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Articles by David Reading
New Traveller Site For Ash Green Gains Council Approval, Despite Objections
New Traveller Site For Ash Green Gains Council Approval, Despite Objections A traveller site has been granted planning permission in Ash Green after council officers warned there are “no alternative sites” available within the Guildford borough. The proposals would see the land at Whitegate Copse repurposed into a residential site for travellers, with provision for both static and touring caravans.
West Horsley Residents Object, But New Housing Plans Are Approved
West Horsley Residents Object, But New Housing Plans Are Approved Four new houses have been approved to be built in the spacious garden of an existing property in West Horsley, despite fierce opposition from residents. More than 40 people wrote to Guildford Borough Council opposing plans to build the four new detached homes in the garden of Hornbeam at 174 The Street, West Horsley. A carport would also be included alongside each home, which would have four bedrooms.
Events at The Cathedral Include Launch of Late Bishop’s Two Books – and Oasis By Candlelight
Events at The Cathedral Include Launch of Late Bishop’s Two Books – and Oasis By Candlelight Guildford Cathedral has a full programme of events for the community this November – including the launch of two books by the late Bishop of Guildford, Andrew Watson. The month begins with All Saints Eucharist on Sunday, November 1, and a Requiem Eucharist for All Souls on Monday, November 2, when loved ones who have died are remembered.
Winnie-the-Pooh, Refugee Voices and AI Driven Music…
How did a Surrey town help people fleeing the Nazis? What can Winnie-the-Pooh’s woodland tell us all about belonging? And what does a mechanical piano teach us about music in the age of AI? The University of Surrey is inviting the public to explore these questions through ten free events during the Being Human Festival, running from November 5-14.
Rare Solar Radiation Storm Gives Scientists Clearest Picture Yet of Flight Risks
Rare Solar Radiation Storm Gives Scientists Clearest Picture Yet of Flight Risks Scientists have received the most comprehensive information ever collected from Earth’s atmosphere during a solar radiation storm – and they hope this will lead to an improvement in airline flight safety during such events. The study, led by the University of Surrey and published in Space Weather, analysed data collected on November 11, 2025, during the largest Ground Level Enhancement observed in almost 20 years.
Trial Opens Of The Two Teenagers Accused Of Stoke Park Murder
Trial Opens Of The Two Teenagers Accused Of Stoke Park Murder The trial has opened of two teenagers accused of murdering a 15-year-old boy in Stoke Park, Guildford. Luis Guembes died of his injuries in January after being stabbed in the head, shoulder and back. One stab wound fatally pierced his stomach, severing his left kidney and hitting his spine.
New Tongham Flats ‘Will Help Meet Need For Affordable Accommodation’ Says Council
New Tongham Flats ‘Will Help Meet Need For Affordable Accommodation’ Says Council Plans to build two new blocks of council flats in Tongham have been given the go-ahead. Guildford Borough Council sought planning permission from itself to build the flats – which will provide six new council homes – on land behind Manor House Flats. All the flats will be available at affordable rents at Local Housing Allowance levels, according to the planning documents.
More Than 50 Independent Stalls Will Attract Visitors To Cathedral’s Christmas Fair
More Than 50 Independent Stalls Will Attract Visitors To Cathedral’s Christmas Fair Guildford Cathedral will be holding its annual Christmas Fair on Friday and Saturday, November 20 and 21, offering shoppers the chance to discover a varied collection of independent makers, artisans and specialist retailers.
Surrey Researchers Work At Protecting Livestock From Future Epidemics
Led by The Pirbright Institute, the project will develop an mRNA vaccine platform for use across livestock species. This platform will help prepare for future epidemics, tackle anti-microbial resistance and accelerate the development of next-generation animal vaccines. Funding is coming from the UKRI-BBSRC and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). The Surrey team, led by Dr Jai Mehat and including Prof.
Businesses To Receive Expert Guidance To Reduce Environmental Impact
Guildford Borough Council has launched a new “Go Green for Business” accreditation scheme to help small and medium-sized enterprises to improve their environmental performances. The scheme is being run in partnership with sustainability specialists GreenMark. The programme has been designed to support local businesses by providing expert guidance, practical tools and a structured framework to help reduce environmental impacts while driving business benefits.
