Nature: Small ways to help
By Alex Rose
Conserving our natural environment can seem daunting and out of our control, but each of us can make a meaningful difference with a handful of small personal actions.
Many of us have become increasingly aware of the diminishing wildlife in our local community, for example, less hedgehog sightings and fewer butterflies and bees. This is statistically evidenced by the Surrey Nature Partnership’s 2017 report, ‘The State Of Surrey’s Nature’, who’s headline conclusions state that “56% of UK wildlife species have shown a declining population trend between 1970 and 2013” and that “15% of all UK wildlife is either threatened with extinction or is extinct already”. While this may seem dire, each one of us can support our local environment through any of these actions.
One of these declining species is the British suburban hedgehog. The average hedgehog travels 2 km every night, so this rapid decrease in population is partly due to a loss of access to areas rich with insect life like gardens that hedgehogs pass through. This is caused by man made barriers such as fences. However, there is a way for us to combat this obstacle and do our part in preventing further decline of the hedgehog. The Wildlife Trust suggests creating ‘hedgehog holes’ along the bottom of our fences for ease of passage. While these might seem like eyesores, there are plenty of hedgehog hole decorations and small signposts to be found online that can make them a seamless part of your garden. This could also be a fun project for young children. To amplify the benefit to our local hedgehogs, invite your neighbours to do the same. Other small ways of helping to ensure their survival are leaving out small amounts of dog or cat food, pet biscuits and water (not milk, as this can make them very ill), and avoiding the use of pesticides and slug pellets.
Sadly, the bee population has been a matter of concern for many years, as bees act as our most important pollinators. This role is vital to our ecosystem, as a third of what we eat depends on pollinators, yet, due to habitat loss (as well as other factors) their numbers are in decline. Luckily, there are several ways to aid and support your local bees. Firstly, by being generous to bees that you encounter around your house; when you see a bee struggling with tiredness, a spoonful of sugar-water can do wonders, as well as help in finding a window or exit. Another way to help is by cultivating a bee-friendly garden. This can be achieved through growing plenty of flowers, or making a bee hotel, another fun project for children with plenty of resources online.
Rewilding is the process of allowing nature to take its course in natural spaces.
Another hugely beneficial action that you can take is rewilding. Rewilding is the process of allowing nature to take its course in natural spaces. On a larger scale, this can include reintroducing predators and keystone species, and protecting areas abundant in ecological functions in order to create and preserve stable, self-sustaining ecosystems, and promote near pre-human levels of biodiversity. On a smaller, back-garden scale, there are many ways of encouraging a similar effect. Not mowing segments of your garden is one of these ways. Leaving some grass to grow can help many species of plants and insects and can be hugely rewarding. Other ways of rewilding your garden are growing a tree or creating a log pile or compost heap to allow decay. It’s important not to view any of these as ‘messy’, but as potential homes to many endangered species.
Community gardens are collaborative projects on natural areas where groups of people share in the maintenance and products of the garden. These communities are a great way to stay in touch with nature and offer great environmental benefits such as reducing waste through compost programs, reducing food miles and creating a more sustainable system. Locally, Rosamund Community Garden, based in Pewley Down, Guildford, is a “peaceful, wildlife haven where volunteers gather to sew, grow, build and learn together in tune with nature”. Rosamund Community Garden offers a number of regular events, such as Big Job Sundays and Apple Pressing as well as the upcoming Spring Beltane Celebration on the 15th of May. They welcome members and visitors alike. For more information, visit their website: www.guildfordcommunitygarden.org.uk
In the face of constantly devastating environmental changes, it can be difficult to be aware of the impact that small actions can make, but continually learning about nature and how we can help is a big step forward. Other ways of helping include walking instead of taking a car where possible, using natural grass in favour of AstroTurf, leaving bird baths/food in your garden to aid local birds, and buying organically/from local farmer’s markets if possible.
The natural environment around us is valuable, as it supports our survival, fosters biodiversity and offers remarkable beauty.
The natural environment around us is valuable, as it supports our survival, fosters biodiversity and offers remark-able beauty. Burpham itself (and its surrounding area) offers its own share of interesting species and picturesque places, such as the Burpham Nature Reserve, the River Wey, Newland’s Corner and St Martha’s Hill.
