The Good Life Surbiton

31/05/2026

The biggest, brightest and boldest line-up yet is promised for the Kingston International Film Festival this coming weekend (June 5-7).

Packed with premieres, filmmaker Q&As, workshops and industry panels, there’s something for everyone at KIFF, whether you are a seasoned film buff, someone who likes to occasionally go to the flics, or an aspiring creative.

This year’s highlights include the world premiere of US comedy 25 Miles to Normal starring Bruce Davison, Lucas Bryant, Rachel Nichols, Ed Begley Jnr, and Michelle Hurd.

There’s also an audience with legendary filmmaker Mike Leigh, talks on routes into the industry, workshops on filmmaking, and screenings of LGBTQ+ films to celebrate Pride Month.

“This year’s festival, our fifth, is our most ambitious yet,” said David Cunningham, founder and festival director. “Not only will you see some great films but you will also have a chance to talk to their makers, something your normal cinema visit can’t offer.

“Personally, I am so proud that the filmmakers of 25 Miles to Normal have chosen our festival to premiere their film.”

Venues hosting the 99 films over the three days include the Rose auditorium and studio, the Odeon and the Townhouse.

For the full programme and to book film passes or individual tickets visit www.kiffest.uk
uk .bonnichon

29/05/2026

Tolworth’s new gym, Anytime Fitness, is impressive. It opened this week in the former Poundland, still better remembered by many locals as Blockbuster in the Broadway. Open 24/7, it has already signed up hundreds of members. Full story in the new Good Life, which hits the streets on June 13.

24/05/2026

It was a great welcome back to base.

Family, friends, and the new mayor Thay Thayalan and his deputy Jane Lim, both councillors in Tolworth ward, cheered and clapped as a group of hot but jubilant souls finished their marathon walk in aid of veterans.

Their final steps were accompanied by music from members of the Surbiton Royal British Legion Youth Marching Band.

“This event is not only about endurance and determination and supporting and remembering those who have served our country,” said the borough’s first citizen, praising their efforts in the energy sapping heat in what had turned out to be the hottest day of the year so far.

“Through your participation and fundraising efforts you are helping the Surbiton Royal British Legion continue its vital work supporting serving personnel, veterans and their families.”

The Legion’s Chris Nicholls, Anthony Bingham, Gordon Philp and Kate Schauerman were the original group who had planned to undertake the 26.2 mile circular route from the branch’s base in Hollyfield Road out to Cobham, Hersham and back along the Thames via Molesey and Teddington yesterday (Saturday).

But as word got out about their efforts to raise money to pay for the veterans’ coffee mornings and Christmas lunch, the fab four turned into the noble nine.

“The last five miles was for me, personally, very hard, mentally and physically,” said Chris Nicholls, chair of the branch. “But we made it; and it’s all to support the veterans.”

Chris extended a welcome to any former member of the military in the community to visit the Legion’s club.

“We are all about putting veterans first. Come and say hello and we can take it from there,” he added.

The group has raised over £2,000 so far and there is still time to donate to the cause - either in a collection box at the Legion's bar or on the March in May page on the www.gofundme.com website.

23/05/2026

In a devastating blow to the high street, Surbiton’s post office is to close.

In six weeks, Morrisons will shut its shop at 2 Victoria Road, leaving the town centre without a post office for the first time since 1898, when the original building (now Megan’s) opened.

Staff, who split duties between shop and post office, are being made redundant. A rep from Morrisons called in to give them the shock news on Friday.

The supermarket is axing 100 of the convenience stores it inherited when it took over the McColls chain four years ago.

It partly blames government increases to the national living wage and national insurance.

Morrisons says it is closing ‘loss-making shops’, and that without its post office income, Surbiton’s ‘Daily’ would struggle to turn a profit.

The only hope – and staff think it’s faint – is if another town retailer recognises the heavy footfall that the post office counters generate, and bids to host a branch of its own.

Full story and update in the next Good Life, due out in early June.

22/05/2026

Go Arthur, Go!

Arthur Edwards, 10, sprints to the finish line to win the relay race for his team from Class 5J.

It was all part of St Andrew’s and St Mark’s junior school’s annual sports day, which took place today (Friday) at a sunny Victoria Recreation Ground in Surbiton.

Parents, watching their children in action, were also pleased to discover that Orla’s, the new café in the park, off Balaclava Road, was open for business.

What better way to cool down on a scorching day than by enjoying one of its delicious gelatos?

.co.uk  .otc .nat.cartier

22/05/2026

Great news! V Fresh, the dinky little oriental minimart across the street from Waitrose, is to become a v**e and mobile phone accessory shop! Just what the town centre needs! But where, oh where, will I find somewhere to trim my nails?

.living

Sent from my iPhone

20/05/2026

The new mayor will be unveiled tomorrow, with Tolworth councillor Thay Thayalan tipped to bring the borough’s ceremonial chain of office back to Surbiton for a fifth time in six years.

If voted in, it will be his second term as first citizen, having served in 2018/19.

He would succeed livewire Aussie Noel Hadjimichael, who reckons he met 10,000 of the Royal borough’s 168,000 residents in a hectic year.

The formal decision will be made on Thursday evening, at the annual mayor-making in the Guildhall.

19/05/2026

Knitters ahoy! A play inspired by Surbiton’s Royal British Legion’s Stitch and Natter knitting group has its world premiere tonight (Tues) at the cornerHOUSE arts centre, Douglas Road - one of four short new plays being unveiled in an entertaining package of oneACTS.
Jackie Davies stars as a knitter bidding to get into the Guinness Book of Records.
Eight plays alternate, four a night, throughout the week.
7.45pm nightly. Tickets £12 (£10 concs) at www.ticketsource.com/thecornerhouseevents

.newberry .bonnichon

18/05/2026

Canitta Hart’s dancing is one show-stealer in a parade of fresh writing by local playwrights, performed by local actors under local directors.
She stars in All Brown & Chocolaty, one of eight new plays in the cornerHOUSE oneACT season which opens tonight (Mon) and runs until Saturday at the Douglas Road arts centre.
FOUR plays for the price of one every night, with a quartet including Stephen Harding’s surreal comedy love story Worms on Mon, Wed & Fri, then Canitta starring in one of four more on Tue, Thu & Sat.
Tickets £12 (£10 concs) at www.ticketsource.com/thecornerhouseevents

.newberry .bonnichon

17/05/2026