Good Morning Surrey,
It’s that classic January moment - you’re outside, the windscreen needs a scrape. The school bag - which was just there - has gone missing again, and you’re standing there, already doing that mental maths on whether the train is actually going to behave today. Then, just as diaries start to fill again, Storm Goretti drops in to top off the week.
So here’s the calm version: what actually affects your travel, your bills, and your support options over the next couple of weeks, plus a few decent ideas for getting out of the house once the weather gives you a gap.
In today’s edition:
Storm Goretti and cold health alerts, what they mean for getting around Surrey
3 pension reforms due in 2026, and why workplaces and savers should note them now
January disruption, and A31 Hog’s Back lane closures
Surrey’s latest waste and recycling figures, and how to check your area
Warm hubs, food support, carers’ help, plus January trails, gigs and workshops
Let’s take a look.
—Prince Khurram
News
Storm Goretti, snow and cold health alerts for Surrey
A blast of Arctic air and Storm Goretti are bringing a mix of snow, ice and strong winds through late week, with Surrey sitting under yellow weather warnings and an amber cold health alert for England. Expect difficult conditions on some roads and rail routes.
Met flags a multi hazard event on Thu into Fri with snow, ice and winds in places.
London and the South East currently have yellow warnings, while some amber warnings for snow and wind sit further north.
UKHSA’s amber cold health alert for England runs to 11 January, highlighting higher risks for older people, very young children and those with existing health conditions.
Locally, routes such as the A3, M25, A31 Hog’s Back and rail lines into London are at higher risk of disruption, allow extra time and check before you travel.
Farnham town centre closure and bus diversions on The Borough
Source: BBC
The Borough in Farnham town centre is now closed to through traffic from early January for a major improvement programme, with several bus routes diverted around the works for around three months.
The closure, from 5 January 2026, is expected to last around a quarter, covering key winter and early spring weeks.
Stagecoach lists routes 4, 5, 16, 18, 19, 65 and 404 among those diverted, with some school and occasional services also affected.
Buses are routed via Castle Street and Downing Street, with some stops moved or temporarily suspended.
Drivers are being encouraged to avoid the immediate town centre if they do not need to be there and to allow extra time for the school run and college links.
Lane closures on the A31 Hog’s Back near Seale
Surrey Highways is starting a programme of works on the A31 near Seale, with lane closures and some overnight working on this key Guildford to Farnham stretch, at the same time as winter weather concerns.
Defined programme running over several weeks rather than a single night closure.
Expect reduce capacity on the Hog’s Back, which carries heavy commuter and trades traffic between Surrey and Hampshire.
With current cold spell, reduced lanes could mean slower journeys and higher collision risk in icy conditions.
Sponsored by Love Green Properties
📢 A Message from Love Green Properties
If you are a landlord or homeowner in Surrey, "Market Ready" might feel like a task for the distant future - something to address once the spring flowers arrive. However, a glance at the shifting regulations and the speed of the Surrey property market tells a different story. if you speak to those of us behind the 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 even tighter energy and safety regulations, a valid EPC and a professional inventory are no longer "optional extras." Secure your EPC now to bypass the last-minute scramble that often stalls a lucrative move-in date.
The Power of the First Impression: The transition from a lived-in home to a "market-ready" listing is a critical milestone. Utilizing professional floor plans and high-quality visuals by February ensures your property stands out before the high-street becomes saturated with "just added" listings.
Remove the "Move-In" Friction: Property transitions are logistical pressure cookers. By securing your inventory and compliance checks early, you bypass the chaos of the peak season, ensuring that your only focus is on selecting the right tenant or buyer.
The Precision Window: Accurate property measurements and detailed condition reports require a calm, methodical approach. These "white-glove" details simply aren't possible to rush when the summer market hits its peak.
Ultimately, property management is about the long-term value of your investment. Ensuring your property is presented with precision and protected by airtight documentation isn't about being "extra" - it’s just good planning.
If you’re looking to navigate the market without the typical high-street rush, a conversation with the team at Love Green Properties is a sensible place to start the year.
County Updates
Surrey Waste Tracker, county named a national leader on waste
Photo by Frames For Your Heart
New figures from Surrey County Council and the Surrey Environment Partnership show that Surrey is now one of the national leaders for waste and recycling, with very little household rubbish going to landfill.
Only 0.2% of Surrey’s household waste now ends up in landfill, placing the county 6th out of 29 comparable areas.
The recycling rate stands at 54.5%, joint second nationally, with the rest of the waste used for energy from waste.
On average Surrey households generate less rubbish than the England average, suggesting habits are shifting.
Residents can use the Waste Tracker tool to see how their area is doing and what can go in each bin.
Community Digest
Community Wednesdays and warm hub support, Hale Community Centre, Upper Hale
Hale Community Centre in Upper Hale runs Community Wednesdays as a pay what you can space with food, warmth and practical support, aimed at anyone in the local area who needs a bit of extra help or company.
Foodbank, free lunch and toddler support, St Mark’s, Franklyn Road, Godalming
St Mark’s Church and Community Centre on Franklyn Road in Godalming brings several strands of support together in one place, from food help to warm space lunches and early years groups.
A foodbank runs with sessions on Mon and Wed plus an emergency Thu slot.
Smart Tots toddler group runs in term time, giving under fives and their carers a local meet up.
Mid Surrey Community Fridges, Mole Valley and surrounding villages
Mid Surrey Community Fridges runs a network of around 14 community fridges across Mole Valley and nearby villages, offering low cost surplus food to anyone who needs it and helping to cut food waste at the same time.
Hubs include Dorking, Leatherhead and North Holmwood plus village stops such as Box Hill, Newdigate, Westcott and Ockley.
