So Surrey April 11 by One Media and Creative UK

SURREY POWER LIST 2011

THE MOST INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE IN THE COUNTY

THE SAVOY

T HE M AGA Z I NE FO R LI FE A ND STYL E

TRUTH ABOUT THAT £220 MILLION FACELIFT

APRIL 2011 £1.50 WHERE SOLD

SOSURREY.CO

ISS UE 2

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SURREY MAGAZINE

SO SUR R EY

GUILDFORD GALLERY BEATLEMANIA RETURNS

WORK WEAR STYLISH LOOKS

FOR THE OFFICE

CHOBHAM MANOR

WHAT £4 MILLION WILL BUY YOU

HESTON BLUMENTHAL GENIUS OR GIMMICKRY – YOU DECIDE

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N SU OW ND O AY PEN S 10 -4

Inspiration for your fabulous new kitchen or bathroom starts with a visit to our extensive showroom

Opening times: Monday to Saturday 9.00am-5.30pm â&#x20AC;˘ Free customer car park 133 High Street Godalming Surrey GU7 1AF 01483 419699 bathrooms@balneal.co.uk www.balneal.co.uk SO S_April11_Cover.indd 2

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Hello... Incredible! That’s the only way to describe the positive feedback and comment from readers on last month’s launch issue of So Surrey. For all the words of encouragement, via emails and letters, we collectively thank you. But what about this month? Well, we have another exciting package for you, including our exclusive feature on the Power List, where we name the top 20 most influential people in Surrey. These are people who, for a whole host of reasons, have the ability to impact our daily lives and shape the future of our county. It’s a list, published for the first time, that’s guaranteed to get people talking. Another part of our So Surrey package that will no doubt start a public debate is the other exclusive feature we have on one of the most recognisable chefs in the country – Heston Blumenthal. Few chefs evoke more debate over cooking methods than the man who serves up slices of history with a science-based approach. But is it genius or gimmickry? Read our article and decide for yourself. And while you’re making up your mind you might want to take a stroll round the grounds of the Chobham mansion that’s on the market for £4 million. What a fabulous place. Talking of “fabulous,” we were delighted to receive an invitation (quite rightly, of course) for afternoon tea with the big boss of one of the world’s top hotels – the newly renovated Savoy in London. It’s undergone a £250 million face-lift and we wanted to check the results. Also in this issue, we find out what you should be wearing in the office this season, take a look at the next generation of super sports cars, step inside the newest restaurant to open and stake a claim to Surrey being the birthplace of cricket. Something, then, for everyone to savour...

So Surrey

APRIL 2011

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April Inside your

Regulars

15 17

THIS MONTH…

Enjoy the Leith Hill Music Festival and the 20,000 late flowering tulips at the Polesden Lacey Estate.

THE LETTERS We hear why Daniel Craig in a dress is getting one reader hot under the collar.

UP A STORM 20 COOKING Wonderful cook or one-trick

THE NEWS Undercover policemen head out on an official pub crawl, and plans for an eco park at Shepperton suffer a setback.

THE SECRET A trawl through the archives reveals Surrey’s claim to be the birthplace of cricket.

SOCIAL 19

FEATURES

You’rE Hired

One of Britain’s top businesswomen helps recruit apprentices.

FASHION & BEAUTY

pony? Celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal goes under the microscope.

INSIDER…

THE POWER LIST

WORK IT OUT

We reveal the top 20 most influential people in Surrey... how many of them do you recognise?

IN ALL ITS SPLENDOUR Afternoon tea with the big boss of the Savoy Hotel which has just undergone a £220 million facelift.

Ditch the suit and dress up your office look with the latest trends.

ART & CULTURE 68

BEATLEMANIA IS BACK

GALLERY

ON STAGE

LITTLE STINK Surrey-born comedy star David Walliams talks about his writing career and the pressures of fame.

Give your outfit an edge with a Swarovski crystal-encrusted spike ring.

Cover image: Heston Blumenthal courtesy Celebrity Pictures

Issue…

A Surrey publisher exhibits rare photos and drawings of the Fab Four.

This month we take a look at work on display at Chalk Hill Contemporary Art.

Patricia Routledge at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre and Micky Flanagan at the New Victoria Theatre.

APRIL 2011

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HOME 48 56

SPA TOWN SPARKLE Why Epsom remains the most expensive spa town in the country.

FOOD & DRINK 73

SPRING FEVER

MORE THAN LIP SERVICE

TO THE MANOR BORN Stroll round the 16 acres of this Grade II listed manor house in Chobham. It could be yours for just £4 million.

SHADES OF SUMMER

TAP INTO BATHROOM TRENDS

Add colour and style to your home with our design guide.

We visit a Hersham showroom to find out about the balance between fashion and timelessness.

Drink a toast to the current season with some refreshing wines.

Benjamin James reveals the ethos behind his new Epsom restaurant.

MOTORS 84

MAC ATTACK We take a look at the year’s hottest supersports car, the McLaren Automotive MP4-12C.

APRIL 2011

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SURREY

SURREY MAGAZINE

SO Surrey, PO Box 1428, Brookwood, Surrey GU24 0WD Tel: 07834 656 809 sosurrey.co Publishing Director Nick Moore nmoore@onemediauk.co.uk Editorial Director Richard Moore FRSA rmoore@onemediauk.co.uk Writer Jane Connolly jconnolly@onemediauk.co.uk Writer Nancy Cremore ncremore@onemediauk.co.uk Publication Manager Maria Rendell mrendell@onemediauk.co.uk

ROBYN BAILEY DESIGNS

Head of Design Jodie Hulse jhulse@onemediauk.co.uk

Creating inspirational interiors

Junior Designer Jamie Melville jmelville@onemediauk.co.uk

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.

Publishing Assistant Phil Glover pglover@onemediauk.co.uk Contributors Debbie Attwood Simon King Chris Mann Sarah Bond Mark Turnbull Jeremy Gates Georgina Stevens Hannah Stephenson

one media Published by:

and creative uk ltd

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

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.

APRIL 2011

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9-11 West Street Brighton 01273 841228

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Reigate

Surrey

RH2 9BL Tel 01737 226450

Tunbridge Wells 01892 617462

Richmond 0203 166 4008

30/03/2011 17:27

SURREY

Care …

Now in its 12th year, Aveda created Earth Month in April 1999 to raise funds for environmental issues around the world, and it has since raised almost £20 million. Earth Month 2011 (in partnership with the Global Greengrants Fund) will concentrate on community-based water projects in more than 40 countries. How can you help? Well, simply get yourself along to your nearest Aveda store and pick up a gorgeous smelling and totally organic soy wax Light the Way candle. It costs £16, and £12.80 from each purchase in the UK goes to the Global Greengrants Fund.

This month

Visit …

Watch …

More than 20,000 late-flowering tulip bulbs were planted around the Polesden Lacey estate last year and they should all be in marvellous bloom from the end of the month through to the middle of May. A National Trust property, this Edwardian country estate near Dorking is the perfect backdrop for a Spring show of colour. Lift your spirits and be inspired with ideas for your own garden.

Julia Roberts stars in this adaptation of Elizabeth Gilbert’s 2006 memoir of enlightenment, which has had a bit of a makeover by Glee creator Ryan Murphy, who bathes every scene in a golden glow. The film, Eat, Pray Love, follows Liz (Julia Roberts) as she lets go of her husband, her house and her successful career in order to find inner peace and, ultimately, true love. This quest takes her first to Italy, where she eats copious amounts of pasta and ice cream, then to an ashram in India, and finally to the island of Bali. A feelgood, escapist film. Around £10 from amazon.co.uk

Covet ...

If you’re searching for an excellent 3D picture at an amazing price, look no further than the Sony Blu-ray BDP-S570 player. There’s nothing flash about it, true, but its spec includes wi-fi for streaming and accessing web content such as BBC iPlayer, as well as 1GB of internal memory. Designed to supersede the DVD format, the name Blu-ray refers to the blue laser used to read the disc, which allows information to be stored at a greater density than longer-wavelength red laser DVDs. £230 at any Sony Centre.

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THIS MONTH

Find ...

If you feel the need to work for your chocolate, there are plenty of Easter egg hunts around the county this month. Try the National Trust hunt at Box Hill Gardens (see eastereggtrails. co.uk), a large trail in a stunning location with lots of games and face painters on the day. Or visit the egg hunt and mobile farm at the Lightwater Country Park from April 19 to 20 (for further information call 01276 707 166). Enjoy the hunt!

you should… Read …

Never Let Me Go, a strange and haunting story from the man who brought us the Booker Prize-winning The Remains of the Day back in 1989. Kazuo Ishiguro’s dystopian novel about a group of friends growing up at a seemingly idyllic Hailsham school was first published in 2005, but has now been made into a film starring Keira Knightley and Andrew Garfield. Narrated by Kathy, now 31, the fate that has always awaited her and her friends in the wider world becomes devastatingly clear. If you didn’t catch it first time round, make sure you get hold of a copy now. Paperback £7.99 available from Waterstone’s.

Listen …

The Leith Hill Music Festival is the country’s leading choral event and it has been held annually in Dorking since 1905, so it’s something of an institution. The present festival conductor is the Sony award winning BBC radio presenter and former King’s singer, Brian Kay. It’s open to the public on purchase of a festival programme priced at £2 and starts on Thursday April 7. For more information visit lhmf.co.uk

Wear …

Luxury handbag designer Anya Sushko’s new collection in neutral shades of camel and tan are the perfect bags for Spring. The interior design student and former model, who worked for the late Alexander McQueen at his couture studio, has created some truly timeless designs which can be worn season after season. Whether for work or play, this creation will bring style to any ensemble. The White Modern Extravaganza bag is available for £750 at anyasushko.com APRIL 2011

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SURREY

Strut ...

For all you shoe lovers out there, this is the ultimate gift. Marsha Hall Handmade Shoes in Bookham, Surrey, are offering a bespoke shoe-fitting service. After you’ve had your feet measured and chosen the style, heel height and heel shape, you can have a pair specially made – even take along your own leather or fabric if you like. Prices start from £360. If you fancy making your own, try their two-day shoe making workshops at £250. For more information see marshahall.com

Enjoy ... The third album from American folk and blues band The Low Anthem marks a clear departure from their 2009 offering, Oh My God, Charlie Darwin. The music on the newly-released Smart Flesh is a more stripped down, melodious mix of styles, clearly led by the folk side of the band (think acoustic guitars, banjos, vocal harmonies and the angelic tones of Bon Iver). The rock is still there on a couple of tracks, but this time it doesn’t dominate the music. Around £10 from amazon.co.uk

See ...

Fed up having to wear glasses? Then you might want to pop along to The Clock House in Dorking Road, Epsom, on the evening of Monday April 18. That’s where you’ll find optician Paul Ursell providing information and advice on how you can achieve good vision without the need for glasses. It will include his thoughts on the latest safe, premium lens implants. All of which should prove more than useful, particularly if you’re agonising over the need for eye surgery of one form or another. For more details call 0800 980 4747.

Toast …

Toast the new couple on Friday April 29 at Denbies Wine Estate in Dorking with a Royal Wedding Celebration Ball. Bask in the Royal treatment with a red carpet fanfare and canapé reception, and they’re serving the exact menu put in front of Her Majesty The Queen and HRH Prince Philip during their visit to Denbies in March 2004. Carriages will be at midnight, glass slippers optional! For more information see denbies.co.uk

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SURREY

Providing stunning bespoke cakes, desserts and chocolates for any occasion Can cater for childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cooking lessons and cupcake workshops Over 30 years of cooking experience

Contact Caroline on 07730 703230 www.ripleycakecompany.co.uk

APRIL 2011

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LETTERS

So tell us . .. k in h t u o y t a h w

o cim di pe as et ati et ta d up ui ol st, sm q i d no cu um qu m r, or m ru nis t atu i c tru it ea mag ilis ndi e ui har , s q re nih el nih ve i t rest nt m n et e v tu ve e de ec cte . E ag ra os ita ate ga s m itio e rio tem iqu ea il as pt fu ni t l um atu xc eum s qu dolu ssit s ide it au us c nec e m l e bu s e eu es olor orae nul quib ame ari cia m , i t m is r in eni t h re sa N et v rer ptur m l cup cil pi ien im e a is o. to u us ci ap bis uia ati ab im is ol piT tia im du ut nde mq us , n lici agn lign a v arci lora a , s ven e te ati e. o m um e m p m e am e ol in v ut pre ide ene mm eu reh dic ec sa sd or u i o m olo ten dol imu sit ccus s d m it, bu mp ni axi od lest mq asp ut e s a a as eru v ri eri re om t m nim ve eru i tot am, or icte co nda diti m m f qu di ,v m m ur u ps a p e ae a o us re pli en tat an s rit ata pr et ui nt, l m cc e ex es up s cu Ne et eq di po it at t, in t liq a si ut e uo o upta aut rios ol st po t ac m. atio ur s en m eper t v e p t r ut et e ssun ture lupt rnat ilig lu es au e m la mq Dol elit s.Lo na qui o t i m u m a m . g u m d o e li ili . ar us e ni do s e cu a , q ne or m mp cu il t l e d m ie ia odi nisc se qu ac iqu i co er de re ea st e l L e m i s r e to la s e ma te up u s a am era iti ni ita ol eq s m ge sti sa o. N qu u ua es m t a tqu ep ip ve eic i d ons scii veli es ta s r lle su ab , to m, sim q am te nu les cor am ptiu c es usam . N qui rer t u ibu Ab rum tias sequ ias n tibu ute n u t e o e a se ve e a r? Lo m au lor tu nde liqu am, taqu ces t ut us. es s, in equ ciae dol mol olup icab ons p te mo R b s e n e u i u s re d il . u cc ici de q i to mol io. E bori m s h om ga d ue re bu t a i o re ian dis nd t fu qui seq po esti nie mni arc eru en r o ac s a du aio pta at l im es us, s rem iae tam e o re p sit p Eh ndae nim i cu sim is m olu lupt nt. i u en or m rerr nim ratii olor i, s re q llabo Ciis t. te nve squ i a min ut v do su a t e n d i m p s re a ci co rc o. su o s si ntii isqu ni is a aios sim it u m us tas . E ab res in tib rum ci du san is in , qu s m uas a s un a ar us im p ae as ni er t e lp ib n re u ci um ip b id rum ni seq m ex au nu or ia bo d q spi ever la ace e om ition i o lo is mi lab qu t a pi r a qu do len is cil Ist, me t as etu nos pl uta eb em nim t de rate ofﬁ ur? erna te e lis et, t. t id end r ta et as ta au m au at di rci p El iis t o m qu se re tem lu tis et, lup rat s, e ccu ad pta olo u mo pta as do Ce mu it a em ccu da d s, id git olu qu ero da i od os d t fa san s cu at fu s m n re ut r od is e ut e ciu pta opt as a e no m a pl ia a ofﬁ volu odi apit s, t nu qu am, ro cte is s libu uam N erfe sin dip s de mq ex ipis mo mu a ne et tius qua s m na nse dita co it a Id i od

LETTER OF THE MONTH Sir, After your recent profile on Lady Gaga, I would like to congratulate another fabulous ‘woman’ for making her mark on the world. The recent International Women’s Day film campaign – starring Daniel Craig in a dress [see youtube.com] and Dame Judi Dench as M – effectively highlighted the gender inequality that still unbelievably persists in the 21st century. It makes me realise that the achievements of women are to be greatly

Sir, I just had to email to say I am really, really pleased with our coverage in the first issue of So Surrey magazine. In fact, I am so happy I am ordering more copies to put in our showroom. I think everyone will love it! Thanks again.

