In ide ... Spring 2015
New year, new website
9 Rural Affairs : Brewery hops back in time
12 Property Focus :
13 Property Focus :
17 Property Focus :
Local History
In view of Surrey golfers
Homes for horses
20 To the bride
21 Beauty : Budding beauty
22 Accessories : Time on your hands
Surrey racing interests
26 What’s On
29 Eggciting Easter fun
32 Tea for Two
33 Art : Sculpture garden
34 Art : Warhorses
44 InsideOut :
46 InsideOut : Garden statuary
48 InsideOut : Make an entrance
4 Celebrating recognition
6 The Interview : Jodie Kidd
10 Rural Affairs : Spring fever
18 Fashion : Heavenly hats
23 In his Wardrobe
30 Recipes : Lunchtime
36 Schools feature
3 Editor’s missive
24 Sport :
Deep Marsala in our homes
8 Rural Affairs :
ABBEY CHASE A4 FINAL
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From the Editor Image courtesy of Maserati
Wendy Cockrill Editor-in-Chief 01795 530111 editor@surreyoccasions.co.uk Liz Vinson What’s On & Culture Editor admin@surreyoccasions.co.uk Graham Otway Sports Editor otwaygj@aol.com Frances Hinton Interior Design Editor frances@HTdesign.co.uk Claire Mahoney Beauty Editor claire@dovetailcomms.co.uk Contributors Anna Patrick Thomas Jack Chris Proudlove Graham Whyte www.surreyoccasions.co.uk
Publisher Barry Bebbington Publications International Ltd 01708 229354 barry@pubint.co.uk Designer Paul Buckley Riasca 01484 463343 paul@riasca.co.uk Printer & Distributor Bishops Printers 02392 336917 enquiries@bishops.co.uk
With snow still threatening and rain and frost disrupting most of our lifestyles, it is always heartwarming to know that spring is beckoning. New life burgeoning. In the fields, woodlands and gardens of Surrey, even the darkest corners are cheered by spring. Young lambs gambolling in the fields, birds singing in the trees and flowers painting our landscape with a host of new colour. How can we not smile at the thought. With so many occasions to look forward to this summer most people will need a hat for at least one. Often overlooked in the media, we feature local and national designers who have devoted their professional lives to ensuring ladies at Ascot, the Derby, Wimbledon, a wedding or a Royal Tea Party look devine. We have had the pleasure of talking to Jodie Kidd in this issue and hearing how much she enjoys living in Surrey and all it has to offer. And yet again all of us who enjoy living in the county and benefit from everything that Surrey has to offer, have it confirmed that it is one of the best places in the country to live with 9 places listed in the top 50 of the Halifax Quality of Life Survey for the most desirable place to live. In fact 3 Surrey villages appeared in the top 10 with Elmbridge only second only to Hart in Hampshire. Very few people will be aware that once there was a mansion in Box Hill to rival Downton Abbey. Historian and journalist takes up the tale on page 12. Graham is researching the development of Box Hill village. He hopes to bring its formative years back to life; it is a unique opportunity to chart the modern-day emergence of a village from centuries-old woods and pastures. If you have any documents, photos or personal recollections which you would be happy to share please email graham.whyte@virgin.net. When home-hunting many of us seek more than just a house. Whether it be for our animals, our sport or family leisure activities. In this issue we focus on the best Surrey currently has to offer by way of equestrian homes and those in convenient proximity to a golf course and, in one instance, both. In the Interiors section, Surrey Occasion’s Design Consultant, Frances Hinton proposes we consider this year’s key colour Deep Marsala as a rich addition to our homes and the feature on Hallways will certainly inspire readers to make an entrance. Do not miss the “What’s on” section with its vast selection of activities and entertainment and includes an eggs-tensive calendar of Easter fun…happy hunting!
This publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form in whole or in part without the written consent of the publishers. © Publications International Ltd. 2014 To have your personal copy delivered to your door… for free… go to www.surreyoccasions.co.uk/ subscription and subscribe now
Wendy Cockrill Editor-in-Chief editor@surreyoccasions.co.uk
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New Year Honours
Recognised achievement ... Each year the New Year Honours list recognises the achievements and service of extraordinary individuals across the United Kingdom. In 2015 more than 30 people from Surrey have been recognised for making life better for other people or for being outstanding at what they do. Whether they are an altruist or an entrepreneur; a volunteer or life changer; or perhaps someone who has displayed moral courage or improved life for people less able to help themselves, at Surrey Occasions we would like to congratulate these amazing people.
ORDER OF THE BATH
Officer (OBE)
Companion (CB)
Rodney John Bennion. Formerly Chair of Trustees Construction Youth Trust. For services to Construction Training and the community in the South East. (Ashtead, Surrey)
Harold Mark Carter. Deputy Legal Adviser Legal Advisers’ Branch, Treasury Solicitors. For services to Government Legal Services and services to the community in Guildford, Surrey. (Guildford, Surrey)
Dr Helen Bowcock. Philanthropist. For services to Community Philanthropy. (Haslemere, Surrey)
ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE Dame Commander (DBE) Ms Barbara Mary Plunket Greene, OBE. For services to British Fashion. (Surrey) Mrs Fiona Marie Kendrick. Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Nestle UK and Ireland. For services to the Food and Drink Industry and to Skills Development. (Tadworth, Surrey) Mrs Catherine Fiona Woolf, CBE. Formerly Lord Mayor of London. For services to the Legal Profession, Diversity and the City of London. (Surrey)
Mrs Charlotte Anne Grobien. For charitable services to Children and Young People in Wandsworth, Greater London and Surrey. (London) Ian Hart. Department for Education Liaison Officer National Network for Children in Employment and Entertainment. For services to Children. (Surrey)
Commander (CBE)
David Purcell Stewart. For charitable services especially to the Health and Housing Sector in London and Surrey. (Oxted, Surrey)
Professor Julienne Elizabeth Meyer. Professor of Nursing Care for Older People. For services to Nursing and Older People. (Guildford, Surrey)
Miss Elizabeth Kathleen Tysoe. Formerly head of Healthcare Inspection HM Inspector of Prisons. For services to Offender Health. (Staines, Surrey)
Professor Stephen Michael Richardson. Associate Provost (Institutional Affairs) and Professor of Chemical Engineering Imperial College London. For services to Chemical Engineering Education. (Reigate, Surrey)
Simon Robert Vincent. President Europe, Middle East and Africa, Hilton Worldwide. For services to the Hospitality Industry. (Dorking, Surrey)
Michael Wheeler. Non-Executive director Department of Health. For services to Healthcare. (Oxshott, Surrey) Philip Richard Wood. Special Global Counsel Allen and Overy. For services to English and Financial Law. (Shere, Surrey)
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Ms Jennifer Mary Brzozowska. Head Oil and Gas Exploration. For services to Oil and Gas Infrastructure. (Epsom, Surrey)
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Member (MBE) Graham Clive Apps. Manager UK Missing Persons Bureau, National Crime Agency. For services to Law Enforcement in Safeguarding Vulnerable Persons. (Camberley, Surrey) Mrs Wendy Bartlett. Co-founder and chief executive, Bartlett Mitchell. For services to the
Hospitality Industry. (Virginia Water, Surrey) Mrs Dorothy Beeson, BEM. Founder, the Swan Sanctuary. Forservices to the Rescue and Rehabilitation of Swans. (Shepperton, Surrey) Mrs Christine Mary Davenport. For services to Girlguiding and to the community in Ashford, Middlesex. (Ashford, Surrey) Mrs Alice Jane Formby. Founding Trustee and Fundraiser, Princess Alice Hospice. For services to End of Life Care. (Thames Ditton, Surrey) Ms Lisa Elizabeth Gagliani. Formerly chief executive Bright Ideas Trust. For services to Young People and Small Business. (Thames Ditton, Surrey) Professor Patrick Gill. Senior Fellow Optical Frequency Standards and Metrology, National Physical Laboratory. For services to Science. (Chiddingford, Surrey)
Mrs Jean Lillian Elizabeth Steer. For services to Age Concern and the community in Epsom and Ewell, Surrey. (Epsom, Surrey) BRITISH EMPIRE MEDAL (BEM)
David Hughes. Chair EMI Music Sound Foundation and EMI Archive Trust. For services to the UK Music Industry and Charity. (Camberley, Surrey)
Mrs June Davey. Volunteer Room Steward and Tour Guide, Clandon Park. For services to Heritage in Surrey. (West Horsley, Surrey)
Albert Herbert Percy Palmer. Honorary secretary Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors. For services to Construction. (Lightwater, Surrey)
Mrs Patricia Anne Dobbin. For services to the Riding for the Disabled Association, Hampshire and Surrey Borders. (Fleet, Hampshire)
Andrew Edward Panter, DL. For services to charity and to the community in Berkshire. (Egham, Surrey)
Mrs Sandra Gilbert. For services to the community in Chiddingfold and Haslemere, Surrey. (Godalming, Surrey)
Mrs Eleanor Margaret Paterson. Community Reparation Officer, Surrey Youth Justice. For services to Restorative Justice. (Woking, Surrey)
Archibald Frederrick Shepherd. For services to Young People in Frimley and Camberley Surrey. (Chelmsford, Essex)
Terry Pattinson. Senior Officer National Crime Agency. For services to Law Enforcement in the Field of Kidnap and Extortion. (Surrey)
Mrs Elizabeth Ann Stuart Glendinning-Smith. Treasurer, Sunbury and Walton Unit. For voluntary service to the Sea Cadet Corps. (Shepperton, Surrey)
New specialist dementia care home in Horley, Surrey We are delighted to announce that having undergone major refurbishment throughout, Smallbrook Care Home is open and registered with the Care Quality Commission, to care for elderly individuals with dementia. Nestled down a quiet close in the town of Horley in Surrey, halfway between London and Brighton and a stones throw from Gatwick. The Directors and Management of Asprey Healthcare invite you to come and see Smallbrook Care Home for yourself – “We think you will be pleasantly surprised!” Boasting twenty seven large single bedrooms, newly decorated in calming colours, all on the ground floor with spacious en-suite bathrooms, twentyfour hour call bell assistance, telephone extension and flat screen TV’s. We also provide a full laundry service.
The furniture at Smallbrook has won awards from Stirling University (a leader in dementia research) for their ‘user friendly’ designs, giving a perfect example of how our residents have been at the heart of every design stage of the refurbishment. We offer a unique atmosphere to suit those seeking a relaxed yet trusting experience.
The Boathouse
Why choose Smallbrook? The aim at Smallbrook is for our residents to lead meaningful and rewarding lives. We provide a varied activities programme, carefully planned and delivered to meet individual needs, together with a wide range of facilities, due to the fact that Smallbrook sits uniquely on a site of 1.25 acres enjoying a large outside terrace which savours the sun all day. The ‘hub’ of the home, The Boathouse, is a fabulous bright open space, offering comfortable lounging areas, a bistro and a library with views over the terrace to the lush gardens beyond. Smallbrook’s location is perfectly situated within walking distance of the town centre, local GP’s surgery, churches, the River Mole and parks. At Smallbrook we are focussed on the importance of a delicious and nutritious meal. Residents can relish three home
cooked meals daily in addition to tea, coffee, drinks and snacks which are available anytime day or night. Come and meet our very friendly and experienced Manager, Julia Phillips, who is passionate about Smallbrook and will be delighted to show you around and tell you all about life at Smallbrook Care Home. Smallbrook Care Home Suffolk Close, Horley, Surrey Julia Phillips 01293 772 576 julia@aspreyhealthcare.co.uk www.aspreyhealthcare.co.uk
The Interview : Jodie Kidd
“Just being in the country is relaxing” Polo-playing, car-racing supermodel Jodie Kidd tells Richard Aldhous why she loves nothing more than spending quality family time in Surrey
Jodie Kidd might have been a supermodel by the age of 16, immediately embarking on a showbiz career that would take her all around the world, but she has remained true to her Guildford roots. The Surrey girl still lives in the local area, and is frequently spotted in and around the county doing a spot of antique shopping, or taking in the polo at Cowdray in neighbouring West Sussex. Best of all, Jodie enjoys nothing more than spending time in the Surrey countryside with her young son, Indio. “Just being in the countryside is relaxing,” she says. “Going for a ride is the most relaxing thing in the world. Or going for a walk with my little boy, playing a round of golf or putting on a family movie. That, to me, is relaxing.
“We’re very organic and we also always support local farmers and produce”
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© Featureflash | Dreamstime.com
“You can walk along Guildford high street and get a juice from a juice bar - they were not around when I was modelling” We love going on long walks, going into Guildford or going to Fishers Farm in West Sussex. Indie is a real outside boy and just spending time together is the best.” Clean living is very important to Jodie, whose love of the outdoors is matched by a very sensible, positive attitude towards her body – when she first started modelling aged 16, her naturally extremely slender frame came under fire from eating disorder charities, but twenty years later, she is the picture of radiant health and beauty. “I take lots of green supplements because I try to keep my body as alkaline as possible,” she explains. “I am not going to not have a glass of wine, a lovely cake or a nice pasta – everyone should enjoy that, life wouldn’t be worth living if you can’t have that. But you should have a balance. When you’re more alkaline your immune system works better.”
