WHAT’S GOING ON LOCALLY 

MOBILE PHONE CONNECTIVITY My battle to get the networks to improve mobile connectivity started in earnest last week when I met with BT/EE, Vodafone and Three, with another meeting this week with Virgin Media/O2. I went through where our known ‘not spots’ are (Cranleigh and Godalming high streets, Shamley Green, Peaslake and Bramley amongst others) so the next step is to map those against where they are planning to expand their networks so we can make sure all the gaps are filled. Some potential investment depends on approval being given to the Vodafone/Three merger which will be decided in December. But I know need your help in filling in a survey that tells me how good the coverage is in specific places by network. Watch out for it when it arrives. 

GODALMING TRAIN STATION SIDE GATE SAVED Brilliant news from Stuart Meek CEO of SW Railways that the side gate for Godalming station will remain open for customer use. Many residents have contacted me about this after fears the gate would be permanently closed following cases of vandalism and fare evasion. As long as you have a ticket you will be able to access the platforms from this gate as will Meath residents. 

CATCH UP WITH WAVERLEY BOROUGH COMMANDER Rob Brian updated me on local concerns including rural crime, shoplifting and recent hotspots of antisocial behaviour - there is a lot going on so I am really grateful the local police are on top of so many issues. No crime is too small to worry about but also worth remembering we remain the 4th safest county in the country and the most safe of all for homicide. Thanks to PCC Lisa Townsend and commitments by the last government we also have more police officers than ever before.

SURGERY CALLS My first call was to a Thursley resident about the assisted dying bill. He was concerned that the current system is not humane and forces people to travel to Switzerland to end their lives if they are terminally ill and in great pain with no prospect of relief from painkillers. The private members bill by Kim Leadbetter is being published this week and the vote is on 29th November. I have traditionally not supported assisted dying because I have worried about unintended consequences. But my view has evolved because I think that faced with a terminal illness myself I might want some control myself over my ending - and that therefore I should not vote to stop other people having that control as well. It is a really really difficult issue and I will be reflecting carefully on it in the next three weeks.
 

I then spoke to Jon Watson, Chair of the Management Committee of the Arbuthnot Hall in Shamley Green as well as Lucy Camsey and Cllr Mike Band. The hall is a historic arts and crafts building which is at risk if it is not rebuilt. There is a huge campaign in the village to raise the £1.5m necessary which I am going to support in every way I can - if it is something you can help with please let Jon or me know! More details here. 

SURREY HILLS SYMPOSIUM As you will know, I am a strong supporter of our stunning Surrey Hills National Landscape (formerly AONB) and I have campaigned for years to increase the Surrey Hills AONB, which I hope will soon become a reality (2nd stage of the expansion consultation process is underway right now). So please attend the annual symposium which will be held this Wednesday 13th November 5pm-8pm. The theme is "Nature Calling - A vision for our Future Landscape" and it will feature a showcase plus speakers who will share their ideas for the future of the National Landscape. For more details and to book your place click here.

BUSY WINKWORTH ARBORETUM Following a few hugely popular weekends jam packed with visitors, Hascombe residents have contacted me frustrated about with cars parked on verges.I will pick up with the National Trust.

MEETING WITH CRANLEIGH BID Great to meet Cranleigh BID Manager Christine Martin and Frances Pearce. Cranleigh BID represents over 200 businesses and the business plan to 2028 includes major marketing, events and support, plus a plan for free wifi.  

SHALFORD RESTORED WAR MEMORIAL The Shalford War Memorial rededication service yesterday went well (sorry to miss it). The memorial’s restoration has recently been completed following being hit by a car a few years ago so great that it has been restored.

BRAMLEY XMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON Final call to head down this Thursday 14th 6pm to Bramley car park for their inaugural festive Xmas light switch on which promises to be a very special moment of celebration following the trials of the fuel leak this year. More detail on the upcoming public meeting set for the 29th November next week…

MAGICAL TEA RAISES OVER £1,700 Well done to the brilliant Friends of the Cancer and Surgical Innovation Centre campaign team who raised a staggering £1719.86 on Friday afternoon in Elstead. Massive thanks to all of the organisers and to everyone who came along to support the event and watch a very entertaining magic show and fabulous afternoon tea. I even got to take part in the dreaded audience participation bit!

JOIN ME Want to get more involved with my brilliant election-winning team locally? Email me at [email protected] to help support our work in our community.

SOCIAL MEDIA If you would like more regular updates of my work locally and nationally, do follow me on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram. Please don’t always assume I will see every comment on a post - email is a more reliable way to ensure a reply.

As always, if you know anyone (a friend or neighbour perhaps?) who might like to receive this email, please do forward it on. Anyone can sign up here to receive them and can unsubscribe at any time by clicking on the box below or emailing me.