Epsom out&about Oct/Nov edition

FREE ASHTEAD, EPSOM & EWELL

OCT-NOV 2015

Clocking UP THE YEARS

Autotest marks 25th anniversary

TRAIN

to grow

with Mo-Ichido Martial Arts

walks AUTUMNAL

Watch the season unfold on foot

The RAC Club’s Motoring History � Answering The DIY SOS Call � Cook Like A Pro With Four Gables � Pianist’s Homecoming Concert

www.outandabout.media

WHAT’S YOUR PROPERTY WORTH? We at Johnson’s, currently have a high demand for good quality homes in Tadworth, Epsom and surrounding areas.

THE BUSY AUTUMN HOUSE SALES SEASON IS FAST APPROACHING...

Now is a great time to call us for a Free Valuation to find out what your property is worth.

As a local family estate agents, we pride ourselves on offering consistently good service, advice and best achievable prices.

CALL US TODAY TO FIND OUT HOW WE COULD SELL OR LET YOUR PROPERTY BEFORE WINTER SETS IN

Walton on the Hill office

01737 818002 Epsom office

01372 721722 www.johnsons-ipa.co.uk e: johnsons@johnsons-ipa.co.uk Sales • Lettings • Property Management • Property Finding Service • Land and New Homes

CONTENTS EDITORIAL & DESIGN Editor Teresa Whitfield teresa@fhwem.com

Regulars

14 Guest Writer Letting You Go by Anouska Knight

18 Local History Woodcote Park’s motoring heritage

Design Nine8Nine

Features

ADVERTISING SALES

6 The World As A Canvas Autumn art exhibition

Gerry Devine gerry@fhwem.com

8

Claire Eccleshall claire@fhwem.com

10 Homecoming Concert

DIY SOS Call for help answered Pianist Nicholas McCarthy returns to Epsom

20 Keeping The Arts Alive

PUBLISHER

Celebrated painter Sherree Valentine Daines

FHW Events & Marketing Ltd 1 Times Square, Sutton, Surrey SM1 1LF www.fhwem.com Tel: 020 8770 3177

ABOUT THE MAGAZINE out&about is a bi-monthly community lifestyle magazine distributed to 7,500 selected households and is also available at local pick up points in Ashtead, Epsom and Ewell.

With lots of local stories and information plus business news, our magazines aren’t just full of advertising, they promise to be a good read too!

If you have a story then we would love to hear from you.

22 Digital revolution Storytelling for businesses

24 Train to Grow Discover the benefits of karate

24 Brides Visited Planning your dream wedding

29 Stroll Through A Season of Colour Enjoy autumn’s beauty on foot

31 Building Business Relationships Why being part of a community matters

Food 30 Four Gables Get cooking with a special recipe

Email teresa@fhwem.com

35 Chocolate Time Too tempting to resist

Published by: FHW Events & Marketing Printed by Direct Colour ©2015 FHW & out&about magazine.

While we endeavour to make sure that all published information is accurate, the publishers cannot be held responsible for mistakes or omissions or any loss resulting from non-publication of an advertisement. While all reasonable care is made to ensure accuracy of information, the publisher accepts no responsibility for the views or claims made by any of the contributors, advertising or editorial content included.

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited.

The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of ‘out&about’ or the editor. Terms and conditions apply. Please recycle your magazine.

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ADVERTISE IN To advertise in the next issue of out&about due out in August please contact our sales team

020 8770 3177

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St Philomena’s Parent Association

St Philomena’s Catholic High School for Girls, Pound Street, Carshalton, Surrey SM5 3PS www.stphils.org.uk

Christmas Market & Ice Rink Saturday 5th December 2015 10am - 5pm Gift Stalls ● Food Stalls ● Ice Rink ● Tombola ● Christmas Choir ● Festive Music ● Refreshments ● Seating On site Parking £2 per vehicle

Ice Rink - for prices and booking information please email: stphilsparentassociation@yahoo.com

If you would like to enquire about a stall please email: enquiries@stellarjewellery.co.uk Telephone: 07583 444 368

Cover Image

WELCOME

Autumn’s bounty. Our cover photo shows a harvest of apples - this year’s harvest is expected to yield a bumper crop.

Pic: Shutterstock

Autumn is upon us. The nights are starting to draw in and there is a distinct chill in the air as the seasons change.

This time of year is one of the most magical as we watch the world around us erupt in colour as nature evolves ready for the onset of winter.

EDITOR’S TIPS Remember, remember the 5th of November…

Change is something we are embracing at out&about this month with the launch of our new Epsom, Ewell and Ashtead edition.

Since 2011, out&about has been delivering the best of business and news about what’s on in the community to homes in Isleworth, Brentford, Osterley and Chiswick.

Now we are bringing that successful formula to Surrey. out&about is a platform, a space for business, a voice for the community.

