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Good Morning Surrey,
Good news for Surrey communities this week, with £500,000 available for local projects in Farnham, more NHS scanning capacity and fresh support for young readers. And with Christmas lights beginning to appear, the weekend diary is filling up.
For social housing tenants, new safety rules arriving on 30 November are particularly worth knowing about. Do you know how to report a serious hazard to your landlord?
In today’s edition
New social housing safety rules and the national increase in NHS scanning capacity.
Funding to help more preschool children access books.
Farnham's £500,000 community fund and local charitable projects.
Christmas lights, family theatre and a guided nature walk.
An antiques and vintage fair at Lingfield Racecourse.
A nationally recognised Surrey pub and local services worth knowing about.
Let's Take a Look...
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News
National headlines for Surrey
The second phase of Awaab's Law is scheduled to take effect on 30 November 2026, subject to Parliamentary approval. The rules will extend legal protections for social housing tenants, including those in Surrey, to additional serious hazards.
Seven further hazard categories will be covered, including electrical dangers, fire risks, unsafe stairs and extreme temperatures.
Immediately dangerous hazards must be investigated and made safe within 24 hours.
Other serious hazards will have defined investigation, safety-work and repair timescales.
The changes apply to social landlords. The 24-hour rule does not apply to every routine repair.
If you rent from a council or housing association, it's worth knowing how to report a dangerous problem and what response to expect.
NHS adds 125 scanners to increase diagnostic capacity
The NHS has added 125 CT and MRI scanners across England since March 2024, helping deliver around one million additional scans annually. For Surrey patients, this is a national improvement in diagnostic capacity, although no specific allocation of new equipment to Surrey has been confirmed.
Click here: To read the national diagnostic capacity update
Up to £15 million announced for early-years books
The Government has announced up to £15 million to help as many as 300,000 additional preschool children across England access books. Surrey families may benefit as the programme develops, but eligibility and local rollout arrangements have yet to be announced.
Community Digest
Ewell community project seeks £12,000 for lower-carbon heating
St Mary’s Church, Ewell. Image via Wikimedia Commons.
A community building in Ewell is raising funds to improve its heating and reduce its environmental impact. The appeal has a £12,000 target, with contributions being collected through Crowdfunder.
For residents interested in supporting a practical improvement to a local community space, the project page explains the fundraising plans and how donations can help. The amount raised will change as the appeal progresses.
Farnham opens £500,000 community funding programme
Farnham Town Council has announced a £500,000 fund for community organisations and local projects. The money is available through a funding programme rather than having already been distributed, so organisations considering an application should examine the council's eligibility requirements.
Here's what to know:
The total funding pot is £500,000.
The programme is intended to support community projects and organisations.
Applicants should consult the official guidance before preparing proposals.
Funding availability does not mean an individual application will be approved.
For community groups with a project in mind, this is a useful place to start.
£16,182 awarded for youth and family mentoring
The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey has approved £16,182 in community safety funding for Surrey Care Trust. The award supports youth and family mentoring activity in Guildford and Woking.
The funding forms part of a specific community safety decision rather than a general public grant scheme. Residents interested in the support being funded can read the official decision for the project's purpose and scope.
Click here: To read the funding decision and project details
Events
Family & Kids
Trails and Tales | Friday 13 November (Info)
Location: Gatton Park, Reigate
Description: A story-themed outdoor session based on The Smartest Giant in Town, aimed at children aged two to four. Running from 10am to 11.30am, it offers a gentle combination of storytelling and exploring outdoors. Price: £7.50 per participating child. Advance booking is essential. Sensible footwear is unlikely to be wasted.
Trails and Tales outdoor activities. Image: Gatton Park.
Outdoors
Guided Nature Walk | Saturday 14 November (Info)
Location: Witley Common, Webb Road car park
Description: A free guided walk across the common from 11am to 1pm, organised by the National Trust. A good option for anyone who prefers a weekend outing involving fresh air rather than another shopping queue. Price: Free for the walk. Venue charges may apply.
