www.surreycc.gov.uk/surreymatters 1

www.surreycc.gov.uk Autumn 2013

Focusing on our priorities l Surrey Telecare l Improving our roads l Change4Life

Plus!

2 www.surreycc.gov.uk/surreymatters

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4 News from across the county

6 Turning the spotlight on a disabled man who received a grant to help him get back into work

7 Make a healthy Change4Life

8 The council’s priorities for the future

10 Meet the people who have a hobby during their train journeys

11 Tackling the county’s worst roads

12 Investing in our schools to create more school places

14 Michaela uses telecare to live independently

16 Tell us what you think in our readership survey

17 Visit Dorking, a town of old and new

18 What’s on from now until January

Inside WelcomeWe’re now a few months

into our new four year council term and while it’s clear we have some challenging times ahead we are confident about the future.

The financial situation is getting tighter while demand for our services continues to grow, but we have a clear strategy based on what our residents have told us they value.

This strategy involves doing things differently and finding innovative ways of delivering services that reduce costs but not quality. It also involves being focused on our key priorities and you can read more about those on page 8.

A good example of doing things differently is helping more vulnerable people to continue to live in their own homes rather than a care home and on page 14 you can read about how one resident is using telecare products to do that.

As always, if you’d like to get in touch we’d love to hear from you. Email us at surreymatters@ surreycc.gov.uk or call 03456 009 009. We’re also on Facebook and you can follow @surrey_matters on Twitter.

David HodgeLeader of Surrey County Council Produced by Surrey County Council Communications Team and printed on 100% recycled FSC paper. Please recycle this magazine. SJ/08/13/CS2643.Every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of information in this magazine, but Surrey County Council cannot accept responsibility for mistakes or omissions. Surrey County Council also does not accept responsibility for any goods or services offered by advertisers. Publication does not imply recommendation.

Want to get news, features, events and competitions from Surrey Matters every month? Sign up to our e-newsletter at www.surreycc.gov.uk/surreymatters.

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/surreymatters

@surrey_matters

Sign up to the monthly e-newsletter by emailing surreymatters@surreycc.gov.uk.Email us: surreymatters@surreycc.gov.uk. Write to us: Surrey Matters, Communications Team, G29, Surrey County Council, Freepost, KT1 2EA.Call us: 03456 009 009 or +44 20 8541 9944 overseasLines open Monday to Friday, 8am - 6pmFax: 0208 541 6575. Minicom: 0208 541 9698 SMS: 07527 182861If you didn’t receive your own copy of Surrey Matters, or you would like this magazine in large print, on tape or in another language, please contact us. A pdf version is available online.

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At a glance…Over the last few months, I have:l Visited a new outdoor gym near Stoneleigh, built after the Friends of Shadbolt Park were awarded £18,000 from the council’s Community Improvements Fund. l Joined the council’s youth service along with other speakers at an event to encourage Surrey businesses to provide apprenticeship opportunities.

News

Have your say about cycling

Do you want to have a say about cycling in Surrey?

As the pedalling craze continues to grow in the county, the council has written a proposed strategy to help manage cycling on Surrey’s roads.

Tell us your thoughts by filling in the short online survey at www.surreycc.gov.uk/cyclingstrategy or call 03456 009 009 to get a hard copy. You can also pick one up from any Surrey library.

KEEP WArM AnD WELL ThIS WInTErIf you’re worried about mounting fuel prices this winter, Action Surrey could help you get free or discounted boilers and cavity wall or loft insulation.

The new Energy Company Obligation means that you can replace your old, inefficient boiler and insulate your home to dramatically reduce your energy bills.

Action Surrey can also help homeowners to claim £270 for installing a new A-rated gas boiler, £250 for cavity wall insulation or £100 for loft insulation.

To find out how Action Surrey can help you, visit www.actionsurrey.org or call 0800 783 2503.

