Meet the Market Walk traders

Delivering specialist hospice care at home

Winter 2019 @wokingcouncil www.facebook.com/wokingbc Please read and then recycle www..gov.uk/thewokingmagazine NEW Residential | Nursing | Dementia | Respite | Permanent LUXURY CARE HOME Now Open CARE For Viewings for luxury living?

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Introduction Contents

News in brief Welcome to the Latest new from across Woking 4 winter edition

of The Woking Money Matters

Magazine – The annual report of the 10

Council’s finances your window on

Woking Borough s Celebrate Woking Your winter social and cultural 12 calendar

The cold weather has a tendency to sneak up on

us every year, so it’s comforting to know that this transformation

edition is once again packed full of great articles The major regeneration project and upcoming events to keep those winter blues 14 gets underway at bay.

Caring in the community After many years in the planning, work has begun to Woking Hospice’s work with patients 19 transform Sheerwater, part of a multi-million pound

at home regeneration scheme. New housing, roads, open green space, shops, leisure and community The Ambassadors Cinema facilities are set to breathe new life into the area. We Discover what’s happening at reveal what’s in store for Sheerwater. 20

The Ambassadors Cinema complex Whilst the new Woking & Sam Beare Hospice opened its doors in a couple of Market Walk years ago, did you know the care that they offer Meet the Market traders 22 goes beyond those four walls? We meet some of their community care team and discover what it takes to deliver life-extending care at home. Out and About A walk celebrating Woking’s We also catch up with Simon Thomsett, Theatre 24 Muslim heritage Director at The Ambassadors, who reveals exciting details of the cinema complex makeover. Top quality Why don’t you? projection and sound equipment and super comfy Challenge yourself to run the seats make it something to look forward to – we 30 Surrey Half Marathon can’t wait!

As Armistice Day approaches on 11 November, do pick up a poppy and join us in Jubilee Square or at Contact details one of the many war memorials across the borough The Woking Magazine is compiled and published three to pay your respects. times a year by Woking Borough Council. A total of 47,000 And that just leaves me space to wish you season’s copies are printed and delivered free to households and greetings and best wishes for the coming months. many public information points across the borough.

Andy Denner Editorial Team: Andy Denner, phone 01483 743026, email The Woking Magazine Editor [email protected] Quantum PR, phone 01233 500200, email [email protected] Design: Quantum PR

If you wish to advertise in The Woking Magazine, please call Andy Denner on 01483 743026, or email [email protected]

The appearance of adverts or loose leaf inserts in The Woking Magazine does not constitute an endorsement by the Council. Front cover: The Covent Garden The Woking Magazine is distributed to households via Royal Flower Shop Mail. We have no control over the type or quantity of other Inset: The Woking Hospice care team materials that are delivered by Royal Mail at the same time. www.woking.gov.uk | 01483 755855 3 Winter | 2019 News in brief... News in brief... News in brief... News

Search is on for local young stars

Nominations are now open for this year’s Young People’s Civic Awards Scheme.

We’re keen to hear about young people who have All young people nominated will receive a certificate achieved exceptional success in areas that are not of achievement, with the winners invited to attend normally recognised and deserve recognition for the Mayor’s Civic Reception on 24 April 2020. their efforts. The deadline for nominations is 24 January 2020. Outstanding Contribution to the Community: For further information, please visit covers work in areas such as helping older www.woking.gov.uk/youngcivicawardscheme or people or those with a disability, working with contact Julie Northcote, Democratic Services children, fundraising for good causes and Officer, on 01483 743053 or volunteering. [email protected] Triumph Over Adversity: covers endurance and bravery, such as overcoming a disability or helping a parent or family member with a disability.

Outstanding Achievement: covers excellence in many fields; sport, music, , visual arts, particularly less academic subjects that are not normally recognised or rewarded.

The scheme is open to young people up to the age of 18 who live or attend school or college in the borough. Gold Award for excellence as new policy approved

Woking Borough Council has been granted a ‘Gold Award’ in recognition of the way it manages its address information database from the Geospatial Commission.

The Gold Performance Award is only given to when determining official street names, property authorities that have consistently reached and names or numbers. maintained the highest standards in national tests on data excellence. This is the fourth year in a row the The purpose is to ensure that new street names, Council has been recognised. building numbers and names are allocated logically to assist the emergency services, in addition to the The Council has a legal responsibility to name and effective delivery of post services. number streets and to approve and register official property addresses. Residents and developers wishing to change the name of their property or seeking to address a new In July, Council approved its Street Naming and property or name a new street should email Numbering Policy, which provides developers and [email protected] members of the public with a guide to procedures

Woking’s more than AccessAble! Disability group, AccessAble, has teamed up with Woking Borough Council to create a detailed accessibility guide to hundreds of destinations across the borough.

The guide features useful facts, figures and restaurants, shops, theatres and tourist attractions. photographs to help you decide if a destination is going to be accessible for your needs. It covers And the best bit is it’s totally free to use! Simply visit everything from parking to hearing loops, walking www.accessable.co.uk or download the app. distances to accessible toilets.

Venues include cafes and coffee shops, hotels and B&Bs, libraries, parks and gardens, pubs and bars,

4 www.woking.gov.uk | 01483 755855 in brief... News in brief... News in brief... News in brief...

Stay healthy this winter

With winter fast approaching, severe weather or ill health can strike at any time. Here’s a few suggestions to help you stay healthy whatever comes your way.

Be prepared: stock up on medications, have your boiler checked, sign-up for flood warnings via www.gov.uk/sign-up-for-flood-warnings and consider putting together an emergency kit bag for your car in case you are caught in the cold.

Keep warm: heat rooms to a minimum 18°C and draw curtains and shut internal doors to retain heat. Consider insulating your home with assistance from Action Surrey by calling 0800 783 2503.

Keep well: get a flu jab, eat well, drink lots of fluids and keep active.

And don’t forget to keep an eye on elderly or frail neighbours, especially during prolonged periods of cold weather.

For more information and tips to stay well this winter, visit www.healthysurrey.org.uk

Action Surrey, helping you stay warm this winter

If you think you’ll be cold at home this winter then loft insulation Action Surrey, working in partnership with Woking Borough Council, can help. cavity wall insulation

Their team can offer guidance on ways to save energy replacing broken boilers. and money, as well as your eligibility for grant funding. You could save up to £135 on your energy bills each Funding is currently available for residents living in year. poorly heated homes, either in receipt of benefits or To find out if you are eligible for funding or to ask for on a low-medium income and those who have certain advice, please contact Action Surrey on 0800 783 health conditions made worse by the cold, to 2503 or complete an online enquiry form at contribute towards the cost of: www.actionsurrey.org

www.woking.gov.uk | 01483 755855 5 Winter | 2019 News in brief... News in brief... News in brief... News

New swift and bat sign celebrates Woking’s twin towns

Woking Town Centre’s newest piece of public art was officially opened in July by the Mayor of Woking, Cllr Beryl Hunwicks. The new installation, located by the Civic Offices, provides a nesting chamber for swifts and bats and commemorates Woking’s twin towns.

The installation provides nesting chambers in the upper section, a middle section pointing the way to Woking’s twinned towns, all atop a specially engraved, conical stone base, surrounded by planting.

Swifts are a bird species in sharp decline and over the past 20 years the UK’s swift numbers have halved. The installation incorporates a system that plays calls to draw the swifts’ attention to the boxes, and features webcams to give an insight into nest life.

UK swifts migrate through Europe to spend their winter in Africa, an annual round trip of some 14,000 miles (22,000 km), before returning to breed in the UK during late spring. The stonework base beautifully illustrates this amazing journey.

