remembers on Sunday 11 November 2018

Celebrate Woking dates for your diary

Winter 2018 @wokingcouncil www.facebook.com/wokingbc Please read and then recycle www.woking.gov.uk/thewokingmagazine AWARD WINNING TOP TECH UK 2014/15

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Winter | 2018

Introduction Contents

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

of The Woking Open letter to residents of Magazine – Woking Borough Council 10 your window on Development in Woking Town Centre

Woking Borough White Ribbons against domestic abuse 11 White Ribbon Day 25 November This issue is packed with enough great content to keep you entertained throughout the colder months. Celebrate Woking We could not enter the month of November 2018 Your winter social and cultural 12 without acknowledging our fallen heroes of both calendar world wars and thereafter. This year is exactly 100 years since the Armistice, and our annual Money Matters The annual report of the 14 Remembrance Service will mark the occasion with all of the dignity that such an anniversary Council’s finances

deserves. Do pick up a poppy and join us in and Jubilee Square to pay your respects. Woking Sports Box 1 6 This November is also W hite R ibb on Day, a A brighter, healthier future for all campaign to help prevent male violence towards women. Could you become a White Ribbo n W o k in g R e w a r d s RESIDENTS Ambassador? We talk to Woking’s first White 1 The Woking Reward Card has 21

Ribbon Ambassador, Adam Thomas, to see w hat’s final ly ar rived F B involved. We look back at a fantastic ye a r o PROPERTIESf A £ charitable work by the Community M atters I Out and AboAut S Partnership Project (CMPP) Woking – do you work A walk around 24 for a business in Woking that could offer some time with Iain Wakeford to help out next year? We are also io n th e look o ut for residents wanting to give back to nS ature who are Why don’t you? S interested in helping our Swifts in Woking project. Become a foster parent 30 See if your house is suitable to hI o st a swift box. I D

Excitingly, the new Woking Rewards Card has E finally hit our high street! See what great perks are on offer to cardholders and find oupt how to jo in the Co nta c t d etails scheme. Also brand new for this year, we ta ke you The Woking Magazine is compiled and published three on a tour of Hoe Valley School and Woking times a year by Woking Borough Council. A total of 47,000 Sportsbox which opened in September. copies are printed and delivered free to households and

m any p ublic information points across the Borough. So, stoke the fire and grab a hot toddy to help you A leaf through the pages and discover everything Editorial Team: Andy Denner , phone 01483 743026, email the Borough has to offer this season. [email protected] Quantum PR , phone 01233 500200, email [email protected] Andy Denner Design: Quantum PR The Woking Magazine Editor 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: Remembrance The Woking Magazine is distributed to households via Royal Service, image courtesy of Mail. We have no control over the type or quantity of other Tony Charters Inset: Chinese New Year materials that are delivered by Royal Mail at the same time. www.woking.gov.uk | 01483 755855 3 Winter | 2018 News in brief... News in brief... News in brief... News

Tap into free water refills

Refill Woking is here! You can now fill are welcome your water bottle for free at locations to refill their bottle around Woking. for free. Simply look out for the Refill In recent months, there has been logo or download increasing media coverage the Refill app to find and emerging government policy your nearest on reducing single use plastics. Refill location. Woking is committed to The scheme is supported by Woking Shopping, becoming a sustainable Woking Chamber of Commerce and The Lightbox. borough and the Refill Participating outlets can be found by visiting campaign offers just one great www.woking.gov.uk/refillwoking way to help us all do our bit.

The Refill campaign was Are you a local food or drink outlet? launched in 2015 by charity, City If you're a local food and drink retailer and would to Sea, as a way to make like to join Refill Woking or if you are a volunteer refilling a water bottle when out and would like to get involved in the initiative, and about as easy as possible. please email [email protected] Participating food and drink outlets display stickers in their For more information about the scheme, or to window to show people that they download the app, visit www.refill.org.uk

Search is on for local young stars Nominations are now open for the Young People’s Civic Awards Scheme 2019 Woking Borough Council is keen to hear about local the Local Education Authority, Police, the young people who have achieved exceptional voluntary sector, Sport Woking, Woking Youth Council success in areas that are not normally recognised and Woking Borough Council. by formal accreditation, and deserve recognition for their efforts. All young people nominated will receive a certificate acknowledging their achievements. The winners will The scheme particularly seeks nominees in three be invited to attend the Mayor’s Civic Reception on categories. 26 April 2019.

Outstanding Contribution to the Community : The deadline for nominations is 25 January 2019 . includes work in areas such as helping older or For further information, please visit disabled people, working with children, www.woking.gov.uk/youngcivicawardscheme fundraising for good causes or getting involved or call Julie Northcote, Democratic Services with voluntary organisations. Officer, on 01483 743053 or email [email protected] Triumph Over Adversity : includes 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 and particularly less academic subjects that are not normally recognised or rewarded.

The scheme is open to all children and young people, up to the age of 18, who live or attend school or college in the Borough. Nominations are judged by a panel which typically includes representatives from

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

Young Move-icians New Citizens Advice drop in A new music school, called Young Move-icians, is up and running at The Salvation Army sessions in Church Hall in Sythwood, Woking. Designed for children in Years One to Six, classes take place on Wednesdays between 3.30pm and 4.30pm. Citizens Advice Woking now runs a Young Move-icians has been established to provide free drop in advice session service high quality, affordable and enjoyable music in Sheerwater. education in an after school setting. If you feel that you need to speak to someone from The aim is to develop musicianship skills on every Citizens Advice, please attend an advice session at level. The teaching develops a confident singing the Mascot Hub, 43 Dartmouth Avenue, on Thursdays voice; intelligent listening skills; pitch, rhythm, meter between 10am and 1pm. and phrase awareness; secure foundations for beginning to read music and innate physical In these sessions advice can be given on issues connections to music. Colourful props and such as benefits, debt, housing, relationship issues, instruments also help to deepen and reinforce employment, family law and consumer issues children’s musical learning. amongst other things. No appointment is necessary.

For more information or to sign up, please visit Citizens Advice Woking and Woking Lions Club are www.amybebbington.co.uk , email once again encouraging local residents who are in [email protected] or call 07722144808 . receipt of a Winter Fuel Allowance, and can afford to, to donate part or all their allowance to the project to help those within the community who are less fortunate.

For more information, or to donate your Winter Fuel Allowance, please visit Citizens Advice Woking, 26 Commercial Way, Woking, email [email protected] or call 01483 541610 . Cheques should be made payable to ‘Woking Lions Club/Citizens Advice Woking’.

Voter ID trial update On May 3 2018, Woking, along with four other has confirmed that Woking will participate again in local authorities in , took part in a future Cabinet Office Voter ID trials. Cabinet Office voter identification trial. Data from this year’s trial is currently under review by All electors who voted in person at the polling station the Cabinet Office and the Council and changes will were required to present one of a number of be made to help improve the process next time approved forms of photographic identification before around. Voters are encouraged to carefully check they were issued a ballot paper. information that will be sent to them early 2019 to ensure that they are prepared for any changes. Where electors did not have one of the approved forms of identification, there was the option to obtain A full breakdown of the trial data and details about a free Local Elector Card, with over 60 of these Voter ID 2019, including how to obtain a local elector cards issued during the trial. card, can be found at www.woking.gov.uk/VoterID

Figures on the official report following the election show that 99.73 per cent of electors provided the right form of photographic ID and that overall turnout to the election was unaffected by the trial.