Looking back, Jodie can see how much her diet has changed over the years. “The thing about the modelling world is that the toughest and the most amount of time that you work is in your teens and early twenties. You can run about and grab a McDonalds and you can get away with it. At that stage you’re fit and you’re physically robust. But now in my thirties I have really noticed what healthy eating can do. I have more energy, I feel clearer, but when I was younger I never noticed the difference, and didn’t feel bad. When you’re modelling, you’re working so much you don’t have time to go around a farmers market in Godalming to choose some nice organic veg!” “My attitude is very different now, and there is a big movement towards eating healthily,” she continues. “You can walk along Guildford high street and get a juice from a juice bar they were not around when I was
modelling. I believe a lot of illness comes from eating badly, so I am a big advocate for juicing and being as organic as possible.” Even though Surrey is full of fantastic locally produced food, the Celebrity Masterchef finalist’s favourite ingredients actually come from her own back garden. “Because I live in the country I grow my own veg at home, we’re very organic and we also always support local farmers and produce. Doing Masterchef opened up the doors to being more daring in the kitchen. It’s easy to get stuck on doing your favourites – your spaghetti, your lasagne, your salmon. Since doing Masterchef it has given me a lot more confidence to experiment a bit more.” Beautiful, talented; a demon behind the wheel or in the saddle, and a pro in the kitchen – is there anything this Surrey star can’t do?
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Rural Affairs
New Year, new website This New Year saw the launch of a brand new website for the ‘Surrey Hills Family’ which is the group of organisations that are dedicated to the conservation and promotion of the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
The website, which has been redesigned by Akiko Design, a leading Surrey-based digital agency, also includes a wealth of information for people wishing to get out and ‘Discover’ the Surrey Hills (www.surreyhills.org/discover), including itineraries for days out and cycling/walking routes. The website uses responsive design to give people the best possible viewing experience when they are, ‘out and about’, and using their smart phones and other devices to access the internet. Information on the work of the Surrey Hills Society can be found at www. surreyhillssociety.org, along with a listing of the Society’s wide range of events for people and families interested in exploring and learning about this outstanding landscape. Surrey Hills Enterprises (SHE), the business element of the ‘Surrey Hills Family’, aims to promote the Surrey Hills as a national asset for the benefit of local businesses. Through its membership scheme, SHE offers local businesses the opportunity to join a select group of independent companies, with exclusive use of the Surrey Hills logo, building a brand and accessing a range of other benefits.
The Surrey Hills Family The Surrey Hills Society is an independent charity encouraging people and families to explore, protect and enhance this outstanding landscape. 8
All members of SHE are given a detailed entry in the directory of Surrey Hills businesses on the new website. Each entry includes a full company profile, photo gallery and special offers page along with video footage, and links to their own websites and social media feeds. The directory is designed to help people experience the best of the Surrey Hills by showcasing the diverse range of produce, crafts, activities and places to stay that bring life to the landscape. The ‘Member of the Month’ promotions and news section allow members even greater exposure across the Surrey Hills website and social media network. In addition, SHE members will soon feature on the walking, cycling and days out pages throughout the ‘Discover’ section. Following the website redesign and as a result of increased funding and staffing, SHE is now embarking on a recruitment drive to encourage many more Surrey Hills businesses to join the membership scheme, reap the benefits and build local enterprise. Currently the organisers of the annual Surrey Hills Wood Fair and the National Wood Fuel Conference, SHE also plans to extend its events portfolio for 2015 to provide further opportunities for businesses and the community, supporting events in the Arts and Food & Drink sectors. If you are interested in becoming a member or finding out more about Surrey Hills Enterprises or any of the other organisations that form the ‘Surrey Hills Family’, please visit the new website at www.surreyhills.org
Enterprises Surrey Hills Enterprises works with local businesses to build a brand for the Surrey Hills; its membership scheme promotes the local economy and supports enterprise. Trust Fund The Surrey Hills Trust Fund is a Charitable fund that supports local
projects which help to safeguard the future of the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Board The Surrey Hills Board protects the Surrey Hills through a Management Plan that sets out policies to conserve and enhance the landscape.
The last White Bine hop garden in Surrey was dug up in 1929 but now a local real ale producer has become one of only a handful of brewers growing their own hops in the UK. Thomas Jack takes up the story.
“We do know that for 200 years it was a very popular hop. So all we can really do is wait and see what it’s like when we first use it in a brew and then launch a beer with it.”
In a field at Tongham, close to the border with Hampshire, Surrey’s biggest independent real ale producer is planning to turn back the clock of the bitter drinking tradition in English pubs even further. Within the next two years the award winning Hogs Back brewery will be brewing beers using the long forgotten favourite local variety of hops the Farnham White Bine which have been planted in the shadow of two traditional hop kiln buildings which still exist in the village. The Farnham White Bine proved very popular with brewers for more than 200 years after it was developed by a Mr Peckham Williams from nearby Badshot Place in Farnham, barely a stone’s throw from the brewery. However, the last Whitebine hop garden in Surrey, was dug up in 1929 a victim of downy mildew and cheaper imported varieties. Thankfully, however, some small healthy strains of the Whitebine were preserved by Wye Hops in Herefordshire on behalf of the British Hop Association’s National Hop Collection and it is from those few surviving plants that Hogs Back is now nurturing its revival. Back in May 2014 in a field right opposite the brewery, a total of two and half acres were planted not only with Whitebine but also the popular Cascade hop, a much younger variety. By September, when I visited the brewery, both varieties were flourishing with plants more than six feet high but still way below the grid of 20 foot high poles and wires covering the area which should, within the next two years, be supporting a hop crop that can be brewed commercially. That prospect is eagerly awaited by Miles Chesterman, the head brewer at Hogs Back. “With the good growth in the first year,” he said. “There was a temptation to produce a small brew. But we knew it would take two to three years before we would get a big enough yield of hops to start using it for regular brews. We didn’t want to pick a lot of hops early because to do so would have taken a lot of goodness out of the plants. It made much more sense to make them tough and hardy first.
Rural Affairs
Brewery hops back in time
“We did however pick some hops and add them to small number of casks of our existing beers for a selection of local pubs and our own brewery shop with promising results from the feedback we received.” The Whitebine was added to Hogs Back’s flagship brand TEA and its session bitter HBB and appeared to give both a smooth sweet fresh taste and aroma. We didn’t know what the result would be,” said Miles.”And still won’t know definitely until we actually start brewing with it. But in the end we hope that it will add to the desired bitterness and give it a distinctive aroma and flavour. But since it has not been grown for beer for more than 80 years we do not know what to expect. “We do know however, that for 200 years it was a very popular hop. So all we can really do is wait and see what it’s like when we first use it in a brew and then launch a beer with it.” Planting hops is not just a straight forward exercise and Hogs Back have been able to draw on the generous support and experience of their long time suppliers of Fuggles hops from the Hampton Estate in Seale. “But there is a romance in bringing back to this area a rural tradition of hop growing that dominated the countryside for hundreds of years and using the best hop of its day” added Miles. “We think it will be a very popular move from the point of view that with meals more and more people like to see the food on their plates produced locally so why shouldn’t it be the same with beer.” Miles has no intention of adding them to the established brands TEA and HBB – the Whitebine will be used a new beer recipe which he hopes will recreate a long forgotten taste from the past. hogsback.co.uk
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Rural Affairs
Spring fever on Surrey farms Spring can be the busiest and most interesting time on farms with lambing in full flow, new calves put out to pasture and crops such as oats, spring barley and spring oilseed rape are sown. But it’s not just farm animals and crops that are bringing new life to our Surrey landscapes; it’s the abundance of wildlife that emerges in the spring that makes our countryside a fascinating and spectacular place to be.
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The link between farming and wildlife is indisputable with much of the UK’s wildlife dependent on farmland. Farmers and food producers look after more than 37% of the land in Surrey and almost 64,000 acres of this is included in Government funded agri-environment schemes. These schemes commit farmers to work in a way that supports biodiversity, enhances the landscape and improves the quality of water, air and soil. Activities such as hedge cutting, maintaining footpaths and bridleways, protecting watercourses and managing wildlife habitats all enrich and protect the countryside by providing breeding and feeding habitats for birds and mammals and encouraging wild flowers and insects. Hugh Broom, a fourth generation farmer who has been involved with agrienvironment schemes for over 15 years, says “There are many challenges for today’s farmers. The pressure is on to produce more from less as the demand for food increases across the globe. At the same time farmers need to help maintain the unique biodiversity of the land that we farm, for the benefit of wildlife and the public who enjoy it”. Hugh farms Sondes Place Farm, a 320 acre mixed farm near Dorking and he has worked hard to enhance and recreate biodiversity. This has included the reintroduction of over 4000 metres of new hedgerows and the laying and restoration of over 3000 metres of existing hedgerow. Hugh has created three wildlife ponds and maintains over 5000 metres of field margins, which act as a wildlife corridor and habitat for pollinators. Over 100 waterside trees have been pollarded to create a lighter environment,
allowing a greater variety of plant and animal species to thrive. The farm also has 40 acres of conservation grade grassland and is in the process of restoring much of its ancient woodland. Hugh’s vision is reaping rewards - the farm is now home to six RSPB Red List bird species – a good example of how productive farming and biodiversity conservation can successfully work hand in hand. So as the days get longer and the spring sunshine brings growth and greenery, there is never a better time to enjoy the beautiful scenery within Surrey and appreciate the hard work of farmers like Hugh. From the rolling landscapes of the Surrey Hills to the dense beauty of our famous woodlands there are endless opportunities to explore the countryside. As you do, look out for primroses and witch hazel along with pussy willow, wild daffodils and scilla. Spot the apple and cherry trees starting to flower and witness woodland floors spring into life. Watch butterflies and bees start to emerge and grass snakes, lizards and adders wake from their winter hibernation. Observe frogs and toads return to ponds to breed and listen to the start of the dawn chorus as birds such as Robins, Great Tits and Chiff Chaffs sing to attract a mate and defend their territory. Surrey is a stunning county and Spring is the perfect time to explore. So raise your hat to your local farmer, don your walking boots and enjoy! Support local farming – join the Surrey County Agricultural Society. Membership gives you a range of benefits, including entry to the Surrey County Show in May and the Country Fair in September. Visit www.surreycountyshow.co.uk
Steeped in history ... Waverley Abbey House is a Grade II* listed Georgian mansion, located two miles south of Farnham, Surrey.
Overlooking the water meadows of the River Wey and the ruins of the ancient Waverley Abbey, Waverley Abbey House is situated in the midst of tranquil countryside. With its historic character, peaceful surroundings and excellent facilities, Waverley Abbey House is an ideal venue for conferences, meetings, training and special occasions, while the extensive grounds can be hired for larger bespoke events, outdoor team building and marquee functions. Our elegant function rooms each have their own distinctive character and atmosphere. All have good natural light and a flexible, open layout to suit your requirements. They range from small and intimate to larger, more spacious rooms accommodating up to 100 people.
Bespoke events Waverley Abbey House can be hired for bespoke events and functions. From summer BBQs to celebratory gala dinners, we offer a variety of catering options. Food is prepared in-house by our team of experienced chefs using the freshest ingredients available. Set within breathtaking landscape, the grounds provide the perfect backdrop for outdoor events and create an attractive location for film or photography shoots. Our partner companies located at Waverley Abbey House can provide bespoke leadership programmes, team building, coaching and management away days as well as video production and media consultancy. For more information or to book an event at Waverley Abbey House, please contact us: 01252 784711 enquiries@waverleyabbeyhouse.org.uk www.waverleyabbeyhouse.org.uk
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Local history
Box Hill’s own Downton Abbey Historian and journalist Graham Whyte provides a brief insight into the lives and misfortunes in one of Surrey’s most impressive yet littleknown architectural treasures
Of the many thousands of people who visit Box Hill every weekend, very few will be aware that within a few hundred metres of the viewpoint there was once a mansion to rival Downton Abbey, and that the folks who lived on the hill were ranked among the highest in society. Built in the mid-18th Century in an Italianate style, and successively modified by its various rich and demanding owners, in 1882 High Ashurst became the property of the Hon. Henry Dudley Ryder, who in due course would become the 4th Earl Harrowby. Despite having another large estate in Staffordshire, the Earl-to-be set about modernising High Ashurst, and had central heating, electric lighting and running hot water installed in each of its 40 bedrooms.
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It had its own farm, sunken fresh-water tanks, and more than 1,200 acres of land on which Henry Ryder and his guests could hone their marksmanship. It became what was known as a ‘shooting estate’. Before Henry Ryder took up residence, High Ashurst had been owned by various Victorian industrialists and bankers, and before that, in the Georgian period, several prominent men of letters, including, in a very literal sense, the King’s Printer, Andrew Strahan. Unfortunately, Andrew Strahan had a rather miscreant nephew, William Snow, who changed his surname by deed poll to his mother’s maiden name, Strahan, (she was Andrew’s sister) in order to exploit the fame accrued by his famous uncle. In due course, William inherited his uncle’s considerable fortune, but unfortunately not his business acumen, and in 1855 William Strahan was declared bankrupt. In consequence High Ashurst was acquired by the banker, Sir Henry Muggeridge; then a few years later by a Mr. James Christopher Wilson - a rather shadowy figure who seems to have made his money out of gunpowder. The death of Mr. Wilson in 1882 brings us back to Henry Ryder, the Earl-in-waiting. And wait he did. It was to be 18 years before he succeeded his brother, the third Earl, who died without issue, which meant that technically the new 4th Earl inherited his title from his father, the 2nd Earl Harrowby. Unfortunately, the newly ennobled Henry Dudley Ryder’s life as an aristocrat was short lived. He succeeded his brother in March 1900, but died just nine months later having fallen overboard from his steam yacht Miranda off the coast of Algiers.
