TOGETHER WITH
Good Morning Surrey,
On a wet early-March morning in Surrey, you can usually tell what matters by what’s on the kitchen counter, a school message, a rail alert, an energy statement you’ve been avoiding.
In case you are counting, we are now around four weeks from clocks changing and the first proper after-work daylight of the year, which always makes the Surrey hills feel a bit closer, even if the traffic cones never quite disappear.
April brings a cluster of small rule changes that end up feeling bigger in real life. This Midweek Brief pulls the main shifts into one place, then flags the roadworks, school services and weekend plans that might save you a detour or a last-minute reshuffle.
In today’s edition
April cost-of-living changes, energy bills, wages, pensions and rail fares
A320 Woking Road junction works in Guildford and what to expect overnight
Supported living in Byfleet, and the future of the Twelve15 school meal service
Midweek and weekend picks for International Women’s Day, theatre, gigs and family plans
Let’s take a look.
— Prince Khurram
News
A320 Woking Road works under way in Guildford
Major junction upgrades have started on the A320 Woking Road in Guildford, around the Woodlands Road and Moorfield Road junctions, linked to the Weyside Urban Village scheme. The big takeaway is a year of changing layouts, with the most disruptive phase pushed into overnight closures early on.
Works began in late February 2026 and are expected to last around 12 months
Night-time lane closures are planned from early March for roughly six weeks, with lanes reopened each morning
The scheme aims to improve junction layouts and support new housing at Weyside Urban Village
National Headlines
Cost of living package 2026 – energy, wages, rail, pensions
From 1 April, the new energy price cap, wage rises and pension uplifts all land around the same time, alongside frozen rail fares in England. For Surrey households, that tends to show up quickly in direct debits, take-home pay, and the cost of getting to work.
Spring Statement and OBR forecast – inflation, growth, mortgages
The March 2026 Economic and fiscal outlook sets expectations for inflation, growth and interest-rate assumptions over the next few years. It’s the backdrop for what happens next on mortgages, public spending and the budget pressures councils are planning around.
Fuel duty – 5p cut extended with staged rises mapped out
HMRC has confirmed the temporary 5p per litre cut will now run until 31 August 2026, with staged rises after that. For Surrey drivers, it slightly reduces the odds of an extra price bump this spring, although pump prices will still move with wholesale costs.
5p cut extended to 31 August 2026
Duty then increases by 1p on 1 Sep 26, 2p on 1 Dec 26 and 2p on 1 March 27
HMRC estimates the staged approach saves the average car driver about £49
New independent living homes open in Byfleet
Source: Surrey County Council
A new £8 million supported independent living development has opened in Byfleet, creating homes for adults with learning disabilities and autism under Surrey’s Right Homes, Right Support programme. The aim is to help residents live more independently, closer to family and community support.
16 residents will move into purpose-built homes for long-term independent living
The development is one of three specialist schemes in Horley, Byfleet and Cobham under the wider programme
The scheme sits within the borough of Woking and is funded through a mix of council and partner investment
County Updates
Twelve15 school meal service future secured with HCL
Surrey County Council has agreed Heads of Terms with Hertfordshire Catering Ltd to take over delivery of the Twelve15 school meal service from autumn 2026, keeping the Twelve15 brand and staff in place. The stated aim is a smooth handover with no break in service for schools and families.
Twelve15 currently serves meals in over 200 schools across Surrey
HCL is expected to take over operational delivery from 1 September 2026
Existing staff are due to transfer across, with the Twelve15 name retained
Adult education devolution - £20m for local skills
Surrey is preparing to take local control of around £20 million of adult education funding from the next academic year, bringing key skills budgets closer to the people and providers who use them.
Funding includes £11.2m via the Adult Skills Fund
A further £887k supports Free Courses for Jobs
£7.7m per year will come through post-16 capacity capital funding for two years
High Street Innovation programme launches
Source: businesssurrey.co.uk
A new High Street Support and Innovation programme has launched to help town-centre businesses across Surrey with advice, workshops and practical toolkits, combining on-the-ground visits with free events delivered alongside specialist partners.