Ed: Thank you – we’re just letting the praise wash over us!

Y SO SURRE

AZINE SURREY MAG

Sir, I just had to write to say how much my E husband and I BUSINESS CLASS loved your new magazine. It’s SEASONAL BLUES so glossy, it really is So WRITE CH APPROA Surrey. I am a EDUCATION TIME huge fan of Jamie Oliver ALED LAGES REVE and enjoyed LADY RICHEST VIL GAGA reading the interview about his 30-minute meals. I can’t wait for his TV series. I was fascinated by Surrey’s secret literary links, too. I hadn’t realised H G Wells’ War of the Worlds started with a meteor landing on little old Horsell Common. And can you really buy a WIN

£4,000 ROMANTIC BREAK

ES CAAN DRAGON JAM ABOUT GETS FIRED UPDEN LEAVING THE

ZINE THE MAGA

IGHTS FASHION DEL WITH DENIM

AND STYLE FOR LIFE

GOTTEN SURREY’S FOR S LITERARY LINK

TOP OUR GUIDE TO S LOCAL SCHOOL

SURREY’S MARCH 2011 SOLD £1.50 WHERE

SOSURREY.CO

admired in this (still) male-dominated society. Sarah Brightling Via email

Ed: Thanks for the chance to run our favourite ‘licence to chill’ picture of Mr Craig as something of a sucker, an ice lolly smoothie.

£15,000 bottle of whisky? My husband loved that! We look forward to more entertaining nuggets in the next issue. Antonia and David Lucas Woking

Ed: To answer your question, the whisky went down a treat.

Sarah McDade Balneal Bathrooms Godalming

so ISSUE 1

OR GLOBAL STAR PR? JUST SMART 28/02/2011

17:27

Sir, Thanks for your timely questioning of Lady Gaga’s ‘star power’. Yes, I do think it is all just a PR man’s dream, with each appearance or performance more shocking than the last in her desperate need to grab the headlines. Turning up at an awards show in a dress made of meat was just gross! All her antics are very tiresome and in the end the music gets lost. Please can we all stop going gaga about Lady Gaga and maybe she will emerge just as herself one day? Guy Davies Lingfield

Ed: What would we talk about, though, without these colourful characters? Sir, It has been four years in the making, so when they finally announced the name of Guildford’s new and much-touted entertainment venue, I thought it

was going to be something really special. The council promised us a name which would be ‘new’ and ‘original’, but what did they finally come up with? G Live – is this really the best we can do? Sue Cornwall Guildford

Ed: Be fair, four years in council time is pretty fast!

Sir, I am no Spring chicken, but I do like to keep fit and healthy and I’ve discovered a new way of exercising that knocks the spots off zumba (dancing) – hula hooping! I know it’s shameless promotion, but there’s a class on at Coronation House, Gogmore Lane, Chertsey on April 16, 2-4pm. Great fun if you’re over 50, like me! thehoopdanceco.co.uk Maggie Cario Chertsey Ed: We look forward to seeing the pictures. We accept Letters to the Editor, Richard Moore, by e-mail: rmoore@onemediauk.co.uk or post to SO Surrey, Head Office, Kenwood House, 1 Upper Grosvenor Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 2EL. Letters must carry full names and contact details. Letters may be edited for publication. APRIL 2011

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NEWS

And now for

the news… OUR MONTHLY LOOK AT SOME OF THE STORIES MAKING THE HEADLINES WASTE NOT

Plans for Surrey’s controversial Eco Park have suffered a setback. The application for the park at Charlton Lane, Shepperton, was due to be considered by the Planning and Regulatory Committee, but a number of issues have been raised by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) that now need to be addressed before the application can go ahead. The HSE says the proposals fail to provide “information on the fire and explosion hazards associated with the dangerous substances handled or produced by the process”.

Conservation Growth

After a six-week public consultation and an initial appraisal made back in 2009, it’s been decided that the Pirbright Conservation Area will be expanded. The original boundary was designated in 1973 and was drawn tightly around the built area of the village but does not include the wider landscape setting or some of the other historic buildings. The proposed new boundary will enlarge the conservation area to include West Heath, Vapery Lane and the area around Pirbright Manor and the Mill. It will also be extended to the north to include Lord Pirbright’s cottages on Dawney’s Hill and the area of Pirbright Common immediately opposite, up to the Borough Boundary with Woking.

Potato Heads

Watch out for flying potatoes if you live in Weybridge. According to local reports, the normally sedate Surrey town has suddenly become awash with spud missiles emanating from “small, dark vehicles”.

Through specialised technology (anaerobic digestion and batch oxidation system gasification), the Eco Park will process food and residual waste, reducing the need for landfill and producing enough electricity to power thousands of homes.

Speed cuts

Calls for lower speed limits at accident black spots in the county are to be investigated. The speed limit on the A24 between Dorking and Mickleham is currently 70mph, but county councillors have recommended cutting this to 50mph. Blackbrook Road in North Holmwood could also have a new 30mph limit. There have been two fatalities in the last two years on the A24, and Blackbrook Road has been the scene of accidents in both 2007 and 2008. Leader of the speed-cut campaign Debbie Cameron has gathered more than 350 signatures, and the county council’s local committee has agreed to further investigation of both roads.

Council bosses have sought to reassure residents that the Eco Park is the best local option.

TRYING TIME

Surrey is set to turn little players into rugby stars as big as Lawrence Dallaglio, Jonny Wilkinson and Martin Johnson. The county is going mini-rugby mad, with the biggest of four weekend festivals for eager youngsters kicking off on April 3. Following last month’s B tournaments at Sutton & Epsom and Camberley, even more players (3,700 under-7s and under-12s) are tackling the Surrey championship A festival at Dorking RFC and the Old Reigatians Rugby Club with 42 clubs taking part.

DRINKING BOBBIES

Watch out if you see a new face suddenly becoming a regular in your local – you could be drinking with your neighbourhood policeman. But if you are, then it’s a good thing. Surrey Police are launching an innovative plan to plant plain clothes officers in pubs in three towns with a reputation for antisocial behaviour – Walton-on-Thames, Weybridge and West Molesey.

The drive-by gang hurled several potatoes at two girls walking down Old Avenue and hit one of them in three places. Spud-bashing has also been reported in Queens Road, Monument Hill and Oatlands Drive.

The novel idea is the brainchild of Elmbridge police chief, Inspector David Hollingsworth, who says that the secret policemen will also use their pub crawls “as a general tool to make sure everything is in place.”

Apparently, Esher residents are also being targeted, including people at a bus stop and a woman who was struck in the chest by a flying potato thrown from a black car. Surrey Police are on the case and would like to hear from any witnesses or anyone with information.

He adds that they will let “good” licensees, who are happy to co-operate, know they are there, but will stay undercover in more difficult drinking establishments, especially large ones where staff “can’t see everything that is going on”. APRIL 2011

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SOCIAL

You’re Hired MORE THAN 100 SURREY BUSINESSES WERE TREATED TO A MASTERCLASS BY ONE OF BRITAIN’S MOST SUCCESSFUL BUSINESSWOMEN – KARREN BRADY. THE SPORT EXECUTIVE, BROADCASTER, AUTHOR AND ADVISER TO LORD SUGAR ON THE APPRENTICE SHARED WITH THEM AN “INSPIRATIONAL ACCOUNT” OF HER SUCCESS. SHE WAS TALKING AT A MEETING OF THE GUILDFORD COLLEGE GROUP TO LAUNCH ITS SERVICES TO BUSINESSES TEAM. THEY’RE WORKING WITH THE NATIONAL APPRENTICE SERVICE TO RECRUIT 100 APPRENTICES IN GUILDFORD IN 100 DAYS. THE GROUP INCLUDES GUILDFORD COLLEGE, MERRIST WOOD COLLEGE AND FARNHAM SIXTH FORM COLLEGE.

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a st orm

SURREY

Cooking up WORDS JANE CONNOLLY

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HESTON BLUMENTHAL

eston Blumenthal boasts three Michelin stars and reportedly a four-month waiting list for a table at his new London restaurant called Dinner. And if you don’t want to wait that long for a table you can always bid on eBay where reservations are being auctioned.

It is food critic of The Times, Giles Coren, who has attached to Dinner the title of “the best restaurant in the world” and the accolades continue to flow in. But how has the self-taught kitchen wizard risen to such dizzying heights in the hospitality business? He is renowned for his scientific and rather unusual approach to food and here (for the benefit of those who have been living on another planet) we must mention the fact some of his best-known dishes include snail porridge and egg and bacon ice cream. Eager diners brave such culinary challenges every day in order to eat at the chef’s prestigious table. Sixteen years ago, Heston Blumenthal fulfilled a childhood ambition by buying his own pub in Bray, Berkshire. It was not the most auspicious start to his culinary career – The Fat Duck was at that time known as the last chance saloon for badly-behaved local drinkers. The young chef had to contend with a tiny kitchen and poor equipment that struggled to meet his needs, while limited funds forced Heston to put in 20-hour days and catch naps on piles of old tea towels. But he rose to the challenge and within five years, The Fat Duck was awarded its first Michelin star. Less than a decade after opening its doors, the restaurant won a third star and Mr Blumenthal had become one of the most respected and creative chefs in the world. “I was determined that if I failed, it wouldn’t be due to lack of effort,” he says. As the poster boy for the much mis-used term ‘molecular gastronomy’, Heston has experimented with practically every element of cookery. Whether using vacuums to create better

bubbles in chocolate mousse, or giving diners iPods so they can listen to waves crashing as they eat his famous dish, The Sound of the Sea, he has pushed the boundaries of taste, texture and form. His many fans believe he is taking food to new and unexplored levels, while critics feel his experiments are over-ambitious vanity projects that suck the life out of cookery. “You start with the intuition, then try to find the justification for why it works,” he explains, when quizzed about using technology to create new and unusual taste sensations. “I’ll experiment by breaking down the aroma compounds in food and seeing what’s compatible, but more often than not it happens the other way round; you combine flavours, and because you’ve developed a memory for tastes, this reminds you of something else.” Heston failed science at school and preferred art, although both disciplines can be seen in his work. But the 44-year-old has also

“I WAS DETERMINED THAT IF I FAILED, IT WOULDN’T BE DUE TO LACK OF EFFORT” shown he knows how to do the basics extremely well and appeal to the mainstream, alongside his more adventurous clientele. Last year, for instance, he created a Christmas pudding for Waitrose which sold out well in advance of the festivities, with some puds fetching up to four times the original £13.99 price on eBay. His creative approach to mundane meals has been put to good use on television – recent projects have seen him revamping the food on offer at institutions such as Little Chef, British Airways and the NHS; at Alder Hay Children’s Hospital he persuaded chefs to ditch frozen waffles in favour of worm pizzas. Although he does not appear to have the natural TV flair of Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsay, the apparently mild-mannered chef once boasted a temper that would put all his peers in the shade. Heston has revealed that he conquered serious anger management issues, which once saw him pull a shotgun on debt collectors. And he has not lost his temper in the kitchen for years. Despite the gift for alchemy that has turned him into an international superstar, Heston has never received any formal training, beyond a few weeks’ work experience in professional kitchens. His obsession with great food began at the age of 16, when his parents took him to a Michelin-starred restaurant in Provence. The experience proved inspirational but, surprisingly, he did not go to catering college and instead spent the next decade in a variety of day jobs, from photocopier salesman to credit controller.

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HE’S ONE OF THE MOST RECOGNISABLE CHEFS IN THE COUNTRY AND HAS OPENED WHAT IS APPARENTLY “THE BEST RESTAURANT IN THE WORLD.” HE IS HESTON BLUMENTHAL, HAILED BY SOME AS “BRITAIN’S MOST BRILLIANT AND EXPERIMENTAL CHEF”. GENIUS OR GIMMICKRY? WHERE DO YOU STAND?