Woking's twin towns are Le Plessis-Robinson in France and Rastatt in Germany.

For further information about Woking Borough Council’s nature and sustainability work, visit www.woking.gov.uk/nature-and-sustainability Single use plastics policy adopted as climate emergency declared

A policy that sets out Woking Borough Council’s commitment to reducing its use of avoidable single use plastics was adopted at its meeting in July.

And in a move of cross-party solidarity, visitors and local businesses to reduce all sides of the Chamber united in their use of these plastics. declaring a climate emergency in recognition of the catastrophe facing The policy will form part of the our environment. Council’s visionary Woking 2050 strategy document, which sets out a Building on a pledge made in March roadmap to creating a sustainable 2018, as part of WWF-UK’s Earth borough, whilst reducing our collective Hour, the policy identifies a series of impact on the environment. key actions that aim to reduce the use of single use plastics principally For more information about what through the identification and Woking Borough Council is doing to reduction of avoidable single use reduce its impact on climate change, or plastics across the Council’s to view the Woking 2050 strategy, operations and the promotion of please visit schemes that enable residents, www.woking.gov.uk/nature-and- sustainability

6 www.woking.gov.uk | 01483 755855 in brief... News in brief... News in brief... News in brief...

Site Allocations DPD Are you ageing well? Why submitted to Secretary of you’re #NeverTooOld State for examination It’s a fact. All of us start to lose muscle mass in our 30s, and by the time we reach our 60s A document identifying land for future everyday tasks often become harder. But far development has been submitted to the from retiring to a comfortable chair and flicking Secretary of State for independent on the TV, older people shouldn’t stop moving. examination. Those over 60 can often have the most to gain The draft Site Allocations Development Plan from staying active. Walking to the shops or choosing the stairs are simple first steps in cutting Document (DPD) identifies potential urban and the risks of conditions such as diabetes, cancer, Green Belt sites for future housing, employment heart disease, and even dementia. Just as and infrastructure within Woking Borough to importantly, moving more helps maintain ensure it meets its future development independence and prevents falls, the reason for requirements. one in eight ambulance call-outs locally.

Woking Borough Council is committed to To promote the importance of staying fit, not-for- preparing the document to enable the delivery of profit Active Surrey is launching its Active Ageing its Core Strategy, which was adopted in 2012. campaign.

During summer 2015, the Council conducted an Featuring the original TV fitness guru, the Green initial consultation on its proposals, which Goddess, the campaign highlights the importance attracted over 32,000 individual representations. of staying mobile. Older people or their carers should visit www.activesurrey.com/agewell to A further consultation was undertaken in January find details of nearby strength and balance 2017 on the suitability of safeguarding land east of classes or dementia and diabetes social walks. Martyrs Lane, which was not taken forward by Council, before a final six week consultation was held in November 2018.

An inspector has now been appointed and the provisional date set (at the time of going to print) for the public examination is from 2 to 13 December at the Council Chamber. The Inspector will write to everyone who made representations confirming the details of the examination.

For more information about the draft Site Allocations DPD and other planning policies, visit www.woking2027.info/allocations

Could you spare your Winter Fuel Allowance? Woking Lions Club, in partnership with Citizens Advice Woking, has launched its annual Wenceslas Project appeal to assist those in the donate part or all their allowance to help those within community who face fuel poverty. the community who are less fortunate. Many local residents struggle to keep warm Donation can be made by cheque payable to during the winter months, yet don’t qualify for ‘Woking Lions Club/CAW’ and sent to Project statutory payments. Wenceslas, c/o Citizens Advice Woking, Provincial To assist, Woking Lions Club and Citizens Advice House, 26 Commercial Way, Woking, Surrey GU21 Woking are encouraging local residents who are in 6EN or pop in to drop it off. Alternatively, please call receipt of a Winter Fuel Allowance, and can afford to, Roger on 01483 723832. www.woking.gov.uk | 01483 755855 7 Winter | 2019 News in brief... News in brief... News in brief... News

New menu helping you Woking’s pioneers to live well honoured

This autumn, our Community Meals Service is introducing a new range of delicious soups for those colder months.

In addition, we now offer a frozen meals service for those who are out with friends, attending appointments or need less assistance but still wish to receive our fantastic range of nutritional meals.

Community Meals offers a wide range of menu options residents can A memorial to honour the pioneers of select daily, ranging Woking’s Islamic heritage and history is from classics such as planned for Woking Town Centre. cottage pie and chicken Woking is home to the UK’s first purpose-built curry to salmon crumble mosque, the Shah Jahan, as well as the Muslim or pork, leek and Burial Ground and Peace Garden, and the mustard casserole. country’s oldest Muslim resting place at All menu options include . a hot or cold pudding These sites reflect the borough’s importance on an of your choice, from international stage as the face of British Islam, with cheesecake to sticky a heritage second to none. toffee pudding, so there will always be Some of the people that will be honoured include something to tempt the founder of the Shah Jahan Mosque, Dr Gottlieb you. All from as little Leitner; main funder, Begum Shah Jahan of as £4 a day. Bhopal; and the first Imam, Khawaja Kamal ud Din.

It’s also good to know that we cater for many dietary The memorial will be located along Commercial requirements including vegetarian, kosher, halal and Way. It is anticipated that works will commence in allergen free foods. January and be completed by May 2020.

If you or someone you know would benefit from our The memorial forms part of the borough’s public Community Meals Service, please call 01483 770777 art programme and is funded by Victoria Square or email [email protected] to find Woking Limited, designed by Terrafirma out more. Consultancy in partnership with Haven Memorials.

New online housing system to improve services

Woking Borough Council, and housing partner applicants. It will also improve the existing New Vision Homes, are investing in new HomeTrak system currently used to bid for housing systems that will provide better access available housing properties. to online services. We aim to implement these improvements This involves introducing more self-service and towards to end of the year and more information online access for tenants and housing will be provided closer to the time.

8 www.woking.gov.uk | 01483 755855 in brief... News in brief... News in brief... News in brief...

Have an out of this world experience at Pool in the Park! After a long period of closure, two new exciting The Leisure Lagoon and flumes are just part of the flume rides with an outer space theme, The amenities at Pool in the Park which also includes the Martian and The Time Traveller, opened earlier main pool for lane swimming and a teaching pool. this summer at Woking’s Pool in the Park. Activities include a range of aqua fitness classes, adult only and sheltered swim sessions, parents and Designed for excitement, thrills and spills, The toddler splash sessions and a swim school for pre- Martian offers twists and turns in a translucent schoolers, children and adults of all abilities. tunnel that speeds you to the splash bath, whilst the Time Traveller accelerates you down the time For more information including opening times and tunnel until you touch down with a splash! prices, please visit www.freedom- leisure.co.uk/Wokingpool

Plans for new Wear a white ribbon and footbridge granted take the pledge The United Nations General Assembly has Proposals for a new pedestrian and cycle designated 25 November as ‘International Day for footbridge spanning the Basingstoke Canal the Elimination of Violence Against Women’, have been given the green light by planners. which is followed by 16 days of global action to The new bridge, located adjacent to the existing bring about systemic change. Road highway bridge, will unite the two In the UK this date is known as White Ribbon Day, sides of the canal towpath seamlessly without the need for pedestrian and cyclists to cross the led by The White Ribbon Campaign, a not-for-profit busy roads. The work is part of the town centre organisation that works with men and boys to improvement project which is part funded by challenge male cultures that lead to harassment, Enterprise M3. abuse and violence.

