Good Morning Surrey,

Monday has arrived before Friday’s loose ends have been dealt with. The kitchen table has its usual paperwork, the group chat still hasn’t agreed on a plan, and Surrey’s housing and leisure projects are slowly moving forward. Meanwhile, autumn weekends are filling up faster than anyone expected. A little clarity would be welcome, preferably before the second cup of tea.

If you’re applying for a secondary school place next September, 31 October is the deadline. Some schools require an additional form, so it’s worth checking now. Has the process been straightforward, or is there something you’d like us to explain?

In today’s edition…

Let's Take a Look...

-- Prince Khurram.

The redevelopment of Guildford's former Debenhams site has reached another milestone. Bennett Construction announced its appointment to the 180-home St Mary's Wharf project on 12 October, bringing the long-discussed riverside scheme another step through the development process.

Click here: To read the contractor's redevelopment announcement

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Sir John Kingman was appointed chair of Great British Railways on 16 October. It is a milestone in rail reform relevant to Surrey commuters, although it does not mean immediate changes to fares or timetables.

Click here: To read the government's rail reform announcement

Surrey state-funded schools inspected during the 2026/27 academic year may be eligible for an independent review of how their inspection complaint was handled. This is a route for eligible schools, not a new direct parental appeals process.

Click here: To check the pilot's eligibility and complaints arrangements

The Competition and Markets Authority is consulting on whether Microsoft should receive strategic market status designation in its business-software ecosystem. Surrey businesses and other interested organisations can submit evidence until 5pm on 13 November 2026.

Click here: To read the proposal and find out how to respond

Burpham | Guildford GU4 (View Property)
Location: Weybrook Park, Burpham, Guildford, GU4
Description: A newly refurbished two-bedroom, one-bathroom first-floor leasehold maisonette offering approximately 819 sq ft of accommodation. Features include a modern fitted kitchen, spacious living/dining room, mezzanine-level bedroom, new electric heating and allocated parking. Offered chain-free, with approximately 924 years remaining on the lease, a £375 annual service charge and £75 annual ground rent. Price: Guide £270,000

Click here: To view the full property listing and check its current status

High Ridge | Godalming GU7 (View Property)
Location: High Ridge, Godalming, GU7
Description: A three-bedroom detached freehold home with a family bathroom, downstairs cloakroom, separate office, garage/store and south-facing garden. Approximately 880–900 sq ft, with an EPC rating of C. A practical family home with dedicated workspace and outdoor space. Price: Guide £550,000

Click here: To view the full house, floor plan and viewing information

Burpham | Guildford GU4 (View Property)
Location: Burpham, Guildford, GU4
Description: A four-bedroom detached freehold chalet-style home with two bathrooms, approximately 1,591 sq ft of accommodation, a garage and driveway parking. EPC rating D. The two-floor layout offers flexible living space, with any extension potential subject to the necessary permissions. Price: Guide £850,000

Click here: To view the property, floor plan and full listing details

Plans for Cranleigh's new leisure centre have progressed, with Willmott Dixon confirming a Pre-Construction Services Agreement with Waverley Borough Council on 16 October. The agreement covers the detailed design, programme and preparation needed before building work can begin.

Click here: To read the project update and anticipated construction timetable

Guildford residents can nominate individuals and organisations for the 2027 Mayor's Service to the Community Awards. The awards recognise people who have made a contribution to local life, often without expecting much recognition beyond a grateful cup of tea.

Here's how nominations work.

Click here: To read the nomination requirements and submit a recommendation

Charities, voluntary organisations and community groups can register for a free stall at Working Together for Woking. The November showcase will bring local organisations together with residents and professionals, providing an opportunity to explain their services and make useful connections.

Click here: To register for a community showcase stall and read the event information

Families applying for a Surrey secondary school place for September 2027 have until Saturday 31 October 2026 to submit their applications. Parents can list up to six preferred schools, but should also check whether particular academies or faith schools require supplementary information forms. Those additional requirements are worth sorting before the final weekend.

Click here: To apply for a secondary school place and check the admissions rules

Monsters, Magic & Mischief | 20 Oct–1 Nov (Info/Tickets)
Location: Watts Gallery, Compton
Description: Halloween woodland trails, potion-making, crafts and storytelling on selected days. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:30am–4pm. Under-16s enter free, with adult admission charges and some separately priced workshops. A useful half-term outing for families who don't mind a little creative chaos.

