Yuletide LITTLE GUIDE 2
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LITTLE GUIDE 2 YULETIDE
Contents 10
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18
16
42
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The Guide 2 Advent
34
4-8
The Big Switch On
10-11
Desperately Seeking Santa
16-17
The Guide 2 Pantomines
18-19
Market and Fairs
28-29
Six of the Best Yuletide Butchers
30-31
The Guide 2 Christmas Carolling
34-35
Where to Find your Christmas Tree
38-39
12 Christmas Creatives
42-43
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THE GUIDE 2
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Advent
CHRISTMAS GLOW 1st December to 3rd January RHS Gardens, Wisley
Begin the advent of Christmas with the truly magical Christmas Glow that takes place at RHS Gardens Wisley this December. Enjoy gigantic illuminated flowers found throughout the garden and watch on as the glasshouse is transformed by a cacophony of colour that lights up the night sky. Open until 8pm with last entry at 7pm. rhs.org.uk
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CHRISTMAS WREATH WORKSHOP 2nd December Westcott & Williams, Dorking
Join the fabulous floristry experts, The Oak & Owl at this very special Christmas wreath workshop taking place in Dorking. Be the envy of your neighbours and create a beautiful bouquet of festive flowers to hang upon the door of your homestead. Enjoy a full demonstration on how to create the perfect wreath and then take the plunge yourself to produce the perfect keepsake this Christmas. Prosecco and festive treats will be served throughout. theoakandowl.co.uk
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CHRISTMAS TIPSY CHOCOLATE TRUFFLE CLASS 4th December Victoria’s Kitchen, Woking
Learn how to make some exquisite tipsy chocolate truffles this Christmas at Victoria’s Kitchen in Woking. Whether you’re thinking of making edible gifts to give to loved ones or indeed if you have designs on scoffing them all yourself then by all means, crack on – we won’t judge. Get expert tuition on how to make flavoured ganache by infusing Champagne, Whiskey and various Liqueurs for a set of completely luxurious truffles. victorias-kitchen.com
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A TANTE MARIE CHRISTMAS DAY 5th December Tante Marie Culinary Academy, Woking
Food glorious food! Festive feasts are of course a highlight of the season and what better way to prepare for the big day than by paying culinary masters the Tante Marie Academy a visit for one of their Christmas Day Workshops. Learn how to make tasty treats to accompany the day including mouth wateringly melty filo bites with bacon jam and Mince pie macaroons. Scrummy! tantemarie.co.uk
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SANTA FUN RUN 3rd December Woking Leisure Centre
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CHRISTMAS COCKTAILS 6th December RHS Gardens, Wisley
For a seasonal spectacle to behold, head on over to Woking Leisure Centre and join the hundreds of Santa Claus’ running en masse in this super Santa Fun Run. Young, old, tall and small can enter to race around Woking Park, all the while raising money for Woking & Sam Beare Hospices. Children age 4 and over will receive a free Santa suit to ho ho ho their way around the concourse.
Bring some festive cheer to the year with this brilliant botanical Christmas cocktail workshop held at RHS Gardens Wisley. Learn how to prepare and grow your own ingredients for making botanical cocktails in your kitchen and garden. Surprise your party guests with some unusual but delicious cocktails that will be sure to go down a treat.
wsbhospices.co.uk
rhs.org.uk
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Advent
ALICE IN WINTERLAND 7th December – 7th January Rose Theatre, Kingston
Enjoy this enchanting reimagining of Lewis Carroll’s classic at the Rose Theatre in Kingston this December. Follow Alice to the magically curious world of Winterland, a world of ice and imagination, of mad hatters and cruel queens, strong-minded dodos and friendly knights. Will Alice save Winterland? Find out this December. rosetheatrekingston.org
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MULLED WINE & MINCE PIE MARCH 10th December Town Lock, Weybridge
Enjoy a ‘mulled wine and mice pie march’ along the old Wey Navigation on the 10th December in this guided walk with the National Trust. Enjoy a circular walk from Town Lock (near Weybridge) past Coxes Mill with a mince pie and mulled wine pit stop planned at the White Hart along the way before heading back to Town Lock. Booking is essential. nationaltrust.org.uk
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SANTA CLAUS & THE MAGICAL CHRISTMAS JOURNEY 8th – 24th December G Live, Guildford
Experience a magical Christmas at G Live this December as Santa Claus comes to town to share his annual journey of joyeux noel with you. Find out how the story unfolds from the 8th to the 24th December at this fantastic family show. Good girls and boys will get to meet the man himself and receive a little gift. glive.co.uk
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LATE NIGHT SHOPPING & CRAFT FAIR 11th December Denbies Wine Estate, Dorking
Enjoy an evening of late night shopping and crafts at Denbies Wine Estate this December. Browse amongst stalls selling original gifts, listen on to the sweet song of Christmas carols and indulge in free mulled wine and mince pies as you get yourself set for the season ahead. Free admission and car parking. denbies.co.uk
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HARVEST YOUR OWN CHRISTMAS TREE 2nd, 9th or 10th December Hindhead Common
Spruce almighty! Pick the perfect pine and harvest your very own Scots pine Christmas tree to take home for the festive season by heading to Hindhead Common on either the 2nd, 9th or 10th of December from 10am – 2pm. Just make sure you bring a saw and wear suitable clothing and gloves. The spot to pick your Scot may be some way from the meeting point which you can find at the Devils Punch Bowl Café, so be prepared for a reasonable walk to the trees.
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CHRISTMAS CERAMICS WORKSHOP 12th December Farnham Maltings
Get crafty this Christmas and take part in this ceramics workshop held at Farnham Maltings. Spend the morning learning how to make delicately shaped decorations to hang upon your tree or to even give to a friend as a gift – the choice is yours! farnhammaltings.com
nationaltrust.org.uk
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WINTERSHALL NATIVITY 13th – 17th December Wintershall Estate, Bramley
The story of Christmas is brought to life in this exceptional retelling of the nativity found on the Wintershall Estate on the outskirts of Guildford from the 13th – 17th December. Take the time to reflect on how this festive furore we find ourselves in came to be, with the birth of baby Jesus complete with on looking animals and a terrific cast of characters. wintershall-estate.com
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CHRISTMAS READINGS 14th – 15th December Farnham Maltings
Hark and hear Rosemary Wisbey, Caryl Griffith, Gordon Dearing and Christopher Reeks as they present ‘Oh Yes it Is!’ at the Farnham Maltings this December. Listen on to a miscellany of musings and thoughts about Christmas entertainments at this informative briefing on the sentiment that is the festive season.
