TWO men selling Christmas cards stole cash from an 87-year-old woman in Redhill.

The distraction burglary took place between 10am and noon on Tuesday, October 16, when the two offenders visited her Wood Street home appearing to sell Christmas cards before entering and taking £50 in cash.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Kerry Akehurst of Reigate CID said: "I would urge anyone who is approached by these men to not to let them into your property but to call 999 immediately as we need to find them and prevent further incidents like this."

Specialist officers from the Reigate and Banstead Safer Neighbourhood Team carried out house-to-house enquiries in the area.

The first offender is described as a white man in his late 20s, with short blonde hair, of slim to medium build and around 5ft 8in to 5ft 9in in height. He was wearing a dark jacket and dark trousers and was carrying a shoulder bag.

The second is described as a white man with dark hair, aged in his early 30s, of stocky build and around 5ft 7in to 5ft 8in in height.

He was wearing a dark navy blue waterproof coat and carrying a bag.

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting reference RB/12/8457 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

JUGGLING, acrobatics and unicycling may not be on the school timetable – but they are going down a storm in Caterham.

A circus club is one of the most eagerly-awaited extra-curricular activities at Caterham School.

The twice-weekly club is run by South African-born teacher Gideon Van Niekirk , who is head of the junior boys' boarding house.

Mr Van Niekirk, 33, worked briefly with a circus in Switzerland, where he learned skills such as fire eating, tightrope walking and juggling.

In between demonstrating how to ride a 7ft tall unicycle, he said: "At first I ran it so that pupils who could not get into school teams could have somewhere to develop new skills. Since then it has been opened to everyone.

"Learning circus skills helps shyer children grow in confidence.

"An added bonus is learning circus skills counts towards their Duke of Edinburgh Awards."

When the Mirror visited a club session, the hall was alive with enthusiastic children plate spinning, juggling, unicycling or tightrope walking.

Jack Greenwood, 11, has become such an accomplished unicyclist that he rides his on the 15-minute journey to and from school.

He said: "I fell over a lot when I first tried to ride it. It took me about two months to get the hang of it and now I'm pretty good. When you get the hang of it, it's easy."

Mr Van Niekirk said 12-year-old Kaitlyn Galvin used to have chronic stage fright but her self-esteem had been bolstered by the circus club.

Kaitlyn said: "I have learned how to stilt walk and ride a unicycle.

"It has helped build my confidence, and now I'm happier to go on stage."

Natasha Perry, also 11, has only been at the school for seven weeks but has already learned to spin plates.

She said she really enjoys the club, adding that her next quest is to learn juggling.

Deputy head David Clark said: "It's one of our most popular clubs. We probably have more accomplished jugglers, unicyclists and plate spinners than any other school.

"The club helps pupils develop things like discipline and hand-eye co-ordination."

The club meets on Monday lunchtimes and after school on Thursdays, attracting a total of about 100 pupils of all ages.

THE makeover of one of Caterham's landmark buildings has got off to a flying start.

The task of running the 101-year-old Soper Hall was transferred from Tandridge District Council to a residents-led group in May.

After an initial £50,000 revamp this summer, the hall in Harestone Valley Road has been offered for greater community use, including various social events.

Graham Tapley, chairman of the new operators Soper Hall Community Centre Limited, said: "Many people have wanted to hold social events in the hall but the facilities weren't up to it.

"The refurbishment has seen improvements to the toilets, the creation of a new meeting room, redecoration to the communal areas and a new kitchen area under construction.

"This work has quickly paid dividends.

"In the past fortnight it has hosted a christening party and a children's birthday party – the type of functions not seen in many years.

"The building echoed to the sounds of children having fun, parents relaxing and celebrating, all in a safely-controlled environment."

Mr Tapley has also had an enquiry for a wedding reception at the formerly-underused hall and a range of dance classes began last month.

Soper Hall was built to commemorate William Garland Soper, traditionally referred to as the town's founding father and who was a leading light in development during the Victorian era.

Booking inquiries can be made at www.soperhall.co.uk

THERE are positive signs for Leatherhead's economy, according to a report from a business analyst.

During the first half of the year the number of company registrations increased, as did net company growth when compared to figures from the same period in 2011.