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But his spare time was not wasted – Heston used his leisure hours to study the science of food and went to France for a fortnight every Summer, mastering the French classics he intended to serve in his own bistro one day. That dream came true when he bought the 450-year-old pub, The Fat Duck, and the technical difficulties he experienced in the early days actually contributed to his ground-breaking style. Forced to find creative ways around the kitchen equipment’s deficiencies – the oven exploded on the second day – Heston turned to academic physicists for help, which started a continuing association with the world of science. A few years ago, he convinced the Royal Society of Chemistry that his interest in the subject was more than just an eye for publicity stunts. “What I’ve done in the last 15 or 20 years is to access as much information as I could get hold of that I could actually understand, whether it’s from experimental psychology or someone who specialises in hydrocolloids, and then take that information and use it as a learning process,” Blumenthal said at the time. Although he’s always trying to push the boundaries and find new ways of eating, he is also interested in historic dishes. Diners at The Fat Duck can sample revived versions of Anjou Pigeon and Mock Turtle Soup, which was popular in the mid-1800s. In 2005 the restaurant was named “the best place to eat on earth”, but it has not all been calm in the kitchen. Two years ago, a food poisoning scare forced the Fat Duck to close for a fortnight, an experience which Heston called “the worst period of my life, without a doubt”. Heston, and his restaurant, survived the scandal and the critical reception of his latest dining venture, which you can reach via the lobby of the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, proves that his star is continuing to rise. His television career is going from strength to strength, so it appears that Heston is becoming the acceptable face of weird science. The proof of the pudding, they say, is....

Heston Blumenthal – In His Own Words “From my point of view, I’d say the biggest benefit that science has had on my cooking is my achieving consistency.” “It was quite a challenge to make people eat crab ice cream.” “Now my complaint is there are only 18 hours to work in a day.” “If it doesn’t taste good it doesn’t go on the menu.” “Being branded number one restaurant in the world is actually very humbling.” “I like asking questions, to keep learning; people with big egos might not want to look unsure.”

Heston Blumenthal By Numbers Age: 44 Restaurants: 2 Pubs: 2 Michelin Stars: 3

Children: 3 Cookery Books: 6 TV Series: 6 Twitter Followers: 14,800

“I am not the world’s most confident person.”

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FA S H I O N

STYLE WRITER DEBBIE ATTWOOD ON ALL THE LATEST NEWS AND VIEWS FROM THE WORLD OF FASHION

Life on the Edge

Crafted, structured jewellery with an edgier feel is just what you need to balance out all your feminine-fits and floaty-florals. This oversized, silver-plated diamante spike ring, encrusted with Swarovski crystals, will give you all the extra attitude you need. The Boca Pave Wicked Ring by CC Skye is available at stylustonline.com for £220.

Town meets country

Traditional tweed is back for Spring and while the sun may be back there’s still the need for an evening jacket. To bring some style to a traditional piece, try the fitted Balenciaga tweed jacket with some pumps and tailored trousers. Available at matchesfashion.com for £1,195.

Staying in Step

The shoe boot returned with a vengeance last year and it looks like they are here to stay. These MaxMara Burda leather ankle boots are the perfect addition to your shoe collection. Pair with your daytime outfit for that effortlessly chic look. Available from matchesfashion.com for £388.

Bring back the glitter

When the sun comes out so should the short sleeves. Having been hidden away for Winter, it’s time to invest in some glitter for your wrists and what better way to do that than with this DVF 18ct yellow gold Sutra bracelet by H. Stern. Available at matchesfashion.com for £3,100.

Take a Jump

If you want to add pieces to your wardrobe that are ideal for work and play, this sleek black jumpsuit, with a tapered leg and tie at the waist, is the perfect fit. Wear it with a simple jacket to smarten it up for work and then add some heels for the evening. Available for £280 from Jaeger in Tunbridge Wells or jaeger.co.uk

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Work it out

WORDS DEBBIE ATTWOOD

MOST OF US SPEND THE MAJORITY OF OUR LIVES AT WORK - SO WHAT BETTER PLACE TO SHOW OFF YOUR INDIVIDUAL STYLE?

Tie neck blouse,£260, Jaeger, jaeger.co.uk

Your Style If work-wear for you YSL trim blouse, £935, macthesfashion.com is casual, it doesn’t mean you have to wear jeans every day, it just means more free reign. High-necked blouses and bow-tie patterns are all back, so pair these dressy options with some smart denim or go for heels to add some elegance. Trench dress: elegance.co.uk for £229.

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YSL crepe satin trousers, £615, matchesfashion.com

Malene Birger blazer, £199, blackwhitedenim.com

Jacket from Jaeger, £260, jaeger.co.uk

Suits You Alexander McQueen Prince of Wales check trousers, £595 matchesfashion.com

If you do want to stay smarter you can still stick to the classic suit. But now you can leave those boring shapeless ones behind. Suits can be stylish – you just have to wear them in the right way. Rather than slipping on a blouse, try adding a floral or brightly coloured top under some high-waisted suit trousers with the jacket over the top combining the smart office style with the Spring staples. Branch out from just black and grey and try camel or lighter colours to bring the more casual feel. Stick to high-waisted or wide-legged trousers to stay on-trend and glamorous, and you don’t have to compromise your natural fashionista. Make the suit, suit you!

Carven jacket, £469, blackwhitedenim.com

YSL suede pumps, £545, matchesfashion.com

YSL sleeveless jersey t-shirt dress, £355, matchesfashion.com

Laser cut leather dress from Mint Velvet, £199, mintvelvet.co.uk

MaxMara belted dress, £298, matchesfashion.com

Dress it up

Grey blazer, £249, elegance.co.uk

Now the weather is turning you can experiment with those Summer dresses. Tailored dresses can be just as smart as trousers and you can brighten the office up with some eye-catching colours. Try the belted or long-sleeved styles so you can stick to the office rules without losing your fashion fun!

Camel suit, Jacket £225/ skirt £110, Austin Reed, austinreed.co.uk

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Vanessa Bruno floral micro print skirt, £330, matchesfashion.com

Vanessa Bruno drape front crepe skirt, £248, matchesfashion.com

Preen saloon double crepe full skirt, £885, matchesfashion.com

DVF Jama skirt, £165, matchesfashion.com

YSL contrast trim skirt, £745, matchesfashion.com

Skirts Skirts are the key office piece for Spring/Summer. From fulllength to high-waisted and from tweed to leather, there are all kinds of options when picking out the perfect work-wear item. For a more Spring-casual style try a floral or patterned number and for a smarter feel try pleats and pencils with some Louboutins.

Lulu Guinness Large Hillary Croco Tote, £495, asos.com

Clutch croc bag by Helga Karlson, £2,787, luxorexia.co.uk

Accessorise Accessories can make any outfit. Add a leather clutch or a big tote to bring together your chosen pieces. Try out some new heels or shoe boots rather than sticking to ballet pumps, as long as you’re not on your feet all day. And you should always add some glamour with a few sparkly jewels. Louboutin Nikoletta shoe boots, £565, matchesfashion.com or 160 High Street, Guildford

Red suit, £349, elegance.co.uk

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Irresistible Italian Style The ﬁnest Italian handbags Exquisite designer jewellery Glamorous evening shoes Embroidered pashminas Hand-crafted parasols Elegant gloves

Bespoke accessories to create your perfect outﬁt 6 The Square, Headley Road, Grayshott, Surrey, GU26 6LQ

01428 606039 sheila@enchantment.uk.com Coming Soon: www.enchantment.uk.com

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The 2011 Power List POWER LIST

WORDS NANCY CREMORE

There’s a core of people in every county who, in some shape or form, influence events and lifestyles. Here, for the first time, we name some of those very people in Surrey

ur exclusive Power List 2011 identifies the 20 men and women who most impact and influence our daily lives. Individuals have gained a place on the So Surrey list for a whole host of reasons. They might be at the heart of local politics or involved in protecting us from crime. They might work with local charities or in PR. They might provide jobs, take care of our health needs or be entrepreneurs or clergy.

Out of that research have come 20 names who make a significant and measurable difference to our world – people who are successful and stand out from the crowd. We find out what the people on the list do for the county of Surrey, and what makes them special. From politicians in the Coalition Government’s inner circle with the ear of the Prime Minister to the entrepreneur who started a multi-million pound business in her mother’s garage, their backgrounds make fascinating reading! Here then, in order, are those on our Power List overleaf:

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Whatever their contribution to our community each individual on our 2011 Power List has been identified by So Surrey researchers

as someone special. In compiling the list we have talked, over the past three months, with people across the county whose opinions and judgments we value.

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Michael Gove MP

Member of Parliament for Surrey Heath

Three of Surrey’s Conservative MPs were given Cabinet posts in the Tory/Lib Dem Coalition Government, and this man is arguably the most prominent. Also Secretary of State for Education, Michael Gove is rarely out of the news. A recent headline-grabbing initiative, encouraging schoolchildren to read 50 books a year, caused quite a stir, as did his vocal support of academy schools. One of David Cameron’s closest allies in opposition, Michael Gove took up the post of Education Secretary despite reportedly saying that he would be happy to forgo a Cabinet position in order to let a Liberal Democrat politician take his place.

Dr Andrew Povey

Leader of Surrey County Council

Being leader of the biggest political group on the council (the Conservatives) plus chairman of South East Strategic Leaders (SESL) makes Councillor Andrew Povey the most influential person in Surrey. As the senior elected member on the authority his views and thoughts touch much of our daily lives. He provides direction and drive for the county and plays a lead role in the strategic policy and budget aims of the council. Andrew Povey is a key figure in the council’s relationships with central government. After a recent meeting with Parliament figures, he said: “Surrey has three Cabinet Members and several other Ministers in the Coalition Government, so it is important I continue to build a close relationship with them and act as a key link to local government.”

A journalist by trade, Michael Gove worked for both local and national newspapers, radio and TV for many years. He was first elected as Member of Parliament for Surrey Heath in May 2005. Now in charge of one of the biggest-spending government departments, he has responsibility for overseeing children’s services, education and training for 14 to 19-year-olds, and inspecting schools and care providers. In particular, he is committed to raising standards in state schools and helping children from less privileged backgrounds to maximise their potential. The MP works hard in the local community, recently backing Camberley’s bid to become a ‘heart town’ for the British Heart Foundation, and visiting schools and education providers. Last year he called a meeting with Surrey Heath head teachers to ask for their thoughts on how he can make their jobs easier and their schools better for pupils. He explained: “I want to give teachers more freedom and more resources to enable them to do the best they can for the children they teach. The heads of Surrey Heath schools have been very helpful in offering their thoughts on how I can help.”

Not much of consequence happens in this county without his knowledge and input. Of particular concern to Andrew Povey at the moment are the difficulties surrounding on-street parking and its effect on local businesses. He is also pushing for more investment in the county’s infrastructure and for full financial autonomy for local government. He argued recently in his blog that: “A local authority needs to be free from central Government restrictions; free from the burden of national redistribution and free to manage its finances with concern only to local taxpayers.”

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Mark Rowley

Chief Constable of Surrey Police

As chief police officer for Surrey, Mark Rowley is responsible for neighbourhood policing for the, approximately, 1.1 million residents of the county. He sets the force’s vision and direction, heads the Chief Officer Group and provides visible leadership to the force. He began his policing career in the West Midlands, having graduated from St. Catharine’s College, Cambridge. After a uniformed and detective career in Birmingham, he moved to the National Criminal Intelligence Service. On transferring to the county as Chief Superintendent in West Surrey, he oversaw major crime reductions and led several countywide initiatives.

Jeremy Hunt MP

Member of Parliament for South West Surrey

With the Olympic Games coming up in 2012, this man is going to be very busy indeed. As Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport, Jeremy Hunt will have specific responsibility for the £9.4 billion London Olympics, joining Lord Sebastian Coe, London Mayor Boris Johnson and former MP Lord Colin Moynihan on the Olympics Board. He says: “This is the best job in government, with responsibility for areas full of passionate enthusiasts, and where Britain really leads the world. I feel very humbled, and also somewhat daunted, as the 2012 Olympics is the biggest logistical operation we have ever had in our history.”

He was appointed Assistant Chief Constable of Surrey Police in March 2004, where his responsibilities included local policing, crime reduction and criminal justice. He is an enthusiastic advocate of the involvement of local people in policing in Surrey. Mark Rowley has been outspoken in the past about issues such as the previous Government’s so-called target-driven attitude to crime. He says: “When the public contact us about minor disputes and incidents, they want practical solutions. They do not want officers to feel compelled to record all incidents as crimes and to always arrest those involved simply to hit targets.” He also took legal action against the government in 2007 for what he called “irrational and unreasonable” spending cuts on his force when 200 police jobs, including front-line officers, were in danger of being axed.

He was first elected in 2005, and almost trebled his majority in South West Surrey from 5,711 to 16,318 after the General Election in 2010. Speaking of his appointment to David Cameron’s Cabinet, he said that this “would not have been possible if the people of South West Surrey had not returned me to Parliament, and I will never forget my first and foremost responsibility is to the people who gave me my job.” He is well known locally for his supermarket surgeries and has campaigned actively on local issues, including overdevelopment and local NHS services. He was closely involved in the successful fights to prevent the closure of the Royal Surrey and Milford Hospitals.

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Anne Walker

Chief Executive of Surrey PCT

Health care touches all our lives, and the quality of service and treatment we receive through our hospitals is very much in the hands of the Surrey NHS Trust. And the woman in charge of that on a day-to-day basis is Chief Executive Anne Walker. Each year Anne Walker and her team are responsible for a budget of £1.4 billion and 1.1 million patients. With more than 20 years’ experience in top NHS jobs, Anne Walker turned around the finances of the Bedfordshire Heartlands PCT in 2007. She also had success in 2000 when she was made the first woman chief executive of an ambulance trust (Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire). Under her leadership, the ambulance trust moved from zero to three-star status, and is only one of five ambulance trusts nationally to have achieved this.

Lavinia Sealy

Conservative Vice Chairman of Surrey County Council

Having been a Surrey councillor since 1997, Lavinia Sealy has a wide range of experience in local issues.