The 4th Earl’s widow, the delightfully named Lady Susan Juliana Maria Hamilton Ryder, Dowager Countess of Harrowby (think Maggie Smith) remained at High Ashurst, along with several daughters, until her death in 1917. The house survived a while longer: firstly as a YWCA hostel, then for about 10 years as a girls’ boarding school called Wentworth Hall, until finally, in 1937, Surrey County Council decided that High Ashurst should become a ‘School for Defective Children’. Thankfully (in a sense) World War II, and a battalion of the Royal Canadian Engineers billeted in the mansion, put paid to such a Dickensian fate for the building and children alike. High Ashurst was destined never to recover from its wartime occupation, and in 1949 Surrey County Council ordered its demolition, ending almost two centuries of lives, loves and misfortunes in one of Surrey’s most impressive yet little-known architectural treasures.
Property Focus
In view of Surrey golfers Those seeking a majestic new home close to a golf course, might like to consider the Cala Homes’ Heathland development in Camberley
Situated in a leafy, secluded location on the edge of Camberley Heath Golf Club, which was designed by Harry Colt, with impressive views out over the first tee of the golf course, Heathlands is a collection of just four five-bedroom detached family homes with large double garages, generous gardens and more than 3,000 square feet of luxury living space. The homes, situated opposite the first fairway, will be accessed from a private entrance via Golf Drive, off Portsmouth Road, and have been individually designed to be in keeping with their surroundings. Located in a private area of the golf club, previously the Green Keeper’s compound, each home is surrounded by trees and hedgerows. As part of its investment in the site, CALA Homes has also helped to improve the club’s facilities for its members by relocating the golf club’s Green Keeper’s compound and equipment building to its current buggy store. CALA Homes have just launched an exciting new development of five large luxury homes in the North Downs village of Chaldon. Situated next door to the Surrey National Golf Course, the development, to be known as Chaldon Mead, was given the go-ahead by Tandridge District Council last year, and the show home is expected to launch in the spring. The small development has been designed to complement its local surroundings and each of the prestigious homes will boast
luxury details including fully fitted German kitchens with wine coolers and granite work surfaces; Villeroy and Boch sanitary ware to all bathrooms and en-suites; underfloor heating to the ground floor; and American white oak staircases and oak internal doors. Each of the properties will offer five bedrooms and double garages and will suit families and those wishing to take advantage of village living whilst being within close commutable distance of London. cala.co.uk
If a mature property with extensive grounds overlooking a golf course would appeal, then Woodlands Farm with an outlook over Chipstead Golf Course and 37 acres of grounds incorporating paddocks, fields, 14 stables within an indoor complex and deer handling facilities is for you. Internally this five-bedroomed house has a wealth of exciting architectural features and below the main house is the farm accommodation with a separate external door, giving access onto a large reception area and an independent staircase connecting to the house above. GP £2950000 fineandcountry.com
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ST A M PA P D ID U * TY
View from rooftop terrace
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LONG WALK VILLAS WINDSOR
Windsor’s Finest. An elegant terrace of 9 classical townhouses in an enviable position, overlooking The Long Walk and Windsor Great Park. These traditional style properties are built to the highest specifications with 4/5 bedrooms, numerous reception and entertaining areas, and private landscaped gardens. With picturesque views towards the iconic Castle and ideally placed for the town centre, each property also benefits from its own rooftop terrace and secure private parking. Central London is easily accessible whilst Heathrow Airport is less than 10 miles. Windsor and Eton train station provides a 29 minute train service to London Paddington and London Waterloo can be accessed in less than 1 hour. Price £2.75 million
Show house in Kings Road, SL4 2AH Open daily 10am – 4pm Octagon: 020 3137 8226 longwalkvillas@octagon.co.uk Selling agents: Hamptons Windsor, 01753 855 555 www.octagon.co.uk * Stamp Duty paid subject to Terms and Conditions please speak to a member of the sales team for more details.
09/02/2015 13:49
Property Focus
Octagon move into the Chilterns The beautiful Chiltern region of Buckinghamshire has always been on Octagon’s wish list as an ideal location for their super luxe family homes. Finally the perfect site emerged in Little Chalfont, where they have now built Kingswood House, on the exclusive Harewood Road.
The six bedroom, five bathroom detached property is within walking distance of the extensive array of the local village shops, as well as Chalfont and Latimer station, where both Chiltern Trains and the Metropolitan underground service run regular services into the heart of London. The journey takes just under an hour. Also there is easy access into London and Heathrow Airport via the nearby M40 and M25 motorways. Kingswood House, constructed in pleasing traditional brick with stone detailing, is a one off creation from Octagon’s talented in-house team of architects and designers. In contrast to the timeless exterior, the interior layout is sleek and contemporary. Starting in the marble
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floored entrance hall, which has a dramatic triple height atrium and feature back-lit mirror on the staircase. In itself another design statement, the rich walnut treads and handrail adding gravitas to the lightloving glazed balustrades. Energy efficient underfloor heating has been installed throughout, along with an air extract ventilation system supported by air-source renewable energy heat pump technology. Ground floor accommodation is both spacious and stylish, with study, TV Den, dining room, super-sized kitchen and separate utility room. Fitted high gloss linear units in the kitchen incorporate a full range of Miele appliances, plus the essential, energy conserving Quooker tap, which provides boiling water to order. The stone work top centre island has ample space for a breakfast bar, plus there is an adjoining informal dining area and family sitting room. The elegant drawing room comes with a charming, focal point contemporary gas fireplace, and all the rooms to the rear of the house have French doors opening onto a deep rear paved terrace. Upstairs in the main house are four double bedrooms, all with en-suite bathrooms, the Master’s being clad in sumptuous marble and accessed through a dressing room, fitted with a generous run of built in wardrobes. On the second floor is bedroom five, a separate family bathroom and giant 35 ft plus playroom, already plumbed for a mini kitchen, so could make the perfect den for snack-loving teenagers.
The adjoining triple garage has first floor accommodation, accessed by its own staircase, making an ideal staff or office suite. With its secure gated entrance leading onto a wide paved forecourt, Kingswood House sits in a South West backing garden, stunningly landscaped and planted by Octagon’s horticultural consultants, and extending to 0.68 acres. Kingswood House, Harewood Road, HP8 4UA Priced at £3.95m. Open weekends for viewing between 10 a.m. – 4p.m. or to make an appointment call Savills 01494 725636 or browse the Octagon website www.octagon.co.uk
Property Focus
Homes for horses Beautiful homes with equestrian facilities are rare in Surrey but there are magnificent equestrian properties currently on the market which are fetching higher than average prices.
As with all properties location is key but equestrian properties demand a little bit more to achieve perfection as David Rumsey, proprietor of Pelhams told Surrey Occasions: • free draining soil…”though too much sand means not such good pasture thus south of the Hogs Back is not as ideal as the Cobham area” • surrounding countryside for hacking out…”hundreds of acres of this especially around the Shamley Green or Blackdown area” • easy access to main roads…”having invested hundreds of thousands in a horse box, squeezing through country lanes to get home is not idea” And be prepared to fulfil your wishlist regarding the equestrian facilities and spend time and money with specialists creating a stunning home alongside.
Marwood is a rare opportunity to acquire a well established equestrian yard with a range of substantial farm buildings together with 25 stables, set in approximately 35 acres along with a 4 bedroomed house. Located about a mile from Ewhurst village the property is also ideally located for the Hurtwood Park Polo grounds. GP £175000 • pelhams.co.uk
No horses but love riding?
Milhanger in Thursley is an impressive Arts & Craft house with loads of sports and entertainment space and set in 74 acres. It also has a separate Grade II listed Mill and a lake but it is the equestrian facilities, which include a stable yard with ten loose boxes, store rooms and an all-weather manège, which make this house the ideal home for an active family with horses. GP £7,950,000 • struttandparker.com
Looking to live in a beautiful rural position with equestrian centres and extensive hacking on your doorstep, then Grantleys may have a property for you, the Hollies in Thursley. An appealing 4-bedroomed, character family house set in peaceful gardens with a very generous terrace area ideal for outside entertaining. GP £1.375 Million • grantley.net
If the object of living is peace and happiness then living at The Hawthorns in Chipstead will enable you and your loved ones to live the dream. This is also the perfect home for a few horses as it has a stable yard containing 4 loose boxes along with 6 acres of your own private land. GP £1395000 • fineandcountry.co.uk
Surrey Occasions
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Fashion
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Heavenly
s t a H Whether it be a romantic wedding or a day at the races, Henley regatta or tea at Buckingham Palace we all need a divine hat. Whether beautifully embellished or classic styling with a twist, subtle or colourful, “a hat”, as author Jeanine Larmouth says, “is a shameless flatterer, creating an aura of prettiness, suggesting mystery that awakens curiousity in the onlooker”. We‘ve put our heads together to inspire your choice of headwear this year. From fascinator to hatinator, wide brim to architectural excellence, heads really can be dressed to suit every occasion.
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“You can always go out and find a dress to wear for some occasion, but there are not that many occasions you can wear a hat.” Zara Phillips, Professional horsewoman
1. Anthurium, Emma Yeo POA emmayeo.com
6. Rivers £290 awongolding.com
2. Ilda di Vico £595 ildadivico.com
7. Suspended Petal Coolie, Sophie Beale £585 sophiebealemillinery. com
3. Sue Mackintosh £179 serendipityfashions. co.uk (Chilworth)
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4. Gold Pleats, Bee Smith £160 Bee-Smith.co.uk (Kingston) 5. Monroe £275 Emily-jean.com
8. Wlliam Chambers £725 williamchambers. co.uk 9. Mary Spiteri £350 titfertathats.co.uk 10. Philip Treacy £2250.00 titfertathats.co.uk
NB A hat or “substantial” fascinator with a base of at least four inches across must be worn in the Royal Enclosure at Ascot.
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Weddings
To the bride! theimagecella.co.uk. Styling/art direction by Kerrie Kent of Kent. Kentish Flowers by muscariwhites.co.uk
As a bride-to-be, some decisions are intensely personal and exclusively yours ...
The jewellery
The dress If you can’t find your perfect dress on the rails, commissioning a unique wedding gown is the ideal solution. Felicity Westmacott makes bespoke, one-off dresses from design to completion from her studio in Redhill, Surrey. Drawing on her expertise and experience, Felicity will help bring together your own design ideas, elements of style you may have seen elsewhere and new suggestions to create a unique gown to suit you and the theme of your day, which will be a perfect fit and flattering to your figure. Exquisite hand embroidery and beading provides the finishing touch to many of the dresses she has made. Felicity can also help you with the restoring and tailoring of vintage gowns. Felicity’s designs start at £1850. Felicity says “My family say that I’m never seen without a needle. For my work I make beautiful and individual dresses for weddings, parties and special occasions, and even on holiday I do cross stitch!” felicitywestmacott.co.uk
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The flowers Everyone wants their special day to be beautiful and flowers are an area that can really bring the wow factor to the event. Most couples would automatically think of having fresh flowers but, with the dramatic rise in faux flower quality, times are changing. RTfact flowers of Claygate prides itself on offering stunning innovative design coupled with exceptional quality and service. RTfact founder Dawn Smith reflects “the beauty of faux flowers is that we have time to achieve exactly what the couple desires. Everything we make is bespoke and we work very closely with our clients using material swatches from dresses and other colour influences to make sure both bridal party and the venue work together to create a stunning result. We like to collaborate well in advance, so the bride can cross it off her list, giving one less area to think about.” The beauty is that your bouquet will not only look different but will last a lifetime. rtfactflowers.co.uk
As master craftswomen, the team at Jewelled in Godalming are experienced in undertaking commissions. From existing designs to new concepts, each piece is made entirely by hand to your specifications, resulting in a beautiful bespoke piece of jewellery for you to cherish. Whether you know what you want or need guidance, Jewelled will enable your thoughts and ideas to become reality as you closely follow your piece of jewellery from conception through to creation. Perhaps you treasure a piece of jewellery which you would like to wear on your wedding day. Jewelled will remodel using the stones from an existing piece of jewellery and in some circumstances where an item has extreme sentimental meaning, and it is possible, also re-use your gold or platinum. Jane Taylor of Jewelled suggests “With it’s delicate winter rose and freshwater pearls, the Hawthorn Range has proved popular with Brides and for Bridesmaid gifts. The fresh water pearls come in several subtle, pretty colours to suit your theme.” jewelled.co.uk
Beauty Touch of blush For a youthful flush of colour sweep this lightweight crème blush from Max Factor onto your cheeks. The baked formula contains finely milled, multi-tonal pigments that blend evenly for a natural, polished look. Try Rose Blush for a golden glow. Price: £8.99
Joie de Vivre Chanel’s latest additions to its best-selling Le Vernis range are inspired by the gardens of Paris. This sophisticated trio (Tenderly, Desiro and Paradiso) come in delectable shades that echo springtime flora and foliage. Price: £18.00 each.
Coming up roses British model Rosie HuntingtonWhiteley’s has turned to the elegant centifolia rose for the heart of her first fragrance for Marks & Spencer. Rosie is currently the star of the brand’s Autograph lingerie ads. The new scent, called Rosie for Autograph, also combines fragrance notes of pepper, lemon, vanilla and sandalwood to create the perfect scent for springtime. Price: £28.00 75ml the eau de parfum.
Flower power
Budding Surrey Occasions Beauty Editor Claire Mahoney advises us to look no further than the garden for the inspiration behind our best beauty buys for spring.