We need your unwanted white goods

Do you have any fridges, freezers, cookers, washing machines or dishwashers you’d like to donate to someone in need? If so, get in touch with the Surrey reuse network, a group of charities that sell donated furniture and appliances at affordable prices.

Your unwanted appliances will be picked up from your home and passed onto families who need them. The network also helps people get into work by teaching them the skills to repair broken appliances.

To donate your unwanted furniture and kitchen appliances, arrange a collection at www.surreyreusenetwork.org.uk or call 0800 082 0180 (a charity donation may be requested). You can also drop it into one of the showrooms.

4 www.surreycc.gov.uk/surreymatters

You’rE hIrEDAfter successfully supporting Surrey

employers in recruiting 265 apprentice places last year, the council is aiming to build on that success and help even more employers across the county to create a further 500 places for under 19s by next April.

The plans will help young people to kick start a career and get hands-on experience in the workplace. Apprenticeships can also help small businesses grow through a new skilled workforce.

Justice Secretary, Chris Grayling, has even backed the plan. He said: “Apprenticeships are a central part of ensuring the future business success of Surrey.”

Visit www.surreycc.gov.uk/apprenticeships or call 03456 009 009 to find out more.

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It’s never too early to join a library

Did you know that even babies can borrow books from Surrey’s libraries? All they need is their very own Pebble the Penguin library card, which is available from birth to the age of five.

Parents and carers can collect stamps by borrowing books and when the card is full; their little one will receive their very own Pebble the Penguin bag.

Regularly sharing books, stories, songs and rhymes helps to build early language skills and provides a special time for parents and their children to spend together.

Join for free at www.surreycc.gov.uk/under5s or visit your local library. You can also call 0300 200 1001 to find out more, or follow @SurreyLibraries on Twitter.

Kick your smoking habit

If you smoke 20 cigarettes a day, did you know that the habit is costing you around £2,500 a year? That’s enough for 42 tickets to Premier League football matches, eight weekend breaks for two people or even a family holiday.

So if you’re looking to quit, why not join the thousands across the country taking part in Stoptober.

People in Surrey will be able to join the 28 day mass participation challenge which aims to help smokers curb their cravings by going smokefree.

If you take part, you’ll receive the support that’s best for you; either face to face, over the phone or at your GP surgery. Visit www.healthysurrey.org.uk or call 0845 602 3608 to find out more.

Concessions and help for disabled people If you’re disabled and live in Surrey, you can join the Surrey Disability register for free and receive lifetime

concessions, like VAT exemption in some cases. once you join, you’ll receive regular updates and find out how to get access to support services, if needed.

To find out more or to join the Surrey Disability register, visit www.surreycc.gov.uk/disabilityregister or call 0300 200 1005.

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Surrey Matters turns the spotlight on Phillip Marsden-Scarfe, a disabled man who was given £1,000 from the Surrey Supported Employment Fund to help him get back into work.

In ThE

spotlight

Phillip Marsden-Scarfe was a freelance musician until he

fell off a stage 22 years ago. he was left injured and has since developed chronic pain syndrome, which affects his nervous system and restricts movement in his body.

he applied for funding to help him get back into work and was awarded £1,000 from Surrey Supported Employment and the Community Foundation for Surrey. he used the money to buy tools to restart his business of fixing and making guitars, banjos and violins.

“The money has helped me no end. The first grant has meant I can make guitars again, without this fund I wouldn’t have been able to do it.

“I’ve been making guitars since I was 19 but it’s sometimes hard with this condition. The money has allowed me to buy these tools

to make things easier.“At the moment I make

and mend instruments in my kitchen, but I’m hoping to get a workshop built in my garden soon. It’s important that my workshop is nearby as I can’t walk far and if I can’t sleep at least I’m able to do some work during the night.

“Disability is a challenge but I won’t let that stop me from working. I’m always looking for ways to work around it, like wearing Velcro gloves to make sure I don’t drop tools and damage an instrument if my hand gets painful.

