Out & About Magazine, North Surrey, November-December 2024
Cheam
Epsom
Banstead
Dorking
Tadworth
Carshalton
Wallington
Sutton
Ewell
Nork
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As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, the magic of Christmas begins to sparkle across Surrey.
It’s the time of year when families come together, communities light up, and festive fun is around every corner. We’re thrilled to share all the wonderful events and activities happening throughout November and December, promising plenty of festive cheer for the whole family.
From magical Santa meet-and-greets to enchanting light trails, Surrey offers a host of heart-warming experiences to get you in the Christmas spirit, P67. One not-to-be-missed location is West Horsley Place, which is buzzing with wintertime activities. It’s the perfect spot for a family day out, whether you’re enjoying the historic setting or immersing yourself in their seasonal festivities, P11.
Amanda Welcome
COFFEE BREAK ANSWERS
This winter also marks the fiftieth anniversary of the Epsom Common Association, and to celebrate, an exhibition is being held, P8.
The countdown to Christmas begins with the Banstead Christmas lights switch-on at the end of November. Santa will be lighting the way up the High Street in an annual tradition that promises to fill the air with lots of twinkling lights! P15.
If you’re feeling crafty this holiday season, why not try your hand at making your own Christmas wreath? P19.
For a more indulgent festive experience, head to the Silent Pool Distillery for their Festive Distillery Tour. Sip on a Christmas cocktail while discovering the secrets behind their exceptional spirits. P24
And for those looking for a local day out, Reigate’s Christmas Fayre on the 30th of November is the place to be. P28
out&about is the local community magazine for Epsom, Sutton, Ewell, Banstead, Dorking and Ashtead. It is distributed to 8000 homes and businesses.
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Inspired by the MAGIC
FESTIVE FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY IN SURREY
WISLEY GARDENS
It’s the brightest night of the year! Packed with sparkling new features for 2024, bring family and friends for an enchanting festive experience at RHS Garden Wisley, Surrey.
Create magical memories with loved ones at RHS Garden Wisley’s festive illuminations in Surrey. See the garden transformed on a wonderful new illuminated trail, with spectacular new views and playful, enchanting features, and enjoy festive food and Christmas shopping. Tickets must be booked in advance – book now to secure the date and time of your choice.
This Christmas, Santa’s Secret Village is coming back to Hobbledown - and it’s better than ever.. With twinkling lights, festive treat trails, and extra-special visits from Santa - this December will be one to remember. With new offerings for 2024 like After School Santa’s Grotto and Toddler Storytime with Santa... www.hobbledown.com/epsom
Experience a Magical Christmas at Bocketts Farm, as Father Christmas returns in December 2024
• Meet Father Christmas in his magical workshop
• Complete your Christmas Activity Book
• Make your own Reindeer Food to take home
• Get creative in the Christmas Craft Corner
• Step into the Giant Snowglobe
• Enjoy the heated indoor play and acres of outdoor adventure www.bockettsfarm.co.uk
KINGSWOOD ARMS
ANNUAL LIGHTS SWITCH ON
21 November 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Join The Kingswood Arms for their annual ‘Christmas Lights switch’ on where a special guest will be turning the festive lights on.
It’s a great evening for friends and families, get your face painted while saying hello to some Shetland Ponies. Have a sing along with a fabulous Christmas Choir, while enjoying free mulled drinks & mince pies.
For full details visit: www.kingswoodarms.co.uk
BOURNE HALL GIFT MARKET
4 Days of pre-Christmas shopping this November. FREE ENTRY.
Stalls include: Manatii Rum - offering tasking and gift packs, MKS Food, handbags/wallets, jewellery, home accessories, candles, Pure Pet Food - winner of “Dragon’s Den” TV show, and much more!
CHRISTMAS MARKET
From 24 Nov 24 2:00PM - 24 Nov 24 5:00PM
Pop down and visit The Kingswood Arms Christmas market where they will have a wide range of local independent stalls, live music & some festive mulled drinks and food!
NEW YEARS EVE DENBIES BOTTOMLESS LUNCH
Tuesday 31st December, from 12:00, £48.00
Celebrate New Years Eve and dine in the Gallery Restaurant with their Bottomless Lunch.
