So Guildford Magazine October10

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+HOOR This issue is all about how to do things. For instance, how to improve your life... how to make money from investing... how to enjoy eco-friendly breaks... and how to choose the right school for your son or daughter. We’re not claiming to have found the key to eternal happiness, but we have compiled a list of 25 ideas to remind you of the good things in life, from the simple to the scary. Taking a break is certainly a great idea, which is why we bring you news of the growing trend in green getaways and we also introduce you – in our new So Money section – to the man who has apparently found an alternative path to making profits. There are few more important decisions than where to educate your child, which is why you’ll find our Independent Schools Guide 2011 useful. It has everything from costs to teacher/pupil ratios and exam results. On the fashion front, we have some thoughts on that big Autumnal purchase, the new coat, along with the low-down on fake lashes. Someone who always looks good is cover celebrity Natalie Portman, who tells us she wishes she could actually dress down every day. Not much chance of that, as she starts to promote her new film Black Swan. Talking about movies, we’re impressed with the number of times our fair county has been featured as a backdrop on screens both big and small; from Carry On films to Gladiator. How many can you recall? With a test drive in the new £336,000 Lexus supercar, a rather pleasant window seat at a top end Chinese restaurant, plus a few thoughts on how to spend your time and money in and around Guildford this month, we think we might just have ticked all the right boxes. Enjoy Autumn!

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THIS MONTH‌ Great ideas on how to spend your time and money this Autumn. From the Mole Valley Arts Festival to the Ferrari F360 office chair.

THE LETTERS Our Greatest Guildfordian has sparked some serious debate amongst townsfolk along with the question of whether parents deserve special car parking bays.

THE SECRET From TV dramas to Hollywood epics, Surrey’s appeared on screen numerous times over the years. We document the more memorable.

OCTOBER 2010

The career of Natalie Portman is about to reach new heights as she wows critics in Black Swan. She talks to us about the film, and why she would like every day to be a dress down day.

WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR LIFE How do you get the most out of life? We offer 25 thought-provoking ideas from doing something scary, like wingwalking in the Cotswolds, to simply being nice to others.

THE NEWS Don’t pay too much attention to the chimes of Guildford’s town clock. It’s a little out of synch.

SWANNING ALONG

What you should be wearing to stay hot this Winter.

Show-stopping lashes and flawless brows.

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MY ALL TIME FAVOURITE

GREEN GETAWAYS We check out the top five eco-hotels to discover why this trend is attracting more and more people. Biodynamic wine anyone?

The iconic label Biba is back, plus the knitwear that’s not just for girls.

An exquisite Haslemere property, featuring a picturesque lake, is the focus of our desire this month.

We catch up with Grand Designs presenter Kevin McCloud to find out about his new series.

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American artist Todd White is making a rare UK appearance that includes a visit to Wyecliffe Galleries. We have a preview.

IN TUNE Nick Cave is back‌ so is Royksopp, The Pipettes and Paul Heaton. But are their new albums any good?

More restaurants in and around the town to tick off your ‘visited’ list.

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ON STAGE

There’s plenty of interest at the theatres of Surrey and London this month. Here’s our guide to some of the best.

THE GOURMET GUIDE

THE INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS GUIDE 2011 Everything you need to know when trying to match your son or daughter with the right school.

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MAKING MONEY Meet the man who believes he’s found an alternative path to profits.

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OF THE ORIENT TOUCH The up-market Beijing restaurant

OF A KIND ONE The £336,000 Lexus that’s taking

certainly looks the part, but how does it fare when we pop along for dinner?

on the heavyweights from BMW and Mercedes.

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Head OfďŹ ce, Studio Six, Sussex Mews The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 5QJ Tel: 01892 616 103 soguildford.co.uk info@magazinepeople.co.uk Publishing Director Nick Moore nick@magazinepeople.co.uk Sales Director Sharon Lacey sharon@magazinepeople.co.uk Editorial Director Richard Moore FRSA richard@magazinepeople.co.uk Head of Design Jodie Hulse jodie@magazinepeople.co.uk Designer Erica Price erica@magazinepeople.co.uk Senior Writer Melissa Woodland melissa@magazinepeople.co.uk Writer Dan Smith dan@magazinepeople.co.uk Production Assistant Phil Glover phil@magazinepeople.co.uk Contributors Georgina Stevens Val Thacker Harriet Louvelle Matt Joy Lisa Haynes Nick Woodroof Will Lawrence Published and designed by The Magazine People Ltd. Printed by Warners Ltd.

Find us on Facebook: SO Guildford magazine All rights reserved. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. The publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions relating to advertising or editorial. The publisher reserves the right to change or amend any competitions or prizes offered. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written consent from the publisher. No responsibility is taken for unsolicited materials or the return of these materials whilst in transit.

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Here at So we love Leonardo DiCaprio, and his recent starring role in the blockbuster Shutter Island far from disappoints. Set in 1950s America, two US Marshalls are summoned to a remote island serving as a fortress-like institution for the criminally insane. It is their responsibility to investigate and locate an escaped murderess who has vanished from a locked room inside the high security facility. Drenched in intrigue, deceit and paranoia, this film is a must-see not only for DiCaprio fans but for all who appreciate a good film. Available from Blockbuster in Guildford, Frimley Green and Woking.

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With the Autumnal breeze upon us and the novels of Summer put back on the shelf, seek solace in the kitchen and immerse yourself in Nigella Lawson’s new book Recipes from the Heart of the Home. Nigella mingles an endearing range of simple but delicious home comforts with her famously luxurious delights; all of which enhance her reputation as a Domestic Goddess. The book provides a fabulous mixture of recipes and Nigella seamlessly combines the innovative and the traditional, cooking to the beat of the heart of home. £26 from Waterstone’s in Guildford, Godalming and Dorking.

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The Royal Marines Band is coming to Guildford Cathedral on Wednesday October 6 to perform in aid of Seafarers UK – among the leading charities of our maritime community. As one of the longest established military bands, whether you’re of military background or not, this event is quite a spectacle and the band’s precision will no doubt astound the audience. Tickets are £15 and are available on the door or from the Electric Theatre box office, 01483 444 789.

([SORUH« On October 14 to 21, the annual Guildford Book Festival is once more returning to the town promising another exciting programme of events. Featuring many of Britain’s finest writers and personalities, you can come and meet such authors as writer and comedian Arthur Smith (pictured) , designer and broadcaster Kevin McCloud (see page 46), BBC broadcaster Bill Turnbull, journalist and author Rachel Johnson and many, many more. With workshops, readings, book signings and a short story competitions this is an event for book-worms and casual readers alike. For details see guildfordbookfestival.co.uk

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Discover the secrets of the night sky this October with the National Trust at Dapdune Wharf. The Guildford Astronomical Society are hosting a ‘Sky at Night’ talk and demonstration as part of their family learning weekend on Saturday October 9. If you fancy something different and a sociable evening learning about our skies then get involved. During the day, on both the Saturday and Sunday, a children’s educational ‘Eyes to the Skies’ talk will be held teaching youngsters about the skies and weather. See nationaltrust.org.uk

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After damaging his back during a Genesis tour in 2002, Phil Collins has battled with injuries which left him unable to play the piano and the drums – defining instruments of his career. However, in his first solo material for eight years and his eighth solo album, Collins has produced an outstanding and refined 18 track collection of Motown and Soul classics proving that his injuries have not damaged his talent or passion for music. Going Back has a charming, nostalgia-provoking vibe and Collins has strived to record the tracks as organically as possible. £16.99 from HMV in Guildford and Woking.

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This LovePods pavé white gold ring from Pandora is elegant, subtle and absolutely stunning. Set with 0.19 carat diamonds, the ring is available from the Pandora shop on 76/78 High Street, Guildford for £900 – not bad if you ask us. The LovePods collection also extends into earrings, pendants, necklaces and bracelets, so no excuse for not owning the complete set. Visit the store or check it out online at pandora.net

Taste of Autumn, a celebration of all that comes with the harvest, returns to RHS Garden Wisley on October 21 to 24 with apple tastings, food stalls, cooking demonstrations, book signings and much more. Our Continental friends, Europom, will be making an appearance; these guys are apple and fruit enthusiasts from mainland Europe giving visitors the opportunity to see a wide range of rare and unusual apples from abroad. With cider, seasonal dishes and local cheeses it’s a fine way to welcome the coming of Autumn. For details see rhs.org.uk OCTOBER 2010

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6KRRW« Last year Fujifilm brought us 3D photography, now they’ve gone one step further by adding 3D video recording to their line of cameras. Necessary? Who knows, but it looks fun. Like its predecessor, the W1, the new Fujifilm W3 has two lenses which simultaneously record what they see. The camera then re-aligns the images into one, much like your eyes work with your brain and the resulting image is then shown on the specially designed ‘Light Direction Control System’ (aka ‘screen’) or on a compatible TV. Brilliant. Around £399 from Jessops, Guildford.

What do you get when you cross a supercar with a piece of everyday office furniture? We’ll give you a clue, check out the picture. The Authentic Ferrari F360 Challenge Carbon Fiber Office Chair is exactly what it says on the tin – the seat from an F360 turned into a desk chair. Say goodbye to lower back pain and a lack of lumbar support as this posterior-hugging mould was designed specifically to keep you comfortable, even when pulling a few Gs when going sideways round a corner. Keep a lookout for forthcoming seatbelt neck ties and modified exhausts posing as tobacco pipes… £5,300 from carbonfibergear.com

6SDUNOH« Summer may be over but there’s no need to let the weather dampen your spirits, or your style, when you have the choice of beautiful Italian umbrellas from the Pasotti Ombrelli Collection. This Black Notte Crystal Diamante umbrella has a canopy seeded with crystal diamante to add a touch of class and sparkle to any outfit. With a stylish black plexiglass handle and silver gilt frame, the practical but stunning accessory will effortlessly transform your look and make sure that you are not only dry from the rain but the envy of all your friends as well. See brolliesgalore.co.uk, £104.99.

(QMR\« Mole Valley’s Arts Alive Festival 2010 comes to life on Saturday October 25 with street parties in Dorking and Leatherhead town centres. From 10am both will be filled with an air of festivities when musicians, artists, art groups, actors and festival goers join together to start the street party with a bang. The whole festival, which runs all month in the Mole Valley area, is crammed with over 120 events including theatre, art classes, talks, live music, dancing, street performance and much more. To get involved and find something to your taste visit molevalley.gov.uk/wwwartsalive

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7+( 1(:6« OUR MONTHLY LOOK AT SOME OF THE STORIES MAKING THE HEADLINES PRETTY GREEN

The Guildford-based biofuel firm TMO Renewables is celebrating after sealing a £319million deal with a US organisation to increase their alternative fuel production. The company has created a more environmentally friendly fuel using genetically modified bacteria to break down waste.

PARKING FINE

NHS staff at the Royal Surrey County Hospital face a 700 per cent rise from this month in the cost of parking at work. It’s an attempt to encourage them to use a park-and-ride scheme that has been introduced to solve parking problems at the hospital itself and to ease congestion in roads leading up to the Guildford site.

In 2008, they built the UK’s first bioethanol plant, converting grass, cardboard and other rubbish into fuel and they are described by their new partners as being years ahead of the nearest competitors. US legislation states that 17.1million gallons of renewable fuel should be powering cars by next year.

BUZZ OFF

If you thought that you were plagued by wasps more than usual this Summer, you’d be right. Pest control experts Rentokil report that Guildford saw a 68 per cent increase in the number of properties requiring treatment for wasps nests, with the rest of the UK experiencing a rise of around 11 per cent. Rentokil’s Savvas Othon tell us: “Thanks to the hot weather spell that we enjoyed earlier in the summer it is no surprise that we have seen an increase in the number of nests we treated.”

Annual parking charges will now range from £180 for the lowest paid employees to £360 for senior managers and consultants. The majority of the 3,500 staff will have to pay a tariff of £240.

And there may be a few more stings to come. Dr Stephen Martin, Senior Research Fellow at Sheffield University explains: “Now that the weather is starting to cool down, we will start to see more wasps around as the nests break down. This is the point where they will start to be more of a nuisance to people by seeking out sugary and sticky foods for much needed energy.”

GOING POTTY

The County Council has come under fire from the residents of two roads near Guildford town centre. People living in Mountside and Mareschal Road have been reporting problems with the road surface to the council and their MP for more than 18 months.

OPENING HOURS

Chiddingfold’s Mulberry Inn is to remain open, despite the recent closure of two other pubs owned by the same group. The Ramsnest Common watering hole belongs to multimillionaire DJ Chris Evans, and after his other bars shut their doors in the Summer, residents of the village worried that they too would lose their local. The MD of Evans Pubs, Camilla Hansen, has assured those with concerns that The Mulberry is thriving and they have no plans to close it.

Neighbours say that the seriously damaged road is causing untold damage to cars, yet the council is refusing to act. One resident described it as “the worst road in Guildford”. A council spokesman says: “We are aware of the poor condition of these two roads… but unfortunately they are not among the top priorities as there are other roads in worse condition. We do keep both roads under constant review, and review individual defects, and if the condition deteriorates significantly, they will rise up the list.”

TIME OUT

If you need to know the time, best not rely on the chimes of Guildford’s town clock for the moment. Vandals, believed to have reached the clock by climbing up temporary scaffolding, wound the clock forward, seriously damaging the internal workings. While the clock has been repaired to show the correct time, the regular chimes remain out of sync and a specialist will have to be called in to fix the mechanism. Neighbourhood Police Inspector Tim Shaw says: “This may have been intended as a harmless prank but it has caused significant damage.” OCTOBER 2010

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And then you meet Natalie Portman – successful and a highly respected actor who, despite a career that spans 15 years (she was just 13 when she appeared in Leon), has managed to buck the trend. The 28-year-old’s varied CV incorporates the likes of quirky comedy (Garden State), romantic stories (My Blueberry Nights), comic book blockbusters (V for Vendetta) and historical drama (The Other Boleyn Girl – ďŹ lmed in Groombridge). Despite her position as a child star there’s not a single picture of her sans underwear or whiff of a drug rumour.

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The Jerusalem-born Jewish actor (she says her parents aren’t religious) even managed to graduate from Harvard College with a degree in psychology in 2003. In short, she has the potential to make you feel ever so slightly inferior. And when we meet up with her on a cold morning at Manhattan’s plush Four Seasons hotel we’re certainly not under whelmed. She’s waiting quietly in a conference room, her slender body wrapped in a black Lyell dress. In the past, Portman has proved something of a reluctant interviewee, squirming at the usual raft of personal questions. Today she seems much more open.

