Happy Friday Surrey!
On a cold January morning, you’re on the platform at Guildford or Woking with your phone in hand, checking whether the trains are behaving, and if you’re anywhere near the Wey, half-noticing how high the water sits after rain. It’s the kind of week where “national” stories land right on the doormat.
So we’ve kept this edition practical: the Guildford flood scheme maps you can respond to, the rail engineering changes worth checking, and one big national thread running through it all - the NHS waiting list falling in the latest figures, but with questions still hanging over the 18-week promise, plus a clean weekend list for 16 to 18 January.
In Today’s Edition,
Guildford’s flood defence designs go on show, with drop-ins and an online Q&A
NHS waiting list drops, but the 18-week treatment pledge is still under pressure
How £150 off typical household energy bills from April would affect fixed tariffs
Low-cost food support, plus theatre, gigs, walks and markets for 16 to 18 January
Let’s take a look.
— Prince Khurram
P.S. Our Monday Update leans more towards news, the Wednesday Midweek Brief balances news and events, and the Friday Weekender is lighter on news and fuller on events and Eat & Drink. We would really welcome your thoughts on this format and how we can improve The Surrey Digest for you.
News
NHS waiting list down by 86,000, but 18-week standard still under strain
Photo by RDNE
NHS England’s November figures show the England wide waiting list falling by just over 86,000 to 7.31 million, a notable month on month drop, even as 2025 saw record A&E attendances and ambulance demand. But the Royal College of Surgeons says capacity pressures have not gone away, and that is why the promise to treat most patients within 18 weeks still looks hard to meet in practice.
Click here: To read the full November waiting time update | To read surgeons’ commentary on capacity and the 18 week pledge
Guildford flood defence plans go on show this week
Designs for a once-in-a-generation flood scheme on the River Wey in central Guildford are out for public view, with drop-in sessions and an online event for residents and businesses. The Environment Agency and partners are consulting on options to reduce flood risk in the town centre, alongside proposed riverside access and regeneration plans.
Drop-in: Saturday 17 January, Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, 12:00–17:00,
Online session: Tuesday 20 January, 19:00–20:00.
Guildford Borough Council offices, Thursday 22 January, 15:00–18:00.
If you live, work, trade or park near the river, this is the moment to look at the maps and flag what would help, and what would be a headache.
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County Updates
Ash Neighbourhood Plan – have your say on future development
Ash Parish Council’s draft Neighbourhood Plan for Ash, Ash Vale and Ash Green is out for Regulation 16 consultation, setting local planning policies through to 2045.
The consultation runs from 12:00 on 20 Jan 2026 to 12:00 on 9 Mar 2026.
The submission plan and supporting documents cover housing, green spaces, infrastructure and village centre improvements.
The plan will help shape decisions on where new homes/facilities go in the parish.
Comments at this stage are passed to an independent examiner with the plan.
If you live, work or run a business in Ash, this is the main window to shape how growth is handled locally.
Community Digest
ShopWise at Guildford Family Centre – £3 food shop
ShopWise at Guildford Family Centre in Hazel Avenue runs as a low-cost food club aimed mainly at families in north Guildford.
For £3 a visit, members can choose 10 items and usually get a free bag of fruit and veg on top. Sessions run on Mondays 12:00–14:00, with no means testing, so you can turn up during that window while stocks last.
🗓️ Events This Week
🎭 Theatre & Performances
Death On The Nile | Tue 13–Sat 17 January (Info/Tickets)
Location: Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford
Description: A classic Agatha Christie whodunnit on stage, directed by Lucy Bailey, with evening performances on Friday and Saturday to round off the week.
It’s All Greek | Sun 18 January (Info/Tickets)
Location: Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford
Description: An afternoon with Dame Siân Phillips and Alex Jennings exploring Greek stories and characters, plus a Q and A. Runs at about two hours with an interval, with concessions from around £13 for students and under 25s.
Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badger’s Drift | Dates vary (Info/Tickets)
Location: Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford
Description: A stage adaptation of the first Midsomer Murders story, bringing the familiar cosy-village setting and darker turns to the theatre.
Shen Yun | Dates vary (Info/Tickets)
Location: New Victoria Theatre, Woking
Description: Large-scale dance and music production with a live orchestra, colourful costumes and projected backdrops in a full theatre setting.
Youth winter showcase | Fri 16 January (Info/Tickets)
Location: Rhoda McGaw Theatre, Woking
Description: Local young performers in song, dance and drama. Family-friendly evening.
Opera on screen – La Traviata | Thu 15 January (Info/Tickets)
Location: Leatherhead Theatre, Leatherhead
Description: Royal Opera House cinema season screening of Verdi’s “La Traviata”
Conversation evening with Alison Steadman | Sat 24 January (Info/Tickets)
Location: Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre, Walton-on-Thames
Description: In-conversation event with Alison Steadman covering career highlights and anecdotes, with audience Q&A and a relaxed arts-centre feel.
🤣 Comedy
Epsom Comedy Club | Jan 2026 (Info/Tickets)
Location: Epsom Playhouse, Epsom
Description: A club-style stand-up night with a mixed bill, several acts in one evening and a straightforward way to make a weeknight feel like an outing.