Not quite the 5th but the skies will be awash with spectacular colours when Epsom’s firework display returns with a bang on November 7.

Billed as one of the largest displays in South East England, this year’s display features about 15,000 individual effects as well as a bonfire and funfair and will take place once again at Hook Road Arena.

A free park and ride service will run from Chessington Garden Centre, Longmead Industrial Estate and Hobbledown Children’s Farm. There will also be free coach transport from Epsom and Tolworth train stations between 5pm and 9.15pm with the last pick up at 7pm.

There are so many stories about business ventures, existing businesses that need help, amazing projects and personal challenges, charities, brilliant artists, musicians and sports organisations within our towns. These are people and places that need a platform for exposure and that should be championed and that is what out&about aims to do.

Welcome and enjoy reading.

Teresa teresa@fhwem.com

The event is run by the 7th Epsom (Methodist) Scout Group and money raised will be shared be-tween charities including local scout and guide groups, the Children’s Trust at Tadworth and the Round Table.

Gates open at 5.30pm with the display at 7.30pm. Tickets are £5 in advance, available from local outlets listed on the official website, or £7.50 on the gate (cash only). Under 5s are free.

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Teresa 5

LOCAL NEWS

CLOCKING UP THE YEARS

A quarter of a century later that goal remains the same and the results are reflected in a recent customer satisfaction survey with 100% of customers saying they would return to the garage and recommend Autotest.

Autotest celebrates a quarter of a century in business

While Ron retired in 2002, Steve still plays an active role in the day-to-day running of the business supported by a loyal team, many of whom have become part of the family.

The start of 2015 marked a major milestone in Autotest’s history as it clocked up 25 years in business.

Over the years the business has developed its range of services and now offers not just MOTs but diagnostics, clutches, brakes, air conditioning and dealer servicing options all under one roof.

The family-run garage opened in Ruxley Lane, Ewell, in January 1990 when father and son Ron and Steve HardieEast set up shop offering MOTs and basic car servicing.

Their ethos was simple: to provide a service that exceeds customer expectations.

As advances in technology have seen cars become more complex so Autotest has responded, installing the latest diagnostic equipment to find and fix problems with vehicles quickly and economically. A state-of-the art MOT bay and new ramps were added as part of a refit three years ago and the garage is part of the Good Garage Scheme and BOSCH Car Service group.

To celebrate its 25th anniversary Autotest is introducing a new loyalty card which will entitle customers to bigger discounts and a range of offers. The launch coincides with its new website going live this autumn.

www.autotest.co.uk

WORLD AS A CANVAS Artists’ work on display A collection of original paintings and works will go on display at Bourne Hall this October. Featuring contemporary and classical works, painted in oils, watercolours and acrylics, the exhibition will showcase the creative talents of members of Epsom and Ewell Art Group.

The autumn exhibition is one of the highlights of the group’s annual calendar of events and this year will include works by Richard Seymour, Edna Kyriakides and Barbara Stevens.

There will also be a chance to see artist Dominika Klimczak’s fantasy and science fiction art works. Dominika was honoured in 2012 by the British National Science Fiction Society for excellence in her fantasy art work Bazuka.

The exhibition runs from October 20 to 31 at Bourne Hall,

6

Bev Lourenco

Ewell, between 9.30am and 5pm. Admission is free so pop along and be inspired.

Autumn exhibition: Epsom and Ewell Art Group, Bourne Hall, Spring Street, Ewell www.epsomandewellartgroup.co.uk

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020 8974 1246 242a Ruxley Lane, West Ewell, Epsom Surrey KT19 9EY

www.autotest.co.uk

LOCAL BUSINESS

ANSWERING THE DIY SOS CALL Stacy Owens says the team at More Than Lofts felt compelled to act When TV presenter Nick Knowles put out a call for tradesmen to help on the BBC show DIY SOS in Epsom, Stacy Owens’ team immediately responded.

Stacy, owner of More Than Lofts in Worcester Park, had a team of up to 12 working on site for the full nine days of the project, completing tasks from preparing the floors for fitting to helping re-wire the property.

They joined an army of tradespeople to renovate the home of paramedics Sam and Ben Laws.

The devoted couple had been working opposite shifts, often not seeing each other for days, while also looking after their two young children.

Reluctant to ask for help, a close friend of the couple contacted the programme to get the DIY SOS team and designer Oliver Heath to transform the house, which was inadequate for the needs of the family and that of their son Ewan, who has special needs.

Due to confidentiality around the show all the details were kept under wraps until it was screened on BBC One over the summer.

Stacy said: “We had carpenters there, electricians, floor screeders. The house was completely gutted. I think all of the guys really enjoyed it, some of them worked extra hours and evenings. I think it was emotional at the end when they met the family.”

More Than Lofts, 32 Central Road, Worcester Park, KT4 8HZ www.morethanlofts.com, 020 8330 0090

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Do you realise the potential of your home?