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MRS CHRISTMAS 17th December Hatchlands Park, East Clandon
As Father Christmas takes the time out to put his feet up, Mrs Christmas will make a rare appearance at Hatchlands Park on the 16th and 17th December. Meet the Mrs beside the fire in her cosy sitting room that she has at Hatchlands Park and receive a wrapped present. nationaltrust.org.uk
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CHRISTMAS GOTHIC 18th – 19th December Mill Studio, Guildford
Christmas: a time to remember the past, celebrate the present, and look to the future; a time of feasts and festivities; of holly and mistletoe; a time of visits and visitations. A time of ghosts… Join the cast of Christmas Gothic at Mill Studio in Guildford for some seasonal scares of a festive kind. yvonne-arnaud.co.uk
farnhammaltings.com
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WINTER WONDERS FAMILY TRAIL 15th – 31st December Winkworth Arboretum
For a family day out amongst the great outdoors, make your way to the National Trust’s wonderful Winkworth Arboretum near Godalming for a winter wander around the beautiful gardens. Follow the traditional Christmas trail around the arboretum and enjoy the spirit of the festive season. visit nationaltrust.org.uk
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CHRISTMAS CRACKER 16th December Haslemere Hall
All hail the return of Haslemere’s Christmas Cracker! Enjoy this annual yuletide show for the family complete with carols sung by choirs from the local school, traditional readings, comical festive verses, mulled wine, mice pies and much much fun! haslemere.com
LITTLE GUIDE 2 YULETIDE
CAROLS FOR CLANDON 19th December Holy Trinity Church, Guildford
Despite the fire that wreaked havoc at Clandon House in 2015, their popular Christmas Carols event forges ahead and thus will raise money for the Clandon Park appeal which goes towards the restoration of this historic site. Join the Oxford Singers at Holy Trinity Church, Guildford, as they herald the start of the festive season. nationaltrust.org.uk
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A CHRISTMAS CAROL –
A FOLK OPERA
20th December Cranleigh Arts Centre
For a folkin festive performance like no other, visit Cranleigh Arts Centre this December for a brand-new retelling of the best-loved Yuletide adventure of them all – Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”. Using new lyrics and traditional English folk tunes, GreenMatthews (with special guest Jude Rees of Pilgrims’ Way) use a bewitching blend of voices and instruments to create a musical retelling of this seasonal favourite. cranleighartscentre.org
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Advent
JAMMIN’ IN YOUR CHRISTMAS JUMPER 21st December The Richard Onslow, Cranleigh
Who doesn’t love a Christmas Jumper? Naturally art and creativity are subjective, so there are no doubt a few humbugs out there who will let out a certifiable squeal of seasonal frustration at the very site of these woven woollies. However, should you be the kind of individual who loves nothing more than donning boughs of holly decked upon your chest, then head on over to The Richard Onslow in Cranleigh for their Jammin in Your Christmas Jumper party. therichardonslow.co.uk
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ELIZABETHAN CHRISTMAS 22nd – 23rd December & 27th December – 1st January Hampton Court Palace
Venture to historic Hampton Court palace this December and be witness to an Elizabethan Christmas. Set at the court of Queen Elizabeth I and performed around the palace, from the Tudor Kitchens to the Great Hall. Witness as this touching tale unfolds throughout the day, full of music, dance and festive fun. hrp.org.uk
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SANTA PAWS 23rd December Claremont Landscape Gardens, Esher
Because Christmas is for dogs too, join in with this canine Christmas special at Claremont Landscape Gardens. Visit the gardens on the 23rd December and let your beloved furry friend meet their very own Santa Paws, compete with a festive treat to devour.
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CAROLS IN THE SQUARE 24th December The Village Square, Shere
Sing loud and sing proud as you join in with carol singing in the square of the picturesque village of Shere. This annual tradition sees villagers and visitors alike unite in song as the countdown begins to Christmas Day. shereparishcouncil.gov.uk
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COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS 25th December Everywhere
We agree with the folks over at Community Christmas that no elderly person in the UK should be alone on Christmas day unless they want to be of course. There are plenty of opportunities to extend companionship to someone in need with help from Community Christmas. communitychristmas.org.uk
Merry
WISHING YOU A
Christmas
FROM ALL OF US AT TG MEDIA
nationaltrust.org.uk
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Guildford Christmas Lights Switch On
Thursday 16 November 2017 Balcony show from the Guildhall at 6.00pm, lights switched on at 7.00pm with lots of activity throughout the town during the day!
For full details visit www.experienceguildford.com
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The Big Switch On GUILDFORD
CRANLEIGH
Thursday 16 November
Saturday 18 November
Lights Switch on at 7pm High Street
12pm - 7.30pm, Lights switch on at 6.30pm Fountain Square
Guildford’s iconic cobbled High Street never looks so pretty as when lit from above by the glimmer of the town’s Christmas Lights. Be in on the action from the start on 16th December and enjoy a bevy of festive attractions all around the town which include the everpopular Newfoundland dogs and Santa’s reindeer bringing their own special magic. There will be storytelling in various stores then music and fireworks courtesy of White Lion Walk, before the focus moves back to the stage for evening performances to round off the start of another great Christmas in Guildford.
Each year, Cranleigh Chamber of Commerce, along with the volunteers from the community, pull out all the stops to celebrate Christmas in dazzling style, with lights strewn along trees and lampposts from the common and all the way up the High Street. There’ll be the usual day of family culminating in the big switch on. Benson’s Funfairs will be offering rides throughout the afternoon and shoppers will be able to get an early start on their Christmas shopping, with continental market stalls in Stocklund Square, street food stalls, live music and late-night shopping. cranleighbiz.co.uk
experienceguildford.co.uk
FARNHAM Saturday 18 November
WOKING Thursday 23 November
1pm to 6pm, Lights switch on 4.30pm Gostrey Meadow
2pm onwards, Lights switch on at 5.30pm Jubilee Square
For fuzzy Christmas feels, head to Farnham for an action-packed day of family fun and festive cheer. Visit Father Christmas in his grotto (for free), see a live nativity complete with Mary, Joseph and a little donkey, and enjoy all sorts of fairground rides and other fun activities to treat the kids. There will be various stalls selling hot food and drink including festive favourites to put the warmth into winter. Enjoy arts and crafts and live performances from local theatre groups, school choirs, local bands and pantomimes.