The bridge design is aimed to follow the Throughout the year, the White Ribbon campaign characteristics of the surrounding area and will aims to recruit volunteer male ambassadors to act as be similar in style to the striking Bedser Bridge, role models, engaging with other men and boys to featuring gabion walls, a non-slip surface, steel call out abusive and sexist behaviour among their handrails with built-in lighting and associated peers and promote a culture of equality and respect. landscaping. In the lead up to 25 November, the Council and Proprietary works are expected in begin in late White Ribbon Ambassador, Adam Thomas, will be autumn with the dewatering of the canal and a working with local organisations and key male comprehensive programme to remove all wildlife influencers, to raise awareness of White Ribbon safely before works begin in earnest. Day and encourage residents to engage with the campaign. During construction works, a short section of towpath between The Living Planet Centre and Hundreds of men and women from across Surrey Chobham Road bridge will be closed. There have already pledged never to excuse, commit or may also be short periods of highway disruption. remain silent about male violence against women. Weather permitting, it is expected the new You too can join this growing movement at footbridge will be open to the public by www.whiteribbon.org.uk where you can also find summer 2020. out more about becoming a White Ribbon Ambassador.

www.woking.gov.uk | 01483 755855 9

M o n e y K

matters WE PROVIDE SERVICES TO OVER 100, RESIDENTS £77.5M INCOME FROM COUNCIL TAX INCOME RECEIVED SAVINGS IDENTIFIED £109m FROM COMMERCIAL £9.7M WOKING BOROUGH COUNCIL B PROPERTIES £ COST OF A SURREY POLICE £183 PROVIDING £9.7M I A SERVICES £16.3m £58.1m SURREY COUNTY COUNCIL K

million invested in the Victoria 94 Square development MILLION INVESTED MILLION INVESTED IN TOWN CENTRE IN NEW AFFORDABLE INTEGRATED HOUSING D TRANSPORT WORKS 59 7 E MILLION INVESTED IN THE on property RENOVATION, IMPROVEMENT purchases and AND PURCHASE OF COUNCIL 114 HOMES Million council assets 6

Million SHEERWATER REGENERATION PROJECT. 30 A

10 www.woking.gov.uk | 01483 755855 On Thursday 25 July 2019, Woking Borough Council approved the accounts for 2018/19. The accounts include details of the Council’s income and expenditure between 1 April 2018 and 31 March 2019. Key information is highlighted in the infographic below.

If you have comments or questions about the information published below please email fi[email protected] This infographic is a brief visual summary of the full Statement of Accounts. The whole document is available to view at www.woking.gov.uk W ,000 RESIDENTS INVESTMENTS MADE IN OUR TOTAL F BORROWING 2.97% BOROUGH PROPERTIES £1,389M AVERAGE £ TOTAL VALUE OF INTEREST WE PAY £396M ASSETS HELD £1,194M ON OUR LOANS £61M CAPITAL RECEIPTS. £4M GRANTS. S £325M BORROWING. £6M RESERVES

i S 7m PUBLIC 9 3mREFUSE 2m SAFETY

I CORPORATE & I DEMOCRATIC

PROCESSES ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 10 LOCAL ECONOMY m 6m p

P 6m 18M HOUSING, SOCIAL 5m R SERVICES AND PARKING COMMUNITY SUPPORT RECREATION AND CULTURE

www.woking.gov.uk | 01483 755855 11 Your winter social and

As autumn turns to winter, you don’t need to go far to discover great events for the whole family taking place across the borough! Diwali Woking Beer Festival Friday 8 and Thursday 31 October, from 6pm Woking Town Centre Saturday 9 November Woking Leisure Centre Woking will come alive with a stunning parade of colourful lanterns to celebrate Diwali, the Festival Organised by the Surrey and of Lights. Celebrated by Jains and Sikhs, as well Hampshire Border branch of CAMRA and Freedom as Hindus, the Festival of Lights marks the victory Leisure, sample over 70 different real ales, ciders and of good over evil, light over dark and knowledge perries from across the country, with live music and over ignorance. food available. New for this year is a gin bar and more entertainment! Visit www.celebratewoking.info/diwalifor more information. Visit www.wokingbeerfestival.co.uk for ticket information and further details.

Woking Music Festival Thursday 7 to Wednesday 25 November Venues across Woking

One of the largest festivals of its kind in Surrey, with more than 1,000 participants, the event celebrates the musical and literary vitality of Woking and the surrounding area. The festival welcomes people of This is just a taste of the some of the exciting and all ages and abilities whatever their tastes or entertaining events and activities taking place across performing standard. the borough during the winter. Visit www.celebratewoking.info to find out more about Programme information and audience tickets available what’s on. at www.wokingmusicfestival.org.uk/2019-festival

Woking Fireworks Saturday 2 November, doors open 5.30pm,

Eagle Radio’s Adam Morris hosts Woking’s biggest family-friendly fireworks display in Woking Park! Organised by the Rotary Club of Woking District, the fireworks extravaganza is considered one of the best displays in the region.

Gates open at 5.30pm, with fun guaranteed for all the family. Fireworks display begins 7.30pm.

Tickets are available in advance at discounted prices from www.wokingfireworks.co.ukor from Pool in the Park.

12 cultural calendar

Remembrance Sunday Christmas Sunday 10 November Lights Jubilee Square, Woking Switch On

Join veterans, serving members of the Thursday 21 November military, cadets, cubs, scouts, guides and Jubilee Square, civilian organisations to honour and Woking remember fallen soldiers. Gather in the heart of Woking The ceremony will commence at 10.30am Town Centre to see Jubilee with Marching of Colours. A two-minute Square illuminated with silence will be held at 11am before thousands of sparkling concluding with the laying of wreaths. lights to mark the countdown to Christmas. A two-minute silence will also be observed in Jubilee Square at 11am on Armistice Day, Visit www.woking-shopping.co.uk for details Monday 11 November. and timings.

Christmas market From Thursday 28 November, Jubilee Square, Woking

Get into the festive spirit as our Christmas market returns to Woking Town Centre. Featuring handmade stalls, food and drink and traditional Christmas celebrations to entertain the family throughout the festive season.

Coming up in 2020 Join over 5,000 runners who raised an estimated £300,000 for local charity, Harrison’s Fund, and a number of other charities, and sign-up now to Chinese New Year secure your place in the multi-award winning event. Saturday 25 January Woking Town Centre The 21km half marathon, 5km and 2km kids run all follow closed-road routes. Local businesses can Jubilee Square will come alive with an exciting and enter teams of three or more in the Workplace colourful parade led by a Chinese dragon, as we Challenge to see who’s crowned ‘Surrey’s Fastest celebrate the Year of the Rat with the Chinese Business’. Association of Woking. To sign-up, or for more information about the route Visit www.cawoking.org.ukfor more information and road closures, visit about the Year of the Rat. www.surreyhalfmarathon.co.uk Mercer Surrey Half Marathon Sunday 8 March Starts Woking Leisure Centre

Surrey’s largest half marathon returns to the streets of Woking for its seventh year (see page 30).

13 Winter | 2019

Sheerwater transformation underway

Earlier this year, work begun on Canalside, the long-awaited multi-million pound transformation of Sheerwater. The major regeneration project will breathe new life into the area, creating a thriving, sustainable community that meets the changing needs of modern living.

The scheme will see millions of pounds invested into nature within easy reach of everyone. Landscaped, the local area to deliver new and improved housing, tree-lined avenues will link this central space to the roads, open green space, shops, leisure and Basingstoke Canal to the north and provide attractive community facilities. routes through the estate that offer additional shared gardens and outdoor space to residents. Modern new homes The number of homes will double from the current Pedestrian friendly 570 to around 1,200 properties, almost half of which In the new scheme pedestrians and cyclists are will be affordable housing. The old 1950s housing given priority over cars, with a network of pathways stock will be replaced with a variety of high quality that will make finding your way around easy. Main new homes for rent and sale that are energy efficient vehicle routes are kept to the perimeter of the estate and will cater for people through all stages of life. rather than cutting across it.

