new arrivals from theSouth. Meet Gordon outside theHeathland Visitor Centre. Pleasebring binoculars if you have them. Sorry, no dogs.Cost £2 per person, pre-bookingessential. Time advised when pre-booking. Suitable for adults.

Field SafariTuesday 27 May10 to 11.30amJoin a Greenspace Officer for asafari session amongst the longgrass and flower meadows ofFrimley Lodge Park, to spot themini-beasts that call it home. Gawkand gaze at chafer beetles, fieldcrickets and many more! Netsprovided but places are limited, pre-booking essential. Sorry, no dogs.Cost £2.50 per child.

As the weather gets milder and the days longer, there’s a lothappening in your local parks this spring and summer.Here’s a selection of events to choose from!

Park life

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

youth

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

Crabtree Skate Park ImprovementsRegular users of the Crabtree skate park can now take advantage of a host of exciting newramps and features thanks to the hard work of the Surrey Heath Youth Council, an organisationmade up of local 11-18 year olds who act as a voice for young people in the borough.

Using funding successfully securedfrom Surrey Heath Borough Counciland Surrey County Council, theYouth Council worked closely withGravity Skateparks and the SurreyHeath Greenspace Team to createa new park that caters for all usersof the facility.

Members of the Youth Councilcanvassed young people across theborough to find out what featuresthey would like to see at the park,which Gravity were then able totranslate into an exciting design.The new plan innovatively workswith the existing ramps and withinthe current park footprint, creatingan inspiring arena for all wheeledsports.

The new facilities include a quarter-pipe and roll-in ramps, a newdouble pump bump and a spine;setting the stage for someimpressive riding and skating skills!Young people across the boroughhave already been testing the newequipment and putting themselvesthrough their paces!

If you are interested in the work ofSurrey Heath Youth Council, orwould like to become a membervisit www.surreyheathyc.org.uk

Photo courtesy of Ché Solder

Up to 8,000 people are expected toattend the family fun day packedwith stalls, food outlets, rides andactivities. There’ll be exciting arenadisplays from local communitygroups, which last year saw breath-taking dance and aerobic displays.

Further attractions will include acrafts tent, bouncy castle, the everpopular dog show and a displayfrom Camberley Judo Club.

If you’d like to have a stall at theshow please visitwww.surreyheathshow.org anddownload a booking form. You canalso “Like” their Facebook page andfollow #SurreyHeathShow onTwitter for updates on the day!

Twitter @SurreyHeath#SurreyHeathShowFacebook.com/surreyheathshow

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

leisure

The Surrey Heath Show returns to Frimley Lodge Parkon Saturday 3 May 2014 and organisers are sure it willbe the biggest and best yet!

Surrey Heath Show set to be bigger than ever!

A day of entertainment will thenfeature music, stalls and amusements,as well as traditional favourites likePunch and Judy and magic shows.

A May Ball to raise additional fundstowards The Carnival Association’scharity work within the village takes placeon Saturday 3 May in the Village Hall.The black tie event includes live music,dinner, a raffle and an auction with topprizes. Tickets cost £30 per person.

More info, stall and processionforms are available fromwww.chobhamcarnival.co.ukor call 01276 24738 (stalls) or 01276 858170 (procession).

Preparations for this year’s Chobham Carnival on Monday 5 May are well under way. The themethis year is The Magic of Children’s Characters and the procession starts from Burrow Hill at11.30am before going through the village to the recreation ground.

Chobham Carnival

camberley town centre

www.collectivelycamberley.co.uk I Heathscene I 13

Culturally Camberley...What’s On?

Theatre ShowsCamberley Theatre

Sunday 13 AprilWe’ve Only Just Begun is acelebration of the Carpentersmusic and the spirit of KarenCarpenter.Close your eyes and re-live themagic of one of the greatest femalevoices in pop music history as ToniLee becomes Karen Carpenter andsings hits including Close To you,We’ve Only Just Begun, and more.

Friday 27 JuneBack by popular demand - DesO’Connor.Don’t miss this chance to see DesO’Connor, television personality,multi-million record selling artist andbrilliant comedian live on stage hereat Camberley.