The analysis, by company formation agent Duport Associates Ltd, also showed there was a drop of 19 per cent in company closures between January and June.

John Hickey, executive director of the Leatherhead and District Chamber of Commerce, said: "I think we used to be talked down in Leatherhead.

"The High Street has held its own in the last year. From the chamber's perspective we have seen shops giving it their best shot. We are below the average closure rate for the country, not that that means we should rest on our laurels."

The number of young directors in Leatherhead is also on the rise – three per cent of directors appointed in the first half of the year were under 25 years old, compared to 1.5 per cent in the first half of 2011.

Duport's managing director Peter Valaitis said: "Our latest report for Leatherhead shows a town bouncing back from the worst effects of the recession.

"Data included in the report shows a dip in company formations in 2009, and a sharp rise in closures. However, figures have been improving steadily since then."

Duport Business Confidence Reports are compiled from public record data from sources including Companies House and the Office for National Statistics.

A COFFEE shop owner who secretly filmed a woman in the toilet of his cafe has been given an 18-month community order.

Terry Sleet, 53, who owns Robertsons tea room in Station Road West, Oxted, bought a number of CCTV cameras and hired a private firm to set up a system so he could view the footage remotely on his laptop.

On Monday (October 22), Redhill Magistrates Court heard how, on July 19 this year, Mr Sleet was arrested after a technician helping him set up the system noticed that one of the cameras, believed to be a smaller covert camera, was on the floor of the women's toilets.

Prosecuting Guy Russell said: "He [the technician] had been told there were four cameras and when he queried this he was told the fourth camera would be added later.

"He received a call saying Mr Sleet couldn't access the system. He accessed it and he noticed the fourth camera had been added and was pointing at a wood panelled door.

"Five to ten minutes later he accessed the system and the camera was on the floor pointing at the toilet and he called the police. But before he could do this he saw a female enter and use the toilet. He left the camera at the request of the police."

He added that older footage on the camera showed a bald man – who was later identified as Mr Sleet – moving the camera and pointing it at the toilet. It was also discovered that the camera had been linked to a digital video recorder.

When questioned by police, Sleet claimed the fourth camera had been placed in the rear of the shop so he could keep an eye on his staff while he was holiday.

He was asked if he had put the camera on the floor and he said that he hadn't.

The court heard how he later told police putting the camera on the floor would be "a bit of fun".

Sleet, of Sheridan Place, East Grinstead, eventually pleaded guilty to voyeurism at a court hearing earlier this month.

Gail Evans, defending, pointed to Mr Sleet's previous good character and said he had acted in a moment of madness in this case. She also said he had suffered a substantial loss in trade at his café since the first hearing while urging for a lenient sentence.

Alongside the community service order, in which Mr Sleet will be subject to supervision by the probation service, he was also ordered to pay £600 compensation to his victim, £150 in costs and must complete the Thames Valley Sex Offender Treatment Programme. As part of the community order Mr Sleet will be placed on the notifiable register.

A Sex Offences Protection Order was also issued preventing Mr Sleet from recording and viewing any person doing a private act without their knowledge or consent. He must also notify customers of any overt cameras on his premises and he is prohibited from employing anyone under the age of 18. It was also ordered that the covert camera be destroyed and that the laptop that contained the recordings be confiscated.

THE borough's new recycling scheme has again been slammed after bin men were seen throwing cardboard and plastic in with general waste.

Under the new system, which is run by Reigate and Banstead Borough Council, the bins are supposed to be emptied into different sides of the collection lorries to ensure the recyclable material isn't contaminated.

But residents in Spencer Way, Redhill, were shocked when they saw the refuse collectors throwing all the waste into the same side of the lorry, meaning none of it could then be recycled.

It comes after The Mirror reported last month how paper and cardboard was being mixed in with food waste, again meaning none of it could be recycled.

Chris Moore, 47, lives on Spencer Way.

He said: "People have gone to a lot of trouble to recycle and these bin men come along and mix it all together in the back of the lorry. It's a joke to be honest. We spend the week washing tins out and they're just throwing it into the back of the lorry."

Mr Moore added that when he phoned the council and asked if people actually had to recycle, he was told that residents didn't, but the council would charge them an extra £31 a year for another bin.