Ray Morgan, Woking’s Returning Officer, thanked residents for their help to make the trial a success and

www.woking.gov.uk | 01483 755855 5 Winter | 2018 News in brief... News in brief... News in brief... News

Do you know your Police Book your birth Community Support registration Officer? appointment online

Did you know that Police Community Have you recently had a child and want Support Officers work in your area to register your baby’s birth? First you to help tackle crime and antisocial need to book a birth registration behaviour? appointment. It’s quick, easy to do Woking has officers looking after different parts of online and it can be done at any time. the Borough to make sure that residents’ concerns are dealt with quickly and efficiently. The booking service is available 24 hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week, so you can search for an Find out more about your local policing team by appointment that suits you, at a registry office that visiting www.surrey.police.uk/woking and select you prefer. your neighbourhood. You can contact the team via Please remember that you can only register a birth the ‘Send us a Message’ form on your if you have made an appointment. Births must be neighbourhood page. registered within 42 days of a child being born.

In an emergency always dial 999, and call 101 to To book your birth registration appointment or for report non-urgent incidents such as anti-social more information on registering a birth, visit behaviour, damage to property, or to give us www.surreycc.gov.uk and search ‘birth information about crime in your area. registration’.

Team Woking triumph again at Specsavers Surrey Youth Games!

Young athletes from across the Borough proved themselves to be sporting superstars in June as Team Woking topped the medal table at this year's Specsavers Surrey Youth Games.

All 11 Surrey boroughs and districts participated in Bronze : Rugby (U11 Girls). the county-wide sporting spectacle, which took place at Surrey Sports Park and Woking Leisure Centre. Team Woking is very grateful to sponsors Freedom Leisure, Headline Design and Print and Orange Over 150 children, aged between seven and 16 Promotions for their support in preparing the young years old, represented Woking across the weekend superstars for the Games. Thanks to their kind in 11 different sports including badminton, boccia, sponsorship, Woking Borough Council was able to boxing, football, hockey, judo, lacrosse, netball, touch offer young people across the Borough free rugby, squash and mini tennis. coaching and the opportunity to try a new sport.

For many of the competitors, the event was their first If this has sparked your enthusiasm for next year's experience of competitive sport on such a grand scale. Specsavers Surrey Youth Games, register your Team Woking rose to the challenge to scoop seven gold interest by contacting Emma-Louise Webb, medals, two silver and one bronze, as well as excellent Woking Borough Council's Sports Development results in other sports across the weekend. Officer, on 01483 743804 or email [email protected] The final Woking medals table was as follows.

Gold : Badminton (U14 Mixed), Boccia (U13 Mixed), Boxing (U16 Contact Mixed and U16 Non-Contact Mixed), Football (U9 Girls), Hockey (U11 Girls) and Netball (U11 High 5 Girls).

Silver : Boccia (U13 Mixed) and Netball (U13 Girls). 6 in brief... News in brief... News in brief... News in brief...

Your charity payroll sorted

Charity Payroll Service is a new service aimed at charities with payroll within their organisation. The comprehensive, computerised, non-profit payroll service is designed to be affordable for all.

The service calculates monthly staff salaries, tax and Administer Pension Scheme payments/ BACS national insurance liabilities. The service includes: payments

summary schedule giving details of all pay RTI Monthly processing and End of Year online elements and deductions for each employee, listed Filing with P60s to all current staff by department if required P45s for leavers. summary schedule giving details of employer’s and employee’s National Insurance contributions The payroll team is Chartered Institute for Payroll Professionals qualified. All company information is payslips for each individual mailed to employee’s kept securely, confidentially and strictly within GDPR home address by the agreed pay date guidelines.

BACS schedule with payment details for each For further information and a service price guide, individual please contact [email protected] or call 01483 743698 . schedule giving details of amounts due to the Inland Revenue

New art group opening! New app makes Woking Conquest Art is a charity inspiring people more AccessAble with disabilities and long-term health issues AccessAble (formerly DisabledGo) to discover their creative energy and build self-confidence through art. enables people with disabilities to find out more about destinations Working at their own pace in supportive groups, and the suitability of facilities on members find both relaxation and fresh stimulus, along with the opportunity to make new friends. offer there. Anyone over 16 whose life is narrowed by disabling A mobile-friendly website and a brand new health issues is welcome to join. The group meets android/iOS app puts helpful information at the at Woking United Reform Church, White Rose Lane, fingertips of visitors and residents alike. on the first and third Tuesday of every month from 2pm to 4pm. Detailed Accessibility Guides cover Woking Town Centre venues ranging from The first session for new members is free. Thereafter and Wolsey Place Shopping Centres and there is a nominal charge of £1 per week. Absolutely entertainment venues, to transport hubs, the no art experience is necessary, just come along and library and public toilets, with key information for join the fun. All art materials and refreshments are visitors with additional needs. For example, the provided and all budding artists that join the group availability of hearing-loops and large-print receive a very warm welcome. menus, the number of steps at an entrance, and door width measurements for wheelchair access. For further information on becoming a member or volunteer please phone 020 3044 2731 , Find out more about how AccessAble is helping email [email protected] disabled people to have the most positive or visit www.conquestart.org experience they can when visiting somewhere new at www.AccessAble.co.uk

www.woking.gov.uk | 01483 755855 7 Winter | 2018 News in brief... News in brief... News in brief... News

Woking Town Centre transformation continues with a brand new Red Car Park

Demolition has been approved for the current Red Increasing car parking capacity has been identified Car Park and plans are soon to be submitted for a as an integral aspect of the redeveloped town centre. bigger, better car park in its place, subject to Planning Consent. During the works, visitors to the town centre are encouraged wherever possible to plan their journey The replacement of the Shoppers' Red Car Park will in advance by visiting be undertaken by Victoria Square Woking Ltd (VSWL) www.woking.gov.uk/liveparkingupdate and, if to serve the new hotel and shopping development necessary, consider alternative methods of travel currently under construction. Demolition works are during peak times, including public transport, taxis or scheduled to commence later this year, with the new by foot. structure completed during summer 2020, in time for the opening of Victoria Square.