“I’m so grateful to the Community Foundation for Surrey. They are always so helpful and friendly and will do everything they can to help. To show my appreciation, I’ve offered to donate an instrument to them to auction each year.”

To find out more about the Surrey Supported

Employment Fund, visit www.cfsurrey.org.uk or call 01483 409230.

>> Three-tone six-string bass

Modern lifestyles have led to lots of people becoming less healthy. TV and computer games are more popular than ever and families are eating more convenience and fast food.

ChAnGE Your FAMILY’S hEALTh...

4LifeT hat’s why mum of three Suraya Syeda from Staines decided

to make changes to keep her family healthy and active. Suraya noticed that her 14-year-old son Zaki (pictured

above) was spending more time in front of the TV than exercising and always ate junk food, instead of anything healthy.

“I found out about this local Change4Life scheme for children which was organised by Spelthorne Borough Council and aims to increase their physical activity and educate them about food.”

Suraya and her son went to a couple of two hour sessions a week for 10 weeks where they were taught about nutrition, cooking healthy foods and had the opportunity to try out different sports.

“The most important thing I learnt is that it isn’t just the child that needs educating, it’s the family too. one week, we were shown exactly how much oil is in a bag of crisps. When there’s a pot of oil in

front of you it makes you think. It was a real wake up call.”A year on and the whole family are more active and eating

healthy foods. “Zaki has also found a new love for hockey. he competed in the P&G Surrey School Games and was also asked to play for his local team, Staines u14s.

“It has been such a confidence boost for him. his health has improved and he’s made friends at the same time. he has also taken up karate and is more conscious about what he eats. I never thought he would swap white bread for wholemeal, but he loves it!”

To find more about the sessions and other ways to live an active and healthy life, visit www.healthysurrey.org.uk or call 0300 123 4567. You can also search for Active Surrey online, to find out what free taster sport sessions are taking place near you.

If you’re aged

between 40 and 74 and

haven’t had a stroke or been

diagnosed with heart disease,

kidney disease or diabetes

then you’re eligible for a free

health check.

Contact your GP surgery

or local pharmacist for

more details.

www.surreycc.gov.uk/surreymatters 7www.surreycc.gov.uk/surreymatters 7

8 www.surreycc.gov.uk/surreymatters

Surrey’s population is growing. People are living longer and more babies are being born, which means demand for many of Surrey County Council’s services is growing while the funding received from Central Government is reducing.

SurreyFor A

betterWorking

David hodge, who was re-elected

as Leader following the county council elections in May, explains: “The council is facing challenging

times ahead which means we need to be innovative to deliver services in the most cost effective way. We also need to be focused on a set of priorities that will ensure we make a positive difference to the lives of our residents each and every day.

“The priorities for the next four years include supporting our vulnerable adults and protecting our vulnerable children. They also include investing in our schools, improving our roads, creating opportunities for young people, strengthening the economy and caring for our environment.

“We have a hard working team of people at Surrey County Council who want to make a real difference to the people living in the county. We’ll also be working with others like local district and borough councils, Surrey Police, health partners and the ambulance service. We’ll listen to residents and involve them in decisions about the future of services and their communities.

• Creating 500 apprenticeships for young people

• Providing 16,000 additional school places

• Helping 30,000 residents live independent lives

What we’re working on this yearTo deliver our priorities there are specific targets set at the start of each financial year. For this year they include:

• Driving ahead with our five-year road improvement programme

• Tackling local community issues such as litter

• Introducing a permit scheme for utilities works on Surrey’s roads

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Meet the people making the decisionsFollowing his re-election, the Leader confirmed the members of his Cabinet who are the key decision makers in the council. Surrey Matters spoke to each of them to get a snapshot of what they’re working on.

Peter Martin, Deputy Leader

“Strengthening our economy is a key priority and I’m doing this by encouraging greater investment into Surrey and working with the business community and a range of partners, including our two Local Enterprise Partnerships.”