Anne Walker is a relative newcomer to Surrey, having taken up her post in September last year. She is responsible for making some difficult spending decisions, especially in the light of the present tough economic situation. She recently said that NHS Surrey’s forecasted overspend of £35 million was “unacceptable”. Last year she defended NHS Surrey’s decision to halt the provision of IVF treatment on the NHS, saying: “The changes we support will see the most vital services safeguarded, patients with the greatest health needs prioritised and clinical evidence behind every decision.” The chief executive has also been a major backer of community hospitals, where a fewer number will provide a greater ‘enhanced’ level of care. Hospitals in Woking, Caterham Dene, Farnham and Haslemere have all been earmarked for this.

She has served on education and environmental committees, and from 2005 to 2009 was the lead backbencher for the voluntary sector (now called the Voluntary Community & Faith Sector). While there, she was a key advocate of building better relationships between public bodies and the voluntary sector through a local scheme called the Surrey Compact. She has also served on the Adult & Community Care Select Committee and Health Scrutiny, as well as being a trustee of Surrey & Borders Mental Health Trust. She is particularly interested in ensuring that new government policies truly improve the lives of Surrey residents and aren’t simply cost-cutting exercises. She is a strong advocate for better patient care and services in the area, low council tax, and safe roads for all.

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Sarah Goad

HM Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey

An apolitical post, Lord-Lieutenants are appointed by The Queen on the advice of the Prime Minister (who consults widely in the county concerned). As they’re chosen by The Queen, their main duty is to ‘uphold the dignity of the Crown’ and they act as a link between the Crown and the county they represent. Sarah Goad has been Lord-Lieutenant since 1997, and is interested in all aspects of life within the county, both business, social and cultural. She also advises on nominations for the National Honours List.

Max Clifford

Publicist

A veteran in the world of public relations, Max Clifford has been looking after the interests of his showbiz clients for the last 40 years. Today, he has become almost as recognisable as the clients he represents, and his views are often sought by the media on a wide range of subjects.

This is an unpaid post and the age of retirement is 75. The hours aren’t exactly 9 to 5 either – it’s a huge responsibility that allows you to meet people from all backgrounds and walks of life, and demands a tireless energy and enthusiasm for the local area. Today, her official duties include being chief magistrate in the county, chairing the committee that advises the Lord Chancellor on who should become a magistrate.

Max Clifford was born in Surrey and still lives in the county today. He wields significant power in the media world, both making the headlines and, frequently, trying to stop them if they’re detrimental to his clients. After leaving school at 15 with no qualifications, he had a disastrous first job as a shop assistant before training as a journalist and then becoming press officer for EMI Records in 1962, where he was tasked with promoting an unknown band from Liverpool called The Beatles. He was only 27 when he started his own company, Max Clifford Associates, looking after UK press for big names like Marlon Brando, Frank Sinatra and Muhammad Ali. He is a patron of the CHASE children’s hospice in Guildford, and is also involved with Oasis, a charity in Cobham that takes care of children from broken homes. He is a patron of the Royal Marsden Hospital (which has two hospitals – one in Chelsea, London and another in Sutton, Surrey) and handles its media work for free.

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Julie Fisher

Strategic Director for Change and Efficiency at Surrey County Council

According to figures from the Local Government Association, women made up only 21 per cent of council chief executives and just 30 per cent of senior managers in 2009.

Professor Christopher Snowden

Vice-Chancellor of the University of Surrey

The first students passed through the University of Surrey’s doors in 1894 and the establishment gained degree-awarding powers in the late 1990s. Professor Snowden joined the university as ViceChancellor and Chief Executive in 2005 and today has responsibility for some 12,000 students. Professor Snowden has excellent academic credentials. He is a distinguished engineer with wide experience, in particular, of the international microwave and semiconductor industry. He is president of a number of institutes and academies and has an influence which goes far beyond the university walls. He has recently been appointed to the governing body of the UK’s Technology Strategy Board (which advises government on how to remove barriers to innovation and accelerate new technology in the UK in order to drive growth). Apart from his impressive track record, which has seen him as non-executive director of several companies, advisor to many others and author of eight books and more than 300 technical papers, Professor Snowden is hugely active in his local community.

But it appears Surrey County Council is leading the way in terms of equality, as the appointment of Julie Fisher as Strategic Director for Change and Efficiency last year pushed women into the majority on the senior management team there. They now have four women to three men. Julie Fisher not only has the mammoth task of dealing with the impact of the public sector spending reductions locally, she is also involved in ensuring the council is fit for the future – a difficult balance to strike. Says Julie: “This is far from easy, especially when we have a savings target of more than £200 million over four years. “I don’t think there has been a time when local government has faced such large challenges. Neither has there been such an opportunity to do things differently but better,” she adds. Julie Fisher is responsible for seeing through changes in the way the council works, enabling staff to work more effectively through better use of technology and giving them access to learning and development opportunities. She is also involved in discussions with other public sector bodies, to find ways of driving down costs by using their collective purchasing power. She is committed to striking the best deals possible for external goods and supplies and ensuring the council’s own services are as efficient and effective as possible. This has included a threeyear programme of Public Value Reviews, still ongoing, of all the council’s services and functions, to ensure they truly provide value for money for residents. To date, they have identified total cumulative savings of £74 million over four years.

He is Patron of Surrey Youth Focus, an umbrella organisation for the voluntary youth groups of the county, and was Chair of the Daphne Jackson Trust from 2005 to 2009, an independent charity dedicated to returning talented scientists, engineers and technologists to careers after a break of two years or more. He is a governor of the Royal Surrey County Hospital NHS Trust. The university itself is also heavily involved with the wider community. The university organisation Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) was recently acquired by EADS Astrium, Europe’s leading space company. They have a long-standing relationship with the Guildford School of Acting (GSA), and last year the Manor Park campus became the home of the multi-million pound Surrey Sports Park, providing a world-class sporting facility for staff, students, and the local community.

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Wendy Varcoe

Executive Director of Surrey Community Foundation

Wendy helped establish the charity back in 2005, becoming its first Executive Director. An independent charitable trust, their mission is to “improve the lives of people in Surrey by raising the level of giving”. They award grants to local community and voluntary groups who make a real difference to the well-being of those in the county. Wendy heads up the team and takes overall responsibility for the strategy and development of this charitable organisation. In this time she has overseen the development of permanent funds as well as increasing the numbers of grants given to support community needs.

Kate Lester

Entrepreneur

A serial entrepreneur and new business mentor who specialises in the turnaround, accelerated growth and start-up of small to medium sized enterprises in the UK, Kate has helped many businesses in the south east in their attempt to get off the ground.

Recently the trust was chosen out of 600 groups nationally to benefit from a cash sum of £143,000 from the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts (NESTA) with support from the Big Lottery Fund. The money will go to a community in Esher, and the idea is to provide activities and projects to benefit local residents. Wendy is also behind the Surrey Chambers of Commerce Community Fund – a unique new fund launched by the chambers in partnership with the Community Foundation for Surrey, which enables large local businesses who might not otherwise have the time to give to charity to do so quickly and easily.

Starting her first business aged 20 in 1992, Kate has extensive knowledge of the courier industry and associated fields. As well as being chairman of various local associations, Kate was one of the founding directors of DA Systems and Webforce Logistics. She is currently Managing Director of Diamond Logistics and consults with a variety of start-ups in the South East. Passionate about the local business community, she is an avid supporter of the Surrey Chambers of Commerce and the Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice in Farnham, and works hard to create strong ties between the charitable sector and commerce. Through Diamond Logistics, she set up a charity-based loyalty card scheme which is aiming to raise £30,000 within the next two years to support local community programmes relating to sport, culture and palliative care. “I have set up this scheme to create a lasting and meaningful relationship between the business community and local charities,” says Kate. “Due to current financial pressures, many businesses are finding it difficult to justify charity donations. The Diamond Donate card will enable them to contribute towards three diverse but highly respected local charities, at no extra cost to their business.”

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Dr Helen Bowcock

Founder of The Hazelhurst Trust

A former businesswoman who is now heavily involved with local giving, Helen Bowcock and her husband Matthew founded the Hazelhurst Trust in 2000 after selling their software company. “It seemed logical to give away some of the money we made when we sold the business,” she says. The trust focuses mainly on organisations in Surrey and those that work with young people from deprived backgrounds. Seventy per cent of its funds are distributed by the Surrey Community Foundation, and it gives the rest out itself. The trust typically awards funding worth about £6,000 a year over a period of between three and five years, but also gives larger grants.

Bishop Christopher Hill

Bishop of Guildford

The Right Reverend Christopher John Hill is the ninth Bishop of Guildford. His diocese (which he took up in 2004) covers the western half of the County of Surrey and his seat is in Guildford at the Cathedral Church of the Holy Spirit. Bishops play a leadership role within the church, but Bishop Hill is not simply concerned with ecclesiastical matters. He is one of the 21 senior bishops entitled by length of tenure to sit in the House of Lords, and was introduced in May 2010. The second chamber of the UK Parliament, members of the Lords play a vital role in making laws and keeping a check on government, so Bishop Hill’s influence extends far beyond local matters.

With her research background, Helen recently helped the Surrey Community Foundation decide on who was in most need of funding in the region. Indeed, Helen works closely with the foundation with her own trust. She said recently that her fund is “simply a drop in the ocean in relation to what is required”, and to this end joined forces with the foundation to enable them to contribute to “something much more powerful and wide reaching”. Helen is an alumna of The Philanthropy Workshop, an international programme run by the Institute for Philanthropy. She recently researched and wrote the report Hidden Surrey: Why local giving is needed to strengthen our communities. In this she highlighted pockets of neglect throughout the county amid higher income areas – but also found a range of local charities, across Surrey stepping up where the government had failed.

Bishop Hill was in the news in May last year when he called for the House of Lords to be preserved. In July 2009, Hill was once again in the news when he criticised the Church of Sweden over their decision to approve gay marriage, warning of “immediate and negative ecumenical consequences” owing to the decision. Before he moved to Surrey in 1989, Bishop Hill was a canon residentiary (responsible for the day-to-day administration of the cathedral and its property) and precentor (someone who directs the church’s services) of St Paul’s Cathedral, London.

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Eric Stuart-Bamford

Provincial Grand Master of Surrey

With his rather impressive title, Eric Stuart-Bamford is leader of the Surrey Freemasons, commanding more than 300 lodges scattered across the county and 8,000 Surrey men (women aren’t allowed). Eric has been a Mason since his army days in 1974. Now more than half way through his ten-year term as Grand Master, he says the Masons “offer comradeship and unity of purpose”.

Jim McAllister

Chief Executive of the Rutland Group / Dunsfold Park

Jim McAllister may be very active in his local community, but this hasn’t necessarily endeared him to everybody. In 1984 Jim McAllister founded the Rutland Group, an award-winning, privately owned property development, management and investment company. In 2002 The Rutland Group acquired the 260-hectare Dunsfold Aerodrome near Guildford from BAE Systems.

And despite the theories of what goes on behind the closed doors of the mason’s lodges, “no one is allowed to discuss religion or politics when we meet,” he says. “There are no conspiracies here. If I ever find anyone who’s canvassing for advancement in their business, it’s the end for him.” The Masons aim for personal spiritual development, friendly get-togethers and, in the process, manage some extremely impressive fundraising for charities, both Masonic and otherwise. Here in Surrey, the Masons help charities such as CHASE, the Guildford-based children’s hospice. For an organisation which Eric Stuart-Bamford describes as “private”, and most people would call downright secretive, you can see them decked out in all their regalia at their annual service at Guildford Cathedral.

No stranger to opposition, in 2006 his company put forward plans to build “a new Surrey village for the 21st century” – 2,600 houses on the land at Dunsfold Park. The ambitious plans triggered nearly 3,000 objections and were rejected, but not before causing a storm locally and prompting the establishment of the STOP Dunsfold Park New Town campaign. In late 2007, Dunsfold Park Ltd applied once again to have their plans for the new town selected as one of Gordon Brown’s proposed “eco-towns” with a biomass power station, hybrid and electric public transport and food supplies from a local farm. But this was rejected in 2008. Dunsfold Park today is home to more than 100 businesses, employing over 700 people. The Park has a reputation for attracting companies at the forefront of their industries and is home to a number of ground-breaking green enterprises. It is also home to the BBC’s Top Gear and doubled for Miami airport in the James Bond film Casino Royale.

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Kate Craig-Wood

Businesswoman

Kate Craig-Wood, at just 33, was named Business Personality of the Year during the Toast of Surrey Business Awards at Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre this year. “Kate stands out as a fantastic role model for women,” says Chris Howard, from Guildford Borough Council, which sponsors the award. “She is a fantastic ambassador for Surrey as she is in a cutting-edge technology and on top of that she has a fantastic philosophy with workers.” Kate, who has lived in Surrey all her life, grew up immersed in entrepreneurial business and IT. She took a collaborative PhD with Surrey University’s computing department, where she researched cloud computing and the future of national digital infrastructure before undertaking a varied career in IT. Then, in late 2002, she teamed up with her brother Nick to found Memset Ltd.

Louise Punter

Chief Executive of Surrey Chambers of Commerce

With its close proximity to London, Surrey has always been a great place to do business and is one of the most successful and productive areas for enterprise in the UK.

The business, which started in their mother’s garage, is definitely going places. It has a turnover of £2.5 million and customers ranging from small start-ups to large corporations such as Debenhams, Hilton Hotels and Hanson. It strives to support the local community wherever possible. They sponsor the Guildford Lions’ fireworks and are involved with the Surrey Chambers Community Foundation, which aims to help young people get involved with business. This environmentally-conscious business has also implemented a green transport policy and purchased a small fleet of electric bicycles for its staff.

The Surrey Chambers of Commerce have membership in every sector of the workforce and represent more than 2,800 businesses. Headed up by Chief Executive Louise Punter, the network ensures that the continued growth of the county takes into account the needs of local business, as well as providing a range of services to help them grow and meet new customers. Louise Punter spent 17 years working in commercial world, starting her career with a major packaging company before moving on to work in marketing. Her varied background certainly puts her in a good position to speak out for the diverse business community in Surrey. The Surrey Chambers have an annual networking programme of more than 90 events. They also represent the local business community on policy changes at local regional, national and European government level.