Your New Years lunch includes:
• 3 course lunch
• 1 Glass of Denbies Sparkling Wine on arrival
• Bottomless Denbies Still Wine
DENBIES SANTA EXPRESS
Enjoy a festive ride on Denbies Santa Express. Throughout the Festive period
From Saturday 23rd November, 9:00am – 2:00pm
Adults £10.95, Children £18.95
Enjoy an extra special ride on Santa’s Express train which includes;
• A special ”passport” from Santa
• A ride through the vineyard on the Santa Express with the Reindeer & Elf Game!
• A gift at the end of your ride
• A soft drink & festive snack for each child upon your return (please show your Santa “passport” in the Conservatory Restaurant to receive your items)
www.denbies.co.uk/fc-events/santa-express
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Epsom Common Association
PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE
An exhibition to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the Epsom Common Association will be at The Horton, Haven Way, Epsom, KT19 8NP from 19th to 30th November.
The Association was started by a group of residents concerned about abuses, such as driving cars on the Common. Nowadays we run a range of volunteer activities every year, including: habitat management tasks; making around three hundred bags of charcoal; checking the grazing cattle four days each week; as well as walks, talks and newsletters.
Our achievements include: the restoration of Great Pond; two more recent pond projects; publication of the “Epsom Common” booklet; and several Epsom Common Days.
We work in partnership with Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, which owns and manages the Common, a Local Nature Reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest.
To find out why the Common is such a special place, and how you can help us preserve it, please visit the exhibition.
For more information about the ECA visit: www.epsomcommon.org.uk or email: info@epsomcommon.org.uk
WINTER AT
West Horsley Place
ART & ARTISAN
CHRISTMAS FAIR
Friday 22 - Sunday 24 November
The finest artists and artisans from Surrey bring you a unique shopping experience. The hugely popular Christmas market returns showcasing the very best makers from organisations including Surrey Hills Enterprises, Surrey Guild of Craftsmen, Surrey Sculpture Society and many more. Entry to the market is just £9 (the same as 2023) if you book before the end of October.
CHRISTMAS
OPEN DAY
Sunday 1 December
Explore the Manor House dressed for the festive period and full of Christmas charm. Costumed Tudor experts will join in, to bring to life how people celebrated the season in the 16th century.
MAKE HERBAL CHRISTMAS GIFTS
Join medical Herbalist Janine Gerhardt for a Christmas extravaganza.
Take the stress out of Christmas preparations and create your own unique array of Natural, herbal & seasonal Christmas presents.
From delicately scented Bath salts, to self made lip balm, fermented cranberry Christmas sauce and of course the traditional sloe ginimmerse yourself into the endless possibilities of discovering your creative side. Ecologically sound, easily replicated with recipes provided.
CHRISTMAS POTTERY WORKSHOP
A two-part workshop on: Tuesday 19 November & Tuesday 3 December 10am - 1pm on each day.
£130 per person, booking is for both sessions. Suitable
for beginners and those with experience.
Get into the festive spirit at West Horsley Place! Create your own unique gingerbread house tealights and Christmas candlesticks ready for the festivities. Tea, coffee will be provided, plus a mince pie!
WREATH MAKING
Join artistic floral designer Celeste to create a stunning Christmas wreath.
Spend the morning getting creative in the beautifully converted barn.
Celebrating nature and being sustainable are at the heart of their mission at West Horsley Place. You will make a wreath from a pre-made reusable base of metal and moss. Foliage will also be foraged from the grounds with Celeste providing the perfect finishing touches.
Sparkle Festive Fair
ON 15-17 NOVEMBER 2024 AT THE LANDMARK ARTS CENTRE, TEDDINGTON
Your sparkling festive season starts here! Bursting with hundreds of bright, bold and original gift ideas; including jewellery, glass, ceramics, accessories, candles, art and so much more, Sparkle Festive Fair at the Landmark Arts Centre in Teddington is the place to go. Treat your loved ones or treat yourself! Returning to Sparkle this year are our Festive Craft Workshops; a series of fun and creative Christmas-themed workshops for both adults and families. Whether you’re looking to learn new crafting skills or spend some quality time with family, we have something for everyone, including Lino Print Wrapping Paper & Cards, and Christmas Garland Making for families.
“Sparkle is the unmissable highlight of the festive season.”