Top tips to stay well Give a swift a home this winter this autumn The Swifts in Woking With winter fast approaching, severe project is delighted to weather or ill health can strike at any time. There are lots of things you do offer Borough residents to help you make sure you are ready the chance to install for whatever comes your way. swift nest boxes on their properties, ready for Be prepared : Stock up on medications, their arrival to the UK have a boiler check and sign up for flood from Africa in May. © James Sellen warnings via www.gov.uk/sign-up-for- flood-warnings . Put together an emergency Swifts are amazing birds, kit bag for your car in case you are caught though sadly are in decline nationally out in the cold. as modern houses do not have space for them to nest. Keep warm : Keep rooms heated to a minimum of 18°C and draw curtains and shut doors to Residents have the chance to help give these keep the heat in. Insulate your home with the beautiful birds more places to nest in Woking. If help of financial assistance, call Action Surrey on 0800 783 2503. you have a roughly north-facing wall, 5m in height and away from trees then your property could be Keep well : Get a flu jab, eat well and drink suitable. The nest boxes look fantastic and will be lots and keep active. built by community groups. Look out for neighbours : make sure If you are interested, please email everyone stays well this winter and if you feel unwell, get help early; ask [email protected] with a picture of your pharmacist or call 111 for a your proposed nest box location. If successful, non-emergency. Swifts in Woking will provide and install these boxes for just £15 per household, a small In an emergency, always dial 999. contribution towards the cost of materials. For more information about keeping well this winter, please For more information about the project, please visit visit www.healthysurrey.org.uk www.woking.gov.uk/swiftsinwoking

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

Landlords, could changes to House of Multiple Occupation regulations affect you?

Landlords with properties in Woking Borough are being encouraged to check whether they need a licence after recent changes to national legislation. From 1 October 2018, a House in Multiple it has shared facilities like a kitchen or bathroom Occupation (HMO) licence is required if a property is occupied by five or more people in two it has any number of storeys or more households, regardless of the number of Landlords who already have a HMO licence or storeys in the building. have a Selective Licence for their HMO (with five or A household is considered a single family, more occupiers) under the recently introduced cohabiting couple or an individual. Previously, Selective Licensing Scheme need not apply until legislation only applied to properties with three or their existing licence expires, even if that is after 1 more storeys. October 2018.

All landlords across the Borough need to check Landlords must apply online now. Properties that whether they now need to be licensed. are unlicensed could be penalised with a reduced licence period, prosecution or fined up to £30,000 Rental properties must meet certain standards per offence. A licence will be valid for three years. and be suitable for the number of people who live there. Under the new regulations, a property is a For more information about the changes to the licensable HMO if: HMO regulations, or to apply for a licence, please visit www.woking.gov.uk/hmolicensing or call the it is rented to five or more people from two or Council’s Housing Standards Team on more households 01483 755855 . Are you looking to start or grow your own business? Woking Works, a partnership which helps businesses in Woking grow and prosper, is working with Fredericks Foundations to support those who want to access funds to start a business or grow an existing one.

Fredericks Foundation has transformed the lives of business owners in need of responsible finance thousands by giving entrepreneurs a hand up to start and mentoring. their own businesses. With Fredericks’ help they have been able to follow a dream, climb out of poverty For more information about the range of loans and become economic contributors to society. available call 01276 472722 or email [email protected] As a Responsible Finance Provider, Fredericks provides loans to anyone who has a viable business proposition, but cannot obtain mainstream finance. Fredericks For help and advice about starting a business in operates with a support team on hand to guide Woking, visit www.wokingworks.com applicants all the way through the process and even after the applicant has been successful in the form of mentoring, practical business advice, networking and links within the local community that can help support and grow new and expanding businesses.

Fredericks currently has business funding available specifically for people living in Surrey and would welcome hearing from aspiring, or existing, small www.woking.gov.uk | 01483 755855 9 Winter | 2018 Open letter to residents of Woking Borough Council

Following contact from a local resident and being aware of the concerns expressed by other residents about the proposals for tall residential buildings in Woking Town Centre, I thought it helpful to issue this open letter to all residents.

The need for new homes is a major national and local extent, we are seeking ways to improve highway issue. Our Local Plan seeks to deliver a minimum of infrastructure and providing more car parking spaces 292 homes per annum; this is averaged over the period is being pursued. Residents of apartments generally 2012 to 2027 a total of 4,380 by 2027. We seek to have fewer cars than those in traditional homes; I deliver these homes throughout the Borough with at know as I live at Park Heights and the car park is not least 50 per cent being provided in Woking Town fully used. We will do all we can to keep the need for Centre. The Council has decided to do this to reduce car ownership in the town centre low through the pressure on Green Belt and to protect as much of it as provision of a car share scheme for which new possible, as it knows that residents value the green apartment residents will be eligible. spaces across the Borough. Whilst we recognise that it is challenging to achieve 292 homes per year we know When we started Victoria Square we did extensive the Government argues we should deliver 400 per public consultation and displayed images of what was to come. What you see now is the reinforced concrete of year; we may indeed be forced to do so but we are the lift and stairs of each tower; they have yet to be built making sure we deliver now what is expected of us to around so I understand why some people might think meet local need. they look ugly. I assure you they will not stay like that and Our focus continues to be on building a high quality the images you can see on the hoardings are a fair sustainable Woking Town Centre where people can live, reflection of what they will look like when completed. You work and play; I believe that is the right thing to do for our can see these pictures at www.wearewoking.com future generations. The provision of apartments is key to When Victoria Square is finished we will have a new enabling us to keep our young people in the Borough as 50,000 square foot Marks and Spencer, new 28,000 they strive to set up their homes. Through Victoria Square square foot Boots, new Hilton Hotel and Conference and Thameswey we are providing apartments to rent Centre, further retail and restaurant offers, improved where the tenants have access to our “Earn your leisure facilities, improved parking facilities, two new Deposit” scheme which for those being “good tenants” public squares with the main one able to take an ice renting a one bedroomed apartment will receive, after a rink at Christmas, as well as over 400 new homes and qualifying period of two years, £2,100 per annum a medical centre. I believe residents will be proud of towards a deposit for their first home to own. I believe this what is achieved. However, as I explained earlier, we will give our young people a chance to own their own cannot stop and we need to continue to ensure growth home just as many of us had in our early careers. in Woking Town Centre; so there will be more As part of this approach we are ensuring that we build residential towers, improved public realm and high quality public realm, with free WiFi and places for improved facilities for local people. people to relax and enjoy. Residents are already I hope this letter helps explain what we are doing and enjoying many of these spaces and facilities, such as why we are doing it; it is for future generations that we the upgraded library and Jubilee Square, more will make these investments now. follow as we make further improvements supported by a significant increase in residential accommodation in Yours sincerely, the town centre. People living in our town centre will keep it alive for us all.

I know people are concerned that the additional Cllr David Bittleston homes will bring more traffic. Whilst true to some Leader of the Council

By building in Woking Town Centre we avoid building an estate the size of on Green Belt land. Woking has delivered 1,064 homes in the last four years – 425 are affordable and 232 are Council houses. Thameswey tenants can save for a deposit on their own home through our Earn Your Deposit scheme.

10 www.woking.gov.uk | 01483 755855 White Ribbons against domestic abuse

On Sunday 25 November men across Surrey will mark White Ribbon Day, a campaign to end male violence against women. White Ribbon Ambassador, Adam Thomas, talks to The Woking Magazine about his role and what inspired him to take up the volunteer position.