The fridges are open to everyone, no means test and no membership scheme.
A suggested donation of around £2.50 per visit helps keep the service running if you can afford it.
Action for Carers Surrey, Carer Hubs and support across the county
Action for Carers Surrey offers county wide support for unpaid carers of all ages, including regular Carer Hubs, helplines and events alongside online resources.
Carer Hubs meet around twice a month in places such as Guildford, Woking, Godalming, Leatherhead, Epsom and Redhill.
Sessions are usually drop in between late morning and mid afternoon.
Staff and volunteers can help with forms, benefits questions and simply listening.
There are separate programmes and groups for young carers.
Surrey Libraries Digital Buddy sessions
Surrey Libraries run Digital Buddy and Digital Support Volunteer sessions in selected branches, where volunteers sit one to one with residents who need help getting online or using devices.
Support covers basic computer use, phones and tablets, email and online forms.
Some libraries offer bookable 30 minute appointments, others have drop in slots.
Examples include Staines Library and smaller branches such as Ash.
Sessions are free, though booking is often required.
🗓️ Events
👨👩👦 Family and Kids
12 Days of Christmas Window Trail | Fri 2 to Sun 11 January 2026 (Info/Tickets)
Location: Tunsgate Quarter and Guildford town centre, Guildford
Description: Pick up a trail map from Tunsgate Quarter, hunt down 13 shop windows themed around the twelve days and enter the draw for a £100 Guildford Gift Card. Runs until Sunday.
Cathedral Tots | Wed 14 January 2026 (Info/Tickets)
Location: Guildford Cathedral, Guildford
Description: Free, relaxed session for under fives with crafts, play and simple themed activities in the Cathedral, plus refreshments for grown ups.
Matilda JR | Sat 24 to Sun 25 January 2026 (Info/Tickets)
Location: Camberley Theatre, Camberley
Description: PQA Windsor’s young performers bring Roald Dahl’s Matilda to the stage in a junior version of the musical.
🎾🏃 Sports and Fitness
Qigong Morning Class | Wednesdays from 7 January 2026 (Info/Tickets)
Location: Jubilee Room, Shamley Green, near Guildford
Description: Weekly gentle Qigong class in the Surrey Hills, 9 to 10am.
Frosty Fiesta Gymnastics Festival | Sun 18 January 2026 (Info/Tickets)
Location: Surrey Sports Park, Guildford
Description: All day gymnastics festival showcasing local clubs and performers.
⛺Outdoors
The Fairies Trail | Until Sun 11 January 2026 (Info/Tickets)
Location: Painshill Park, Cobham
Description: A family friendly January trail, check the listing for the latest entry details and timings before you set off.
Box Hill Guided Hike (10km) | Sun 25 January 2026 (Info/Tickets)
Location: National Trust Box Hill, near Dorking
Description: Guided 10km hike taking in classic viewpoints and some quieter paths, 10.30am to 2.30pm.
🎭 Theatre and Performances
Death On The Nile | Tue 13 to Sat 17 January 2026 (Info/Tickets)
Location: Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford
Description: Agatha Christie’s riverboat murder mystery comes to Guildford with a new stage adaptation.
Shen Yun | Sat 24 to Sun 25 January 2026 (Info/Tickets)
Location: New Victoria Theatre, Woking
Description: Currently marked as sold out online, so this is one to watch for returns rather than last minute booking.
The House Maid (Film) | Sun 11 to Thu 15 January 2026 (Info/Tickets)
Location: Leatherhead Theatre, Leatherhead
Description: Psychological thriller screenings across five days with a mix of afternoon and evening showings.
Ian McKellen: Stories, Stage and Shakespeare | Sat 10 to Sun 11 Jan 2026 (Info/Tickets)
Location: Richmond Theatre, Richmond
Description: A special evening looking back over a lifetime on stage.
🎤 Comedy
Omid Djalili: Namaste | January 2026, see booking page (Info/Tickets)
Location: Rose Theatre, Kingston upon Thames
Description: Stand up night on the border, check the theatre booking page for the exact date and pricing.
🎸 Music and Gigs
Money For Nothing, Dire Straits Tribute | Wed 7 January 2026 (Info/Tickets)
Location: Dorking Halls, Dorking
Description: A Dire Straits tribute night, landing the same day as this newsletter.
The Drifters | Thu 8 January 2026 (Info/Tickets)
Location: G Live, Guildford
Description: One night of back catalogue hits.
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.
✨ Special Events
Epsom Downs Wedding Fair | Sun 11 January 2026 (Info/Tickets)
Location: Epsom Downs Racecourse, Epsom
Description: Free entry with pre registration.
Quilters’ Fair | Sun 11 January 2026 (Info/Tickets)
Location: Farnham Maltings, Farnham
Description: A day for quilters and textile fans with stalls, fabrics and demonstrations.
🛍️Markets
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.
🍴🍷Eat and Drink
Biriyani Magic Workshop, Mandira’s Kitchen
Location: Mandira’s Kitchen, Silent Pool, near Guildford
Description: Midweek lunchtime workshop on Wed 14 January 2026, 11.00 to 12.30, focusing on building flavourful biriyanis. The price of around £40 per person includes tastings, recipes and a take home kit.
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.
And Finally,
January in Surrey has a very specific rhythm: grit on the kerb, fog on the fields, and a calendar that suddenly remembers it has opinions. If you spot a junction, station, or stretch of road that’s consistently worse, or surprisingly fine, during the cold snap, hit reply and tell us where.
And if you’ve got a favourite January walk that stays less muddy than the rest, we’re collecting tips.
Thank you for reading. See you on Wednesday.