“I’m pretty much myself in interviews, although I’m probably not talking to you the way I would talk to a friend,â€? she admits. “I guess I ďŹ nd interviews a bit uncomfortable, because it’s such a one-way street. It is boring. I prefer a two way conversation.â€? We suggest a two-hander if Portman has any pressing questions, and during the course of our natter, she concedes

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he chance to swap lives with a beautiful Hollywood actress sounds appealing. For about a minute. Then you factor in the paparazzi, relentless speculation about your love life and the probability that existing in the celebrity bubble leaves little time for travel, education or a private life and suddenly it loses its sparkle.

WORDS WILL LAWRENCE

PHOTOS COURTESY OF GETTY IMAGES AND PA PHOTOS

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SHE FIRST CAME TO OUR ATTENTION AS CHILD IN THE 1994 FILM LEON. NOW SHE’S DELIVERED A ‘SEARING PERFORMANCE’ IN THE THRILLER BLACK SWAN THAT HITS OUR SCREENS IN FEBRUARY. THE CAREER OF NATALIE PORTMAN IS ABOUT TO REACH EVEN GREATER HEIGHTS OCTOBER 2010

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that her work makes relationships difficult, and admits that she does, one day, want a family of her own. “I guess that I’m growing up,” she smiles. Certainly in her most recent movie, Brothers, she projects a definite maturity, starring as Marine wife Grace, who, upon hearing of the death of her husband (Tobey Maguire) in Afganistan, begins falling in love with his reformed bad-boy brother (Jake Gyllenhaal). Directed by Jim Sheridan (In America), the film has already earned two Golden Globe nominations. We discussed the role with the actress. You play a mother again in this movie. Do you find it easy to tap into your maternal instincts? “Where The Heart Is was probably the first time I played a mum. Then I did in Star Wars, Cold Mountain, and in Don Roo’s movie I just finished (Love And Other Impossible Pursuits). In fact, in The Other Boleyn Girl I’m pregnant so I’ve worn the pregnancy pad quite a bit, you’re right! “The mum comes out very easily in me though. I have a very maternal mum of my own. She’s very cosy, nurturing type, and she is the most close up model for that kind of behavior that I’ve had. I’ve not been a real mum, of course, but that remains something I hope for one day.” You’ve got a number of films out this year. Do you find the transient nature of your job makes it difficult to enjoy a settled home life? “I’m really busy right now, it’s true, and if you do more than one film a year you are just going all over the place. You are gone for three-month stints and you don’t see your friends or family. Relations are impossible and it is definitely something I’m trying to figure out.” So, how do you get more control in your life? “By having outlets like writing and producing, which allows me to still have this creative outlet but where I can be in just one place which is really, really exciting. So right now I feel like I’m going into my adulthood via a new way. I am a total gypsy. I love being on the road but at a certain point it is just that you can’t really have a life.” Do you ever feel as though your position as a style icon and role model puts extra pressure on you? “Yes, a little. Not because I see my self as an icon or anything but just that I know my job has a lot to do with how I look. I was talking with a few actress friends recently, and out of any girls we know, we are the ones least wanting to get married. Because everyone wants to have their big day, when they wear a beautiful dress but we do that once a week. We just want to be in sweatpants at home, with no make-up on, and really plain, with no one looking at us.

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“Privately, every actress I know is the messiest, grubbiest person, just wearing crappy clothes all the time! It can make you feel very ugly at home, too, when you’re always made

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up then wake up in the morning and your hair is disgusting and your face is disgusting. Suddenly, your like, “Shit, I’m so not cute! I am only cute when I have all that help!” You recently launched your own vegan-friendly brand shoes. How’s that coming along? “The company that makes them closed down - nothing to do with my shoes, I hasten to add - but I loved the experience. Part of my reason for being vegetarian was because it practices respect and love for life all through the day, so three times a day you make a decision to not eat things that have been killed. I have been vegetarian for 20 years but I recently became vegan and that has more to do with the factory farming aspect, and my friend’s book, Eating Animals (by Jonathan Safran Foer) which is deeply disturbing.” When you were a teenager you said that you’d never do nudity or sex scenes. Are you still fiercely protective of what roles you take? “When I did the film Leon in my early teens, I was so excited to get my first fan mail but some of it was all about sex and it really creeped me out. I’m tougher than that now. I’m still careful about all of it because I don’t like it when you are doing something as art and then it gets exploited on a porn

OCTOBER 2010

website. But it is obviously such a part of life I think it should be part of film. It’s kind of a tricky question. “Right now I’m coming to terms with it and I am doing my half-nudity, making it believable but not showing so much that they could use it on a porn site!” What’s next for you? You’ve just finished Darren Aronofsky’s ballet movie, Black Swan. How are your dancing skills? “Oh my god! I started ballet as a child, when I was 13, and I definitely thought I was much better than I am. And then doing rehearsals I realised I was no way near as good as I thought. I thought I was really advanced. It’s been so very hard.”

Black Swan follows Nina, played by Natalie, and her career as a professional ballerina in a New York ballet company. Things start well enough, but with an obsessive ex-dancer mother and a fiercely competitive newcomer to the troupe Black Swan quickly adopts a dark and menacing tone. Previews at Venice and Toronto film festivals have already garnered hugely positive views and we expect the film to be a hit on its UK release in February. We can’t wait. Bet you can’t either… 62

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&DOOLQJ &XUYDFHRXV :RPHQ (YHU\ZKHUH The idea behind Bodacious Babes came about as a result of Tasha spending a frustrating afternoon visiting every boutique on the High Street trying to find a dress to fit her curvaceous form. Not only did her search end in vain, but at several stores she was brusquely informed that they, “didn’t cater for her size” – despite the recent revelation that the average British woman is a size 16. Tasha was looking to start a collection at 16 and carry it through to 26. But it wasn’t only the clothes that were proving difficult to find, as she even had to purchase her mannequins abroad. What was a girl to do!? Thankfully, European designers are more appreciative of a woman’s form and Tasha was able to compile a stunning A/W range of stylish and complementary clothing to suit every pocket. Bodacious Babes opened in November 2009 and, as you can imagine, the response was incredible. Women who had previously been made to feel unsightly because of their bumps and curves, couldn’t believe that at last there was a shop catering just for them. Bodacious Babes currently stocks clothing by Olars Ulla, Canisse, Crea, and Out Of Exile, but Tasha has no intention of sitting on her laurels and is currently designing her own Shannon Rose range for spring/summer 2011.

Bodacious Boobs, which opened at the beginning of July, was born from similar exasperating circumstances, as Kate never seemed to be able to find comfortable, flattering underwear – especially bras – in any of the high street stores. Is it really much to ask? A correctly fitted bra is determined by accurately calculating a woman’s chest size (band size), and her breast volume (cup size), but it’s has become all too obvious that the vast majority of women don’t actually know their true cup size. Customers are amazed at the difference a fitted bra makes to their shape and what they’re wearing. Bodacious Boobs offers a complete range of seductive underwear from leading designers such as Pour Moi, Fantasie, Freya, Elomi, Panache, Primadona and Marie Jo, as well as offering a brameasuring service.

Bodacious Babes & Boobs – continuing to complement curves everywhere.

Bodacious Babes, 1A West Street, Dorking, Surrey RH4 1BL

01306 880868

email: tashacass72@hotmail.co.uk

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In a twist

Underwear as outerwear is a surprising survivor trend from Spring/ Summer. Glimpses of 50s inspired bra tops, high-waisted briefs and silky camis will be seen throughout A/W. If you don’t dare to bare, layer a pretty camisole under a cashmere cardigan or a lace-trimmed slip with a deep v-neck jumper to show just enough… Angelica range, from £149, myla.co.uk

FA S H I O N

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FASHION EDITOR MELISSA WOODLAND ON WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW THIS MONTH

Dress to impress With the party rush just weeks away, it’s time to start building a capsule wardrobe of evening wear. If you’re go-to outfit is a trusted little black dress, you need to push the boat out with your accessories. Invest in something dazzling, but timeless, to maximise your opportunities to wear them! These cocktail earrings from Mawi are the ideal way to inject colour and class into your evening’s attire. Hematite plate onyx, green and clear crystal encrusted drop earring from £220 Mawi @ Bernard of Esher, High Street, Esher.

Not just for girls Cardigans have become a wardrobe staple for men as well as women and this Autumn, there’s a vast array of styles to choose from. Slim line, fine knit cardies are a lightweight option that’s perfect for layering over tees, while chunky knits will keep the cold out without you pulling on your coat just yet. Cardigan, from a selection at the Boss Store @ House of Fraser, High Street, Guildford.

Biba’s back Legendary label Biba has made a long awaited return to the fashion industry with an exclusive collection for House of Fraser. Combining the quintessential Biba themes of 1930s Hollywood glamour, signature prints, maxi dresses and mannish tailoring, the new incarnation of the brand is nostalgic yet totally up to date. Look out for feminine chiffon blouses, vivacious animal prints and sumptuous evening dresses. Biba’s 2010 offering is wonderfully wearable. Visit the store at House of Fraser, High Street, Guildford or find Biba online at houseoffraser.co.uk

OCTOBER 2010

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$OO ZUDSSHG THE LEAVES ARE TURNING AND THE TEMPERATURE IS DROPPING, WHICH MEANS IT’S TIME FOR YOU TO MAKE THAT BIG AUTUMNAL PURCHASE – THE NEW COAT

FA S H I O N

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WORDS MELISSA WOODLAND

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his season, the collection of outerwear on the rails is more eclectic than in recent years. From capes to aviator jackets, fur to traditional wool, cropped to longer length, every style is catered for. Finding your perfect cover-up, though, is tricky. After all, you might just wear this one item more than any other for the next few months. So, we’re bringing you the run down on the latest looks to hit the town.

&DPHO It’s THE colour for the season and what better way to wear it than in a classic seventies-style belted coat. If you wore this look first time round, dust off the original. If not, the high street is ready to wow you with modern interpretations.

Miltary jacket £150, Pied a terre @ House of Fraser, High Street, Guildford

Camel lambskin belted coat £999, Elegance.co.uk Iden Coat £349 Hobbs, High Street, Guildford

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L - Chiffon trim jacket ÂŁ85, R - Boiled Wool jacket ÂŁ79, both East, North Street, Guildford

7LPHOHVV Jacket ÂŁ225, By Malene Birger @ Bakehouse, South Street, Dorking

If you worry about your new, on-trend coat going out of style before you get your money’s worth, choose something that will stand the test of time. The pea, the dufe and the double breasted are all on the rails at the moment. But the classic cuts are given a new lease of life with vibrant shades and contrasting belts, allowing you to be adventurous while playing it safe.

/HDWKHU A classic material particularly suited to outerwear, leather offers up a spectrum of rich and warm tones. This season, look out for leather numbers that incorporate other key trends, such as shearling and fur.

0LOLWDU\ Grey faux fur jacket ÂŁ120, Linea @ House of Fraser, High Street, Guildford

Faux fur coat ÂŁ120, French Connection, North Street, Guildford

OCTOBER 2010

It feels like the military thing has been around for a while now, but instead of looking tired, designers have seriously raised their game. A/W’s military coats are beautifully cut and the details are spot on, with buttons and epaulettes to wow.

Military style coat ÂŁ95, Long Tall Sally, Tunsgate Square, Guildford

FA S H I O N

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6KHDUOLQJ From the soft cream shearling collars peaking out of aviator jackets to kneelength sheepskin coats, cosy, natural fleece is everywhere this Autumn/ Winter. We love the versatility of this look – its different incarnations cover every eventuality, from casual jackets worn with jeans to the shops, to formal wrap coats for the lady that lunches.

)XU Shearling coat £999, Hobbs, High Street, Guildford

Whilst the real thing is controversial, imitation fur has come a long way since the days of highly flammable synthetic pelts. The latest fur coats (real and faux) are unabashedly luxurious and certainly warm. Try a fur trimmed hood or collar if you’re not ready to go for the full fur coat.

Double breasted coat £120, greatplains.co.uk

Coat £299, Farhi @ Bakehouse, South Street, Dorking

Boucle coat £120, Monsoon, High Street, Guildford

NW3 Duffle coat £229, Hobbs, High Street, Guildford Belted coat £250, CC, High Street, Guildford

Coat £240, Betty Barclay @ Serendipity, New Road, Chilworth

OCTOBER 2010

BEAUTY

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WORDS LISA HAYNES

OUR TIPS ON HOW TO OPEN UP THE WINDOWS TO YOUR SOUL WITH SHOW-STOPPING LASHES AND PERFECT BROWS

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orget the wannabe contestants on X Factor, it’s Cheryl Cole’s plum dye job that’s dividing the nation. But whatever you think of the Girls Aloud star’s hairdo, one element of her beauty routine that will always score full marks is her Bambi-look eyes.

With the X Factor’s return to our screens, the spotlight is back on Cheryl’s incredible lashes and neat brows. When Girls Aloud released their own range of Eylure lashes last year – a different pair for each band member – it was Cheryl’s falsies that women bought, accounting for almost half of total sales (44 per cent), according to feelunique.com “I love the dark glossy look of my lashes... cool and ultra glamorous,” Cheryl said. As eyes take centre stage in beauty, we can all get a bit of Cheryl’s eye X Factor with some brow control and lash trickery.

6KDSH XS Ditch your quest for the body beautiful – eyes take the prize for the UK’s favourite body part, according to a recent survey by cosmopolitan.co.uk With peepers topping the poll at 33 per cent, the women surveyed said sparkling colour, shape and long lashes are all the makings of an enviable eye. But eyebrows are the true

foundations for showcasing your eyes to the max, according to Bobbi Brown. “A well groomed brow instantly adds polish and strength to a woman’s face,” she explains. “When shaping brows for the first time, I recommend seeing a professional - they’ll create the best shape for your face. “If you decide to go it alone, remember less is more. Tweeze just a few hairs at a time, between the brows and underneath the brows but never pluck above. Don’t try to ‘create’ a line; use your brow’s own natural line as a guide.” Try: Shavata Precision Tweezers, £19.50 (shavata.co.uk) or Eylure Eyebrow Shapers, £2.49 (Boots, High Street, Guildford).