Linda Kemeny, Cabinet Member for Schools and Learning

“We’re investing in our schools to make sure we provide enough school places to deliver an excellent education for every child in Surrey. I’m also making sure we create opportunities for young people once they’ve finished school.”

Mary Angell, Cabinet Member for Children and Families

“My aim is to protect our vulnerable children and help families thrive by providing opportunities for them to reach their full potential.”

John Furey, Cabinet Member for Transport, Highways and Environment

“I’m ensuring we have a comprehensive plan for improving our roads, which includes completely rebuilding 310 miles of our worst roads as well as protecting road surfaces and fixing potholes that appear.”

Helyn Clack, Cabinet Member for Community Services

“Strengthening communities in Surrey will benefit everyone, so I’ll be making sure we have good community engagement, events and access to local services.”

Denise Le Gal, Cabinet Member for Business Services

“our team is the cog in the wheel of the council that ensures our frontline staff are able to deliver innovative, quality services that represent value for money."

Tony Samuels, Cabinet Member for Assets and Regeneration programmes

“Surrey is continually changing and I’m responsible for making certain that every regeneration programme benefits the county and its residents.”

Michael Gosling, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Health and Wellbeing Board

“I’m taking the lead on our new role in public health so will be making sure we’re helping to keep families healthy.”

Mel Few, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care

“Working with our partners to make a difference to the lives of Surrey’s elderly and vulnerable adults through trusted personalised and universal social care support, so they have choice and control.”

For more information about the council’s priorities and to watch a video highlighting what we’re focusing on over the next year, visit www.surreycc.gov.uk/ourpriorities or call 03456 009 009.

MAKE YourPoSSIBLE BYtravellingSMART

hobby

What others get up to on their commuteConnor stephens from Ashtead has a daily train journey which provides him with thinking time to come up with lyrics and ideas for new songs. he’s currently producing his debut album Kickback, due for release in September 2013.

“I draw inspiration from observing people on the train and imagining what their lives are like outside the hustle and bustle of the daily commute.”

Andy Charman from Send is trying to build a name as a writer, while holding down a job in London and still finding time for his family. he writes short stories on his train journey to and from work each day.

“I pay extra for a first class ticket guaranteeing a seat with a table so I can work. Right now I’m working on a short story set in a snowy winter in Dorset in the 1860s. I’m really enjoying writing it.”

Mark stay is 40 and lives in Ewell. he wrote the screenplay for the upcoming feature film Our

Robot Overlords while commuting to work.“I travel by train from Ewell West every

day, so I get about an hour to focus on my writing. I try to make the most of the journey, as I have a busy job and very little spare time.

“I’m usually able to get a seat and don’t even mind the occasional delay as it means I have a bit more time to finish what I’m doing.

“I’ve been writing plays for years, some of which were performed at the Epsom Playhouse and the Edinburgh Festival.

“In 2003 I moved onto screenplays, and our robot overlords was mostly written on the train. Without that time I wouldn’t have been able to write half as much as I do now.

“I was over the moon when I found out it was going to be made into a film. We have a fantastic cast including Sir Ben Kingsley and Gillian Anderson. Filming has just finished and it’s due to be released in summer 2014.”

“The screenplay was mostly written on the train. Without

that time I wouldn’t have been able to write half as much as I do now.”

Have you got a hobby but struggling to find time to do it? These Surrey people decided to leave their cars at home and travel by train so they have time to do what they love.

Travel SMArT is a programme set up by Surrey County Council with funding from the Department for Transport that is designed to provide local people with more travel choices that help cut carbon, calories and cost. It aims to support economic growth and cut carbon by helping people travel better.

To find out more about Travel SMArT, visit www.travelsmartsurrey.info or call 03456 009 009.