Other residents have complained that the collection timetable is not being followed properly and they are being left with overflowing bins for weeks on end.

Gary Walker, who lives in Woodmansterne Lane, Banstead, said: "As most of the bins are now only emptied fortnightly, it means that the soiled cat litter is only emptied every two weeks.

"The food waste bin is not of use to me as I use nearly all my food, and any waste is thrown out to the birds.

"I am certainly not happy with this system – it should be changed back to the old one."

Tracy Langdale from Horley also contacted the Mirror about the new system.

She said: "It's a bit of a joke really.

"The bin men are saying they can't take the rubbish because it's not been separated properly, but then they just dumping everything in one lorry

"We're a big family and the bin isn't big enough so we had to phone up about that as well."

The council refused to comment on the issue of recycling being mixed in with general waste by their workers.

In a statement a spokesman said: "The council's new recycling and refuse service has led to significant reduction of tonnage waste being diverted from landfill and recycled.

"A small percentage of weekly collections are missed but, in relation to the number of collections per week, this is a small amount and we strive to remedy missed collections within two working days."

The council aims to boost recycling from 38 per cent to 60 per cent by 2015.

A SECURITY guard suffered a terrifying ordeal when he was held up by an "armed" raider in a busy Caterham street.

The victim was afraid he would be "staring down the barrel of a gun" during the hold-up in Croydon Road.

Two robbers pounced after G4S security guard Ian Strachan picked up cash from the Blockbuster store on a Friday lunchtime in April, Guildford Crown Court heard on Tuesday.

Prosecutor Ian Hope said: "The security guard was confronted by a man wearing dark gloves and a balaclava, holding something and shouting 'come on, come on'.

"The man took the cash box and ran to a getaway car parked across the road, where a driver sped off towards the Croydon Road roundabout.

"The guard then pressed his panic alarm.

"He did not actually see a weapon because he didn't want to look at the robber's hands – he feared he would be staring down the barrel of a gun.

"But a witness who was outside a nearby hairdresser's said she saw the robber pointing a gun."

A police helicopter was scrambled in the hunt for the robbers, and, 30 minutes after the hold-up, two men were arrested in New Addington by armed police.

A tracking device in the stolen cash box led police to a property in nearby Headley Drive where a third suspect was captured, the jury was told.

After armed police pounced, police found a number of items in the house, which Mr Hope said included a box containing £370 in notes – which were stained in a purple dye – as well as industrial cutting equipment, a balaclava and a polo shirt, which was also smeared with dye.

The prosecutor said the cash box was found nearby.

A Ford Focus parked in a garage at the end of the road, which Mr Hope claimed had been the getaway vehicle, was discovered by police after it had apparently been doused with petrol.

Defendants Marvin Samuels, 27, of Woodside Green, South Norwood, and Nicholas Leacock, 35, of Grange Walk, New Cross, both admitted a charge of conspiracy to rob.

But they each deny having a firearm – a compact handgun – with intent to rob.

Paul Tucker, 35, of Headley Drive, New Addington, has denied a charge of entering into a money laundering arrangement.

The prosecutor said Tucker had claimed to police that he had only been involved "out of duress".

Mr Hope said: "When he was interviewed, Mr Tucker said his partner had been threatened by the other defendants.

"Mr Tucker told police, 'I know I should have called police but I was frightened'."

The trial is expected to last a week.

MOURNERS gathered for the funeral of "a totally unselfish, gentle person", who died while on holiday in Barbados.

Brian Popple, 69, was on the Caribbean island with his wife, Pamela, when he suffered heart failure last month.

Dozens gathered at Christ Church, in Brockham Green, on Friday to remember Mr Popple's life.

Speaking at the service, his daughter, Deborah Watt, said: "Our dearest dad, we love you so much. There are so many things to say as your life was so committed to your family in every way. You always showed us love and support throughout your life. We are so grateful that you spent your last days with mum in Barbados, the place you loved and was your second home.

"The family have enjoyed spending precious time with you in Barbados and understanding the special enjoyment you got from being there.

"Your commitment to mum during your 50 years of marriage is an example to us all, with the love you shared for each other.

