In partnership with Better Leisure, we've launched the R&B Junior Games for children in years 3 to 6. This fully funded activity programme includes 10 weeks of free coaching at one of our three leisure centres (Donyngs in Redhill, Horley or Tadworth), culminating in an action-packed day of friendly competition on 13 July. Young people can choose one of the four sports offered - basketball, pickleball, SEND multi sports or swimming - but hurry as spaces are limited.

A by-election for a Surrey County Councillor in the Nork and Tattenhams County Division will be held on 1 May 2025. We will be in touch with registered electors in the area in due course. In the meantime, make sure that you’re registered to vote by midnight on 11 April. Register at gov.uk/register-to-vote, if you’re not already. To vote by post, apply as soon as possible but by 5pm on 14 April. For a proxy vote (someone to vote on your behalf) apply by 5pm on 23 April. If you will be voting in person and don’t have an accepted form of voter ID, apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate by 5pm on 23 April. Apply atgov.uk/how-to-vote.

Wednesday 19 March marked the anniversary of the tragic crash of a B-17 Flying Fortress on Reigate Hill during World War II. Eighty years on, the Mayor joined the US Air Attaché, the Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey, councillors and other civic dignitaries to remember the nine young US airmen who lost their lives that day. The commemorations included a service at the Wing Tips monuments that replicates the dimension of the Flying Fortress's wingspan at the site of the crash. Eyewitnesses recalled seeing the plane flying over the town around 5.40pm before crashing into the side of Reigate Hill just west of Reigate Fort along the North Downs Way. The impact of that day and the memories of these young men continue to resonate in the community.

Our school holiday programme encourages young people to put down their screens to learn new skills, meet others and improve their physical and mental health.

From Tennis to SEND Multi Sports to 3D art or blooming creations, there are lots of ways to be more active or get creative. It's easy to book the low-cost sessions online and, if you are in receipt of benefits or have a looked after child, you may be eligible for a 50% discount.

Cllr Richard Biggs, Leader of the Council, will be available to take your questions on Tuesday 15 April between 4pm and 6pm. If you have questions and/or ideas that you would like to put to him, this is your opportunity. Appointments must be pre-booked and can either be virtual or in-person. You have to be a resident or work in the borough to get an appointment. To book, please email: leadersurgery@reigate-banstead.gov.uk

Do you have a passion for public service? Would you like to make a difference in people's lives and be part of an effective council which is committed to delivering the best for its residents? If yes, then please take a look at our vacancies. We are recruiting for: an Arts Development Officer, a Poverty Reduction Project Officer, and Casual Drivers.

Last month, our graduate trainees, Alex Edwards (Reigate & Banstead) and Amy Field (Tandridge District Council), represented us at the Young Local Authority of the Year Awards in Lancaster. This public-speaking competition challenged them to deliver three thought-provoking speeches on the caves of Reigate, Britain’s coffee obsession, and the dangers of low pay in the United Kingdom. Amidst fierce competition Alex and Amy truly held their own, earning praise from peers across the country. The event was a fantastic opportunity to connect with other young professionals in local government and showcased our commitment to supporting graduate trainees. 

The Reigate & Banstead Sports Awards 2025 gala event takes place at Reigate Manor on Friday 11 April. We want to say good luck to all the shortlisted finalists and a massive thank you to anyone who nominated their heroes, and importantly to all the sponsors who make the awards possible. A special shout out to: Connick Tree Care, GLL (Better Leisure), PM Active, Reigate & Banstead Sports Council, Reigate Priory Cricket Club, RLM Locksmiths and Surrey Playing Fields.

The annual Fun Run and Sports Festival will take place on Sunday 4 May in Priory Park, Reigate. The YMCA East Surrey Fun Run features a five-mile adult road race and adult and junior one-mile fun runs. There are trophies and prizes to be won, and all participants receive a t-shirt and medal. Some funded places are offered by Reigate & Banstead Council to families in receipt of means tested benefits and anyone interested can email Leisure.Services@reigate-banstead.gov.uk. As part of the accompanying Sports Festival, we'll be hosting a sports club showcase and an extreme mountain bike show. Children can also take part in free taster activities such as a climbing wall and soft archery, to complete an activity passport for a free prize.