10 www.surreycc.gov.uk/surreymatters

From a distance School Lane looks quiet and rural, used only by dog walkers.

It runs along the village green, past the cricket pavilion and the school, round a leafy bend down to ockley cemetery. In fact this lane’s peaceful appearance belies a much busier truth.

Twice a day there’s the

school-run by teachers and parents plus various coaches to take pupils to and from activities. It’s used by funeral corteges, cricketers coming for training sessions and matches at the cricket club, recycling trucks, lorries that use it as a lay-by, the local mother and toddler group, walking clubs who meet and park up, plus the local farmer

drives his tractor and trailers up and down.

That’s why School Lane was chosen to be part of Surrey’s Better roads programme – a £100m investment to fix the county’s worst roads in the next five years. Some roads need the top layers to be dug up and rebuilt.

This work will end patch repairs and temporary fixes

which sometimes lead to potholes breaking out almost as quickly as they are fixed. What’s more, each new road comes with a ten year guarantee.

To find out more about Surrey’s road improvement plans, visit www.surreycc.gov.uk/highwaysinfo or call 0300 200 1003.

School Lane in ockley is Surrey’s 50th road to be rebuilt as part of Better roads, a new programme to improve the county’s worst roads.

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An end Topatchrepairs

What the local people thinkSurrey Matters asked the residents of School Lane what they thought of the road before the rebuild and what they think about the programme.

Hilary Bowman“I’ve seen workers shovelling

slushy snow out of the potholes to repair them, but they were getting nowhere. For such a small lane it gets a lot of use by heavy vehicles, so it’s good that the road is being rebuilt.”

Zoe Wright “The snow and ice always

make this road worse during the winter. now it’s been fixed, it’s better for parents and teachers who use it and will make a big difference to the community.”

Martin Pratt“The only good thing about

the potholes was that they slowed people down. The fact that it’s been completely rebuilt sounds like a very good idea.”

The council will also continue to protect the road surfaces and fix any potholes that appear. The highways team will also aim to keep roads clear of ice and snow in the winter and overhanging trees and debris in the spring.

BEFORE

Sally Taylor is headteacher at Burhill Infant School in hersham. During the

summer holidays, work was carried out to renovate the existing building. next year further work will be done to extend and make it into a primary school, to cater for the extra school places needed in the area.

“Last school year, we had 382 children at school but once the building work is complete and all years are here up to Year 6, we’ll have around 650 children.”

The expansion is part of a reorganisation of education in the area, which will also see Bell Farm and Grovelands Schools turned into primary schools to provide more places in hersham and Walton-on-Thames. The first Year 3s will start at Burhill in September 2014.

“Like many schools we’re oversubscribed each year, so we have had a ‘bulge’ class to be able to give more children a school place. We’ve come to the point where we need to extend.

“Parents have become really supportive of the school recently, I think it’s because we do some things really well.

“We deliver the curriculum in a different way to other schools. At the beginning of the year, we ask the children what they’re interested in. From the responses we come up with a plan for the year. That means we don’t just use the same plans each year, we teach different things all the time.

“Last year, we taught the topic ‘around the world’. To kick it off, we decided to turn the classroom into an aeroplane and all the teachers

dressed as cabin crew. The pupils visited lots of different countries to learn the culture and food and got stamps in their homemade passports. They loved it and learned a lot. Since we’ve started this type of learning, our test results just keep getting better.

“Bringing the subjects to life also means that the children go home talking about what they did at school, which makes parents happy too.

“We also make sure we keep the parents updated as much as possible. We have an online learning platform with class pages and photos and we email parents every Sunday to let them know what’s happening in the coming week.”

The building work this summer has renewed three of the school’s oldest classrooms to become an Early Years block

and a new admin block, with offices and a new, bigger staff room for the extra teachers. By the end of August 2014, another two classrooms will be demolished for a big two-storey block.