"You are an inspiration to us all, you have shown us what can be achieved."

Mr Popple was born in Frimley and met his wife while they were boating with friends on a lake in Mitcham.

They married in 1961, living in Camberley, South Africa, Dorking and Beare Green, before moving to Brockham in 1984.

Mr Popple was a director of Skyline Bookbinders, in Vincent Lane, for 28 years, and had two daughters and four grandchildren.

His granddaughter, Lauren Watt, said: "He was always in his workshop making things for us.

"He said he didn't see the point in mobile phones, but this changed when he gave in and decided to get a £10 Nokia and they became inseparable. Most mornings we received a text saying 'anything to report?'"

The Reverend Frank Lehaney said: "Brian will be fondly remembered as a totally unselfish, gentle person who put others before himself.

"Brian and Pamela loved each other unconditionally from when they met on that boating lake.

"They shared a full and happy life in a marriage of more than 50 years, so his sudden departure has left a huge gap in Pamela's life, as well as those of his family and friends.

"His legacy will live on as they come to terms with their devastating loss."

A FORMULA One superstar dropped in to Mole Valley to congratulate schoolgirls on winning a national science competition.

Jenson Button met five students from St Andrew's School at ExxonMobil's headquarters, in Ermyn Way, Leatherhead, on Friday.

The girls came first in the UK Sci-Tech Challenge, in which school pupils were asked to design new packaging for a fizzy drink.

Mr Button told the Advertiser: "To beat all the other kids in the country is really impressive and I bet all the families are very proud.

"I thought they got the girls down here to change the oil on the cars or something, but they've actually achieved something really cool, so my hat goes off to them."

He added: "I don't know how impressed they were to meet me; I'm sure it was just a great day off school for them."

The competition, sponsored by ExxonMobil, is designed to encourage 15 to 18-year-olds to consider maths, science and technology studies and careers.

The St Andrew's team was made up of Charlotte Smith, Sarah Harcourt-Vernon, Emma Chambers, Areilli Duarte, all 15, and Kathryn Budd, 16.

After winning the national title earlier this year, the girls went on the represent the UK in the European version of the competition, in Rotterdam, in April.

During the final, teams were mixed to incorporate mixed nationalities, and Emma Chambers' team came second.

She said: "It was an amazing experience that none of us are going to forget.

"At the European final, we had to design an energy-efficient Olympic Games, which was cool."

She added: "It was unbelievable to meet Jenson.

"We didn't really know what to expect from him and we thought we would get a handshake and then he would be gone again.

"But instead he sat down with us for a good ten minutes and talked to us and asked questions, which was great. He is a nice guy."

ExxonMobil spokeswoman Sophie Foale said: "Proficiency in maths and science is essential in the fuels and energy industry and these young women have shown that the Leatherhead community is developing future leaders in science and technology.

"We are delighted that the winners are from the area in which our company is headquartered."

A TALENTED schoolgirl has become an online hit after composing her first opera at the age of seven.

Alma Deutscher, from Dorking, can play both the piano and violin and wrote her own sonata at the age of six, followed by opera The Sweeper Of Dreams this year.

Videos of her work have been viewed more than 300,000 times on YouTube – and her skills have led to comparisons with Mozart.

Alma said: "The music comes to me when I'm relaxing.

"I go and sit down on a seat or lie down.

"I like thinking about fairies a lot, and princesses and beautiful dresses."

She thinks her best compositions are created when she is on the swing in her garden, but she keeps a tape recorder by her bed in case inspiration strikes.

The idea for The Sweeper Of Dreams – which narrowly missed out on a place in the final of an English National Opera competition for adult composers – came to her in a dream.

She said: "Mozart composed this piece in my dream and when I got up, I sat down and played it and my father recorded it."

Alma's father Guy, an Israeli-born linguist and amateur flautist, realised his daughter had a connection with music when she was a baby.

She was given her first violin for her third birthday and in less than a year she was playing Handel sonatas.

Mr Deutscher and his wife Janie, 39, who was an organ scholar at Oxford, moved with Alma and her four-year-old sister Helen from Oxford so that they could be closer to the specialist Yehudi Menuhin School in Cobham, where Alma has weekly piano and violin lessons.