Visitor (2022)
Some of our local makers include Invoke London; Madiha is a local jeweller who specialises in fused glass art, creating both contemporary pieces and wearable art in the form of jewellery. She is currently Artist in Residence at Richmond Riverside Gallery. And Loom and Bloom; Sasha is a Twickenham based handloom weaver. Today our clothing is most likely to be created using fossil fuels and toxic chemicals, which damages health and the nature’s ecosystem. Sasha’s recent discovery of the natural dye process as a source of yarn colouring is helping her get
closer to the goal of establishing Loom & Bloom as an ethical and mindful brand. Come along to Sparkle in November to discover these exhibitors for yourself! Opening night is Friday 15 Nov from 4.00pm – 8.30 pm and the Fair continues from 10.00am –5.00pm on Saturday 16 & Sun 17 November. The Landmark Cafe will be open throughout the weekend serving cakes, snacks, local beers, tea, coffee and soft drinks.
Admission is £5, Concessions £4, Under 16s and LAC Friends are Free. Tickets are valid for the whole weekend. Book ahead and skip the queue, or simply pay on the door.
EPSOM, A FAMOUS SPA TOWN, DOES HEALTH, BEAUTY AND WELLBEING LIKE NOWHERE ELSE.
TREAT A LOVED ONE TO AN INDULGENT EXPERIENCE FOR CHRISTMAS.
Banstead Festive Lights
COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS EVENT IS BACK ON THURSDAY 28TH NOVEMBER
It’s our second year of putting on the established Festive Lights and Banstead Village Christmas Community Event and there are some changes to note this year. The event takes place on Thursday, 28th November in Banstead High Street, with an earlier start time of 4:30pm (finishing at 6:30pm) and a road closure in the High Street is intended to increase safety for all who come along.
Naturally, Santa will be appearing courtesy of The Rotary Club of Banstead, there will be a ticketed magic show for children by Theo the Magician at the Church Institute and animals from Kingswood Shetlands and Friends at The Woolpack.
We think you’ll enjoy the difference. After fantastic support from the business community last year, we are looking forward to even more shops and businesses having enough notice to be involved this year.
The Orchard will host community group stalls, craft, retail and food/drink stalls and there will be attractions along the whole of the High Street. The lively G-Rock band will get you dancing, Show Choir will sing festive favourites and show songs, and Freewheelers Theatre Group make their first appearance with us, plus lots more.
On the lighting front; various lamppost banners have been refurbished as well as additional light wraps and additional uplighters for the four big trees!
Lastly, if you’re able, please give generously to our funding appeals. There is no regular funding for the lights and event. To maintain, erect and dismantle everything annually costs £thousands. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and our webpage for more updates, how to book tickets to the magic show and ways to donate or be part of the 40% Club.
Thank you, from Banstead Village Christmas Lights & Event (BVCL&E), part of Banstead Village Residents’ Association (BVRA).
SUTTON COMMUNITY
COFFEE BREAK
Across
1 Made better (8)
6 Mongrel (3)
9 Muslim religion (5)
10 Australian wilderness (7)
11 Peculiar (7)
13 Accommodation for prisoners (5)
14 Riches (6)
15 Complete failure (6)
19 A kind of tooth (5)
21 Raise (7)
22 Ahead (2,5)
23 Gave way (5)
24 Bashful (3)
25 NCO (8)
Down
2 Tropical disease (7)
3 Strong drink (3)
4 Colour of the spectrum (6)
5 Sleuth (9)
6 Swimming stroke (5)
7 Garden tools (5)
8 A type of puzzle (6)
12 Of ill-repute (9)
16 Substitute (5-2)
17 Exaggerate (6)
18 Missive (6)
19 Domestic servants (5)
20 Elevated (5)
23 Snooker-player’s stick (3)
Wreath Workshops
GETTING CRAFTY THIS CHRISTMAS
Wreath making in England is a long-standing tradition that dates back centuries, often associated with the changing seasons and festive celebrations. Historically, wreaths were crafted from natural materials such as evergreen branches, holly, ivy, and mistletoe, symbolizing strength and endurance through the harsh winter months. They were hung on doors or walls to celebrate Christmas and to bring good fortune into homes.
POLESDEN LACEY
3 + 5-19 DEC, £50
The workshops will guide you through the process using foliage gathered by Rangers from the Polesden Lacey Estate. Each session lasts two hours and fifteen minutes and there will be mince pies and mulled wine (or a non-alcoholic drink) to fuel your creativity. The event will be held in the old stable block in the entry courtyard. As they will be ensuring the space is well-ventilated, it is advisable to layer-up with warm clothes and comfortable shoes. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/surrey polesden-lacey
THE HORTON, EPSOM
7 + 10 DEC, £48
9.15am-12.15pm and 1.45-4.45pm
Create a beautiful hand-tied wreath for your home with natural materials. Everything you need to craft your wreath from scratch will be provided. This includes using willow and foliage to build up
MAD LILLIES, BANSTEAD
1, 3, 6, 8, 12, 17 DEC
Join Mad Lilies for festive fun and creativity this season and learn how to make your own luxury Christmas door wreath. No experience is required and you’ll be amazed at what you can make!