Sally added: “We love our school and can’t wait to see it when the building work is all finished. We really value the outdoors and the architects have protected that. We have beehives and chickens and we’re hoping to get an orchard soon.

“The builders have been brilliant with the children too. They even came into a Year 2 class and taught them how to make joints and hinges.”

To find out more about the council’s investment in schools, visit www.surreycc.gov.uk/schools or call 0300 200 1005.

As the population continues to grow, more children need a school place each year. That’s why Surrey County Council is investing in its schools to offer more places and give every child the best education possible.

12 www.surreycc.gov.uk/surreymatters

Sally Taylor, Headteacher

EDuCATInGSurrey

www.surreycc.gov.uk/surreymatters 13

What the parents thinkWe asked parents what they think of the school and about its expansion.

Vicky Marsh, mother of Sonny (aged 6)

“The staff are amazing and I’m so glad my son will be lucky enough to have an extended four years at Burhill.”

Jane Anderson, mother of Kate (aged 5)

“My daughter has been given a real love of learning through the imaginative way the curriculum has been presented.”

Tariq Khwaja, father of Jamie (aged 5)

“We’re pleased Burhill is becoming a primary school. We’re hoping our daughter can join Jamie at Burhill when she’s old enough.”

Jamie Ewan, mother of Lily (aged 5)

“The expression of intrigue and excitement on the children’s faces as they approach their classroom is priceless.”

14 www.surreycc.gov.uk/surreymatters

Surrey Telecare offers products to people who want to stay independent in their own homes. Michaela uses some of these products in her flat because she suffers with epilepsy and has learning disabilities. Surrey Matters talked to her to find out how they’ve changed her life.

M ichaela, a 27 year old from Caterham first got telecare products four years ago when she moved out of her mum’s house and into her own flat.

A member of the telecare team came round to assess Michaela and her home, and she was given a smoke alarm and a button pendant worn on her arm, to contact the call centre if something is wrong. She also has a pill dispenser and has recently requested a bed sensor, as she’s started to have seizures overnight.

“The smoke alarm came in handy a couple of weeks ago when my partner went out and left the oven on. The alarm went off and as they weren’t able to contact us through the monitor in the living room, they called the fire service.

“The fire officers had to break into the house to sort it out. We were lucky because they said if it was left much longer, the whole place could have been set alight.”

Michaela also uses the pendant when she has seizures while she’s on her own. “usually my seizures are manageable but when they’re not, I press the button and they call an ambulance for me. They also call someone on my list – either my support worker or mum – to come over and help me.”

The pendant also helps when Michaela is feeling vulnerable. “An old friend started to hassle me and made me feel uncomfortable.

“he came round one day and started knocking on my door. I didn’t know what to do, so I pressed the button and spoke to a woman in the call centre.

“She told me not to answer the door and called the police.

She was really nice and stayed on the line to talk to me until the police arrived.”

Michaela is sometimes forgetful, so a pill dispenser is handy to make sure she takes the right pills at the right time.

“It’s really easy to use; I just fill the dispenser with the tablets I need to take each day. It makes a noise and dispenses them when I need to take them.

“I was always forgetting to take my pills before, so my mum had to call and remind me to take them. The pill

dispenser is really handy and means she doesn’t have to worry. If I didn’t take my tablets, then I’d probably have an unmanageable seizure so it’s really important that I take them.

“I would recommend Surrey Telecare to anyone who would benefit from the products. It was so easy to set up and it makes me feel safe when I’m home alone.

“It’s not just for elderly people, it’s for anyone who is vulnerable like me and wants to feel safer. It means my

partner can go away without having to worry. “I sometimes feel anxious when I’m on my own and it

brings on a seizure, so knowing that someone is at the end of the line any time of the day helps me to feel safe.”

There are a huge variety of products available through Surrey Telecare, which is run by district and borough councils and Surrey County Council. Products available also include fall detectors, chair sensors and bogus caller alarms and you may be eligible for a 12-week free trial from your local telecare service.

