Good Morning Surrey,

Mid January is when the year really starts to bite a little. The festive leftovers are finally gone, the decorations are back in the loft, and the spreadsheets and direct debits have crept to the top of the kitchen table pile again. The weather cannot quite decide between slush and frost, the buses keep finding new diversion routes, and every group chat seems to be about bills, strikes or another round of “have you seen this closure”.

This edition is very much in that mood. There are quiet but important shifts in how adult social care is charged, another big transport scheme edging from plan to roadworks, and a bit of genuine help in the form of cold weather payments and future wage rises. Mixed in, there are still good things, from toddler groups and talks to mindful walks and quiz nights.

What would you most like us to keep tracking as winter rolls on, the bills, the railways or the roadworks

Now, in today’s edition:

Let’s take a look.

—Prince Khurram

Surrey County Council is changing how it calculates what people pay for community-based adult social care from 2 February 2026. The update affects how some disability-related benefits and disability-related expenditure are treated in financial assessments, and it lowers the upper capital limit for community-based care from £23,250, in line with national guidance.

If you or a relative receive care at home, day services or other support in the community, it’s worth checking whether your contribution might change. The council is holding drop-ins at libraries including Woking, Epsom, Redhill and Godalming, alongside phone and online support.

Click here: To read the explainer, see if you may be affected and find details of the library drop-ins.

The main stretch of The Borough in Farnham is closed to through traffic for around twelve weeks as part of the Farnham Infrastructure Programme. The closure runs between the Castle Street and Downing Street junction and The Royal Deer junction, with access maintained for loading and certain residents.

Works include resurfacing, wider pavements and junction changes. Several bus routes, including 4, 5, 16 and 19, are diverted while the works are under way, so it’s worth checking your usual journey before you set out.

Click here: To see the closure map, diversion routes and the background to the scheme.

Guildford Borough Council is supporting Clean Air Night on 22 January 2026, with a focus on pollution linked to domestic wood burning. The council echoes national messaging about the health impacts of fine particles, particularly for children, older people and anyone with existing heart or lung conditions.

The campaign points people towards cleaner heating where possible, and shares practical “if you must burn” guidance for those who rely on stoves or open fires.

Click here: To read the Clean Air Night advice and links to national guidance.

If you speak to those of those behind the property scenes, the most successful moves of 2026 are already being won right now, in the stillness of January.

Here is the case for the early instruction:

Compliance Over Crisis: With 2026 bringing tighter energy and safety rules, a valid EPC and a professional inventory are no longer optional. Book early to avoid last minute delays that can push back a move in date.

The Power of the First Impression: Turning a lived in home into a market ready listing is the key moment. Floor plans and strong visuals in place by February help you stand out before listings surge.

Remove the Move In Friction: Moves are logistical pressure cookers. Get inventories and compliance checks done early so peak season is about choosing the right tenant or buyer, not firefighting.

The Precision Window: Accurate measurements and detailed condition reports need time and calm. These white glove details are hard to do well when the summer market is in full swing.

Ultimately, good property management protects long term value. Precise presentation and robust documentation are not extra, they are good planning.

If you want to avoid the usual high street rush, a chat with the team at Love Green Properties is a sensible way to start the year.

Guildford Borough Council has reshuffled its Executive team. Cllr Vanessa King is now Deputy Leader and Lead Councillor for Economy and Place, alongside Leisure. Cllr Phil Bellamy becomes Lead Councillor for Finance, while Cllr Angela Goodwin leads on Environment and Sustainability. Cllr Catherine Houston has stepped down from the Executive.

If you follow planning, town centre projects or the council’s finances, this is the group shaping many of the key decisions over the coming year.

Click here: To see the updated Executive line-up and portfolios in full.

A Guildford MAN v FAT Football club has picked up a national award and is inviting more local men to join in 2026. Weekly small-sided football sessions are paired with structured weight-loss support, with the emphasis on accountability as well as the game.

Click here: To read the feature and use the club finder to register for a local league.

A Surrey County Council-run children’s home in Guildford has been rated Outstanding by Ofsted, with inspectors highlighting stability for young people, strong relationships with staff and progress over time.

Click here: To read the full update and the inspection highlights.

North Guildford Food Bank’s Park Barn hub at St Clare’s runs both a food bank and a free café, offering practical support for families and individuals who are struggling. The directory listing includes opening times, referral information and ways to donate or volunteer.

Click here: To find out how it works, when it’s open and how to get or give support.

Cathedral Tots | Wed 14 January, 10:00 to 11:30 (Info)
A relaxed under-fives session at Guildford Cathedral with toys, crafts and space for parents and carers to chat. Free, with donations welcome.

Death On The Nile | Tue 13 to Sat 17 January (Info/Tickets)
Agatha Christie’s classic on stage in Guildford, with matinees and evening performances across the week.

Royal Guildford – T375 | Wed 14 January, 15:00 to 16:15 (Info/Tickets)
An afternoon talk on royal connections with Guildford over the centuries, with a pay-what-you-can approach around a suggested £7.