Delivered in partnership with Smarter Society and The Retail Group
Early sessions include Guildford dates around 19 February and 4 March 2026
Aimed at independent retailers and high street businesses looking to grow
Community Digest
Primary school admissions – what happens at offer stage
If you are waiting on a primary school place for September, Surrey’s “Step 8: Offer” guidance explains what happens when you receive your allocation and what you can do next, including waiting lists, appeals and next steps.
Club4 (HAF) Easter – bookings now open
Bookings are open for the Club4 Easter 2026 Holiday Activities and Food programme, offering free or low-cost holiday clubs for eligible children and young people across Surrey, with more than 150 locations and a wider range of referral routes than in previous years.
Events
Family & Kids
Planet Explorer | Wed 4 March 2026 (Info/Tickets)
Location: Woking Planetarium, Woking
Description: An early evening planetarium show for budding astronomers, with a guided tour of the night sky and family-friendly explanations. Doors open in good time for the 6.00pm start, and tickets are around the mid-single figures per person.
Blue Moon screenings / After School Pottery Club | Wed 4 Mar 2026 (Info/Tickets)
Location: Farnham Maltings, Farnham
Description: A mix of film screenings and a children’s pottery session on the same day. Check the calendar for exact times and age guidance.
Theatre & Performances
Tap Factory | Wed 4 March 2026 (Info/Tickets)
Location: G Live, Guildford
Description: High-energy tap, percussion and dance, pitched as a mix of rhythm, acrobatics and theatre. Evening performance from around 7.30pm, with tickets starting in the mid-thirties.
The Signalman | Wed 4 March 2026 (Info/Tickets)
Location: Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford
Description: Stage adaptation of the classic ghost story, with a run that includes a Wednesday evening performance. Expect a darker, atmospheric night out. Suitable for older teens and adults.
Toulson Law Lecture 2026 | Wed 4 March 2026 (Info/Tickets)
Location: University campus, Guildford
Description: Annual law lecture hosted by the university, with the Lady Chief Justice as speaker. The event runs late afternoon into the evening and is free to attend, but requires advance registration.
Demons | Thu 5 – Sat 7 March 2026 (Info/Tickets)
Location: G Live Bellerby Studio, Guildford
Description: Guildburys Theatre Company brings “Demons” to the studio space, with an intimate run including a Saturday matinee and a post-show Q&A on the Friday.
Trouble, Struggle, Bubble and Squeak | Fri 6 March 2026 (Info/Tickets)
Location: Farnham Maltings, Farnham
Description: A theatre piece with an evening performance from around 7.30pm. Check the event page for running time, age guidance and the seating format.
Music & Gigs
Fresh Faces: Loud Women x NEW JUDGEMENT | Wed 4 March 2026 (Info/Tickets)
Location: The Boileroom, Guildford
Description: A Fresh Faces showcase night bringing together emerging acts under the Loud Women banner. Expect standing room, loud guitars and a chance to catch new bands early.
The Big Student Social | Wed 4 March 2026 (Info/Tickets)
Location: Y Guildford, Guildford
Description: Late-night student event running from around 8.30pm to 2.00am, with DJs, drinks offers and a strict 18 plus door policy.
Special Events
International Women’s Day coffee and networking | Wed 4 Mar 2026 (Info/Tickets)
Location: Surrey Research Park, Guildford
Description: Informal coffee and networking around International Women’s Day, aimed at people working in and around the research park. A drop-in style event focused on conversations.
Women’s health and wellbeing at work – IWD panel | Wed 4 Mar 2026 (Info/Tickets)
Location: 5G Innovation Centre, Guildford
Description: Lunch-time panel on women’s health, wellbeing and barriers to progression at work, tied to International Women’s Day. Runs from midday, with booking via the event listing.
Woking life drawing – weekly drop-in | Wed 4 March 2026 (Info/Tickets)
Location: Woking area
Description: Regular life drawing session with easels, models and a relaxed atmosphere. Check the latest listing for the exact venue, time and format.