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James Barber

Director of Yvonne Arnaud Theatre

Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre opened its doors in 1965 as a memorial to the much loved French actress, who had made her home in Effingham Common. Back then, it was not unusual to find acting greats such as Ingrid Bergman and Michael Redgrave on the stage. Today the theatre is under the directorship of James Barber and is renowned for its strong arts presence in the town. After the days of Bergman and Redgrave, close relationships were developed with West End management, which gave the theatre the impressive pedigree it still has today. It is a busy producing and receiving house, creating shows in Guildford and touring nationally, with many transferring to the West End (just under half since 1991).

Eric Clapton

Musician

This musical heavyweight was born in Ripley, Surrey and has lived in the county for most of his life. From a humble background (he is the son of 16-year-old Patricia Molly Clapton and was brought up by his grandparents) he nonetheless went on to become one of the biggest influences in musical history, and a key player in some of the most famous bands of the 60s and 70s.

The 80-seat Mill Studio opened in 1993 to provide a venue for work that would not otherwise be seen in Guildford. It also forms the base for the Youth Theatre’s activities (which holds an array of workshops, classes and theatre activities for people between the ages of six and 21). In 1997 its success was rewarded with a Lottery grant to upgrade the facilities, and since then it has continued to expand its audience and the range of productions presented. The scenery workshops, in addition to creating sets for the Yvonne Arnaud stage, have built for Glyndebourne, the Royal Shakespeare Company, Chichester Festival Theatre and most of the country’s leading commercial companies.

His father was also a gifted musician and played piano in several dance bands in the Surrey area. Son Eric asked for a guitar for his 13th birthday, and when he was 16 he began studying at Kingston College of Art. The legendary guitarist spent his early days busking around Richmond and Kingston. In 1963 he was recruited to become a member of The Yardbirds and later joined Cream and then Blind Faith. He is also known for his performance at the worldwide charity concert, Live Aid. His career reached new heights in 1992 with the release of Unplugged and the Grammy-winning single, Tears in Heaven. He is the only triple inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (as a member of both the Yardbirds and Cream and as a solo artist). Eric supports many charities, both in Surrey (such as Guildfordbased children’s charity CHASE and the Cranleigh Arts Centre) and overseas. In particular he chooses to help those charities which look after those suffering from addiction, following his problems with drugs and alcohol in his early life.

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SURREY

Spa Towns WORDS JEREMY GATES

THEY HAVE ALWAYS BEEN DESIRABLE PLACES TO LIVE AND MOST APPEAR TO BE RIDING OUT THE RECESSION. THEY ARE SPA TOWNS, WHERE PROPERTY PRICES ARE STILL CONSISTENTLY HIGHER THAN IN NEARBY COMMUNITIES. EPSOM REMAINS THE MOST EXPENSIVE SPA TOWN IN THE COUNTRY, DESPITE A FIVE PER CENT DIP IN HOUSE PRICES LAST YEAR. WHY ARE THESE HISTORIC PLACES PROVING SO POPULAR WITH BUYERS? 48

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f you live in one of the spa towns across England and Wales, you can probably afford to forget about the slump in the housing market, says a new survey. Figures from Lloyds TSB research show that house prices in spa towns average £38,000, or 16 per cent, above their county average. And in 15 out of the 18 spa towns in the country, prices are significantly higher than those in their neighbouring towns.

Homebuyers have to part with more than £100,000 extra for a spa town address in Yorkshire’s ‘Golden Triangle’. Along with Boston Spa and Ilkley, Harrogate and Knaresborough have homes costing an average £105,000, or 59 per cent more than the county average. In no fewer than 15 spa towns, house prices have at least doubled in the past decade – Builth Wells in Powys leads the way with an increase of 153 per cent. But our very own Epsom is still the most pricey spa town in the country, with an average house price of £357,837, closely followed by Tunbridge Wells in Kent and Bath in North East Somerset. This is despite the fact that house prices in Epsom were five per cent below the county average last year. But what makes a spa town such a desirable address? Elegant architecture and colourful histories no doubt form part of the attraction for potential buyers when considering towns like Epsom. Houses in spa towns tend be bigger than in the UK as a whole, and property is also generally older than in other towns – another factor which adds to their charm.

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“Spa towns tend to have a larger stock of period architecture, such as Georgian or Regency, which are often larger and command higher prices,” says Nitesh Patel, Lloyds TSB housing economist. “Spa towns are also often thought of as having a high quality of life, including excellent schools, lower crime rates, and lesser traffic volumes, all of which drive

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So, residents of Epsom have had good reason to feel more confident in the property market than most, but despite the gloomy predictions it looks like house prices in England and Wales are holding firm after all. Another new report claims that property prices remain ‘relatively stable’ and that slight price falls in northern England, Wales, the Midlands and East Anglia are cancelled out by small rises in London and southern England. The report by LSL Property Services – owners of Your Move and Reeds Rains agency chains, and the Acadametrics Consultancy – found that the average house price in England and Wales rose by

0.3 per cent in February, to £222,456. Over the last 12 months, prices have risen in six months, fallen in five and remained flat in one. On an annual basis, the latest figure is down by only £1,037, or -0.5 per cent, on the average price recorded in February 2010. “In the intervening months between February last year and this, we have seen the average house price fluctuate between £224,072 and £221,249 – a maximum change of £2,823, or 1.3 per cent, over the year,” says Dr Peter Williams, chairman of Acadametrics. “In the last six months of 2008, during the depths of the housing recession, average prices were falling by a monthly rate of -1.7 per cent, so we can see how relatively stable the current market has

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desirability in these areas and ramp up value. It all adds up to a significant success story for the housing market in these areas.”

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become, with little change in house prices being observed month on month.” But the report says the stalemate between large monthly increases and more modest annual rises will remain “for at least the next few months”, so the annual rate in house prices will fluctuate around zero. The report predicts that price fluctuations around zero per cent are likely to become the norm for most regions, as the effect of the strong growth seen in early 2010 drops out of the figures. Now that Stamp Duty on sales above £1 million has been increased, the report also predicts “a small increase in the sales of semi-detached houses and other properties at the higher end of the price range, which will push up the average price paid in the short term”. The amount of properties for sale in a given area varies wildly across the country – in Torquay, one in 17 homes is on the market, while Chester has only one in 71 properties up for sale. There is little to suggest the Government is likely to achieve its stated aim of ‘stabilising’ house prices, according to the LSL Property Services report. Prospects for the housing market this year hinge largely on movements of interest rates, currently standing at a 300-year low. According to zoopla.co.uk, more than 2,600 properties have sold in Epsom during the last three years. Just over 900 of those changed hands in the last 12 months, suggesting that the volume of sales has remained reasonably consistent year on year. So, it looks like the prestige of having a spa town address will continue to stand Epsom and its fellows in good stead, even as the UK housing market as a whole struggles to recover. SO

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THIS HISTORIC ESTATE AT CHOBHAM HAS SOME STUNNING FEATURES AND OFFERS A WONDERFUL RENOVATION PROJECT TO CREATE AN OUTSTANDING FAMILY HOME

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Property: Brook Place, Grade II listed manor house Location: Chobham, Surrey Price Guide: £4 million Bedrooms: 7 Bathrooms: 4 Land: 16 acres

Extras: 3-bedroom cottage, Gardener’s cottage, Tithe barn Granary, Formal gardens, Lake, Folly

Best Bit: The interesting history of the 17th century manor house and multitude of charming features, from the Dutch dining room panelling to the lake in the grounds. Summary: Dating from the early 1600s, the main house, Brook Place, was one of the most important homes in the area. It is believed to have taken its name from the Atte Brokes family, who lived in Chobham in the 13th century. Original features include some fine fireplaces and the house, which is Dutch Gabled in style, radiates character and charm. The last major renovation was carried out in the 1920s and listed building consent has now been obtained to sympathetically renovate and extend the house. With three storeys and up to seven bedrooms, plus bathrooms and WCs, Brook Place presents a fantastic opportunity for any new buyer. Listed building consent has also been obtained for internal and external alterations to the three-bedroom Brook Place Cottage, which requires modernising. Dating from the mid-19th century, this cottage has its own walled garden, affording privacy from the main house. Along with a detached gardener’s cottage, there is also a 400-year-old timber framed barn which has been used as a venue for wedding receptions. With approximately 16 acres of land, other features include formal gardens, a swimming pool, an island in a lake, reached by its own bridge, and a granary which was previously used as a chapel. Contact: Waterfords 01276 858 589 waterfords.co.uk

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Summer INTERIORS

Shades of IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR HOME DECORATING IDEAS, SIMPLY RUSTLE THROUGH YOUR WARDROBE. CHANCES ARE YOU’VE ALREADY PICKED UP ON SOME OF THE MOST FASHIONABLE LOOKS AND COLOURS – WHETHER THAT’S COLOUR BLOCKING, BLUES, SORBET SHADES OR FLORALS – AND THOSE TRENDS ARE BEING ECHOED IN OUR ROOMS These days, where those couture catwalks lead, our homes will surely follow, although there’s no need to slavishly reflect those new looks. Even dedicated decoristas are more likely to opt for a ‘make it work’ approach rather than a full-on ‘makeover’, as we’ve all got budgets to consider.

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So, simply be inspired by the latest looks, then decorate and furnish to suit your personality, lifestyle and purse.

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We ask home design experts from leading high street stores to forecast the trends and share their tips on creating the latest looks for rooms.

Bold & bright “Colour will banish the dull days of Winter and it’s being used in dramatic splashes in both florals and abstract patterns,” says Sue Roberts, Head of Home Design at House of Fraser. “We’re tired of doom and gloom and are looking for a more positive outlook and rediscovering our sense of humour. “That’s making us all more creative, and there’s a real trend for bold brights or blocks of colour which add fun to our homes. Florals will still predominate, whether chintzy, modern or echoing an Eastern theme.” Get the look: Layering is a great way to freshen a room without breaking the bank, Sue advises. “Use throws and rugs as well as fabrics for blinds, curtains or upholstery echoing your theme.

“There’s a desire to make a statement in rooms with key pieces which don’t break the bank but have impact,” she says. “It’s easy to pick up on trends with cushions and other accessories such as lighting. Take a tip from the stylists who use one ‘hero’ piece to create impact.” Florals never go out of fashion, she believes, but this year they’re being interpreted in a softer, less dominating way and they also work well with pastel shades, which are gaining ground. Sally believes coastal’s appeal endures as it’s a fresh, informal look which can be dressed up or down. Get the look: “Make it smart and chic by contrasting whites with deep blues and having painted furniture, or opt for a ‘beach hut’ look with natural wood, bleached cottons and soft blue accessories,” she advises. “An easy way to adopt this style is with blue and white bedding as the shades are ideal to create a calm atmosphere.”

“If too much pattern makes you nervous, experiment by featuring it on cushions and bedding, and introduce more colour on table settings with charger plates, placemats and coloured glassware.”

Best buys from Marks & Spencer: Club chair in Melitta blue stripe, £649. An extra large Task floor lamp in polished nickelplated steel, £199, and Sailing Stripe bed linen set, from £39.50.

Best buys from House of Fraser: Libby Floral bed linen, duvet cover from £50; colourful Bamboo Lacquered Stool, £40; Designer Kenneth Cole’s Madison bed linen, duvet cover from £40, featuring colour on a grey background.

Functional furniture, vintage style and a strong neutral palette combine in the up-and-coming ‘industrial’ trend, says Claire Hornby, Creative Stylist for Barker & Stonehouse.

Go overboard Get shipshape with coastal chic or bring the outdoors in with florals, says Sally Bendelow, Head of Home Design at Marks & Spencer.

Industrial chic

“The industrial chic look links in nicely with the recent fashion for period pieces and early 20th century styling, so have fun choosing traditional items which will never date and base your look around them,” she says. “Industrial doesn’t have to mean shiny chrome and minimalism. The new way to do this chic style is an altogether subtler and more sensual experience. It’s all about being rustic and timeless.” Get the look: This is achieved by mixing natural materials, so combine distressed leather with rustic wooden pieces for a practical but sophisticated result. “Soften this look with cushions in complementary fabrics and colours,” says Claire. “But if you accessorise, ensure pieces are functional with nothing purely decorative on display.” Best buys from Barker & Stonehouse: Earlston Opio rus tic dining table, £1,245, in bleached old pine with natural grain and knots; Benjamin Chest, £1,645, and Hugo Desk, £1,185.

Sorbet style Be inspired by soft pastels and stripes for a look that sums up Summer, says Suzanne Beechey, Homeware Buying Manager at Bhs. “Homes are no longer simply properties, they are individual spaces where the style should express your personality and taste,” she says.

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“There’s a trend for soft, sorbet shades and an effortless easy-to-live-with approach which conjures a cool, serene and sophisticated setting.”

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Get the look: “Take inspiration from Miami summer nights,” advises Suzanne. “Decorate and accessorise with soft pinks, muted lilacs and mint greens which pair well with contemporary furniture in soft greys and chalky whites. Keeping this look minimal with clean edges is key.” Best buys: Hot buys from Bhs are the Sorbet buttoned sofa, £999, and Sorbet striped bedding, from £22.50.

Wide blue yonder Nothing beats blue this year, and fashion’s passion for every hue from sky to turquoise is being echoed in the home, says Gillian Anderson, Trading Director at Heal’s. “There’s a renewed sense of optimism as we, hopefully, start a post-recession period and people want cheerful colour messages,” she says. “From deep and mysterious navy and teal to bright and crystal clear turquoise, blue is set to take us in a new colour direction. Turquoise is creating the biggest splash on interior decor this Spring, closely followed by light blue.” Get the look: “Sea and sky-inspired hues pair well with pristine white and traditional oak, and can be contrasted with statement pieces in indigo, which is the new black”, says Gillian. “It’s all about creating understated luxury, and rich peacock blues can add depth to a scheme.” Best buys: From Bhs, Diamond Easy Chair in turquoise velvet, £895; and brilliant blue 50s style Aldo Londi Rimini ceramics, from £41.