First class leisure amenities Facilities for the whole community Works to a new leisure complex at Bishop David An open square will create a ‘gateway’ to the Brown boasting a 25-metre swimming pool plus a development, with a new community centre, pre- separate teaching pool, sports hall, studios and a school nursery, health centre, pharmacy and dentist gym has already begun. The outside facilities include surgery, as well as units for shops and restaurants, a full-size 3G football pitch, and new grass football with space for outdoor dining. Nearby and rugby pitches. accommodation for elderly residents puts these amenities on their doorstep. Once open, the state-of-the-art sports and leisure facilities will be shared between the school and the Neighbourhoods local community. Canalside will comprise several neighbourhoods with Open green space distinct identities, offering a range of houses and apartments of different sizes, from one-bedroom A large central park area will become the ‘green studios to five-bedroom houses. heart’ of the new community, putting open space and

14 www.woking.gov.uk | 01483 755855 The emphasis is on family-sized properties designed to offer flexible accommodation with the potential for adaptation to meet specific needs.

Reducing our impact of the environment A dedicated energy centre will provide heat and power to the leisure centre and to the medium rise residential blocks in the central part of the development. Whilst enhanced insulation, low energy lighting, solar panels, ground source heat-pumps and electric car charging points will all help Canalside minimise its environmental impact. quality in sufficient numbers to allow the existing Upon work commencing, Cllr David Bittleston, community to grow. We’ve worked hard to balance Leader of Woking Borough Council, said: “At long housing density with open space so that people can last, I’m delighted to say that the regeneration of live and work in a neighbourhood that promotes Sheerwater is underway. We have started the healthy lifestyles and respects the environment.” preliminary works for the new leisure centre, swimming pools and sports pitches. Construction “This £26 million investment in the infrastructure of Development of the 74-acre (30 hectare) site will take Sheerwater is, as promised, the first thing we said we place in phases to minimise disruption to existing would do to start the regeneration process. Not only residents and services. will it provide residents with brand new sports facilities, it will also provide the school with fantastic This approach is also taken with open space and new changing and canteen facilities. other facilities so that there is no loss of public amenities during the development work. “We are committed to investing in Woking. The With construction of the leisure facilities underway, regeneration of Sheerwater is one of the biggest, works to the first residential phase has begun, most important projects we’re undertaking to improve providing 92 homes equally split between affordable people’s lives, create local opportunities and support and open market units. communities to thrive.” It is expected that the regeneration scheme will be Mark Rolt, Thameswey Developments Ltd’s Chief completed by 2026. Operating Officer, added: “Canalside marks an exciting new chapter for Sheerwater, transforming it into a highly desirable place to live that will set a new benchmark for building thriving, sustainable communities. For more information about the regeneration scheme, please visit “Demand for housing is a national problem and with www.woking.gov.uk/sheerwater Canalside we’re providing homes of outstanding www.woking.gov.uk | 01483 755855 15 “OUR BOLD AND AMBITIOUS TRANSFORMATION IS ALREADY YIELDING CELEBRATIONS AS VICTORIA BENEFITS AND CREATING NEW ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES THAT H SQUARE ‘TOPS OUT’ WILL DRAMATICALLY ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN WOKING” # - Councillor David Bittleston, Leader of Woking Borough Council. An official ceremony to mark the advancing progress of

Woking’s new £540 million Victoria Square development was Due for phased completion in 2020, Victoria Square will deliver held during September. The ‘topping out’ ceremony, which 14,500 square metres of innovative retail space, 429 residential is traditionally held when the last beam or final roof piece is apartments in two iconic sky-high towers, a Hilton Hotel, placed at the highest point of a structure, marks a flagship Marks and Spencer store, two public plazas, a major milestone in the transformational building project, a medical centre and 380 parking spaces. signalling that all structures have been completed. The new Hilton Hotel will

Internal design and exterior work is now under way. feature 196 guest rooms including

A joint venture between Woking Borough Council and 12 suites, a Sky Bar, ballroom Moyallen Group, Victoria Square represents a key pillar and extensive meeting space. in Woking’s future growth ambitions and the council’s Earmarked for phased completion goal to create a high quality, modern environment where from late 2020, with a complete businesses locate and where people aspire to live. fit-out for apartments and occupation by 2021, Victoria Square will play an integral role in Woking’s ongoing transformation.

W p LEAFY DAYS... o

Autumn in and around Woking offers the perfect mix of t GET #WEAREWOKING FREE WI-FI... cool sunshine with a crisp edge and is home to a diverse range of parks and recreation grounds, including children’s Did you know you can get online, anytime, playgrounds, skate parks and games areas, sports pitches in Woking town centre? Woking’s free Wi-Fi service and playing fields and plenty of green open space.Try Woking is now even better, providing a fresh boost for everyone Park, Brookwood Country, stroll along the Basingstoke f living, working or visiting the town centre. Canal or tootle through and experience F Woking from a different perspective. Recently rebranded to #WeAreWoking – Free Wi-Fi, the t a revitalised new service means that anyone with a Wi-Fi Horsell Common is just a 12-minute drive from Woking and enabled device can connect to the internet completely free is an excellent 880-acre open space perfect for exercising, of charge – and without time restrictions. To log in, connect stretching your legs and spotting wildlife. You could even to #WeAreWoking – Free Wi-Fi and sign up now! pack your bike and explore the common on two wheels. a T I AND CHOCOLAT TREATS... v q Hotel Chocolat has opened a brand new store at The ...AND COSY NIGHTS! Peacocks Centre, bringing its eye-popping range of luxury W chocolate products to Woking – including its scrumptious A historical town with modern-day ambitions, Woking is ‘Ice Cream of the Gods’ which is currently only available also home to many good restaurants. Surrey Life magazine in a few UK locations. Hotel Chocolat offer a whole host of recently rounded up its choice of the best, which includes gifts, treats and hampers along with exciting experiences Lebanese-inspired Jeitta, Beit Beirut, Seasons Café – and it’s getting better. The Slug & Lettuce is great for and cooking chocolate. It’s also known to serve up the best & Kitchen at The Lightbox, Cellar Magneval, L’Aroma, a tasty choc shakes and ice creams. Marciano Lounge, Soya, Araceli’s, Bird in Hand and Latino. l

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HAVE YOU BEEN #WOKINGUNCOVERED YET? “There’s a lovely rich history too. It’s home to one of With lots of proud and inspiring people becoming the faces the world’s best fiction writers, HG Wells, and to one of this campaign, there are still many great stories to tell. of the world’s greatest musical talents, The Jam.

Woking native Tom Spenser loves nothing better than Woking is a warm and welcoming place, with a close

enjoying the town’s famous history, its choice of shops, community. It feels like everyone knows each other! a restaurants and pubs - and its great community feel. a a The Basingstoke Canal was also a big part of my “I work in a busy retail environment in the town centre childhood and it still is now. I’m excited about Woking’s

where there’s always something going on, with plenty of transformation and how much effort is being put into the f places to go. I like O’Neill’s, Las Iguanas and Café Rouge. town with all the buildings and facilities being developed.” A 1

TOM f

fi b ANDREW COOKING UP A STORM! If you’re anything like us, you’ll love eating out in Woking. We have a fantastic food scene because our town attracts people from all over the world and it shows in the diversity of our restaurants and the choice of food on offer. We caught up with talented Dublin-born chef Andrew O’Keefe, to find out more about him, including what he loves about our town.