These places enrich our lives and offer peace and joy to many people, and it is our responsibility to guard and protect our natural environment for future generations to enjoy.
Guildford Lions’ ‘Firework Fiesta’ to go ahead again this year
We are delighted to confirm that our annual Firework Fiesta will be going ahead again this year on Saturday November 5th in Stoke Park, Guildford!
Guildford Lions are continuing the successful format of last year but with even better entertainment (including children’s rides etc) and a lot more food and drink options.
This remains a charitable event and ALL profits will be used to support the local community through the Guildford Lions club’s welfare fund and also the Prostate Project who are raising funds to provide a mobile screening unit service.
Times
Gates open 5.00pm. Music 6.00pm until 8.30pm. Fireworks from 8.30pm.
Entertainment
Live music this year will feature leading Mumford & Sons tribute act ‘Chasing Mumford’ plus local band 21st Century Riot performing covers of Kings of Leon, The Artic Monkeys, Blur and many more.
This year the Guildford Lions will be creating a specific Children’s Entertainment area which will include fairground rides, a face painter, an opportunity to buy glow in the dark toys, with more to come.
The fireworks display will again be provided by Pains Fireworks the largest fireworks company in the UK and the brilliant Peter Gordon will be returning as MC.
Ticket Prices
These are difficult times for all of us so despite a significant increase in our costs we have decided to maintain last year’s prices to allow as many people as possible to come along and enjoy a great and safe community event.
This will be an all ticket event again with NO sales on the night. Tickets will be priced at £10 (plus booking fee) for adults, children under 16 FREE (but these must be accompanied by their parents/adults). To buy tickets visit https://www.seetickets.com/tour/fireworks-fiesta
Food & Drink
A lot more catering options will be provided this year to reduce queues. These include American style food, Indian street food, Thai and Spanish plus vegan & vegetarian options.
We are delighted to confirm some outlets will be providing children’s portions. A wide variety of drinks will be provided by the Star at Godalming including a wine bar this year.
Parking
Free parking will be available at the Spectrum (to be confirmed), Guildford College, Allianz Insurance with disabled parking available at the Guildford High School.
Sponsors
We would like to thank all of our brilliant sponsors as without their support this wonderful community event would not be possible.
- RADical Systems (UK) Ltd
- Martin Grant Homes
- Guildford Borough Council
- Chapters Financial Ltd
- Big Yellow Self Storage Company
For more information please visit our website www.guildfordlions.com or our Facebook page www.facebook.com/GuildfordLionsClub/
Challengers builds new accessible playground
Work has started on a new, state-of-the-art inclusive playground at the Guildford play-centre of charity Challengers.
The specially designed playground in Stoke Park will have a huge impact on the lives of thousands of disabled children who are often unable to use typical playgrounds in their own communities.
Challengers has provided more than 40 years of fun and accessible play for children of all ages and continues to champion play for disabled children.
The charity raised £300,000 to build the playground through a fundraising campaign called the Big Play Appeal. The playground’s design, inspired by the Surrey Hills, will be a multi-functional space with specialist equipment aimed at facilitating fun and adventure for disabled children.
Inclusive and accessible, the equipment is exciting and varied, providing the opportunity for climbing, sliding, swinging and creative play.
Most importantly, the playground will mean disabled children will be able to play with their non-disabled peers in a safe, accessible space where they can have fun and make friends.
Challengers is especially excited and proud that the new playground will see the first installation in the UK of a We-Go-Swing, which represents a revolutionary step forward in inclusive play. The swing, allows wheelchair and non-wheelchair users to play together. Unlike many accessible swings that are segregated from main play areas, this swing is designed to be fully integrated into the playground setting.
According to research from the disability equality charity Scope “half of families with disabled children in the UK face accessibility problems with their local playground”.
The 2022 Challengers parent survey indicated only 6% of Surrey families felt there was enough access to safe and accessible play in Guildford. Challengers wants to change that.
British Paralympian and Challengers Patron Rachel Morris MBE said: “I’m delighted to see that Challengers are building a new, accessible playground with top-of-the-range equipment for disabled children to enjoy in Surrey.
“This will make such a difference to disabled children’s lives and will help to break down the barriers to play they are faced with daily.”
