On a Monday like this, itās hard not to feel how close-knit Guildford really is - the school run, the park paths, and the familiar routes home. Many people are still in shock after the fatal stabbing of 15-year-old Luis Gabriel Guembes. Two boys have now been charged, and Surrey Police are continuing to appeal for information.
Alongside that extremely difficult news, todayās Update keeps to the practical things that shape the week: a formal Surrey Hills boundary order, a proposed new country park, and a set of transport and housing changes that quietly affect Surrey households.
In todayās edition
Guildford teen stabbing: two boys charged, police appeal for information
Surrey Hills protected landscape boundary variation order published
Ā£3.9m of council investment for Horley country park proposed
Road safety consultations and housing funding: what to watch
Warm hubs, community fridges, plus early-February events to plan ahead
Letās take a look.
ā 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. Weād really welcome your thoughts on this format and how we can improve The Surrey Digest for you.
News
Guildford teen stabbing: two boys charged
Surrey Police say 15-year-old Luis Gabriel Guembes died after being stabbed in woodland off Lido Road at Stoke Park, Guildford, shortly after 6.10pm on Monday 19 January. Two boys aged 15 and 16 have now been charged.
Here is what you need to know:
Police are still appealing for witnesses and any CCTV, doorbell footage or dashcam from the area around the time.
The incident is described as happening in the wooded area near Peacock Wood and Wild Wood Adventure.
The investigation (Operation Eastville) remains active.
Click here: To read the full police update and share any information or footage via the Major Incident Public Portal
Resident doctors ballot to extend strike mandate
Junior doctors in England are being re-balloted on extending their mandate for strike action over jobs and pay. If passed, it would allow industrial action from 2 February to 2 August 2026.
Here is what it means for Surrey hospitals:
The ballot runs from 8 December to 2 February.
It applies to resident doctors employed by NHS organisations in England, including Surrey-serving trusts.
A renewed mandate could mean further disruption to non-urgent care.
Surrey Hills boundary update now formally notified
Photo by lostajy, CC BY 2.0,Click here:
Natural England and government have issued the āSurrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Designation Variation Order 2026ā, setting out proposed changes to the protected boundary. The notice is dated 15 January.
Land inside the AONB typically faces tighter planning controls and stronger landscape protections.
The notice points to maps that can be inspected at borough and district offices including Guildford and Mole Valley.
It matters most to residents and developers near the proposed boundary lines.
Sponsored by HIRE5 Menswear Guildford
5 things to know when hiring your wedding suit
Hiring your wedding suit is not the shortcut some people think it is. Done properly, it is the most sensible way to look like you planned every detail, without spending like you did. The difference is never the label, it is the fit, the finish, and whether the whole look makes sense for your day.
Pick the suit for the wedding you are actually having
Venue and timing matter. A formal ceremony earlier in the day reads differently from an evening reception, and your suit should reflect that, not whatever is trending on your feed.Fit is what makes hire look expensive: Focus on the non negotiables, clean shoulders, neat sleeves, trousers that sit correctly and break properly. If those are right, everything else looks intentional.
Choose colour with the photos in mind: Navy and mid grey work because they flatter most people and photograph well in all seasons. If you go lighter or more fashion forward, make sure it still sits comfortably alongside the rest of the wedding party.
Style with restraint: A good shirt, a well chosen tie or bow tie, and proper shoes will do most of the work. Keep accessories supportive, not noisy, and let the tailoring lead.
Book early, and plan for a second appointment: The best sizes and styles go first, and a final check closer to the date is what prevents the avoidable issues, tight collars, short sleeves, last minute panic.
If you want it handled properly, the team at HIRE5 Menswear in Guildford will talk you through the options and make sure the final fit looks as it should.
Properties of the Week
Home A
Price: Ā£325,000 OIEO
Address: London Road, Guildford GU1
Details: First-floor period-conversion flat, 2 bedrooms
Parking Type: Allocated or off-street (as listed)
Home B
Price: Ā£550,000 guide
Address: Oaklea, Ash Vale
Details: Extended semi-detached house, 5 bedrooms
Parking Type: Not stated
Click here: To view the full listing and see the floorplan
Home C
Price: Ā£795,000
Address: Coresbrook Way, Knaphill
Details: Detached house over three floors, 6 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, EV charging
Parking Type: Integral garage
County Updates
Ā£3.9m investment proposed for new Horley country park
Reigate & Banstead Borough Councilās January e-news sets out proposals for a new country park in Horley, backed by around Ā£3.9m of council investment. The plans cover new paths, habitat improvements and play space, creating a sizeable green destination for Horley, Salfords, Smallfield and nearby villages.
Why it matters in Surrey
If approved, this would add another local option for everyday walks and family time, and signals longer-term spending on landscape and wellbeing at a time when many capital projects are under pressure.
Elmbridge ā enhanced community grants
Elmbridge Borough Council has launched an enhanced community grants programme for 2026, with partner funding from organisations including Walton Charity and Walsingham Care. The focus is on projects supporting vulnerable residents, wellbeing and climate action across the borough.
Click here: To check criteria, deadlines and how to apply
Mole Valley ā 2026/27 community grant proposals
Mole Valley District Council has published proposals for grant funding to support local communities in 2026/27, with reports going through Scrutiny and Cabinet. The package covers voluntary-sector organisations, arts, sports and other community activity.