A Brew to a Kill | 24 Oct–15 Nov (Info/Tickets)
Location: Hogs Back Brewery, Tongham
Description: An immersive 1954 murder mystery from Guildford Shakespeare Company, with audiences exploring the brewery and questioning suspects. Suitable for ages 8 and over. Tickets are £35 for adults and £18.50 for under-16s. A brewery visit with rather more suspicious behaviour than usual.

Angry Humour From a Really Nice Guy | Thu 22 Oct (Info/Tickets)
Location: G Live, Guildford
Description: Nish Kumar brings his stand-up show to Guildford at 7:30pm. Expect sharp observations and strong language, with a minimum age of 14. Tickets start at £30, and the venue reports they are selling fast.

Things I Took From the Dark | Tue 20 Oct (Info/Tickets)
Location: G Live, Guildford
Description: Reece Shearsmith takes to the stage at 7:30pm with a performance recommended for ages 14 and over at parental discretion. Tickets start at £37, with the venue reporting strong demand. An evening for those who appreciate their entertainment with a darker edge.

Saxon Saga | 24–25 Oct (Info/Tickets)
Location: West Horsley Place
Description: A weekend of Saxon crafts, combat demonstrations, historical food and Beowulf storytelling, finishing with a staged ship-burning at dusk. Running 1:30–7:30pm each day. Entry is £20 for adults and £10 for children, with optional workshops costing extra. Some workshops are restricted to adults.

Brightwells Craft Market | Sat 24 Oct (Details)
Location: Brightwells Creative Space, Brightwells Yard, Farnham
Description: A craft and makers' market forming part of Farnham Craft Month, running from 10am to 5pm with free entry. An opportunity to browse handmade goods and local creative work without having to justify another afternoon wandering around the shops.

Farnham Farmers' Market | Sun 25 Oct (Details)
Location: Central Car Park, off Victoria Road, Farnham
Description: Around 35 producers offering food and goods produced or processed within 50 miles. Open from 10am to 1:30pm, with free entry. A decent Sunday stop for stocking the kitchen, although arriving with a shopping list offers no guarantee of sticking to it.

High Clandon Estate Vineyard | Autumn Open Day (Visit)
Location: East Clandon
Description: An autumn vineyard open day on Saturday 24 October, with free general entry and optional guided tours at 11:30am and 2:30pm. Tours last approximately 90 minutes and cost £30 per person plus booking fee. A quieter way to spend a Saturday, with the Surrey Hills providing much of the scenery.

Diwali Dinner | Special Dining (Details/Booking)
Location: Barnett Hill Hotel, Wonersh
Description: A four-course Diwali dinner on Thursday 29 October, from 6:30pm to 9:30pm, created by Mandira's Kitchen and chef Steven Newton. The £65 ticket includes a welcome drink and Bollywood performance. An evening combining Indian food and

G A Chedd Ltd | Plumbing & Heating (Contact)
Location: Birmingham Farm, Church Lane, Albury, Guildford
Description: Plumbing and heating services covering boilers, gas and oil systems, heat pumps, maintenance and power flushing. An option for households planning heating work or dealing with a boiler that's decided autumn would be a suitable time to become difficult. Quotations are required, and engineer registrations should be checked for regulated work.

The Alteration Yard | Clothing Alterations (Services)
Location: 3 Wolsey Walk, Woking
Description: Clothing alterations and repairs, including bridal, occasionwear and general tailoring. A practical option when a favourite garment needs attention or an outfit doesn't quite fit as it once did. Prices depend on the work, which is generally preferable to retiring perfectly good clothes prematurely.

OnlineFix | Electronics Repairs (Contact)
Location: 13 Quarry Street, Guildford
Description: Repairs for phones, laptops, tablets, computers and games consoles, alongside specialist repairs and data recovery. Visits are by appointment, with quotations required and possible diagnostic charges. Useful when a device stops cooperating and switching it off and on again has finally exhausted its usefulness.

And Finally,

There's a particular sort of optimism involved in arranging an October outing in Surrey. Everyone agrees where to meet, nobody agrees what counts as suitable footwear, and somebody inevitably brings a coat designed for a different season.

Still, if you make it home with dry socks and the right number of people, that counts as a respectable success.

And if not, there's always tea.