“This will make such a difference to disabled children’s lives and will help to break down the barriers to play they are faced with daily.”
Parents whose children attend Challengers are also really excited about the new playground and the difference it will make to their children’s lives.
One Challengers parent supporter said: “Children with disabilities deserve opportunities to access play. This is currently something we lack in Surrey.
“This playground will allow children to play in a safe and secure area. Parents will feel comfortable and safe when allowing their children to play in this new playground, this is often something they can’t feel in other playgrounds in Surrey.”
The playground is due to open in early Spring 2023 and the charity will be show-casing it with a special launch event.
The Stories of Guildford’s Public Art
Main image: The ‘Surrey Scholar’ created by Alan Sly to represent education in Guildford.
by Alex Rose
From the Surrey Scholar to the Sutherland Circle, let’s discover more about what’s around us every day. Guildford, known for its picturesque town centre, is rich in charming scenes and unassuming treasures. Among these are a number of carefully crafted art pieces, each of which has a story of its own.
Perhaps the most well-known of these is the grand statue of George Abbot, Archbishop of Canterbury, erected in April of 1993 at the top of the high street. It was sculpted by local artist Faith Winter, who studied at the Guildford School of Art, and unveiled by Robert Runcie, the then Archbishop of Canterbury. Born in Guildford, 1562, Abbot attended the Royal Grammar School and went on to teach at Oxford University. He was three times Vice-Chancellor of the university and took a leading role in translating the authorised version of the New Testament. Guildford continues to honour Abbot with a hospital, a pub, a secondary school and the towering statue. His tomb can be visited at
Holy Trinity Church.
Another recognisable sculpture of Guildford Town Centre rests at the bottom of the high street. The ‘Surrey Scholar’ depicts a young man holding a number of books and raising his mortarboard hat in a lively running position. It was commissioned for the Golden Jubilee by the University of Surrey, also coinciding with the University’s 35th anniversary. It had the brief of a ‘dynamic’ feel and was raised in 2009, a feat of engineering, as the Scholar balances on one toe on a sloping site. The 11-foot high, bronze sculpture was created by Alan Sly to represent education in Guildford. Interestingly, Alan Sly also sculpted the eye-catching ‘Surrey Stag’ outside the University – designed to represent its logo.
When we take a moment to notice the talent around us and appreciate our local environment, we may be surprised at what we find.
Erected in 2017 and distinctly recognisable, anyone who frequents Sutherland Memorial Park must be familiar with the ‘Sutherland Circle’. This creative steel art piece aims to explore themes of nature; each leaf-shaped structure is ornately decorated with individual natural scenes, including a bird flying over a child in a flower meadow or a robin surrounded by falling autumnal leaves. The structures surround a small cylindrical column with a plaque. It was created by artist Steve Tomlinson in close collaboration with a local school.
‘The Bargeman’, an intriguing sculpture located on Town Wharf, was commissioned by the Guildford Borough Council to celebrate the millennium. Facing the canal, a working
man made of steel coils wears a flat cap and coat and stands in a position to throw a length of looped rope. It was created in 2001 by Andy Quirk and Robert Kranenborg at Utopia Forge and designed to reflect the time when the Wey was a working river.
The Wey itself is a waterway of almost 20 miles connecting Godalming and Surrey with the Thames at Weybridge. The river Wey Navigation was created between 1651 and 1653 to offer Guildford merchants a convenient highway to London. It is one of the oldest river navigations in the country, and today the National Trust manages it as a leisure waterway.
So, it is safe to say that the bargeman represents an important aspect of historical life in Guildford and celebrates the gateway of local trade.
The newest significant public art piece in Guildford is the war memorial at the castle grounds (erected in 2018 and created by David Annand) honouring the lives of the eighteen residents of the town who have died in service since the end of World War 2. The bronze memorial depicts a young man in military uniform holding a plaque engraved with the names of those who died. The figure is surrounded by three arcs, which represent the three services and echo the Norman Architecture of Guildford Castle.