)UDPH \RXU IDFH Most of us can hold our hands up to the plucking police for being over-zealous with the tweezers. But stars like Rachel Weisz and Camilla Belle with their dark heavy eyebrows prove that big and bold are back in vogue. Bobbi Brown says: “Well-defined brows can be extremely flattering. They can open up a woman’s face so that she actually needs less make-up. A well-shaped brow can also help lift deep-set eyes or maximise small eyes.” OCTOBER 2010

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GUILDFORD

Bobbi Brown has these tips for strengthening skinny and gappy brows: • To fill obvious holes or lengthen over-plucked brows, use a brow pencil first to draw in the brow line. • In a shade that matches the natural brow colour, fill with a light feathery stroke, mimicking the look of hair. • Go over the line with a powdered eye shadow using a stiff angled brow brush. • Stroke colour along the upper edge of the brow to accentuate and give ‘lift’ to the eye area. • Only fill in gaps where you can see skin. Look at the brow and only apply colour on bare spots and not over the whole brow. Try: Bobbi Brown Brow Kit, £24.47 (Bobbi Brown @ House of Fraser, Guildford); Soap & Glory Arch de Triumph brow shaper, £7.50, No7 Lash & Brow Perfector, £9.50 (both at Boots, High Street, Guildford).

7HPSRUDU\ OHQJWKHQHUV If you want longer lashes for a lengthier period than one night only, look to Nouveau Lashes’ new Blink & Go extensions. Applied by a therapist in 20 minutes, the false lashes last up to two weeks and can even be applied to the bottom lashes. The lashes must be removed or renewed by a therapist after two weeks, included in price tag, from £45 (Lucious Lashes, Kiln Meadows, Guildford). • Bespoke extensions Lash fanatics who want to ditch the mascara wand completely can opt for bespoke individual lash extensions a la Cheryl Cole. NovaLash extensions are applied by a therapist in under two hours and last up to six weeks. You dictate your final fluttering look with the thickness, length and shape of the lashes. Each extension remains bonded to the natural lash until your lash is ready to shed. Full NovaLash set, from £120 (novalash.com).

$FFHQWXDWH H\HV If you haven’t got the knack of falsies, you can still open up your eyes with traditional make-up tricks to give your lashes a quick boost. “Eyeliner is good for drawing attention to your eyes in general,” Shavata advises. “Mascara and eyelash curlers will widen your eyes, lengthen your lashes and generally make them even more dramatic. Lash perming is a good alternative to false lashes and eyelash curlers, as it really opens up your eyes.”

)DOVH HIIHFWV False lashes are no longer the reserve of pop princesses or drag queens. In the last 18 months, false lashes have become as much of a must-have as lippy or eyeliner. Sales of false eyelashes are up 110 per cent on last year at Superdrug with 4,000 packs flying out of stores every day. Eyebrow guru Shavata, who recently opened a new Lash Lounge franchise, says: “False eyelashes give you the wow factor, making your eyes appear brighter and more feminine. Even if you have no make-up on you look like you’re wearing mascara.” The drama of your look – and its longevity – is down to the lashes you choose. • Strip lashes Fine and natural or glamorous and heavy, strip lashes are the instant way to make your eyes the centre of attention. Opt for feathers, sparkles or colours for a party wow factor. Trim the strip of false lashes to the right length for your eyelid. Try: e.l.f Hollywood Eyelashes Kit, £3.50 (eyeslipsface. co.uk) or Mister Mascara Bedazzled Lash Duo, £9.66 (mistermascara.com).

OCTOBER 2010

Conditioning products that naturally promote lash growth are another booming area of eye accentuation. Kate Moss is said to be a big fan of Eyesential Lashes, £69.95 (0870 42 029 42). Applied in a similar way to a liquid eyeliner before bed every night, you could see an increase of up to 50 per cent in length and thickness within four weeks. They can also be used to stimulate eyebrow growth if you want to thicken up. Try: RevitaLash, £95 (skinbrands.co.uk); Blinc Heated Eyelash Curler, £18 (blincuk.co.uk); Sue Devitt Eye Intensifier Pencil, £17.50 (qvc.co.uk); Prestige Big Lash Effect Mascara, £4.99 (Boots, High Street, Guildford).

%HDXW\ EXOOHWLQ Scratch ‘n’ sniff If you spot people with their noses pressed against Boots shop windows, don’t panic. They may well be soaking up the flower power from Marc Jacobs’ new scent. The long-awaited Lola has just hit stores nationwide and, to celebrate, selected Boots windows will be covered in scratch ‘n’ sniff Lola flowers. Forget pollution; expect the air to be filled with fragrant fuchsia peony blooms! Lola is £45 for 50ml or £60 for 100ml.

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TUN G I LBDRFI O DR GD E WELLS

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WILL THE HUMAN RACE EVER FIND THE KEY TO HAPPINESS? PERHAPS NOT, BUT THESE 25 IDEAS ARE DESIGNED TO REMIND YOU OF THE GOOD THINGS IN LIFE – THINGS THAT CAN MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE. FROM DOING SOMETHING SCARY TO SIMPLY BEING NICE TO OTHER PEOPLE, THERE’S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

CLIMB A MOUNTAIN

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Let’s start with the idea of achieving goals, like climbing a mountain. This is possibly one of the most rewarding things you can do as an individual and the physical and emotional satisfaction of reaching the summit of a mountain is one you’ll never forget. Sure, we can’t all conquer Everest but there are some incredible peaks that can be climbed on the back of relative fitness rather than mountaineering expertise.

REALISTIC MOUNTAIN CHALLENGES For the weekend jaunt: Ben Nevis, Scotland 1,344 m/4,409ft For the kudos: Kilimanjaro, Tanzania 5,893m/19,340ft For the smoking volcano: El Misti, Bolivia 5,822m/19,101ft For best views of peaks: Annapurna Pass, Nepal 5,416m/17,769ft For the shopping: Guildford High Street

I M P ROV E YO U R L I F E

LEARN TO COOK YOUR FAVOURITE DISH Why is it that we often wait to see our most adored culinary treats on a menu to enjoy them rather than simply cooking them ourselves? Even if your chosen dish is particularly exotic, or a difficult recipe, there’s

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nothing stopping you learning how to create it so long as you have the right ingredients and enough practice. With the aid of local produce markets, the internet and (when necessary) large shopping chains, even sparse or rare ingredients can be acquired and there have never been so many good recipes available. Making a meal an occasion is also a great way to spend time with friends and family.

Buy that dream watch

Remember that watch you always wanted? The one with the luxurious leather bracelet and that quality of design that made you feel as if you’d arrived? Go on, buy it. It might weigh a little heavy on the credit card bill for a while but a good watch’s mechanism should last longer than a lifetime and its timeless design should see it as much in vogue when it’s passed on to the next generation, as when it was first worn by you. TIMELESS TIMEPIECES FOR MEN Best for Traditional Style: IWC Spitfire Chronograph Automatic – Swiss est. 1868 (£3,550) Best for Talking Point: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Day-Date – Swiss est. 1875 (£23,000) Best for Art Deco Cool: Cartier Roadster – French est. 1847 (£2,000) Distinctive Looks: Zenith Grande Chronomaster XXT Open – Swiss est. 1865 (£8,000) Style & Substance: Breitling Navitimer (any version) – Swiss est. 1884

GO BACK TO SCHOOL Those who claim to know all they need to from ‘the school of life’ couldn’t be more wrong. It’s true that some of us may have benefited from spending time in a foreign country and picked up a second (or third) language, or we may have vast knowledge of a particular area of business, but most of us are limited by our educational experiences from school, university and the workplace. Learning something new as an adult can be an incredibly exciting experience and almost anything will do. A hobby like origami or a new sport are relatively simple, however, hitting the books and immersing yourself in a new field of knowledge is perhaps the most rewarding.

MAKE SOMEONE ELSE’S DAY This is a simple way to make both you and someone else feel great even for a few moments. You might go out of your way to be particularly nice to those you work with, offer a random act of kindness to a neighbour or complete stranger, or even leave a favourite book in a public place for someone to discover. The possibilities are endless.

GET UP EARLIER You know the drill. From the moment your alarm clock goes off, your morning is spent in a rush and feeling late, stressed and groggy until you arrive at work wishing you weren’t there. Of course, it doesn’t have to be like this. You could give yourself more than enough time to get ready just by going to bed a bit earlier and getting up in plenty of time. Do you really need two hours of trash television before bed? You’ll be shocked at the difference it has on your day – especially with a good breakfast. OCTOBER 2010

I M P ROV E YO U R L I F E

MAKE TIME FOR FAMILY We often take our family members for granted and they unfortunately take the brunt of our bad days without really deserving it. Make sure you remind them of how much they mean to you by sending them a card, texting them a special message or spending some quality time together. And if it’s a family member living away from home make sure you’re the one to get in touch.

GET A MAKE-OVER From a drastic change to subtle updates, changing the way you look can have a massive impact on the way you feel. If you’re a scrooge when it comes to hairdressing go the extra mile and invest in a decent stylist, you’ll feel all the better for it. If your work get-up is a bit out of date then splash out on a slick new suit, it might even result in a promotion. Personal shoppers are on hand at many of the boutiques in Guildford to help you step out if you’re stuck in a rut.

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SUPPORT A CHARITY The debate about whether there is such a thing as a selfless act may never be resolved, but one thing is for sure; the results of charity are positive for both the recipient and philanthropist. Today, with all the economic turbulence, charities need supporting more than ever as many donations have dried up. Some lesser known local charities who require both monetary and volunteer support include Princes Trust, Macmillan Cancer Relief, Guildford Volunteers Bureau and Guildford Action Pop-in Centre.

HIT THE BEACH

Few places are as cheri shed as beaches. They’ re the perfect backdrop walk, the ideal location to a romantic evening for the family holiday and the best venue for stop until the sun rises. those parties that don’t So, get back to the be ach! It could be Camb or Birling Gap… by the er Sands, Cuckmere Ha same token you could ven treat yourself to a few rather special choices.

THE BEST BEACHES

Best for celeb spottin g: Pampelonne, St Trope z – Hang out with David Bowie, Madonna and Jack Nicholson; all regulars at this star-s tudded location. Best for romantics: Patara Beach, Turkey – With 12 miles of virtua lly undeveloped sands and its own 2,000 yea r old ruins, Patara’s sun set is something else. Best for stylish partie s: Playa de Ses Salines, Ibiza – Far from the sor did revelry of mainstre Ses Salines is lined wit am Ibiza, h fashionable cocktail bars and chilled out clu bs. Best for watersports: Famara beach, Lanzarot e – Paradise for anyone who likes going fast in, on, or above wa ter. Best for wildlife: Porto Pim, the Azores – Slap bang in the midd le of the Atlantic this volcanic settleme nt is paradise for whale watchers.

TAKE A WALK

KEEP MORE PLANTS

Pull on some comfy boots or shoes and hit the public footpath, you’ll be amazed at the good it does you. A lazy Autumnal stroll or blustery Spring walk will relax, reinvigorate and reintroduce you to some of the stunning scenery throughout the county. See http://tiny.cc/6dybh

There are almost no downsides to keeping houseplants but plenty of benefits. A classic NASA study showed that in 24 hours a few houseplants can remove 87% of air toxins, meaning you breathe cleaner air and feel more alive. Through taking in carbon monoxide and releasing clean oxygen, plants also combat illness and allergies. It’s also true that the presence of houseplants at home and at work makes people more relaxed, more contented and more productive. The Dragon Tree plant is widely regarded as the most beneficial houseplant to own.

OCTOBER 2010

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GUILDFORD

ROBYN BAILEY DESIGNS

Creating inspirational interiors 3DUW RI WKH &RXQW\ *ODVV *URXS (VW

Whether you need inspirational ideas to update one room or for a whole house refurbishment, it certainly helps having the expert advice of a professional interior designer to create your dream interior. It can save you time, money and the stress of organising and sourcing everything yourself.

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Telephone or visit our website for more details and book an appointment www.robynbaileydesigns.co.uk Tel: 01403 871221 robyn@robynbaileydesigns.co.uk

OCTOBER 2010

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I M P ROV E YO U R L I F E

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In a similar way to how a fine suit is nothing without some suave shoes, a girl’s look is never complete without a classy handbag. Choose from one of these and it’ll be in vogue for time eternity. THE ‘IT’ BAGS The Classic: Chanel 2.55 – Designed in 1955 by Coco Chanel this quilted classic will never go out of fashion The Regal Treat: Lady Dior – Initially a gift from Lady Chirac to Princess Diana. Need we say more? The Day Bag: Louis Vuitton Speedy – Roomy, classy and timeless with that unmistakable Louis Vuitton monogram canvas

The Luxury Buy: Hermes Birkin – Each exquisite handmade bag takes two days to produce, probably why the range starts at around £1,500 The ‘Different’ Approach: Fendi Spy – Clever detailing and countless colourways have seen the Spy stand the test of time

ENJOY YOUR GUILTY PLEASURES We all know the phrase ‘everything in moderation’ and although this might be a slight oversimplification, there are too many guides to life and health which ban those small things that make us happy. So, go ahead, we give you permission to enjoy the most expensive chocolates you can find and to sip that incredible 18-year-old single malt… because you deserve it!

READ YOUR BOOK LIST

LEARN TO COMPLAIN

Make a list of those books you’ve been meaning to read for years and actually do it. You don’t need to finish them all this month, week, or even year, but turning the pages of those literary works will be enlightening, enjoyable and rewarding.

This is one thing that most Brits should learn to do more. If you’ve paid for food, drink, a product or even gym membership and you’re not happy then let the vendor know. Most good patrons would rather you gave constructive criticism so they can provide a better service next time than have unhappy customers who’ll never come back. Be sincere, sensible and respectful and you’ll almost always be refunded or rewarded in some way. Not drawing attention to bad service or faults means you’ll bottle up your feelings which is never a good thing.

Soak in the tub

Much like many of the ideas on this list, taking time to relax in the bath is about getting back some of that ‘me time’. It might also help tick off a few of the other suggestions here, such as getting stuck into a good book, relaxing you for an early night and subsequent early rise or maybe easing your blistered feet having climbed a mountain. OCTOBER 2010

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GUILDFORD

TAKE TO THE WATER You may or may not have noticed that we humans are obsessed with large bodies of water. If people are on the beach, they must to go to the water’s edge, if kids are by the river one of them has to fall in – it’s simply natural. So, take it to the next level. Ever been white water rafting? Jetskiing? Canoeing? No? Then go!