New Ash Housing Can Go Ahead After Inspector Says the Site is ‘Grey Belt’ Land
New Ash Housing Can Go Ahead After Inspector Says the Site is ‘Grey Belt’ Land A developer has won its appeal for outline planning permission to build up to 200 homes at Shortlands Farm, Guildford Road, Ash. The planning inspector agreed the land can be designated as “grey belt”. The concept of grey belt was introduced in national planning guidelines in 2024, relaxing development restrictions on green belt land that is not deemed to contribute adequately to green belt purposes.
Guildford Spectrum is Getting Almost 1,200 Solar Panels To Cut Carbon Emissions
Guildford Spectrum is Getting Almost 1,200 Solar Panels To Cut Carbon Emissions Almost 1,200 solar panels are being installed on the roof of Guildford Spectrum as part of the borough council’s work to make the leisure centre more sustainable. Work began this week (October 12) and covers around 2,400 square metres, roughly the size of six basketball courts. The panels are expected to generate around 500,000 kWh of renewable electricity each year.
Does Our Ability to ‘Listen’ to Our Body Impact Our Mental Health?
Does Our Ability to ‘Listen’ to Our Body Impact Our Mental Health? Psychologists at the University of Surrey are inviting volunteers to take part in a new study examining how the brain processes bodily signals, like heartbeats or hunger, and whether it is connected to a person’s mental health over time.
Is Time Real? Renowned Physicist To Tackle The Question At Guildford Book Event
Is Time Real? Renowned Physicist To Tackle The Question At Guildford Book Event The nature of time has puzzled philosophers and scientists for thousands of years. Did time have a beginning and will it have an end? Why does time appear to flow forwards rather than towards the past? And at the deepest level: is time real?
How 3D Printing Can Help Children Suffering From Serious Illness or Injury
How 3D Printing Can Help Children Suffering From Serious Illness or Injury Under a new, national scheme, 3D printing will be used to help hospitalised children rebuild skills lost to illness or injury. The University of Surrey is part of a coalition working to give staff in hospital schools the skills and confidence to run hands-on design and engineering projects with pupils who cannot attend mainstream schools.
Sir Brian May Explains Why The Huckleberries Charity Is So Special To Him
Sir Brian May Explains Why The Huckleberries Charity Is So Special To Him Huckleberries, the mental health and education charity based in Elstead, has announced that Sir Brian May has become its Patron. Huckleberries supports children aged 6 to 12 who are struggling to thrive in mainstream education, often due to anxiety, low self-esteem, autism or ADHD. There can be childhood trauma or challenging family circumstances.
Trespassing On The Railway Is a Major Cause of Passenger Disruption, New Report Shows
Trespassing On The Railway Is a Major Cause of Passenger Disruption, New Report Shows Figures released by Network Rail and British Transport Police reveal that trespass on the railway caused 9,437 minutes of delays to passengers across the South Western network last year. This is equivalent to around six and a half days. Across Network Rail’s 14 routes, South Western had the third highest rate of vandalism and obstruction – which includes deliberately placing items such as debris on the track.
Why Not Follow The Guildford Art Trail This Weekend?
Why Not Follow The Guildford Art Trail This Weekend? Visitors to Guildford town centre this weekend are being invited to follow the Guildford Art Trail, which is a central attraction of the Guildford Festival of the Arts, running from October 1-4. People taking part in this creative community event can use a dedicated trail map to explore exhibitions, independent shops, galleries and historic spaces.
Guildford Book Festival Welcomes Major Talents From the Literary World
Now in its 37th year, the Guildford Book Festival returns this week with a full programme of events celebrating books, ideas and conversation. The festival welcomes some of today’s most acclaimed novelists, including Sebastian Faulks, Victoria Hislop and Elif Shafak, to Guildford Baptist Church, while the ever-popular Readers’ Day returns to West Horsley Place. Younger readers are in for a treat, too, with the return of the popular Rob Biddulph, joined by M.G. Leonard and Jack Meggitt-Phillips.
Bringing the Wonders of Space Exploration to Guildford High Street
Bringing the Wonders of Space Exploration to Guildford High Street Guildford High Street will once again be transformed into a Space showcase when the University of Surrey and the Institute of Physics bring World Space Week to Tunsgate Quarter shopping centre. The event will run from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, October 10, and will be free to attend. This year’s takeover puts accessibility and local industry at its core, with Guildford House hosting a dedicated SEN-friendly zone.