Clarins’ Garden Escape limited edition colour eye palette features six floral-inspired tones inspired by the garden in springtime. Brighten your look with luscious greens, petal pinks, snowdrop whites and woody browns. Use dry for a subtle look or slightly dampen the applicator for more vivid colour. Price: £32.00
y t u a be
Blooming lovely Ted Baker has launched a quintessentially English set of women’s body washes and body lotions. They are beautifully packaged in an English Regency house design in spring hues of blossom pink, coral and green. Variants include: No1 Bridlesmith Gate & Langley Court, which blends raspberry, lychee and jasmine petals, No 2 Regents Square & Upperbrook Mews – a mix of freesia, peach and amber and No 3 Furburts Place & Brompton Crescent, which combines notes of lemon, jasmine and amber crystal. Available exclusively from Boots. Price £8.00 each
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Accessories
Richard Mille RM 037 £6250 Ladies Automatic It is only when a complete unity of approach has been planned and executed in this manner that one can attempt to define and achieve perfection. These are core principles that define every timepiece within the Richard Mille collection. richardmille.com OMEGA Seamaster 300 £2770
Time
In 1957, OMEGA introduced the Seamaster 300 – a watch designed specifically for divers and professionals who worked underwater. More than half a century later, the Seamaster 300 is reintroduced in a completely upgraded and enhanced form, prepared to equip a new generation of adventurers on land and in the oceans. omegawatches.com
r u o y on hands The ultimate value of a beautiful timepiece is not in its cost but in its relationship with time - the hours the chronographer poured his expertise and passion and soul into its making. Quality and creativity must be given time and these aspects along with exquisitely talented craftsmanship are present in all of these magnificent watches.
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TAG HEUER CARRRERA CALIBRE 17 CHRONOGRAPH £5595 In 1887, Edouard Heuer made history with the oscillating pinion. In 1963, Jack Heuer named the Carrera collection after the Carrera Panamericana, a road race of legend. A mythical series was born and in 2010, the oscillating pinion was used, in a Carrera case, to create the Calibre 1887. tagheuer.co.uk
Panerai LUMINOR 1950 CHRONO MONOPULSANTE LEFT-HANDED 8 DAYS TITANIO £15335 Every detail of the Luminor 1950 Chrono Monopulsante Left-Handed 8 Days Titanio tells a piece of the history of Panerai watches. The new Special Edition reunites many of the characteristics designed and developed in the course of the thirties and forties for the Panerai watches made for the commandos of the Royal Italian Navy. panerai.com
LADIES ROLEX OYSTER PERPETUAL DATEJUST PEARLMASTER 34 – EVEROSE GOLD £70,300 The Pearlmaster is adorned with 455 diamonds Roman numeral appliques with a bracelet in 18 ct white gold set with 186 brilliant-cut diamonds. Available from the Rolex section of Prestons new retail space which opens on March 2 in Guildford prestonsdiamonds.co.uk
In his wardrobe
A penchant for pastel tailoring, from sky blue to peachy pink with crisp summer whites and nudes, peachy-pink tone and rose pink for a dressed-down yet refined aesthetic. College Jacket £480. Stafford shirt £125 withoutprejudice.com
All-white will probably be responsible for racking up a few hefty dry cleaning bills but we love this suit. especially teamed with this spectacular blue polo shirt Hiley Jacket £600. Doyle Polo Shirt £200 withoutprejudice.com
Stone textured cotton jumper will fit with any look Axel £90 uk.tommy.com
Cool summer or warm spring days Navy double-breasted windowpane check blazer £800 jeremyhobbs.co.uk
Having been the colour of winter for ladies, red - from blood to brick - is a notable addition to a man’s wardrobe this summer. Adopt a lessis-more approach and consider adding just one red piece to your warmweather wardrobe. Red double-breasted blazer £550 hackett.co.uk
A pastel palette It’s time to gather up the winter layers and fill up on lightweight, tailored clothes for every occasion during the warm summer days ahead.
Sport
“Epsom? You need horses with legs on the left hand side that are two inches shorter than those on the right” The life of a racehorse trainer based on Epsom Downs has changed considerably in the 30 years since Simon Dow, at Clear Height Stables, first took out his licence in 1985. Yet, as the new turf flat racing season fast approaches, his enthusiasm for The Sport of Kings remains as strong as ever is evident when in conversation with Graham Otway.
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With his stables less than 100 yards from Epsom’s grandest of grandstands he has the living history of The Derby on his doorstep. On the Epsom Downs nearby he and other trainers have the use of more than 80 miles of well-stewarded grass and all-weather gallops on which to train their horses. And catering for the racing enthusiasm of his horses’ owners, who are mainly Surrey based he has two other quality racecourses, Sandown and Lingfield, just a few miles drive away. “If you are a big racing fan living in London or Surrey, to have the spectacle so close as we are to the capital is a privilege,” says Simon.
“Travelling the world you see so many racecourses that are out of town. Hong Kong is exceptional because Happy Valley is slap bang in the middle of the metropolis. But in relation to so many cities and their courses Sandown, Epsom and Lingfield are not that far removed from a big centre of population.” And his list of owners reflect that with local Malayasian businessman, Jimmy Chua, having half a dozen horses in his stables. Then there are his near neighbours Tom Parker and civil engineer Shaun Devine who, in 20 years as one of his clients, owned his best jumping horse Chief Song.
Sport “He was a great horse who won nearly £200,000 over jumps including a Group One win and won at least one race a year for ten years,” recalls Simon. “He won the same race on the same card at Kempton five years running, the last of those years they named the race after him and he won that as well. He was a very interesting and fascinating horse.” These days however there are no national hunt horses in his 22-stable yard as Simon now only trains horses for the flat. Simon gave up training jump horses because, with the injuries they can suffer over the sticks and the recovery time, he would need to have 35 horses on his books to have 20 in training at any one time. But with the all weather surfaces at Lingfield and, just outside the border, at Kempton providing fixtures all year round, he says his job still involves working 365 days a year. His downsizing has coincided with a slimming down of the number of trainers operating in the Epsom area since the heyday of 60s and 70s when, under the lordship of the late Ron Smyth, it was the centre of the industry with around 600 horses in local stables. Simon says two factors have contributed to the downsizing to around 250 horses now in training: The Arab owners who now play such a large part of the UK racing scene have their yards at Newmarket; and when local legendary trainers, like the great Geoff Lewis retired, their yards were sold for development. But Simon still enjoys the challenge of training his horses to run at Epsom and Sandown, saying that each course has its own specific demands for his skills. He says : “Epsom? You only have to come and visit once to see the challenges, with the cambers on the track, the racing angles and hills, it is a very unusual racecourse. “The camber is that bad it’s a very difficult track. You need horses with legs on the left hand side that are two inches shorter than those on the right. From the start there is a helter skelter around a very sharp and difficult corner and an
“Sandown, on the other hand, is a big galloping track. It is a true test of a thouroughbred” unbalanced run to the furlong pole. It’s a hard course to ride and there is a huge climb on the Derby course through the first five or six furlongs. It’s not a course for the feint hearted. It doesn’t suit every horse but some of the most important races in the racing year are raced here, and the champions are well respected” “Sandown, on the other hand, is a big galloping track, with a lung bursting final three furlongs uphill, so even national hunt horses can get very tired there during the winter when the ground is soft. But Sandown is a true test of a thoroughbred. The two courses are almost symbiotically linked because they test opposites.”
Whilst talking to Simon, there was one question I left diplomatically until the end, since no trainer would ever send a horse out onto the track not hoping that it would win. And, he thought hard for a few seconds when asked which of his horses Surrey Occasions readers should look out for in the months ahead. “Most of our horses are old established handicappers who are going to win their races in turn,” he said. “We have got a two year old called Tangramm who is very lowly rated. Miles below his capability. “And then there is Brocklebank who has been flying the flag for us recently on the all-weather. It looks as though he could make the transition from being an ordinary horse to a pattern horse in the future.”
Tangramm
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What’s On
March EX
now until 12 April. Woking. Surrey Open Photographic Exhibition. The Lightbox Gallery. thelightbox.org.uk. 01483 737800 EX now until 6 April. Guildford. Catherine Clancy: Do Not Be Afraid. Guildford Cathedral. guildfordcathedral.org. 01483 547860 M 02 March. Dorking. Joan Armatrading. Dorking Halls. dorkinghalls.co.uk. 01306 881717 CT 02–07 March. Wimbledon. One Man Two Guv’nors. New Wimbledon Theatre. atgtickets.com. 0844 8717646 D
02–07 March. Woking. Dance ‘til Dawn. The New Victoria Theatre. atgtickets.com. 0844 8717645 WS
03 March. Woking. Beginners Botanical Watercolour with Anna Mason. RHS Garden Wisley. rhs.org.uk. 0845 6121253 YW 03 March. Compton. Young People’s Event- The Art Forum. Watts Gallery. wattsgallery.org.uk. 01483 813593 CT 03–07 March. Richmond. Harvey. Richmond Theatre. atgtickets.com. 0844 8717561 CT
03–07 March. Guildford. The Three Lions. Yvonne Arnaud Theatre. yvonnearnaud.co.uk. 01483 440000 C 06 March. Guildford. Simon Amstell - To Be Free. G Live. glive.com. 0844 7701797 T
04–07 March. Richmond. A Little Light - a new play by Alice Birch. The Orange Tree Theatre. orangetreetheatre.co.uk. 0208 9403633 M 05 March. Guildford. The Stranglers. G Live. glive.com. 0844 7701797 MT
05–07 March. Guildford. Bring It On: The Musical. The Electric Theatre. electrictheatre.co.uk. 01483 444789 M 07 March. Guildford. Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto - Vivace Chorus. G Live. glive.com. 0844 7701797 T 07 March. Dorking. Christian O’Connell: Breaking Dad. Dorking Halls. dorkinghalls.co.uk. 01306 881717 M 07 March. Redhill. Redhill Symphonia. Harlequin Theatre. harlequintheatre.co.uk. 01737 276500 Rh 07 March. Esher. Imperial Cup. Sandown Park. sandown.thejockeyclub. co.uk. 01372 464348 M 08 March. Redhill. Steeleye Span in Concert. Harlequin Theatre. harlequintheatre.co.uk. 01737 276500
MT 09–14 March. Woking. Spamalot. The New Victoria Theatre. atgtickets. com. 0844 8717645 T
M 16 March. Guildford. The Cavaleri Quartet. Watts Gallery. wattsgallery.org. uk. 01483 810235 T
09–14 March. Richmond. Dead Simple - Peter James. Richmond Theatre. atgtickets.com. 0844 8717561
16–21 March. Guildford. Birdsong. Yvonne Arnaud Theatre. yvonnearnaud.co.uk. 01483 440000
T 09-14 March. Guildford. Twelve Angry Men. Yvonne Arnaud Theatre. yvonne-arnaud.co.uk. 01483 440000
MT 17–28 March. Woking. Jersey Boys. The New Victoria Theatre. atgtickets. com. 0844 8717645
T 10–14 March. East Horsley. Sisterly Feelings by Alan Ayckbourn. Nomad Theatre. nomadtheatre.com. 01483 284747
D 18 March. Camberley. A Night of Dirty Dancing. Camberley Theatre. camberleytheatre.biz. 01276 707600
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12 March. Guildford. Aled Jones. G Live. glive.com. 0844 7701797 EX 12–26 March. Godalming. City Life 2 featuring artists from across the UK. The Wey Gallery. theweygallery.com. 01483 418013 T
13 March. Leatherhead. An Evening with Gordon Buchanan. The Leatherhead Theatre. theleatherheadtheatre.org. 01372 365141 C 13 March. Redhill. Henning Wehn - Ein, Twei, DIY. Harlequin Theatre. harlequintheatre.co.uk. 01737 276500
MT 19 March. Guildford. Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers. The Electric Theatre. electrictheatre.co.uk. 01483 444789 C 20 March. Guildford. Omid Djalili . G Live. glive.com. 0844 7701797 M
20 March. Guildford. An Evening of Song: Sir Richard Stilgoe & Orpheus Centre Musicians. University of Surrey. surrey.ac.uk. 01483 689351 D 21 March. Camberley. Pasha Kovalev - Life Through Dance. Camberley Theatre. camberleytheatre. biz. 01276 707600
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EV 21 March. Woking. Orchid Society of Great Britain Spring Show. RHS Garden Wisley. rhs.org.uk. 0845 6121253