Legendary British TV actor, presenter and singer Shane Richie, in town for New Victoria Theatre’s glittering pantomime Robin Hood, will be leading Woking Shopping’s Christmas switch-on in Jubilee Square. He’ll be joined by pop singer Charlie Healy, best known for being a finalist on The X Factor. Catch live music, movement and lighting spectacular Spark!, and the playful pups from PAW Patrol. Of course, the season’s biggest celebrity, Father Christmas will be greeting guests and wishing them a merry Christmas, joined around the mall by a host of Christmas characters.
farnham.gov.uk
CAMBERLEY
woking-shopping.co.uk
Saturday 19 November
GODALMING
10am – 7pm, Lights switch on at 5pm Park Street & High Street
Saturday 25 November
It seems that every year Camberley tops itself for sheer unbridled fun of the festive variety, and this year looks to be even bigger and better. The town’s fabulous farmers market gets a dazzling Christmas facelift with over 25 stalls selling delicious seasonal food and drink, as well as face painting, choir singers and street theatre and much more. Step into a magical giant Christmas snow globe in the Atrium and have your picture taken (10am 4.30pm). Cheer the switching on of the light at 5pm then party to live music while scoffing mince pies until 7pm. collectivelycamberley.co.uk LITTLE GUIDE 2 YULETIDE
10am - 6pm, Lights switch on at 4.45pm High Street Godalming’s sparkling switcheroo also happens to herald the town’s fantastic Festive Christmas Market. An exciting variety of Christmas stalls are on offer if you’re looking for gift inspiration including baubles, foodie treats and hand-crafted presents. Delicious street food and drink include a traditional hog roast, Italian pastas, paella, Indian street food, BBQ and lots more. Say hello to the Christmas ponies, Molly Dolly and her friends and visit Santa’s magical Grotto to greet Father C in person. godalmingchristmasfestival.com 11
A MAGICAL
CHRISTMAS AT THE FRIARY GUILDFORD E FRE TS N EVE
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Giftmas 15 - 17 December
Guildford Shop with The Friary with and be rewarded a free giftcard!*
Visit thefriaryguildford.com for full event details and opening hours. Late Night Shopping Open ‘til 8pm every day from Monday 11 December!
* T&Cs apply. Event may be subject to change or cancellation
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SEE HOW OUR GARDEN GLOWS 1 DECEMBER 2017 – 3 JANUARY 2018
Explore a world of magical illuminations in the garden as dusk falls Garden open until 8pm, 24 December close at 5pm. For garden tickets and special offers visit rhs.org.uk/wisley. RHS Members go free. RHS Registered Charity No. 222879/SC038262
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Join us for a story and song with Santa. For something extra special, why not also book a gingerbread decorating workshop too. Booking essential. rhs.org.uk/wisley RHS Registered Charity No. 222879/SC038262
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DESPERATELY
Seeking Santa
CHRISTMAS AT BOCKETTS FARM 23rd November – 24th December Bocketts Farm
FATHER CHRISTMAS IN THE GROTTO 2nd – 24th December Painshill Park
Enjoy a magically festive family day out and meet Santa Claus in his hay barn at Bocketts Farm in Fetcham. Hop on board the Santa Express with an elf to make the short journey to Santa’s workshop and grotto where little one’s will receive a gift. In addition, families can enjoy Christmas trails around the farm, Christmas badge making workshops (weekends only) as well as picking up a Christmas tree for the home.
Jump into the festive spirit and make your way to Father Christmas’s magical crystal grotto at Painshill Park this December. Meet Father Christmas and his band of trusty elves in Painshill’s famed crystal grotto and leave with a gift to remember the occasion by. Annually a sell-out event - booking is essential.
bockettsfarm.co.uk SANTA’S SECRET FOREST Crockford Bridge Farm, Addlestone Come one, come all to Santa’s Secret Forest found at Crockford Bridge Farm. Be transported to a magical land and wander through enchanting woods with woodland elves where you will arrive to meet Santa Claus and his little helpers. Booking is only available online and is essential.
crockfordbridgefarm.co.uk
painshill.co.uk SANTA ON THE VC10 2nd – 3rd December Brooklands Museum Once again Santa will be giving Rudolph et al a much needed rest before they embark on their marathon mission this Christmas Eve. Catch Father Christmas as he borrows Brooklands Museum’s VC10 aircraft for the weekend in order to meet his adoring fans form the local area. Booking is essential in order for your little ones to meet Santa and receive a small gift.
brooklandsmuseum.com
MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS 29th November – 23rd December RHS Gardens Wisely
CHRISTMAS IN THE WOODS 9th December Nower Wood, Leatherhead
Enjoy a sing along and story told by Santa Claus himself at RHS Garden Wisley’s Magic of Christmas event. Meet the great man and listen on as he recounts classic Christmas tales to set the seasonal senses alight. In addition there will be gingerbread decorating workshops on selected sates so that you can leave with some festive treats.
Find Father Christmas in his secret Grotto amongst a woodland wonderland this December and join Surrey Wildlife Trust in Nower Wood, Leatherhead. Take part in festive games, whilst also looking out for some winter wildlife. Once you’ve made your way to the grotto, warm up with toasted marshmallows and depending on whether you’ve been naughty or nice this year, receive a small gift from Father Christmas himself.
rhs.org.uk GREEN FATHER CHRISTMAS 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th, 21st & 22nd December Weald & Downland Museum Experience a truly magical Christmas this December at the Weald & Downland Living Museum. Green Father Christmas (Old Winter) will be the honoured guest at the museum this month as children are invited to his chamber to meet the man himself, as well as receiving a traditional toy plucked from Green Father Christmas’s wooden chest.
wealddown.co.uk
surreywildlifetrust.org SANTA SPECIALS 9th, 10th, 16th & 17th December Rural Life Centre, Tilford Gather the troops and head on over to the Rural Life Centre in Tilford for a ‘Santa Special’. Ride through the woods on the Old Kiln Light Railway, pay a visit to the elves’ workshop and of course meet Father and Mother Christmas in their enchanting grotto. Seasonal refreshments and the sound of Christmas carols complete the festive atmosphere.
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SANTA RUN 10th December Denbies Wine Estate, Dorking
SANTA’S VICTORIAN PARLOUR 21st – 23rd December Haslemere Museum
Santa works off some of last year’s mince pies in this 5km dash around Denbies Wine Estate in Dorking. But wait – he’s also invited all his mates, who incidentally are so inspired by the great man that they all look like him! Watch on as hundreds of Santa’s enjoy a fun run against a backdrop of festive tunes and entertainment. Fancy taking part? Entry is £25 which will also get you your own Santa suit.