BUY A PET Animals are an excellent way to keep both happy and healthy. To start with, they’re simple mood enhancers - just think of a cute puppy or the purr of a cat. Secondly, it’s been proven that owning a pet can help lower blood pressure better than drugs in some cases, by minimizing spikes in tension and stress. Furthermore, if you’ve got a pet like a dog you’re more likely to get out and exercise with it… especially if it’s a greyhound.

DO SOMETHING SCARY If you’ve ever had a brush with your own mortality you’ll understand how much it affirms your belief that, for the most part, life is pretty good. But it doesn’t take surviving a plane crash to help release these feelings – a healthy dose of adrenaline can dramatically boost endorphin levels. Why do you think that surfers and bungee jumpers are always so happy… dude. THE BEST THRILLS TO SEEK For the vertigo sufferer: Bungee jump the Verzasca Dam, Switzerland. At 220 metres this is the highest commercial bungee in the world For the travel sick: Zorb 750m in Kilkenny, Ireland. The two-minute course is the longest of its kind in the world For the fearless: Wingwalk in the Cotswolds. Aka be strapped to the outside of a moving aeroplane. See aerosuperbatics.com For the animal lover: Swim with Great Whites, South Africa. The stars of Jaws won’t quite fit between the bars of your submerged cage, or will they? For the fool: Run with the bulls, Pamplona Spain. As popularised by Ernest Hemmingway and, er… Richard Hammond

OCTOBER 2010

)DOO LQ ORYH DJDLQ This one’s a little harder to attain than many on the list – as love isn’t exactly a tangible product or activity. However, rekindling a lost love, kick-starting a new relationship, or reaffirming an existing love is certainly one way to get those endorphins flowing. If you’re pining after the one that got away, then pick up the phone and give them a call. Forget Facebook, email or text messages, you’ll get things going a lot faster by chatting and eventually meeting up to share a coffee or a bottle of wine. If you’re searching for new love, try getting out of your usual social routines. A famous networking phrase is ”the strength of weak ties”, meaning the best results come from the outer edges of your social circle. And if your happily in love already, take a few moments to let each other know how you still feel.

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VISIT OUTDOOR MARKETS

One of the finest ways to experien ce the foods and cultures of new places is to make your way to thei markets and get involved. Sample r local traditional those flavoursome olives stuffed with who-knows-what, taste that one village in the world and drin cheese made only in k the wine produced using the sam e method as the vendor’s forefath ideology works at home as well. ers. But this kind of All too often we overlook the fant astic variety of food on our doorste enjoy all that Surrey has to offer. p, so make sure you THE WORLD’S BEST MARKETS Best for luxury: Yeliseyevsky Gastronom Market, St. Petersburg, Russia – Champagne, Caviar, fine vodka and chocolates galore. Best for culture shock: Kreta Ayer Wet Market, Singapore – Unrecognisable fruit and vegetables, raw seafood and mystery meats. Not for the faint-hearted. Best for Mediterranean delicacies: Mercat de la Boqueria, Barcelona, Spain – Shellfish, epic cured meats and stunning arch itecture. Best for traditional experience: Khan El-Khalili Bazaar, Cairo, Egy pt – Spices, teas, trinkets and a labyrinth of alleyways, for the adventurer in you. Best nearby: Guildford Farmers’ Market - On the first Tuesday of the month and every Saturday on the High Street.

START EVERY DAY IN THE SPA

SEE MORE LIVE MUSIC

Nobody likes it when that luxurious, pampered weekend away has to come to an end and it’s time to leave the health club. So, why not come back the next day? Let’s face it; we’re all better people when we can walk into the office freshly massaged…

’ PARTY T A H T ‘ W O THR We’ve all been to them; those parties that people talk about for years or even decades to come. The masked ball that was held on the summer solstice of 2000, or the cider festival of 2006 with that great local band – you know the sort. Well, those parties don’t just come out of nowhere and now’s the time for you to throw one. Invite the friends you haven’t seen for years, bring the kids, the booze, the hog roast, the tents, the hot air balloons… whatever. Just get as many loved ones together as possible for a night that none of you will forget.

No matter what your tastes, you’ll be able to find live performances of your favourite music locally as well as nationally. You’re probably more catered for in the area than you think with The Boileroom on Stokefields hosting every genre from reggae to rock and local bars and cafés offering live music nights on a weekly basis. Remember to watch online gig guides for London performances as well.

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OCTOBER 2010

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RARELY IS A PROPERTY QUITE SO WELL SUITED TO ITS SURROUNDINGS AS LAKE HOUSE, NEAR HASLEMERE. THIS HOME HAS BEEN SPECIALLY DESIGNED TO FIT WITHIN ITS LOCALE AND THE RESULTS ARE TRULY STAGGERING

OCTOBER 2010

WORDS DAN SMITH

PROPERTY

Well, it could be something to do with the need for highly imaginative designers, skilled workers and, presumably, quite a serious budget. Everywhere you look in Lake House is a tiny detail that impresses, a small element you hadn’t noticed before or a room you vow to spend a Sunday afternoon lazing in.

Externally, it’s a secluded country home that works within its landscape, rather than appearing as a blot on it. Inside, Lake House is finished with a mixture of traditional touches, contemporary design and fresh thinking that really sets it apart as a unique property. The luxurious ground floor of the main building makes up the majority of the house. Here, highlights include an absolutely stunning octagonal dining area with views of the lake, plus a terrace; a large living room with an amazing free-standing fireplace and adjoining bar; as well as a dedicated television room.

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t’s a simple concept. Take a beautiful countryside plot, complete with picturesque lake and woodland, and then design a stunning house around it, incorporating the lake as a feature of the design itself. Makes you wonder, why don’t we see more of this sort of thing?

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A large reception hall acts as the hub, with several doors leading off to an epic L-shaped glass conservatory, a family room, study and, of course, the incredibly contemporary kitchen - fitted with all the mod-cons you may desire. From the conservatory, two sets of double doors lead out onto a courtyard garden and, on the other side of the property, a lakeside terrace takes you away from the kitchen and family room. A quaint wooden jetty beckons to the water’s edge and a little rowing boat awaits the odd jaunt onto the lake. While all of the gardens nearby to the property are landscaped, the surrounding land totals approximately 7.5 acres. Entertaining in Lake House would be a pleasure and, as well as the bar adjoining the living room, a staircase in the reception hall leads downstairs to a wine cellar that’s easily within dashing distance when the evening’s grape is beginning to run dry. Other nice touches that’ll make dinner parties that bit easier include a fully wired Bose audio/visual system with MP3 docking stations in the principal rooms, plus individual thermostatic controls for different zones in the house. A useful handful of tech, we think you’ll agree. Upstairs you’ll find an imposing galleried landing and the large primary bedroom with built-in wardrobes, a stunning triangular balcony and an en suite with his ‘n’ hers basins, plus a bath and toilet. At the back of the property, above the living areas, are bedrooms two, three and four. Balconies look out over the lake from two of the bedrooms and a pair of bathrooms are shared between them. Back on the ground floor and the L-shaped conservatory leads onto the annex. This houses a utility room and double berth garage, while upstairs are bedrooms five and six, as well as a games room. Gym, anyone? A separate selfcontained flat resides behind this block and comprises. a living room, kitchenette and bedroom – perfect as a place of exile for the unruly teenager. Further afield, but still part of this extended block, is a carport with room for two more vehicles, a large workshop and four spacious store areas. So, essentially Lake House has it all; plenty of room for family and guests, technical gadgetry throughout, stunning architecture and a beautifully high quality of finish. Oh, and it’s got that lake too… it couldn’t get any better. 62

At a Glance: Property: Lake House Location: Haslemere, Price: £4.25million Bedrooms: 7 Bathrooms: 6 Land: 7.5 acres (approx)

OCTOBER 2010

Extras: Lake, Carport Workshop, Self contained flat, Games room/gym Extensive terraces Contact: Clarke Gammon 01428 664 800

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THE DESIGNER, WRITER AND TV PRESENTER KEVIN MCCLOUD IS BACK ON CHANNEL 4 WITH A NEW SERIES OF GRAND DESIGNS – ONE OF OUR FAVOURITE PROGAMMES. WE MANAGED TO GRAB FIVE MINUTES WITH THE MAN WHO HAS MADE HIS NAME FOLLOWING SELF-BUILDERS IN PURSUIT OF ARCHITECTURAL BRILLIANCE

OCTOBER 2010

FIVE MINUTES WITH...

We’re addicted to grand designs Good, because it means so many other people are too, which is a joy. I mean it's a joy because it keeps me in work. What can we expect from the new series? Well, I get very nervous because we don't sit a year-and-ahalf in advance saying; ‘this will be the next series.’ What we do is film up to 20 projects at any one time. The projects we think are going to make the next series do not come in on time and the projects we thought might take a little bit longer suddenly accelerate and we have no choice over what makes the new series. When they come together – which is every year or 18 months – I look at the list and go: ‘oh...’ Or ‘ooh!’ And this is an ‘ooh’, as in this is good stuff. Are they all eco-friendly builds and renovations? Yes. Not only does every single project in the series explore a different aspect of sustainability – which is my great passion – these projects are also, I think, in a way defiant of the recession, and they are all good stories, great projects. Which is your favourite visit of all time? It still has to be Ben Law in the woods. [He built, by hand, a house in woods in West Sussex.] I revisited him last Summer. Maybe that revisit forms part of this series. We've got eight new projects and about five or six revisits. Which of the new run are favourites for you? Ooh! Now that's a hard one. There is one which is not a favourite. They're all very different and very strong. And the best is? I'm not going to tell you what it is because that would be unfair on the others, but I will say this, that I think this is probably the strongest series we've ever had. It's just the fact the stories have fallen into line. What are the building blocks of a perfect Grand Designs series? I love it when we put together a series which is a real mixed bag of small and large [builds]; massively over ambitious; modest; strong with an ecological bent towards all of them; a bit of conservation thrown in there, and I've really enjoyed making this series. I looked down the list and I felt quite proud, quite protective about all of them, quite pleased, because I'm on these projects for a year-and-a half – as we all are – so it's good when you see things come together and think: ‘yeah, that's really strong.’ It's got real fibre as well as flash. Flash is good but you need lots of fibre to keep those intestines clean and healthy. We loved the 90 minute episode with the castle renovation Indeed. That's in my top five. Can we expect more feature length offerings? Well, it's as and when, you know? We've got a project which we're hoping to put into this series. In fact we were hoping to put it into the last series, and we're now hoping it'll be the next and we're wondering whether or not that should make

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a 90 minute special. It's all a question of do you have enough material? Is the narrative strong enough to sustain for that long? Is it complex enough? And with the castle that was easily justifiable. For us one of the worst designs was the eco-barge made of scrap. I think it is the worst, closely followed by the church. Was it depressing making the house boat episode? If I'm going to spend my life making these films, I'm not interested in filming stuff which is crap. I don't want to, as I did there, turn up, on location at 8am, having got out of bed before it got light; go all the way there with that sinking feeling in my heart, and come away at the end of it vindicated and actually quite cross. It's not good for me – it's not good for any human being to be so negative. You've been busier than ever in recent years. Last year was a really, really busy year for me. I did the Indian project (Kevin McCloud: Slumming It) which we filmed last year – although it was transmitted this year – and also I filmed the series of European Grand Tour, which was a big, big commitment, as well as filming Grand Designs, as well as doing the Stirling Prize. I was exhausted at the end of it, so I'm having a much more gentle year. What's next? I'm building my houses in Swindon this year. We're on site and we're filming that so that's the next big project. We finish building next May, we're moving people in. The series won't get transmitted until the following year, 2012, because we're going to film what's it's like for people living in a very sustainable development unit. It's something of a social experimental project as much as it is a building project for me. You did well as the star in the reasonably priced car on Top Gear. I did yeah, just over a year ago I think it was. Would you like to beat Tom Cruise's record? It's an open request for an invitation. I'd love to go back. I was pipped by a twentieth of a second from the top of the board, having had no training really except that day. I've had a little bit of training now and a bit of practice so I'm determined to get to the very top. So lots of calls to the Top Gear office then? No, I'm not going to do what Simon Cowell has done, that's ring up Jeremy Clarkson every week saying: ‘get me back.’ 62

OCTOBER 2010

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Handcross Village Butchers Established Over 100 Years Ago

Providing quality British meats to hotels, restaurants & the catering industry

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Q uality Design - Construction Maintenance Advice - P lanting Prime English, Beef, Lamb and Pork Big Enough to Deliver, Small Enough to Care Handcross Village Butchers Windyhills, Handcross, West Sussex RH17 6BN

Tel: 01444 400396 Fax: 01444 400655 info@handcrossvillagebutchers.co.uk

Call us now to arrange your FREE consultation 01483 763177 or 01252 693032

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A D V E R T I S E M E N T F E AT U R E

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lobal growth is likely to slow by more than the consensus expects in 2011 as fiscal tightening by a large swathe of the developed countries starts to bite. The austerity measures in these countries, which account for 60 per cent of developed economy GDP, will add to continued consumer deleveraging, while banks remain reluctant to lend. Emerging markets will be affected by weaker demand in key export markets, but it is important to remember that these countries have scope to engage in further policy stimulus if required. Indeed, we expect China to ease policy in the next six months and provide a catalyst for outperformance by Chinese equities. Although we expect US growth to slow, a return to recession remains a key risk rather than a certainty. The probability of a double-dip has risen in recent weeks, but remains well below fifty percent. Leading indicators suggest a 30% probability of a return to recession over the next six months. This even allows for the danger of a policy error as the economy makes the transition from policy stimulus and growth that is driven by inventory rebuilding to a sustained private sector recovery. Nevertheless, this transition will not be a smooth process, so equity market volatility will have regular spikes. Just as anaemic growth is par for the course in post-financial-crisis recoveries, so is sustained high unemployment. Against that backdrop, and with simple policy rules suggesting that central bank interest rates should be minus five percent rather than zero, interest rates are likely to stay on hold through this year and next. As markets come to terms with this, government bond yields will remain under downward pressure and the yield curve will continue to flatten.