Call our team of experts 020 8330 0090 or visit our website www.morethanlofts.com

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Extensions, Conversions & Building Specialists

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10/10/2013 12:33

LOCAL TALENT

PIANO MAN

his travels and also about the pieces he plays.

Epsom’s Nicholas McCarthy talks music, his debut album and his homecoming concert When Nicholas McCarthy first performed at Epsom Playhouse five years ago he was on the brink of fulfilling his dream of becoming a concert pianist.

Against all odds he had won a place at the prestigious Royal College of Music, the odds being he had only started to play the piano at the late age of 14 and had mastered the instrument using only his left hand, having been born without his right hand.

“It wasn’t until I was 17 that I discovered the left-hand repertoire, it is not as well known as Beethoven or Mozart.

One of my favourite pieces is by an Italian composer. He wrote it for the left hand although he could play with both.

The reason is he enjoyed smoking a cigar with his right hand while playing with his left.”

Inspired to learn how to play the piano after watching a close friend play Beethoven’s Waldstein Sonata, Nicholas admits that he arrived at music at a late age in comparison to his peers.

“I had one of those moments,” he said, “where I thought that’s what I want to do.

Fast forward five years and the 26-year-old is busy touring on the back of the release of his debut album, Solo, and looking forward to returning to the Playhouse this month.

“It was always a challenge for me. I worked very, very hard when I was studying, I was playing catch up really. Luckily I managed to catch up, it took time and a lot of hard work.”

“It’s very much a homecoming,” he said. “I’m touring all the time so I don’t get to see an awful lot of my friends and family and they don’t get to see my concerts, unless they are in London.”

It’s that sense of inner belief and determination that has allowed Nicholas to overcome many hurdles and cope with the initial rejection he faced when applying for music college.

“I believed in myself,” he said. It’s a belief that has paid off and enabled audiences around the world to enjoy his performances.

“I’m really excited about coming back and it will be a nice experience for me as an artist to go full circle.”

His concert programme includes music from Gershwin, Liszt, Puccini, Einaudi and a new commission, Nocturne, by composer Nigel Hess, which features on his album.

Nicholas promises a very personal concert, he likes to build a rapport with his audience, sharing anecdotes and stories from

Nicholas McCarthy Epsom Playhouse, October 29, 8pm, £17, £14 concessions www.epsomplayhouse.co.uk

Paul Mitchell

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Untitled-2 1

09/09/2015 12:11

www.theashleycentre.co.uk

Addams Family

Makeover

Halloween Half Term

26th to 31st October

Join us at The Ashley Centre Epsom as we give families the chance to recreate the iconic look of The Addams Family with our complimentary photo shoots

Spooky Photoshoots

We give families an Addams Family makeover, take their photos and upload it to Facebook with the family with the most votes receiving prizes!

The children’s entertainments are not supervised play schemes and parents are requested to stay with their children and join in the fun.

The Ashley Centre

Christmas Lights Switch On Saturday 21 November

The Ashley Centre Epsom

Shop smarter Shop local

shop spooky

Addams Family Makeovers Calling all kids, families, grandmas or even butlers, get yourself down to The Ashley Centre where the Addams Family take up residence from Monday 26th October until Saturday 31st October only at The Ashley Centre this Halloween!

For those not in the know, the Addams Family were a group of fictional characters created for American TV that took the world by storm with their bizarre, sometimes funny and hilariously frightening behaviours.

Now you too can be part of this iconic brand by having an instant Addams Family Make Over, complete with complimentary Photo Shoot and the chance to win some great prizes!

We have got fiendish Costumes, Wigs and Props to help you get the look and there’s even some chillingly cool Children’s Workshops for freaky and fabulous make and take flavours!

So if you are the next Morticia and Gomez, Uncle Fester, Grandmama or even Wednesday or Pugsley, we want to meet you! Will you dare…?

Win £100 voucher from the retailer of your choice!

Please complete your details in this section: First Name: Surname: Address: Postcode: Telephone: Email: Terms & Conditions: This free prize draw is open from Wednesday 7th October until Sunday 8th November, 5pm. There is one £100 voucher to be won from your chosen retailer within The Ashley Centre only. One entry per person. No cash alternative will be offered. The prize will only be available to the person registered on the entry form. The Ashley Centre reserves the right to alter the prize available at any given time and without notice. The winner must make themselves available for a photocall to promote The Ashley Centre and agree to their name and image being published on The Ashley Centre’s social media channels. To be eligible for the prize draw, you must fill out all details on the entry form and post your entry into the competition box outside Quest within The Ashley Centre. The winner will be announced on Tuesday 10th November. Winners will be contacted by telephone or email. Employees of The Ashley Centre, their families and any third parties associated with The Ashley Centre may not enter this competition.

Please tick here if you do not want to be contacted for marketing purposes by The Ashley Centre.

We will not share your data with any third parties.