Cranleigh Comedy Club (with ATIC Stand Up Comedy) | 30 Dec 2026 (Info/Tickets)
Location: Cranleigh Arts, Cranleigh
Description: An intimate comedy night in a small arts venue, with a rotating line-up and a laid-back atmosphere that suits date nights or groups.
Comedy Club night | Sat 17 January (Info/Tickets)
Location: Login Lounge, Camberley
Description: An evening bill programmed by Gag House Comedy Club, with doors typically from around 19:00 and the show from 20:00 to 22:30. Tickets are about £18 and it’s for adults.
👨👩👧👦 Family & Kids
Aladdin | Dates vary (Info/Tickets)
Location: Haslemere Hall, Haslemere
Description: Haslemere Hall’s annual family pantomime take on Aladdin, with songs, slapstick and plenty of audience participation for a wide mix of ages.
🚶 Outdoors & Walks
Photography walk around Broadwater and the River Wey | Sat 17 January (Info/Tickets)
Location: Meet at Godalming Leisure Centre car park, Summers Road, Godalming
Description: A guided photography walk (10:00–13:00) focusing on winter light and local wildlife, suitable for keen beginners upwards. Tickets are around £25 per adult.
Free Guided Walk | Selected dates (Info/Tickets)
Location: Frensham Little Pond, near Farnham
Description: A guided walk taking in the pond, heath and surrounding countryside, with a ranger or volunteer sharing local history, wildlife and how the site is managed.
Guided dog walk with author | Wed 14 January (Info/Tickets)
Location: Polesden Lacey, Great Bookham
Description: Dog walk at Polesden Lacey hosted by Clare Balding, a group walk
📝 Workshops & Special Events
The Psychology of Serial Killers | Dates vary (Info/Tickets)
Location: Dorking Halls, Dorking
Description: A talk on what research says about serial offending and investigation, aimed at true crime and psychology audiences who prefer an evidence-led approach.
The Vehicles of James Bond | Dates vary (Info/Tickets)
Location: Brooklands Museum, Weybridge
Description: An illustrated talk on Bond cars, gadgets and stunts, with options to attend in person at the museum or join via livestream.
Houseplant Event | Dates vary (Info/Tickets)
Location: RHS Garden Wisley, near Woking
Description: A seasonal houseplant-themed event with displays and advice for refreshing your indoor greenery, plus time to explore the wider garden and shop.
🎸 Music & Gigs
Rave On The Ultimate 50s and 60s Experience | Fri 16 January (Info/Tickets)
Location: G Live, Guildford
Description: A high-energy live show built around rock n roll and early pop hits, with a 19:30 start and tickets around the low £30s per person.
Friday Night Live Superband | Fri 16 January (Info/Tickets)
Location: Login Lounge, Camberley
Description: Live band night from 19:00 to about 23:30, with food and drink available. Advance tickets are around £5, rising if you leave it to the door.
Sunday Brunch Jazz Club with The Mulberries | Sun 18 January (Info/Tickets)
Location: Login Lounge, Camberley
Description: Laid-back jazz over Sunday lunchtime, 12:00–16:00, with tickets from about £5 and food and drink sold separately.
A Sky Full Of Stars (Coldplay tribute) | Dates vary (Info/Tickets)
Location: G Live, Guildford
Description: Full-band tribute show built around Coldplay’s biggest songs, with big singalong moments and a standing-gig feel.
Shape of You: The Music of Ed Sheeran | Dates vary (Info/Tickets)
Location: Camberley Theatre, Camberley
Description: A tribute show focused on Ed Sheeran hits, combining live vocals, guitar and loop-style arrangements in a seated theatre setting.
Nothing in this section is sponsored. They're just the things you need to know. I'll always let you know when something's sponsored.
🛍️ Markets
Camberley Market | Sat 17 January
Location: Park Street, Camberley town centre
Description: Regular town centre market with a mix of food, produce and general stalls, usually running from 10:00–15:00 on the third Saturday of the month.
Nothing in this section is sponsored. They're just the things you need to know. I'll always let you know when something's sponsored.
🍽️ Eat & Drink
A Taste of Denbies’ wine tasting and gallery dinner
Location: Denbies Wine Estate, near Dorking
Description: Structured evening with guided tasting of estate wines followed by a three-course dinner in the gallery, set on a January date and book-ahead only.
Click here: To see event details and booking options
Nothing in this section is sponsored. They're just the things you need to know. I'll always let you know when something's sponsored.
📒 Directory
Connect2Mobile – phone, tablet and laptop repairs
Location: Guildford town centre
Description: Repair shop on Swan Lane handling same-day fixes for phones, tablets and many laptops, plus accessories and cases. Open seven days, with student discounts on repairs.
Nothing in this section is sponsored. They're just the things you need to know. I'll always let you know when something's sponsored.
And Finally,
January can feel like you’re managing three things at once: getting from A to B, keeping the household sums steady, and waiting for something to move — a plan, a bill, an appointment. If this edition helps you pick one useful action (flood maps, rail checks, or a weekend plan), it’s done its job. Got a tip we should see? Reply and tell us.
Thank for reading. Let’s chat on Monday.
