The glamorous Dame Joan met families supported by the children’s hospice charity at their Guildford-based hospice, Christopher’s – which recently celebrated it’s 15th anniversary – joining them for an early evening meal before cutting a birthday cake to celebrate the hospice’s 15^th birthday.

Dame Joan also kindly donated a vast amount of items from her personal wardrobe to Shooting Star Chase’s Guildford charity shop, which has caused lots of interest from eager fans and fashion lovers.

Items for sale include an array of clothing, jewellery, hats, swimwear, designer labels and items that Dame Joan has not only worn, but designed herself under her clothing range `Jackie Palmer`.

The shop is running a silent auction for some of the most iconic items which include a Chanel handbag, a pair of Manolo Blahnik shoes, a Tiffany necklace, an Alexander McQueen bracelet, a signed copy of her book, a signed pair of LK Bennett shoes and a pair of earrings worn by Joan on the set of Dynasty.

Karen Sugarman, Director of Fundraising at Shooting Star Chase, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome Dame Joan to Christopher’s and such a thrill to see the delight on the families’ faces as they enjoyed a meal with a Hollywood superstar.

“Dame Joan has been a fantastic supporter of Shooting Star Chase for many years now and is always keen to show her support. Her latest donation to our shops has caused a great buzz and we’ve had enquires from fans all over the country who want to get their hands on one of Dame Joan’s fabulous items. The awareness this brings and the money it raises for the charity is so important in helping us fund our vital care service – we can’t thank Dame Joan enough.”

Dame Joan Collins said: “Arriving at Christopher’s hospice, I was greeted warmly by its caring and charming staff and the colourful and friendly surroundings. It’s so special to spend time with the children and their families. I am honoured to be Patron to Shooting Star Chase whose charitable work really does change the lives of so many children.”

Click here to see all of Shooting Star Chase’s shop locations.

If you could get your hands on one item from Dame Joan’s personal collection, what would it be?

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With many attractions and activities for children and grandchildren, as well as adults, your family visitors will be left with a selection of reasons to visit you again.

If you need some inspiration as to what to do while the family comes to visit – here are some great ideas!

Boat along the river

If the weather is lovely, then it’s worth taking a trip down River Wey. The river runs along Guildford town and into the country and is one of the best features of the town. The scenery of the countryside alongside the riverbeds is a beautiful sight to see. You can take even a canoe and travel down the canoe route. To find out more information about River Wey and the canoe route, click here to visit the National Trust website for more details.

Guildford Castle

A treasured landmark in Guildford, the castle boasts historic features and activities for all the family members. To enter the castle is £1.60 for adults and £1.50 for children, but the castle grounds are free to enter, and worth the wander around. Click here for more information about how to get there and ticket prices.

Catch a Show

Many touring theatre companies, comics and music guests often make a stop in Guilford, or in the neighbouring Surrey area. A night out to see a show is always a fun activity for the family, and even the local performers are worth the watch as well. To find out more about shows coming to Guildford and to find out more about what’s on, click here.

Take a Drive to the Countryside

What makes Guildford such a unique place is that it is surrounded by the most beautiful countryside the South of England has to offer. Take the afternoon to drive around the country. Why not set up a picnic too, especially if the weather is on your side. If your family is coming from an urban setting, a break in the country will be a treat for them.

Airhop Trampoline Park

Airhop Trampoline Park is a fantastic destination for the kids to have fun. It’s the perfect place to take the children when the weather may not be in our favour. The indoor gym has plenty of giant trampolines and soft play areas for children of all ages to enjoy. Adults can even get in on the fun if they’re feeling brave enough. Young children though will have an absolute scream.

Visit Polesden Lacey

Another great landmark to visit is Polesden Lacey. Located in the Bookham area, it’s a 40-minute drive from Guildford. If you and the family are in need of a change of scenery, this is a great place to travel to. Although the estate is known to be a beautiful spot to visit, what makes Polesden a popular destination are the grounds. Surrounded by the countryside, and a small forest, the walk around is a spectacular path to follow. You can spend the day hiking around the grounds with the family and finish the visit with a trip to the estate’s cafe for an afternoon tea break.