GUEST WRITER

LETTING YOU GO

with his seventeen-year-old child as they rushed in panicked determination to where she had left them.

An extract from Chapter 1 of Letting You Go

by Anouska Knight

Alex could hear Rodolfo’s heavy barks guiding them back to the water’s edge, rudely echoing above the peaceful gushing of the river. The Old Girl, the locals called it, Mind the Old Girl and her changing moods. They’d all had it drummed into them as kids. Dill too. He knew, he knew! Alex felt her throat tighten again, her heart twisting as they burst through the long grasses back into the clearing by the alder trees.

Alex burst from the break in the trees frantically enough that, had she left the woodland a little way further up the roadside, she might have missed him altogether. Any other time it would’ve been odd, him just sitting there in his cab, pulled over awkwardly on the track running up towards the house. But not today. It was as if he were waiting for her, his unmistakable battered blue tow truck a beacon of hope where it sat in the dusty layby. Her burning lungs had gasped at this meagre stroke of luck, if luck had any part to play here. His being there had saved vital minutes. Precious time reclaimed by not having to make it all the way back up the lane to the house.

Ted Foster’s hands were already braced on the steering wheel, as if by some sixth sense he knew what was coming to find him moments before his daughter slammed herself, wild and startled, against his truck bonnet. Alexandra had looked crazed, unrecognisable when she’d sprung in front of his windscreen, the vein in her neck jumping with the emergency pulsing through her lean frame. Her eyes had been too white, as white as Ted’s knuckles had been while he’d sat there, solemnly regarding the truths he couldn’t take home.

Ted had made the call as they’d started through the small copse of trees and across the farmland beyond, calmly relaying to the operator the information Alexandra had managed to unscramble as her voice had cracked and her legs momentarily buckled. Help is coming! The thought screamed through Alex’s head. Dad’s coming, Dill, Dad’s coming.

Her pumps were no longer squelching against the dusty earth.

Alexandra Foster had been the fastest runner in her year group ever since St. Cuthbert’s sports days, but she couldn’t swim like she could run, and Finn knew it. People didn’t run at all in college, she’d found. They ambled. Everywhere. To the cafeteria, the art block – allowing the effortlessly honed muscles of youth to slacken. Alex hadn’t run anywhere since leaving high school last year, but dormant muscles had responded to her demands and she was flying. Ted was flying too. His own burst of adrenalin allowing a man of over fifty to keep pace

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Finn had nearly reached Dillon further downstream when he’d turned and screamed at Alex across the water, screamed at her not to come in any deeper but to run! Run for help! So she had, back to the house, instead of floundering on uselessly against her own panic. She thought they’d still be in the water now, but they were back in the clearing, Finn kneeling in the dirt crouched over two wet gangly legs, dripping indifferently where they poked out from under him. Dill looked tiny beneath Finn’s teenage frame, as if the water had shrunk him. A mischievous little boy, playing possum.

Ted skidded in beside them on the floor, Finn moving instinctively from where he had been desperately pressing a rhythm into Dill’s sodden chest. Alex watched her father, useless again as Rodolfo’s barking turned to whimpers and Ted took over the task of thudding urgent hands into his boy’s chest.

‘You spit it out, son, you hear me? You spit it all up right now!’ he commanded.

Anouska Knight won ITV Lorraine’s Racy Reads competition in February 2013 with her debut novel Since You’ve Been Gone.

With the setting inspired by Anouska’s former special-occasion cake business, Since You’ve Been Gone was praised for its fresh style, humour and thoughtprovoking plot. Now a full time writer, Anouska lives in Staffordshire with her husband Jim, night her childhood Anouska K sweetheart, and their three children. www.anouskaknight.wordpress.com

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27/07/2015 11:41

LOCAL HISTORY

RAC MOTORING CLUB The history of Woodcote Park, the RAC Club’s country retreat, spans two world wars and more than a century of motoring Motoring pedigree

The history of Woodcote Park is like a road well travelled.

Nestled deep in the Surrey countryside the 350-acre estate stands on the site of a historic 12th century mansion.

But it became synonymous with motoring when it was chosen as the country retreat for members of the Royal Automobile Club, Britain’s oldest and most influential motoring organisation.

Formally inaugurated on December 8, 1897, the club is

widely regarded as the ‘Parliament of Motoring’.

Ten years later, in 1907, King Edward VII awarded the Club the Royal title that it still holds to this day.

Founded by Frederick Richard Simms, the Club’s initial aim was to promote the motor car and its place in society as well as campaigning for the rights of motorists.

Two years after the completion of its Pall Mall clubhouse in 1911, the Club bought Woodcote Park as a country retreat for its members.

Bob Atkins Photography

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LOCAL HISTORY The War Years

Woodcote Park was designed to be a home away from home for members who could drive their cars from London to the estate and enjoy a number of sporting activities, including golf on one of the park’s two 18-hole courses.

War intervened, however, and not long after the Club purchased the estate the First World War was declared.