Reigate & Banstead ā solar bins win Green World Award
Reigate & Bansteadās network of around 120 solar-powered compacting litter bins has picked up an international Green World Award. The bins help reduce overflowing and cut the number of collection rounds needed on busy high streets.
Spelthorne ā Clean Air Night and Council Tax SPD review
Spelthorne Borough Council is supporting Clean Air Night with advice on domestic wood-burning, and is also reminding households that Single Person Discount review letters are routine checks for eligibility for the 25 per cent discount.
Epsom & Ewell ā climate action and air-quality update
Epsom & Ewell Borough Council reports a 19 per cent reduction in its own operational emissions since 2019/20, alongside improvements in local air quality. The update sets out projects so far and next steps towards the boroughās 2035 carbon-neutral target.
Community Digest
St Johnās Community Fridge, Egham
St Johnās Church in Egham runs a Saturday community fridge session at The Caddey, typically 11amā1pm. Itās described as not a food bank, and often works as much as a social drop-in as a way to reduce waste.
Click here: To check this Saturdayās session details
Merstham Community Library Hub
Surrey County Councilās Merstham hub brings together library services, warm-space seating and wider community support in one place, with links to partner offers.
Click here: To see opening hours and the services available
County-wide directory of warm spaces and fridges
Connect to Support Surrey acts as a county-wide directory for community fridges, warm spaces and related services, with each listing showing a ālast updatedā date.
Click here: To search by postcode
Events This Week
Guildford Pancake Races 2026 | Tue 17 Feb 2026, 10.30amā12.30pm, (Info/Tickets)
Location: Guildford High Street, Guildford
Description: Shrove Tuesday pancake races in the town centre, with teams and spectators lining the High Street for a cheerful, community-minded morning.
Guildford Games Festival 2026 | Fri 20 Feb 2026, approx 10amā6pm, (Info/Tickets)
Location: G Live, Guildford
Description: A one-day festival of talks, panels and playable demos celebrating Guildfordās games industry, with a strong careers and networking angle.
Between the Covers Live! | Fri 6 Feb 2026, daytime, (Info/Tickets)
Location: Pennyhill Park, near Bagshot
Description: A full-day literary event with author sessions, Q&As and food included, pitched as a book-club treat or a proper solo-reader day out.
Sip, Paint & Spa ā Harbour Hotel Guildford | Sun 25 Jan 2026, evening, (Info/Tickets)
Location: Harbour Hotel Guildford, Alexandra Terrace, Guildford
Description: A Sunday evening combining a guided painting session with spa access, framed as a winter reset with friends.
The Classic Rock Show | Sat 7 Feb 2026, (Info/Tickets)
Location: G Live, Guildford
Description: One-night rock theatre show built around classic tracks, with seated tickets and standard venue guidance on under-16s.
Dear England | Tue 10 ā Sat 14 Feb 2026, (Info/Tickets)
Location: New Victoria Theatre, Woking
Description: James Grahamās football-and-identity drama in a mid-February run, with a mix of evening performances and some matinees.
Girl Power Experience | Fri 6 Feb 2026, (Info/Tickets)
Location: New Victoria Theatre, Woking
Description: A pop concert celebration of 90s and 00s girl-group hits, pitched as a lively, family-friendly night out (do check age guidance).
Rob Beckett: Giraffe | Tue 3 Feb 2026, (Info/Tickets)
Location: New Victoria Theatre, Woking
Description: One-night tour date, recommended age 14+, with under-16s needing to be accompanied by an adult.
The Music of Pink Floyd by Candlelight | Fri 27 Feb 2026, (Info/Tickets)
Location: Guildford Cathedral, Guildford
Description: A candlelit performance of Pink Floyd music in the cathedral nave, with tiered seating via the booking page.
šļø Markets
Guildford Farmersā Market, first Tuesday of the month
Location: Guildford High Street, Guildford
Description: A monthly High Street market bringing local producers into the centre of town, with a good mix of food staples and seasonal treats.
š½ļø Eat & Drink
Beer, Curry and Quiz Evening ā Mandiraās Kitchen, Silent Pool
Location: Mandiraās Kitchen, Silent Pool, near Albury
Description: Late January, Friday evening, roughly 6.30ā10pm
Click here: To see details and book
Valentineās (or Galentineās) Supper Club ā Surrey Hills
Location: Surrey Hills location (details on booking)
Description: Mid-February evening
Click here: To find the listing and reserve places
Perfect Pairings: Valentineās Experience ā Albury Vineyard
Location: Albury Vineyard, near Shere
Description: Mid-February weekend afternoon
Click here: To check whatās included and book
š Directory
Location: Woking (moving to Church Path space in early 2026)
Description: A pay-it-forward cafƩ run by The Lighthouse, supporting local community projects, with the latest location and hours updated online.
Click here: To check the latest address and opening times
Heather Farm CafƩ
Location: Horsell Common (with car park and step-free access)
Description: A practical meet-halfway cafĆ© thatās dog-friendly, generally open 9amā5pm with the kitchen serving until about 4.30pm.
Click here: To see the menu and access details
And Finally,
A week like this can leave a whole town feeling unsteady ā and itās okay if the usual routine doesnāt feel quite āusualā yet. If youāre heading into Guildford, or sending teenagers out the door, it may help to slow things down and check in with each other. As ever, reply with tips, corrections, or something local that deserves attention.
Thank you for reading. letās chat on Wednesday.