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M 21 March. Redhill. Surrey Choral Festival - Classical Spectacular. Harlequin Theatre. harlequintheatre. co.uk. 01737 276500
13 March. Guildford. The Boileroom Presents: Alasdair Roberts. The Electric Theatre. electrictheatre.co.uk. 01483 444789 13–14 March. Guildford. Milton Jones. G Live. glive.com. 0844 7701797 M 13–22 March. Guildford. Guildford International Music Festival. University of Surrey. surrey.ac.uk. 01483 300800 T 14 March. Redhill. Michael Portillo - A Game of Two Halves. Harlequin Theatre. harlequintheatre.co.uk. 01737 276500 MD
15 March. Guildford. Mothering Sunday: Mothers Free Entrance when accompanied by Children. Clandon Park. nationaltrust.org.uk. 01483 222482 MD 15 March. Esher. Mothering Sunday: Mothers Free Entrance when accompanied by Children. Claremont Landscape Garden. nationaltrust.org.uk. 01372 467806 MD 15 March. Richmond. Mothering Sunday: Mothers Free Entrance when accompanied by Children. Ham House & Garden. nationaltrust.org.uk. 0208 9401950 MD 15 March. Godalming. Mothering Sunday: Mothers Free Entrance when accompanied by Children. Winkworth Arboretum. nationaltrust.org.uk. 01483 208936 MD 15 March. Cobham. Mothering Sunday: Mothers Free Entrance when accompanied by Children. Painshill Park. painshill.co.uk. 01932 868113
EX 21 March. Godalming. Oceanography - a solo exhibition by Gareth Edwards (RWA NSA). McAllister Thomas Fine Art. mcallisterthomasfineart.co.uk. 01483 860591 M
22 March. Kingston. Fascinating Aida: Charm Offensive. Rose Theatre. rosetheatrekingston.org. 0208 1740090 EV
22 March. Woking. The Fritillaria Group Spring Show. RHS Garden Wisley. rhs.org.uk. 0845 6121253 EV 22 March. Reigate. Surrey Weddings and Parties Weddings Fayre. Reigate Golf Club. reigatehillgolfclub. co.uk. 1737 645577 M 22 March. Guildford. Southern Pro Musica presents The Genius of Mozart. Yvonne Arnaud Theatre. yvonnearnaud.co.uk. 01483 4400 00 MT
24–28 March. Guildford. Oh What a Lovely War. Yvonne Arnaud Theatre. yvonne-arnaud.co.uk. 01483 440000 O
25 March. Guildford. The Marriage of Figaro. G Live. glive.com. 0844 7701797 T 25–28 March. Guildford. Blue Stockings. The Electric Theatre. electrictheatre.co.uk. 01483 444789
n O s ' t a h W
Spring 2015
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C 26 March. Guildford. Alan Davies. G Live. glive.com. 0844 7701797 EX 28 March–05 July. Woking. Damien Hirst: New Religion. The Lightbox Gallery. thelightbox.org.uk. 01483 737800 CT 29 March. Camberley. The Reduced Shakespeare Company - A History of Comedy. Camberley Theatre. camberleytheatre.biz. 01276 707600 T 30–04 April. Guildford. And Then There Were None. Yvonne Arnaud Theatre. yvonne-arnaud.co.uk. 01483 440000 MT 31 March–04 April. Woking. Jesus Christ Super Star. The New Victoria Theatre. atgtickets.com. 0844 8717645
April EX Now–11 April. Carshalton Beeches. Ceramic Exhibition. Corner Gallery & Gifts Facebook: The Corner Gallery & Gifts. 0208 6695899 Trs
01–03 April. Tongham. Guided tours of the Hogs Back Brewery. hogsback.co.uk. 01252 784495 EX 10–28 April. Godalming. David Atkins: Shared Journeys. McAllister Thomas Fine Art. mcallisterthomasfineart.co.uk. 01483 860591 M 12 April. Walton on Thames. George Huxley’s Jazz Band. Riverhouse Arts Centre. littleboxoffice.com/ riverhouse. 01932 254198 CT 14 April. Woking. Jimmy Carr Funny Business. New Victoria Theatre. atgtickets.com. 0844 8717645 Tlk 14 April. Woking. Making Art Work: From Blueprint to Final Product. The Lightbox Gallery. thelightbox.org.uk. 01483 737800 EoS
14 April. Leatherhead. Exhibitions on Screen: Van Gogh - Van Gogh Museum Amsterdam. The Leatherhead Theatre. theleatherheadtheatre.org . 01372 365141 M&D
14 April. Wimbledon. The Essence of Ireland. New Wimbledon theatre. atgtickets.com. 0844 8717646 MT 15–18 April. Richmond. The Pirates of Penzance. Richmond Theatre. atgtickets.com. 0844 8717561 EX 15 April-24 May. Woking. Richard Batterham: Potter. The Lightbox Gallery. thelightbox.org.uk. 01483 737800 T 16 April. Camberley. An Evening with Julian Lloyd Webber. Camberley Theatre. camberleytheatre.biz. 01276 707600 MS 16 April. Weybridge. BTM Evening Talk: The Mike Hailwood Story with David Hailwood. Brooklands Museum. brooklandsmuseum.com. 01932 857381
T 16–18 April. Guildford. The Old Country. The Mill Studio, Yvonne Arnaud Theatre. yvonne-arnaud.co.uk. 01483 440000 BQ
17 April. Woking. An Evening of Burlesque. New Victoria Theatre. atgtickets.com. 0844 8717645 B
17 April. Dorking. Vienna Festival Ballet: 35th Anniversary Gala. Dorking Halls. dorkinghalls.co.uk. 01306 881717
T 29 April. Camberley. An Evening with Monty Don. Camberley Theatre. camberleytheatre.biz. 01276 707600
May EX
Now Until 18 July. Guildford. GSF. What’s In Store Exhibition. Guildford Museum. guildford.gov.uk/museum. 01483 444751 CS
01 May. Guildford. My Friend Mole. The Mill Studio, Yvonne Arnaud Theatre. yvonne-arnaud.co.uk. 01483 440000
EX
T 1–2 May. Guildford. Casanova In Love. The Mill Studio, Yvonne Arnaud Theatre. yvonne-arnaud.co.uk. 01483 440000
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MS 02 May. Weybridge. Auto Italia Italian Car Day. Brooklands Museum. brooklandsmuseum.com. 01932 857381
WS
EX 02–31 May. Bramley. The Sculpture Garden. Birtley House. birtleyevents. co.uk.01483 899513
17–19 April. Guildford. Loseley Spring Garden Show. Loseley Park. loseleypark.co.uk. 01483 304440 18 April. Woking. Milton Jones and the Temple of Daft. New Victoria Theatre. atgtickets.com. 0844 8717645 18 April. Godalming. Beginners Day Traditional Upholstery Courses. Sarah Louise Dix. sarahlouisedix.co.uk. 01483 801108 EX
18 April–03 May. Guildford. Guildford Arts Society’s Spring Exhbiition. Guildford House Gallery. guildford.gov.uk/guildfordhouse. 01483 444751 MT
21 April. Woking. The Yamato Drummers of Japan. New Victoria Theatre. atgtickets.com. 0844 8717645 D
21–25 April. Wimbledon. Matthew Bourne’s Car Man. New Wimbledon Theatre. atgtickets.com. 0844 8717646 EX
21 April–28 June. Woking. The Ingram Collection: Planes, Trains and Automobiles. The Lightbox Gallery. thelightbox.org.uk. 01483 737800 Rf
22 April. Epsom. Investec Spring Meeting - Epsom Opening Meeting Of 2015 Epsom Downs. epsom.jockeyclub. co.uk. 01372 726311 D
23 April. Camberley. Pasha Kovalev - Life Through Dance. Camberley Theatre. camberleytheatre.biz. 01276 707600 EV 24 April. Woking. Spring Walk and Talk with the Curator. RHS Garden Wisley. rhs.org.uk. 0845 6121253 RSt
24–25 April. Sandown. Gold Cup. Sandown Park. Sandown.thejockeyclub. co.uk. 01372 464348 T
27 April–02 May. Richmond. Twelve Angry Men. Richmond Theatre. Atgtickets.com. 0844 8717561 M 28 April. Guildford. Simple Minds. G Live. glive.Com. 0844 7701797 CT
28April–02 May. Woking. Jeeves & Wooster in Perfect Nonsense. New Victoria Theatre. atgtickets.com. 0844 8717645
EV 04 May. Ottershaw. Ottershaw May Fair. Memorial Park. ottershawvillage.net BQ 08 May. Guildford. Guildford Fringe: The 100 Watt Club. The Electric Theatre. electrictheatre.co.uk. 01483 444789 Rf
08 May. Lingfield. Vintage Ladies Raceday. Lingfield Park. lingfieldpark. co.uk. 01342 834800 WS
10 May. Woking. Willow Weaving - Decorating Your Garden. RHS Garden Wisley. rhs.org.uk. 0845 6121256 Tlk
12 May. Woking. What Is Contemporary Art?. The Lightbox Gallery. thelightbox.org.uk. 01483 737800 D
12 May. Guildford. Jaleo Flamenco. The Electric Theatre. electrictheatre. co.uk. 01483 444789
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EX Exhibition
BQ
EV
Burlesque
Event
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M
Comedy
Music
CS
MD
Children’s Show
Mother’s Day
CT
MT
Comedy Theatre
Musical Theatre
D Dance
MS MotorSport
EX 02–28 June. Woking. Bank Gallery: Below The Surface. The Lightbox Gallery. thelightbox.org.uk. 01483 737800
WS 16 May. Woking. Silk Screen Printing. The Lightbox Gallery. thelightbox.org.uk. 01483 737800
Rf 05–06 June. Epsom. Derby Festival. Epsom Downs. Epsom. thejockeyclub.co.uk. 01372 726311
CT 18 May. Richmond. Sex in Suburbia. Richmond Theatre. atgtickets.com. 0844 8717561
WS 06 June. Woking. The Productive Greenhouse In Summer. RHS Garden Wisley. rhs.org.uk. 0845 6121253
MT 18–23 May. Woking. The Producer’s. New Victoria Theatre. atgtickets.com. 0844 8717645
M 06 June. Guildford. Oxford Philomusica. G Live. G Live.com. 0844 7701797
MT 18–24 May. Camberley. 42nd Street, Presented by Camus. Camberley Theatre. camberleytheatre.biz. 01276 707600
CT 08–13 June. Wimbledon. Spamalot. New Wimbledon Theatre. atgtickets. com. 0844 8717646
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19–23 May. Kingston. King Lear. Rose Theatre. rosetheatrekingston.org. 0208 1740090 T
21 May. Guildford. The Second Best Bed. The Mill Studio, Yvonne Arnaud Theatre. yvonne-arnaud.co.uk. 01483 440000 CT
21 May. Guildford. Reduced Shakespeare Company: The Complete History of Comedy. G Live. glive.com. 0844 7701797 C 22 May. Guildford. Paul Merton. G Live. G Live.com. 0844 7701797 CS 25 May. Camberley. How The Koala Learnt to Hug. Camberley Theatre. camberleytheatre.biz. 01276 707600 EV 25 May. Guildford. Surrey County Show. Stoke Park. surreycountyshow. co.uk. 01483 890810 EoS
26 May. Leatherhead. Exhibitions On Screen: The Impressionists. The Leatherhead Theatre. theleatherheadtheatre.org. 01372 365141
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MT 26–30 May. Wimbledon. Oh What A Lovely War. New Wimbledon Theatre. atgtickets.com. 0844 8717646
M
T 26–30 May. Richmond. And Then There Were None. Richmond Theatre. atgtickets.com. 0844 8717561
12–16 May. Richmond. To Kill A Mockingbird. Richmond Theatre. atgtickets.com. 0844 8717561 13 May. Guildford. UB40. G Live. glive.com. 0844 7701797 MT
13–16. May. East Horsley. Anything Goes by Cole Porter. Nomad Theatre. nomadtheatre.com. 01483 284747 M
14 May. Dorking. The Searchers. Dorking Halls. dorkinghalls.co.uk. 01306 881717 Tlk
14 May. Cobham. Morning Lecture Series: Shakespeare’s Plants and Gardens. Painshill Park. painshill.co.uk. 01932 868113 M 15 May. Guildford. Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. G Live. G Live. Com. 0844 7701797
T 28 April–02 May. Kingston. The Boy in Striped Pyjamas. Rose Theatre. rosetheatrekingston.org. 0208 1740090
Ballet
WS 15 May. Woking. Garden Photography Masterclass with Clive Nichols. RHS Garden Wisley. rhs.org.uk. 0845 6121253
O Opera Rf Horse Racing – Flat Rh Horse Racing – Hurdles RSt
C
27–28 May. Guildford. Reginald D Hunter. G Live. G Live.com. 0844 7701797 M
30 May. Walton on Thames. Carlo Grante: International Piano Series, Concerts For Alex. Riverhouse Arts Centre. littleboxoffice.com/riverhouse. 01932 254198
What’s On
Tlk 16 April. Cobham. Morning Lecture Series: Women Gardeners of The 20th Century. Painshill Park. painshill.co.uk. 01932 868113
MT 08–20 June. Woking. The Sound Of Music. New Victoria Theatre. atgtickets.com. 0844 8717645 T 11–27 June. Guildford. Guildford Shakespeare Company Wind In The Willows. Watts Gallery. wattsgallery.org.uk. 01483 810235 D 12 June. Leatherhead. Ballet Theatre UK presents Aladdin. The Leatherhead Theatre. theleatherheadtheatre.org. 01372 365141 M 13 June. Guildford. John Barrowman. G Live. glive.com. 0844 7701797 Rf M 13 June. Lingfield. Hooves & Grooves Night - Abba Revival. Lingfield Park. lingfieldpark.co.uk. 01342 834800 MS 13–14 June. Weybridge. The Brooklands Double Twelve Motorsport Festival. Brooklands museum. brooklandsmuseum.com. 01932 857381 EV 14 June. Cobham. 1940’s Tea Dance. Painshill Park. painshill.co.uk. 01932 868113 Tlk 18 June. Cobham. Morning Lecture Series: The History, Conservation and Management of the Landscape Gardens. Painshill Park. painshill.co.uk. 01932 868113 WS 20 June. Woking. Soapstone Carving. The Lightbox Gallery. thelightbox.org.uk. 01483 737800 O 21 June. Dorking. Reigate Grammar School Cantata Choir: Verdi’s Requiem. Dorking Halls. dorkinghalls. co.uk. 01306 881717
June
MT 28 June. Woking. An Intimate Evening With Russell Watson. New Victoria Theatre. atgtickets.com. 0844 8717645
D 01 June. Woking. Pasha Kovalev - Life Through Dance. New Victoria Theatre. atgtickets.com. 0844 8717645
D 30 June. Guildford. Lord of The Dance: Dangerous Games. G Live. glive.com. 0844 7701797
Tlk 02 June. Woking. Mclaren: Discussing The Development of The Mclaren Group. The Lightbox Gallery. thelightbox.org.uk. 01483 737800
T 28 June. Guildford. Guildford Theatre School: Brush Up Your Shakespeare. The Electric Theatre. electrictheatre.co.uk. 01483 444789
Tlk Talk Trs Tours WS Workshop YW Youth Workshop
Horse Racing – Steeplechase T Theatre
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Charity news
All of this comes at a cost and as we receive no government funding, we rely on volunteers, fundraisers and donations. So to help boost our coffers, on Sunday 8th March at 7.30pm a host of international stars will unite for an evening of top entertainment on stage at the Theatre Royal, Windsor in a charity gala to support us. For further information please contact the Box Office on 01753 853888 or visit theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk.