“As the Family Services Manager for Woking Borough handed out beer mats with the White Ribbon on and Council I hear many stories of local families, raffled off tickets to a Woking match. During the particularly women and children, who are affected by event, many men signed our pledge board and a domestic abuse. We know that this is an issue domestic abuse survivor approached me to say how affecting different people across all of society. encouraging it was for her to see men taking a stand. However, the majority of perpetrators are men and this campaign focusses specifically on encouraging men to “We will be holding another event on November 25 take a positive stand against violence towards women. with a Christmas theme, as this is another time of year when domestic abuse incidences increase.” “I became a White Ribbon Ambassador because I wanted to support the work of local domestic abuse Woking residents who want to know more about the services like Your Sanctuary, which offers vital campaign or are interested in becoming a White support to men and women affected by abuse. My Ribbon Ambassador can contact Adam directly by hope is that the White Ribbon campaign will help to emailing [email protected] create a culture where we talk more about domestic abuse and intentionally engage men in the process. Join thousands of men across the world and make the White Ribbon pledge to ‘Never excuse, “Earlier in the summer we helped mark Domestic comment or remain silent about male violence Abuse Awareness Week with a ‘Keepy Uppy’ against women.’ challenge in the town centre, in partnership with Woking Football Club and Your Sanctuary. Incidences Pledge your support at of domestic abuse went up during the World Cup so www.whiteribbon.org.uk/pledge it seemed like a good idea to work together. We also

If someone is currently coping with domestic abuse or believes they are a perpetrator and in need of help, they can call Your Sanctuary confidentially on 01483 776822. www.woking.gov.uk | 01483 755855 11 Your winter social and

You don’t need to go far in Woking to discover great events for the whole family to enjoy. As winter approaches, add these dates to your diary to give you a cold weather pick-me-up that takes you through the whole season.

Woking Fireworks Saturday 3 November, from 6pm,

Funfair, food stalls and entertainment will delight the crowd before and after the fireworks. All proceeds go to carefully selected Rotary charities.

Woking Fireworks Extravaganza is run by the Woking District Rotary Club supported by Victoria Square and Sir Robert McAlpine.

Tickets can be bought in advance at Pool in the Park, online or at the door. Visit www.wokingfireworks.co.uk for more information.

Diwali Woking Music Festival Thursday 8 November Throughout November Woking Town Centre, Venues across Woking from 6pm Join the celebration of musical talent in our Borough. The festival welcomes people of all ages and Woking will come alive with abilities, who can derive and give pleasure in a stunning parade of participating, whatever their tastes or performing colourful lanterns to standard. For further information please visit celebrate Diwali, the www.wokingmusicfestival.org.uk Festival of Lights. This lively, colourful event is the most popular of all the festivals from South Asia. Celebrated by Jains and Woking Beer Festival Sikhs, as well as Hindus, the Festival of Lights marks the victory of good over evil, light over Friday 9 and Saturday 10 darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. November An after party will take place at the Fiery Bird from Woking Leisure Centre 7.30pm and will feature a varied programme of Join the festival for its 25th anniversary! Indian music, song and dance, Organised by the Surrey and Hampshire and delicious Indian cuisine. Visit Border branch of Campaign for Real Ale www.woking.gov.uk/diwali for more information. and Freedom Leisure, try and buy over 70 different real ales, ciders and perries To stay up-to-date with the latest events from across the country, with live music and food available. Ticket price includes and activities across the Borough, please a commemorative glass and an event visit www.celebratewoking.info programme. Please visit @celebratewoking www.wokingbeerfestival.co.uk for further information.

12 cultural calendar

WOKING Remembrance Sunday REMEMBERS Coming up in 2019… 1914 Sunday 11 November 1918 Jubilee Square, Woking Chinese New Year This year marks 100 years since Armistice Day ended the horrors of WWI. A total of 700 soldiers Saturday 9 from Woking made the ultimate sacrifice during the February 2019 Great War which raged from 1914 to 1918. Woking Town Centre Join veterans, serving members of our Armed Forces, Cadets, Cubs, Scouts, Guides and civilian Celebrate the Year organisations to honour and remember fallen soldiers of the Pig with the for this significant international centenary. Chinese Association of Woking. The ceremony will commence at 10.30am, with Marching of Colours. There will be a two-minute silence at 11am and the event will conclude with the laying of wreaths. Mercer Surrey Half Marathon

Sunday 10 March 2019 Christmas Lights Switch On Woking Leisure Centre

Thursday 22 November Surrey’s multi-award winning half marathon Jubilee Square, Woking returns to Woking. Enter the Mercer Surrey Half Marathon, 5km or Kids Race today. Visit Gather in the heart of Woking Town Centre, to help www.surreyhalfmarathon.co.uk for more the stars from the pantomime information about the event and to register. count down to the Christmas light switch on.

Happy 130th Birthday Shah Jahan Mosque

Next year Shah Jahan, Britain’s first purpose built prayer for many of Woking’s mosque, now a Grade I listed building, celebrates its Muslim residents as well as 130th anniversary. In honour of this milestone there will visitors from further afield. be a calendar of events and activities in recognition of the contribution of the iconic landmark to the life and A community project to culture of Woking and its significance in UK heritage. commemorate the mosque is led by the Khizra Foundation, The mosque was commissioned by Dr Gottlieb a volunteer group of Muslim Leitner (1840 – 1899) for visiting students of the professionals. The Foundation Oriental Institute to worship. Designed by Woking supports and empowers Muslims architect William Isaac Chambers (1847–1924) and living in the UK to build heritage- built in 1889, it was partly funded by Sultan Shah based roots and find ways to Jahan Begum, the female ruler of the Indian princely express their identity and state of Bhopal. celebrate their contribution to society amongst a wider community. The project is The mosque fell out of use after Leitner’s death but supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund. To find out was restored and revived by Indian lawyer Khwaja more about the Shah Jahan project please visit Kamal-ud-Din. Today it is an active place of daily www.shahjahanmosque.org.uk

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M o n e y

matters WE PROVIDE SERVICES TO OVER 100, RESIDENTS £73.2M INCOME FROM COUNCIL TAX INCOME RECEIVED UNDERSPEND ON BUDGET £117.7m FROM COMMERCIAL £9.4M WOKING BOROUGH COUNCIL B PROPERTIES COST OF A SURREY POLICE £1.2 PROVIDING £9.2M I A SERVICES £14.7m £54.6m SURREY COUNTY COUNCIL M

million invested in the Victoria 61 Square development MILLION INVESTED MILLION INVESTED IN IN TOWN CENTRE THAMESWEY HOUSING INTEGRATED LTD FOR AFFORDABLE D TRANSPORT WORKS 32 HOUSING 5 E MILLION INVESTED IN THE on property RENOVATION, IMPROVEMENT purchases and AND PURCHASE OF COUNCIL 83 HOMES Million council assets 12

Million on Hoe Valley School and recreation facilities.