At the end of the workshop, you will go away with your very own Festive Wreath to hang on your front door, ensuring yours’ will be the best dressed on the street this Christmas. It’s the perfect way to ease yourself into the spirit of the season and spend some quality time with friends or a loved one.
www.madlilies.co.uk
the frame of your wreath and then choosing from a wide array of natural items to suit your style. Please take your own gardening gloves and secateurs if you have them. 3 hours including a short break.
The Horton Café will be open all day.
www.thehortonepsom.org
IS RETURNING TO THE BEAUTIFUL SETTING OF PRIORY PARK AND PROMISES MORE SPARKLE AND MORE FUN THAN EVER BEFORE.
OPENS FRIDAY 29 NOVEMBER AND WILL RUN UNTIL WEDNESDAY 1 JANUARY.
The ice rink, one of the largest temporary winter rinks outside of London, is suitable for skaters of all levels – from seasoned pros to total beginners. Covered by a clear span tent that will provide protection from the elements, visitors will be able to skate in the park whatever the weather.
Other attractions areound the ice rink will include family rides, food stalls, a bar and live music.
A free Fireworks Display will take place on Saturday 30 November and will will kick start the Reigate on Ice festivities and coincide with the Christmas light switch on event.
Tommy Matthews from the Matthews Organisation that is behind Reigate on Ice says:
Surrey Philharmonic Orchestra Reigate on Ice
“We’re excited to be back in Reigate to bring you a festive experience like no other. Our stunning tent and state-of-the-art lighting will provide a magical setting where you can skate in style.
“But it’s not just about skating! You’ll also be able to enjoy family rides, live music, seasonal food stalls and there’s a fully-stocked alpine bar to keep the holiday cheer flowing. So, whether it’s a family day out, a romantic skate under the stars, or a festive night with friends, Reigate on Ice has something for everyone.
“Tickets are limited, so mark your calendars and come along and create magical memories this holiday season with us at Priory Park.”
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Festive Distillery Tour at Silent Pool
Enjoy a Christmas cocktail on arrival in a beautiful copa glass that you can take home. Silent Pool experts will then show you around the distillery where the flavoursome spirits are handcrafted, distilled and bottled. Your guide will explain why they chose this stunning location in the Surrey Hills and how it inspires Silent Pool, and discover the fascinating history of gin itself. Then enjoy a guided tasting and discover the distillers’ recommended serves for Christmas cocktails.
Every guest will also receive a Silent Pool Gin Christmas bauble as a gift and, if you would like to shop their amazing gifting range at the distillery shop, you can enjoy an exclusive £5 discount* on your purchases. See website for further details.
more information visit www.silentpooldistillers.com/festive-distillery-tour
Please call to find out what gas your car needs
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Christmas Willow and Wine
ALBURY VINEYARD 13 + 27 NOVEMBER AND 11 DECEMBER
Working with Willow is both a relaxing and mindful activity. Join Lorraine for either a full-day or half-day Christmas Willow Craft Workshop to make a decoration for your home you can be proud of.
Each workshop includes a glass of Albury Estate sparkling wine, all materials to make your crafts will be provided on the day and you can take your finished work home!
A delicious lunch of English cheese and charcuterie lunch is available as an optional extra (+£15/person), or included for full-day workshops.
Workshops are held inside the vineyard tasting room, tickets are non-refundable.
Hearts, Angels and Stars
In the half-day workshop, you will be able to make one large craft (depending on date):
• Willow Heart (morning)
• Willow Angel (morning)
• Traditional Swedish Star (afternoon)
In the full-day workshop you can make the following combinations (depending on date):
• Willow Heart & Traditional Swedish Star
• Willow Angel & Traditional Swedish Star
Willow Christmas Tree
Weave your very own Christmas tree ready to take home and decorate. Make your Willow Christmas Trees by supporting the upright Willow rods in a table-top jig and then using Willow withies to weave the tree. Different weaves can be used to create your design, every tree is unique!