Drier and brighter days ahead At least 2015 has started a little drier than 2014. We struggled desperately through all the rain and floods last winter, but thanks to some essential work on our drainage system here at the Mane Chance Sanctuary, hopefully we will never have to endure such hardship again.
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We recently celebrated the first anniversary of the arrival of our Le Carré 3: Tinker, Tailor and Soldier. These 3 colts were taken from their mothers and found wandering abandoned in a field by the side of the A3. They were in terrible condition, full of worms, malnourished and close to death. Following a year of good food, care and lots of love, they have grown into 3 handsome boys who are cheeky, playful and adorable in equal measure. Their story, while different in the detail, has the same background as all of our residents at the Sanctuary. Our latest newbie is Teddy, a stallion, abandoned on private land, who was due to be shot. We have taken him in and started to build him up. Soon he will be castrated and then we will be able to re-home him. Building on their existing work in the community, Mane Chance is currently working to put together a range of new and exciting courses which will be piloted in the spring and summer and then launched this September. The courses will reach out to vulnerable groups of children, young people and adults in the local area and give them an opportunity to come to the Sanctuary and work, on a one-to-one basis, with the horses under the supervision of a trained therapist. It is widely recognised that work with animals is beneficial and it is expected that the courses will help people who may have lost their way to get back on track and also provide them with a whole toolbox of transferable life skills. manechancesanctuary.org
The following night, Monday 9th March, the Oxo2, South Bank will be the venue for Horseplay and High Jinx. The event will begin with drinks and canapés, followed by dinner (with unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks) during which everyone will be invited to take part in a fun quiz, to be hosted by the inimitable Christopher Biggins as quizmaster. These tickets are selling fast at £80 per person, or £750 for a table of 10 to make up a quiz team. More information from events@ manechancesanctuary.org or 07803 943073
We are delighted to announce details of the Mane Chance Golf Classic sponsored by Burns & Webber which will be held on Thursday 7th May at West Surrey Golf Club. We are extremely grateful to Burns & Webber for agreeing to sponsor the day and for their continued support of Mane Chance. We are also grateful to Jemca, Edgeware Road who will once again provide us with a car to add to the excitement on the day. Simply get a hole in one and you could be driving away in a brand new Toyota! All details and entry forms are available on burnsandwebber.com/mane-chancegolf or at golf@manechancesanctuary.org anytime.
What’s On Free entry 3 - 6 April Box Hill, Tadworth nationaltrust.org/box-hill 3 - 6 April Hindhead Commons and the Devil’s Punch Bowl, Hindhead 10am-3:30pm nationaltrust.org/hindheadand-devils-punchbowl 4 April Holmwood Common, Holmwood 1-4pm nationaltrust.org/ holmwood-common 4 April Swan Barn Farm, Haslemere 10:30am-3pm nationaltrust.org/ swan-farm-barn
Normal admission charges apply
3 - 6 April Leith Hill Place, Dorking 11am-4:30pm nationaltrust.org/Leith-hill 3 - 6 April Morden Hall Park, Morden 11am-4pm (open until 4:15pm on 4th) nationaltrust.org/ morden-hall-park 3 - 6 April Polesden Lacey, Dorking 11am-4pm nationaltrust.org/ polesden-lacey 3 - 6 April River Wey Navigations, Guildford 11am-5pm nationaltrust.org.uk/ river-wey-godalmingnavigations-and-dapdune-wharf 4 - 6 April Shalford Mill, Shalford Nr Guildford 11am-4:15pm nationaltrust.org/shalford-mill
3 - 6 April Ham House and Garden, Richmond 10am-4:30pm nationaltrust.org/ ham-house
16 March Dorking Museum & Heritage Centre, Dorking Easter Egg Hunt 2pm to 4pm Collect a clue sheet and find all the paper eggs hidden over the Museum. Ideal for families with children up to age ten. No need to pre-book – just drop into the Museum. All materials are provided. All children must be accompanied. Price: Museum admission applies £2 adults, 5-18 yrs £1, under 5s free dorkingmuseum.org
5 & 6 April Runnymede, Old Windsor 11am-4pm nationaltrust.org/Runnymede 5 & 6 April Winkworth Arboretum, Godalming 10:30am-4pm nationaltrust.org.uk/ winkworth-arboretum
If chocolately treats don’t tempt, then why not tread the boards instead?
5 & 6 April Hatchlands Park, Guildford nationaltrust.org/ hatchlands-park
07-10 April Camberley Theatre,Camberley Easter Stars – It’s A Kind of Magic, 4 day performing arts workshop for kids camberleytheatre.biz
3 & 4 April Clandon Park, Guildford 11am-4pm nationaltrust.org/ clandon-park 3 & 4 April Claremont Landscape Garden, Esher 11am-4pm nationaltrust.org/ claremont-landscape-garden
Follow the clues to lead you to a delicious Lindt treat! And on the 11-12 April birds of prey will be flying high above the garden as well. Activities every day. Price: Free rhs.org
and for those who just like to sit and be entertained ...
There are of course other places to hunt eggs this Easter 28-March- 12-April RHS Garden Wisley, Woking Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt
04-April The Mill Studio Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford How the Koala Learnt to Hug yvonne-arnaud.co.uk
or go wild in Cobham 30 March – 02 April Painshill Park, Cobham Wild Easter Camp Time: 9am – 4.30pm Have a wild adventure with bushwhacking, bivouac building and mud sculptures Price: Adults £2 Concessions £1.50 Family Ticket £4.50 Cost: £35 a day or £120 for four days Advanced booking required. painshill.co.uk
From 30 March Brooklands Museum, Weybridge Easter Holiday Family Activities 11am-1pm and from 2-4pm Weekdays during the Easter school holidays (excluding Bank Holidays), popular car rides will be operating (subject to weather). Take a trip in a vintage-style car up Test Hill or along the Members’ Banking of the old Race Track, courtesy of the Brooklands Volunteer Car Rides Team. London Bus Museum will also be running their double decker bus rides throughout the holiday. brooklandsmuseum.com
Eggstremely Eggciting Easter Events
This Easter there are Cadbury Easter Egg Trails at National Trust Properties across Surrey..... now you have no Eggscuses... (each trail costs £3)
25-April The Mill Studio Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford The Magic Porridge Pot & Other Tasty Tales Yvonne-arnaud.co.uk
Photography courtesy of the National Trust, Robert Morris, Rob Stothard and Chris Lacey
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Recipes
y l e v o L Very few of us want to spend time preparing food in the kitchen but breaking our day with tempting food and friends is to be encouraged! An intimate lunch with friends or family is a uniquely special occasion. And all of these recipes require minimum time and effort to produce. A fresh green salad and some fingers of warm toast will compliment each of them.
Mushroom Stroganoff Serves 4–6 50g butter 4 shallots peeled and thinly sliced 200g button mushrooms – whole 200g shitake mushrooms – chopped 200g chestnut mushrooms – quartered 1 heaped tbsp plain flour 3 tbsp dry sherry (optional) 100ml double cream 100ml soured cream 100ml vegetable stock 1 tbsp Dijon mustard 50g unsalted cashew nuts Black pepper 1. In a large frying pan or wok heat the butter until melted and add shallots until soft. 2. Add all mushrooms and stir until tender. 3. Add flour and stir continuously for a couple of minutes then add stock stirring as it thickens. 4. Simmer for 5 minutes and stir in sherry. 5. Add all the cream and mustard and stir until blended and smooth. Serve.
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s e h c n lu Red Pepper & Courgette Tortilla Serves 4–6 250g cooked and chopped potatoes 1 large onion 2 cloves of garlic – peeled and chopped 1 large red pepper finely sliced 1 courgette, finely sliced 150ml olive oil 3 tbsp chopped parsley 6 eggs Salt and black pepper 1. Heat the oil in a large frying pan and add onions and garlic until soft. Turn up the heat and add sliced peppers and courgettes. Cook until just turning golden then stir in potatoes and cook for further 3 minutes, stirring all the time. 2. Beat the eggs in a medium sized mixing bowl then pour onions, garlic, potatoes, peppers and courgettes and a pinch of salt and pepper. 3. Heat a little oil in a smaller frying pan. Tip egg mixture in and cook on a moderate heat, using a spatula run around the rim of the pan pushing the mixture into the middle to form a cushion.
4. When almost set, invert the omelette on a plate and slide back into the pan and cook for a few more minutes. 5. Repeat this action twice more, pressing the edges to keep the cushion shape. 6. Put onto a serving plate and leave to cool for 10 minutes before serving . Delicious warm or cold.
Blue Cheese Terrine with Dried Fruit Serves 4 300g Norbury Blue Cheese 50g Cream cheese 50g butter 10 shelled and crumbled walnuts 20g shelled pistachio 50g finely chopped dried apricots 50g chopped dates 1. Soften the blue cheese and butter at room temperature for 1 hour. 2. Put cheeses and butter in medium mixing bowl and mash with a fork. 3. Thoroughly fold in the fruits and 80% of the nuts until thoroughly mixed. 4. Line a small bowl with cling film. Put the mixture in the bowl and lightly tap it down with a spatula.
5. Place in fridge for an hour. 6. Tip out onto serving bowl. 7. Crumble remaining pistachio and walnuts over the terrine and drizzle balsamic syrup over before serving. To make balsamic syrup, take 4 fl oz balsamic vinegar, 1 tbsp of muscovado sugar and a pinch of pepper. Combine vinegar and sugar in a small pan and bring to the boil, stirring all the time. Turn the heat down to simmer for approx 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once it is syrupy, pour in to a small jug and place in fridge until needed.
No time for pudding and coffee? A simple Café Affogato is the solution. For 2 servings : Make a double espresso. Place a scoop of your favourite vanilla or toffee ice cream in 2 heat resistant bowls or glasses. Pour the coffee over each of the scoops and enjoy a favourite cookie whilst eating the luscious ice cream and coffee mixture.
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Afternoon tea review
“This place is a lovely oasis Where life’s weary taste is unknown” Tea for Two: Irving Caesar Surrey ns Occasio
Seal of l a Approv
It is not often that my mother and I spend an entire day together unless there is a crisis or it is Christmas, so it was a wonderful treat to take my mother to tea at Foxhills in Ottershaw where I had booked a Champagne Afternoon Tea for my Mother and a Traditional Afternoon Tea for myself, recalls Liz Vinson.
buzzyillustrations
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Surrey Occasions
We are seated in the Manor Lounge, by a bay window with a view of the grounds. The seating is comfy and informal with a low table covered by a crisp white tablecloth. There are two other couples enjoying afternoon tea and we are all speaking in hushed tones so as not to disturb one and other. The Manor Kitchen and Restaurant has recently been treated to a £500,000 sophisticated refurbishment. The walls are gunmetal grey with clean white paint on the woodwork and the well-stocked bar has bottles of Moet and Belvedere chilling on the counter. Our waitress takes our tea order; from an appealing range of Twinings Teas we chose Earl Grey and Breakfast but the flute of sparkling Champagne is a lovely surprise for my mother! The tea arrives, accompanied by a three tier curate stand with finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with jam and clotted cream and a selection of pastries. We discuss where it is customary to start, do we tuck into the finger sandwiches or just go straight for the sweet pastries? We decide we simply can’t start at the top, as it would be all wrong to have pudding first! The finger sandwiches are delicious, light and full of flavour. I daintily eat a cucumber sandwich, thinking of The Importance of being Earnest. Mother has the home smoked salmon which is excellent. There is also egg mayonnaise each and ham with a light mustard. However we cannot manage all of them as we really want room for the scones and pastries! In an adjoining lounge people are singing Happy Birthday as a fabulous cake is taken in, this distracts us momentarily but not for long – there are scones to be had. Still warm from the oven, the Raspberry Jam and Clotted Cream sinks delightfully into the soft fluffy scones, it is a surprise to have Raspberry as we were expecting the jam to be Strawberry, however it is wickedly
naughty and, with one plain scone and one with raisins each we have to admit that our eyes may be bigger than our stomachs! Our tea is topped up whilst we unwind and laugh quietly about having Afternoon Tea and how we should do this more often. An hour has nearly passed by the time we get to the top tier and the amazing looking pastries. Mother has the Blackberry and Apple Mousse which is a wonderful mauve and green with juicy blackberries on top, it looks mouth-watering and tastes more so. I chose the Chocolate Tart and Vanilla Mousse which is tasty and light, I could very easily eat another. We ask if we can take what we haven’t eaten home and a beautiful box is produced, in which two scones (sadly not the clotted cream and jam) and the four untouched pastries are placed carefully. Mother’s cheeks have a rosy hue from the Champagne and her eyes are sparkling, this has definitely been an exquisite way to spend an afternoon and I cannot recommend it enough. Take the time out of your busy schedule to indulge in afternoon tea at Foxhills and spend a very special hour or two with friends or family. Afternoon Tea at Foxhills Manor Restaurant is available Monday – Friday from 2.30pm – 5.30pm Traditional Afternoon Tea is £19.95pp and Champagne Afternoon Tea is £29.95pp, To book call 01932 704480.