ExhibitionsSurrey Heath Museum:

5 July - 30 AugustWar Time CartoonistMr Cox was an eminent illustratorwho worked for the local newspaperduring the First World War. Hesketched many cartoons ofeveryday life in the area - full ofhumour, drama and socialcomment. These unique sketchesare on display for the first timealongside St. George’s First WorldWar memorial stones. Oncedisplayed in the church on KnollRoad, Camberley - the stones havebeen in storage since the churchwas demolished in the early 1970s.

Local Live MusicEvery Thursday - The Bear, ParkStreet - Live Music from local bands

It’s all happening in Camberley! Whatever your age or interest, the spectacular eventsprogramme is sure to captivate every visitor. We have selected the absolute must-see-don’t-miss exhibitions, theatre shows and evenings out for you to enjoy over the coming months!

Thursday 17 April - So Asia, High Street - AbbaliciousFriday 25 April - Alcatraz, Obelisk Way - The Best ofBuble & Pop With Albie!

Upcoming Town Centre Events3rd Saturday of each month - The Camberley Farmers Market,Park StreetSaturday 28 June - The Big Curry, Park StreetSaturday 30 August - The Love Camberley Car Show,Camberley Town Centre

For more information on all theabove events, visit the CollectivelyCamberley What's On guide -www.collectivelycamberley.co.ukor follow us on Twitter andFacebook - Love Camberley.

Residents were urged to vote forthe popular facility in Bagshot,which had the chance of winningthe cash for a project aimed atgetting more people gardening.

The company Supra, suppliers of keysafes and other equipment for elderlyand vulnerable people, pledged togive the prize money to one of sevenshortlisted projects receiving themost votes from the public.

The campaign to win votesfeatured posters, leaflets andbadges as well extensive pressand social media coverage. Thishard work obviously paid off aswhen the results were announcedit was revealed that Surrey Heathhad received around a quarter ofthe total votes.

By 2015 Surrey Heath is estimatedto have over 1,000 people withdementia as well as the fastestprojected increase in Surrey by2020 due to an ageing population.

Paul Foster, Surrey Heath BoroughCouncil's executive head ofbusiness, said: “We’re overwhelmedwith this result and the brilliantresponse that led to our Let’s GetGrowing campaign winning!

“Our project will deliver a new andinnovative dementia friendlycommunity garden at Windle Valley

Day Centre, specifically aimed atday centre users, local residents,and visitors to the new WellbeingCentre to be built later this year.

“We want to get as many peoplegardening as we can to helpprevent the onset of dementia andhelp those living with it to keepphysically and mentally active.

“Thank you to all those who made thetime to vote for this worthy cause.”

Wellbeing CentreA wellbeing centre for people withdementia is being built at theWindle Valley Day Centre this year.The single storey, 50 square metreextension will provide space forgroups of up to 12 people at atime. Aimed at people in the earlystages of dementia, and theircarers, it will offer a pathway into

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

community

Let’s GetGrowing -communitygarden ideawins £18,000!Surrey Heath’s campaign to win£18,000 to build a dementia friendlygarden at the borough’s WindleValley Day Centre has paid off!

assessment and support servicesas well as a place to meet for helpand advice.

A Dementia FriendlyOrganisationThe council is taking stepstowards becoming a DementiaFriendly Organisation afterapproving a scheme to helpsupport the wellbeing of peopleliving with the condition.

By signing up to the Government-led initiative, the council will receivefree training for customer facingstaff as well as access to freeadvice, information and support.

As a Dementia FriendlyOrganisation, the council will take alead in influencing local servicesabout how to be more empathetic tothe needs of people with dementia.

Meals at HomeOur Meals at Home service ensureselderly and vunerable people haveat least one hot, nutritious meal aday. You can choose from threecourses and all meals are cooked inour vans meaning they arrive hotand fresh at your door. We can alsocater for many specific dietaryrequirements.

We’ve recently expanded to offer alighter option of freshly madesandwiches which can also bedelivered. The Meals at Homeservice is offered 7 days a week,365 days a year and you don’t need a referral letter; just call 01276 707660 for more info.