Public art in Guildford, however, doesn’t end there; a number of other pieces can be found throughout Guildford. Lewis Carroll’s impressive influence can certainly be sensed throughout the town for example, with ‘Alice through the looking glass’ and ‘Alice and the White Rabbit’ exemplifying local art. Outside the Odeon cinema, you may well have seen the only wooden sculpture on this list, ‘Rising Stars’, by Steve Geliot, perhaps a cheerful tribute to the stars on the big screen. Other art pieces include the extract from a Walter de la Mare poem on the side of the Parkway Premier Inn, the dancing figures sculpture on the wall of the youth centre at Haydon Place, many interesting statues on the grounds of Surrey University, and, more locally, the green man sculpture on the side of the Burpham Aldi, paying respect to the Green Man pub which stood in the location previously.
Clearly, many creative and captivating gems surround us whilst we go about our daily lives. When we take a moment to notice the talent around us and appreciate our local environment, we may be surprised at what we find.
Guildford in Bloom launches 2023 competition
The Guildford in Bloom Gardening Competition, which is open to residents and businesses in Guildford Borough launched on 14 February 2023 alongside the Schools in Bloom competition which launched at the end of January 2023.
The theme for this year is For King and Countryside which incorporates both the Coronation celebrations and King Charles III’s love of wildlife.
Part of the Guildford in Bloom ethos is to create diverse habitats that encourage and protect wildlife, especially our pollinators. The Best Site for Nature Conservation category supports and encourages projects to promote bio-diversity and havens for all wildlife in our area. However, it will not be possible to reverse the decline in populations of pollinators unless everyone can be encouraged to do a little bit.
Therefore as part of this years’ theme, Guildford in Bloom have created a list of ten things entrants can do in their gardens or allotments to create mini wildlife havens. These include bird feeders, being part of a hedgehog corridor, having a pond or other water source, nectar café’s, bug hotels and log piles. In order to qualify for the theme entrants have to chose five things from the list to do – those that can do all ten should enter the Best Garden for Wildlife category too.
Cllr Paul Spooner, Chairman of Guildford in Bloom says:
“Guildford in Bloom are delighted to be able to celebrate the King’s Coronation with our theme For King and Countryside. We felt it was important to include an element that would have a tangible benefit to local wildlife and we sincerely hope that these elements in people’s gardens and plots will be maintained in the future.
We hope that our Guildford gardeners will rise to the challenge and help us make a real difference in honour of King Charles III’s lifelong love of nature and wildlife. Any garden, big or small, private or a business can enter Guildford in Bloom. We’d love to see your photos and stories, please share them on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages by using the hashtag #GIB2023 and show us how you’ve interpreted this year’s theme.”
To take part, please go to www.guildfordinbloom.com to download the entry form, and once completed send that to info@guildfordinbloom.com no later than Sunday 18 June 2023 Judging takes place between 28 June – 16 July 2023. You can keep up with the competition on the Guildford in Bloom social media pages – visit @guildfordnbloom on Twitter and Instagram and on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/GuildfordInBloom
The school competition is also underway and children across the borough will be designing and creating their gardens with the For King and Countryside theme, and keeping a journal, diary or scrapbook to record their progress.
Entries for the Schools in Bloom Competition, sponsored by Edwins Garden Centre, need to be in by 21 May 2022 and judging will take place between 5 to 16 June 2023. Entry forms for this competition can also be downloaded from www.guildfordinbloom.com
The winner of #bloomingschools will receive £50 to spend on plants or gardening equipment for the school, together with other prizes.
For King and Countryside will also be celebrated at the free Blooming Picnic in the Castle Grounds Event on 3 June 2023 – picnic goers will be encouraged to dress up in keeping with the theme and bring flags to wave while they enjoy entertainment from the Castle Bandstand provided by Guildford Fringe Festival as we bring our celebrations of the Coronation to a close. Blooming Picnic is sponsored by Chapters Financial and Experience Guildford and would not happen without the collaboration with Guildford Fringe Festival.
Charlotte Wyschna, Managing Director of Guildford Fringe says:
“Guildford Fringe Festival are very pleased to be helping organise the Picnic once again after setting the event up with Diana Roberts and GIB all those years ago. It has grown into a wonderful event which is always so well attended. A true community event for the people of Guildford. There will be music and fun for all the family from the bandstand whilst you enjoy the beautiful Castle Grounds.”
More details on the Guildford in Bloom website www.guildfordinbloom.com
Mandira’s Kitchen has Christmas 2022 covered...