Home & away Celebrate the culture of far away lands or look to the seaside for decor design, says Mockie Harrison, Head of Home Design at John Lewis. “Tribal’s also a key look and we’re celebrating the nomadic culture of distant lands with strong, colliding patterns, dark woods and high-energy prints,” she says. “Coastal’s a classic Summer theme, making use of nostalgic imagery and natural materials. It instantly evokes happy memories, thoughts of holidays, and conjures a restful atmosphere.” Get the look: For tribal, Mockie advises using a mix of materials, such as wood, glass and fabrics, featuring dynamic patterns and motifs. For a ‘by-the-sea’ look, opt for deckchair stripe fabrics on upholstery and rugs, pale wood furniture and coastal accessories. Pick up blues in lighting and cushions.

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Best buys from John Lewis: Panama Rug, £295; Tribalstyle Madiba fabric in navy, £20 per square metre; Seaside cushion, £28 and Romilly hanging light, £100. SO

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Bathroom trends THE BATHROOM HAS LONG LOST ITS UTILITARIAN FUNCTIONALITY IN THE HOME AND IS TODAY ONE OF THE MOST FREQUENTLY USED ROOMS. IT HAS TO BE WELCOMING, EASY TO MAINTAIN AND FUNCTIONAL. DEVELOPMENTS IN DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY IN THE LAST 30 YEARS HAVE MADE THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS EASY TO FULFIL. THE MARKET, THOUGH, IS STILL CREATING DESIGN SOLUTIONS TO AID PRACTICAL REQUIREMENTS AS WELL AS LUXURY DETAIL. A QUALITY BATHROOM SHOULD LAST 20 YEARS WHICH MEANS THERE MUST BE A BALANCE BETWEEN FASHION AND TIMELESSNESS AS WE DISCOVERED WHEN WE WENT ALONG TO WALTON BATHROOMS IN HERSHAM

Soft Approach We’ve been through an era of crisp geometries, square lines and minimalism. Harsh squares are softening and curvaceousness is on its way back. The new ‘My Nature’ bathroom collection from Villeroy & Boch is all about bringing nature into your home, from the organic shape of the sanitaryware to the chestnut wood finish of the furniture. The star of the ‘My Nature’ collection is the freestanding bathtub.

ATT- Ambiance Tuning Technique by Dornbracht available from Walton Bathrooms

Shower Technology Technology has its place and there will always be ‘gismo’ lovers although some of the technology being introduced in 2011 is there to create a better experience. Dornbracht have taken use of technology to new dimensions. The exclusive AMBIANCE TUNING TECHNIQUE combines multiple outlets and various jet sprays to form pre-programmed choreographies which enhance the individual shower experience. The control panel allows each user to adjust flow, temperature and outlet combinations to suit their own showering ritual. These scenarios complement the three human dimensions; body, mind and soul. New technology at its best.

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Eco Friendly The modern world makes demands on us to be environmentally aware. Many of the products that Walton Bathrooms supply have environmentally friendly features from use of materials to performance and even to packaging. Keuco have developed the ‘Plan Blue’ mixer range to be optimally environmentally friendly. Its manufacture uses minimal base materials and the whole range of designs use a lower flow rate of water.

Plan Blue mixer taps by Keuco available from Walton Bathrooms

Inclusive Design These beautiful designs in the ‘Plan-b-free’ range from Keuco offer inclusive design for many users. The basin, which is even wheelchair friendly, overhangs its mounting for easy access but loses none of its design style and quality. The range also has easier to use taps, shower seats and fittings and much more for the discerning mature buyer. The design concept has many options on size and finish to fit in with the scheme of any bathroom project.

Hot off the Press The latest designs in bathroom sanitaryware have only just been launched. One of the many new furniture collections ‘Scope’ by Keuco provides a sleek solution, in many different finishes. The range is completely flexible with options for single or double basins and lengths up to 2.8m. The furniture collection, like so many available from Walton Bathrooms, has complementary mirror cabinet, sideboards and tall storage units to provide a flexible, integrated design solution.

Textured Tiles Beautiful tiles are the finishing touch of luxury for any bathroom and are becoming more focused on texture as well as colour. Contrasts are formed using mixed finishes to create visual interest whilst retaining an element of simplicity. Here are two samples by Villeroy & Boch from the vast array of tile designs on offer.

Rich History (Above) Travel through time and countries, step between yesterday and tomorrow. High-quality materials with a modern slant. All products featured are available from Walton Bathrooms. Their showroom has over 60 displays to help inspire you to choose your taps, showers, basins and sanitaryware. They also offer a complete service from design and specification to supply and installation. Walton Bathrooms Ltd. The Hersham Centre, Molesey Road, The Green, Hersham, Surrey. KT12 4HL Opening Hours: Monday - Saturday 9am - 5pm Tel: 01932 224 784 You can also buy online at: www.waltonbathrooms.co.uk

Silent Wave (Above) With a discreet sweeping movement, these tiles offer stylish simplicity at its best. APRIL 2011

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BEATLEMANIA IS BACK IN GUILDFORD AS GENESIS HOUSE GALLERY PUTS AN INSPIRED 'UNSEEN' COLLECTION OF LIMITED EDITION PHOTOS AND DRAWINGS ON DISPLAY

The Fab Four in Liverpool Feb 1963

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‘Breakfast With John’

rare exhibition at Surrey’s Genesis House Gallery marks the 50th anniversary of the world’s top rock band’s first appearance – at Liverpool’s legendary Cavern Club in 1961.

To add to the intrigue surrounding The Beatles’ early years, the gallery has also commissioned a set of brand new drawings from artist and musician Klaus Voormann, who played with The Beatles in Hamburg between 1960 and 1963, and designed the Grammy Award-winning Revolver album cover. Kurt’s “memory” drawings and paintings, from his own recollections of Hamburg, are a novel idea as there are so few images of The Beatles’ pre-fame era, and they are available in the limited edition book Hamburg Days. Adding to the fascination is a display of rare Hamburg photos by famed photographer Astrid Kirchher, whose romance as a student with original Beatles bass player Stuart Sutcliffe (also a talented artist) led him to leave the band to stay with her in Germany until his death in 1962. The gallery’s Robby Elson adds that with them being “a pair of black-clad existentialists”, Astrid was also the genius behind The Beatles’ 'mop-top' pudding-bowl haircuts, which

‘Lennon and McCartney in the Bambi Kino’

proved a major turning point in their image. In 1963, photographer Michael Ward charted A Day in the Life of the Fab Four on the day they landed their first No 1 – Please Please Me (and the screaming fans did – for evermore). He spent a whole day and night snapping them, finishing up in The Cavern, just before the first wave of Beatlemania took hold. “People seem to make it all very complicated, but it’s really very simple,” says Michael. “I just happened to be there.” The photos had remained largely unseen since the 60s, until Michael approached Genesis Publications with the idea of turning them into a limited edition book and print set. Astrid’s photographs are not for sale, but limited edition litho prints of Michael’s historic images are available as a full portfolio of 24 photos at £495 a set. While limited edition prints of Klaus’s stunning drawings can be bought for £345 each – unless memorabilia-mad Paul McCartney gets there first and snaps them all up in one go! SO

A Day in the Life The Beatles exhibition is open 11am–5pm until May 21 by appointment to view. To make an appointment, visitors can contact Genesis at info@genesis-publications.com 01483 540 970

‘McCartney in the Davidwache Police Station’

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THE GALLERY CHALK HILL CONTEMPORARY ART

on this page: Cream Harbour by Robert Welch, acrylic on canvas, 30 x 38cm, £500 Echo, Ripple & Swim III by Emily Ball, oil on paper, 60 x 90cm, framed £1,150 Terracotta Head by Bridget Heriz, 14cm, £700 Beach Family by Robert Welch, acrylic on canvas, 35 x 42cm, £550 Room With a View by Robert Welch, acrylic on canvas, 44 x 33cm, £550

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on this page: Night Fishing by Felicity Mara, acrylic on raw linen, 100 x 200cm, £3,500 Sea Change by Felicity Mara, acrylic on raw linen, 183 x 153cm, £3,400 Splash, Dive and Swim Study I by Emily Ball, oil on paper, 60 x 90cm, framed £1,150

Chalk Hill Contemporary Art, 23 Chantry View Road, Guildford GU1 3XW 01483 440 638 chalkhill.co.uk APRIL 2011

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fever

Words Sam Wylie-Harris

It’s hardly any wonder we get excited about Spring! This highly anticipated season signals that the days are getting warmer and brighter, the buds are blossoming and there’s a Bank Holiday winking at us from around the corner

o welcome the first day of Spring, and kick-start this glorious time of year, we dust down the shelves with a view to increasing your cellar selection with some refreshing wines.

Highly appealing and in tune with the equinox, try this fragrant sparkler – Pommery Springtime Brut Rosé NV (£38.20, House of Fraser). The delicate bubbles sing from the glass and the lipstick pink label makes it a hot favourite in the cellar master’s beauty parade. Fruity with good acidity, it’s a perfect aperitif with seafood snacks. Pretty and seasonal, you don’t have to be a fan of rosé to enjoy these two lovely wines. Try ES Chilean Cabernet Rosé (£6.38 Asda), light with subtle fruit flavours and enough body to be satisfying, it’s a perfect match with salmon fish cakes and salad.

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Alternatively, the Spanish gem Cillar de Silos Rosado 2009 (£10.20, bbr.com) pairs beautifully with warm goat’s cheese salad. Made with 100 per cent tempranillo, the lollipop colour indicates a full-flavoured rosé with vibrant red berry fruit, good acidity and good length.

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From blushing beauties to pale and interesting, try Nobilo Regional Collection Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand (£7.30, Tesco). A zesty mid-week drinker with intense herbal notes and bursting with pineapple and a medley of citrus fruit flavours, it’s ideal with a posh prawn cocktail, or lemon chicken salad if you’re counting the calories. For last-minute lunch wines to enjoy with a blast of fresh air on a sunny terrace, the UK’s largest group of neighbourhood stores has some Spring offers up for grabs. Try Spar’s Valencia Medium White (£4.39 or three for £10). Lively and juicy with a distinctive fruit tree on the label, it’s not bad with a huge bowl of moules marinière. A notch up the scale, the floral aromas and apricot fruits of a golden viognier always make me think of Spring flowers. This northern Rhone variety thrives in a warm climate and South America is producing some terrific examples. Try Anakena Single Vineyard Viognier 2009 (£8.50 stonevine.co.uk), Chile. Crisp, yet rich with the heady scent of peaches and apricot plus the slightest hint of ginger, it’s a classy wine to serve with delicate Thai dishes. Red lovers who warm to a good claret this time of year to complement Spring lamb should try the reasonably priced Calvet Reserve AC Bordeaux 2009 (£8.19, Morrisons). A blend of merlot and cabernet sauvignon, it’s dense with plum and blackcurrant fruit and silky textured tannins. A noteworthy glass with a ripe Brie or Camembert.

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You could also try New World favourite Villa Maria Private Bin Pinot Noir 2009 (£9.99, Tesco). Light and easy-going, this fresh and fruity crowd pleaser is packed with dark cherry fruit that leaps from the glass, along with pleasantly smooth tannins and a spicy element for some extra zip.

Raise a glass, then, to Mother Nature! APRIL 2011

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In all its

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THE SAVOY HOTEL IS BACK IN BUSINESS AFTER A £220 MILLION FACELIFT – TWICE WHAT WAS BUDGETED AND A YEAR BEHIND SCHEDULE. NATURALLY, WE WERE AMONG THE FIRST TO BE INVITED TO SAMPLE THE DELIGHTS. AND SO IT WAS OUR MAN DAN SMITH SAT DOWN FOR AFTERNOON TEA WITH KIARAN MACDONALD, THE GENERAL MANAGER

WORDS DAN SMITH

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Despite this, whether people have visited the famous Strand hotel or not, there’s a piece of knowledge commonly held: That The Savoy has a reputation of being one of the finest hotels on the planet. It creates something of an eyebrow-raising moment then, when I’m sat in the new Thames Foyer with General Manager Kiaran MacDonald and he leans forward to confide: “The Savoy, fortunately, carries with it this aura of being one of the most luxurious hotels in the world, the reality is that for the last 15 to 20 years it wasn’t.” This comment summarises why, in December 2007, The Savoy’s management, Fairmont Hotels, closed the doors to the public and began a £220million, three year makeover. The objective: to rekindle the enigma that had made The Savoy the most famous hotel in London, and perhaps the world. In its heyday, The Savoy’s clientele included royalty, world politicians and the cream of the celebrity A-list. However, by the turn of the 21st Century, with a lack of upkeep and investment, the place was beginning to look its age compared to the world’s other luxury brands. “We’d lost our way for a number for years,” Kiaran MacDonald admits. “The perception to the market was still that it was a fantastic hotel, but in reality it was falling to bits.” This is the man who perhaps knows more about the rejuvenation of the hotel, which first opened in 1889, than anyone else. He came onboard five years ago following a successful career in the North American hotel industry and was tasked with first preparing the hotel for closure and for the grand re-opening on 10/10/10. Kiaran currently presides over the ‘new’ Savoy as it takes its place on the centre of the world stage. He’s responsible for implementing the vision of Prince Alwaleed bin Talal (the hotel’s Saudi Arabian owner who is ranked 22nd on the Forbes Rich List) and makes no bones about how serious the job of rebooting the hotel was. “We spent a year and a half of planning to get to the point of pressing the button and closing, but even then we underestimated it,” he admits. “We found that actually when you scrape below the surface, the plumbing was shot, the electricity was shot – the structure was literally falling apart.” What began as a redecoration quickly became a full-on re-build and saw the hotel take on various modern and eco-technologies. That said, while some areas have been completely changed, those which were seen to encapsulate The Savoy have been retained and beautified. “I think the best example of that is the American Bar,” explains