Theatre & Performances
A Christmas Carol, A Radio Play Live on Stage | Saturday 14 November (Info)
Location: Epsom Playhouse, Epsom
Description: Dickens' familiar Christmas story is presented as a live stage production in the style of a radio play. A seasonal theatre option for those who like their Christmas traditions with a little more atmosphere. Check the performance time and any additional booking fees. Price: From £23.50.
Special Events
Christmas Lights Switch-On | Saturday 14 November (Info)
Location: Farnham town centre
Description: Farnham's Christmas lights event runs from 1pm to 6pm, with the official switch-on at 4.30pm. There's time to browse the town and enjoy the seasonal atmosphere before the lights come on. Price: Free entry.
Festive Family Fun Day | Sunday 15 November (Info)
Location: Guildford town centre
Description: Free festive entertainment in Guildford from 11am to 4pm. A straightforward option for families looking for something seasonal without needing to commit to a ticketed attraction. Price: Free entertainment.
Markets
Lingfield Antiques & Vintage Fair | Sunday 15 November
Lingfield Racecourse Antiques and Vintage Fair. Image: Antiques Atlas / Love Fairs.
Location: Lingfield Racecourse, Lingfield
Description: Antiques and vintage traders gather at Lingfield Racecourse for a fair aimed at collectors, browsers and anyone who enjoys finding something with a bit of history. Expect a mixture of established collectibles and older household items, with stock varying between sellers.
Worth checking final opening hours and admission details before travelling, particularly if you're making a longer journey.
Eat & Drink
Restaurant of the Week | The Merry Harriers
Location: The Merry Harriers, Hambledon
There are plenty of pubs in Surrey with attractive surroundings, and rather fewer that receive national recognition for what happens inside them. The Merry Harriers in Hambledon has secured 17th place in The Good Food Guide's list of Britain's 100 Best Pubs for 2026, putting this Surrey establishment firmly on the national dining map.
It's the sort of recognition that makes a country pub worth considering when you're planning a meal beyond the usual town-centre choices. The award gives diners a useful independent reference point, although it isn't a substitute for checking the current menu, prices and availability.
If you're thinking of heading over for lunch or dinner, the sensible approach is to look at the food offering first and check booking arrangements. A good pub meal is considerably more enjoyable when you haven't arrived to discover the kitchen has other plans.
National recognition is a welcome achievement for a local venue. And for Surrey diners, another reminder that sometimes the best answer to where to eat involves a short drive out of town.
Directory
Pound Lane Cycle Service (Info)
Location: Surrey, service details available online
Description: Bicycle servicing and repairs for riders who would rather have the gears working properly than spend another afternoon watching repair tutorials. Full servicing is listed at £55 plus parts, with repairs starting from £35.
Reigate Motor Company (Info)
Location: Reigate
Description: A local garage offering MOT testing and vehicle servicing. Listed weekday opening hours are Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. Useful for getting routine maintenance organised before a minor dashboard warning becomes a larger conversation.
Hoops Velo (Info)
Location: Farnham
Description: A bicycle shop with workshop services for maintenance and repairs. A practical contact for cyclists looking to keep their bikes in working order, particularly when winter riding begins to take its toll.
R A Robertson & Sons (Info)
Location: Service coverage available from the provider
Description: Appliance repair and electrical services for households needing help with faulty domestic equipment. Check whether your particular appliance and address are covered before arranging a visit.
And Finally
November in Surrey is a curious negotiation between the seasons. One moment you're admiring autumn leaves, the next you're standing in a shop wondering whether it's too early to buy wrapping paper.
The Christmas lights are making their appearance, the weekend diary is filling up, and the sensible winter coat has resumed its rightful place by the front door.
Whatever the week has planned, I hope there's room for a decent cup of tea and a little time to enjoy where we live.
Social housing safety rules expand from 30 November