For a fabulous family event in the lead up to Christmas Day, head on over to Haslemere Museum and meet Santa Claus in his Victorian Parlour. As Santa takes a few days to relax before his annual escapades, children have the opportunity for a meet, greet and a gift!
denbies.co.uk SANTA CRUISE 10th, 17th, 21st, 22nd & 23rd December Wey & Arun Canal, Loxwood All aboard the Santa Cruise! Dasher, Dancer and the rest of the reindeer gang have had to go for some last minute training, so Santa has decided to take a little cruise. Meet jolly Father Christmas on the Way & Arun canal and receive an early Christmas present, whilst grown-ups can sit back with a mulled wine and a mince pie.
haslemeremuseum.co.uk
CHRISTMAS AT MARWELL ZOO 18th November – 21st December Marwell Zoo, Winchester Make your Christmas magical and head for Marwell Zoo. Santa and his crew have stopped off to pay their regards to the animals (because they also celebrate Christmas) and have decided to stay a while! Enjoy a magical winter forest, listen to Mother Christmas as she reads The Nutcracker, create your own Christmas Eve plate in the elves workshop and of course meet Father Christmas himself.
marwell.org.uk
weyarun.org.uk
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THE GUIDE 2 DICK WHITTINGTON
Pantos
Friday 8th December until 7th January 2018 Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford Not London, but Guildford who plays host to this year’s production of Dick Whittington at The Yvonne Arnaud. This year’s cast includes Judy Cornwell, Kit Hesketh-Harvey. Join Dick as he travels to seek his fortune! The panto at the Yvonne Arnaud is always a massive hit so don’t miss this one. Also, the show includes a relaxed performance for children with learning difficulties. Tickets are available now so book to avoid the disappointment Follow the road paved with gold to yvonne-arnaud.co.uk
Wednesday 20th December until December 30th Leatherhead Theatre From the producers of last year’s highly acclaimed pantomime Beauty and the Beast comes the mighty magical timeless classic Jack and the Beanstalk, Panto baddy Tom Beard heads a fantastic cast, including the cream of Leatherhead’s very own local children’s talent, on an unforgettable journey this Christmas. Come and see the story unfold! Plant your beans and follow the stalk to theleatherheadtheatre.com/jackbeanstalk
ALADDIN Saturday 9th December until January 14th
THE PANTOMIME ADVENTURES OF PETER PAN Friday 8th December until December 31st The Harlequin Theatre, Redhill Get in your pyjamas and join Wendy, Michael and John Darling as they defy gravity and take the second star to the right and straight on till morning as they fly from the rooftops of Victorian London to join Peter, the Lost Boys and the fairy Tinkerbell in Never Land. Tick-tock, time’s running out not only for Cap’n Hook but also your chance to book. Sprinkle your fairy dust on the computer and fly to harlequintheatre.co.uk for more info.
Richmond Theatre Pack up your carpet and head to Richmond to join Aladdin, his hapless brother, and of course his mother Widow Twanky, on a spectacular adventure featuring a beautiful love story, flying carpets, a wish-granting genie, an evil sorcerer and a lamp packed full of spectacular family entertainment. Close your eyes, rub you lamp and wish for atgtickets.com/venues/richmond-theatre
ADULT PANTO: JACK AND HIS GIANT STALK! Tuesday 28th November Sunday 31 December Guildford / Strictly over 18’s
New Victoria Theatre, Woking
Over four years, Guildford Fringe Theatre Company’s saucy adult panto has become something of an institution at this time of year, offering a bit of blue for grownups to cut through all the treacle.
You have stepped onto the wrong side of the law, and you must now join the most heroic outlaw and his band of men. We are of course talking about the most famous of good-bad guys of them all, the arrow-shooting outlaw Robin Hood. As always Robin strives to win the hand of the beautiful Maid Marion while he and his trusty band of Merry Men outwit the evil Sheriff of Nottingham.
In Jack and his Giant Stalk, all is not peachy in the kingdom of Fringeland as the impact of Frexit starts to bite. Even double entendres have been banned for being French. Poor Jack’s farm is on its uppers and two hairy men in outrageous frocks are at their wits end. Can three magic beans change their fortunes in life and love? We think we all know the answer to that one.
Nock, draw and loose your arrow to atgtickets.com/venues/new-victoria-theatre
Get in on the merry mirth at guildfordfringe.com
ROBIN HOOD Saturday 9th December until January 7th
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Fri 8 Dec 17 - Sun 7 Jan 18 BOX OFFICE 01483 44 00 00 www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk
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Cam b er l ey T h eaTre p res enTs
it’S GoinG to Be an awfully BiG adventure!
By J.M. Barrie
roBert pearce
charlie leGG
aS MrS SMee
aS SMee
Director Suzi Budd · Writer
MarcuS churchill aS captain hook
Grace holroyd aS wendy
harriSon SpierS aS peter pan
Suzi Budd
aS tinker Bell
· Choreographer Anna Ludford · Musical Director Samuel Ryall
tueSday 12 – Sunday 31 deceMBer 2017 Box Office 01276 707600 · www.camberleytheatre.co.uk Knoll Road, Camberley, Surrey, GU15 3SY
Supported by
www.thebestprint.co.uk
Presented by arrangement with Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity and Samuel French Limited
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CHRISTMAS AT
Guildford Village
- a winter wonderland awaits The glorious Guildford Village has some fantastic Christmas presents in store for visitors to the town over the festive period… GET YOUR SKATES ON…
CHRISTMAS MARKET
From the 16th November through to the 24th of December, visitors will be able to experience the sights and sounds of Christmas when The Village in Guildford (opposite the bus station) is transformed into a winter wonderland.
Whilst you’re waiting for a spin on the rink, why not take the time to browse and buy gifts from the Christmas Market stalls selling their wares. Find unique presents to give to your pals from a range of independent local traders. For the foodies there will be a range of food stalls selling all sorts of treats for you to devour. Mince pies, mulled wine and more lie in wait.
Soak up the season and experience a fiesta of festive cheer all the while grinning from ear to ear as The Village in Guildford sets up a 300 sqm real ice rink in the centre of town, complete with a Christmas market, Santa’s Grotto and much more. Christmas at The Village will launch to coincide with the Christmas Light Switch On in town on the 16th November, and as such a host of activities will be taking place throughout the day to celebrate the launch. Expect free face painting, magic shows, live music from The Andertons Stage as well as the arrival of Santa in his Grotto from 4pm – 6.30pm. The ice rink will be open from midday on launch day with the first 200 lucky skaters receiving a goody bag! Following on from the launch, the ice rink will be open from 3pm – 8pm Wednesday to Friday and 10am – 9pm at the weekends and school holidays (last session on a Sunday is at 5pm).
SANTA’S GROTTO No wintry scene can be complete without the image of Santa Claus sat on his chair, child on knee, giving presents with glee. Make sure you pay Papa Christmas a visit in his grotto to make known your wants and wishes for when he arrives in his sleigh on the big day.
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GROUP BOOKINGS Gather the troops for group bookings available at The Village ice rink. If you’re a school looking for a little festive excursion before the holidays, or perhaps a business looking for a Christmas party idea, ice skating is a super way to spend time up to and during the holidays,
USEFUL TO KNOW Where to park, where to park? Guildford Town Centre has a tendency to become a tad congested at times, therefore we would recommend using one of the many Park & Ride services available near to the town. As such, you’ll be dropped off right next to The Village, where you’ll be able to begin your festivities in town. Should you enjoy the battle for a car parking berth, there of course a number of multi-storey car parks in the town to cater for your needs (Farnham Road, Bedford Road, Castle Car Park, York Road).