Art Peter Little lives in Eire and often works with Bog Oak which is thousands of years old – Negentropy
The Bride by Juliet Scott (Hampshire) in Bronze Resin
Sculptures in special surroundings
The stunning and rarely explored grounds of Birtley House provide a spectacular backdrop for sculptures from all over the world.
The Sculpture Garden at Birtley House in Bramley is the largest temporary sculpture exhibition in Surrey and attracts sculptors from all over the UK. Exhibits are displayed in the formal gardens of this 48 acre estate, which are not normally open to the public. With approximately 150 exhibits in a wide range of media and styles, a quiz for the children and homemade refreshments it makes a wonderful outing for all the family – even dogs on leads are welcome! Over the past six years we have had exhibits from Eire, all parts of the UK and as far afield as Zimbabwe.
Saturday 2nd May – Sunday 31st May. Open Daily: 11am – 5pm Entrance: Free All Sculpture for sale Refreshments Private evening openings for groups, with drinks & canapés receptions, by special arrangement birtleyevents.co.uk
Peter Newsome lives in Surrey and is a member of the Royal Society of British Artists works mainly in glass and has exhibited all over the world. e.g. Embrace in Bonded glass Mark Reed lives in Norfolk. His Ammonite Slice in Bronze sold all the five remaining in the limited edition
Cocoon by Claire Morris (West Sussex) in Caen Stone
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Art
A moving memorial At the outbreak of World War 1, the British Army’s horse population was 25,000. By the end of the war, half a million horses would be drafted from civilian backgrounds. Horse at War: 1914-1918 at The Lightbox gallery and museum in Woking, was a moving memorial and testament to all those brave equines who suffered alongside the men 100 years ago.
No honours wait him, medal, badge or star, Though scarce could war a kindlier deed unfold; He bears within his breast, more precious far Beyond the gift of kings, a heart of gold. from the poem A Soldier’s Kiss by Henry Chappell
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In 1916 Wellington House, a government propaganda department, recruited Muirhead Bone to be the first commissioned artist in a government sponsored scheme, soon to be joined by a variety of other renowned artists specialising in the equine field, Alfred Munnings, John Singer Sargeant, C.R.W. Nevinson and William Orpen to name but a few in this exhbition. Their paintings showed a certain element to the destruction and chaos of life at the Front. The paintings exhibited show strength and unison and a certain amount of sadness, from the oils by Lucy Kemp-Welch depicting a charge “Forward the Guns” 1917, to the modern day charcoal drawings by Rae Smith for the stage production of War Horse, inspired by war artists such as Paul Nash and CRW Nevinson. For me, however, the works which really made the realism of it all come rushing into the room, were the rough sketches done in situ; small and smudged drawings of the men and horses resting; preparing for their next move. In their simplicity comes a feeling of complete calm; the absurdity of it all. Whilst all manner of hell was being endured there was still time to laugh, cry, find solace in the smell and warmth of a horse’s breath; take time to feed, water and tend to those who were given no choice but to gallop through mud and rotting flesh. These beautifully kept notepads and sketchbooks sit quietly in glass topped cases, whilst around them the daily life of war carries on in bold oils; the wind whipping at the horses and men as they make their way across a barren scape of broken tree trunks and shell scarred land.
Long Red Poppies © Rae Smith
This striking image of a soldier bidding farewell to his fatally injured horse after “an incident on the road to a battery position in Southern Flanders”. The painting by Italian artist Fortunino Matania is in the Board Room at Victoria Hospital, London. It was commissioned by the Blue Cross in 1916 to raise money this country to relieve the suffering of war horses in Europe. Courtesy of the Blue Cross
Art Joey from the National Theatre production of War Horse by Brinkoff Mögenburg
Midst all of this stands Joey, the puppet created by Adrian Kohler and Basil Jones of the Handspring Puppet Company for The National Theatre’s breathtaking adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s War Horse. His big brown eyes follow you around the room and, although you know he is just a model, a structure made from an extraordinary mix of materials including car seat belts and bicycle brake levers, he is, for a moment, alive. I challenge anyone who has seen the stage show or read the book not to feel the sting of a tear forming looking at him and listening to snippets of sad songs from the show together with clips projected onto the wall. For a moment you are no longer in a gallery in Woking, for a moment you can hear the sound of guns and hooves, the smell of hot leather and sweat and hear the shrill whiny of fear. This beautiful and compassionately curated exhibition brought together an illustrated account of warfare in the early twentieth century with a modern-day artistic and theatrical take of a time in our history which we must never forget.
Although this exhibition may have come to its conclusion there is still an awful lot to see at The Lightbox. From the 28 March until the 5 July one of the most prominent members of the Young British Artists, Damien Hirst, comes to Woking with New Religion’, an exhibition which brings together a body of work formed in
2005 that deals with issues such as belief, mortality, love, seduction and consumption, which both myself and the gallery are very excited about.
Visit thelightbox.org.uk online or call 01483 737800.
Surr Occa ey sions
Scho Featuols re
King Edward’s Witley is one of Surrey’s leading independent boarding and day schools for boys and girls aged 11-18 years where first class facilities and dedicated teaching promotes high achievement in every sphere of life. Founded in 1553, the School proudly offers the IB Diploma Programme and in 2014 -15 celebrates ten years of the IB, achieving a terrific 100% pass rate in 2014 and ranking in the Top 10 of all-IB (Sixth Form) schools in the country. For 2015, King Edward’s is also running the new A-level course; ensuring pupils have a choice of routes to secure a place at their chosen university. Renowned for its ability to nurture pupils, King Edward’s curriculum extends way beyond the classroom with a wide range of sporting and creative activities. The School also has a reputation for its welcoming community and the provision of high quality pastoral care. Visit one of our Open Mornings Thursday 12th March, Thursday 23rd April and Saturday 16th May, at 9.45 am. Contact: Justin Benson + Wormley, Godalming, Surrey GU8 5SG ( 01428 686735 : admissions@kesw.org www.kesw.org
A holistic approach
Benjamin Franklin once said “Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” reinforcing the importance of a holistic approach to education. Choosing the perfect school for our children needs to be a holistic exercise with many factors to be examined, many of which can be studied through careful exploration of a school’s website. The curriculum and an analysis and comparison of exam results will provide academic insight but pastoral care and discipline are also important as is a school’s bullying policy which will illustrate its responsibility to pupils. Engaging in conversation with pupils in their final year at the school and imagining your child as one of them is also to be recommended. UK Private School suggests the other factors to consider are: Day or Boarding? An increasing number of schools offer weekly boarding, where the pupil comes home at weekends. Co-ed or single sex? Do you wish your child to be
educated at a single sex school or a co-educational school. Admission Policies The school year starts in September but it is advisable to start looking at least a year in advance.
Admission Many junior schools admit pupils on a first-come-firstserved basis. Most senior schools set some form of entrance test. Discipline Is discipline stricter or more relaxed than you would expect? Your child needs to feel comfortable and motivated. Location Good air, road and rail links? Comparing schools Ask for a copy of the school prospectus and visit the schools you are considering. Class sizes Schools vary: in most prep schools, classes will be between 15-20, but in some senior day schools they may be as big as 30. Curriculum Is it broad and balanced? Examinations Exam performance reflects schools’ academic policies and a high-flying school might not suit your child’s needs.
Facilities Choose those schools with the best facilities appropriate to your child’s interests. i.e. sports, music, drama, art. Recommendation A good recommendation is always useful, but bear in mind that schools change. School fees These should be detailed on the schools websites. Specialist fees planning companies are available to help plan finances.
For more info visit ukprivateschools.com
Situated in 40 acres of glorious grounds opposite Cranleigh School, there is much to celebrate in all areas of Cranleigh Prep School life, with the Cranleigh 7-18 initiatives allowing both schools to share staffing, ideas and resources to achieve excellence. The broad and innovative academic curriculum has enabled all pupils to be stretched to their maximum potential, achieving an exceptional 70% average at Common Entrance and six academic scholarships, including an Eton King’s scholarship in 2014. The excellent coaching in the many sports on offer caters for all levels, with National achievements in hockey, riding, biathlon, triathlon, netball, swimming and athletics. Over 25 pupils currently represent their county. The creative arts are flourishing, with an inspirational art department, National acclaim for drama and seven musicians. The 32 scholarships (academic, art, sports, drama and music) awarded to pupils in 2014 to Brighton College, Charterhouse, Cranleigh, Wellington, Millfield, Bedford, Reed’s, Hurstpierpoint and Prior’s Field are a fitting testament to the many successes achieved here. Contact: Fiona Bundock + Cranleigh Preparatory School, Horseshoe Lane, Cranleigh, Surrey GU6 8QH ( 01483 542051 : www.cranprep.org
CGI Image of New Pre-Prep Adjacent to the Prep School
Newland House Builds Excellence into New Pre-Prep The face of Newland House School will be transformed in summer 2016 when it opens the doors to a new, dynamic and highly sustainable, exemplar Pre-Prep school on the site immediately next door to the Prep (main) School on Waldegrave Park in Twickenham.
Newland House has successfully delivered a progressive and outstanding education to boys and girls of local families for more than 100 years and the main school has occupied the present site since 1945. However, the Pre-Prep is currently located on a detached site in an adapted Victorian property at the end of Waldegrave Park. Its relocation next to the main school, will unite the two parts of the school for the first time in more than forty years. The new purpose-built and superior premises will also allow the school to offer additional places in Reception from September 2016 onwards.
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The design for new school focuses on achieving key elements of BREEAM excellence by using sustainable solutions for renewable energy, materials and functionality, such as maximising natural daylight and ventilation. The construction frame and cladding will use timber sourced from sustainable resources, which has high thermal properties, creating a carbon neutral footprint. The school is located in a residential area so the design will also compliment the neighbouring architecture whilst integrating contemporary materials to provide pupils with an innovative and unique learning environment that utilises the latest technology. Design Features The Pre-Prep will provide a bespoke, ergonomic and sustainable teaching environment with space for pupils to learn, play and grow. Key design features of the new school include:
• Achieves the key features of BREEAM standards of excellence in sustainable building design, construction and operation • Maximised outside play space with a wide range of diverse outdoor play experiences from quiet and reflective, to active and adventurous • Every classroom benefits from a unique resource space for group work and play • Bespoke and flexible resource rooms for art, music and educational support • A state of the art library providing a child friendly space that supports independent and guided learning with access to a library garden. Room to Grow Newland House offers boys and girls from 4 to 13 years an engaging curriculum that
is broad and balanced and fosters a sense of self-confidence providing opportunities for children to reach their full potential. The school will be able to offer additional places for entry into Reception in September 2016 onwards and will cease to offer entry via 7+ Assessment following the Year 3 intake in September 2018.
Headmaster, David Alexander comments that, ‘Uniting the two parts of the school will facilitate a natural and seamless transition for younger pupils as they progress through the school and our whole school community will have an opportunity to enjoy the shared benefits that unity will bring. In the new Pre-Prep, our pupils
will flourish in a sustainable and expertly planned learning environment which allows us to explore innovative learning styles.’ Please call the Admissions Manager (020 8865 1305) to arrange to see the plans for the new Pre-Prep or email development@newlandhouse.net or visit www.newlandhouse.net.
North Elevation: Artists Impression of the Combined Prep and Pre-Prep Schools
OPEN MORNINGS at St George’s Weybridge, Surrey St George’s Junior School (3-11 years) and St George’s College (11-18 years) in Weybridge, Surrey are leading independent co-educational Roman Catholic day schools offering a values-led and perfectly balanced education for all. Our Open Mornings are taking place on Friday 6 and Saturday 7 March 2015 and on Friday 2 and Saturday 3 October 2015. Book now at www.stgeorgesweybridge.com
Greenacre is a can-do school. Everyone is encouraged and supported to be the best they can, get involved, work collaboratively and enjoy school. There is a positive and supportive ethos in all areas of school life. Our vision is to treat and educate every girl as a unique individual. 2015 will bring considerable change for schools as examination and assessment systems are altered at all levels. However, the core values and principles that we aim to instil in our pupils will remain unchanged - hard work, involvement, resilience, concern for others, a sense of responsibility and many more, allowing your daughter to realise her true potential. Contact: Mrs Lindsay Redding, Headmistress Greenacre School for Girls + Sutton Lane, Banstead, Surrey SM7 3RA ( 01737 352114 : www.greenacre.surrey.sch.uk
One of the UK’s top performing schools, Hampton provides an outstanding boys-only education combining academic excellence with exceptional pastoral care. Boys leave Hampton, as well-rounded individuals with a wide range of skills and interests, and the confidence and resilience to succeed in an ever-changing world. Academically selective, results are consistently high and virtually all boys go onto elite universities. An extensive co-curricular programme forms an essential part of the balanced education which Hampton provides. Creative life is exceptional and a new Performing Arts centre supports an impressive programme of music and drama. The School also has an enviable reputation for sport and boys benefit from 27 acres of on-site playing fields, firstclass coaching and a state-of-the-art 3G sports ground. + Hanworth Road, Hampton, Middlesex TW12 3HD ( 020 8979 9273 : admissions@hamptonschool.org.uk : www.hamptonschool.org.uk
There is very little that Cranmore School does not offer: from Mandarin to Greek, or rowing to skiing, it is a unique environment for girls aged 2½ -7 and boys aged 2½ - 13. It has introduced a Forest School for younger children to support outdoor education and by age 8 pupils study Mandarin as well as French. Older pupils also study Spanish, Latin, Greek and Philosophy and there is a comprehensive programme for Sport, Music and Drama. Cranmore’s outstanding inspection report highlights its strengths across every aspect of school life: “The pupils’ personal development is supported by excellent pastoral care, based on the teachers’ good knowledge of individuals, and caring relationships.” Open Mornings: 13/14 March, 8 May Contact: Mrs H Perry, Registrar + Epsom Road, West Horsley KT24 6AT ( 01483 280340 : www.cranmoreprep.co.uk
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Scho What does Featuols re exceptional achievement by pupils look like?