What do you love about your job? You’ve really settled in Woking!

“I love the creative side of being a chef. I love working with “It’s a small community and everybody knows everyone i fresh food and bringing people together to make them happy. else, which is lovely. Everyone is positive and you get to meet l Food brings all cultures together – it’s a common thread some amazing people. I have some fantastic friends and

that unites everyone.” a big social circle and my family love coming over to visit.”

Can you sum up Woking in one word? Do you have any favourite places to eat?

“Fun – I like it! I could go into town any time of day “I like going to Araceli’s, the Mexican place. Then there’s Jeitta, the Lebanese restaurant, which is very good. and start talking to people and they’ll know me. The Turkish Kitchen at the top of the high street is also It’s nice to stop and talk.” very nice. All of them provide freshly made food and the quality is excellent.”

What else do you like to do in Woking?

“I love music and dance, socialising and going to the gym. i Woking’s nightlife is great, with the right crowd of people – and it’s getting better. The Slug & Lettuce is great for & a boogie on a Saturday night and if you want some good t M live music, then there’s also O’Neill’s.”

1717 ARACELI’S Winter | 2019

Improving your highway network

Working in partnership, Surrey County Council and Woking Borough Council, through their contractor, Farrans Construction, have embarked on a significant highways improvement project within Woking Town Centre.

The multi-million pound highway improvement works cause significant disruption and we would like project, when complete, will transform the highway to thank local residents and businesses for their network and significantly enhance traffic flow in the patience during this time. area and make it safer for pedestrians and cyclists, whilst stimulating economic growth. “We are fully committed to keeping Woking Town Centre open for business and disruption to a The works range from minor highway adaptations minimum in order to deliver major highway and resurfacing works to improving existing improvements that will benefit everyone.” junctions and highway layouts. In addition, Thamsewey will be extending its network of piping to It is anticipated all highway works associated with supply clean, green energy to recently completed this project will be complete by spring 2021. A table developments across the town from its new energy containing details of the major works within the station in Poole Road. coming months is below.

Geoff McManus, Woking Borough Council’s For the latest highways information relating to this Associate Director, said: “We recognise that these project, please visit www.woking.gov.uk/wokingitp

Road name Description of work Traffic management Contractor Start

Maybury Rd and Widen existing pedestrian footpath to Full road closure (Maybury WBC/Farrans Nov 19 junction with incorporate cycle path, create new Rd). Stanley Road pedestrian footpath adjacent to railway line and install raised traffic calming measures and uncontrolled crossing.

Victoria Way (between Exploratory trial hole excavations for Full northbound lane WBC/Farrans 23 Nov 19 Goldsworth Rd and ducking/cabling to connect Victoria Square closure. Forge End) development.

Chobham Rd New pedestrian bridge across Basingstoke Potential lane closure. WBC Nov 19 pedestrian footbridge Canal.

Board School Road Install ducting to connect Board School Rd Full highway closure Thameswey Nov 19 substation with Victoria Square development. required.

Victoria Way, Chertsey Replace existing lamp post with new, energy Lane closures in WBC/Farrans Nov 19 Rd, Stanley Rd, Dukes efficient street lighting. Full highway closure. operation. Off-peak Street working.

Duke Street (junctions Widen pedestrian footpath and resurface Full highway closure. WBC/Farrans Jan 20 with Chertsey Rd and highway with block paving. Create five Locke Way) disabled parking bays.

Chertsey Rd Installation of heat piping to connect 121 Four-way traffic lights. Thameswey Jan 20 Chertsey Rd. Chertsey Rd (between Essential gas pipe replacement works. Full highway closure. Southern Gas Feb 20 juncs with High St and Networks Commercial Way)

Lockfield Drive (junc Carriageway widening and junction Lane closures required. WBC/Farrans Early 2020 with Victoria Way) adaptation.

18 www.woking.gov.uk | 01483 755855 Hospice care goes way beyond just the building

Woking & Sam Beare Hospice and Wellbeing Care has well and truly settled into its state-of-the-art facility in Goldsworth Park Centre, having been open almost two and a half years. But what many are surprised to learn is that over 70 per cent of the care this charity delivers is in patient homes. So meet the team delivering specialist care in your community.

Currently we have 560 people on the Community Team’s caseload.

“It is our role to ensure that those under our care are looked after in the best possible way, where they want to be and according to their wishes. This is done in collaboration with our healthcare peers, such as the District Nurses and GPs, to ensure the patient and their family have the support they need.

“It depends on the patient’s needs to how often we may visit, but the team is always at the end of the phone to offer support, advice and reassurance.

“All of us at the hospice put those we care for at the centre of what we do and it is a huge honour to be part of an organisation that makes such a difference Your local hospice is a people-centred charity that to peoples’ lives.” delivers specialist care to over 2,000 people with life-limiting illnesses and their carers and families As a charity, Woking & Sam Beare Hospice is reliant each year. The care and support they provide is on income from its fundraising activities and the sale delivered at the hospice through its Wellbeing Centre of goods in its 18 shops. You can support their 2019 for day patients, on the Ward for in-patients, with appeal by giving the gift of care, and contribute community care delivered through its Community towards funding the services that Shelagh and her Teams. These are comprised of Community Nurse team deliver. Enabling them to provide a vital lifeline Specialists [CNSs], Physiotherapists, Occupational to so many people who live in your community, these Therapists, Counsellors, a Social Worker and are people that could be your mother, wife, brother or specialist Palliative Doctors. friend.

Shelagh Musoke, who heads up the Community For more information about Woking & Sam Beare Team and is a senior CNS at Woking & Sam Beare, Hospice and Wellbeing Care, or to explains: “Hospice care is far more than just make a donation, please visit treating patient’s physical symptoms. Myself www.wsbhospices.co.uk and the team all come together to care for our patient’s full wellbeing.

“No one day is ever the same, largely because no one patient and their needs are ever the same. My day normally begins in the office to meet with the team and look at the referrals that may have come in and for us to collectively discuss our caseloads. After this we will go out into the community and start our patient visits either in their homes or care or residential home. www.woking.gov.uk | 01483 755855 19 Winter | 2019

A new era for entertainment in Woking

For more than 25 years, The Ambassadors Cinema has been entertaining the people of Woking and beyond. But now Woking is getting a new cinema! The Woking Magazine caught up with Simon Thomsett, Theatre Director at The Ambassadors, to tell us about the transformation.

“Over the years hundreds of thousands of visitors anyone who is a dedicated have visited Ambassadors Cinema to enjoy the latest cineaste. One of the aims blockbuster films, but the truth is, the entertainment of the project is to be able complex was looking a bit worn out and everyone to expand our range of agreed it needed to up its game. films so that we can showcase the very best, “After a lot of work, a plan was agreed to completely not only of Hollywood rethink the cinema and to build a brand new, state-of- and mainstream cinema the-art cinema on the site of the old one and this time but also to make some make it a truly 21st Century picture palace. space for independent and world cinema. “We closed the old one at the end of September and have got straight on with the task of stripping “We will also add more live everything out so we can start again. We’ve got streams and events and brand new, super comfortable seats, top quality we hope to have a few Simon Thomsett projection and sound equipment and some surprises for you too. beautifully designed places to meet up and enjoy a We will be guided by our audiences and will ask drink or a bite to eat before a film. for feedback and suggestions. From some of the conversations we have had with our audiences so “We’ve added a screen to make it seven in all and far it is clear that there is an appetite for all sorts a media room which we hope will be used by local of cinema and we want very much to satisfy cinema enthusiasts, students, researchers and that demand.