The low rate environment will drive yield hungryinvestors into higher-yielding assets like corporate bonds, commercial property and dividend-paying equities, pushing up their value. There is also a high probability that the major central banks will engage in another round of quantitative easing. Ample spare capacity continues to push down on developed economy inflation rates, which are already getting dangerously close to outright deflation. The spectre of the US, UK and European central banks electronically printing money is likely to cause emerging economy currencies to appreciate against the major reserve currencies and drive continued demand for gold as the “ultimate” currency. With inflation more likely to fall than rise over the coming months, we expect breakeven inflation rates to fall further and continue to favour conventional government bonds over index-linked. Given the phase of the economic cycle and current valuations, we expect modest positive equity returns over the next 12 months. Historically hedge funds have tended to outperform equities in such an environment. The economy is early in the recovery phase of the cycle, a period when equity returns have tended to be low and driven by earnings rather than rising valuations, such as priceearnings ratios. Equities are unlikely to power ahead until the economic recovery is far more mature. Nevertheless, it is important to remember that even our below-consensus forecast for economic growth in 2011 is still consistent with positive returns from equities. We continue to favour emerging-market equities, reflecting a lack of consumer leverage, fiscal problems and dependence on bank lending compared to developed markets.

For more information about becoming a Coutts client in Surrey, contact Shirley Coe on 01483 299043, email shirley.coe@coutts.com or visit coutts.com/guildford OCTOBER 2010

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Hard Candy, silkscreen on paper, limited edition of just 95 (32x34in) £1345 framed Works featured can be viewed at Wyecliffe Galleries, 6 York road, Weybridge KT13 9DT www.wyecliffe.com info@wyecliffe.com 01932 847 939

OCTOBER 2010

THE GALLERY

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Trapeze, hand embellished Giclee on canvas ,limited edition of just 125 (16x20in) £595 framed Who’s Got This Round, hand embellished Giclee on canvas, limited edition of just 95 (27.5x33in) £945 framed

OCTOBER 2010

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OCTOBER 2010

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WORDS SARAH MARSHALL

ONE OF THE BIGGEST TRENDS IN OUR HOTEL INDUSTRY, IN A BID TO ATTRACT ECO-CONSCIOUS TRAVELLERS, IS ‘GOING GREEN.’ BUT WHAT REALLY MAKES A HOTEL ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY? WE TAKE A LOOK AT THE UK’S TOP FIVE ETHICAL BREAKS

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oing on holiday and being eco-friendly don’t often go hand in hand. Flights across the ocean, followed by a stay in an energy-guzzling hotel, can lead to a huge carbon footprint.

But hotelier Chris Airey has launched what’s been billed as the UK’s ‘greenest’ hotel. And with a growing number of establishments now jumping on the eco- bandwagon, that’s quite a claim to substantiate. Airey, however, is conďŹ dent The Green House – a boutique 32-room Grade II listed Victorian villa that opened in April – is what it says on the tin: a luxury and commercially-viable property operating along sustainable guidelines. While ďŹ gures suggest that the demand for genuinely green holidays is growing, a recent survey by the Green Business Tourism Scheme, currently the UK’s leading sustainable tourism certiďŹ cation scheme, found that approximately 60 per cent of properties purporting to have green credentials did not live up to their claims – a practice known as ‘greenwash’.

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An overnight stay in Airey’s Bournemouth hotel soon teaches guests just what being a green hotel is all about; chairs are fashioned from recycled PlayStation consoles, the wine is biodynamic, and energy-saving

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lights mysteriously switch off behind you. But with no single body in place to govern green initiatives, holidaymakers may struggle to make an informed ethical choice about their destination, before they arrive. “Our intention was to bring the environmental ethos to the mainstream and prove that ‘green’ and ‘luxury’ can co-exist and not at the expense of one another,” says Airey. “Environmental concerns were at the heart of the decision-making process throughout.” In the absence of any blueprint for hotels, Airey and his business partners, Harish Sodha and Sarah Burrows, chose to follow the leading environmental assessment method for buildings (BREEAM) and operate with an environmental management system.

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B&B room rates from £115. Visit thegreenhousehotel.com.

With their beds made with wood from ash trees, which were felled by tree surgeons or storms, and televisions that automatically adjust to light levels in the room, it’s no wonder The Green House has since been shortlisted for an environmental award and is already earning accolades from hotel critics. “One of the biggest hurdles was finding local, eco-friendly suppliers we could work with,” Airey says of the £5 million renovation project.

OCTOBER 2010

BREAKS

Now a model is in place, however, there are plans to repeat the success elsewhere. But while Airey’s work is admirable, other hotels simply pay lip service to issues of sustainability. From the simple act of requesting guests to use the same bath towels for two days in a row, to introducing rainwater harvesting systems and solar panels in the roof - these initiatives all fall under the vast, sprawling ‘green’ banner. Last year, when one of the ďŹ rst major eco hotel directories was launched, it came under ďŹ re for featuring 100-room concrete blocks with energy-intensive swimming pools. The Travel Collection was compiled by ABTA (The Travel Association) and the Federation of Tour Operators, but as Airey explains, it can be difďŹ cult for large-scale hotels with green ambitions to become fully sustainable.

for consumers and at least guarantees a degree of environmental commitment, says Airey. The Considerate Hoteliers group also offer a similar highlycommendable service, with 200 vetted member hotels at present. Director John Firrell suggests consumers should do their research carefully before choosing a hotel. “Look for statements indicating a hotel’s stance on sustainability and socially responsible policies and initiatives,� he says. Back at The Green House, a delivery of shark caught off the coast of Cornwall has arrived. Although not indigenous to the

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“Surprisingly, the actual costs weren’t much higher; our biggest investment was time. It took four years to meet our targets.�

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One scheme which Airey does vouch for is the Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS) whose members include UK properties in the Jurys Inn and Radisson group portfolios. Admittedly, hotels must voluntarily apply for accreditation, but the GTBS seal of approval is a reliable stamp

OCTOBER 2010

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UK, it’s still welcomed as local produce - all food on the menu must be sourced within a 30-mile radius. Head Chef Gordon Jones and his team are set the challenge of working it into tonight’s nine-course tasting menu. Weekend guests are already arriving in reception. Few will realise the sturdy wooden desk was made with teak oor joists reclaimed from a demolished school in Sussex, or that the serene mauve walls have been painted in chemical-free paint. This is a credit to the hotel’s non-invasive green policy, but it’s also a cause of frustration for the owners. “From the minute you walk in the door, it’s not obvious this is a green hotel. And we don’t want to ram the fact down people’s throats,â€? says Airey.

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OCTOBER 2010

“But we would like to educate guests, and that’s something we’re working on.� Ultimately, Airey wants guests to take home more than happy memories; he hopes they will pack a few green initiatives into their suitcase as well. 62

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21ST CENTURY ANTIQUES

Always ahead in design! Traditional style, home office furniture.

Showroom at Talbot House Antique Centre, West Street, Dorking, Surrey. For a brochure telephone 01306 881029 www.21stantiques.com

OCTOBER 2010

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OCTOBER 2010

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$ WRXFK RI WKH t’s dusk on an Autumnal Saturday when the pair of us make our way to the Beijing restaurant, looking forward to an evening of winding down after a busy week, tasting some good food from the Orient and generally enjoying one another’s company.

WE’D HEARD THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE THAT THE BEIJING RESTAURANT IN GUILDFORD’S TOWN’S CENTRE IS FAR FROM YOUR USUAL CHINESE. SO, IN OUR USUAL INQUISITIVE FASHION WE SENT FOODIE WILL NICHOLSON AND PARTNER VIKKI ALONG TO FIND OUT

OCTOBER 2010

As we arrive, the rather grand, yet very beige, three-storey building gives little away as to what lies inside but as we enter we’re thoroughly impressed. The interior is lavishly decorated and has clearly been carefully thought out. The walls are adorned with stained glass and mood lighting picks out bright hues set within the darker tones of the restaurant. A particularly eye-catching feature is the sweeping futuristic bar area and there’s plenty of upmarket furniture dotted around. Add to this numerous fish tanks, ornaments and foliage and the scene is nicely set for what’s to come. We’re immediately seated next to a window and provided with prawn crackers while we peruse the drinks menu. Having already decided on a red, we break the out-dated adage that insists on white wine with Chinese cuisine and opt for a Chilean from the small, but ample, selection that includes wines from across the globe. And then we find ourselves in quite a predicament; the menu is vast, with a fantastic selection of dishes, that not only covers Chinese cuisine, but also delights from Malaysia (charcoal grilled chicken satay), Thailand (tom yum soup) and Japan (tempura prawns). On the starters’ page alone I spot at least six dishes that I would happily choose. My partner is also struggling, and we toy with the idea of the house hot hors d’oeuvres, but finally decide on something more substantial and share a dish of soft shell crab with salt and chilli, which is a choice for a minimum of two diners.

R E S TA U R A N T

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Having made our entrée selection, we’re left with the mammoth task of choosing mains. Here at Beijing, every base is covered and I’m most impressed with the variety on offer. The restaurant provides an assortment of dishes that you are very unlikely to see in your local takeaway. For example lobster in shell with a selection of four different dressings, Dover sole, scallops and even mussels. For the purposes of this review we feel it’d be a good idea to order the type of dishes we would usually have delivered to the door, so that we can compare quality and taste. With this in mind, we plump for sizzling fillets of beef in chilli and oyster sauce, pork fillet with spiced salt and chilli, egg fried rice and spicy Singapore rice noodles. Whether we’ll manage a dessert after this feast remains to be seen. Our wine arrives promptly along with some hot plates and not long after our starter of Crab with Salt and Chilli is delivered. The presentation is truly fantastic, including the clichéd (but great fun) flowers crafted out of carrots. They certainly use good quality fresh ingredients here and our crab is delicious. Moist meat in a delightful, almost crunchy, coating with an abundance of flavours working together. The texture is spot on and not at all greasy. We polish it off in no time. By now, the restaurant’s filling up rapidly although there are more than enough staff to ensure that everything operates smoothly. They run a tight ship and waitresses are on hand to care for our every whim. After a short wait, our mains are set before us. We had eventually decided to share and are provided with ample portions to split. Again, the quality is excellent, none of the gloop or oily residue that can so often be the let down of a Chinese meal in the UK. Our egg fried rice is fluffy and light, the spicy Singapore noodles cooked brilliantly with excellent flavour and the quality of ingredients shines through once more in the meat dishes - none of the water-heavy substances that have ruined many such evenings in the past. The pork dish is prepared in a similar way to crab starter, but is delicious all the same, and the beef has just the right level of spice not be overbearing. We certainly enjoy it, although decide to leave room for dessert. The restaurant is now at full capacity, with a mixture of families and couples, but still the staff deal with the hubbub with professional coolness and the operation never seems out of hand For the final course we once more break with tradition and Vikki opts for the Tiramisu, while I go for a lemon sorbet to cleanse the palate – it comes served theatrically in a mango. Even though we’re full, we’re able to dispatch both in no time at all. The Tiramisu, Vikki assures me, is delicious. To end what is a very enjoyable meal, we have espressos. In all, Beijing serves top quality Oriental cuisine in what is a very pleasant, modern and welcoming venue. It’s an excellent place for both a quiet meal or even a bit of a gathering. With a hugely diverse menu even the most discerning foodie would be hard pushed not to find something they really fancy... and will enjoy. 62

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At a Glance Beijing Restaurant 132 Worplesdon Road Guildford GU2 9RT Starters: from £4.50 Mains: from £7.10 Sides: from £4.20 beijingrestaurant.co.uk 01483 538 333

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GOURMET GUIDE

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*RXUPHW *XLGH Our handpicked selection of some of the best tables in town L’Aroma 16 High Street, Woking GU21 6BW 01483 770 742 Cuisine: Italian

Mandarin Restaurant 13 Epsom Road, Guildford GU1 3JT 01483 572 293 Cuisine: Chinese

The Rose Valley 50-52 Chertsey Street, Guildford GU1 4HD 01483 572 572 Cuisine: Indian

Son of Sombrero 52a Chertsey Street, Guildford GU1 4HD 01483 453 434 Cuisine: Mexican

Asiana Indian Restaurant 114 Hermitage Road, St Johns, Woking, GU21 8TT 01483 488 122 Cuisine: Indian Beijing Restaurant 132 Worplesdon Road, Guildford GU2 9RT 01883 583 333 Cuisines: Pan-Asian Giraffe 215-217 High Street, Guilford GU1 3BH 01483 300 277 Cuisine: Modern Eclectic Jamie’s Italian 13 Friary Street, Guildford GU1 4EH 01483 600 920 Cuisine: Italian Ha! Ha! Bar and Grill 16-17 North Street, Guildford GU1 4AF 01483 573 534 Cuisine: European Auberge 274 High Street, Guildford GU1 3JC 01483 506 202 Cuisine: French

The Thai Terrace Sydenham Road, Guilford GU1 3RQ 01483 503 350 Cuisine: Thai Drake’s Restaurant The Clock House, High Street, Ripley, GU23 6AQ 01483 224 777 Cuisine: European Modern European

The Albany Pub & Dining Room 80 Sydenham Road, Guildford GU1 3SA 01483 572 410 Cuisine: British Little Dudley House 77 South Street, Dorking Surrey RH4 2EU 01306 885 550 Cuisine: European Bel and the Dragon Bridge Street, Godalming GU7 3DU 01483 527 333 Cuisine: British Laluna 10 Wharf Street, Godalming, GU7 1NN 01483 414 155 Cuisine: Modern Italian

Loch Fyne Centenary Hall, Chapel Street, Guildford GU1 3OH 01423 230 550 Cuisine: Sea Food

Carlos Trattoria Newlands Corner, Guildford GU4 8SE 01483 224 180 Cuisine: Italian

Cambio Restaurant 2-4 Sooth Hill, Guildford GU1 3SY 01483 577 702 Cuisine: Italian

CÔTE Bistro 35 Castle St, Guildford GU1 3UQ 01483 579714 Cuisine: 01483 579 714 Cuisine: French

Great Fosters Hotel and Restaurant Stroude Road, Windsor TW20 9UR 01784 433 822 Cuisine: Modern English

The Inn at Maybury Maybury Hill Woking GU22 8AB 01483 722 115 Cuisine: Modern British

Happy Eating! To discuss your restaurant appearing in the gourmet guide, or if you would like to suggest one, please call 01892 616 103 OCTOBER 2010

OCTOBER 2010

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Independent Schools Guide 2011 THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU CAN GIVE A CHILD IN LIFE IS A MEANINGFUL EDUCATION. THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE, THOUGH, IS MATCHING YOUR SON OR DAUGHTER WITH THE RIGHT SCHOOL. IT HAS TO BE A PERFECT FIT WHICH IS WHY YOU’LL FIND THESE PAGES VITAL READING

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ll of us recognise that we continue to live in challenging times where we have to ensure that our money is spent wisely. And that applies to the education of our children, or grandchildren, just as much as anything else. That’s why we have been working closely with Head Teachers and their staff to produce our Independent Schools Guide 2011. Over the following pages you’ll find details of the top educational establishments across our region with information that will help you decide the best place for your child or children. Whether you’re looking for a co-educational day school, an all-girls’ boarding school or somewhere to start your three-year-old, it’s all here. We set out the type of school, the fees, exam results and those all important comments from the Schools Inspectorate. And we pose the question that you’d probably ask the Head Teacher: “Why should I send my child to your school?” The South-East has the biggest concentration of independents in the country attracting almost one in ten of all youngsters in education. So, here’s what happened when we invited a selection of the leading schools to tell us, in alphabetical order, what sets their establishment apart.