Mike Buchanan is Headmaster of Ashford School in Kent and has just become a farmer. He is a Governor of several HMC schools, a trustee of a children’s charity, a Registered Inspector, the Chairman of the HMC South East Division. In his recent blog Mike considered exceptional pupil status.
In a perfect world all schools would wish to ensure all their pupils receive a rich educational experience and this can be a challenge when considering the needs of their very able pupils - typically within the top 10% of the national ability range. A bit of background: independent schools, are inspected, not by OFSTED but by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI). Within the ISI framework, the topmost judgment for pupils’ achievement is “exceptional”; this is one step beyond “excellent”. Hence schools and parents need to know what “exceptional” looks like. In observing and evaluating lessons we are looking at the two factors and how the quality of teaching affects them. Our primary focus is on the pupils. In other words, it’s the outcomes for the pupils which are important not the manner in which they are achieved. Often the difference between “good” and “excellent” is that in “good” lessons most but not all pupils are fully and effectively engaged whereas in “excellent” lessons they are. So that covers “excellent”; what about “exceptional”?
Notre Dame, Cobham, set in 17 acres of parkland is easily accessible from the A3. The School has embarked on a multi-million pound investment programme including a professional 380seat Theatre, fully equipped six-lab Science Block, 25m heated indoor Swimming Pool and a superb Adventure Tree House. A new all-weather sports facility including a Hockey/Football pitch and six Netball/Tennis courts is planned for the end of this year. We have enhanced the Sixth Form with new social and work spaces plus additional qualifications on offer, including the prestigious Extended Project Qualification. We are now really looking forward to adding more opportunities in sports across the whole school, and also to unveiling our brand new Uniform. We operate private coaches from: Barnes, Fulwell, Mortlake, Putney, Richmond, Sheen, Teddington, Twickenham, Wandsworth, Wimbledon and all over Surrey offering flexible single or return journeys. Contact: Registrar: Anna Morgan + Burwood House, Convent Lane, Cobham KT11 1HA ( 01932 869990 @NotreDameCobham : registrar@notredame.co.uk www.notredame.co.uk
Well, I suggest, some of the key factors here are the pupils’ skills for learning, their attainment in examinations or tests, their rates of progress and their attitudes and behaviours. Achievement might be indicated by both exceptional performance relative to their ability in tests or examinations such as GCSEs and A levels or awards such as CREST, EPQ, Olympiads etc. Equally, it might be indicated by the subject knowledge and skills they display in lessons, such as a Year 6 pupil writing an original script for a play, which displays wide cultural references, an expert understanding of characters and staging well beyond the agerelated expectations. Equally, it might be indicated by significant numbers of pupils performing in sport or music at a national and international level. Or every pupil in the school playing a musical instrument at a level above normal aged-related expectations. All of these accompanied by pupils who are successful in taking personal responsibility for their learning and having highly developed skills well beyond those normally expected for their age - could they achieve at such a high level if they did not? It is important to note that the “exceptional” accolade is not reserved exclusively for those of high ability. Indeed, we expect those of high ability to achieve highly so their achievement, by definition, would be satisfactory if they did so. It’s perfectly possible for pupils of all abilities to achieve “exceptionally” as the measure is always relative to where they start from and the rate of progress they make. HMC (the Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference) is a professional Association of heads of the world’s leading independentschools. To access Mike Buchanan’s blog visit http://www.hmc.org.uk/hmc-blog/exceptionalachievement-pupils-look-like/
“Wisdom.... comes not from age, but from education and learning.”
Anton Chekhov
Sir William Perkins’s School embarked upon the 2014/15 academic year with a great deal to celebrate: their new Head - Mr Chris Muller – has led the school into its exciting next phase with their new building programme progressing well. They aim to build confidence, integrity and excellence in a caring, innovative and happy community so that each student leaves with the best possible chance of achieving her full potential and ready to take on the world. As shown by their usual outstanding exam results, academic success is their priority but education is about more than just top grades. SWPS believes in educating the whole person and encourage girls to get involved in the many extra-curricular activities on offer and to develop their interests and creativity and their interpersonal, teamwork and leadership skills. To get the whole picture, they invite you to visit the school at one of their Information Mornings. + Guildford Road, Chertsey, Surrey KT16 9BN ( 01932 574900 : www.swps.org.uk
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Chance cushion £75 parriswakefieldadditions.com
Pooky Herbert lamp & Ikat shade £285 pooky.com
f o g n i l e e f s s e A n h c i r & h t m r a w For 2015, the most important statement colour is going to be Deep Marsala. A colour which is already appearing in the high street fashion stores, Frances Hinton Surrey Ocassions’ own Design Consultant considers how this can be used in our homes.
Cairngorm Throws £95.00 scottishlinen.com
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Interior design trends may not be as fast moving as fashion trends, but they are certainly influenced by what appears on the catwalks. The importance of this crossover can be seen by the number of high street fashion brands that have moved into interiors, Zara, Monsoon and French Connection to name just a few. We may replace or update our wardrobe every season to stay on trend, but to do the same to our homes is, for most of us, just not practical. Our homes say a lot about us and tend to be a reflection of our personalities. The way we dress our home often gives a visual journey through our past. This makes us feel comfortable and “at home.” The dichotomy is that we also like to stay up-to-date and on trend. This can be done by taking one or two of the most important trends and then applying them in a sympathetic way to your home.
Marsala; the very name itself conjures up feelings of warmth and richness with a sense of the Mediterranean or the Far East. This deep, earthy, wine coloured red is surprisingly versatile and will add warmth and interest to any space. It can be used as a strong statement colour or as an accent to many other colours. For a dramatic effect combine it with neutrals, especially warm taupes and greys and it works well in either a matt or gloss finish.
Button & Sprung Double Velvet Foxtail Bedstead £695 buttonandsprung.com
The burnished undertones of Marsala makes it the perfect foil for another of this year’s hottest trends, coppers, bronzes and ambers. Accessorising in these metallic hues will bring depth and added warmth. The lushness of this colour is enhanced when applied to texture so makes it an ideal choice for rugs, cushions, wall hangings and for any upholstered piece of furniture. As 2015 will also see a resurgence in hand crafted products and natural materials, combining these will bring any room bang up to-date. The colour translates well into the kitchen where small appliances can be given a whole new importance when featured in a deep marsala red. Although it is often said less is more, with this colour...bring it on!
Tapis Tufte Main Pebbles 9713 Rouge €237.55 ksl-living.fr
Piazza Tiles Hex Mosta Matt tiles £49 piazzatiles.com
Libra Company Etched Gold Vases and Candlesticks £14-£37 artisanti.com
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Perennial pleasure
Coadestone lion A magnificent Coadestone lion, pictured in the grounds of a country estate. Not every home can have one. (Photo: author)
Terracotta urns Terracotta urns designed by Archibald Knox, centre, and by Mary Watts, the latter for the Compton Pottery. (Photo: Ewbank’s Auctioneers)
Lead fountain This magnificent lead fountain came to auction from From Furzehill Place, near Pirbright, formerly the home of explorer Sir Henry Morton Stanley. Standing eight feet tall, it sold for £3,700. (Photo: Ewbank’s Auctioneers)
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So, you spent the long winter nights poring over seed catalogues, you’ve ordered the bedding plants and you’ve briefed the gardener about how you want things to look this summer. If, like me, you’re a reader not a weeder, then you’re probably assuming that’s the end of it. But it ain’t necessarily so. If, like me, you’re a collector, then there’s a host of garden antiques to seek out to add interest to your plot, whatever its size. They’ll bring lasting pleasure way beyond your borders of begonias. The palatial house needs a fountain or, at least, a scattering of garden sculpture. Look for the statues, fountains and urns made from Mrs Coade’s special recipe that made fired clay take on the appearance of finegrained natural stone. Eleanore Coade (1733-1821) was one of too few Georgian women industrialist designers, but the products from her Lambeth factory were once in big demand. Buckingham Palace, no less, is adorned with much of her work. But does anyone realise it? Sadly not, apart from a minority of collectors. Be prepared to pay handsomely, though. I watched one ardent collector part with £72,600 for four small Coadestone statues. If your passion - or wallet - extends to such large objects, seek out cast iron village pumps and Victorian water carts or Coalbrookdale cast iron benches and chairs. Some can be used equally effectively in the summerhouse, while original paintings and prints with a garden theme make a fascinating collection or perfect presents for the passionate gardener looking to bring the garden into the home. Also worth seeking out are old stone farm feeding troughs; terracotta pots and planters; chimney pots, weather vanes and vintage signs, ‘Keep Off The Grass’ being a perennial favourite. Some of the most charming terracotta urns are those made by the Compton Pottery, a business established in the village of Compton, near Guildford, in 1900 by Mary Seton Watts, wife of the artist G F Watts. They turn up in local salerooms from time to time and sell for around the £5002,000 mark. Mary started evening classes to encourage local people to design, under her
Chris Proudlove, antiques writer and avid collector of anything that catches his eye, explores the world of antique garden statuary and ornaments to adorn our courtyard, sweeping driveway or expansive landscaped gardens.
guidance, terracotta panels for a new cemetery chapel, which her husband had gifted to the village where the couple lived. With the completion of the chapel in 1898, the Compton Potters’ Arts Guild was founded in about 1900 and developed into a small village industry, inspired by such Arts & Crafts artists as Edward Burne-Jones, William de Morgan and William Morris. Its potters were based in the purposebuilt Watts Gallery, dedicated to the artists’ work, and the business prospered, its red clay garden pots, a mixture of Celtic and Art Nouveau styles, selling in many London shops including Liberty & Co. The business closed in 1955. Urns decorated with Archibald Knox’s unmistakeable Celtic Knot pattern look similar to Compton pots but are found stamped “Carter”, indicating that they were produced at the factory of Carter & Co., in Poole, Dorset, which later became the famous Poole Pottery. Charming Victorian handlights, or hand glasses as they were called in the 19th Century, shaped like little houses with removable lids are at home today both inside and out in the garden, as are cloches and bell glasses; forcing and blanching pots for rhubarb and sea-kale and - best of all - glass cucumber straighteners and grape storage bottles. Cucumber straighteners look like elongated glass bottles, the neck of which, when in use, was tied by string to the vine for support. The young fruit (yes, it’s a fruit which grows on vines) was enclosed in the bottle and thus had no choice but grow straight inside it. Grape bottles, meanwhile, look a little like early baby bottles. The most common is the Copped Hall patent bottle, made by Wood & Son. In use, a section of vine that included a bunch of grapes was placed in the neck of the bottle, which was then filled with water and charcoal. The result was perfectly purified grapes. And don’t for goodness sake forget the garden gnome. Much derided today, 19th Century terracotta examples can be worth hundreds of pounds. They even have their own museum, based in West Putford, North Devon.
53-57 High Street Cobham Surrey - KT11 3DP T: 01932 584940 www.adaptations.uk.com
InsideOut
Make an entrance!
You only get one shot at a first impression so why not make it a good one?
Whether your property is warm and homely or grand and stately, the illusion that is created when someone walks through your front door lingers on. Alexander James in Twyford uses a number of techniques to create that lasting impression.
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Chandeliers - a real focal point What better way to highlight a wonderful sweeping staircase than with a magnificent crystal chandelier that cascades down from the top of the house to the ground floor; catching the sun during the day and making the perfect focal point when illuminated in the evening. Furniture Statement or unusual pieces work wonderfully in a hallway. Upholstered furniture in beautiful fabrics adds colour and texture, whilst tables, consoles and other furniture are perfect for floral displays or sculptures. Rugs A large rug creates interest and also has sound deadening qualities in the larger space. Currently plain or textured rugs with contrast borders are very popular.
Mirrors and oversized artwork A classic technique to make an area look larger or to brighten a darker space is the use of mirrors, a beautiful frame almost making it a piece of art in its own right. A stunning piece of artwork in the entrance hall can set the tone for the house, and never be afraid to be bold! A collection of smaller pieces will also work as well as one large piece. Plants, flowers and other accessories Make a statement! A beautiful floral arrangement will bring the room to life, and some flowers even have the added benefit of perfume, which is a very welcoming touch to any home. Interesting Objets d’art will always make an impact – even a Harley Davidson if you have the space‌ aji.co.uk