Guildford’s Artistic Talent On Display In a Vibrant Four-Day Celebration
The Guildford Festival of the Arts opens tomorrow (October 1) – bringing a dazzling array of artistic talent to the town. The four-day community-led celebration of the visual arts, which runs from Thursday until Sunday, is designed to shine a spotlight on Guildford’s wealth of creativity and engage the local community in the process.
Nathalie’s Riverside Art Offers a Challenge To The People of Guildford
Nathalie’s Riverside Art Offers a Challenge To The People of Guildford Guildford artist Nathalie Scott has initiated a community project that is bringing touches of colour to the riverside walk at Friary Passage. She has been painting scenes of the natural world on the pillars beside the river, and is inviting members of the public to come along and make their own additions to her art.
Ash Gets Ready To Go To The Polls To Vote On a New Neighbourhood Plan
Ash Gets Ready To Go To The Polls To Vote On a New Neighbourhood Plan Residents of Ash will be voting on whether to adopt the Ash Neighbourhood Plan at a local referendum to be held on Thursday, October 29. Poll cards have begun arriving at homes in the area. Neighbourhood Plans give local communities a greater say in how development is managed in their area. The Ash Neighbourhood Plan was prepared by Ash Parish Council in consultation with residents and other local stakeholders.
How Can Local Councils Manage The Problem Of Weeds? New Study Aims to Find Out
How Can Local Councils Manage The Problem Of Weeds? New Study Aims to Find Out A new research study is taking place at Onslow Park and Ride in Guildford to assess different approaches to weed management. Researchers from the University of Surrey say the aim is to help Guildford Borough Council and Waverley Borough Council better understand the most effective and sustainable options for managing public spaces.
Southern Rail Agrees To Act Following Residents’ Outcry Over Litter Menace
Southern Rail Agrees To Act Following Residents’ Outcry Over Litter Menace Southern Rail has confirmed it will return the bins to the railway station at a Surrey beauty spot, just weeks after there was a local outcry over litter piling up on its platforms. The rail operator removed the bins at Box Hill and Westhumble earlier this summer, a move which was reportedly to bring it into line with recycling regulations.
Surrey Researchers Examine How Moon Dust Could Provide Propellant For Spacecraft
Surrey Researchers Examine How Moon Dust Could Provide Propellant For Spacecraft Could magnesium found in Moon dust help future spacecraft travel further into deep space? A new European Space Agency-funded project led by the University of Surrey aims to find out.
Obituary: Renie Tribe, For Many Years A Teacher In Guildford
Obituary: Renie Tribe, For Many Years A Teacher In Guildford Renie Tribe, a well-known Guildford teacher and once an active member of St Francis Church in Westborough, has died at the Royal Surrey at the age of 98. Irene Margaret Tribe, always known as Renie, was born in Farnham in 1928 – the only child of Eva Margaret Annie (Maggie) and Leonard Simpson. Her mother was postmistress in Ewshot and her father a member of the Royal Corps of Signals and an employee at Dennis Motors.
New Guildford Photo Exhibition Covers Decades of Events – Big and Small
New Guildford Photo Exhibition Covers Decades of Events – Big and Small Award-winning Guildford photographer John Walmsley has a new exhibition running at the Guildford Institute. The exhibition spans years of his documentary work, tracing John’s artistic journey from his formative years at Guildford School of Art in the 1960’s right up to recent town events. John often focuses on ordinary people living their lives.
Public Are Invited To Provide Input Into Development of New Council Websites
Public Are Invited To Provide Input Into Development of New Council Websites Residents, businesses, community groups and visitors across Surrey are being invited to help shape the future of the East Surrey and West Surrey council websites by taking part in a short online survey. The new websites are being developed ahead of the launch of East Surrey Council and West Surrey Council next April as part of local government reorganisation.
Orange October Will Help Disabled Children Play and Thrive
Orange October Will Help Disabled Children Play and Thrive Challengers, the children’s charity, is inviting the people of Guildford, Farnham and beyond to take part in Orange October – a month-long fundraising campaign that turns everyday activities orange to support inclusive play for disabled children and young people. Throughout October, the charity is encouraging people to get involved in any way they choose.