Christmas Gin Cocktail
INGREDIENTS METHOD
• 2 oz (60 ml) gin (your favorite brand)
• 1 oz (30 ml) freshly squeezed orange juice
• 0.5 oz (15 ml) lemon juice
• 0.5 oz (15 ml) honey syrup (mix equal parts honey and hot water)
• 2-3 dashes of orange bitters (optional)
• Soda water or tonic (optional, for topping up)
To garnish add a slice or twist of orange peel to the glass.
1. Prepare the glass: Chill a glass by placing it in the freezer or filling it with ice and setting it aside for a few minutes.
2. Mix the cocktail: In a cocktail shaker, combine the gin, freshly squeezed orange juice, lemon juice, honey syrup, and orange bitters. Add ice cubes and shake well until the mixture is chilled.
3. Strain and serve: Strain the mixture into your chilled glass. If desired, top with soda water or tonic for some fizz.
Perfect for a cosy festive gathering!
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• 1 teaspoon baking powder (gluten free if required)
• Decorations of your choice: icing sugar, chocolate shavings, almond slivers, etc.
METHOD
1. Preheat the oven to 180c and line a 20cm round cake tin with baking parchment.
2. Melt the chocolate in bowl over hot water.
3. In a large bowl, mix together the eggs, almond, sugar, cocoa powder, mixed spice and baking powder.
3. Fold in the melted chocolate, followed by the grated beetroot
4. Pour mixture into the prepared tin and bake for 40 minutes, it’s cooked throughout when a clean metal skewer inserted into the middle of the cake comes out clean.
5. Allow to cool and decorate as you choose
Reigate Christmas Fayre
SATURDAY 30 NOVEMBER FROM 11:30 - 17:30
If you are looking for a local festive day out, why not visit Reigate on 30th November.
The Christmas Fayre is the busiest day of the year in Reigate and a fantastic way to kick off the festive season, culminating with the Christmas Light switch-on at 4:30pm. Each year, Church Street is closed from 6am to 7:30pm to accommodate the event. There is always a large turnout of residents and visitors, with an array of stalls offering food, drinks, and gifts. Visitors can also enjoy the popular Tombola and Chocolate Tombola, which help raise funds for the Christmas Lights Appeal.
At the western end of Church Street, a fully booked stage will feature entertainment throughout the day, with performances from local schools, clubs, and colleges.
After the light switch-on, Santa will make a surprise appearance from the roof of the Old Town Hall.
This year, they’re introducing a dedicated food experience zone in The Reigate Tunnel, featuring various stalls, live music, and seating for 120 people. The theme will celebrate Reigate’s twinning with the German town of Eschweiler.
For more information visit: www.reigatebusinessguild.co.uk/christmas-fayre
60s Party Night
Friday 22nd November
Classics by Candlelight
Thursday 12th December
Nagomi Cards Workshop
Tuesday 3rd December
Festive Season
Events, Workshops, Live Music and more...
Festive Party Night with Kanda Bongo Man
Friday 20th December
Live Music Brunch with Dragonfly Sky
Tuesday 24th December
Robin Felting Workshop
Wednesday 27th November
Festive Makers Market 13th and 14th December
The Horton Hootenanny with The Blunter Brothers
Tuesday 31st December
SEATON HOUSE SCHOOL
Seaton House is an incredibly special school with a family environment created by everyone working together with one single aim; to support our children and help them to become the very best version of themselves!
Courtesy and kindness are expected as the norm and our exceptional team of experienced staff encourage our girls to develop initiative, independence, resilience and confidence.
Currently ranked 2nd in the Sunday Times Top 100 Prep Schools in England, it is no coincidence that our girls leave us to attend the very best schools in the area with many girls receiving multiple school offers including grammar schools.
Fees are very competitive as reported by £/Schoolsmith Score, who stated that we “offer the
best value for money” of Prep schools in Sutton. 15 hours Early Years funding can be accepted in Nursery.
Specialist teachers provide creative and innovative teaching to students across the school and outstanding academic results are achieved year-on-year. Other subjects such as music and sport play a major part in school life.
Having small class sizes, our staff get to know every child individually, learning their strengths and challenges, to ensure every child thrives in all areas of school life to reach their full potential.
Wraparound care operates from 7.30am – 6pm and an in-house holiday club runs in the major holidays.
A wide-ranging choice of extra-curricular clubs are offered on a daily basis.
At Seaton House, we believe that every girl has the ability to achieve great things!