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BARFIELD SCHOOL Address: Runfold, Farnham, Surrey GU10 1PB Established: 1933 School type: Co–educational Preparatory School for children aged 2 to 13 Name of Head: Robin Davies Period in Post: 2 years Teacher/Pupil ratio: 1:4 for under-3s, up to an average class size of 16 in years 1-8. Day fees: From £1,510 for 2-year-olds to £3,890 for 13-year-olds. Notable facilities: Art & technology centre, ICT rooms, library, science lab, heated indoor pool, floodlit hard play area, 3 Peaks outdoor pursuits centre. Notable exam results: 100% success rate in entry to senior schools, including scholarships to Charterhouse, Lord Wandsworth and Seaford College. Comment from Independent Schools Inspectorate: ‘… Pupils gain high standards in their learning, attitudes and skills.’

OCTOBER 2010

‘A wide ranging curriculum, both inside and outside the classroom…’ ‘The pupils’ excellent behaviour reflects the happy and warm atmosphere in the school, where the relationships between themselves and with the staff are a particular feature of the school.’ Why would a parent choose your school for their child? Barfield gives its pupils an excellent academic grounding in a friendly and positively challenging atmosphere. The rigorous academic programme is complemented by a carefully planned programme of Forest Schools, ‘ACE’ and subject theme days. All children benefit from a close pastoral support from their form teacher, and enjoy specialist tuition in music, sports and academic subjects as they move up the school. Pupils progress to senior education via school-specific entrance exams or Common Entrance. During the past 15 years our pupils have won scholarships to 17 different schools in academic, performing arts and sport. Website: barfieldschool.com Email: admin@barfieldschool.com Phone: 01252 782 271

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BLOO HOUSE Address: The Lodge, Moore Place, Portsmouth Road, Esher, Surrey KT10 9LN Established: 1933 School type: Co-educational Day for 5-11 year olds Name of Head: Melissa Carter Teacher/Pupil ratio: 1:8 Day fees: £3,500 Notable exam results: The school has a 100% success rate for pupils being offered places and scholarships when leaving Bloo House. Comment from Independent Schools Inspectorate: The Bloo House approach to education is based on a unique multipleintelligence curriculum, encapsulating; emotional, social, intellectual, creative and physical growth. This school has outstanding academic achievements and provides excellent emotional and social nurturing. Innovative and groundbreaking.

Why would a parent choose your school for their child? As a Forest School, Bloo House provides children with the experience to explore the natural world and offers small class sizes, a unique philosophy and an original curriculum. Their strength lies in enabling children to reach their academic potential and to flourish as confident individuals through positive learning centered on the well-being of each pupil. They offer a setting that is warm, vibrant, full of energy and most importantly, welcoming. The results of such an endearing atmosphere are that children are happy, healthy and tend to exceed age appropriate targets compared to their peers. Website: bloohouse.co.uk Email: enquiries@bloohouse.co.uk Phone: 01372 477 113

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GLENESK SCHOOL Address: Ockham Road North, East Horsley, Surrey KT24 6NS Established: 1925 School type: Pre-Preparatory Name of Head: Mrs Sue Christie-Hall Period in Post: 6 years Teacher/Pupil ratio: Class average of 14 Day fees: ÂŁ508-ÂŁ3,095

Ofsted Nursery Inspection 2010: Outstanding – All aspects of the provision are outstanding. Excellent teamwork, staff interaction in children’s play and partnership with parents are key strengths.

Notable exam results: Children are routinely offered places at their ďŹ rst choice of future school.

Why would a parent choose your school for their child? “As parents of young children we were very keen to ďŹ nd a school which would offer them a happy environment, whilst allowing them to grow, develop and reach their potential. The highly professional staff, the attention to detail and the consistently high standards made Glenesk our ďŹ rst choice and we have not been disappointed. The atmosphere is always bright, vibrant and cheerful – a wonderful school to start the children on their education highway.â€? A Glenesk Parent.

Comment from Independent Schools Inspectorate: Ofsted Early Years Provision Inspection 2008: Outstanding – placed on the Outstanding Providers’ List 2007/08

Website: gleneskschool.co.uk Email: admin@gleneskschool.co.uk Phone: 01483 282 329

Notable facilities: Light, airy classrooms, playground, playing ďŹ eld and indoor swimming pool. Separate nursery for 2-3 year olds. CCTV/Entry Locking system on site.

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THE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Address: Old Woking Road, Woking, Surrey, GU22 8HY Established: August, 2009

Period in Post: Since 2009

Comment from Independent Schools Inspectorate: IPC accreditation is based on nine criteria. The school was successful in implementing all nine and was considered exemplary in its shared outcomes about the kinds of children it is helping to develop and the ‘implementation of IPC themes through integrated yet separate subjects’, thus ‘modeling very best practice’.

Teacher/Pupil ratio: 1:8

International Primary School Accreditors of IPC - Fieldwork

Day fees: 2 yrs (ÂŁ27.50 per half day), 3-4yrs ÂŁ3,000, 5-6yrs ÂŁ4,600, 7-10yrs ÂŁ5,066

Why would a parent choose your school for their child? International School of London caters for children from all nationalities and backgrounds. Our international curriculum, exclusive and enhanced mother tongue programme, and inclusive child centered approach enable our children to be happy, conďŹ dent citizens of the world. Children in our community have the opportunity to become internationally minded, critical thinkers, understand other cultures and take pride in their own. Native English speakers are taught an additional language and our EAL learners receive support in learning English.

School type: Independent International School Name of Head: Mr. Marco Damhuis

Notable facilities: Purpose built, spacious with indoor gymnasium and extensive field. Interactive whiteboards in all classrooms. Only 25 minutes by train to central London. Notable exam results: In May 2010, the school became the first International Primary Curriculum (IPC) accredited school in the UK. This was awarded after an inspection on quality assurance, by the producers of the IPC.

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Website: islsurrey.com Email: info@islsurrey.com Phone: 01483 750 409

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KING EDWARD SCHOOL Address: Petworth Road, Witley, Godalming, Surrey, GU8 5SG Established: 1553 School type: Independent Co-educational, Boarding & Day, Ages 11-18, IB in 6th Form Name of Head: John Attwater Period in post: 9 months Teacher/Pupil ratio: 1:8 Day fees: Lower School (Forms 1 & 2): ÂŁ4,575, Forms 3 to 5: ÂŁ5,720, Pre IB & 6th: ÂŁ5,770 Boarding fees: Lower School (Forms 1 & 2): ÂŁ6,375, Forms 3 to 5: ÂŁ7,965, Pre IB & 6th: ÂŁ8,140 Notable facilities: Sports centre with swimming pool, astro turf hockey pitches, music school, exhibition and dance hall, 24/7 medical centre, state of the art design studios, refurbished dining hall, theatre & concert hall, Chapel. Notable exam results: Our 6th Form IB results have been outstanding, with an average

points score of 34 over the last ďŹ ve years. This is the equivalent of 4 A Level Grade As per pupil! Comment from Independent Schools Inspectorate: King Edward’s is a successful school that has many strengths. Pupils are exceptionally happy; they work hard and are very enthusiastic in all their activities. Pupils receive highly effective pastoral and academic support, guidance and welfare. They behave very well, respect each other and relate easily with all the staff. The school is very well led and managed. Why would a parent choose your school for their child? Because King Edward’s is a highly successful school, where excellent facilities and dedicated teaching promotes high achievement in every sphere of life. Since its foundation in 1553, King Edward’s has invariably been ahead of its time without losing sight of its traditional strengths. The entire campus has been designed with co-education in mind. We have unique paired houses for boys and girls - ideal for brothers and sisters. Fully exible arrangements for day pupils, after school they can stay ‘til 8 or go straight home. We offer outstanding value for money - fees include school uniform, books and equipment and we offer outstanding pastoral care. Website: kesw.org Email: info@kesw.org Phone: 01428 686 700

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GUILDFORD

ROYAL GRAMMAR SCHOOL Address: High Street, Guildford, Surrey GU1 3BB Established: 1509 School type: Independent Day School for boys aged 11-18 Name of Head: Dr Jon Cox Period in Post: 3.5 years Teacher/Pupil ratio: 1:10 Day fees: First and Second Form (including lunches) £4,435 per term, Third to Sixth Form £4,341 per term, lunches £208 per term. Notable facilities: 19.5 acre sports ground, excellent music, drama and art with state of the art computer facilities, including interactive whiteboards in all classrooms. Notable exam results: 2010 saw 74.9% of all grades at A Level achieve grades A*/A; at AS Level 80% of all results achieved an A grade; and 94.4% of all GCSE results were at A*/A

OCTOBER 2010

Comment from Independent Schools Inspectorate: “There is a sense of purpose but a lack of tension.” “The educational experience is outstanding.” “Pupils demonstrate thinking skills of the highest order.” “Music and drama are first class.” “Pupils regularly achieve local, county and national honours.” “The outstanding provision for activities enables pupils to excel across an extraordinarily broad range.” Why would a parent choose your school for their child? Located in the centre of the historic town of Guildford, the School has a national reputation for academic excellence; the RGS was the leading boys’ school in the country at A Level in 2009. The School prides itself on its traditional values of decency and respect, supported by very strong pastoral care. RGS boys have the opportunity to experience the widest range of enriching activities providing them with a broad and balanced education. They enjoy learning at the RGS in an environment that allows them fully to realise their natural potential. A number of means-tested bursaries, up to 100% fee remission, are available. Website: rgs-guildford.co.uk Email: admissions@rgs-guildford.co.uk Phone: 01483 880 600

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ST HILARYS SCHOOL Address: Holloway Hill, Godalming, Surrey, GU7 1RZ Established: 1927 School type: IAPS Preparatory Day School Name of Head: Mrs Susan Bailes Teacher/Pupil ratio: 1:10 Day fees: From £2,650 per term. Nursery – Jays and Robins £23 per morning or afternoon session. Nursery – Wrens £24 per morning or afternoon session. Notable facilities: Art & D&T studio, ICT suite, library, music rooms, all-weather pitches, science lab, large self-contained nursery with extensive covered outdoor area and garden. Notable exam results: Boys in Year 2 and girls in Year 6 successfully move on to prestigious schools, Year 6 pupils obtained an impressive eleven scholarships to their first choice schools for September 2010. Comment from Independent Schools Inspectorate: “Pupils are well educated at St Hilary’s. The school fulfils its aims to

provide a firm foundation of knowledge and understanding in all subjects, whilst providing opportunities for creativity, self-expression and social development.” “The curriculum for children in the Nursery is excellent; the imaginative use of indoor space and adjacent play areas contributes much to every aspect of children’s learning”. Why would a parent choose your school for their child? Dedicated well-qualified teachers with support staff, small classes and excellent facilities are only a small part of our day school which aims to be non-selective and provide a stimulating, safe environment in which boys up to 7+ and girls up to 11+ can develop, be happy and flourish. We believe in promoting high expectations and aim to give each child a firm foundation of knowledge and understanding in all subjects by providing a broad curriculum, specialist teaching in the Upper School and a varied extra-curricular programme. Pupils are encouraged to gain in self-confidence by providing opportunities for creativity, selfexpression and social development. The school offers a fully funded bursary, academic, music, art & drama scholarships. Website: sthilarysschool.com Email: registrar@sthilarysschool.com Phone: 01483 416 551

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ST NICHOLAS SCHOOL Address: Redfield Lane, Church Crookham, Fleet, Hampshire GU52 0RF Established: 1935-2010 (75th Anniversary year) School type: Day Boys School age 3-7, Girls age 3-16 Name of Head: Mrs Annette Whatmough Period in Post: 15 years Teacher/Pupil ratio: 1:9 Day fees: Fees from £1,326 to £3,602 Notable facilities: Superb sports hall; modern art and textile centre; large performing art centre with auditorium capable of sitting 335. All supported by state of the art technology. Notable exam results: Our GCSE candidates this year 97.4% of the girls achieved passes at A* to C in seven or more subjects. 68% of subjects were passed at A-A*. Comment from Independent Schools Inspectorate: ‘Throughout the school, pupils are well prepared both academically

OCTOBER 2010

and socially for the next stage of their education. In all three departments, pupils are well educated and achieve good and frequently high standards in their academic work and extra-curricular activities. Such achievement is due to good quality teaching and effective systems to support pupils’ learning.’ Why would a parent choose your school for their child? We are proud to play our part in the development of our pupils from the earliest age through to sixteen. We encourage our pupils to achieve the highest possible standards in academic, aesthetic and sporting challenges they face but at the same time to enjoy these tasks and to have fun. All of our pupils have the opportunities to fulfill their abilities and many go on to be successful in their chosen fields. We believe our school plays a vital role in helping children find and build on their strengths and realize their goals whatever their ability. We aim to instill a sense of pride in everything they do in and out of the classroom. Website: st-nicholas.hants.sch.uk Email: registrar@st-nicholas.hants.sch.uk Phone: 01252 850 121

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Woldingham School Address: Marden Park, Woldingham, Surrey CR3 7YA Established: 1842 School type: Catholic Independent Boarding and Day for Girls Name of Head: Jayne Triffitt Period in Post: Since September 2007 Teacher/Pupil ratio: 1:8 Day fees per term: £5,539 Boarding fees per term: £8,935 Notable facilities: 600-seat auditorium with orchestra pit and full performing arts facilities, all-weather sports pitch, sports hall, swimming pool, tennis dome and sixth-form en suite accommodation. Notable exam results: A-level 100% pass rate in 2010 with 60% achieving A*/A grades and 19 out of 21 achieving A*/A in Mathematics. At GCSE 70% of all grades achieved were A*/A, with 98.2% achieving A*/C.