…for gifts and celebrations
Mandira’s Kitchen have put together their best dishes to make your Christmas party celebrations fuss free and a range of gifts to delight family and friends.
Party food that doesn’t involve the hostess spending hours in the kitchen is all important. To spice up your party, there are Party Platters available for delivery or collection that include crispy samosas and Indian canape delights – perfect for passing round or a buffet table.
You can also order catering size packs of all your favourite dishes with meat, vegetarian or vegan options. This makes light work of catering for larger gatherings. You can order the food in advance and keep in the freezer until needed, just heat in the microwave for 4 minutes and spend more of your valuable time with family and friends, plus you can order specially curated Indian Banquets with 3 courses for a Family Feast and even Dine in for Two boxes for a romantic dinner for two.
Now is also the time when everyone starts to think about Christmas gifts for loved ones. A Mandira’s Kitchen voucher can get more than just food, they are also available for Cookery Lessons and Spice Tours for the gourmet in your life.
New this year is also a range of Indian inspired giftware, to ensure your banquet has that special authentic feel. The range includes insulated dishes, spice tins and candle holders at various price points that make the perfect gift.
If you are intending to have a traditional turkey dinner on Christmas Day – the Leftover Christmas Feast Spice Kit provides all you need to create a 3 course Indian meal using your Christmas leftover – it also includes two chutneys and ghee with a recipe booklet – cook-along videos are also available to watch on the MK You Tube channel. The kit makes the perfect gift or get one for yourself to make sure no food goes to waste.
“Here at Mandira’s Kitchen, the run up to Christmas is very busy and so we usually shut shop on Christmas Eve and open only in the New Year. These few days allow us to spend time with our loved ones…” Mandira Sarkar, Founder
The MK Team is looking forward to Christmas 2022 and firmly believe spending time with loved ones is more important than spending time in the kitchen. Mandira says “Here at Mandira’s Kitchen, the run up to Christmas is very busy and so we usually shut shop on Christmas Eve and open only in the New Year. These few days allow us to spend time with our loved ones and guess what, we too become customers of Mandira’s kitchen ensuring our freezers are stocked full of deliciousness!”
The food and gifts can be delivered anywhere in the UK from Scotland to Cornwall and everywhere in between. All items can be ordered online from www.mandiraskitchen.com and delivered to any UK Mainland address.
Festive family pantomime at Yvonne Arnaud
Another festive family pantomime is sprouting from Yvonne Arnaud’s stage!
Peter Gordon, Kit Hesketh Harvey and James Merry will return to star in this year’s fun-filled family pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk, playing from Saturday 3 December 2022 to Sunday 8 January 2023 (following their award-winning production of Dick Whittington!).
Jack makes a moo-ving sacrifice and bids farewell to his beloved cow in return for a magical bean-tacular investment, which has giant consequences!
Can he make an egg-cellent escape back down the beanstalk or has he really cooked his goose?!
With stunning sets, dazzling costumes and a thrilling live band, join the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre for a tantalising adventure with all the sparkles, songs and side-splitting silliness you could ask for!
We’re thrilled to announce that Kit Hesketh Harvey, Peter Gordon and James Merry will return in this year’s pantomime!
Hendrix the Horrible will be played by Guildford’s favourite villain, Kit Hesketh Harvey, following his roles in nine previous Arnaud pantos!
Peter Gordon will take the role of the loveable Dame, Mary from the Dairy, in what will be his 16th Yvonne Arnaud panto appearance (oh yes it will!). Peter said: ‘It’s a real privilege to be coming back for what will be my sixteenth panto at the Arnaud! Pantomime is always a real joy, and at the Arnaud – our very special theatre – it’s just magic. I’m looking forward to getting the makeup on and getting back into those outfits! Jack and the Beanstalk will be another triumph for Guildford, Surrey and beyond!’
After joining the cast of Dick Whittington last year, Guildford resident and Guildford School of Acting alumnus James Merry will return as Simon. James is best known for his role as Simon Brooklyn Bell in CBeebies’ popular BAFTA-nominated series Waffle The Wonder Dog. James said: ‘I’m delighted to be returning for my second year of Panto at the YA. I must’ve done something right to be asked back, although after 1,500+ custard pies to the face I do think it’s the least they could do! This year’s tale of Jack and The Beanstalk looks set to be a rollicking ride of laughs and I can’t wait to get back on stage with PG, Kit and the gang. Last year’s audiences were so kind and generous, especially with the backdrop of COVID, I’m sure this year we will see more of those magic full houses. Can’t wait to see you all!’