Community AlarmOur Community Alarm scheme offersthe ability to call for help at the touchof a button. Older people who are ontheir own may feel vulnerable in timesof a crisis but this scheme offers 24hour peace of mind and help in anemergency. Specialist equipment cannow remind residents to lock theirdoor at night, take regular medicationand use bed sensors to alert family oremergency services should theresident not return to bed after a pre-defined period.

Saturday ClubSaturday Club at Windle Valley DayCentre in Bagshot offers carers andthose they care for some time-out toenjoy fun activities. Held everySaturday between 2-5pm, the club isa great way to meet and talk to newpeople with similar interests, takepart in crafts and games - all to beenjoyed over some tea and cake!

Saturday Club costs just £6 and tobook please call Aline on 01276 707659.

For more information on these andother Community Services pleasego to www.surreyheath.gov.uk/communityservicesor call 01276 707679.

www.surreyheath.gov.uk/communityservices I Heathscene I 15

community

Surrey Heath Community ServicesThe Community Services team in Surrey Heath offer a huge range of options to help peoplelive independently for as long as possible. These include our popular and ever expandingMeals at Home, the Windle Valley Centre and Community Alarm service. All these servicesare provided at a reasonable cost and led by experienced, trained and friendly staff.

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

business

You’re the council’s firstEconomic Development Officer.Tell us about this new role.By creating a post specifically tofocus on economic development,the council is demonstrating its firmcommitment to sustaining andpromoting the local economy. Wewant people to know that SurreyHeath is open for business. Myremit will be to spread the wordwherever and however I can. Iwant people to see me as the firstpoint of contact for allconversations about business inSurrey Heath.

What are your main aims?I want to help existing companiesdevelop and grow and provide a"soft landing" for those wishing to

move into Surrey Heath. I also aimto support people who want toimprove their skills and increasetheir employment opportunities.

How will you be involving thebusiness community?By visiting companies anddiscussing with them whattogether we want to achieve. Iattend breakfast meetings,evening meetings, and talk to asmany business associations andcompanies as I can.

I’ll be using social media as I travelround the borough and will betweeting about all of the greatthings available in Surrey Heathand the opportunities forbusinesses.

Profile: Kevin CantlonEconomic Development OfficerSurrey Heath appointed its first Economic Development Officer earlier this year. Heathscenerecently caught up with Kevin to tell us about his role.

What’s your take on businessgrowth in Surrey Heath?Surrey Heath is a great place to live,work and do business. It has hightech business parks, an abundanceof small and growing businesses andis well connected to cities, motorwaysand airports. There’s also a great mixof big names, independents, attractivevillages and vibrant urban areas.

The country is getting back on itsfeet, confidence is returning, andthe council is committed tosupporting local business growth. I think we’re in for exciting times.

To contact Kevin, emailkevin.cantlon@surreyheath.gov.ukor follow him on Twitter@KevinCantlon

01276 707165 or e-mail:vote@surreyheath.gov.uk

Alternatively, write to: Electoral Registration Office,Surrey Heath Borough Council, Surrey Heath House, Knoll Road, Camberley, SurreyGU15 3HD.

Postal votes are sent outapproximately eight working daysbefore an election.

Your vote sends a powerful message,please don’t waste it...it counts!

For further information andapplication forms, please contactthe Electoral Registration Office on

council

www.surreyheath.gov.uk I Heathscene I 19

Did you know that council tax is charged based on two people living in a property?Reductions are available to the amount payable in certain circumstances.

Council Tax - Are you paying the right amount?

These include:Single Person DiscountIf you live alone you can get a25% discount.

Discounts for people who arenot counted - Certain people arenot counted when working outthe number of adults who live inyour home, therefore your billcould be reduced. This includesfull time students, student nursesand people who are severelymentally impaired.

Disabled band reductionscheme - If there is a room orother extra space in your

property needed by a disabledoccupant, the disabled bandreduction scheme may entitleyou to a reduction in yourCouncil Tax.

Empty property - Since April2013, Council Tax has beenpayable on most furnished andunfurnished empty properties.From April 2014, no council tax is payable on an emptyunfurnished property for the first28 days from when the propertybecomes empty.