For more inspiration about what you can do with visiting family, not only in the Surrey area, but across Britain, visit this guide by British Seniors Insurance Agency and find scenic walks, sites to see, golf parks and more.

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A cast of five actors will bring to life 40 weird and wonderful characters from 10 of the the Brothers Grimm’s twisted tales including Hansel & Gretel, Little Red Cap, Rapunzel and the lesser known The Musicians of Bremen.

The actors will be whisking the audience away on a magical journey into moonlit woods and mystical mountains within their special Mirror Tent – La Gaiete – which is a 1930s Belgian structure with beautiful stained glass windows.

The audience is seated in rows and booths around the circular stage.

Booking is available online from the Guildford Shakespeare Company website or by calling 01483 304384 between 10am and 6pm.

The tent will be located in Challenger’s Field, Stoke Park.

The La Gaiete Tent

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You Must Be Stoking Comedy Club is back with your monthly dose of laughs to start October off just right.

The Stoke Pub, Guildford, plays host on October 5 with Tony Basnett bringing his cheeky style to Guildford as the MC for the evening. Adam Hess and Tamar Broadbent join the line up with Danny Buckler (Danny Does Tricks, The Secrets of Magic and Victoria Wood and Friends) headlining.

Advanced tickets are £10.60 or £12 on the door (including booking fees).

The Gag House is packed with another great line up of comics at The Back Room of The Star Inn, Guildford on October 15.

James Loveridge is the MC for the evening with Alex Smith and Robbie Ormord joining the line up.

Zoe Lyons (Mock the Week and Michael McIntyre Roadshow) will be appearing as the headline act.  Zoe is not to be missed and sure to close the night with a bang!

Tickets for these events are available from www.gaghousecomedy.com

Finally, Gag House Comedy Clubs are thrilled to be hosting a very special evening of comedy in aid of The Mayor of Guildford’s chosen charities at The Electric Theatre, Guildford on Saturday 22nd October.

The evening kicks off at 8pm with a star studded line up to raise money for the Mayor’s charities: Surrey Cancer Research Institute and Surrey Hills Trust Fund.

Abi Roberts will be acting as MC with the line-up consisting of Tanya Edwards and Jon Long. Headlining the event is the host of Channel 4’s ‘Balls of Steel’, Mark Dolan.

Tickets are £20 with all profits being split between two incredibly worthy, local charities. You can purchase tickets in advance from www.ElectricTheatre.co.uk

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Guildford Spike WI Autumn Fair
The Spike Community Centre, Warren Road, Guildford
Saturday 2pm to 5pm

Guildford Spike WI are holding their autumn fair featuring WI produce, crafts, raffle, tombola, refreshments and fun for families and children.

Yvonne Arnaud Film Season
Yvonne Arnaud Theatre
Saturday, various times

Saturday is film day at the Yvonne Arnaud with three great films being shown.

At 2.30pm is Finding Dory (U), the sequel to the classic Finding Nemo, in which the amnesiac Dory tries to locate her parents based on the little she can remember.

The Jungle Book (U) is on at 6pm. This version of the classic tale is a seamless combination of live action and computer-generated imagery featuring the vocal talents of Ben Kingsley, Bill Murray, Idris Elba and Christopher Walken.

Finally at 8.30pm is Whiskey Tango Foxtrot (12A) which is about a reporter (Tina Fey) who decides to take on an assignment in a war zone and has to come to terms with the situation she finds herself in.

Tickets from £7.50

The Serial Thrillers 
Bar Kokomo, Millbrook
Saturday 8pm

Playing tunes you know but don’t hear too often, The Serial Thrillers will carry you along with a set that is bursting with pure energy and power.

Surrey Mozart Players Autumn Concert
Electric Theatre
Saturday 7.30pm

Surrey Mozart Players open their 2016/17 season with a couple of classical symphonic gems in the form of Haydn’s Symphony No. 80, Mozart’s Symphony No. 35 “The Haffner” and Shostakovich’s Cello Concerto No. 1

Tickets £19, U16s £9.50

Surrey Scorchers v London Lions
Surrey Sports Park
Saturday 7pm

Guildford’s basketball team Surrey Scorchers take on local rivals London Lions in their opening match of the 2016/17 season.