22 THE SCHOOL ELEMENT IS FUNDED BY THE EDUCATION FUNDING AGENCY. A

14 www.woking.gov.uk | 01483 755855 On Thursday 26 July 2018, Woking Borough Council approved the audited annual accounts for 2017/18. The accounts include details of the Council’s income and expenditure between 1 April 2017 and 31 March 2018. Key information has been highlighted 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 3.2% BOROUGH PROPERTIES £1,101m AVERAGE £ TOTAL VALUE OF INTEREST WE PAY £240M ASSETS HELD £805m ON OUR LOANS £13M CAPITAL RECEIPTS. £22M GRANTS. S £200M BORROWING. £5M RESERVES

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www.woking.gov.uk | 01483 755855 15 Winter | 2018

A brighter, healthier future for all

After much anticipation, the permanent home for Hoe Valley School and Woking’s newest leisure facility, Woking Sportsbox, both opened to students and the general public respectively. The Woking Magazine takes a look inside the brand new facilities to find out what you can expect.

others, and all students have exclusive use of the superb Woking Sportsbox facilities during their sports lessons.

As a Google school, these impressive facilities are complemented with top of the range technology, as every student is equipped with their own Chromebook, allowing for innovative and collaborative learning in lessons.

The school was created by a group of local parents and residents to provide high quality secondary school education to children in south Woking. In June, the school had its first Ofsted inspection, and was judged Outstanding. The school is on track to Hoe Valley School deliver its first set of GCSEs in 2020.

The new Hoe Valley Chair of Governors, Lynne O'Reilly, said: "All of our School building staff and students are really excited to finally have welcomed its first moved to our permanent home. Our focus is now cohort of pupils this on preparing our first cohort for their GCSEs, and September, with we are delighted to have the range of facilities in current pupils of the school relocating from their the new building to ensure they get the best temporary premises in Woking Park to the school’s possible opportunities." permanent home, on Egley Road. The school currently has 505 students in four year The modern school buildings have been designed groups, and will grow with another group of Year 7s with the pupils in mind. Purpose built spaces have each year until full. been created for Media, Drama, Design and To find out more about the school, please visit Technology and Food Technology amongst many www.hoevalleyschool.org

16 www.woking.gov.uk | 01483 755855 Woking Sportsbox – more than just a gym There is a wide selection of treadmills, bikes, cross trainers and Concept II rowers. Conveniently located next door is Woking Sportsbox, the Borough’s newest sport and recreation facility. As well as the gym an extensive and varied group exercise programme offers exercise classes to suit Featuring leisure facilities, for use by the local every need including the very popular Less Mills community and school, including a five badminton classes, Body Attack, Body Balance, CxWorx and court sports hall, fitness gym and studios, full Body Pump, as well as other favourites like Legs athletics facility with eight lane track, two Multi-Use Bums and Tums and Yoga. Games Areas (MUGAs), three five-a-side 3G sports pitches, two grass pitches and shared car parking, Outdoors, an impressive range of indoor and outdoor Woking Sportsbox has it all. pitches and games areas and the best 400m athletics track in the region give athletes something The gym features all the equipment required to to get really motivated about. achieve sporting goals and improve health and wellbeing, whether a complete beginner or an Members of Woking Sportsbox get so much more accomplished athlete. than just these great facilities. For one amazing price members can access facilities at Sportsbox, Woking Top of the range Technogym cardio and resistance Leisure Centre and Pool in the Park. machines have fully integrated touch screens giving the option of digital TV, radio and games. Music To become a member, please visit lovers will have the option to connect an iPod, MP3 www.wokingsportsbox.co.uk , call 01483 730965 player, or smartphone; and now the machines or email [email protected] are connected to the internet for browsing whilst getting fit.

www.woking.gov.uk | 01483 755855 17 W

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JOINJOIN THETHE CONVERSATIONCONVERSAAATTION 19 Winter | 2018

CMPP Woking gains momentum

Community Matters Partnership Project (CMPP) Woking is bringing businesses from across the Borough’s wide commercial base together to support health and wellbeing in our community.

Earlier this year, CMPP Woking held its first ever running has been amazing and it’s their continuing steering group meeting and has already seen the support that’s giving us the momentum we are fruits of its labour at the inaugural “Give & Get” day in enjoying. What is incredible is that CMPP has no staff June, bringing new life to the garden area at Brockhill and no offices, it is literally fresh air until we pool our Extra Care Sheltered Housing Scheme. resources and make things happen.”

Volunteer teams from member businesses rallied Mark continues: “In my opinion our network together to revive garden furniture and provide new represents the cream of the companies in the plants while some CMPP members played bingo Borough, they understand the positive impact they with residents. can have on the local Woking community and are not just talking about it. They have rolled their sleeves up Helped by the founder of CMPP, Tracy Jarvis, members and are delivering it!” have developed a mission statement, key messaging and fundraising plan. The group’s founding principal is Meanwhile, a steady drum beat of activity has helped that any charitable activity undertaken by the project to grow the fund, which can be used to deliver should support Health and Wellbeing within the volunteer projects or provide grants to charities. Borough. “Creating a space in Brockhill where #DressDown4Woking day was the first fundraiser. A residents could enjoy socialising and enjoying nature Pub Quiz in July brought 80 people from different definitely ticked that box”, said Chairman Mark Warner, businesses in Woking together at The Ogilvy pub in MD of Headline Design and Print. Chertsey Road, Woking.

In July, Asahi Breweries hosted the project’s first social Individual business have also been working at filling event. Asahi Corporate Affairs Manager, Tom Harding, ‘the pot’, including a silent auction as part of a Clay gave guests and members an insight into the value of Pigeon Shoot Challenge in August, organised by being a part of CMPP Woking, and Mark highlighted Carol Miller Media in Partnership with BNI Woking. the project’s achievements so far: “The hard work and efforts of partners to get CMPP Woking up and To find out more about the CMPP Woking and how to get involved as either a local business or charity, visit www.cmppwoking.org.uk

20 www.woking.gov.uk | 01483 755855 Welcome to Woking Rewards

The Woking Reward card has arrived and is now available for use across over 60 shops, restaurants and businesses around the Borough.

Woking Reward Card programme, powered by All participating loyalty merchants in Woking will Cashback World (CBW) is an international, multi-sector be offering their customers the opportunity to join shopping community, where members receive free Woking Rewards with their own branded Woking shopping benefits every time they shop at any Woking Rewards cards. Merchants are identifiable by the Rewards and Cashback World loyalty merchants. CBW smiley face logo or Woking Rewards logo in the window and at the till point. Visit As well as shopping in store and online, an app, card www.wokingrewards.com to find out more about and e-vouchers help with everyday shopping, allowing how this scheme can reward you when you shop. members to purchase individual luxury goods, holidays, enjoy personal and business services as well as focus on health and well-being.

Woking Rewards offers up to five per cent cashback on the total purchase amount at an eclectic mix of independent shops, boutiques, restaurants, coffee shops and more. Shopping points are also given, which can be redeemed for Shopping Point Deals, offered by loyalty merchants.