The rest of the time she is taught at home, practising and composing for between four and five hours a day.

But her parents refuse to let her take part in competitions or music exams, and have turned down invitations to appear on television shows.

Mr Deutscher said: "She works hard but she has a very happy childhood and we are absolutely determined to protect this."

Alma is working on a cello sonata that she was commissioned to write after performing one of her compositions in Italy.

VICTORY against a Surrey president's XV, after a first league defeat, rebuilt a lot of confidence in Old Reigatians' side, believes coach Matt Kemp.

Old Reigatians rose to second in the table after a comprehensive victory in which KJ Mushava contributed several tries.

Now the Park Lane club travel to Old Tottonians, the team displaced from second after they lost narrowly at leaders Sutton & Epsom, 37-33, with Kemp determined they will not rest on their laurels.

"The weekend before did us a lot of favours in terms of gaining more confidence," said Kemp of the 86-34 win that officially opened the Peter Harrison clubhouse.

"The boys were seriously hacked off after losing against London Cornish and it was a useful game to have in the interim.

"Teddington played really well at the end of last season and have had a couple of good wins already," said Kemp, noting, like ORs, they have beaten relegated Portsmouth.

"We're pleased to get back on track. The biggest thing for us was we ran in six or seven tries in the first half and we didn't go to sleep in the second.

"We defended on our line for long periods in the second and didn't give them a sniff – not even a penalty.

"We would have taken a win, but to come away with a big win and not to have conceded a single point, we're really pleased."

Reigatians ran in eight tries, the first by Chris Grant, brother of kicker Nick, but lost Ed Forsyth to a hamstring injury he felt in the warm-up, after an early sprint.

Key among the try scorers was Mushava and seemingly they only have to find him to score. "It takes pressure off the other backs, but if they score then great," added Kemp.

Ryan Travers, a teenager who played for Reigate College in the Daily Mail Cup a week before, showed his versatility, playing at centre.

Reigatians have also been buoyed by a couple of training sessions from former Wales international Paul Turner, a backs coach at Wasps.

"It's good to have a different voice giving a similar message," said Kemp.

Tottonians will be "another big test" on Saturday, added the coach, who believes defeat to London Cornish three Saturdays ago is likely to keep the side "grounded" and not get ahead of themselves.

He added: "Winning games against the likes of Teddington is great – especially the manner and determination shown in the second half – but it counts for nothing if we don't perform against Tottonians.

"You get the feeling games against Tottonians and Sutton will be decisive, but all the other games are important as well.

"You have to take your chances throughout the whole season as well as winning the ones that count."

EFFINGHAM made it three straight wins and in so doing got revenge over London Cornish for the heavy defeat they suffered the last time these two teams met at the end of last season.

The home side dominated the early possession and territory, with a powerful set-piece and some concerted forward phases. The Eagles did well to withstand a series of five metre scrums.

From one of which a bout of fisticuffs occurred between two forwards exchanging pleasantries but perhaps fortunately, no sanctions were imposed.

The Eagles, however, managed to hold the defensive line and with two tries, momentum swung rapidly in their favour.

First Mullen and then, after further flurry of pressure from Cornish, Ed Ralph crossed for scores, both converted as Brian Collins bisected the uprights for 14-0.

The Eagles were gaining ascendancy and the pressure told with Collins slotting a penalty as London Cornish drifted offside, for 17-0 at the break.

In the second half, Charlie Compson, on for John Stocker, fielded the kick and made ground before being tackled.

Collins, with a kick, and Ralph, with a run, pushed Effingham forward and following a pick and drive, space was opened up for Collins to have a shy with a drop goal attempt, that he was successful with.

London Cornish sought to raise their game and switched tactics, using their heavier forwards to effect but then switching the point of attack after only a few phases.

The Eagles defensive line was holding, albeit stretched at times. They were penalised for slowing the ball down in the ruck and the home side got on the scoreboard with a penalty.

Collins again punted long and an excellent chase by Smith and Compson pressurised the Cornish defender into a snatched kick, barely to the 22.

From the lineout, again Thornton caught, this time the Eagles forwards looked to drive, forming a rolling maul.