There are some exemptions forproperty left empty in certain

circumstances, such as propertyowned by a charity, left empty bysomeone who has moved toreceive personal care in a hospitalor a care home, or repossessedproperties in possession of amortgage company.

How to applyIf you think you are eligible forany of the above discounts andexemptions, please visitwww.surreyheath.gov.uk/counciltax or call 01276 707176.

European Parliamentary Elections will be taking place on Thursday 22 May.

European ParliamentaryElections - 22 May 2014You will need to be on the ElectoralRegister in order to cast your voteat this election.

Paying Council Tax does notautomatically include you on theElectoral Register. Applications fornew registrations must be receivedby Tuesday, 6 May 2014 in order tobe accepted.

The election of Members of theEuropean Parliament takes placeevery 5 years.

Any elector can vote by post if theycannot or do not want to vote at thepolling station. All you need do iscomplete and return a postal votingapplication form before 5pm onWednesday, 7 May 2014 and wewill make sure your ballot paper issent to you by post.

community

Supported Lodgings places a youngperson aged 16 or 17 into a familyor individual’s (host) home for up toa year, much like fostering and anarticle in the winter Heathscenelead to 10 enquiries which resultedin two new placements!

Who can be a SupportedLodgings Host?east to west needs people from allwalks of life, married or single, withor without children, young or not soyoung. All that they ask is that peopleare in good health, have a spareroom and are willing to share theirhome and lives with a young person.

A host doesn’t have parentalresponsibility for the young person,but is asked to help nurture skillssuch as cooking, budgeting, or

shopping economically.

What support do hosts receive?Although a rewarding experience initself, hosts will receive the housingbenefit payment that the young

Can you bring hospitality and hopeto transform a life? east to west -Supported Lodgings Scheme In the last issue of Heathscene we highlighted east to west - a trust bringing hope to over1,400 children, young people and families in Surrey and Berkshire each year.

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

English classes for retiredGurkha soldiersSurrey Heath has a significant number of retired Gurkha soldiers and their families living in the borough.

To enable Gurkha residents tointegrate and access local services,Surrey Heath Borough Council hassecured government funding toprovide English classes which willtake place at the Camberley AdultEducation Centre.

Continuing throughout most of 2014,the classes will also aim toencourage volunteers from the widercommunity to eventually becomeEnglish tutors of the future.

Volunteers are being offered fundingto undertake CELTA (Certificate in

English Language Teaching to Adults).If you or anyone you know might beinterested in getting involved andperhaps doing a CELTA course,

please contact Sarah Groom on01276 707263 or e-mail:sarah.groom@surreyheath.gov.uk

person is entitled to as well as trainingand have an allocated support worker.

For more information please go towww.supportedlodgings.org orcall them on 01784 4380070.

youth

www.surreyheath.gov.uk I Heathscene I 21

Young Citizen course teachessafety and responsibilityHundreds of Year 7 pupils in Surrey Heath have taken part in the Young Citizen scheme, a one-day course aiming to equip young people with the skills and knowledge to lead safe and healthy lives.

Young Citizen saw more than 400children learning first-hand aboutdealing with emergency situations, aswell as protecting personal safety andbeing responsible towards others.

Pupils from Kings InternationalCollege, Collingwood College andCarwarden House CommunitySchool all took part.

During the day, a range ofinformative and interactive sessionswere provided by Surrey Fire andRescue, St John Ambulance andSurrey Police.

A play by the Soloman TheatreCompany entitled ‘Last Orders’was performed by young actors,highlighting issues around alcoholabuse and its consequences. The young people were thenencouraged to debate and explore the themes andrelationships in a discussionworkshop which followed.

Special guests visiting the YoungCitizens were the Mayor of SurreyHeath Cllr Beverley Harding andJeff Harris, Deputy Police andCrime Commissioner for Surrey.

The Mayor said “I was pleased tosee so many local organisationsworking together to deliver YoungCitizen. It was great to see all theschools involved in such a valuablescheme, providing young people withimportant skills that hopefully they willremember throughout their lives.

“The interactive sessions werethought provoking and led to lots ofdiscussion and debate from theyoung participants.”