The War Office selected Woodcote Park as the location for a military camp for the purpose of training new recruits from the Universities and Public Schools volunteer brigade of the Royal Fusiliers. The volunteers formed the 18th, 19th, 20th and 21st service battalions of the Fusiliers.

Life on camp was largely spent training, although the recruits helped to build the huts and facilities. The camp was completed in February 1915.

Just three months later the Fusiliers were dispatched, first to Nottinghamshire and from there on to Salisbury and then France. Many were not to return.

The camp had a very different purpose after the departure of the Fusiliers. It was converted into a convalescent hospital for ANZAC troops wounded in Gallipoli.

The hospital remained busy caring for those wounded and recovering from illness until after the end of the Great War in 1918. It was handed back to the Royal Automobile Club in 1923 and enjoyed a brief respite between conflicts.

In 1934, Woodcote Park was razed to the ground by fire.

Although some walls remained the building was declared unsafe. Reconstruction of the lavish clubhouse took just 21 months and it re-opened in May 1936.

A mere three years later war was to once again play a part in Woodcote’s history. During the Second World War the estate became a training centre for thousands of troops.

A plot of some 110 acres was also handed over to the war effort to be ploughed for agricultural purposes.

In August 1940 pilot Peter Simpson was forced to land his Hawker Hurricane on the fairway at Woodcote Park after taking several direct hits. The British pilot was helped into the clubhouse for medical assistance, having first proved his nationality by waving a packet of ‘Players’ cigarettes at approaching golfers.

It wasn’t util 1953 that the land used for agriculture was able to be brought back into play as a golf course and work began in earnest to create the famous Coronation Course.

Modern Times

The Club continues to evolve and has unveiled ambitious plans to safeguard Woodcote Park’s future and its motoring legacy.

Plans to build a motor heritage wing, destination spa, golf driving range and children’s swimming pool as part of a £24m redevelopment of the estate were approved in March.

A motoring history

1896: The Red Flag Act, that had required a man to walk in front of every vehicle, was repealed, the birth of motoring in the UK. November 14, 1896: The Emancipation Run, precursor to today’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, organised to celebrate the passing of the Locomotives on the Highways Act. Thirty pioneer motorists celebrated the first legal journey on English roads and new motoring freedom.

1900: Claude Johnson organised the 1,000-Mile Trial, putting British motoring on the map.

1903: The Club campaigned for the Motor Act, which increased speed limits and removed other restrictive legislation.

1905: The Club organised the first Tourist Trophy (TT) race. In the same year the Club became the governing body for motor sport in Britain and introduced driving certificates.

1913: Woodcote Park was purchased as the Club’s ‘country headquarters’.

1914-18: War was declared, both clubhouses were put at the disposal of the armed services.

1926: The Club organised the first British Grand Prix at Brooklands, and four years later, its first Commemoration Run to Brighton to celebrate the repeal of the Red Flag legislation.

1934: Woodcote Park was destroyed by fire, re-opening in May 1936.

1939-45: During WWII, Woodcote Park was used as an army-training centre with the grounds ploughed for agricultural purposes.

1950-60s: The advent of mass motoring and in 1959 the M1, Britain’s first major motorway opened.

1970s: The Club’s motoring services division, and as a result its clubhouses, were suffering. The Club entered an ambitious 10-year programme of expansion and refurbishment, leading to an extensive waiting list to join.

1991: Formation of the RAC Foundation for Motoring. The Foundation continues to be a strong and independent source of academic research and influence.

1999: RAC Motoring Services Ltd, which provide roadside assistance and benefits to motorists, was sold.

1999: A new era for the Club as ladies were admitted as members in their own right..

2006: The Woodcote Trophy was founded, the first new trophy to be created by the Club in 100 years; a series for sports racing cars of the post war years up to December 1955.

Sourced from Piers Brendon’s book The Motoring Century and Epsom and Ewell History Explorer L@outandabout_mag

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LOCAL BUSINESS

KEEPING THE ARTS ALIVE Artist Sherree Valentine Daines new patron of Mole Valley festival If you watched the recent Channel 4 documentary How The Other Half Wed, chances are you will have spotted a portrait

by Ashtead artist Sherree Valentine Daines.

The critically acclaimed painter was commissioned by bride Kashmir Cooper to create a 6ft bridal portrait as a celebration of her wedding. It currently hangs in the Knightsbridge boutique of designer Caroline Castigliano.

“I use oils on canvas which I believe to be the purest medium available. But while I adhere to these traditional artistic values I still operate strictly within the parameters of modern life, painting decisive moments from rugby matches or producing portraits of TV presenters in front of cameras, in a way that I trust communicates with a contemporary audience.”