All card holders have a profile on the CBW website, to which cashback is added. In addition, texts will be sent each time a customer gains cashback and shopping points. Once a minimum of £9 cashback has been accumulated from personal purchases, the money can be transferred to a specified bank account.

Providing a retailer accepts Woking Rewards cards, the card can be used to secure shopping benefits anywhere within Woking along with any of Cashback World’s 120,000 merchants worldwide. Woking Rewards cards are all Love2Shop enabled, usable at all participating outlets, which currently includes over 90 well know national High Street names.

Whether doing a weekly shop or enjoying an impromptu treat, everyone can benefit. Supporting the local economy with shopping and trade around Woking, card users will also be helping good causes though The Woking Community Fund. www.woking.gov.uk | 01483 755855 21 Winter | 2018

The hour of victory has struck!

As the centenary of the end of World War One approaches, Surrey Heritage’s Surrey in the Great War team look at how peace was greeted in Woking.

“People of Woking! At last, at long last, after four years of toil and suffering, and of long-drawn agony, we have reached the goal of our ambition. The hour of victory has struck; the armistice has been signed…”

Thus spoke Mr A.H. Godfrey MBE, Chairman of Woking Council, to a jubilant crowd outside Woking’s council offices on Tuesday 12 November 1918, the day after the signing of the Armistice which ended World War One. His words are reported in the Woking News & Mail of Friday 15 November 1918, the first issue of the town’s newspaper to be published following Peace. Whilst the end of a long and painful conflict did Woking News & Mail, 15 November 1918, p. 3 (© Woking News & Mail). not make the newspaper’s front page (which held, as usual, adverts for borough businesses), its inside light…from shops and private dwellings’. pages gave an evocative account of the ‘Riot of Joy and Gladness’ which greeted the Armistice in Woking, The jubilations continued into the weekend. The recording that on 11 November: newspaper advertises a ‘Torchlight Procession’ from the council offices to the Wheatsheaf on Saturday 16 November, with fireworks and fancy dress, and “The great news spread like wildfire, and by reports that ‘invitations have been extended to the 11 o'clock the streets were thronged with Volunteers, Cadets…Boy Scouts, Girl Guides, railway people laughing, shouting, singing, and some men, discharged soldiers, munition workers and silently weeping. Woking went mad-mad with others to take part…It is also hoped that the fire joy-and the pent-up emotions of over four brigades will attend and that the procession will nightmare years of horror and suspense burst include decorated and emblematical cars, together forth and were given free rein. Absolute with persons in fancy costume and members of the V.A.D.’* Concerts and special cinema programmes strangers shook hands in the streets with tears were also planned. in their eyes; a general holiday was declared; *Voluntary Aid Detachment and in a miraculously short time the town was gay with waving flags.” Among the reports of celebrations are hints of the cost of war and the challenges to come. Readers are

The crowds cheered for the country’s leaders and armed forces, the School Band played, trumpets and whistles were blown and the noise was such that ‘only at infrequent intervals could the bells of Church be heard proclaiming the gladsome tidings of peace on earth and goodwill to all men’. ‘“Let's all go mad!” shouted one soldier...Another remarked “We’re only playing at soldiers now!” Schoolchildren received a half-holiday (‘and didn't they enjoy themselves!’) and it was reported that ‘Boys have everywhere been indulging in the rather dangerous pastime of throwing coloured lights. Crackers and squibs have been going off everywhere’. The ‘dismal’ Woking News & Mail, 15 November 1918, p. 4 weather was ‘more than compensated by the flood of (© Woking News & Mail).

22 www.woking.gov.uk | 01483 755855 reminded that ‘As most of our fighting men will have to remain overseas for some months’, Christmas In 2018, the Surrey History Centre celebrates its parcels for the troops ought soon to be sent. 20th year in Woking. To celebrate, a special booklet highlighting 70 Surrey gems from the Many of Woking’s collections has been produced. A number of churches held Woking and WWI treasures make the list! Collect thanksgiving your free copy at Surrey History Centre. services; ‘A United Service of Thanksgiving’ for all was planned for Sunday 17 November.

A notice from the Church of England Woking News & Mail, 15 November 1918, p. 4 asked readers to In the summer following Armistice, the Woking (© Woking News & Mail). consider ‘What is to be News & Mail described how Woking “gave full your Thankoffering for Victory?’ and sought donations and enthusiastic expression to the joy it felt over for the ‘Church of England Fund of Five Million the conclusion of peace” by throwing an Pounds’ towards the country’s reconstruction enormous Peace Celebration across the town with a parade, sports, games, music and tea. Finally, A.H. Godfrey, later in his speech of 12 November, observed:

“…We feel a deep sense of gratitude to the men of our Navy, the men of our Army, the men of our Air Forces, for their gallant conduct in this cruel struggle... Woking has like all other parts of the country I know full well drunk very, very deeply of the cup of sorrow and anxiety. Thank God, Woking News & Mail, 15 anxiety is over for the November 1918, p. 4 greater number...Let us (© Woking News & Mail). be united in peace…Let it never be said in the future as it has been in the past… that the men who have fought and bled for their country have been left to beg their bread!...Let us never forget them; let us always do our utmost for the future of our poor maimed and disabled, and our discharged, soldiers and sailors…lest we forget, lest we forget.”

For more information about the Surrey in the Great War project, visit surreyinthegreatwar.org.uk or call 01483 518238 Peace Celebration – all courtesy of David Rose Collection www.woking.gov.uk | 01483 755855 23 Winter | 2018 Out and about

This year, as part of the commemorations marking the centenary since the First World War ended, we have teamed up with Iain Wakeford’s Heritage Walks for three ‘Out & About’ routes discovering local War Memorials. The route of this final walk is around Old Woking.

Key facts where the road becomes Old Woking Road then continue. Woking Palace Start/finish: Manor Way Carefully cross the road again at Home in the late 15th Century Car Park, Old Woking (off the junction with Carters Lane. to Lady Margaret Beaufort the roundabout at the junction (and then her son, Henry VII), of High Street and Houses of Church the palace was substantially Broadmead Road). Street improved in the times of Henry VIII. The ruins are open to the Time: 2 to 2.5 hours There are a number of Grade public on certain dates of the Distance: 3 miles/4.8 kilometres II listed buildings in Church year. For more details please approx Street, including the Old visit www.woking-palace.org Type of walk: Most of the walk Vicarage (opposite the church), which dates from is on pavements, apart from the about 1800, Weylea (the tall middle section along Sheep building beside the church), Walk and the Hoe Valley Path. which is early 17th Century, Please ensure that you follow Church Cottages (beside the the Country Code and respect lych gate), dating from the the privacy of local residents. 16th Century with an 18th Century front, and Wey * Lea The route Cottages, which date from the late 15th/early 16th Century. 1. From Manor Way Car Park, head towards High Street then bear left. 3. Continue along Carters Lane After a short distance turn right on past the houses towards the to Church Street towards St Peter’s sewage works where the road Church where the War Memorial turns right towards Woking can be found inside the tower. Palace. Turn left onto the footpath, 2. Retrace your steps back to over the Hoe Stream and towards High Street. Carefully cross the Roundbridge Farm. Alternatively, road, turn right and continue turn right for a short detour to along High Street to the corner Woking Palace.