20 www.woking.gov.uk | 01483 755855 “We really want to make sure we have something for with Rinaldo that has been wowing critics receiving everyone and we can’t wait to re-open our cinema numerous 4 star reviews. And for the first time a doors by summer 2020. Additionally, we will chance to hear the magnificent chorus perform a introduce a new membership scheme, details of very special Christmas Concert to really get you in which will be published at the end of the year. that festive mood.

“In the meantime, you can register your interest “Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without pantomime and receive our regular updates by signing up and for this year’s instalment we have Aladdin. at www.atgtickets.com/cinema2020 – it’s free Strictly Come Dancing’s lovable bad boy and and you will be the first to hear about our offers ballroom megastar Brendan Cole has the wishes of when they come out next year. Please sign up and the people of Woking in his hands as he stars as The support your new local cinema and we will continue Genie of the Ring alongside pantomime legend and to work to make sure it opens ready for those comedy entertainer Bobby Davro, in what is set to be summer blockbusters. a spectacular production.

“Alongside all this exciting change happening in the “Keep your eyes peeled for more pantomime news cinema, next door at the we’re around and about as you never know who may be well into our new season. chasséing down Commercial Way or jiving through Jubilee Square this Christmas! “The masters of opera, Glyndebourne return in November. As one of only five venues that receive “And if that wasn’t enough of a festive offer for you, the Glyndebourne Tour we really are very lucky to we also have Dear Santa in the Rhoda McGaw have this world class opera right here in Woking. This Theatre. This show offers the ideal introduction to year they bring us the ever popular Rigoletto, along theatre for our youngest audiences plus the opportunity to meet Santa himself.

“So whatever takes your fancy, we hope to welcome you through our doors this season.”

To stay up-to-date with the latest performances and purchase tickets at New Victoria Theatre, visit www.atgtickets.com/woking

21 Winter | 2019 Surrey’s freshest market in the heart of Woking

Nestled in the heart of Woking Town Centre, Market Walk offers a dizzying choice of delicious street food from around the world, in addition to an eclectic mix of household and lifestyle stalls.

For those not in the know, Market Walk is a purpose- built state-of-the-art covered market conveniently located between Wolsey Place and shopping centres.

So make Market Walk part of your day in Woking, whether you are at work, shopping or simply passing through.

Take a closer look at Market Walk’s traders.

Bacareto Serving Woking’s finest Italian street food, alongside Ebiere & Ivan Intercontinental Foods great British classics. Choose from award-winning sausage rolls, calzone, arancini, frittata, baguettes With a mouth-watering selection of produce from and fresh salads made every day. around the world, you’re sure to find that ingredient to transform any dish. Bep Viet Foy Afro-Caribbean Cuisine Bringing a taste of Vietnam to Woking. With over 25 years of culinary experience, Bet Viet offers Choose from a variety of delicious authentic Nigerian authentic, fresh and healthy Vietnamese dishes. dishes. All food is prepared using organic ingredients. Once tried never forgotten! Boz’s Fruit and Veg KBLC Ltd A Woking institution, serving the local community with the highest quality fruit and vegetables including A biltong specialist and a firm favourite on the seasonal and continental foods. market. The biltong is regarded as one of the best around. Plenty of flavours to keep you coming back The Covent Garden Flower Shop for more. Offering an exciting and fresh selection of floral gifts Mobile Touch for that special occasion and every season. From contemporary chic to classic favourites, as well as Mobile and laptop specialists. Mobile Touch can unique creations. service and repair most electronics and sell a wide range of mobile accessories for all devices.

Party People Give your party that something special! Whether it be a birthday or a special celebration, Party People has a wide range of party supplies for every occasion.

Q’s Spice A family run business, bringing you the best authentic home-cooked Asian cuisine. Specialising in traditional dishes from biriyani to various curries suitable for all tastes.

22 www.woking.gov.uk | 01483 755855 Bring your own container

In response to the environmental impacts of single use plastics, Thameswey is working with traders in Market Walk to reduce their use of single use plastics.

The simplest way to reduce the use of plastics is to provide alternative containers, which is why many take-away stalls are delighted to offer customer discounts for bring their own reusable container.

Shins Bibimbap Café Offering fantastic flavours and unique tastes from Korea and South Asia. The katsu curry is a must!

Taylors Coffee House Specialists in perfectly crafted coffees, Taylor’s use the finest ingredients and offer the highest quality, locally sourced products. A perfect pit-stop located Bacareto – 10 per cent discount when in the middle of the market. bringing your own container. Wooden cutlery available. Woking Cobbler Bep Viet – 30p off meals when bringing Make new your well-worn favourite pair of shoes. your own container. Dine-in and enjoy lunch Offering a full-service shoe repair and key cutting in a ceramic bowl. service specialising in the repair and restoration of men's and Foy – reuse their container to ensure you get women's shoes. the same portion size! KBLC Ltd – uses paper bags instead of Woking Fisheries plastic or bring your own. Offering a wide variety of Q’s Spice – reuse their container to ensure premium quality fresh you get the same portion size! fish and seafood all sourced, wherever Shin’s Bibimbap Café – 30p off meals possible, from British when bringing your own container. shores. Open Tuesday Taylor’s Coffee House – 10 per cent to Saturday. discount when bringing your own cup or sit in and enjoy your coffee in a glass cup.

Please choose to reuse, save some money and For more information about Market do your part for reducing single use plastics in Walk, please visit www.woking- the environment. shopping.co.uk/market-walk *discounts available on meals and portion sizes are as standard

23 Winter | 2019

Key facts Out and about Start: Monument Road Car Park, Monument Road, Woking Celebrating some of the most important Muslim heritage GU21 5LW sites in Britain, this walking trail takes in the Muslim Burial Finish: Brookwood Station, Ground and Peace Garden, Shah Jahan Mosque, and the Connaught Road, Woking country’s first Muslim cemetery, located in Brookwood GU24 0ER Cemetery. This trail can also be enjoyed by foot or train. Time: 4 hours Distance: 7 miles (11km) The route approx (walking route) Type of walk: Flat, mainly 1. Starting from the car park, with your back towards the road. Head pedestrian footpaths or through the trees along the worn path towards the Muslim Burial Ground and Peace Garden. towpaths, except when accessing the Muslim Burial Muslim Burial Ground and Peace Garden Ground. This trail includes a short train journey from Woking Commissioned in 1915, the site was once the final resting place of 19 to Brookwood. Alternatively, you Muslim soldiers from the Great War, and a further eight casualties of can drive from each notable site the Second World War. of interest. After falling into disrepair in the 1960s, the Grade II site was restored in 2015 to create a lasting legacy for the 27 servicemen who paid the ultimate sacrifice to defend Britain. Shah Jahan Mosque

The Peace Garden was inspired by classic Islamic garden design. Commissioned by Gottlieb Look out for the central water feature, two stone prayer mats and the Wilhelm Leitner to provide a 27 Indian Silver Birches – one commemorating each fallen soldier. place of worship for Muslim students the mosque was Although the bodies of the 27 servicemen laid to rest at the site were designed by Victorian later reinterred at Brookwood Military Cemetery in 1969, the Muslim architect, W. L. Chambers and Burial Ground remained sacred land. completed in 1889.

Its green and white dome and minarets are considered one of Woking's landmarks. Decorative geometric patterns and Arabic calligraphy can be seen on the interior.

Now a Grade I listed building, the mosque welcomes visitors.