New Energy-efficient Weyside Depot Will Bring a Range of Council Services Together
New Energy-efficient Weyside Depot Will Bring a Range of Council Services Together Guildford Borough Council has marked the completion of its new depot with a ceremonial key handover from main contractor McLaren Construction. To mark this milestone in the Weyside Urban Village regeneration scheme, the Divisional Director of McLaren Construction joined lead councillors, senior officers and some of the employees involved in the project.
Ash Neighbourhood Plan Meets with Independent Examiner’s Approval
An independent examiner has declared that the proposed Ash Neighbourhood Plan meets all basic legal requirements and can proceed to the next stage – a local referendum. The Plan has been developed by Ash Parish Council, which says the document will give the community “a meaningful voice” in important local matters such as housing development.
New Canon Missioner Set To Join The Team At Guildford Cathedral
New Canon Missioner Set To Join The Team At Guildford Cathedral The Rev’d Dr Mike Branscombe will be joining Guildford Cathedral as its new Canon Missioner. Mike, who is currently Vicar of St Andrew’s Church, Cobham, will be installed as a Residentiary Canon of the Cathedral during Choral Evensong at 6pm on Sunday, September 20.
West Surrey Urged To Listen To Residents Over Creation Of New Guildford Council
West Surrey Urged To Listen To Residents Over Creation Of New Guildford Council Moves to create a new parish council for Guildford should be re-examined with due weight given to the residents who voiced their opposition to the plans, say some West Surrey councillors. In March, Guildford Borough Council – which will cease to exist next year as part of local government reorganisation – recommended a new lower tier parish for Guildford town.
Teaching Children About Pornography Requires New Approach, Research Suggests
The way young people are taught about pornography may be doing more harm than good, according to research from the University of Surrey. A new study argues that fear-based education is failing to reflect how teenagers actually encounter sexual media. The research team, whose work is published in Porn Studies, say most pornography education in schools is built around a simple moral message: porn is dangerous and must be avoided. But young people engage with sexual media in far more complex ways.
Hop Growing Ends at Puttenham – And a History of its Cultivation in Farnham Area
Hop Growing Ends at Puttenham – And a History of its Cultivation in Farnham Area After this year’s poor harvest, the Hampton Estate at Puttenham will stop growing hops – bringing to a close a chapter that has been part of the Hampton name for generations. The reason is climate change – summers have been getting hotter making hops hard to grow well. Estate manager Bill Biddell said: “The weather patterns are shifting.
The Law Catches Up with the Elusive Graffiti Vandal Known as ‘Wormy’
The Law Catches Up with the Elusive Graffiti Vandal Known as ‘Wormy’ The prolific graffiti tagger known as “Wormy” has been convicted by a court for the criminal damage that scarred public spaces and historic buildings throughout Guildford town centre in 2025. An extensive police investigation revealed that the culprit was 21-year-old Liam Cavanagh, from Guildford.
Airport Expansion Plans: ‘An Example Of An Issue At The Heart Of The Climate Crisis’
Airport Expansion Plans: ‘An Example Of An Issue At The Heart Of The Climate Crisis’ The newly-formed West Surrey Council is expected to throw its weight against expansion at Farnborough Airport. It comes as a motion reaffirming Waverley Borough Council’s continued opposition to more weekend flights at the site was passed in an effort to protect communities affected by aircraft noise.
Guildford Man Jailed After Police Find Drugs And £20,000 In His Car
Guildford Man Jailed After Police Find Drugs And £20,000 In His Car A 50-year-old Guildford man who was suspected of drug dealing was pulled over by police while driving his Alfa Romeo on the A245 near Painshill, Cobham. Robert Dorado knew the game was up but refused to get out of the car, forcing officers to smash a window, a court heard. Inside, the back seat was littered with bags of Class A drugs. There was also a bag containing £20,000 in cash.
NHS Plea On Mental Health: ‘Check in On People You Know Who May Need Support’
NHS Plea On Mental Health: ‘Check in On People You Know Who May Need Support’ Today (September 10) is World Suicide Prevention Day and the NHS is reminding the public of the importance of checking in with people we know who may need support. Dr Emma Whicher, Chief Medical Officer at Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, is reinforcing the importance of looking after our mental health throughout the year.