Student mini-golf social | Wed 4 March 2026 (Info/Tickets)
Location: Mulligans, Guildford
Description: Students’ Union outing for an evening of social mini-golf and drinks, typically running early evening into the night. Booking via the union site is recommended if you want to be sure of a place.
International Women’s Day networking lunch | Fri 6 March 2026 (Info/Tickets)
Location: Foxhills, Surrey
Description: Networking lunch to mark International Women’s Day, with speakers, table networking and time to catch up with contacts. Booking is via the event page.
Markets
Ewell Artisan Market | Sat 7 March 2026
Location: Bourne Hall, Ewell
Description: Monthly artisan market at Bourne Hall on the first Saturday of the month, with local makers, food stalls and gifts. Typical hours run from mid-morning to mid-afternoon and entry is free.
Click here: To confirm opening times and stall details
Walton-on-Thames Farmers’ Market | Sat 7 March 2026
Location: Town centre, Walton-on-Thames
Description: Farmers’ market on the first Saturday of the month, bringing local produce, baked goods and street food into the town centre. Expect a mix of regular traders and occasional new faces.
Click here: To check times and the current trader list
Dorking Plant-Based Market | Sun 8 March 2026
Location: Mill Lane, Dorking
Description: Plant-based market featuring vegan food, ethical products and information stands. Runs from late morning into the afternoon.
Click here: To see details, trader list and timings
Eat & Drink
Albury Vineyard – English wine and cheese tasting
Location: Albury Vineyard
Description: Guided wine and cheese tastings at midday and mid-afternoon on selected weekend dates, with time for a self-guided wander through the vines. Price is around the mid-thirties per person and advance booking is standard.
Click here: To see tasting dates, what’s included and how to book
Denbies – Mother’s Day sparkling rosé afternoon tea
Location: Denbies Wine Estate
Description: Special Mother’s Day afternoon tea with sparkling rosé, served on Sunday 15 March 2026. Expect tiered stands, vineyard views and a set price of around £43 per adult.
Click here: To see the menu and reserve a table
Silent Pool Distillery – Mother’s Day G&Tea Party
Location: Silent Pool Distillery
Description: A G&Tea Party on Sunday 15 March 2026, pairing gin with afternoon tea in a distillery setting. Runs early afternoon for a couple of hours, with tickets around the £70 mark per person.
Click here: To read full details and book tickets
Tongham TEA Club – Hogs Back Brewery dates
Location: Hogs Back Brewery, Tongham
Description: Tongham TEA Club is the brewery’s members’ club, with a programme of tastings and talks through the year including a March 2026 event. These are members-only sessions.
Click here: To see 2026 dates and how membership works
Directory – Trusted by Surrey
Fidelis Security & Locksmiths
Location: Guildford
Description: Local locksmith and security firm offering 24/7 call-outs for lock changes, emergencies and security upgrades, with a Which? Trusted Trader profile and verified reviews.
Click here: To see contact details, reviews and request a call-out
Barton Knight Electrical Limited
Location: Guildford
Description: Electricians handling testing, repairs and full rewires, covering smaller domestic jobs through to larger projects, with qualifications and past customer comments listed.
Click here: To see services offered and request a quote
Surrey Hills Removals Ltd t/a Manns Removals
Location: Guildford
Description: Removals and storage company based on the Slyfield Industrial Estate, handling local moves and longer-distance jobs with options for short-term storage.
Click here: To check availability, get an estimate and read reviews
Brackendale Tree Care Ltd
Location: Loseley Park area, Guildford
Description: Tree surgery specialists offering pruning, felling, stump work and surveys, based at Home Farm, Loseley Park.
Click here: To see contact details and arrange a site visit
And Finally
Somewhere between the last of the February storms and the first brighter March evenings, the pavements quietly switch from winter boots to trainers, and walks come home a little less muddy. If you spot a change we should be tracking, a closure, a new support scheme, a useful local tip, hit reply and tell us.
Thank you for reading. See you on Friday.