For more information visit guildford.gov.uk/thevillage or call the team on 01483 319128
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CHRISTMAS Woking Christmas Market Fri 08 - Sun 17 December www.woking-market.co.uk
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Woking Market JINGLE ALL THE WAY TO WOKING’S CHRISTMAS MARKET THIS DECEMBER! Santa Claus is coming to Woking town and he’s bringing with him some impish elves, a chorus of carols, Christmas bells, festive food and a huge welcome at the stunning Christmas grotto! This year between Friday December 8th and Sunday December 17th, 9am -6pm, the centre of Woking will be transformed into a magical Christmas shopper’s paradise, as 24 stalls packed full of the finest festive food and gorgeous Christmas gifts line the streets surrounding the glorious Christmas tree in Jubilee Square. Put the magic back into Christmas Shopping by strolling around the twinkling market stalls, soaking up the sights, smells, sounds and spirit of the season. Follow the mouth-watering aromas cooked up by Woking’s favourite food vendors, who will be offering everything from artisan bread to gourmet coffees, fresh seasonal vegetables to locally sourced meat; everything you need to liven up your Christmas menus. To make the occasion extra special for shoppers, the Market will be supported by many other seasonal and festive town-centre events, including a Continental Market that will be overlapping the Christmas Market for a period of time in December. But of course, the merry fellow everyone wants to meet will be resting before his busiest night in the stunning Christmas Grotto. Yes, Santa Claus himself -and his helpful elves - will be on hand to make Christmas wishes come true. Santa will be ready for you from Saturday 9th December and will stop off at the Market again on the 10th, 14th (1pm – 6pm), 15th, 16th, 17th, 22nd and 23rd December between 10am and 3pm. A trip to the grotto includes ‘one on one’ time with Santa plus a gift. Tickets are £8.50 per child with the grotto operating a first-come firstserved basis. Tickets will be available from the Grotto entrance on the day. Woking Festive entertainment awaits including a sprinkling of cheery carols, Christmas bells, glittery crafts, a fantastic face painter and a gigantic stilt walker and balloon artist!
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For dates and times of all entertainment please refer to Market Walk’s events page at www.woking-market.co.uk
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Markets and Fairs
Charities Fair
Christmas Craft Fair
11th November Haslemere Hall
22nd – 26th November RHS Gardens Wisely
A staple of the festive season in Haslemere is the return of the Charities Fair. This market has taken place in the town for the past 34 years, with this year seeing no less than 27 different charities taking part. Expect to find gifts, cards, stocking fillers, cakes, books, toys, jewellery, crafts, curios and more. Find special presents and great bargains. haslemere.com
Craft in Focus bring their annual Christmas Fair to RHS Gardens Wisley this year from the 22nd - 26th November. Held within the garden in heated marquees surrounded by beautiful light installations, browse amongst textiles, jewellery, ceramics and furniture. rhs.org.uk
Christmas Craft Fair 11th November Rural Life Centre, Tilford Rally the troops and head on over to The Rural Life Centre near Tilford for a Christmas Craft Fair. Find unique and homemade gifts to give this Christmas; from toys to jewellery and from cushions to clocks, browse through a diverse range of stalls selling their wares. rural-life.org.uk
The Christmas Gift & Food Fair 16th – 18th November Guildford Cathedral Guildford Cathedral present their Christmas Gift and Food Fair this November. Held in the newly renovated Cathedral building as well as the heated marquee found on the front lawn, visitors can expect to hear the sweet song of Christmas carols, browse and buy Christmas gifts as well as enjoying some tasty festive food. guildford-cathedral.org
The Loseley House Christmas Fair 16th – 19th November Loseley Park The Rural Craft Association will once again hold their annual Christmas Fair together with Loseley House. Featuring talented designers and makers from all over the UK this is a great place to work through your Christmas list. loseleypark.co.uk
The Arts & Crafts Fair 18th November The Lightbox, Woking Visit The Lightbox in Woking for this festive Arts & Crafts Fair and get going with your Christmas shopping. Featuring a variety of handmade crafts including jewellery, paintings, glasswork and ceramics. Enjoy mulled wine, mince pies and live music, whilst browsing the original gifts on sale. thelightbox.org.uk
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Phyllis Tuckwell Christmas Fair 25th November Phyllis Tuckwell, Farnham From 10am – 2pm head to the Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice in Farnham for their annual Christmas Fair, all the while raising the valuable funds needed to support local hospice care. Enjoy classic festive entertainments to fill the morning with seasonal joy. pth.org.uk
Victorian Christmas Weekend 25th – 26th November Watts Gallery Artists’ Village The Victorian Christmas Weekend returns to Watts Gallery Artists’ Village for a weekend of festive activities for the family. Take part in the 12 Days of Christmas Trail, learn how to make festive crafts and of course, meet Father Christmas himself as he tells festive tales. This event will typically sell out, so get your tickets quick to avoid disappointment. wattsgallery.org.uk
The Christmas Fair 29th – 30th November Farnham Maltings Make your way to this great midweek Christmas Fair held at the Farnham Maltings this November. Browse from over 150 stalls selling a plethora of exciting gifts to give, take part in the free drop in workshop to make your own unique Christmas tags, and enjoy the typical festive frivolities of listening to Christmas Carols, supping on mulled wine and munching on many mince pies. farnhammaltings.com
Etsy Made Local 2nd December Guildford Cathedral The community led craft initiative Etsy comes to Guildford Cathedral this December for the Etsy Made Local Christmas Market. Meet local makers and discover a treasure trove of local talent. Join in with the festivities from 9am – 4.30pm and browse and buy locally homemade gifts to give this Christmas. guildford-cathedral.org 29
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SIX OF THE BEST
Yuletide Butchers
Christmas Dinner and other festive meals deserve only the very best meat and poultry. So visit any one of these fantastic Surrey butchers to book your birds, roasts and other goodies and you’ll be guaranteed to feed them well this Noël… Kilfeather & Dumbrill, Bramley
The Dorking Butchery
Once again, this year Kilfeather & Dumbrill will be offering locally sourced luxury free-range bronze turkeys from the Surrey hills. They even make a spectacular ballotine of turkey, goose& guinea fowl. You’ll be able to pick up traditionally hand-made sausages and stuffings using their own local free-range pork and fresh ingredients. Alongside fantastic dry-aged grass-fed beef from the Glens of Scotland, you’ll find local lamb and poultry and the shop also sells a range of 30 cheeses, a variety of condiments and other yummy goods.
Among the delicious products that have already scooped these young butchers awards and acclaim in the shop’s short life is their locally sourced beef that they dry age themselves in the butchery, maturing for 4 weeks to ensure maximum tenderness and flavour. They proudly source from local farmers like Home farm in Dorking and sell free range rare breed from, Reigate. This Christmas expect fantastically flavoursome free range and organic bronze turkeys for the second year running, in addition to awesome homemade sausages, joints and burgers.