Comment from Independent Schools Inspectorate: “Woldingham School aims to be a caring and supportive Christian community in which girls are happy, confident and inspired to meet challenges and achieve excellence in whatever they choose to do. The intention is to encourage girls to become independent, enquiring young women, who forge lasting relationships, achieve academic success and become positive influences in the world.” Why would a parent choose your school for their child? The heart of the school, housed in its magnificent country mansion at the top of a secluded valley, nestles comfortably alongside stateof-the-art facilities to provide a safe and inspiring environment. With small class sizes and a strong pastoral system anchored by deep Christian values, we are amongst the top 1% of independent schools for value added performance in public examinations; we strive to give each girl the confidence and the personal attention to succeed, whatever her talents. Alumnae include Caroline Wyatt (TV reporter) and Carey Mulligan (actress). Website: woldinghamschool.co.uk Email: registrar@woldingham.surrey.sch.uk Phone: 01883 654 206

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7RUPHDG Your daughter deserves the best possible education: one that helps her to fulďŹ l her academic potential, whilst nurturing her as an individual and preparing her for adult life. At Tormead School we foster a love for learning, respect for self and others, and the conďŹ dence and skills to be independent thinkers. Do join us at one of our Open Days and discover the supportive, caring environment for which we are renowned.

Open days Junior School

Senior School

Friday 1st October 2010, 9.30 - 11.00am

Wednesday 13th October 2010, 2.00 - 4.00pm

Friday 5th November 2010, 9.30 - 11.00am

Friday 18th March 2011, 2.00 - 4.00pm

Tuesday 8th March 2011, 9.30 - 11.00am

Wednesday 4th May 2011, 2.00 - 4.00pm

Tuesday 10th May 2011, 9.30 - 11.00am

Sixth Form

Friday 17th June 2011, 9.30 - 11.00am

Wednesday 6th October 2010 7.00 - 9.00pm

To register your interest please call the Registrar on: Tel: 01483 575101 or Email: Registrar@tormeadschool.org.uk As well as means-tested Bursaries, we offer Academic, Art and Music Scholarships at 11+ and 16+ An outstanding independent day school for girls 4 -18 years Tormead School, Cranley Road, Guildford, Surrey GU1 2JD T: 01483 575101 www.tormeadschool.org.uk E: registrar@tormeadschool.org.uk Tormead School is a Registered Charity Number 312057

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FROM THE TURMOIL OF THE PAST FEW YEARS IN THE FINANCIAL MARKETS, NICHOLAS EDWARDS – THE FOUNDER AND CEO OF AN INNOVATIVE NEW HEDGE FUND MANAGER CALLED ALTERNATIVE ASSET MANAGEMENT – HAS APPARENTLY FOUND A NEW PATH TO PROFITS. IT’S BEEN A ROLLER COASTER RIDE FOR HIM BUT SUCCESS HAS SEEN EXPANSION AND A MOVE TO NEW OFFICES WORDS RICHARD MOORE

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and always thought I would end up becoming a farmer. As a fourth child, unlikely to inherit any meaningful wealth, I began to explore what business would provide me with the earnings capacity to afford to buy my own farm. That’s how my fascination with the world of finance began.

Few words stir the emotions in the financial markets more than the name of Barings Bank, London’s oldest merchant bank which collapsed in 1995 after trader Nick Leeson lost £827 million speculating on futures contracts. One man who saw it all unfold from the inside was Nicholas Edwards. He has seen many a collapse in confidence and markets and has learned from over three decades of experience.

“From the age of 14 I read the Financial Times and had a strong desire to join the financial markets. My real interest lay with the mechanics of how money was made; how profits were generated and distributed from the profit centre and down through various channels and on to a bottom line from which the Government extracted their share in taxes in order to run the economy.”

We meet for coffee in his new, but modest offices along a cobbled lane. It all seems a far cry from those dramatic days when scandal swept the corridors of Barings Bank where he was a director. The farmer and father of four was one of many who lost fortunes in the ensuing days.

Your first job in finance was when and where? “I wasn’t the most hard working of academic students! Having started out as a chorister, I soon found greater interest in the world of sport and ‘other’ activities which led to an early departure from school.

But let’s go back to the beginning... when did you first realise you were attracted to the world of finance? “I was fortunate to have a reasonably privileged background

“There was little prospect of a 15 year old entering the financial sector so I started in the retail furniture business. My break came at 18 when I was approached by the Bank of OCTOBER 2010

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irtually everyone has been touched by the collapse of the global financial markets since early 2008 but Nicholas Edwards has been there before. As a director of Barings he knows all about disaster and recovery and in this our new SO MONEY section we find out about his journey.

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Scotland and offered the chance to join the commercial ďŹ nance division. “The experience of working in a cut and thrust commercial ďŹ nancial environment enthralled me and I yearned for more. “The next big break came in the early 1980’s when a next door neighbour in Fulham helped me to join one of the best known names in UK stock broking, James Capel & Co. He knew the CEO.â€? What was it like in the business in those early days? “Incredibly fast moving, energetic and vibrant. I worked as a junior member of a ‘desk’ of four brokers. Demand for product and services was strong and there was little time to stand still. I found myself thrust into dealing with clients within a matter of months of joining the industry. I didn’t mind the long hours and hectic working environment. It became a way of life.â€?

“I worked with a tremendous bunch of people and together we enjoyed an enviable position within our market. It’s sad these things cannot last forever but business and life moves on; in our case the whole of the business was moved along courtesy of Mr Leeson.â€? When did you ďŹ rst realise the bank was in trouble? “You will not ďŹ nd too many ex-Barings people enthusiastic to talk about the past. We all lost a signiďŹ cant proportion of our wealth, and many their pensions. “I will just tease you with the notion that it was fairly obvious to one or two of the banks counterparties that things were not as they should be! Some of us were aware of the issues but perhaps at the time couldn’t believe what was going on. “Sadly we were all let down by a series of unfortunate events. Realising that the bank was in trouble was devastating but factual. We all very quickly learnt to live with the drama of the situation.â€? How did you feel? “When we found out things were really bad and the Bank of England were involved we became more united than ever and made strenuous efforts to try to keep the integrity of the individual business units intact. “In the main, senior management were impressive and coped well under difďŹ cult and stressful circumstances. There are perhaps one or two, who shall remain nameless, who were simply unprepared to admit to any responsibility in the build up to the end. “I have moved on with my life and business and so have most of my old colleagues and friends. The world is not a better place without Barings, just different.â€?

So, were did you go from there? “Post Barings and ING Barings I spent two years with Society Generale (Socgen) in London, as head of the Country Funds business. Most of my close colleagues and friends from Barings were with me. “Socgen, though, had their own agenda and growing an emerging markets operation became less important to them, as did growing their Country Funds business. “After two years with the French bank the decision was taken to scale back their operations and our business was cut. “Fortunately I had built a strong contacts base and had many powerful friends who were keen to back me in a new investment banking venture. “I created a newly authorised and regulated investment banking business with one of the largest privately owned banks in Austria and was joined by a number of my old team from Barings/Socgen. “We opened our doors with 11 professionals and a bright future within a well capitalised new boutique broking ďŹ rm. Within months it was obvious our majority partners were not able to share our thoughts on ‘best practice’ and I took the difďŹ cult decision to close the business and pull out. It took some years to come to the boil but the majority Austrian partner has since collapsed and the CEO is facing legal challenges of his own. “It was an important lesson and encouraged me to start the building process for my next venture. I had ambitions to set up my own specialist hedge fund focusing on trading the world’s largest ďŹ nancial markets using options and futures. However, some hands-on experience at the helm of a professional hedge fund manager was going to be pre-requisite. “And so in 2002 I joined Charlemagne Capital and spent two years helping co-directors build the business into a successful OCTOBER 2010

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Eventually you ended up at Barings Bank. “I wrote to the head of a business division at Barings that I identiďŹ ed as of real interest to me. It took me some time to persuade him that we should have lunch but when my opportunity came to show how much I knew about the business I was fortunate there was indeed an opening for a new team member.

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specialist manager, before departing to start my own hedge fund business, Alternative Asset Management Limited (A2ML).

period of ‘live’ trading of physical assets in order to build a track record that was tangible and one that investors would take seriously.

“A2ML was set up in late 2004 to manage an emerging markets fund and then to build a suite of specialist funds. My ambition was to grow a successful business managing high performance trading funds.

“This testing went on throughout ‘08 and into ‘09 and has proven to be the most signiďŹ cant factor in taking us to where we are today.â€?

“So successful was this approach that I had little time to build the business further until 2007, when I designed and structured the Alternative Vision Fund Limited (AVF) to achieve absolute returns for investors prepared to accept high risk in return for high rewards.â€? And then, of course, along came the ďŹ nancial crisis. “No sooner had we launched AVF in January ‘08 than the ďŹ rst shock wave of the global ďŹ nancial meltdown hit the markets. One crisis led to another and the markets were as ever, unforgiving! “AVF was not spared with our automated trading systems software failing to produce the historic returns we had enjoyed. By July 2008 we had to take the decision to stop using the automated trading systems and re-focus our attentions on the ever more reliable and more readily controllable manual discretionary trading methods “I recognised there was a need for a radical shake up and substantial enhancement to the ‘markets’ approach to risk, and so I set about designing and structuring a suite of new funds based on existing tried and tested trading strategies using skilled traders with long term track records of achievement but with a dynamic new approach. “After much research and testing I reached agreement with a small number of independent trading teams that they should try my new approach. “I made it clear that my ideas would require the different teams of traders and managers to build a minimum

‘ONE CRISIS LED TO ANOTHER AND THE MARKETS WERE AS EVER, UNFORGIVING!’

“There will be further turmoil in the markets and I expect difďŹ cult times within the next 12 to 15 months as the UK economy begins to feel the bite of the ďŹ scal tightening. However, most market professionals will have put themselves in a better position to weather any future storm by taking risk off the table. “My attitude to risk is that it must be recognised and clearly understood. If one can quantify risk it is considerably easier to deal with the consequences of taking risk through investment. “I would argue that every form of investment carries risk and the trick is to carefully analyse that risk, understand and assess how the risk will affect you if things go wrong and make sure that you never expose yourself to potential losses of more than you can afford.â€? How has the crisis changed people’s approach to investments? “People are far more focused on risk. Three years ago a prospective investor would sit down and for 80% of the time analyse strategy, investment objectives, and potential returns with perhaps a 20% focus on risk. “Today investors sit down and analyse risk for 80% of a meeting and spend perhaps only 20% exploring the potential returns opportunity. The world has changed, if not forever, certainly for the short term three to ďŹ ve years.â€? Are there still real opportunities out there? “Yes, tremendous opportunities exist, indeed our focus is on capturing the

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“I focused on building relationships with only the ‘best of breed’ within the trading industry by running my own proprietary portfolio and using the Company as a prop-trading business.

You managed to weather the storm then? “It is important to be realistic in these matters. Few entrepreneurs have managed to avoid losses and I’m no different. The key is to learn from the experience .

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opportunity to trade the markets for proďŹ t by exploiting volatility. Underlying market volatility has risen sharply post early 2008 and we look to exploit this opportunity for proďŹ t. “We have several traders who trade the markets both long and short – i.e. they buy with a view to selling at a higher price and sell (‘short’) with a view to buying back at a lower price. “It follows that increased volatility in prices creates greater opportunity to trade the markets no matter the market direction. We have the ability to make proďŹ t when markets go down as well as up. “We have put our own capital to work in various trading strategies to achieve a physical track record of results. Indeed in February 2009 we began trading a new strategy using dynamic new risk controls which have produced a remarkable increase in trading returns whilst demonstrating lower risk characteristics. “We have grasped the opportunity to deliver incredible actual returns with very small monthly losses. For example our agship ‘Vision’ strategy investing in ďŹ nancial futures on the German market (DAX) has experienced a maximum monthly loss of -4.02% for a total return of +257% net of all fees and charges since February 2009, and our most recently launched ‘Trader’ strategy investing in futures on the US market (S&P) has had no monthly losses with a net return of +60% since launch in April of this year.

(Edwards is clear to emphasise that these are High Risk / High Returns investment vehicles and only suitable for experienced qualifying investors.) Do people have to now take greater risks for reasonable returns? “It’s very difďŹ cult for investors to ďŹ nd proďŹ t without taking risk. It is all about the level of risk they wish to take for the expected returns they seek. The relationship is linear; the greater the expected return the greater the risk taken. “This is the science of trading. It’s not a lottery or like betting, it is in fact a highly skilled profession.

OCTOBER 2010

“Naturally we expect to substantially reduce if not, where possible, eliminate losses. Our trading results show how this is possible but overall the concept of risk must be clearly understood.â€? What’s your read on both the short term and long term market trends? “The markets will remain fairly subdued over the next 12 months while we all try to second guess where the next economic and or ďŹ nancial calamity might come from. There are plenty of candidates including Hungary, Spain, Ireland and even some of the major economic powerhouses including the UK and USA. “No one really knows how events will unfold but with sensible policy decisions it should be possible to avoid another meltdown. There are no guarantees and people would do well to understand the risks involved! “On the positive side there are countries like Turkey which should enjoy fabulous economic growth and prosperity as we enter 2011. The same can be said of emerging markets like India, China, Brazil and Russia. “So‌ both short and long term market trends will be both up and down. The trick is to be on the right side of the markets when they move – this is what we focus on!â€? 62 Nicholas Edwards is CEO of the Alternative Asset Management group of companies based in Tunbridge Wells, Kent. The group provide training and trading services as well as specialist hedge fund management through Alternative Asset Management Limited (‘A2ML’). The Company manages PIF products (Professional Investor Funds) and provides services to eligible investors only. It does not provide services to ‘retail’ investors. The Company does not hold client money. A2ML is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority in the United Kingdom. Qualifying investors can access more information by visiting altasset.com

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H Q 2 RI D NLQG MOTORS

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WORDS MATT JOY

TWENTY YEARS IS A LONG TIME WHATEVER LINE OF BUSINESS YOU’RE IN, BUT WITH THE CAR INDUSTRY IT’S NOTHING SHORT OF A LIFETIME. IN 1990 LEXUS LAUNCHED THE LS400, ITS VERY FIRST CAR IN THE UK AND AIMED SQUARELY AT THE LUXURY HEAVYWEIGHTS FROM BMW AND MERCEDES

Producing a bona ďŹ de supercar is not the work of a moment, and to get an end product that truly hits the mark requires a large commitment. But when your brand slogan is ‘the relentless pursuit of perfection’, that’s not a problem. Sure, you can buy a supercar from most of its key rivals for something between ÂŁ100,000 and ÂŁ150,000. Lexus, though, has neatly sidestepped this particular market and gone straight for the big boys; Ferrari, Lamborghini, even

Koenigsegg. The LFA is a no-compromise hypercar monster. You will already have spotted the mind-boggling exterior, which despite its eye-catching presence and grace is purely sculpted in engineering terms. The twin goals of aerodynamic stability and feeding sufďŹ cient air to the engine and brakes were paramount, although the way in which those mechanicals are clothed will turn heads everywhere. The search for perfection also led the hand-picked bunch of Lexus engineers to develop their own manufacturing processes for carbon ďŹ bre, the ultra-strong and ultralightweight material of choice. Don’t forget that parent company Toyota has a history in textiles, which resulted in the design and construction of a truly spectacular machine simply to weave the carbon ďŹ bres. This is the kind of attention to detail you can expect. W

t the time few thought the new Japanese brand stood a chance against the established players – how wrong they were. The mark of how far Lexus has come in such a short space of time is completely encapsulated by this, the LFA.