To find out more or to arrange an assessment, visit www.surreytelecare.com or call 0300 200 1005.

“I sometimes feel anxious when I’m on my own

and it brings on a seizure, so knowing that someone is at the end of the line

any time of the day helps me to feel safe.”

>> Pill dispenser

>> Smoke detector

“TelecarehELPS ME Tofeel safe”

www.surreycc.gov.uk/surreymatters 15

>> Pill dispenser

>> Smoke detector

Tell us what you thinkWe always want to know what you think of the magazine. Help us to find out your thoughts by filling in this survey and you could win tickets to see Christmas with the Rat Pack at GLive in Guildford. Once complete, please return the survey to surrey Matters, Freepost, Communications, surrey County Council, Kt1 2EA. You can also fill it in online at www.surreycc.gov.uk/surreymatters.

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W ith Box hill and Leith hill only a few minutes drive away from the town, plus Denbies Wine Estate just a short

walk from the high street, you’ll have plenty to do on your visit.

A look back in timeDorking was known as Manor of Dorchinges when it was a pitstop for roman officials and Imperial messengers while they travelled between London and Chichester.

During the medieval period it was a prosperous agricultural and market town, but it was the arrival of the railway line in 1849 which saw Dorking grow into the bustling town it is today.

On the outskirts Just a few minutes’ drive from the centre of the town lies Box hill, home to rare orchids which make the area a Site of Special Scientific Interest. After a brisk walk up to the top for amazing views towards the South Coast, you can return to the outskirts of Dorking and reward yourself with a glass of wine at Denbies Wine Estate, England’s largest, award-winning vineyard.

Sporting legacy Dorking became the focus of the sporting world when Bradley Wiggins, Chris Froome and Mark Cavendish pedalled through the town before completing nine laps of Box hill during the London 2012 olympic Cycling road race. Since then, some of the world’s best cyclists have returned to Dorking for the Prudential rideLondon-Surrey Classic and the Tour of Britain, attracting locals and visitors to take to their bikes and attempt the challenging terrain.

Cafe culture There’s a huge range of cafes to choose from to quench your thirst whilst you’re in the area. The Courtyard Cafe is nestled just off the high street and offers a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle, where you can sit down and enjoy a drink and a bite to eat.

The historic market town is conveniently located at the foot of the north Downs and offers a perfect mix of town and countryside.

DorkingVisit

What you think of DorkingSurrey Matters took to the streets of Dorking to see what people think of the town.

George Romanowsky from Dorking“I moved here in 1995 and enjoy going walking in the countryside and visiting local pubs. Leith hill is one of my favourite places to walk. "

www.surreycc.gov.uk/surreymatters 17

Jane Dungate from Godalming“Dorking is a great place to visit. It’s a lovely little town with a perfect mix of old and new shops that cater for people of all ages."

Andrew Campbell-Hurt from Dorking “Dorking is the complete town. It has the swimming pool, pubs, cafes and shops but is still surrounded by green space – that’s why I’ve lived here for 40 years."

>> Denbies Wine Estate

>> Box Hill

like this? sign up to the surrey Matters e-newsletter at www.surreycc.gov.uk/surreymatters.

october-january

18 www.surreycc.gov.uk/surreymatters

28 october-1 NovemberHalloween Activity Week, Birdworld, FarnhamEnjoy some spooky fun with a halloween Grotto, a scary trail plus some creepy arts and crafts. Adults £15.95, Children £12.95-£13.95. opens at 10am.

01420 22992 www.birdworld.co.uk

7-10 NovemberEgham Beer Festival, United Services Festival, EghamA great chance to taste a range of real ales and ciders whilst enjoying a BBQ and live music on the Friday and Saturday evenings. £3 entry. Sunday free. Starts at 11am on Friday and Saturday, 12pm on Sunday.