Guildford Flames v Swindon Wildcats
Guildford Spectrum
Sunday 6pm

Guildford Flames take to the ice against Swindon Wildcats in the League-Cup with 2 wins and 2 losses under their belt in the competition so far.

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On 24th September, Team Mummas, a group of 35 mums from Guildford, Godalming and the surrounding Villages will take part in the Super Obstacle Run in Windsor in order to raise awareness (and much needed funds) for PANDAS, a UK-based foundation that supports parents affected by postnatal mental illness.

One in five mothers in the UK suffers from a mental health problem such as depression, anxiety or psychosis during pregnancy or in the first year after childbirth.  Although maternal mental health affects women at one of the most vulnerable times of their lives, it’s still massively underfunded by the NHS.

Just under a year ago, Nicky Woodhatch, Team Mummas member and owner of Mummas and Beans an educational and social hub for expectant and new mums, lost one of her members to PND. The mother of one, who due to respect for the family will not be named, took her own life, leaving behind a 16-month old daughter. Struck by the desperation of the situation Nicky, along with the support of the amazing mums at Mummas and Beans, set up a free postnatal support group.

Nicky said: “I want to support as many mums as I can struggling with pre and post natal mental health issues. It’s never easy but together we can break the stigma of mental health and ensure that everyone who needs it is well supported.”

To show your support for Team Mummas as they run, walk, climb and slide across the course, click here to visit their fundraising page.

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Michael Clarke was just one of many people cruelly subjected to child abuse when growing up. Child abuse is a crime still being committed today and affects hundreds of thousands of children in the UK.

The NSPCC, National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, reports these alarming statistics:

“There are currently over 57,000 children identified as needing protection from abuse in the UK.

“For every child identified as needing protection from abuse, another 8 are suffering abuse”

Michael is truly dedicated to this very important cause. Over the course of his preparation for this incredible act of fundraising, he has trained for the trek in the Lake District, Carlisle and Scotland, among several other places.

Michael has even had to double up on his medication at times, due to the pain training causes in his back, which was broken during 25 years of loyal service in the army.

Michael told us more about himself and his cause:

“I am nearly 58 years old and doing a 15km trek in my wheelchair, taking my medication along the way. I broke my back during 25 years exemplary service in the Army.

“I will be going from my house to the GODALMING sign, to the GUILDFORD sign and then will return again. I will start at 11:30am on Sunday 18 September and travel from my house on Barnes Road, along Green Lane through Broadwater Park. I would be most grateful if people came along and offered moral support.

“All funds raised will be going to the NSPCC as unfortunately, I was a victim of abuse as a child. Please sponsor me as I’m trying to raise £3000.00”

Michael has set up a Just Giving page for his astonishing 15km Trek, which you can visit by clicking here. Any support whether in the form of donations or moral support on the day would be greatly appreciated.

So please, give what you can to help stop this terrible crime that is committed against children everyday – let them feel safe again.

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SAR feel the number of deaths in the Thames shows there is the need for somewhere for them to store their rescue equipment and train volunteers to help improve the emergency response available.

The facilities would also increase the opportunity of young people to get outdoors and experience the Thames in a safe and friendly environment as well as educating people about water safety.

Natural England, which advises the government on the natural environment in England, has confirmed that the development is not likely to significantly affect interest features for which they are notified.

The development scheme is sound in arboricultural terms and the long term well-being of the retained trees can be safeguarded in a sustainable manner. Surrey Wildlife Trust have also endorsed the proposals with their recommendations included in the planning application.

The activity centre will create a legacy in PC Andrew Duncan’s memory and will reflect his dedication to the community through Scouting and his passion for the water.

PC Andrew Duncan was killed in 2013 when a driver ran him over as he was performing speed checks.

The planning application (2016/2760) can be found on the Elmbridge Council website by clicking here.

The deadline for comments on the application is Friday October 14.

Photo: Surrey County Council News (CC BY-ND 2.0)

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