Kiaran. “As a room the American Bar dates back to the beginning of the hotel, but in the iteration of its interior design, it actually only dates back to the seventies. “But that doesn’t matter. As far as the guests were concerned, they wanted that left as it was. In reality we spent a ton of money keeping it as it was, so they walk in and think that nothing’s changed… but it has.” The same goes for the new Front Hall. Though there is now no reception desk or conventional check-in (the idea is that when you arrive, the doormen know exactly your requirements), the character of the old room has been retained while the space has been renovated, rejuvenated and become even more of a spectacle. “Conversely, there’s the River Restaurant,” continues Kiaran. “And that has changed. You walk in now and it’s unrecognisable in all but its view and that was very deliberate on our part. There was no attempt to retain any of the old features, because in our view there was very little that we wanted to retain.” The same rings true for the new Beaufort Bar, an exceedingly lavish drinking space that’s designed to be over-the-top, theatrical and glamourous. Occupying the area of the old performance stage, the dark, mood-lit bar is next-door to the Thames Foyer (where we’re sat) and is all about champagne, cabaret and cocktails. Certainly, the results are stunning, and that sentiment goes for the other dining areas. With a pianist tinkling the ivories in the background, the spot in which Kieran and I are chatting is beautiful. A grand piano occupies the centre of the room, under a Winter garden gazebo. Above that a huge glass dome – on show for the first time since WW2 – lets natural light pour in. Tables are dotted around and it seems almost all are occupied. At various times during our afternoon tea the pianist breaks into a recital of ‘happy birthday’ for those guests who are celebrating the passing of another year with that most British of institutions: Afternoon tea at The Savoy. Everything, it appears, is going swimmingly. Yet, there are those who feel something has been lost with the re-opening. An eponymous two-part television show aired on ITV1 in December, documenting the three year closure and subsequent re-opening of the hotel. It showed, among other things, a plethora of thrilled guests, old and new, who (like me) find the environment luxurious, elegant and relaxing. The producers also interviewed some less-than-satisfied guests, but as far as Kiaran is concerned these are in the minority: “I think we’re always aware of the ‘old guard’; guests who’ve either been frequent visitors for years, or have been to The Savoy once or twice maybe a long time ago. And when they come back they have a view on how things should be. We have a policy on that: we know you will never ever please everyone – it’s impossible. “But what most guests have said to us time and time again is ‘gosh, it looked beautiful on television, but it looks even better in reality.’”

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ome members of the So staff clearly remember the glory days of The Savoy, while there are others – particularly among the younger crowd – who’ve not yet enjoyed the benefits of, say, the legendary River Restaurant, the American Bar or The Savoy Grill.

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And, to be honest, it should; aside from that £220million, a room here can cost up to £10,000. For this kind of money, Fairmont need to offer more than just an impressive- looking hotel, the service also needs to be second to none. To herald this new era the re-opened Savoy boasts the return of the butler service for the first time in 50 years. Kiaran explains: “The question for us was: how do you differentiate compared to other luxury hotels? What is it that inspires and engenders the sense of a unique experience for our guests that has them walking away saying, ‘you know what? I’ve never had that before’? “The Savoy Butler was a vehicle that was successful here for many, many years and to bring it back was not only appropriate, but it also has present value with today’s luxury guest.”

This single innuendo comment highlights the risks of letting cameras behind the scenes at this most highly guarded of brands. Surely, if you show people the workings behind the magic, isn’t it true that you spoil the illusion? “We harboured tremendous levels of concern,” admits Kiaran. “Because of the very point that it may show something that embarrasses you, or something that compromises everything that you’ve strived to achieve. And also that it may take away that mystique. “We had no editorial control, but what we did have was filming control. So throughout those three years they could only film when we said they could and where we said they could. That was our way of saying ‘you know, for the purpose of pertaining mystique, I don’t want you filming here, here and here’.”

Guests don’t come much more ‘luxury’ than Prince Alwaleed, the man who paid a quarter of a billion pounds for the hotel in 2005. When he visited upon the completion of the hotel, he arrived with a huge entourage and remained on Saudi time so as not to inconvenience his body clock. This level of expectancy is the kind the newly appointed butlers should be able to accommodate without breaking step.

Having seen the show and the rejuvenated hotel up close, I can confirm that the magic is certainly not lost. The service is impeccable and the ambience delightful, I only wish I had longer to stay than just the afternoon.

One particular star of the television show, Head Butler Sean Davoren, made headlines by announcing how he viewed the ‘above and beyond’ nature of being a butler. In the second episode, he revealed to the cameras:

“I’m talking about striving for perfection,” he says. “And I think in striving for that, it would be naïve and arrogant of me to say we’re at that point now, because I don’t think you ever reach perfection. It’s a constant evolution.”

‘My philosophy is that I will do anything as long as it’s legal. You might like a very serious, English butler and I will pretend I am one for you.’

We’re sure The Savoy will keep getting even better, keep evolving. And we’ll make sure we keep coming back… just to make sure, you understand. SO

But how does Kiaran feel about the finished product, is it as good as it could be?

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FOODIE BENJAMIN JAMES IS A MAN WHO PRACTISES WHAT HE PREACHES, AS WE FOUND OUT WHEN WE POPPED INTO HIS NEWLY OPENED RESTAURANT. IT’S CALLED FIELD TO FORK BRITISH BRASSERIE & BAR AND CAN BE FOUND IN SOUTH STREET, EPSOM PHOTOGRAPHY MARK TURNBULL

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ver the past few years the phrase ‘eating fresh and eating local’ has become a popular mantra. However, where many individuals and businesses pay mainly lip service to this movement, it’s something that I personally feel very strongly about. So strongly, in fact, that I’ve opened a new restaurant in Epsom based on that belief. We’re very fortunate living in Surrey, with Kent and Sussex on our doorstep, as well as a great stretch of coastline which offers us a bounty of local produce to enjoy. Looking further afield to the Great British Isles, many more award-winning ingredients are available to those who want to experience the best that the UK has to offer. Recent television programmes like the Great British Menu have done a lot to promote home-grown produce and for me, the spotlight that programmes like these shine on local and seasonal dishes are important at a time when we are increasingly reliant on non-British products. The inspiration behind the concept for Field to Fork British Brasserie & Bar in Epsom came while talking with a group of friends who live close by in villages like Chipstead and Esher. I discussed with them the idea of opening a modern British brasserie that was stylish yet relaxed, somewhere you could drop in for a drink or light snack, as well as a full three-course meal or traditional Sunday lunch. The premise was simple: A frequently changing menu and seasonal, British ingredients, sourced where possible from local producers. The restaurant site we found in Epsom is great, it’s in a fantastic location for the town, theatre and cinema, with exposed brick walls and huge windows. On my search for the best local ingredients, the Surrey countryside has presented me with a plethora of producers who share my passion for high-quality, seasonal, British produce. Steve Conisbee in East Horsley and Christian Braid of Bramley’s Apple Greengrocers in Guildford were just two local businessmen keen to offer ideas and expertise for my project. It’s certainly true that good news travels fast and my enthusiasm for sustainable British produce doesn’t stop with food, it soon led me to other suppliers like Glenn of Green Glass UK, who recycle wine bottles to make them into beautiful, eco-friendly water glasses that work brilliantly with our vibrant green decor.

h Brasserie & Bar Benjamin James Field to Fork Britis

My career in catering began some 16 years ago as a Commis Chef in a Rosette-awarded hotel restaurant in Northamptonshire. Back then local ingredients weren’t uncommon, but the majority of locally-grown produce found its way into the kitchen via neighbourly swaps between farmers and the landlord. A couple of pints for a box of cabbage or local apples was a regular Sunday afternoon exchange.

grocers in Guildford Veg box from Bramley’s Apple Green

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I learned valuable lessons in that kitchen – hard work, patience but, most importantly, keeping in touch with what the customers want and striving to offer the elusive ‘wow-factor’ hospitality.

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Over the years, in every restaurant, pub and hotel I have worked in I have practised these values. Now, with my own venture, these values still very much hold true. The menu in Epsom will change on the first of every month which allows us to remain true to the seasonal outlook that I value so strongly. However, we do try to respond to customer preferences and keep the top-selling dishes on the menu each month if seasonally appropriate. Supporting local communities is also something close to my heart. I feel a duty to ensure that my staff receive the best possible training and development, and as part of this I have actively recruited six full-time staff who lost jobs in the economic downturn. We are working hard to ensure they have the opportunity to develop sustainable, highly skilled careers in the hospitality industry.

Supplier Rob Martin of Ruffits Farm, Kent

My passion has always been the driving force behind my career and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s now reflected in the menu at Field to Fork in Epsom. Passionate people inspire me and there canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be many people more passionate than the farmers and producers in our surrounding counties who strive to bring us the best ingredients to enjoy.

So Surrey magazine has invited me to write about some of these farmers and producers over the coming months. I hope youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll follow me on this journey and perhaps join me and the rest of the team at Field to Fork British Brasserie & Bar in Epsom... to enjoy the very best that Britain has to offer. SO fieldtoforkrestaurant.com

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Mac WORDS SIMON KING

WHAT YOU SEE HERE IS THE NEXT GENERATION OF SUPER SPORTS CAR, 17 YEARS AFTER MCLAREN RELEASED THE REVERED F1 WHICH EFFECTIVELY CREATED THE ‘HYPER CAR’. THEY HAVE RESET THE GOAL POSTS WITH THIS… THE NEW MCLAREN AUTOMOTIVE MP4-12C. 84

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McLaren Automotive have designed and built a brand new £40 million production centre in Woking to meet the potential demand for the new car - McLaren are proposing to build 1,000 12Cs each year. This car truly is ‘super’. It does 0-60 in 3.1 seconds and 0-100 in 6.1 secs, with a claimed top speed of 205 mph, so it is fast on a truly epic scale. To understand just how fast, consider that those figures – along with the standing quarter-mile time of 10.9 seconds - make this car faster at accelerating than the F1, which was the fastest production car in the world for 12 years.

The unrelenting, surging force comes from a bespoke 3.8 litre V8 twin-turbo engine, designed and developed jointly with Sussexbased Ricardo Engineering. This new engine creates 592bhp, yet it is said to be the most efficient and cleanest in its class. But it isn’t just straight line speed where this new car is mightily impressive, it handles like nothing else on the road too. Using McLaren’s pioneering suspension technology, ProActive Chassis Control (PCC), the 12C is able to grip in places where no other sports car can grip, and handle with a combination of minimal roll, maximum grip and great comfort. This is a remarkably talented vehicle for what is essentially a new car company, albeit one with great experience behind it, and a very ambitious one too. McLaren Automotive is launching a whole range of super-sports cars with this, the ‘entry level’ machine. It has APRIL 2011

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he 12C is the first of a new generation of super car, developed by a newly formed division within McLaren that we know from the hugely successful Formula 1 Team and of course the F1 road car.

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its sights set on some serious competition, most specifically Ferrari’s 458 Italia. The Ferrari 458 is beaten in every objective measure, such as acceleration, weight and even base price, and the McLaren is also a winner in a number of respects. That turbo-charged engine offers massive shove at a much wider engine speed and a great noise, if not the outright excitement of wringing a screaming Ferrari to the max. The way this car handles is due to two major aspects, the most fundamental being the super strong carbon-fibre ‘MonoCell’ construction of this car’s chassis, apparently a first for any mass-produced car under £200k. Carbon chassis technology is something McLaren first introduced into Formula 1, where it was then adopted by all teams, before introducing it to the world of road cars with the F1. Then there’s the fact the PCC hydraulic suspension system has three settings – Normal, Sport and Track – meaning this revolutionary car will ride as well as, or better than, your executive saloon down a straight road or motorway, but react with minimal roll. The interior is perfectly designed using a similar philosophy of driver focus as the Ferrari 458, but with the controls on the door and on the beautifully slim centre console, rather than cluttering the steering wheel. The seat, pedals and steering wheel all combine to provide beautiful ergonomics, if not the most glamorous of environments. Behind the steering wheel on both sides are paddles to operate the dual-clutch gear box one-handed, just like a Formula 1 car. The seven-speed ‘SSG’ gearbox is the only transmission choice on offer and another new idea in the world of super sports cars, offering what McLaren are calling ‘Pre-Cog’. This primes the clutch to engage the next gear if you apply a small amount of pressure, before you actually need the change, making the switch so fast it is almost imperceptible. Another idea designed to make the 12C an ‘every day’ super sports car are the dihedral, or butterfly, doors which give better access to the car, an idea carried over from the F1. McLaren have developed an Air Brake system that literally pushes the rear of the car into the floor when braking from high speed. So McLaren has developed a technical masterpiece as the introduction to its new range of super sport cars, designed to sell rather than emulate the ‘money no object’, obsessive design of the F1. It has also promised to offer the best customer experience of any super car company, with 35 dedicated retailers being appointed around the world initially and more to come. The MP4-12C is a technically unique car with new ideas all round, designed to make it the best in its class at the first attempt and, looking at it objectively, it appears to have succeeded. Which you prefer is down to whether you want the soul of the Ferrari or the technical excellence of the McLaren. Ideally, of course, you’d have both! SO

Facts at a glance Model: McLaren Automotive MP4-12C Engine: 3.8 litre V8 twin-turbo Power: 592 bhp 0-60mph: 3.1 secs Price: £168,500

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avid Walliams – star of hit comedy series Little Britain, cross-Channel swimmer, cross-dressing comedian, children’s author and celebrity newlywed - is a tricky character.

For instance, he refuses – today, at least – to talk about his personal life and marriage to supermodel Lara Stone, 26.