New Music Showcase | Wed 14 January, 19:30 to 22:30 (Info/Tickets)
A night of emerging acts at Login Lounge, Camberley, with ticketing via Skiddle.

Qigong – Wednesday morning class | Wed 14 January, 09:00 to 10:00 (Info/Booking)
Gentle weekly qigong in Shamley Green, suitable for beginners and regulars.

Winter Renewal – mindful nature walk | Sat 17 January, 10:00 to 14:00 (Info/Booking)
A guided five to six mile winter walk around Coldharbour and Leith Hill, with a mindful focus. See organiser for pricing.

SWT Photography Walk – wintery lake and wildlife | Sat 17 January, 10:00 to 13:00 (Info/Booking)
A three-hour photography walk at Broadwater Lake and along the River Wey, £25, supporting Surrey Wildlife Trust.

The Music of Queen by Candlelight | Fri 23 January, 19:30 (Info/Tickets)
Queen’s back catalogue performed by a live ensemble in the Cathedral, with tickets from around £35.

The Sounds of Philadelphia and Motown | Fri 16 January 2026 (Info/Tickets)
Location: Epsom Playhouse, Epsom
Description: Live band and singers working through the soul classics.

Queen by Candlelight | Fri 23 January 2026 (Info/Tickets)
Location: Guildford Cathedral, Guildford
Description: Orchestral arrangements of Queen’s biggest songs performed by candlelight.

The Music of Fleetwood Mac by Candlelight | Sat 24 January 2026 (Info/Tickets)
Location: Guildford Cathedral, Guildford
Description: Fleetwood Mac by candlelight the following evening, check the listing page for the full event details.

Mall Sessions, Dude Safari | Sat 17 January 2026 (Info/Tickets)
Location: The Belfry, Redhill
Description: Live music in the shopping centre, with advance and on-the-door ticket options.

Milford Farmers Market at Secretts | Sun 18 January

Location: Secretts, Milford. Time: 10:00 to 13:30
Description: A regular farmers market with producers from across the area, plus the farm shop on hand for extras.

Click here: To check the date, stall list and any last-minute changes.

Farnham Farmers’ Market | Sun 25 January 2026
Location: Central Car Park, Farnham
Description: Monthly farmers’ market with around 40 to 50 local producers. Runs from 10.00 to 13.30, with free entry.

Click here: To confirm dates, stallholder list and future market days

Beer, Curry and Quiz Evening at Mandira’s Kitchen

Location: Mandira’s Kitchen, Silent Pool
Description: When: Fri 30 January, 18:30 to 22:00, Price: £40 per person. A set menu, a drink and a friendly quiz in the courtyard setting by Silent Pool — an easy one for neighbours or colleagues who keep saying “we should do something.”

Click here: To see the menu, timings and book the January quiz night.

Dripping Moon, Paint and Sip at The Princess Royal

Location: The Princess Royal, Farnham
Description: Paint and sip evening on Tue 20 January 2026, 19.00 to 21.00, led by The Paint Club. Tickets at around £33 include all art materials and guidance, with food and drink ordered separately from the pub.

Click here: To book your easel, see remaining availability and find venue details

SEND Teaching Assistant – Worplesdon Primary and Wood Street Federation

A SEND Teaching Assistant role supporting children with additional needs, with start as soon as possible. The advert lists a salary based on a full-time equivalent in the mid-£20,000s and describes a mix of classroom support, small-group work and one-to-one time.

Click here: To read the job description and apply via Find a job.

Support Worker – Mulberry House, Salvation Army Housing

A Support Worker role at Mulberry House in Guildford, focusing on day-to-day living skills, appointments and move-on plans. The listing gives an annual salary band of £25,369 with a rota including some sleep-in shifts.

Click here: To view the official listing and apply online.

Surrey Gas – boiler repairs and servicing

Surrey Gas offers Gas Safe boiler repairs and servicing in Guildford and surrounding areas, with 24-hour emergency cover and options for routine annual services.

Click here: To check services, coverage and request a call back or quote.

AC1 Electrical – 24 hour emergency electrician

AC1 Electrical runs a 24-hour emergency electrician service in Guildford GU1, aiming to respond quickly to urgent call-outs and offering fixed-price quotes where possible.

Click here: To request emergency help or a quote for work in the Guildford area.

Mazzi Laundry – dry cleaning with free collection

Mazzi Laundry provides dry cleaning and laundry with collection and delivery around Godalming, Guildford, Woking and nearby villages, with a published price list and free collection above a minimum order value.

Click here: To check the service area, prices and book a collection slot.

And Finally

If winter feels like a constant round of recalculating care costs, roadworks, heating, travel, you’re not imagining it. We’ll keep tracking the changes that genuinely affect day-to-day life in Surrey, and the local fixes that help. If there’s something you want us to keep an eye on, just hit reply and tell us.

Thank you for reading. See you on Friday.