01784 435120 www.eghambeerfestival.co.uk

16 NovemberShooting Star CHASE Christmas Fayre, Bourne Hall, EwellPick up some Christmas treats such as jewellery, toys, plants and hand crafted goods from a variety of stalls. Santa and his elf will also be there to give out presents. £1 entry. 10.30am-3pm.

01932 823100 www.shootingstarchase.org.uk

17 NovemberMilitary Vehicles Day, Brooklands Museum, WeybridgeCheck out over 80 vehicles, enjoy spectacular displays and watch the machines being put through their paces on an off-road circuit. Adults £10, Children £5.50. 10am-4pm.

01932 857381 www.brooklandsmuseum.com

25 NovemberChristmas Lights Switch On & Craft Fair, Denbies Wine Estate, DorkingLook out for Santa arriving on a horse drawn carriage before starting your Christmas shopping. Free.

01306 742002 www.denbies.co.uk

10-24 DecemberSanta Claus and the Christmas Adventure, G Live, GuildfordStart the festive season with a magical Christmas experience including songs, stories and the chance to meet Santa and get a free gift. Adults £15.50, Children £14.50. Timings vary.

0844 7701 797 www.glive.co.uk

15 DecemberCarols at Hatchlands Park, East ClandonGet in the mood for Christmas with some traditional festive carols. Adults £5, Children £3. 3-4pm.

01483 222482 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hatchlands-park

10-18 January Ali Baba, Barn Theatre, Oxted A traditional family pantomime telling the adventures of a boy trying to defeat the evil Desert Wolf and his Forty Thieves. £8-10 each. Times vary.

01883 724896 www.barntheatreoxted.co.uk

Do you want to win an overnight stay at the four star Langshott Manor Hotel in Horley, including a three course dinner in their two aa rosette restaurant and a full english breakfast?

For a chance to win the prize answer the following question at www.surreycc.gov.uk/surreymatters:

How many stars does Langshott Manor Hotel have?

you can also enter by posting your name, address and phone number to surrey Matters, room G29, Penrhyn road, Kingston upon thames, Kt1 2Dn. enter by 27 october 2013.For terms and conditions, visit www.surreycc.gov.uk/surreymatters.

13 october An evening with Ray Mears: The Outdoor Life Overview, New Victoria Theatre, Woking A captivating show in which ray talks about his life and shares stories from his many years surviving in the wilderness. £26.40-£28.90. 7.30pm.

0844 871 7645 www.atgtickets.com

15 october-14 January Alien Invasion, The Lightbox,

Woking A family-friendly exhibition featuring alien robots, movie posters, rare comics and hands-on activities celebrating the classic book ‘War of The Worlds’ by h.G. Wells. Free. Closed on Mondays.

01483 737800 www.thelightbox.org.uk

16 octoberYoung Epilepsy Race Day 2013, Lingfield Park Race Course, LingfieldEnjoy a thrilling day of racing with a champagne reception, three-course lunch, afternoon tea, live auction and a grand prize draw. £95 each. 12-6.30pm.

01342 831245 www.youngepilepsy.org.uk

What's on…What's on…What's on…

www.surreycc.gov.uk/surreymatters 19

From just

inc VAT

Welmede is one of the most significant learning disability providers in Surrey offering a range of services from 24 hour support to vibrant short breaks. Our person-centred support promotes independence and choice enabling individuals to achieve their goals.

We are looking to recruit staff who have a genuine interest in enhancing the lives of individuals with a learning disability. If you have the right values for Welmede we offer excellent training and development.

For further information on our recruitment opportunities or our services please contact us as below:-

Phone: 01932 571666

Email: enquiries@welmede.org.uk

Web: www.welmede.org.uk

Spooky and Sparkly Fun at Drusillas Park this WinterLocated just off the A27, Drusillas Park is open daily from 10am

(closed 24, 25 and 26 December).

Please telephone 01323 874100 or visit www.drusillas.co.uk for more details.