D AV I D W A L L I A M S

WORDS HANNAH STEPHENSON

NOW ALMOST AS FAMOUS FOR HIS WRITING AND ENDURANCE FEATS AS FOR HIS COMEDY, LITTLE BRITAIN STAR DAVID WALLIAMS IS SOMETHING OF A RENAISSANCE MAN. WE CAUGHT UP WITH SURREY’S FAVOURITE SON TO HEAR HIS THOUGHTS ON HAVING A SUPERMODEL WIFE, PUSHING THE BOUNDARIES OF NAUGHTINESS IN CHILDREN’S FICTION AND THE BURDEN OF BEING LABELLED A ‘CELEBRITY AUTHOR’

“That’s something that’s not in the remit of this interview,” he declares, when asked how married life is treating him. Fair enough. He’s entitled to his privacy, even if he has talked at length about his and his young wife’s life in Heat magazine. Since becoming a famous comedy performer, Walliams has also proved himself to be a talented novelist. One of his children’s novels has even been adapted for stage and is heading for his home county of Surrey this summer. But when it comes to his books, Walliams, 39, does not like to be labelled a celebrity author and lumped together with the likes of Katie Price, although being famous must surely not have harmed sales of his children’s books or the promotion of his latest novel, Billionaire Boy.

“There’s still some snobbery,” David reflects. “Sometimes I’m linked as a celebrity author when newspapers write, ‘Celebrity

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He makes rare appearances on the literary festival circuit and his first two books have been nominated for the Roald Dahl Funny Prize, so it probably won’t be long before he’s a regular at literary events or has become a Booker Prize judge. A musical adaptation of an earlier novel, Mr Stink, will be hitting the road this Summer and can be seen at the New Victoria Theatre in Woking in June and Kingston’s Rose Theatre in July. But it appears that critical and popular success does not prevent pigeon-holing.

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AN INDEPENDENT BOARDING & DAY SCHOOL FOR BOYS & GIRLS, AGES 11 TO 18 Find out how King Edward’s can make a difference to your child’s future. Book a place at an Open Morning. 01428 686700 or email admissions@kesw.org King Edward’s School, Witley, nr. Godalming, Surrey, GU8 5SG

www.kesw.org

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David with Little Britain co-star, Matt Lucas

There are those who would argue that there are lots of writers out there who haven’t been published because their name isn’t known. “But then I was at one point an unknown writer who was trying to get a comedy show on Radio 4, so I’ve been in that situation,” he points out. “I don’t feel like being an author is some career I shouldn’t have had. I don’t feel like a fraud. In the book publishing world, I would imagine that some of the more high-profile books end up paying for some of the less high profile ones.” High profile he certainly is – he and his Dutch wife are all over the place, on adverts, magazine covers, in newspaper gossip columns. What does Lara think of his books? “She likes them, but I don’t know if she’d say if she didn’t like them,” he laughs. “But I don’t let people read the books until after they’ve gone to the publisher, so it would be too late if she thought I ought to change something.” He reads his reviews and is quick to note that his two previous children’s books, The Boy in the Dress and Mr Stink, were extremely well received. His third book, Billionaire Boy, aimed at nine-to-12-year-olds, is another entertaining and witty read. It tells the story of fat and lonely Joe Spud, the richest boy in the world, who is bullied at secondary school, finds a new pal and

then dumps him for a pretty girl who isn’t all she seems. It does, however, have a happy ending and an underlying moral that money doesn’t buy happiness. The book isn’t autobiographical, says millionaire Walliams, but there are parts of it that are personal. He says he wouldn’t have written it had he not become rich and famous and had the experience of how people’s behaviour towards you changes when you become wealthy. And the message is important, he notes. “It seems that kids are increasingly interested in money and fame. Things today can happen quickly through television,” he says. “You could be completely unknown, then appear on Big Brother and two months later people know who you are and you can be making money out of magazines. Kids think that people can wave a magic wand and make you rich and famous.” Switching from writing for adults to writing for kids has been difficult, he admits. “Little Britain was a show meant for adults but kids liked it, just as I liked things when I was a kid that were a bit forbidden to me, like Not the Nine O’Clock News. It was a bit too rude and sometimes I’d be made to stop watching it because there was a joke about something I wouldn’t understand. I know the children’s books can’t go to the places that Little Britain goes, but I still wanted them to have a sense of naughtiness and pushing the boundaries. They’re a little bit rude but not terrible.” The son of a London Transport civil engineer and a lab technician, Walliams grew up in Banstead and joined the National Youth

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authors like Jordan and David Walliams...’ I think, hang on! I’ve written a successful comedy show. I don’t feel like I should be demoted to a ‘celebrity author’. I’m a celebrity because I’m a successful writer and actor. I wasn’t on Big Brother.”

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Theatre, where he met comedy soul mate Matt Lucas. It was the beginning of a long professional partnership. As a single man he was often seen out on the town and was romantically linked with some gorgeous women, including Denise Van Outen and Natalie Imbruglia, although rumours abounded about his sexuality, thanks to his camp performances and cross-dressing characters. All that has changed since he married Lara last year. Now, he just prefers to go home after work. “You don’t need to go out, a great night could be staying in watching The X Factor,” he has said. His latest comedy project was the popular and rather controversial BBC series Come Fly With Me, created with his Little Britain co-star, Matt Lucas. But he is becoming just as well known for his charity work, which has included some arduous physical challenges. After his hugely publicised cross-Channel swim in 2006, which raised £1 million for Sport Relief, Walliams decided to take on the slightly less gruelling task of appearing on non-stop panel shows for 24 hours. “When you’re doing something like the swim, it’s incredibly time-consuming,” he says. “The Channel swim meant nine months of training and I had to take three months off work to do it. Now I get asked to do loads of things for charity and I have to be careful. It’s a huge commitment.”

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The musical adaptation of Mr Stink can be seen at the New Victoria Theatre in Woking from June 14 to 19 and the Rose Theatre in Kingston from July 26 to 31. David Walliams’ latest book, Billionaire Boy, is published by Harper Collins and priced at £12.99. SO

David with wife Lara Stone

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We aim to provide an excellent all-round education so that every pupil can achieve his or her full potential academically and socially. We strive to develop the pupil as a whole person thereby helping to prepare them for their life at university and beyond. We are a family school with Christian values providing a caring and stimulating environment. Excellent A-level results enable all pupils to progress to university with 83% going to one of the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top tier. Visitor Afternoons 8th March and 3rd May at 2.30pm Attendance is by appointment only so please contact the Registrar. Entrance is selective at all ages. The closing date for receipt of applications for 2012 entrants aged 11+ and 13+ is Friday 11th November 2011. Scholarships are available to registered candidates and are based on assessment. Families who may be eligible for financial assistance through a Caterham Bursary should contact the Registrar for an application form. Regular Forces Bursaries are also available. Situated on a beautiful 80-acre campus it is hard to believe that the school is on the edge of London just 5 minutes from the M25 (J6) and 20 minutes from Gatwick airport. School coach services operate from Sevenoaks (Railway Station), East Grinstead, Copthorne, Edenbridge, Lingfield, Leatherhead and Purley.

To request further details or to arrange a visit please contact the Registrar, Miss Rosemary Fisher. Tel: 01883 335058 Email: admissions@caterhamschool.co.uk Caterham School, Harestone Valley Road, Caterham Surrey CR3 6YA www.caterhamschool.co.uk

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april 2011

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Stage

T H E AT R E S

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

Sweeney Todd

What? Set in 19th century London, this sees Sweeney Todd seek his revenge on Judge Turpin with the help of Mrs Lovett and her meat pies. He will slit as many throats as he needs to get to the judge. Where? Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford When? Wednesday April 20 to Saturday April 23 Web? yvonne-arnaud.co.uk

Tango Vida Outside the Box

What? Maff Brown is once more the compere at this fantastic comedy night. This week features pioneering Asian comic Paul Sinha, Edinburgh Festival favourite Elis James and the terrifyingly self-deprecating Edward Aczel. Where? Outside the Box Comedy Club, Kingston When? Monday April 11 Web? outsidetheboxcomedy.co.uk

What? The seventh annual production features an international group of both professional and amateur dancers. This dynamic and passionate show is strictly not ballroom, but will lead you from the essence of the Argentinian Tango to the stylish modern revival. Where? Electric Theatre, Guildford When? Wednesday April 20 Web? electrictheatre.co.uk

The Tempest

What? Following a storm, shipwrecked survivors grapple with inhabitants on a strange island. The opera distills the mystery, romance and fun of Shakespeareâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s magical play, producing enthralling entertainment that will captivate audiences of all ages. Where? Electric Theatre, Guildford When? Friday April 29 and Saturday April 30 Web? electrictheatre.co.uk

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Micky Flanagan

What? The stand up of this self-styled East End wideboy is good old-fashioned observational comedy, but that’s not to say this isn’t laugh-aminute stuff. A truly under-appreciated performer. Where? New Victoria Theatre, Woking When? Sunday April 3 Web? ambassadortickets.com

Admission: One Shilling

What? In an extraordinary musical and theatrical collaboration, actress Patricia Routledge and international concert pianist Piers Lane celebrate the life of Dame Myra Hess. Where? Yvonne Arnaud, Theatre, Guildford When? Sunday April 10 Web? yvonne-arnaud.co.uk

Coppelia

What? European Ballet, one of the most admired and exhilarating touring companies, is presenting this vibrant and renowned ballet, set to the irresistible score of Léo Delibes and presented in the traditional classical style. Where? Harlequin Theatre, Redhill When? Thursday May 5 Web? harlequintheatre.co.uk

Swing Swing Swing

What? Mix a cocktail of good looks, charm, charisma, style and talent and you get… Jason Isaacs. His new show Swing, Swing, Swing is proving to be a winner wherever and whenever he appears. Jason has developed a unique style, putting his own spin on the timeless Big Band swing classics. Where? Harlequin Theatre, Redhill When? Monday April 7 Web? harlequintheatre.co.uk

To Kill a Mocking Bird

What? This most beloved and widely read Pulitzer Prize winner, now in its 50th year of publication, tells the extraordinary and unforgettable story of life in the American Deep South through the inquiring eyes of a child. Where? New Victoria Theatre, Woking When? Monday April 4 to Saturday April 9 Web? ambassadortickets.com

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A Superior Wedding Venue • Exclusive use • Air conditioned rooms • Barnes Wallis Suite maximum capacity sit down 104 • Evening reception in Iveagh Lounge maximum capacity 150 • Award winning Chef • Stunning photo opportunities • Experienced staff • Excellent service standards • Grandeur of the Mansion House • Elegant and relaxed atmosphere • Extensive Banqueting menus Burhill Golf Club Burwood Road, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey KT12 4BX For further details please contact Gill Fee, Sales and Marketing Manager 01932 227345 • g.fee@burhillgolf-club.co.uk • burhillgolf-club.co.uk

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Not cricket

SURREY

Secret Surrey

WORDS GEORGINA STEVENS

SURREY HARBOURS A WEALTH OF SECRETS, STORIES AND FORGOTTEN FACTS. THIS MONTH’S TRAWL THROUGH THE ARCHIVES REVEALS HOW, DESPITE A HAMPSHIRE TOWN’S CLAIM TO BE THE ‘CRADLE OF CRICKET’, THE GAME MAY HAVE BEEN FOUNDED A LITTLE CLOSER TO HOME

ith the new cricket season kicking off, we decided to do a little digging into the origins of the game. It soon became apparent that although a number of pages in the history books are dedicated to the Hampshirian town of Hambledon (generally thought of as the birthplace of the sport), there is evidence that its roots may lie within our very own borders. It seems that no one knows for certain when or where cricket began, but there is much evidence to suggest that the sport originated here, in the south east, as far back as Saxon and Norman times. It is thought that cricket was devised by children living in the area, mainly from small farming and metalworking communities. Historically, it is generally agreed that the short grass of downland pastures was used as a playing surface, while a ball of wool or rags could be bowled at a target – the wicket gate of sheep pastures (so you can see where the terminology was born?). This ‘wicket’ was defended with a bat, most likely a crooked shepherd’s staff. The game, and others resembling it, dip in and out of history from then on, with one notable reference coming from the household accounts of Edward I, in 1300. There is no mention of the word ‘cricket’, but the form and structure of a game described bears a striking resemblance to the popular modern sport. Other than this, there are no definite references to the game as we know it until 1598. This record comes from… you guessed it – Surrey. In a court case over a land dispute, 59-year-old coroner Mr John Derrick testified playing the game ’Creckett’ some 50 years previously on the site of our historical Royal Grammar School in Guildford. This revelation proves that, although unrefined, the sport as we

would recognise it today was being played in Guildford circa 1550, some 200 years before the Hambledon team was first recorded. The next significant milestone in the history of the game was the first record of the sport being played by adults. This is found to be an incident reported in 1611, when two men in Sussex were prosecuted for playing cricket on a Sunday – instead of attending church! With Cromwell’s rule of England in the wake of the Civil War, the Puritan government clamped down on ’unlawful assemblies’, including sporting events. Thanks to laws that demanded a strict adherence to the Sabbath, the period signalled a brief decline in the popularity of the game. However, 1696 saw the ‘Freedom of the Press’, which allowed for cricket play to be recorded in newspapers. The rising popularity of the sport eventually led to the first official cricket club in England – Hambledon, in the 1760s. The Hambledon club refined batting and bowling techniques that can still be seen today and this helped to earn its place in the history books. We believe our own fair county also merits a mention when the origins of cricket are debated. SO

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N SU OW ND O AY PEN S 10 -4

Inspiration for your fabulous new kitchen or bathroom starts with a visit to our extensive showroom

31/03/2011 17:56

SURREY POWER LIST 2011

THE MOST INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE IN THE COUNTY

THE SAVOY

T HE M AGA Z I NE FO R LI FE A ND STYL E

TRUTH ABOUT THAT £220 MILLION FACELIFT

APRIL 2011 £1.50 WHERE SOLD

SOSURREY.CO

ISS UE 2

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SURREY MAGAZINE

SO SUR R EY

GUILDFORD GALLERY BEATLEMANIA RETURNS

WORK WEAR STYLISH LOOKS

FOR THE OFFICE

CHOBHAM MANOR

WHAT £4 MILLION WILL BUY YOU

HESTON BLUMENTHAL GENIUS OR GIMMICKRY – YOU DECIDE

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