The scheme was organised by theSafer Surrey Heath Partnership(SSHP) and Surrey Heath LearningPartnership (SHLP).

local residents,businesses and thewider public eveneasier access toplanning informationand the amount of data that can besearched for is noweven morecomprehensive than ever.”

The PlanningApplications Searchcan be found viaPlanning and Building and thenPlanning Applications onwww.surreyheath.gov.uk

council

dogs. They have been talkingto owners and issuing dogpoo bags where appropriate.

Some specific reports haveresulted in evening andweekend patrols. Patrols inhotspot areas have beenshown to reduce dog fouling.

Surrey Heath is a cleanborough and the vast majorityof dog owners clean up aftertheir pet. If you see anyone notclearing up after their dog andcan identify them please reportit via www.surreyheath.gov.uk/reportit or call 01276 707100.

Planning Search online -www.surreyheath.gov.uk

The planning pages are designed tomake life easier for residentswanting to find out about specificplanning applications.

Via the Planning ApplicationsSearch section, visitors can usethe search box to find planninginformation, by either entering theapplication reference number,address, or postcode. The singlesearch box also lets users searchby case officer, applicant name oragent name.

Geographical Information System(GIS) Manager James Rutter said:“The latest search function offers

Since its launch in June 2013 the planning search function on www.surreyheath.gov.ukhas become more and more popular.

Highlightingirresponsible dogowners

Surrey Heath Borough Council isresponding to dog fouling reportswith high visibility patrols andmarking where people fail to clearup after their pet, drawing attentionto the problem and aiming to makedog owners think twice.

Bagged dog mess can go into anypublic litter bin and additionalawareness signs have been addedto more bins recently, together withpenalty signs on posts.

Neighbourhood officers regularlypatrol parks and other open spacesand have the power to issue £75fixed penalty notices to thosecaught not clearing up after their

Dog mess found in the borough is being sprayed withcoloured paint to shame irresponsible owners.

22 I Heathscene I www.surreyheath.gov.uk

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

The upgrade will transform a 13.4mile stretch of the route into a‘smart motorway’ by adding anadditional lane in both directionsbetween junctions 2 and 4a andusing variable speed limits tomanage traffic flow.

The measures aim to increasecapacity, reduce congestion andboost average speeds for motorists,hopefully cutting four minutes pervehicle from a morning commute

into London and one minute pervehicle from the evening journey.

Due to the capacity increase,emissions from the extra traffic areforecast to breach local air qualitylimits on a short section of the routeunless the section is limited to 60mphduring certain times of the day.

At the time of Heathscene going topress, the Highways Agency wasconsulting on proposals to introduce

a 60mph speed limit on the threemile section from junction 3 atLightwater to junction 4 nearFarnborough between 7am and 7pm.The consultation closes on 11 April.

Construction of the smart motorwayscheme is expected to start this year.

For more info visitwww.highways.gov.uk or call theHighways Agency’s information lineon 0300 123 5000.

M3 motorway upgradeThe Highways Agency is planning a £174m upgrade to the M3 in Surrey.

Improvements you can make underthe Green Deal include:

• heating• double glazing• insulation - such as loft or

cavity wall• Renewable energy generation -

solar panels or heat pumps

The costs are paid back ininstalments through your fuel bill asthe Green Deal is a loan, not agrant. The Government advises thatsavings on your energy bills afterimprovements should cover the costof the loan over time.

If you live in rentedaccommodation, both owner and

tenants must agree before goingahead with improvements. Thisincludes Social Housing.

For more details call the EnergySaving Advice Centre on 0300 1231234 or visit www.gov.uk/green-deal-energy-saving-measures

Support for homes andbusinesses to improve energy efficiencyThe Green Deal is a new scheme that can help you make energy-saving improvements toyour home or business without paying all the costs up front.

community

Spring Fabrics

now available

www.voluntarysupport.org.uk I Heathscene I 25

community

Volunteer today

Many charities andvoluntary groups inSurrey Heathoperate principallythrough thecontributions madeby volunteers.Local groups offer

a variety of free or low costservices to the vulnerable andthose in need. In addition thereare social groups, support groupsand sports groups as well asyoung people and animal charities.