Her latest venture is as patron of the 2015 Mole Valley Arts Alive festival, which runs throughout October. Now in its 21st year, the festival embraces all arts and draws the community together through a varied programme of events.

www.molevalley.gov.uk

Art has always been at the very heart of Sherree’s life. She grew up in an artistic household and, after studying at Epsom School of Art, won the Laing Landscape and Seascape Competition.

One of three artists in residence at Park Lane Fine Arts, Ashtead, she says her art “is based on observation, interpretation, beauty, form and compositional balance”.

Ashtead Park Lane Fine Arts PICTURE FRAMERS, ART RESTORER, VALUERS, GALLERY Established in Ashtead for over 35 years, expert professional advice, constant display of original art, both oil and watercolours, including many prints.

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Browsers always welcome Opening hours Monday to Friday 11am to 5pm, Saturday 10am to 1pm.

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SPOTLIGHT

DIGITAL REVOLUTION

ground work and long hours that goes unnoticed. So actually it doesn’t feel like it’s been an overnight success, it’s taken determination and lots of hard work from the team.

How important do you think video is for telling a story?

Former Heart Radio DJ Neil Bentley has swapped life on air for all things digital. The Ewell resident talks about striking out with his new business

It’s the most powerful piece of rich media for online, presentations and marketing - when produced correctly. We take it very seriously because it can be the catalyst for the growth of a business. A great example of this is a project we created for a company called ‘10 Mins With’. We created a simple animation video that explained what they did, how they were different and the benefits of their service. This became an essential marketing tool for the team who went on to secure $4million of funding.

What sparked the idea for your new company Swipe Digital?

Swipe Digital was born from webvid and our love of creating online platforms within that team. Our digital social signage product CrowdScreen was incubated in webvid, which was our first product, but as that’s grown we’ve had to create a separate place for that team to work. As Swipe Digital we now work with Haymarket Publishing and small and large businesses alike to create an online presence, eg Supaflors and Seriously Sofas.

You’ve said that it’s a social media world. How would you describe yourself in 140 characters?

How did you get your big break as a DJ?

I have to count myself incredibly fortunate as my big break came when I was 16. I was studying at college whilst working in the background at Power FM. I was obsessed with music and communication, so to get an opportunity to become a presenter on the south’s direct rival to Radio 1 was amazing.

I started on the overnight show, which was how you cut your teeth back in the 90s; out of the way so nobody could hear your mistakes. After moving to the evening show I got a call to transfer to Horizon Radio in Milton Keynes and that began my trek around the country at some of the biggest and best radio stations (B97 Bedford, Northants Radio, TFM & Galaxy 105/102/101, 95.8 Capital FM & Heart 106.2).

Was it a natural progression to move from radio to setting up your own business?

For me I think it was, but it isn’t an industry norm. I’ve always tried to be ahead of the curve, so to move into digital, video and the web is a natural progression. I love creating innovations and watching my teams thrive with solutions for our various different clients. I didn’t ever have it my head that I would be a manager of people, as in radio you play for yourself, but I’m loving it.

Are you surprised how quickly the business has grown?

With every ‘quick growth’ business there is always a lot of

22

Passionate, enthusiastic, risk taker, frustrated golfer, worrier, music lover, entrepreneur, Apple & tech geek, Autism awareness supporter Given the rapid changes in technology and social media how do you see businesses evolving in the future?

Businesses just need to grasp the various different platforms available to them and quickly. Corporate business normally takes so long to react to innovations online, when they do they sometimes miss the wave and miss out. It’s been a real eye opener for us going into some large corporations and witnessing below average websites that display incorrectly on mobile devices, their lack of social media knowledge and the reluctance to become highly visible online to attract new business. But I guess that’s why we are here to change that.

Being clever with online content and engaging with your customer and client base is of upmost importance, so using online and hardware tech is the way business and companies can evolve.

Are you always on the lookout for the next opportunity?

Yes, do you know one? Seriously though, I do like to look around to see how we can move and innovative in various sectors - but with the business gaining momentum I need to stay focussed on what we are achieving now.

www.webvid.co.uk

L@outandabout_mag

www.outandabout.media

LOCAL BUSINESS

KARATE KIDS Train with us, grow with us. That’s the motto of Epsom’s Mo-ichido Karate Club Run by Sensei Colin Parker, the not-for-profit club was set up four years ago with the aim of making karate affordable to all.

Why set up the club as a not-for-profit business?

Karate can be expensive. When I said I wanted to set up the club I wanted it to be affordable for everyone. The whole idea of the club is that it is cheap enough for people to afford to come and train more than once a week. We set up four years ago and now run classes six days a week plus squad training and competitions on Sundays. We’ve also opened a new club in Ashtead. It’s a lot of hours for a not-for-profit company but it’s worth it when you see the kids’ faces.

What is the meaning of Mo-ichido - the club’s name?

My old instructor, who has now passed away, used to say it all the time and I never understood it. Just when you were absolutely done and you had nothing left to give he would say Mo-ichido. It means ‘one more time, please’ in Japanese or ‘do it again’. I chose the name in respect to him and his training and also because it isn’t a bad ethos in life outside the dojo, where if it isn’t good enough you do it again. I wanted the karate to be like that.

