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As part of the town’s fabulous Regency Day festivities on 21 June 2025, we’ve teamed up with local partners to put on a morning of joyful, community-focused events at Alton Station and we’d love for you to be part of it:

What’s Happening at Alton Station (9am–11am):

• 🎤 Jane Austen readings on select South Western Railway train arrivals – because who better to set the tone?

• 📸 Free photobooth & prints – dress up in Regency fashion and take home a charming memento!

• 🌱 Special naming poll for our brand-new steam train-shaped planter – lovingly crafted and community-inspired.

• 🎨 Creative children’s activities – fun for all the family!

 

Then, make your way into town to join the Regency procession from Market Square, culminating in the unveiling of a brand-new statue at the Assembly Rooms.

Help Us Name the Train!

🏆 The Name Shortlist

 

Bob

Bob Booker, founder of Friends of Alton Station, helped grow the volunteer group into the thriving community it is today. Now living in Scotland, this could be a fitting tribute to his lasting impact.

 

George

George Stephenson is known as the Father of Railways. He revolutionised transport with his pioneering steam locomotives – the perfect namesake for our train-shaped planter.

 

Jane

Jane Austen doesn’t really need an introduction but we’ll include one anyway - the world-famous author lived in nearby Chawton and knew Alton well. A name that reflects the literary heart of our local heritage.

 

Cornelius

Sir Cornelius Neale was the first general manager of the London & South Western Railway – the company that built Alton Station. A name steeped in railway history.

 

Watercress

A fresh and fitting nod to Alton’s heritage! Once famous for its watercress beds, Alton gave its name to the Watercress Line – the historic railway that carried local produce to market. A name that celebrates our green-fingered past and leafy local pride.

 

Yvette

Yvette Cooper... Yes – that Yvette Cooper! The MP and Cabinet Minister was educated here in Alton. A modern nod to a local success story.

 

The poll is now open! It’s a quirky centrepiece with a strong local story and we’d love your input!

Voting closes on 30 June - vote here, but only once please: https://oept0gqebnh.typeform.com/to/mF9lMQC7

 

 

Housing strategy 

I’m pleased to share that Guildford Borough Council has formally adopted both our Housing Strategy and the Homelessness Prevention and Rough Sleeping Strategy. These key documents set our vision and direction for tackling housing challenges and supporting our most vulnerable residents over the coming years. The strategies can be found on the Council website here: Housing strategies - Guildford Borough Council

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Bus Service

https://news.surreycc.gov.uk/2023/08/31/on-demand-bus-service-launches-in-five-more-surrey-towns/

Surrey connect, is an on-demand bus service which will be available from 4 September across Tandridge, Farnham, Cranleigh, West Guildford and Longcross, in addition to the already established service in Mole Valley, to help residents travel sustainably. 

Wanborough and the villages to the West and South fall under the Farnham area.

Rather than being restricted by traditional bus timetables, the accessible mini buses are available for travel for everyone, when they are needed. The services operating in West Guildford, Longcross and Tandridge also operate out of the area, to enable residents to get around more easily and access key areas including some local hospitals and train stations.

The new scheme is funded by Surrey County Council to improve access to sustainable travel in areas of the county where there are fewer bus services. It comes after the success of the existing service in Mole Valley which launched last year and has transported over 20,000 passengers around the district.

Fares are charged based on how many miles are travelled starting from £2 for adults. 

Journeys can be booked:

Online at: www.surreyconnect.org.uk 

Via the ‘Surrey connect’ app – available from Google Play (Android) or the App Store (Apple)

Buses run Monday to Friday from 7am to 7pm and on Saturdays from 8am to 6pm.

Journeys can be booked with 30 minutes notice or up to 7 days in advance.

For more information visit: www.surreycc.gov.uk/surreyconnect

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Half price bus fares for under 20s in Surrey

https://news.surreycc.gov.uk/2023/07/03/half-price-bus-fares-for-under-20s-in-surrey/

Young people aged 20 and under are now entitled to 50% off all bus journeys across Surrey.

A new free ‘LINK’ card has been developed by Surrey County Council which can be shown on any bus in Surrey to qualify for the discount on all single and return journeys. Applications can be made at www.surreycc.gov.uk/surreylink.

Journeys should start and/or end in Surrey and people in the qualifying age group must live in the county.​​

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