Find out more at www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk/whats-on/pantomime/jack-and-beanstalk
Do you have any events happening in and around Stoughton that you would like added in the next issue?
Our next issue of Stoughton Pages will cover January & February 2023. If you would like your event, happening during this period, added to our ‘News & events’ or ‘What’s on this month’ sections please e-mail the details to editor@stoughton-pages.co.uk before 5th December.
The launch of ‘999 BSL’
Connecting the Deaf community to the emergency services in BSL for the first time.
Sensory Services by Sight for Surrey hosted a party for the Surrey Deaf community last Friday 17 June to showcase and celebrate the launch of 999 BSL, the UK’s first ever Video Relay Service (VRS) connecting Deaf people to the emergency services (police, ambulance, fire and coastguard) via a remote British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter.
Standing shoulder to shoulder with Sight for Surrey staff were Surrey Police, Surrey Fire & Rescue & South East Coast Ambulance Service showcasing the new service and answering any questions or queries the local Deaf community have about downloading and using the app.
The new service, which will be provided by interpreting and communication support provider Sign Language Interactions, has launched as an app (iOS and Android) and web-based platform. The service, which will be funded by private telecoms companies, will be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year and will be completely free of charge to Deaf users and is an important breakthrough in equality for the Deaf community.
While a text relay service already exists, video relay will enable Deaf callers across the UK to make video calls to the emergency services in their own language – British Sign Language – for the first time ever, without needing to use English or ask a hearing person to make a call to 999 on their behalf.
This is another major milestone in improving access for the estimated 90,000 Deaf people in the UK, following the recent historic decision by Parliament to recognise British Sign Language as a language of Great Britain for the first time. The British Sign Language (BSL) Act passed into law on 28 April 2022 after decades of campaigning by the Deaf community. Susanna MacDonald from Sensory Services by Sight for Surrey said; “The launch of 999 BSL has been a long time coming. This service will make a huge difference for the Deaf community and how quickly we can connect to the emergency services rather than relying on a neighbour or waiting for the next hearing person to come along, especially when the situation is life-threatening. To be able to call directly and explain and communicate in our first language is fantastic and it also means full and accurate information can be translated. I believe this new service will be helpful to anyone with any degree of hearing loss, as a non BSL user would also find this useful to be able to speak to and lipread the interpreter. This is really great news.”
Abigail Gorman, from SignHealth said: “This is a breakthrough for Deaf people that will save lives and means one more step forward towards equality. We won’t be satisfied until Deaf people have full and equal access, particularly to life-saving health services.”
Sight for Surrey
Tel: 01372 377701
Mob: 07860 026269
facebook.com/SightforSurrey
@SightforSurrey
sightforsurrey.org.uk
Challengers charity launches Big Play Appeal
Challengers charity launches Big Play Appeal campaign to build an accessible playground for disabled children.
A new quarter of a million-pound state-of-the art playground which would transform the lives of thousands of disabled children is due to be built in Guildford.
The campaign, Big Play Appeal, is being launched by local disability charity, Challengers, which has provided more than 40 years of fun and accessible play for children of all ages.
The playground’s design, inspired by the Surrey Hills, will be a multi-functional space with specialist equipment aimed at facilitating fun and adventure for disabled children and will be built at the Challengers Guildford Playcentre in Stoke Park.
When not in use Challengers will be looking to open the centre up for Family Fun Days, for local families to enjoy together. It is an exciting opportunity to build a space bringing disabled and non-disabled children together, where they can make friends and learn from each other.
“Our new playground will benefit the community as a whole, bringing us a step closer to achieving our vision of a world where all children and young people can play together, freely.” Gen Dearman, CEO
The support of the local community and businesses is crucial to the playground’s development. Challengers have launched a major crowdfunding campaign to help fund the cost of the project and to reach the huge target of £250,000 and start the playground build. Challengers need the support of the community to donate, fundraise and spread awareness of their Big Play Appeal.