Your motto is train with us, grow with us

Yes, I wanted people to grow with the club so that ethos and that discipline would carry on throughout their lives and hopefully pass to their kids. Not just grow in karate but grow in terms of what you know, your skills and in life.

What are the benefits of karate?

Control, confidence, fitness, social skills because it is a social environment where you have to communicate with others, discipline, both having the discipline to train and do what you are told, concentration and focus, building muscles when you are younger, I could go on.

The club runs classes for adults and children aged four and above and welcomes anyone interested in taking up karate to come along and watch a lesson or sign up for a trial.

Mo-ichido Karate Club Epsom dojo, Sport Direct Gym, 27 Ruxley Lane, Ewell, KT19 0JB Ashtead dojo, The Pavilion, Parsons Mead cricket pavilion, Ottaways Lane, Ashtead, KT21 2NZ 07739 369311 www.moichido.co.uk

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LOCAL BUSINESS

BRIDES VISITED Start the journey to your dream wedding at Ashtead’s bridal boutique Picture perfect

So you’ve ticked off the venue, the dress and the flowers. Now your thoughts are turning to booking a photographer for your big day. If you’re thinking should I hire a professional, then the answer, according to wedding photographer Lorraine Thackwell of Brides Visited, is yes.

When you hire a professional you have trust, references and a proven track record. And once your wedding day has come to an end the one thing you will look forward to is seeing the pictures.

Capturing the moments from one of the biggest days of your life should not be left to chance.

While your wedding may last just one day your photographs will last a lifetime and should not only reflect images from your day but also your emotions and the atmosphere and ambiance of the occasion.

Professional photographers spend a lot of money on their camera equipment and generally have the best available, the knowledge to use it, reliable backup gear and business insurance.

They also have experience, which is priceless, so are able to cope with any eventuality from changes in the weather to where to shoot the photograph to get the best light.

Choosing your dream dress

It’s never too soon to start looking, says Lorraine Thackwell of Brides Visited.

Finding your perfect wedding dress takes time.

While it may feel too early to start looking for your gown straight after the proposal, it is unlikely that you will find ‘the one’ in the first shop you visit.

Give yourself enough time to look at and try on different shapes and styles so you get an idea of what suits you and your body shape. Also be open-minded, sometimes the gown you choose can be completely different to what you thought you would like.

Most wedding dresses are ordered in and can take up to four or five months to arrive. The gown is normally ordered to your nearest size and will then be fitted to you. Fittings are usually extra, so you must allow for this in your budget, and normally take 5-6 weeks.

Brides Visited, 96-98 The Street, Ashtead, KT21 1AW www.bridesvisited.co.uk L@outandabout_mag

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27

Osterley Office - now open!

SPOTLIGHT

AUTUMN HUES Stroll through a season of colour Autumn is truly the season of colour - leaves turning shades of red, gold and orange, hedgerows sharing their bounties of berries and heather turning fields to waves of purple.

There is no better way to enjoy autumn’s beauty than on foot and we are blessed with some beautiful countryside walks.

Here’s out&about’s pick of walks to watch the season unfold.

Headley Heath

A site of special scientific interest, the heath is home to a rich variety of wildlife. With open heathland, chalk down land and woodland there is no end of trails to explore. Either take a gentle stroll around one of the many National Trust footpaths or try the new Lizard Trail. The trail is a 3km circular walk around the heath that is suitable for all. The route is signposted and is dotted with benches where you can sit and take in the views.

If you’re looking to stretch your legs a bit further try the 8km trek from Headley to Box Hill or step out on to the North Downs and discover the 19th century Reigate Fort, which looks out over the weald. http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/headley-heath Epsom Downs

A 5 mile circular walk through Epsom and Walton Downs starting at the world famous Epsom Racecourse. The walk is largely on designated footpaths and bridleways and includes some steady climbs and descents, perfect for challenging your fitness. The route takes you to the village of Walton on the Hill before returning through woodland and open downland. www.walkinginsurrey.co.uk/epsom

National Trust images Epsom and Ewell Health Walks

Run by a group of volunteers, the walks cover 17 different locations, including Epsom Downs, Horton Country Park and Ashtead Common. An easy introduction to walking, there are half hour or hour long walks three days a week, each enabling you to watch the changing colours of the season while also meeting other walkers.

Find out more at www.epsomandewellhealthwalks.org.uk Walking for health

Getting outside in the fresh air, leaves underfoot, watching the changing skies and views are all part of the joys of walking. But did you know walking has wider health benefits? Research has found that as well as being a great way to stay active, walking also has a positive impact on mental health, is a way of enjoying and connecting with nature and has social benefits, too.