Taking the train is less strain For those of you taking the train, return to Oriental Road and turn 2. After spending time in the quiet and tranquil surroundings, return to right. Continue ahead until the car park. Upon reaching the road, bear left over the canal bridge reaching Station Approach. The and continue along Monument Road. As you reach a set of mini- railway station is straight ahead. roundabouts, turn right onto Oriental Road and continue past the Mayer Hop on a train to Brookwood Brown building. Station. Journey times are 3. You will find yourself at a driveway that leads to the Shah Jahan Mosque. approximately five minutes. Visit When entering the site please be considerate of worshippers, act and www.nationalrail.co.uk for train dress respectfully. Do take time to walk around the grounds. times. Skip to step 5.

24 www.woking.gov.uk | 01483 755855 The Peace Garden Key at the Muslim Route Burial Ground Monument Start Roads Horsell River/Canal Rd Common Car park

Train station 1

A320 4

5 Brookwood Bagshot 5 Road P ine Av 2 e 3 n u e 6 To Brookwood

Brookwood Shah Cemetary Jahan 5 Brookwood Oriental RoadMosque Woking

Brookwood Long Avenue Cemetary

4. Return to Oriental Road and retrace your steps train exit via the Brookwood Cemetery entrance. Go back towards the Muslim Burial Ground. Upon through the gate and continue ahead before turning reaching the canal bridge, turn left onto the towpath right along Pine Avenue. and continue towards Woking Town Centre. 6. After discovering the cemetery, return to Continue along the towpath towards St Johns and Brookwood Station to catch your train home. beyond. Upon reaching Brookwood, turn left over the This walking trail is an amalgamation of two trails narrow bridge onto Sheets Heath Lane. Continue researched and developed by the Everyday ahead until reaching Connaught Road. Carefully cross Muslim Heritage & Archive Initiative. the road. Brookwood Station is directly ahead. For more information about both trails, and a full list of notable burials, please visit 5. Upon reaching Brookwood Station, take the www.everydaymuslim.org underpass to the cemetery. Alternatively, if arriving by

Brookwood Cemetery Built by the London Necropolis Company in 1854 to receive London's past residents, the cemetery is one of the largest privately-owned burial grounds in Britain and one of the biggest operating cemeteries in Western Europe. Since 1854, over 240,000 people have been laid to rest within its beautiful grounds.

The cemetery comprises approximately 230 acres of burial ground, some of which have been set aside for the use of specific communities and denominations.

In 1884, a Muslim cemetery was established where you’ll find many important Muslims buried.

It also contains many remarkable Victorian memorials and graves, and the largest military cemeteries in the country including the World War One American cemetery, the oldest Muslim cemetery and the unique Zoroastrian burial ground. www.woking.gov.uk | 01483 755855 25 a by Sh og en Y !! !! !!! "#$%&'()%*+,!! Weekly -!!!!!!!classes for everyone – mixed ability Mondays – 7.30pm

Wednesdays – 10am Horsell ParishW Hall, High Street, Horsell, Woking GU21 4SS

S Wednesdays – 8pm Churchill Suite, Winston Churchill School, Hermitage Rd, M St Johns GU21 8TL

Thursdays – 6.30pm

Maybury Centre, Boardschool Road, Woking GU21 5HD ! * !! * * * Private bookings' taken for companies/' private functions/complete beginners Also Children’s Yoga classes for ages 7-11

Phone/Text 07960 700 630 to book Email: [email protected]

If you have never tried yoga or pilates - give it a go! You can go at your own pace in a non-competitive friendly, and fun environment. These classes are not only effective in helping you to lose weight and muscle aches but gain flexibility in the joints to enable you to live life to the full and pursue your chosen sport. Yoga is physiotherapy for the mind and body! Please bring a yoga mat and a smile • mats also for hire Splashes of colour and burning bright this winter More than just a gallery

Discover inspiring and diverse exhibitions this winter at The Lightbox Gallery and Museum.

This winter is warming up nicely with bold splashes of colour from our Burning Bright: The Scottish Colourists exhibition open now until 12 January 2020. This exhibition brings together the significant works of Scottish colourists SJ Peploe, JD Fergusson, GL Hunter and FCB Cadell.

The Scottish colourists were among the first British artists to get to grips with the radical new trends in painting which emerged at the beginning of the twentieth century. Works include paintings and drawings of still-life, interior scenes, landscapes and portraiture.

From 25 January to 19 April 2020, the Main Gallery will host the internationally acclaimed David Hockney: Ways of Working exhibition. A superstar in the art world and a career that spans six decades of creative output, this exhibition takes an in-depth look at Hockney's ingenious exploration of a diverse range of media, from painting techniques, draughtsmanship and printmaking skills, to photography, designs for the stage and the embrace of digital technologies.

The Ingram Collection: Young Contemporary Talent exhibition in the Art Fund Prize Gallery will run from 30 November to 5 January 2020. In addition, artist Tomas Harker, talks about his life and work to date on 4 December 2019. Booking required.

To find out more about The Lightbox’s programme including all exhibitions and workshops, please visit www.thelightbox.org.uk Detail of La Chatelaine, © 1930 JD Fergusson Courtesy of The Fergusson Gallery, Perth & Kinross Council

With Christmas and February half-term to contend Brand new is Studio Sundays which bring the with, The Lightbox has a jam packed schedule of whole family together to get messy and explore workshops and events! different materials. Dates are 8 December, 5 January, 2 February and 1 March between 11.30am and 3.30pm.

Whilst there’s merriment and joy for all with this year’s Christmas Fairs on 30 November, 10.30am to 5pm, and 1 December between 11am and 4pm. Enjoy mulled wine and minced pies to get well and truly into the Christmas spirit!

This February half-term enjoy free drop-in workshops during ‘Hockney Week’ with cup weaving on 19 February 2020 and Big Art Landscapes on 21 February 2020. www.woking.gov.uk | 01483 755855 27 Winter | 2019 What’s on For more information about local events, Events in and around Woking Borough visit www.celebratewoking.info