St Peter’s Church and War Memorial

The War Memorial, unveiled on 28 November 1920, is located within the church tower. It consists of tablets listing the men from the village who died in both world wars. The oldest part of the church dates back to the late 11th Century, with the original door (now in the tower) being made from a tree most likely felled around the year 1115.

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4. Continue past Roundhill Farm school. Continue along the parts of Rydens Way (named and through the metal gate to footpath keeping the allotments after Edward Ryde, upon whose Hoebridge Golf Course. Continue on your left. At the end of the land the estate was built) and along the tree lined footpath. allotments, turn left and continue. continue along Farm Road. At the Before the footpath opens out end of Farm Road continue on the onto the golf course, turn left onto 7. The path leads to Coniston footpath between the houses to another tree lined footpath, known Road. Continue until reaching Manor Way. as Sheep Walk. Rydens Way. Carefully cross both 8. At Manor Way turn right towards the High Street. At High Sheep Walk Street turn left and continue on the This ancient track linking Old pavement towards Manor Way Car Woking to (and ) Park and the start of the walk. evidently pre-dates the establishment of the deer park Guided walk: around Woking Palace A guided version of this walk with Iain Wakeford will take 5. Continue along Sheep Walk, place on Sunday 11 carefully crossing the golf course. November 2018, meeting at At the end of the path, carefully 2pm at the war memorial in St cross Old Woking Road and head Peter’s Church churchyard. down the hill toward Hoe Bridge. More details of the historic 6. Immediately after the bridge, on features on the walk can be the right, is a signed footpath for found on Iain’s website the Hoe Valley Path. Take the path www.wokinghistory.org across the playing fields of the www.woking.gov.uk | 01483 755855 25

The Lightbox is making an Impression this season More than just a gallery

Discover inspiring and diverse exhibitions for all to enjoy this winter at The Lightbox Galley and Museum – it’s more than just a gallery.

Experience the Impressionists’ use of light and economic transformation in France, the works explore movement through the work of Paul Cezanne, Pierre- maternity, womanhood, work and leisure - all Auguste Renoir, Edgar Degas and Auguste Rodin in representations of the reality of French life. Impressionism: The Art of Life (until 13 January 2019 ). Featuring a showcase divided evenly between Alongside this exciting exhibition is Elisabeth Frink: the medium of painting and unusually, sculpture, the A Collector’s Passion from The Ingram Collection exhibition reveals the way the Impressionists were (until 6 January 2019 ), commemorating 25 years intellectually and personally connected to the scenes since the artist’s death in 1993 and including they were observing. During a time of social and personal responses from Chris Ingram, owner of The Ingram Collection.

Additionally, coming up in January will be Women in Photography: A History of British Trailblazers (30 January 2019 to 2 June 2019 ), surveying and celebrating the history of British women photographers and shining a light on those who are only now being recognised for their work.

Visitors to Lightbox Late events on a Thursday can now enjoy free entry to all galleries and exhibitions from 5pm to 8.30pm, before attending the scheduled evening’s entertainment. For more information about these and the many other events and activities on offer at The Lightbox, please visit www.thelightbox.org.uk Alfred Sisley (1839 - 1899) 14 July at Marly France 1875 Oil on canvas © The Higgins

Fill your Christmas stockings with a special selection of handmade arts and crafts

With a carefully curated selection of extra special gifts you won’t find anywhere else, there’s no better way to get your Christmas shopping started than the Arts and Craft Fair (1 to 2 December 2018 ). The fair showcases an array of products from local designers, crafters, painters and producers alongside assorted seasonal treats, live music and a wonderfully festive atmosphere.

But before the busy festive season is upon us, why not unwind after work with delicious tapas in Seasons Café? Visit the galleries or attend one of our regular events such as a comedy night, book group, Café Scientifique or the all new Poetry Open Mic nights at Shona Staunton stall Arts and Craft Fair 2017 Lightbox Lates, every Thursday evening until 8.30pm. © The Lightbox www.woking.gov.uk | 01483 755855 27 Winter | 2018 What’s on For more information about local events, Events in and around Woking Borough visit www.celebratewoking.info