Voluntary Support North Surrey(VSNS) focuses on improving thelives of the people in Surrey Heath bypromoting voluntary work andsupporting local voluntary andcommunity organisations.

We know that many people inSurrey Heath would like to givesomething back to their communitybut don’t know where their helpwould be most needed. VoluntarySupport North Surrey matchvolunteers’ interests and skills withvoluntary and community groupslooking for support.

Currently there’s a need for drivers forlocal good neighbour schemes,people with empathy for befriendingopportunities and mentors for youngpeople. If you have time to commit torunning or steering a charity there arealways opportunities to get involved.

Additionally VSNS specialises inencouraging team volunteering andhelps organisations to fulfil theircorporate social responsibilities.Team challenge days enable groupsof willing volunteers to leave theirnormal place of work and embark on a project that will help thecommunity and also help build team spirit.

Please call into the VSNS officelocated next to Surrey Heath Houseon Knoll Road, Camberley, or phoneus to find out more about volunteeringon 01276 707565, or visit our websitewww.voluntarysupport.org.uk

Do you think you could spare the time to give something back to your local area? Do you wishto become more involved with the community and make new friends or learn new skills?

www.surreyheath.gov.uk I Heathscene I 27

council

Dates foryour diary

What’s on at SurreyHeath Museum

April

Wednesday 16 -Basingstoke Canal walk. from 10am - 11am

Saturday 19 -Easter Birdwatch! 9am-11amLightwater Country Park. £2per person

Thursday 24 -Tribute to Cliff & The Shadows.7.30pm at Camberley Theatre

MaySaturday 3 -The Surrey Heath Show.Frimley Lodge Park 10am - 4pm

Thursday 15 -Chris Packham’s Wild Night Out.7.30pm at Camberley Theatre

June

Wednesday 4 -Lightwater Country Park 1hrwalk. 10am Heathland VisitorCentre

Friday 13 -Talon, The Best of the Eagles.7.30pm at Camberley Theatre

July

Saturday 12 -Alice Through the LookingGlass (out door performance).1pm at Frimley Lodge Park

There’s a lot to see and do at Surrey Heath Museum and our programme is packed full of exciting events, talks andworkshops for all ages. Here are a few highlights!

Other highlightsSaturday 10 May, 11am-3pm. Gobehind the scenes at the Museum anddiscover our hidden treasures! Free. Thursday 5 June, 6-7.30pm. Walkaround historic Yorktown with localhistorian Ken Clarke. £2.50. Pleasebook in advance.Children’s ‘Drop In’ Sessions9 April to 17 April (normal openinghours) - Compete in our free EasterQuiz around the museum and enterour Easter Egg Competition.

A Postcard from Surrey Heath is a special display by a local collector,featuring 120 years of local scenes sent as postcards. Both exhibitions are free and run 5 April until 21 June.

EventsMonuments and Memorials, Walks ofRMA Sandhurst - 28 May, 16 July and 17Sept, 9.30am to 12.30pm.A special collaboration to mark 100 yearssince the First World War began between the Museum, The Sandhurst Trust and TheSandhurst Collection. Enjoy a three hour tour of Royal Military Academy looking at the important monuments and memorials itholds, plus an exclusive tour of the IndianArmy Memorial Room, the Royal Chapel and the Sandhurst Collection. Lightrefreshments will be provided. Price £25 and all bookings must be made inadvance by calling 01276 707284 or emailing museum@surreyheath.gov.uk.

ExhibitionsWhy, What, When and WhereThis exhibition features both objects and archival material from the boroughto celebrate our unique heritage. It also features the unveiling of the SurreyHeath Mosaic - a special project working with the local community to createa mosaic of the area.

Saturday 21 June, 11am-3pm.Investigating Insects - come along fora special day of insect activities tocelebrate National Insect Week, led byEntomologist Jemma Waters. More on these and other Museumevents can be found online atwww.surreyheath.gov.uk/museumSurrey Heath Museum is located onKnoll Road, Camberley and is openWednesday to Saturday, 11am to 5pm.You can call the museum on 01276 707284 or emailmuseum@surreyheath.gov.uk

www.surreyheath.gov.uk/events