Our Ageing Well Event is a fantastic opportunity to find out more about the activities and support available for older people locally. Around 20 of the organisations delivering services across the borough will be on hand 
for you to talk to direct. Everyone is welcome to attend on Friday 9 May at the Town Hall, Reigate, between 2 and 4pm. The event is free to attend and there's no need to book.

This is my Theatre returns to The Castle Grounds, Reigate this summer with three productions. On 7 June there will be performances of 'The Three Musketeers', and Shakespeare’s ‘The Tempest’. In celebration of Jane Austen’s 250th anniversary year, there will be a very special ‘Audience Choice Austen’ on 15 August, where the audience will be asked to choose between a performance of Pride & Prejudice or Emma. Tickets for all shows are available to book now. 

Join us in the park for a celebration of poetry and spoken word on Sunday 8 June. It's a chance to experience talented and up-and-coming performers for FREE and in the wild, including local favourite and award-winning Flo Poet, Woodzy; and London-based, critically acclaimed, Paul Lyalls. Open mic slots will also be offered (people can sign up in advance or on the day) and refreshments will be available at the fabulous Florres Café.

The festival is a celebration of Reigate's creativity, bringing together an abundance of local talent for one unmissable weekend of culture in and around the town centre. The free entertainment takes place over four stages and a Fringe Trail. The organisers are still keen to hear from people who would like to be involved or want to support this community event.

We are reviewing our taxi and private hire policies to create a modern, fair, and sustainable framework for vehicles, drivers, and operators. This is an opportunity to influence the future of taxi and private hire services in our borough. Survey only takes 10 - 15 minutes. Please take part, and spread the word to help create a transport system that is safe, inclusive, and environmentally responsible.

The Council is proposing to remove permitted development rights to convert ground floor commercial units to residential properties. Implementation of the planning proposal would prevent the automatic development of commercial premises like shops, restaurants, banks and launderettes to residential use, and instead, a full planning application would need to be made. Residents are invited to comment on the proposals until the consultation period closes on 13 May 2025.

Maintaining a strong local economy is vital for our borough both in terms of employment and wealth generation. As part of our work to develop our emerging Local Plan, we are preparing an Economic Needs Assessment to understand how our local economy, employment and economic links to the wider area are changing. It will help to identify the type and amount of commercial floorspace needed through to 2043, as well as employment supply and demand. If you run a business in the borough, please take part in our business survey, which runs from 4-25 April, to inform this important research.

The radio signal that controls Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) electricity meters is being switched off because the service has reached the end of its operational life. This will affect energy consumers that have an RTS electricity meter in their home. If you have an RTS electricity meter it will need to be replaced or you may find your heating and hot water supply stops working as normal. If your energy supplier contacts you take action to book your installation.

This month we’re giving a shoutout to MHA Communities East Surrey, which supports older, local people to live later life well. With activities most days of the week in a range of accessible venues in Tadworth, Redhill, Reigate and Horley, there is something for everyone – lunch clubs, dementia support, music therapy, befriending, transport to appointments, outdoor learning, a handyman service, cultural outings and monthly pub trips. Transport is provided for many of these activities by MHA’s experienced, trained volunteers. You can find out more about MHA by telephoning 01737 780610, or emailing eastsurrey@mha.org.uk or visit the website below.

Do you have a leak in your home? Perhaps you have a dripping tap or toilet? Saving water ensures there is enough for everyone and enough left in the environment for healthy rivers and wildlife. Simply enter your postcode and within a few minutes it will create a personalised dashboard for your home, with ideas on how to save water, energy and money.

The NHS national booking system has now opened for 7.5 million people eligible for the spring Covid-19 vaccination. Thousands of appointments are available every day across the country, with most happening at pharmacies and GP practices. They will continue to run until Tuesday 17 June. Walk-in appointments are also available every day, with a full list of local locations available on the NHS walk-in finder.