5 High St, Bramley, Surrey GU5 0HB www.kilfeatheranddumbrill.weebly.com
48 High Street, Dorking, Surrey, RH4 1AY www.thedorkingbutchery.co.uk
Lidgates Butchers at Crockford Bridge Farm, Addlestone
Prince & Sons, Horsell
Lidgate’s is a west London institution that’s arrived in Surrey in 2016 thanks to a partnership with the awesome Crockford Bridge Farm Shop. Following a recent refurbishment, Lidgates have introduced a brand-new cheese and deli counter boasting a lovely selection of Christmas cheeses, from classic stilton and bries, including an English brie, to award winning Cheddars and more specialities for real Cheese lovers. Lidgate’s will be offering hand plucked bronze turkeys, free range geese, ducks and their award-winning beef, especially rolled joints and fillets for that extra special meal. New Haw Road, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 2BU www.lidgates.com
Rawlings of Cranleigh Boasting one of the most dazzling and inviting shop floors of any butchers, Rawlings is arguably the pride of the village. Sourcing the peerless, traditionally reared free-range Turkeys from Appledore in Kent at Christmas they also offer delicious cuts of aged beef, free range pork, a range of speciality dishes such as beef wellingtons and chicken cushions while their expansive deli counter serves every kind of accoutrement you’ll need to make a feast of Christmas and beyond. 68 High St, Cranleigh GU6 8AG www.rawlingsofcranleigh.co.uk LITTLE GUIDE 2 YULETIDE
Horsell’s favourite butchers, Prince & Sons have spent over 40 years building a reputation for excellence in butchery and a loyal customer base to match. At Christmas, Prince & Sons supply the best free-range turkeys from Appledore, free range geese, cockerels, pigs in blankets, home cooked gammon joints, matured fore ribs of beef, a wide range of cheeses and condiments, and boned and rolled turkey breast joints stuffed or unstuffed. You’ll also find a large variety of a two, three, four or five bird roasts for a truly show-stopping Christmas feast. 107 High Street, Horsell, Surrey GU21 4SY www.princeandsons.co.uk
Surrey Hills Butchers, Oxshott It’s that time of year again and once again Surrey Hills Butchers on Oxshott high street will be offering the finest in free range bronze turkeys. These bespoke Christmas centrepieces are only available once a year from the award winning Copas family. It’s advised to get your orders in early as every year it’s a sell out for Surrey Hills. “We cater for all,” says butcher Simon Taylor, “but if Turkey isn’t your thing try some of our dry aged rare breed beef this year or have both if your treating yourself” High St, Oxshott KT22 0JR www.butcherscook.com 31
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THE GUIDE 2
Christmas Carolling COMEDIANS & CAROLS
CANDLELIT CAROLS
8th December Christchurch, Jubilee Square, Woking Once in Woking, comedians and carols joined forces for an evening of yuletide song and silliness. Based loosely around the format of Nine Lessons and Carols, join local comedian and writer Paul Kerensa (Miranda, Not Going Out, TGI Friday, Top Gear) and fellow funnies Jo Enright, Gareth Richards and Allan Finnegan as they recount their version of Christmas. christchurchwoking.org
16th December Cellar Magneval, Woking For an intimate evening of yuletide song lit by candlelight, head along to Cellar Magneval wine bar found on Church Street in Woking. Cosy up to the piano in the bar with a glass of mulled wine (and a wheel of cheese) and sing along with your friends to festive tunes old and new. cellarmagneval.com
THE MAYOR OF GUILDFORD’S CAROL CONCERT
16th – 17th & 21st – 23rd December Hampton Court Palace Sing carols amongst history and the stunning Tudor surrounds of Hampton Court Palace, this Christmas. Make your way to the palaces courtyards and sing loud and proud to some of your favourite carols as you’re accompanied by the big sound of the Epsom & Ewell Silver Band. Booking is essential. hrp.org.uk
COURTYARD CAROLLING
10th December Holy Trinity Churchyard, Guildford Join the Mayor of Guildford for his annual carol concert in the churchyard of Holy Trinity church, found at the top of Guildford High Street. Organised by the Rotary club and now in its 65th year, listen in and sing along as Guildford’s Vivace Chorus serenade you with seasonal song. guildford.gov.uk
MANE CHANCE CHRISTMAS CAROLS 10th December The Church of St. Peter & St. Paul, Godalming The ever popular Mane Chance Christmas carol concert takes place once again at The Church of St. Peter & Paul in Godalming this December complete with their ever adorable Shetland ponies. In addition to the Christmas carols, expect readings from actors Martin Shaw, Sara Crowe, Damien Edwards, Philip Cumbus, Thomasin Rand and Jenny Seagrove. manechancesanctuary.org
CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT 10th December Church of Our Lady, Fleet Raise money in aid of Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice Care and sing carols by candlelight in Fleet this December. Join members from Hart Voice at the Church of Our Lady for an evening of sumptuous song. pth.org.uk
CHRISTMAS CIVIC CAROL SERVICE 14th December St. Andrews Church, Farnham Find your way St. Andrews Church in Farnham for the annual Christmas Civic Carol Service organised by Farnham Town Council. Enjoy traditional carols as well as performances from the Farnham Youth Choir. farnham.gov.uk
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FAMILY CHRISTMAS CAROLS 17th December Hatchlands Park, Guildford Rally the troops and head for beautiful Hatchlands Park in Guildford for Christmas carols with the family. Discover the magic of Christmas and make memories with the family to keep as you find your way to the music room and sing along to traditional carols. nationaltrust.org.uk
THE MILITARY WIVES: HOME FOR CHRISTMAS 18th December Guildford Cathedral Hark and hear The Military Wives as they come to Guildford Cathedral this December on their ‘Home for Christmas’ tour. Featuring the Military Wives Choirs of Arborfield, Sandhurst, Brompton, Odiham and Salisbury Plain, this exclusive concert will feature many a festive favourite for the audience to sing along to as well as songs form The Military Wives own album ‘Home for Christmas’. guildford-cathedral.org
A SERVICE OF NINE LESSONS & CAROLS 23rd December Guildford Cathedral As Christmas day approaches, join Guildford Cathedral for their traditional service of Nine Lessons & Carols. From 6pm listen on as the choir sing angelically to traditional carols befitting the season. guildford-cathedral.org 35
Kids
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FREE
VictoRIan Christmas Weekend Make Seasonal Crafts | Festive Food & Drink | Father Christmas
Saturday 25 - Sunday 26 November Watts Gallery - Artists’ Village
Guildford GU3 1DQ | wattsgallery.org.uk
Save 20%
book online before 12 Nov ‘17
yuletide fun at...