Byfleet Village Christmas Bingo Christmas Fun Market Moorcroft Centre for the Community Byfleet Village Green Mon 10 Dec Fri 30 Nov, 5pm Enjoy a Christmas dinner followed by Christmas market with stalls and an afternoon of games. refreshments, live jazz, free mulled Cost : £8 members, £10 non- Cards for Good Causes cider and festive food. members ChristChurch, Woking Cost : Free Contact : Call 01483 743373 Until Tues 18 Dec, 10am to 4pm Contact : Email [email protected] Sale of Christmas cards and festive Pantomime goods to raise money for local and ChristChurch, Woking national charities. Santa Fun Run Woking Leisure Centre Wed 12 Dec, 6pm Contact : Call 01264 361555 or visit www.cardsforcharity.co.uk Sun 2 Dec, 10.30am to 2pm Saltmine Theatre Company brings you the story of The Nutcracker. Get in the festive spirit at this year’s Santa Byfleet Christmas Lights Fun Run! With 3k and 5k routes to choose Cost : To be announced Switch-On from, it’s a fun morning out for all the Contact : Visit Byfleet Village Green family that is guaranteed to spread some www.christchurchwoking.org Christmas cheer. All ages welcome. Thurs 15 Nov, 7pm Contact : Visit Woking Ladies Choir Switch-on of Byfleet Christmas lights www.wsbhospices.co.uk/event/santaf Christmas Concert with live music, mulled wine and unrun mince pies. Methodist Church Cost : Free Create for Christmas Sat 15 Dec, 4.30pm Contact : Email ChristChurch, Woking Woking Ladies Choir presents a light [email protected] Mon 3 Dec, 7pm to 10pm hearted concert for the whole family. Raffle and refreshments available. Learn to make Christmas gifts and Byfleet Christmas Fayre Rehearsals on a Tuesday evening at decorations. All welcome – no craft 7.45pm. Byfleet Village Hall experience needed, lots of friendly help provided! Cost : £10 Sat 17 Nov 10am to 1pm Cost : Small entry fee includes Contact : Call Brenda on 07980 Traditional Christmas Fayre with refreshments, plus additional charge 543991 or Sylvia on 01483 725527 Santa’s Grotto, craft and produce to cover cost of items made. stalls and refreshments. Genesis Chorale Christmas Contact : Visit Cost : £1 (under 14’s free) www.christchurchwoking.org Concert Contact : Email St John's Church, [email protected] Christmas Carol Service and Sat 15 Dec, 7.30pm Tree Light Switch-On Light up a Life Genesis Chorale and Surrey Youth Woking Training Choir join forces in singing St Andrews Church, Woking Wed 5 Dec, 6.30pm Christmas music, old and new, plus Sun 25 Nov, 4pm A service and light a candle to audience carols. St Dunstan’s Church, Woking remember your loved ones. Cost : £15 (students £6) Sun 2 Dec, 4pm Cost : Free Visit : www.genesischorale.org.uk Woking Hospice (non-religious Contact : Call 01483 472197 service) Carols by Candlelight Comedians & Carols ChristChurch, Woking Fri 7 Dec, 6.30pm ChristChurch, Woking Sun 16 Dec, 5pm and 7pm A wonderful, vibrant time of year where we gather together and look Thurs 6 Dec, 7.30pm Traditional and contemporary Christmas back on the lives of those special A Christmas Comedy Show – carols led by a choir, instruments and people we have lost and the joy they including sing-a-long carols, stand-up organ, with lots of opportunities for brought to us. comedy, sketches and mince pies. everyone to join in the singing. Cost : Free Cost : To be announced Cost : Free Contact : Visit Contact : Visit Contact : Visit www.wsbhospices.co.uk/lightupalife www.christchurchwoking.org www.christchurchwoking.org 28 01483 755855 | www.woking.gov.uk It’s Christmas! Cost : £10 on the door, ATOS members £8 Byfleet Art Group 50th Moorcroft Centre for the Community Contact: Call 01923 720511 or visit Anniversary Exhibition Thurs 20 Dec www.atos-.co.uk Catholic Church Hall, Maderia Road, ‘Tis the season to be jolly, so let’s be Woking Symphony Orchestra West Byfleet jolly at Moorcroft for a Christmas celebration like no other! H.G. Wells Centre Sat 24 Nov, 10am to 4pm Cost : £8 members, £10 non-members Sat 24 Nov, 7.30pm - Autumn Concert (pre-concert talk at 6.45pm). Contact : Call 01483 743373 A diverse selection of affordable and Cost : Adults £14, under 16s and original art for sale, along with limited students £7 edition prints and greetings cards, all created by local artists. Sat 19 Jan, 3.30 - Family Concert Cost : £7 Cost : Free Contact : Email Contact : [email protected] [email protected] Friday Fun Club or call 01483 712710 Trinity Methodist Church, Woking Woking Choral Society Friday evenings, 5.50pm to 7.30pm Concert (term-time only) H.G. Wells Centre, Woking Relaxed, friendly event for children (4 to 11 years) and their family/carers to Sat 1 Dec, 7.30pm join in with fun play, games, sports, Handel - Israel in Egypt. Conductor: Short Mat Indoor Bowling messy crafts, and a light tea. Victoria Longdon. Cost : Free Woking Park Bowls Club Cost : Adults £18 (children and Contact : Email students in full time education £5). Thurs 25 Oct, 2pm to 4pm or 7pm to 9pm [email protected] or Group discounts available. 01483 730754 No need to stop bowling in the winter. Contact : Visit We provide the bowls. Please wear flat www.wokingchoral.org.uk Bridge Tea in aid of Woking shoes or trainers. Community Hospital The Wind in the Willows Horsell Village Hall Contact : Call David on 01483 829566 Pyrford Village War Memorial Hall Tues 30 Oct, 2pm to 4.30pm Goldsworth Badminton Club Organised by the Friends of Woking Thurs 13, Fri 14 and Sat 15 Dec, 7.45pm (Sat 15 and Sun 16 Dec Community Hospital and includes , Horsell raffle, tea and prizes. Please bring matinee, 2.30pm) table, cards, scorecards and Pyrford Little Theatre presents John Every Saturday, 1pm to 3pm tablecloth for tea. Morley's ‘The Wind in the Willows’. Join The club welcomes players of club Cost : £10 per head Ratty, Mole, Badger, and of course standard. Feather shuttles used. Contact : Call 01483 714018 or visit Toad, for an entertaining family show www.fwch.org.uk of lazy days on the river. Cost : £7 per session Cost : £12 (under 16s £8) Remember, Remember the 5th Contact : Call 01483 767748 of November Contact : Call 07724 223126 or visit Moorcroft Centre for the Community www.pyrfordlittletheatre.org.uk LA21 AGM Mon 5 Nov WWF Living Planet Centre Let’s remember the 5th November with a bang! Thur 15 Nov Cost : £8 members, £10 non-members A round up of the year’s activity and a Contact: Call 01483 743373 speaker from RHS Wisley.

Daisy Tuffen Flower Club Cost : Free Pyrford Village War Memorial Hall Contact : Visit www.wokingla21.wordpress.com 13 Nov 10 Dec TEDx Woking Wurlitzer Concerts 11 Feb WWF Living Planet Centre Woking Leisure Centre, Kingfield Road Demonstrations, beautiful flowers, Fri 30 Nov, 8.30am Sat 17 Nov, 7pm – David Gray amazing stories and good advice. All arrangements are raffled at the end of Inspirational speakers on the topic of Sat 15 Dec, 3pm – Christmas concert the evening. ‘Discovery’. Sat 16 Feb – Richard Hills Cost : £5 including refreshments Cost : £35 Experience the golden age of the American Theatre Organ. Contact : Call 01932 351999 Contact : visit www.wokingworks.com

01483 755855 | www.woking.gov.uk 29 Winter | 2018

Why don’t you… become a foster parent?

There are over 900 children in care in Surrey, sadly, nearly half of these children are placed outside of the county because there are not enough foster carers within Surrey. This means that many children are moved away from the areas they know, schools and friends making being in care even harder.

Surrey County Council is looking for foster carers for children aged up to 18, supported lodgings providers for young people aged 16 to 21, and short breaks carers for disabled children. Enquiries are welcome from people of all backgrounds, religions, cultures and sexualities. You don’t need to own your home, be in a relationship or have your own children to foster and you can continue to work and foster in some instances.

Fostering can provide a child with a stable and supportive family life, and for some, bring a lifetime of joy and happy memories right through to adulthood. Bridget P was fostered from the age of four by Freda, from Woking. She describes how the relationship Events take place regularly around the county, lasted over 60 years: “Freda fostered me from a allowing potential foster parents to find out more children’s home at the age of four and stayed in my about what is involved with fostering a child. Visit life as a much loved parent until she died last year, www.surreycc.gov.uk/fostering and check the ‘Meet aged 99. She gave me a fantastic upbringing.” Freda our carers’ page to find out where the team will be received a posthumous certificate for long service as visiting next. a foster parent. Alternatively, you can book a home visit with a There are a number of ways in which you can find out fostering worker by emailing more about fostering in Surrey, whether you would [email protected] , or call the like to have an informal chat or if you would like to team on 0800 0969 626 for more information. There is speak more formally with a member of the fostering no obligation to take the enquiry further if you decide recruitment team. that fostering isn’t for you.

Help spread the fostering message by joining the conversation on social media.

'Like' Surrey County Council Fostering Service on Facebook at facebook.com/surreyfostering or follow on Twitter @surreyfostering

30 www.woking.gov.uk | 01483 755855 LIFE IS FOR LIVING. LIVE, LAUGH AND BE LOVED AT JACKMAN’S LODGE.

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