Santa Fun Run Octavian Singers Christmas Woking Park Celebration

Sunday 1 Dec, 10.30am St Saviours Church, Brookwood A 1.5k or 4.5k fun run for all the family around Woking Park. Sat 7 Dec, 7.30pm Cards for Good Causes Cost: Adults from £15, ages 4 to 16 Carols, songs and poems for the from £7, 3 and under free festive season. Christ Church, Woking Contact: Visit Cost: Admission free, retiring Until Sat 14 Dec, 10am to 4pm www.wsbhospices.co.uk/events, email collection. Sale of Christmas cards and festive [email protected] or call 01483 742683 goods to raise money for local and Contact: Visit national charities. Mid Surrey Branch of Guide www.theoctaviansingers.org Contact: Visit Dogs Carol Service www.cardsforcharity.co.uk Christmas Concert – A St Peter's Church, Ceremony of Carols Christmas Carols & Fri 6 Dec, 7.30pm Lights Switch-On Festive carols, followed by coffee and Methodist Church, Knaphill mince pies in the church hall. Byfleet Village Hall and Plough Green Sat 14 Dec, 4.30pm Everyone most welcome! Free Thurs 14 Nov, 6pm parking in the village car park. Woking Ladies Choir present a Children's carols in the village hall Cost: Free - donations welcome magical evening of beautiful seasonal followed by a short walk to Plough Contact: Email music, joined by Cecily Beer, resident Green for the light switch on, where harpist of the Waldorf Hotel in Covent there will be live music and [email protected] Garden, and operatic soloist Camilla refreshments. Genesis Chorale Christmas Jeppeson. Raffle and free Cost: Free Concert refreshments. Contact: Email St John's Church, Cost: Adults £12, under 16 £6 [email protected] Sat 7 Dec, 7.30pm Contact: Call 07957 593534, email Byfleet Village Christmas A performance of Benjamin Britten's ‘A Ceremony of Carols’, together with [email protected] Fayre audience carols. Byfleet Village Hall Cost: £15, students £6 Sat 16 Nov, 10am to 1pm Contact: Visit Stalls, refreshments and www.genesischorale.org.uk entertainment for the whole family. Mosaic Chamber Choir Cost: Adults £1, under 14 free Christmas Concert Charity Coffee Morning Contact: Email Horsell Village Hall [email protected] Sat 7 Dec, 7.30pm Parkview Community Centre, Sheerwater Byfleet Village Christmas Evening of Christmas choral music Market ranging from beautiful carols and Tues 5 Nov, 10.30am moving sacred vocal works, to fun Plough Green, Byfleet festive favourites and unusual The Ahmadiyya Muslim Women's Fri 29 Nov, 5pm acapella pieces. Concert in aid of Association hosts its fourth ladies Horsell Village Hall. coffee morning in aid of Woking and Traditional Christmas market with Sam Beare Hospice. All welcome. stalls, live music and refreshments. Cost: Adult £12, children £6.50 (including a mince pie and a glass of Cost: Free Cost: Free wine or soft drink) Contact: Email Contact: Email Contact: Email [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 28 01483 755855 | www.woking.gov.uk Contact: Visit Mon 9 Mar - Dennis van Wonderen, www.wokingchoral.org.uk Spring is here Demonstrations, beautiful flowers, Woking Symphony Orchestra's amazing stories and good advice. Family Concert Cost: £6 (includes tea, coffee and H.G. Wells Conference & Events homemade cakes) Centre, Woking Octavian Singers Autumn Contact: Call 01932 351999 Concert Sat 18 Jan, 3.30pm Byfleet Art Group Autumn St John’s Church, St Johns Symphony concert aimed at young listeners and their families. Children Exhibition Sat 2 Nov, 7.30pm are invited to 'have a go' on the The Catholic Church Hall, West Byfleet Singing music suitable for All Soul’s, instruments after the concert. including Puccini Requiem, Verdi Ave Sat 30 Nov, 10am to 4pm Cost: £7 Maria, Purcell Funeral Sentences and Enjoy a cuppa and slice of cake while Elgar Lux Aeterna. Contact: Visit www.wokingso.org.uk or you view original artworks by our email [email protected] members. Prints and greetings cards Cost: £12 on the door, including also available to buy. refreshments, under 16s free. Woking Symphony Orchestra's Cost: Free entry Contact: Visit Spring Concert www.theoctaviansingers.org Contact: Call 01932 402042, visit H.G. Wells Conference & Events www.byfleetartgroup.com or email Centre, Woking Woking Wurlitzer Concerts [email protected] or Woking Leisure Centre, Kingfield Road Sat 21 Mar, 7.30pm [email protected] Sat 16 Nov, 7pm – Howard Beaumont All-Beethoven symphony concert presenting the Overture Leonora No. Sat 14 Dec, 3pm – Len’s Christmas 3, Piano Concerto No. 4 with soloist Show Ivana Gavric and Symphony No. 6. Sat 22 Feb, 7pm – Simon Gledhill Pastoral and pre-concert talk by Experience the golden age of the conductor Roy Stratford at 6.45pm for ticket holders. American Theatre Organ. Goldsworth Badminton Club Cost: Adults £14, under 16s/students £7 Cost: £10 on the door, ATOS , Horsell members £8 Contact: Visit www.wokingso.org.uk or Every Saturday, 1pm to 3pm Contact: 01923 720511 or visit email [email protected] The club welcomes players of club www.atos-london.co.uk standard. Feather shuttles used. Woking Symphony Orchestra's Cost: £7 per session Autumn Concert Contact: Call Ian Baxter on 01483 H.G. Wells Conference & Events 767748 Centre, Woking Sat 23 Nov, 7.30pm Make a pallet chair Rhoda McGaw Symphony concert presenting: Liszt - Great British Woodshop, West Byfleet Theatre Les Preludes, the Elgar Cello Concerto with Sophie Kauer (Winner of Woking Sat 9 Nov, 10am to 4pm For all performances at the Rhoda Young Musician 2018) and Bartok’s Learn about the tools and techniques McGaw, please contact the Box Concerto for Orchestra. Pre-concert used in taking apart a pallet. You will Office on 0844 871 7645 or visit talk by conductor Roy Stratford at then mark out and create your own www.atgtickets.com/venues/ 6.45pm for ticket holders. piece of furniture to take home. rhoda-mcgaw-theatre Cost: Adults £14, under 16s/students £7 Cost: £125 per person Knaphill & St Johns Operatic Contact: Visit www.wokingso.org.uk or Contact: Visit Group presents Patience by email [email protected] www.greatbritishwoodshop.co.uk/course or email WS Gilbert and Arthur Woking Choral Society [email protected] Sullivan Concert Daisy Tuffen Flower Club Wed 4 to Sat 7 Mar, 7.30pm (Sat H.G. Wells Conference & Events matinee, 2.30pm) Centre, Woking Village War Memorial Hall, 7pm A satirical look at the aesthetic craze Sat 30 Nov, 7.30pm Mon 11 Nov - Sue Aston, Happy of the 1870s, as well as male vanity Programme; Mozart Mass in C Minor, Christmas and chauvinism in the military. Haydn Insanae et vanae curae, Mozart Mon 9 Dec - Gill McGregor, Christmas Cost: Adults £13.50/£16.50, 16 and Symphony No.34 in C major, Bach Charisma under £12.50/£13.50 Vater Unser. Mon 10 Feb - Jennifer Thompson, A Contact: Visit www.kasjog.org.uk Cost: £18 (concessions available) moment of time

01483 755855 | www.woking.gov.uk 29 Winter | 2019

Why don’t you… Challenge yourself to run?

Whether you want to lose weight, eat healthier, get fit or raise money for charity - you could achieve it all (and more) by taking part in your local half marathon.

The Mercer Surrey Half Marathon, held on 8 March 2020 at Woking Leisure Centre, promises a fun and memorable experience for the thousands of local people who challenge themselves to run either the 13.1-mile distance or 5km.

Running either of these distances may sound daunting but, as with any large or ‘seemingly impossible’ goal, you just need to follow a solid plan and have the confidence to know you are on the right track.

Thousands of new runners overcome the same fears to go on and complete the challenge every year; this 3. It’s not all about running - you need to be is how they do it… strong. Pilates is a great complementary form of 1. Choose an event which welcomes novice exercise to strengthen the core and stretch tight runners. Book it immediately so that you commit to muscles, but without causing excessive fatigue. your goal. The Mercer Surrey Half Marathon is a 4. Analysis. A short running analysis with a great choice because not only is it highly professional can be enough to provide you with the recommended by regular runners, but it is a fully- changes required to remain injury-free throughout closed road and relatively flat race. your training, and even improve your performance. 2. Follow a training plan. One of the most important Organisers and sponsors of the Mercer Surrey Half features of proper race training is progressing at a Marathon - Mercer, GlucoRX, Halstead Preparatory manageable rate, which means you will actually only School for Girls, Synergy Physiotherapy, Freedom increase your training intensity by about 10 per cent Leisure, Fitstuff and Harrison’s Fund - wish you the each week to ensure you don’t over-train. The most best of luck with your training and look forward to important part of this is actually following the plan - seeing you on the start line! consistency is key to ensuring you reach the end. All entrants can download beginner, intermediate, Award-winning atmosphere and huge medals advanced or elite training plans for free - courtesy of the event’s Injury and Performance Partner: Synergy Accessible, central location and glorious scenery Physiotherapy. Fully-closed road road routes - perfect for new runners!

Enter: www.surreyhalfmarathon.co.uk

30 www.woking.gov.uk | 01483 755855