Tom Ellinson broke off from the back of the maul, and showing his trademark deft footwork, beat two defenders with merely a shimmy, handed off two more would-be tacklers without breaking stride, and then glided the remaining ten metres to the line to dot down in the corner, though Collins was unable to add the extras.

From the restart Effingham scored again.

Evans and Penny forced another defensive error, as the defender knocked on in the tackle. Losardo sought to put the Eagles back-line in motion, with Evans and Ralph both making good ground towards the left corner.

As the ball was recycled to Collins he shaped to threaten another drop goal but this time cross kicked to the other, by now undefended wing, where Tony Penny fielded at leisure and strolled over the whitewash for 30-3.

Olie Rees again looked to get things moving from the following restart, but the ball was knocked on and with the whistler playing advantage, London Cornish put width on the ball, stretching the Eagles defence and opening up an overlap for the winger to cross for an unconverted try.

After a kick apiece, Jason Foster then ran the ball back, offloaded in the tackle to put Richard Smith away for a line break, taking play up to the 22m line.

With the Cornish defence anticipating forward pressure, the ball was recycled again to Collins, who slotted another drop goal, for 33-10.

Play then was on the London Cornish 22 metre line and a flicked offload to winger Smith appeared to have gone to ground but a fortuitous bounce presented the ball kindly and with several defenders bearing down, he showed significant speed off the mark to outflank all the would-be tacklers and crash over for try number five, duly improved by Collins for 40-10.

In the closing minutes London Cornish added a further try.

EPSOM & Ewell residents are being offered free insulation for their homes.

The free cavity wall and loft insulation offer ends on December 31 and homeowners are urged to sign up.

Action Surrey along with Epsom & Ewell Borough Council will be at the Ashley Centre on Tuesday, October 30 to advise residents how to save energy and money in their homes.

Homeowners can save around £300 a year in energy bills from cavity wall and loft insulation, as well as making their house more comfortable to live in. 

This free insulation scheme will be replaced by the Government's Green Deal at the end of this year, which is a loan based scheme attached to the property and paid off by savings in the energy bill.

Councillor Jean Steer, Chairman of the Committee, said: "The Council is committed to promoting sustainability and tackling the issues of climate change and this is an excellent opportunity for residents to hear more about how they can make a difference as individuals as well as pick up some useful information."

For more information please contact the Council's Grants team on 01372 732000, text 07950 080202, email contactus@epsom-ewell.gov.uk or visit www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk.

THE Haslemere Safer Neighbourhood Team have found a new home at the Haslemere Locality Office.

The team have been welcomed to their new home after moving from the former Haslemere Police Station on Tuesday, October 23.

The Safer Neighbourhood Team consists of one police sergeant, two police constables, three police community support officers and a neighbourhood team co-ordinator. 

Their new home in Wey Hill ensures the team will continue with the work they do in the town, working in close proximity with partner agencies.

Haslemere and Cranleigh Neighbourhood Sergeant, Jason Clifford, said: "I am delighted we have found a local alternative that keeps a base for the neighbourhood teams in the heart of Haslemere. 

"The new location, in its position close to the community centre, large shops and Lion Green, will provide us with some great opportunities to engage with a wider cross section of the community.

"The teams will continue to patrol the same communities as they do now and members of the public can also continue to access front counter services from the Mobile Police Office, which visits Haslemere every Saturday, and at other locations such as the Waverley Borough Council Offices in Godalming."

A BURGLARY and a number of thefts have occurred in Chiddingfold and Surrey Police are urging residents to take security precautions.

The incidents all took place between 10am on Saturday, October 20 and 12noon on Sunday, October 21.

A burglary took place in Woodside Road, when a Samsung Galaxy tablet computer and a pink tartan handbag were stolen from the address overnight.

Insecure vehicles were also targeted in the village over the weekend. Two offences took place in Ash Combe and three thefts happened just off Ridgley Road.

The resident in Ash Combe had a camera stolen from their Land Rover Discovery which was parked on the driveway.

Another car was targeted in an address off Ridgley Road. Thieves stole an iPod, a laptop and other electrical equipment from a silver Peugeot 308.

Waverley Neighbourhood Sergeant, Jason Clifford, said: "Chiddingfold is generally a very safe area which makes the recent burglary and spate of thefts from vehicles all the more unusual and concerning.