South Downs - NT John Miller

L@outandabout_mag

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29

“Old School” Fish Finge rs Ingredients • 500g White fish fillets • 250g Breadcrumbs, fresh or panko • 2 Eggs, beaten • 50g Plain Flour • Zest & Juice of 1 lemon • 100g Mayonnaise • 2tbsp Capers, chopped & Chopped Parsley • 2tbsp Pickled Gherkin, chopped • 1 Shallot, finely chopped

Method • Preheat the oven to 200c.

• Combine the breadcrumbs with seasoning and lemon zest then place onto a plate.

• Put the egg and our onto two seperate plates next to the breadcrumbs • Cut the sh into chunky strips. Coat each one in our, then the egg and into the breadcrumbs. Coat the breadcrumbs evenly around each strip and place onto a baking tray.

• Drizzle with olive oil and place in the oven for 10-15 minutes.

• Take the mayonnaise and mix with the capers, gherkins, shallot, parsley and lemon juice.

• Serve with the homemade tartar sauce and chunky potato wedges

Our Cooke ry School

Check out the nutritional values, thanks to www.susanchurchnutrition.co.uk

To be kept up to date on the latest courses, please sign up to our newsletter by visiting the website, or follow us on Twitter @FourGablesFood

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LOCAL BUSINESS

BUILDING BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS out&about visited Mark Attwater at Direct Colour to find out more about his flourishing business “This ‘localism’ is important to us particularly as relationships can be founded and developed essentially because you are a part of a community. Walk, cycle or drive over to someone, shake hands, speak to them face-to-face, deliver something yourself, discuss an issue or snag, or just wishing them a pleasant weekend or evening, creates the environment for a stronger caring business relationship to flourish.”

Mark Attwater & Alan Briggs Directors Direct Colour Ltd

“In an age where faster, cheaper, virtual, web based business is replacing the established tangible and communicative style of business (eg the high street), I appreciate how crucial relationships are to my business” says Mark. “Yet actually forming, nurturing and maintaining these relationships is increasingly under pressure.”

“Earlier in the year I looked closely at where our business was coming from and concluded we had customers nationwide, but we wanted to work with more local businesses.”

“We work with local businesses to whom we can offer a different level of service – simply because we are local, visible and care.”

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SPOTLIGHT

CHOCOLATE TIME Bianca Marton’s hand-made, dairy free artisan chocolate truffles are too tempting to resist, she gives out&about a taste and chats about her passion and new shop in Brentford till seven in the evenings. My favourite bits are interacting with the customers and thinking up new products and flavours.

Your favourite chocolate at the moment?

My all-time favourite is the raspberry truffle, but at the moment I just love the vodka cherry ones. The best seller is the sea-salted caramel truffle, so I’ve just started making a mini-version for sharing.

Favourite chocolate memory?

What made you decide to move to Brentford?

I’ve lived in the area for the past eighteen years, originally in Chiswick, then Isleworth and last year I moved to Brentford to be near our new shop.

How are you finding the community in Brentford?

We’ve built up a loyal following from the Sunday market in Brentford. They’re all delighted that they can now enjoy their favourite chocolates every day at our new premises. It’s great to see so many familiar faces.

Tell us about your new chocolate shop in Brentford?

We are just opposite the Holiday Inn at Brentford Lock. We are well known from the market for our range of dairy-free truffles, but the shop has enabled us to widen our selection of chocolates. We sell plain and speciality fruit and nut bars, a variety of fudges and chocolate covered honeycomb; all handmade in our kitchen downstairs. At the back of the shop is our cafe, which is a quiet safe haven for locals to enjoy coffee and cake. We have gluten-free and dairy free options, all made according to our policy of only using quality ingredients.

As a child I spent most of my pocket money on chocolate. A lot of it went on hazelnut bars, which are still my favourite.

When I started making chocolate bars, the first was the one with whole roasted hazelnuts.

Is it easy to make chocolate?

Why not come along to one of our chocolate workshops to find out? They’re very popular with groups of friends or for individuals looking for something fun to do. It’s perfect as a birthday treat or Christmas present. Workshops are three hours long and cost £49 each, that’s great value, because you leave with everything you make!

A perfect chocolate for Christmas would be…

A gift box filled with your own selection of truffles is always popular, topped off with our distinctive orange ribbon. We sell boxes of 6,12,18,24 and 48 chocolates.

9 London Rd, Brentford TW8 020 8797 2239 www.biancamarton.com

What is your first drink of the day?

I start with a cup of tea. I like everyday brew from Teapigs another Brentford firm.

Do you serve hot chocolate?

Yes, we make it in a saucepan on the hob in the shop. We use flakes of our own artisan chocolate, not powder. It’s very traditional and on a cold day, there’s nothing better. We also sell hot chocolate pouches, to take away and make at home.

Your typical working day…

I start the day by baking cakes at eight o’clock downstairs, before coming up to open the shop at ten o’clock. We’re open

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35

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