Guildford Library Shut During Modernisation Programme – Register Office To Move In
Guildford Library Shut During Modernisation Programme – Register Office To Move In An extensive refurbishment and improvement programme is taking place at Guildford Library, with all services having been put on hold since August 20. The library will partially reopen on Monday, September 21, with a “click and collect” service. People will be able to return items, pick up specific online reservations, or use the “Ready Reads” hand-picked book service.
Distracted Dog Walkers May Be Putting Wildlife And Livestock At Risk, Study Finds
Distracted Dog Walkers May Be Putting Wildlife And Livestock At Risk, Study Finds Dog walkers talking on their phones or facing other distractions can miss their pets fouling, disturbing wildlife or approaching livestock, according to research from the University of Surrey.
The Historic Napper Centre Re-opens Following £1 Million Restoration Project
The Napper Centre in Cranleigh – recognised as the UK’s first cottage hospital – was reopened yesterday (September 4) by Jeremy Hunt MP following a £1 million restoration. The Grade II listed building has been transformed into a vibrant community hub for wellbeing, learning and heritage, securing the future of one of Surrey’s most significant historic buildings. The restoration project was supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Feature: Tattoos As Body Art And The Reasons For Their Boom In Popularity
Feature: Tattoos As Body Art And The Reasons For Their Boom In Popularity Tattoos are now an established part of the cultural mainstream. Once linked in people’s minds to criminal gangs or sailors, they are now a familiar form of self-expression and according to a 2024 YouGov poll, 40 per cent of 25-49 year-olds have at least one tattoo. Here, Dragon reporter David Reading asks: What exactly is behind their popularity?
Opinion: The Oil Shock Will Not Stop At The Petrol Forecourt
Opinion: The Oil Shock Will Not Stop At The Petrol Forecourt Eric Golson, Professor of Economics at the University of Surrey, discusses how sustained oil and natural gas prices could create another cost-of-living squeeze through higher food, travel and winter energy costs. Whether we face another cost-of-living squeeze depends less on how high oil and natural gas prices rise than on how long they remain elevated and whether the shock spreads through the wider economy.
Patients More Likely To Die When Ambulance Crews Are Off Sick, Say Researchers
Patients More Likely To Die When Ambulance Crews Are Off Sick, Say Researchers Unexpected staff shortages in ambulance services are costing lives, with patients significantly more likely to die within 24 hours when ambulance crews are unexpectedly off sick, according to new research from the University of Surrey and the University of York. The findings suggest that older people, those with the most serious conditions and patients needing care during busy winter periods are the most affected.
Three-Year Study Across Guildford Provides Clues To Coping With Climate Change
Three-Year Study Across Guildford Provides Clues To Coping With Climate Change Green and blue spaces, such as woodlands and riversides, could provide a vital line of defence for cities facing increasingly hot summers, according to new research from the University of Surrey. In a study published in Environment International, researchers monitored temperatures across Guildford for three years to understand how different urban environments cope with heat.
An Innovative Way Of Building – New Normandy Homes Were Built In a Factory
An Innovative Way Of Building – New Normandy Homes Were Built In a Factory People have begun to move into a small development of 16 new homes in Normandy – described by housing provider Abri as affordable, energy-efficient and targeted at the local community. Abri says their new development – a mix of 11 social rent and five shared ownership – provide much-needed affordable places to live for local families. The development comprises one- two- and three-bedroom homes, at Warbler Park, Beech Lane.
Rail Passengers Are Warned About Bank Holiday Engineering Works
Engineering works will affect rail services in the Guildford and Farnham areas during the August Bank Holiday weekend. Services between Farnham, Alton and Guildford will be replaced by buses on Saturday, August 29, to Monday August 31. The service changes are necessary because of work being carried out by South Western Railway (SWR) and Network Rail Wessex (NR Wessex).
Man Given Police Warning After Arrest Under Dangerous Dogs Act
Man Given Police Warning After Arrest Under Dangerous Dogs Act Surrey police have been investigating a number of incidents involving dogs being dangerously out of control in Send. Today (Thursday) a man was arrested in connection with four offences under Section 3 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. Following the investigation, the man was issued with a police caution and an Anti-Social Behaviour Warning Letter.
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