Ballet Cymru: The Light Princess Tue 05 Dec, 7pm
Clare Teal: Festive Fiesta Fri 08 Dec, 7.30pm
Comedy 4 Kids: Christmas Cracker! Sat 09 Dec, 2pm
The Royal Ballet: The Nutcracker Mon 18 Dec, 7.15pm
NT Live: A Christmas Carol Thu 21 Dec, 7pm
Lost & Found Fri 22 & Sat 23 Dec, 11.30am & 2.30pm
Box office 01252 745444 · farnhammaltings.com 36
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Lights and Decorations. Gifts & Craft items
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Real Non Drop Christmas Trees, and Wreaths
Everything for your Turkey Dinner from our Farm Shop
*From the 20th November
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Monday to Saturday: 9am to 5.30pm Sunday: 10am to 4.30pm
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Noels Farm Shop Blue Shed Coffee House Craft Corner Craft Centre Sutton Green Car Wash The Flower Pot Florist
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DoLittle Pet Supplies The Family Tent Shop Archery & Archery Tag Venue Woking Stove Centre 1st Choice Leisure Buildings Rugged Earth Adventures
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Sutton Green Garden Centre, Guildford Road, Guildford, Surrey GU4 7QA 01483 237832 | Suttongreen78@yahoo.co.uk | www.sutton-green-garden-centre.co.uk
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WHERE TO FIND
Your Christmas Tree
Evergreen trees dressed in their best are central to our enjoyment of Christmas; where we would be without that seasonal ceremony of decking the tree out in all its festive splendour?
Crockford Bridge Farm, Addlestone
Longacres, Bagshot
At Crockford Bridge Farm, there are plenty of hand trimmed premium grade trees to choose from for the perfect Christmas centre piece. All their trees are freshly cut, dug or potted throughout December and will not drop their needles if cared for correctly, unlike some imported trees that may have been cut many weeks in advance. Cut your own for an authentic Christmas experience or choose from a forest of festive firs waiting to fulfil their destiny.
Norway Spruce, Nordmann Fir and Blue Spruce can all be found at Longacres, as well as a selection of seasonal lights, decorations and…presents! There are gifts galore at this lovely garden centre and more than a festive treat or two available from the farm shop. Mince pie anyone? Don’t mind if I do.
crockfordbridgefarm.co.uk
Santa Fir Christmas Tree Farm
RSH Garden, Wisley Order indoor and outdoor trees, reserve and collect your own or have it delivered! Pines and Needles take responsibility to enhance the environment and the wider community through environmentally conscious processes and the delivery of exceptional products and services that enhance people’s lives. Back with lights, stands, garlands and wreaths, the team have everything you need from splendid spruces to decorative delights. pinesandneedles.com
longacres.co.uk
Santa Fir is a family run business specialising in the growing and supply of Christmas trees. With 750,000 trees planted on 8 sites predominantly in the South East, the company is one of the biggest independent growers in England. Santa Fir offers Nordman Fir trees with soft, wide and flat, dark green needles and the classic Norway Spruce, a traditional Christmas tree which has the shape, smell and tradition of Christmas past. santafir.com
Christmas at Chobham Common – Business Event Wednesday 7th December / 11:00am - 3:00pm
Oxenford Farm, Elstead Surrey’s horticultural jewel in the crown at Wisley is a fantastic place to head if you want to soak up the Christmas feels. But RHS Wisley also grow several types of conifers specifically for the Christmas period; glorious, fragrant Christmas Trees that will bring an alpine touch to your living room over the period. There are several types of conifer that can be brought indoors for decorating at Christmas. Most are available as cut trees, but container grown and containerised trees (dug up with roots and plunged into pots) are also available.
An Environmental Challenge Day with a real difference! Give a gift to nature this Christmas by joining other Surrey based companies to help clear Chobham Common of invasive Scots Pine and help build new raised boardwalks. Cut and take home your own Christmas tree, enjoy a campfire lunch, make Xmas wreaths and try some festive treats! Any size group is welcome, from individual employees, corporate teams, guests, clients and spouses/partners – the more the merrier! surreywildlifetrust.org
rhs.org.uk
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Shop Smart. Shop Costco.
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Costco Wholesale is a membership warehouse club, dedicated to bringing our members quality goods and services at the lowest possible prices. We provide a wide selection of merchandise, plus the convenience of speciality departments and exclusive member services, all designed to make your shopping experience a pleasurable one. We are confident in the quality and value of our products, and we stand behind them with our guarantee of satisfaction. The annual membership fee for Standard Trade Membership* is £22 ex VAT (£26.40 inc VAT). The annual membership fee for Standard Individual Membership* is £28 ex VAT (£33.60 inc VAT).
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DRIVING EXPERIENCES AT GOODWOOD The ultimate Christmas gift
goodwood.com
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12 CHRISTMAS CREATIVES:
A Dozen People to Thank for Our Modern 1. JESUS In chronological order, and because he’s got the first bit of the festival named after him, in at the number one spot, it’s that ‘strong and stable’ birth. Our Nativity plays have added a few bits over the years – there was no donkey in the biblical story, and no innkeeper, and possibly no inn. Yes, it does say ‘no room at the inn’, but it could just as easily translate as ‘no space in the room’. Maybe Joseph just got there late to find his extended family had taken over the spare room, and all that was left was the barn. As for the wise men, we’re never told there were three of them – just that they carried three gifts. There might have been two, with one carrying two gifts, or there might have been four, with the one at the back sheepishly holding the card.
2. ST NICHOLAS Three hundred years later, the face of Christmas was a generous bishop who liked to anonymously part with his cash, like TV’s The Secret Millionaire. He famously lobbed a bag of gold through the window of a poor widower and his three daughters, aiming for the stockings warming by the fireside. He did this twice more, but was caught on the third time. He swore the widower to secrecy – who let’s just say probably didn’t keep that secret, because we’re fairly familiar with present-filled stockings, and St Nicholas, to this day.
3. ST FRANCIS OF ASSISI A thousand years later, Christmas in church meant solemn services in Latin. In the Italian countryside, St Francis tried a couple of different things to engage the bored locals. Firstly, he wrote songs in local language, so they understood the words for once, and secondly, he staged the first ever live Nativity play, with real animals and a stone baby Jesus. Soon every European church or wealthy home had a crib scene, and though ours have shrunk, those little models today are down to St Francis. 42
4. EDWARD III I could have picked any medieval English king. They all feasted on every bird and beverage going, from Henry II’s chewy crane (accompanied by his favourite jester, Roland the Farter performing his ‘leap, whistle and fart’ routine) to King John’s 16,000 hens and peacock pie. Edward III, though, had a nice local connection: he decamped his court to Guildford in 1348, spending Halloween to Candlemas (a.k.a Groundhog Day) on a threemonth raucous party of cross-dressing, masks and animal skins. (If you’re a Guildford resident like me, you’ll know little’s changed.)