Parents whose children attend Challengers are really excited about the new play-ground and the difference it will make to their children’s lives; “Children with disabilities deserve opportunities to access play. This is currently something we lack in Surrey. This playground will allow children who use Challengers and families in Surrey to play in a safe and secure area. Parents will feel comfortable and safe when allowing their children to play in this new playground, this is often something they can’t feel in other playgrounds in Surrey”. Parent Supporter, Challengers.
According to research from the disability equality charity Scope “Half of families with disabled children in the UK, face accessibility problems with their local playground.” The new Challengers playground will provide a place where children and young people can play freely, with equipment to suit a wide range of needs, as well as opening up an opportunity for local families to use the space and benefit from inclusive play.
Guildford MP Angela Richardson said, “I have had the pleasure of visiting Guildford Challengers and have seen the positive impact Challengers has on children, young people, and their families. It is clear that the children love to attend Challengers and get so much out of the centre, but it is missing a vital element, an inclusive and accessible playground for all to enjoy. Disabled children and young people are so often excluded from society, including local playgrounds, so to have access to a specially designed playground is invaluable to the disabled community and their families.”
The community can help to raise the money needed by:
- Donating to the Just Giving page https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/bigplayappeal
- Taking on a fundraising play challenge of your own during the month of October visit Challengers website https://disability-challengers.org/playground/ or contact fundraising@disability-challengers.org to find out more
- Sharing the appeal with friends and family on social media
Whilst care has been taken to ensure that the information contained in Stoughton Pages is accurate, the publishers take no responsibility for the accuracy of statements made by, nor the opinions of, contributors, and accept no responsibility for any omissions or errors which may occur.
Blooming Picnic Success for Jubilee Celebration
Guildford in Bloom’s Picnic in the Castle Grounds to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee was a huge success with record crowds enjoying the entertainment from the bandstand and having a go at bowls.
There was live music all afternoon from Guildford Fringe Festival; Delicious Jubilee cakes from the Castle Green Bowls Club and lots of activities for children and families.
The picnic – now in its 6th year with an obvious covid break in the middle was Guildford in Bloom’s first opportunity to bring everyone together again, and the Queen’s Jubilee – this year’s gardening competition theme – was the perfect excuse.
From a glass of Pimm’s to Pin the Tail on the Corgi, to Royal Selfies – the afternoon buzzed with a great atmosphere and the weather was kind too; staying dry and even a little bit of sunshine. The event was attended by The Mayor and Mayoress of Guildford who took time to meet all the stall holders and talk with picnickers, as well as Guildford MP Angela Richardson.
The event was sponsored by Experience Guildford, Tunsgate Quarter and Guildford Pubwatch and could not have happened without the fantastic support of Guildford Fringe Festival.
Every stall holder pulled out all the stops with activities and games on their stands including Indigo Moon, The Home Club, drama performances and cucumber sandwiches from Pranksters Theatre Company; games from Guildford Book Festival; the most amazing Royal selfie opportunities from Reconnections Guildford and Waverley; rock painting from the Fountain Centre, and much more from Canterbury Care, Surrey Wildlife Trust, Experience Guildford, and art activities from Guildford Fringe as well as the extremely popular Pimm’s Tent from The Keep Pub.
Cllr Paul Spooner, Chairman of Guildford in Bloom says: “We are overwhelmed with the success of the event and the number of people who came throughout the afternoon. It was a fantastic atmos-phere as everyone enjoyed coming together to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. We are extremely grateful to all the wonderful stall holders and our sponsors, Experience Guildford, Tunsgate Quarter and Guildford Pubwatch for helping us to make this happen. We are also grateful to Guildford Lions for providing marshalling and support at the event.”
Judging for this years Guildford in Bloom takes place between 27 June – 15 July. You can keep up with the competition on our social media pages – visit @guildfordnbloom on Twitter and Instagram and on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/GuildfordInBloom.
The judges will be visiting all the Schools in Bloom in the next couple of weeks and the Guildford in Bloom team are looking forward to seeing all the themed entries the children have created.
Once this year’s competition is over, the team at Guildford in Bloom will start planning the 2023 Blooming Picnic so put the date in your diaries now of Saturday 3 June 2023.