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Climb in through the relatively-conventional doors, and dropping into the seriously supportive bucket seats puts you in front of a stylish and yet comfortingly familiar dashboard. This may be the fastest car Lexus has ever made, but it’s still a Lexus: you don’t have to break a limb to get in, you can see out properly, the climate control does as it is told and if you want to potter around, the LFA will play ball. You will never be in any doubt that this is a top-drawer supercar though, with the ďŹ rmness of the suspension and the general sharpness of the controls. It’s hard to imagine a car this fast ever being so civilised. But to drive the LFA like this too often, is to miss its raison d’être entirely. Some of the ďŹ nest minds in automotive engineering devoted 10 years of their lives to making this one of the world’s greatest supercars, so it is only right that its limits are fully explored. As luck would have it, our test drive included numerous laps of the Goodwood race circuit, known for being not only very fast but also very challenging. Rolling along the pit lane in ďŹ rst gear below the speed limit, and the LFA is as docile as a supermini. But when the green light shines and you stamp on the throttle, it shows its true colours. At low revs there is a distant hum from the V10, gathering in complexity and volume as the revs rise. Pass 5,000rpm and it sounds like it has reached a crescendo, but this absolute gem of an engine has barely passed halfway. 9,000rpm is an absurdly high rev limit for a 4.8-litre engine, and as it hits the red line the noise that surrounds you is a truly epic mechanical wail. Many cars are described as sounding like an F1 racer, but the LFA is the only one that could slip onto the grid at Monaco and not sound out of place. There’s very little time to absorb the sound however, as the acceleration is devastating. 62mph passes in a lightning 3.7 seconds, with the 100mph barrier smashed inside eight seconds. The automated transmission requires a simple ick of the paddle to engage the next gear, and there’s no let up – the top speed of 203mph always feels within reach. But what impresses even more is the way that the LFA allows you to explore the limits of its grip and balance. The electronic safety system can be left on safe in the knowledge they intervene only when necessary, and instead the driver can push harder than its price tag would deem sensible. It never intimidates, yet it communicates precisely what is happening underneath; it strikes a remarkable balance between user-friendliness and providing big thrills. And the price? There will only be 500 units of the LFA worldwide, with just 20 hand-built each month. UK sales won’t begin until 2011, and to be in the queue you will need to stump up ÂŁ336,000. This is unquestionably a lot of money, but then this is an engineering masterpiece that will be treasured and enjoyed by the lucky few. If you can afford it, the LFA really is one of a kind. 62

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Facts at a glance: Model: Lexus LFA, ÂŁ336,000. Engine: 4.8-litre petrol producing 552bhp and 354lb.ft of torque. Transmission: Six-speed automated manual transmission driving the rear wheels. Performance: Top speed 203mph, 0-62mph in 3.7 seconds. Economy: 20mpg combined (est). Emissions: 400g/km C02 (est).

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OUR ROUND UP OF SOME OF THE BEST NEW STAGE AND THEATRE SHOWS TAKING PLACE IN SURREY AND THE CAPITAL THIS MONTH

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Motion Like Dance What? Every day our motions and movements create art. But do we see the dance that surrounds us? Enter the world of Motion Like Dance and take a fresh look at modern and contemporary dance, but the question is, do you want to see it? Where? Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford When? Saturday 16 October Web? yvonne-arnaud.co.uk

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andyknowe certainly ticks all the right boxes. A long and bluebelllined driveway weaves through the entrance gardens and up to the front door. Tudor beams are What? A Tim Firth adaption of the hugely popular mixed with bargate stone on the Whathe film of the same name, Calendar Girls spins the t? A combinatio exterior walls, giving property n of National Yo tale of an extraordinary group of women, all uth Theatre an element of esteem. And dotted and National Th members of a very ordinary Yorkshire WI. To eatriseathesp around the six-acres of ground ians bring you th raise money for a charity, they decide to pose for e story of th swimming pool with house, e teenpool a calendar with a difference! A nude one. age Hamlet, set ten a tennis court and a barn-style four bay yeargarage. Where? New Victoria Theatre, Woking s before the drama of Shakespeare When? Tuesday 11 to Saturday October 16 ’s Hamlet. If this Built in 1908, the property features p twin rodufront-facing Web? ambassadortickets.com ction can be half as succesfaçade, gable extensions, creating an impressive sful as the b ard’s most perfoonto while the grounds of Sandyknowe back rmedthe woland rk, then we’ ll havethe witborders of Losely Park. Mature woodland lines of nessed so mething sp ec ia l. the property and extensive gardens stretch into the Where? Nat distance – this is truly a classic Surrey countryio pad naland Theatre, London one which defines the word picturesque. When? Thu rsday 14 to Tuesday Oct obenough er 26 Entering the house you’re treatedWto than ebmore ? nationalth eatre.org.uk space as well. Once through the impressive front door, you immediately find yourself in the reception hall, one of the largest areas in the house. It’s a particularly grandiose spectacle and one in which you could easily imagine greeting guests for a summer party, What? When three couples in the heart of Northern England or respectable evening’s entertainment. re-unite to celebrate their marriages that occurred on the same day, by the same vicar, in the same church things go more than a little awry. Doors from the hall lead into the west wing, where a Where? Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford large drawing room overlooks a set of stone steps When? Wednesday 6 to Saturday October 16 that drop down into the garden. Off the back of the Web? yvonne-arnaud.co.uk

Prince of De nmark

When We Are Married

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Calendar Girls

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The Burple Brothers What? Join in and listen to brothers Simon and Lewis Burple sing their funny songs about marmite, smelly feet and the truth about your dad’s snoring. You’ll never have seen anything like it… Come to the party and join in the fun! Where? Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford When? Saturday 30 October Web? yvonne-arnaud.co.uk

Thick as Thieves

Design for Living What? A Noel Coward play that was initially banned from the UK returns to the London stage for the first time in 15 years. From ‘30s boho Paris to swinging Manhattan, a passionate love triangle begins between a vivacious interior designer, Gilda, playwright Leo and artist Ott. Where? The Old Vic, London When? Now until Saturday November 27 Web? oldvictheatre.com

What? Crooked friends Steph and Barry have never been model citizens, but they’re finding it increasingly difficult to stay on the right side of the law. During a night time burglary, they find two dead bodies; one is an old man, the other a budgie. Where? Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford When? Thursday 14 October Web? yvonne-arnaud.co.uk

Paul Scally What? The Surrey-born comedian has finally returned to the UK following a five year hiatus touring in the USA. Now a true rising star on the stand-up circuit, Paul Scally is coming to the area with his new show, Public Research, specifically crafted for the UK public. Where? New Victoria Theatre, Woking When? Sunday 3 October Web? ambassadortickets.com

Northern Ballet Theatre – Swan Lake What? David Nixon’s take on this iconic tale of love and obsession is performed to Tchaikovsky’s passionate and popular score, played live by the Northern Ballet Sinfonia. Northern Ballet’s productions mix classical dance and theatre, embracing popular culture and taking inspiration from literature and opera, giving a unique interpretation of classical ballets. Where? New Victoria Theatre, Woking When? Tuesday 5 to Saturday October 9 Web? ambassadortickets.com

OCTOBER 2 0 1 0

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MUSIC

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FROM SWAMPY BLUES TO SIXTIES-INSPIRED POP, WE REVIEW THE NEWEST SOUNDS EMANATING FROM THE WORLD OF MUSIC Grinderman - Grinderman 2 Nick Cave and three of his Bad Seeds - Warren Ellis, Martyn Casey and Jim Sclavunos – return for a second Grinderman record and once again they sound like they are having the time of their lives. Grinderman 2 doesn’t deviate from the formula that made the band’s first record such a joy, in fact it takes the blueprint – the combination of swampy blues, clattering rock and minimalist creepers – and manages to improve upon it. The sound is lither, richer and more focused, meaning songs such as Worm Tamer and Heathen Child will quickly get inside your head and work their sinister ways.

The Pipettes - Earth vs The Pipettes The Pipettes first came to public notice in 2006 with Top 30 hit Pull Shapes and debut album We Are The Pipettes, with their sound and look harking back to girl groups of the 1960s. After a few line-up changes, Gwenno and Ani Saunders deliver a second album and although a spirit of the 1960s remains, the girls have discovered disco and have activated the glitterball, particularly on I Need A Little Time and I Vibe U. This collection is up-tempo party music, but it feels a little schizophrenic as they move through decades of girlpop and back again. It’s good pop, but whether they’ll make a mark on the charts again anytime soon is another matter.

Royksopp - Senior The fourth offering from Norwegian electronic duo Royksopp offers a departure from the upbeat chillout tracks they have come to be known for. Made at the same time as previous album Junior, Senior was designed to demonstrate they can do edgier music too and is their darkest album to date. Full of intense, throbbing beats, the entirely instrumental album is full of moody tracks, some of which have a tendency to blend into one. The pair are at their best with euphoric numbers Tricky Two and The Drug, while tunes such as The Alcoholic, complete with singing birds, remind listeners of their more usual chirpy sound.

Paul Heaton - Acid Country It’s hard to listen to a Paul Heaton record without being distracted by the glaring similarities to the sound of Beautiful South, but the group’s former frontman does a good job of introducing a subtle country tone on his third solo album. Yet Acid Country is still a pop record through and through, mainly due to Paul’s catchy, meticulous songwriting and tongue-in-cheek humour. With the exception of a couple of tracks, including Welcome To The South which sounds like a cheesy sitcom theme tune, most of the tunes will be stuck in your head for days afterwards, which makes it clear that Paul hasn’t lost his touch.

OCTOBER 2010

(8v=>H Secret Guildford

SECRETS

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WORDS MELISSA WOODLAND

RQ &DPHUD

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urrey is a rich tapestry of beautiful countryside, period architecture and picture perfect waterways. It won’t come as much of a surprise then, to learn that the county is in huge demand as a TV and film set. From Sunday evening drama series to Hollywood blockbusters, Guildford and the surrounding areas have featured in some of our best-loved movies. The question is, did you recognise your parish church, local watering hole or nearby stately home when it appeared on the big (or small) screen?

In the woods

The opening battle fields of Gladiator might be set in Southern Germany during the reign of the Roman Empire, but they were actually filmed just outside Farnham. The densely wooded landscape of The Forestry commissions Bourne Wood proved to be the perfect alternative to the forests of mainland Europe over 2,000 years ago.

More recently, Bourne Wood was transformed into the Forest of Sherwood for the Hollywood version of Robin Hood, with the eponymous character being played by Russell Crowe. The same woodland can also be seen in children’s favourites The Golden Compass and the forthcoming Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

On the beach Being a land-locked county, Surrey is not the first place that springs to mind if you’ve got seaside scenes to film. But between the 1960s and 1990s, the sandy banks of the Frensham Ponds, south of Farnham, doubled as coastline in a number of Carry On movies. In 1963, Carry on Jack W

TRAWLING THE ARCHIVES THIS MONTH WE WERE STRUCK BY HOW MANY TIMES OUR FAIR COUNTY HAS BEEN FEATURED ON SCREENS BOTH BIG AND SMALL. SO, WE THOUGHT WE’D PULL THEM ALL TOGETHER. HOW MANY DO YOU REMEMBER?

BOURNE WOOD

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LOSELEY PARK

used the inland beaches to represent the Spanish coast, while some 30 years later, Carry on Columbus used the same area to replicate America.

In the church St Michael’s in Betchworth, near Dorking, doubles for a West Country church in Four Weddings and a Funeral, hosting the ďŹ rst of the nuptial celebrations that Hugh Grant’s character attends. Down the road in Shere, St James’s Church is the backdrop for the post-wedding scenes in Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason. A Winter wonderland was created, covering the Church and graveyard, but the unpredictable British weather offered up shower after shower to wash away the special effects. Guildford Cathedral played a signiďŹ cant role in one of the 1970s’ most terrifying ďŹ lms. The Omen featured numerous scenes in the Cathedral, including the moment when Damien ies into a rage at the sight of the spire.

On the runway Who’d have thought that the heat of sunny Miami could be recreated at an airďŹ eld in not-quite-as-sunny Surrey? Well the scenes from the James Bond blockbuster Casino Royale set at

OCTOBER 2010

DUNSFORD PARK

BOURNE WOOD

Miami airport were ďŹ lmed at Dunsfold Park, near Cranleigh. The aerodrome is also the home of BBC’s Top Gear. The 747 often seen in the background when they are racing round the track is in fact a genuine plane that has had its engines removed and has appeared on screen on numerous occasions.

In a state Surrey is a favourite when it comes to locations for ďŹ lming period dramas. Stately homes like Loseley Park and Clandon Park have been immortalised on celluloid in TV adaptations and big screen interpretations such as Sense and Sensibility, The Duchess and Spooks. The National Trust’s Winkworth Aboretum has also hosted picnics throughout the ages, from BBC’s Cranford to The Wedding Date.

In the money The good news about the county’s popularity with ďŹ lm crews is it actually brings money into the area. Filming at council owned properties, for example, generates around ÂŁ120,000 every year. County Hall is one such property to have proved extremely popular. From TV court scenes in Kavanagh QC and The Bill to big screen productions including Vera Drake, ďŹ lming at the premises has raised thousands of pounds which have since been ploughed back into local services. 62

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