"The offences were confined to a small part of the village and I would urge any residents who were in the area over the weekend and may have seen or heard anything out of the ordinary to contact Surrey Police.

"We are increasing high visibility patrols in the local area and I would like to assure Chiddingfold residents that we are doing everything possible to bring those responsible to justice."

John Robini, Waverley Crime Reduction Advisor, added: "A lot of vehicle crime is opportunist, so if you take valuables with you when leaving your vehicle unattended, you greatly reduce the risk of becoming a victim of crime.

"Vehicle owners can take some basic steps to keep their vehicles secure, such taking all valuable items with them or keeping them out of public view. This removes the temptation for thieves.

"Drivers should always lock their vehicle securely and make sure all alarms and other security devices are working correctly.

"Leaving vehicles insecure and unattended, particularly on residential driveways, is an open invitation for car thieves and the public can reduce the risk of theft by remaining vigilant and taking sensible security precautions."

THE Bourne Hall Museum in Ewell is once again hosting a World War II Day.

The event, on Saturday, October 27, invites people to come and learn about the war.

Talks, demonstrations and re-enactors will be present to bring to life the dark days of World War II.

Re-enactors include an Air Raid Warden, a Bomb Disposal Officer, an Army Cook and a housewife with her husband.

Exhibits include local newspapers, Epsom & Ewell bomb maps, and a hands-on display of genuine World War II items.

David Brooks, organiser, said: "This is the second time that we've hosted the World War II day.

"Two years ago was the first time and then last year we did a World War I day, so we have been alternating between the two wars."

The event has proved to be very successful in the past and David is hopeful that more people will come to this year's event.

He added: "Both times the event has been very successful and around 800 - 1,000 people have come along so it's been great."

Experts will be attending, giving demonstrations, and people are encouraged to bring along any medals or memorabilia that can be identified.

The day is good for all of the family, and David believes that people of all ages can take something from the event.

He continued: "It's good for the children as they are learning about it in school, so it's great for them to come along and see more about the war.

"It's also good for the older generation as some people may have lived through the war. 

"We are also lucky to have such informative and interesting demonstrations which really bring the events of World War II to life."

World War II day takes place from 11am - 5pm. Prices as follows: £4 adults, £2 OAP and children under 12 go for free.

MANNS of Cranleigh is hosting the first ever Cranleigh Love Food & Drink Fair to promote local produce and shopping in Surrey.

On Saturday, November 3, the Manns car park will be taken over by a marquee, hosting an array of different local producers.

Hannah Child, marketing coordinator, said: "This year was our 125th anniversary and we've already hosted a series of events to celebrate, but this is the first Food & Drink Fair, and hopefully it's the first of many.

"The main aim of the fair is to promote local produce from the local area, and there will be hog roast by a local butchers, a wood fired pizza oven and a vintage tea room to feed all of the hungry shoppers."

Visitors have the opportunity to learn from the live cookery theatre, demonstrating various cooking techniques.

There will also be a Christmas cake icing demonstration for those getting ready for the big day, while children can battle it out in the children's cake baking competition.

Live music will be played throughout the day, and Hannah feels that this is a great opportunity to start something new in Cranleigh.

She added: "Hopefully this event will spark the first of many and it would be great if it expanded each year.

"In the evening Cranleigh also hosts its annual Bonfire Night Display, so it will be a fantastic day to visit the village."

The event takes place from 10am - 6pm.

THE town will be alive with the sound of music as Horley hosts its own last night of the proms.

The annual grand concert at Horley Methodist Church, Victoria Road, Horley, with a grand finale including the audience singing Jerusalem and a special performance of John Hughes' hymn Cwm Rhondda.

The concert is in aid of charity Medic Malawi, which offers support to St. Andrew's Hospital in the Mtunthama region of the African country, and will feature the Horley Brass Band and local organist Jason Szczerbicki.

Organiser Gary Davies said: "We are putting on our own version of the last night of the Proms.

"We have got a good bit of audience participation planned."

The concert, on October 27, begins at 7.30pm.

For information call Mr Davies on 01342 844984 or Peter Hawksley on 01293 783922.