5. MARTIN LUTHER Luther kickstarted the Reformation five hundred years ago this year, seeing off Christmassy things like the crib-shaped mince pie (replaced by a round one) and an effigy of Mary and Jesus to kiss under (replaced by mistletoe). But they say his more specific Christmas contribution was to be the first to bring a Christmas tree inside and decorate it with candles – and all just to recreate for his wife the beautiful star-lit forest he’d just seen. Aw.
6. OLIVER CROMWELL The nearest English history has to a Grinch, Ollie Crommers stopped Christmas in its tracks by banning it outright in the 1640s. In his defence, it had got a bit out of hand – it was mostly feasting and rioting – but he even disapproved of the church celebrating Christmas. After all, why celebrate Jesus’ birthday, when the only birthdays mentioned in the Bible are of King Herod and Pharaoh in the Joseph Dreamcoat story? Both of them celebrate with beheadings rather than birthday cake and bumps, let alone mince pies.
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Christmas
When he wrote a new book about the history of Christmas, Guildford-based writer and comedian Paul Kerensa discovered a host of generous folks who’ve given us the modern Christmas – and even a few local connections too...
7. WASHINGTON IRVING The world’s first internationally best-selling author, who created Rip Van Winkle, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, nicknamed New York ‘Gotham City’ (later to be adopted as Batman’s place of residence) after a visit to Gotham in Nottinghamshire, and even inspired the word ‘knickers’ and the pudding ‘Knickerbocker Glory’. He also spread the idea of St Nicholas as a wagon-flying giver of gifts to children, and was also inspired by a Christmas trip at the Birmingham mansion of James Watt (of lightbulb wattage fame) to write about the cosy English family Christmas.
8. CHARLES DICKENS “The man who invented Christmas”– but really, he just helped revive it. Dickens took the rosy cosy English Christmas that Irving had just written about, and used it to prompt his rich readers into thinking of the poor Cratchit-like folks at Christmas. A Christmas Carol wasn’t just a huge hit, it actually increased charitable giving. Our ideal ‘White Christmas’ today is largely down to Dickens making his story a snowy one, simply because the author’s first eight Christmases were white. December 1843, when A Christmas Carol hit shelves, was actually one of the mildest on record.
9. VICTORIA (AND ALBERT) Our only woman on the list – shocking. Christmas history is rather sexist (though Mary did quite a bit at the start). Queen Vic shifted the monarchy towards giving rather than gorging at Christmas (alright, gorging too – she could put away a seven-course dinner in just half an hour). Hubby Albert brought Christmas trees over from Germany, and however the popular royals celebrated, everyone else copied.
10. ROWLAND MACY Meanwhile Stateside, Macy’s department store had the first in-store Santa in 1862, plus the first money-back guarantee and the first festive window display. Those displays jumped to London’s Selfridge’s and Harrod’s, starting the Christmas creep as they got them up before their rivals, which led to today’s stores starting the season earlier and earlier.
11. BISHOP EDWARD BENSON Never heard of him? Benson pioneered the Nine Lessons and Carols service in Truro Cathedral in 1880, to lure drunks from the pubs on Christmas Eve. How beautifully beery that first must have sounded... Elsewhere, Benson told his friend Henry James a ghost story, which James turned into festive favourite The Turn of the Screw. One of Benson’s sons wrote ‘Land of Hope and Glory’ too.
12. BING CROSBY Bing’s ‘White Christmas’, the bestselling song of all time, inspired countless Christmas songs, while his Holiday Inn set the bar for Christmas movies. Bing also heavily invested in VHS – so if you grew up watching The Snowman or Home Alone on video, you can thank Bing for that too.
PAUL KERENSA IS AUTHOR OF ‘HARK! THE BIOGRAPHY OF CHRISTMAS’ (published in 2017 by Lion Hudson, RRP £7.99)
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THE HOG’S BACK HOTEL & SPA FA R N H A M
Christmas Parties
THE HOG’S BACK HOTEL & SPA FARNHAM
For a memorable Christmas & New Year, celebrate in true English style this festive season by joining friends and family at the Hog's Back Hotel & Spa, Farnham in our lovely refurbished Park Suite, or in the Hog's Back restaurant. Our timeless elegance and delicious food, combined with fun entertainment is all you need to give your team a well, earned treat or your friends a well timed reunion. Christmas party nights from £29.00!
Contact our Christmas Sales
01252 784889
events@farnhamhogsbackhotel.co.uk
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Download our Christmas brochure online
www.farnhamhogsbackhotel.co.uk Special rates on accomodation in December
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Christmas Party Share Nights
Exclusive Hire & Private Parties
The Conservatory Atrium & Garden Room
Exclusive private hire throughout December package prices from £35.00
Enjoy the magic of Christmas as this magnificent area is transformed into the ultimate Christmas party destination Denbies party share nights are designed to assist with the planning of your party. Denbies fully inclusive packages start from £49 per person Includes drinks on arrival/entertainment/ 3 course meal/½ bottle of wine
Denbies Wine Estate Ltd, London Road, Dorking Surrey RH5 6AA T. 01306 876616 www.denbies.co.uk Email: events@denbiesvineyard.co.uk www.denbies.co.uk
We are more than happy to advise and create tailor made packages on request to suit your individual requirements. • Denbies Cellar – perfect for an early evening reception up to 150 guests • The Garden Room – from 30 – 120 guests • The Conservatory Atrium – reception/private hire from 75 guests* • The Gallery Restaurant – for smaller and more intimate parties, the Gallery is also available for exclusive hire for up to 60 guests
Find us on Facebook
/DenbiesWineEstate
Follow us on twitter
@denbiesvineyard Designed by pre: www.designbypre.com. Photo credits: visit www.denbies.co.uk
celebrate with us Shared Party Nights just £25.00 per person Contact us for more information
surreysportspark.co.uk/thebench
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Victoria’s Kitchen Boutique Cake School in Woking
Providing deliciously fabulous one-day classes for adults and children Classes starting at £50 in our Mayford studio www.victorias-kitchen.com eat@victorias-kitchen.com | 07525 417 645
Christmas Parties THATCHER’S HOTEL, GUILDFORD
Here at The Thatcher’s Hotel we are happy to go the extra mile to make your celebration a memorable occasion for you and your guests. Whether it is a few close friends, all the family or everyone in the office, you can safely leave the planning to us. The team look forward to welcoming you, and would like to wish you good health and happiness this Christmas and for the coming year. We are renowned for the warmth of our welcome and we enjoy hosting Christmas almost as much as our guests enjoy being with us. Our festive celebrations are going to be the best in town, with good food and a great party atmosphere. Party nights and private party nights are available from just £29.95 per person, and there’s a lot to choose from. Download our Christmas brochure online Contact our Christmas Sales
01483 280572 /events@thatchershotel.co.uk
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www.thatchershotel.co.uk
Special rates on accomodation in December
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VILLAGE
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION