VantagePoint Magazine Haslemere, Midhurst & Petworth - February 2015 by VantagePoint Magazine

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Haslemere, Midhurst & Petworth • February 2015

VANTAGEPOINT The local magazine produced by local people for the local community

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TO THE POINT Humphrey writes... It is oﬃcial - I am now a celebrity. I was walking in Godalming with him indoors (he is the one whose picture has been relegated below mine to the right) the week after Christmas and I was cheeringly accosted in the street, having been recognised from this magazine. What fame! As quite the most recognisable person on the team, I have been asked to be the new face of VantagePoint, at least this month. Woof!

Having said that, I am now worried that our ‘Gog’ will pick dogs as his next subject. Except you love us, right? Unlike cyclists it would seem, if the postbag from last month is anything to go by... Humphrey Chairdog

I have suggested to the powers that be that there is not much in the magazine about dogs, or indeed other pets. So look out to see if that Stefan Reynolds gets addressed in future issues, although I’m Editor & Publisher going to have to draw the editorial line at cats. Perhaps you, the reader, would like to send in The local magazine your requests for topics and articles that you’d produced by local like to see covered? If so, you should email people for the local community, editor@vantagepublishing.co.uk and let us know.

The more observant reader might notice that we have moved office - all the way from 6 Chestnut Suite to the rather larger 2 Chestnut Suite. This means that I now have much more space to lounge around and the run of the whole office, which is lovely given the rate I am growing. As an added bonus, I think the new staff also have more room, which I am sure they appreciate. Finally, I have been asked to mention that the answers to the Christmas Quiz are now online at www.vantagepointmag.co.uk together with the winners’ names. Contact the editor: stefan@vantagepublishing.co.uk

VantagePoint is published by Vantage Publishing, a Godalming based local magazine business which was first established in 2009 when we launched our first community magazine. We now publish five community magazines which are delivered monthly by Royal Mail to 107,714 homes across the South East, which gives us the largest local circulation in the local area, all with guaranteed delivery by your postman.

Vantage Publishing Limited 2 Chestnut Suite, Guardian House, Borough Road, Godalming, Surrey GU7 2AE.

Please visit our website or contact any of us below if you need any more information.

01428 770608 01730 770457 Editorial: 01483 421601 Sales:

For more articles and Jottings, visit it us online at

vantagepointmag.co.uk THE VANTAGEPOINT TEAM Marcus Atkins Sales Director marcus@vantagepublishing.co.uk

Trish Soper Sales trish@vantagepublishing.co.uk

Carol Martin Sales carol@vantagepublishing.co.uk

Nick and Angie Crisell Jottings jottings@vantagepublishing.co.uk

February 2015

Contributors: Nick Farley, Andy Goundry, Penny Kitchen, Beth Otway, Catherine Williams Print: Buxton Press Cover: The Bicentenary Glasshouse at Wisley

CONTENTS 14

14 th SALE FE BR END UA S RY 20 15

6 Jottings Your local community noticeboard

LOVE SHUTTERS

8 King Potato Nick Farley on the humble spud

14 Greenhouse Gardening Hints and tips

20 Children’s London for Free Some ideas for February half-term

24 Dennis Brothers The post-war years

26 Garden

20%

Some tasks for February

28 Food

OFF

Pancakes with a difference

32 Walk Goodwood and the West Sussex Literary Trail

35 Profile Surrey Hills Society

38 Business Cards Small ads for trades and services

39 Win Enter our competitions

The contents of this magazine are protected by copyright and nothing can be reprinted without prior permission of the publisher. The publisher has tried to ensure that all information is accurate but does not take any responsibility for any mistakes or omissions. We take no responsibility for advertisments printed in the magazine or loose inserts that might be delivered alongside it. © Vantage Publishing Limited.

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Have You Been Meaning to Write or Update Your Will? One in three people die without a Will. This can cause additional tax and problems and often family disputes. DIY wills may have been a quick solution at the time but they do not usually provide the most tax effective solution. Without a Will: • A surviving spouse may not inherit everything. • A co-habitant has no inheritance rights. • A beneficiary may lose State benefits. • Minor children are taken into care. • The way the state distributes your assets might not be what you would have liked at all. A Will can achieve all of the following: 3 Minimise tax. 3 Ensure that minor children are looked after by your appointed guardians. 3 Ensure that a young person does not inherit at the age of 18. 3 Ensure that your spouse has enough to live on but that your assets do not get swallowed up in Care Fees. 3 Ensure that your partner is provided for but your children inherit ultimately. 3 Ensure means tested benefits are protected. 3 protect your assets from your children’s divorces or business insolvencies. A well written Will can achieve so much and is not a recurring cost.

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Jottings

- YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

The first thing I must mention is that next month Angie and I are handing over the task of writing the jottings to our esteemed editor Stefan. We are off for a holiday to grab some winter sunshine and rather than try to telegraph back our scribblings he has kindly offered to take over for the March edition. This can go one of two ways; we’ll either be welcomed back with open arms or he’ll say it’s a doddle and wonder why he hasn’t always done it himself. Watch this space! Midhurst Decorative and Fine Arts Society’s next lecture on Tuesday 3rd February is ‘Houses and Gardens of Cornwall’ by Helen McCabe, lecturer, author and gardener. Sorry about the short notice. This will be held in the Midhurst Methodist Church Hall. Coffee available from 10 for 10.45am start. Please contact the membership secretary if you would like to attend on 01730 814641 or visit www.sussex.nadfas.net for future lectures. Grayshott Decorative and Fine Arts Society’s next meeting is on Thursday 4th February at 2pm in Grayshott Village Hall. Eveline Eaton will discuss the paintings of Vermeer with their luminous colours and unpretentious subjects. In ‘Vermeer and his Magic’ she will put these exquisite paintings into their context in 17th century Holland. On Wednesday 11th February, they follow-up an earlier lecture which centred on the Royal School of Needlework, with a visit to the School at Hampton Court. Then, on Thursday 5th March, the theme of JanuszKarczewskiSlowikowski’s lecture is ‘Regency Furniture’. The 19th century sabre-leg chair regarded as “the most modern” was in fact a virtual copy of the Klismos of 5AD. It promises to provide a stunningly original interpretation of the styles of classical antiquity. If you would like more information on GDFAS please contact Mrs Caroline Young on 01428 714276.

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Christianity Explored starts Wednesday 4th February, 7.30pm at 3 Counties Church, Hammer GU27 3QW. Whether a convinced atheist or a committed Christian or somewhere in between - this course can help answer life’s big questions, exploring what life is all about. There are 7 sessions that begin with a meal which are then followed by a look at what the Bible really teaches about Jesus in a relaxed and informal way. Contact 3 Counties Church Office on 01428 653011 or office@3countieschurch.org. See www.3countieschurch.org/community/christianityexplored. The Grayshott Flower Club meets on the first Wednesday of each month at Grayshott Village Hall at 7pm for 7.45pm. Visitors and new members are always welcome for an entertaining and informative evening with refreshments and a raffle. Their first meeting in 2015 will be on Wednesday 4th February with a demonstration by Graham King entitled ‘Bursting Full of Colour’. There are a few events worth noting at Winkworth Arboretum in February. On Wednesday 4th February there is the Wednesday Walk from 2 – 3pm. Meet at the kiosk for a seasonal guided walk around the Arboretum. Normal admission applies. Guided walk is free. Children’s Half Term Trail runs from Saturday 14th to Sunday 22nd February from, 10am–4pm. Guaranteed fun, come rain or shine! Get some fresh air as you explore the Arboretum with the children’s trail during this half term holiday. Normal admission plus 50p for trail. Also, ‘Wild Learning’ runs from Tuesday 17th to Thursday 19th February from 10.15am–4pm. Half Term Adventure Holiday Club. Have fun and explore the woods with Wild Learning. For more details, costs and to book, go online at www.wild–learning.net. If you are just retiring or have already retired, why not join Midhurst U3A? They cater for all interests with a lively

Jottings is your community noticeboard for local events and information, edited by Nick and Angie Crisell

To feature here, please email us at jottings@vantagepublishing.co.uk

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King Potato Nick Farley takes a look at the humble spud There is much talk today about how fruit and vegetables will taste much better if you grow them yourself and, better still, if you grow them ‘organically’, rather than buy them from a supermarket or greengrocer. That’s not really a debate that I wish to get drawn into except to say that I learnt from my father at a very early age that the only thing that matters when it comes to the taste of fruit or vegetables is the variety of the particular fruit or vegetable that you’re eating. The taste and flavour comes from the vegetable’s genes. Some taste better than others and growing them yourself is not going to change their flavour. My father was wise in the ways of fruit and veg. He was the buyer for a very big fruit and veg wholesaler who not only supplied the big London vegetable markets but also every kind of outlet from the best London hotels and restaurants to The Royal Navy at Chatham and hundreds of schools in Kent. A commercial grower’s requirements are different from ours and this was never better illustrated than with the tomato called ‘Moneymaker’, which in the 1960s was practically all you could buy in the shops. The clue to its breeding lies in its unashamedly venal name: it was bred to please the commercial growers who wanted a heavy cropper with a skin like a shoe sole so that it didn’t get damaged in transit, and they wanted it to look good too. Taste was not a requirement and consequently it had no taste. None. It was just a good looking red container for water. Even if it had 8

been grown to perfection by The Angel Gabriel it would still have tasted of absolutely nothing. However, you can certainly make a difference by growing your own, not because you will grow things better than the farmer, because you probably won’t, but because you can choose the varieties you want to grow. You can choose the best varieties, you can avoid the ‘Moneymakers’ of this world and grow theGold Roast Mayan tastiest varieties which are either difficult or impossible to buy in the supermarket. This is particularly true in the wonderful world of the potato. I am an unashamed potato-ist and I get a little peeved when people speak dismissively of the “humble” potato; the potato is far from humble. The potato is the king of vegetables. It is a vegetable of infinite culinary range and possibility. No other vegetable can be successfully cooked in so many different ways. No other vegetable is considered to be an essential component of virtually every main course meal. Indeed, in the clichéd ‘meat and two veg’ the potato is not actually mentioned because it is automatically assumed to be present; it is not one of the two (implicitly lesser) vegetables. Meat and two veg actually means meat and potato and two veg. It simply goes without saying that potatoes will be part of the meal. If you were served meat with just carrots and cabbage you would ask “Where are the potatoes?” The potato is far too important to be thought of as mere ‘veg’. Choosing the right potato for a meal makes a huge difference. When did you ever hear any of those TV chefs name the variety of potato they are using for a particular dish? Do they assume it doesn’t matter? Potatoes are specialists: some, if you like, are batsmen and others are bowlers; some are sopranos and others are basses. They really are that different. Some potatoes are great for mashing, some for roasting or chipping and some for salads. Some have flavour and some don’t. The texture and the tastes vantagepointmag.co.uk

vary hugely. It is true that there are some potatoes that claim to be ‘all-rounders’ and are good for everything but since the characteristics needed for mashing and roasting are rather different I don’t really see how this can be the case. Although I admit that there are one or two utilitarian varieties that make a passable fist of doing several jobs. But why make a passable fist of something when you can do it superbly? Whilst it is, of course, possible to grow your own potatoes it simply isn’t realistic to grow several varieties and, much more importantly, it is definitely impossible to keep them in good condition for any length of time after harvesting. Believe me, I’ve tried. Potatoes need to be kept in the dark and to be stored at the right temperature. Just chucking them in a sack in your shed is not going to do it. Fortunately for me, a potato lovers potato heaven exists just outside Tenterden, Kent in the form of The Potato Shop, a place where the potato is not humble and where it is rightfully lauded. When I first encountered the place I couldn’t believe that there was actually a shop devoted to potatoes. It’s not that long ago when a King Edward was one of the very few named varieties of potato available to us. Many places simply called potatoes ‘reds’ or ‘whites’. Today at The Potato Shop you will find all the usual well-known varieties such as the ubiquitous King Edward, Désirée and Wilja, but it’s their range of the uncommon and unusual varieties like Vitelotte, Mayan Gold and Pink Fir Apple that make the place so attractive to me. It’s not possible here to list and describe every potato they grow, the list is long, but I must mention a couple of my favourites. I had long held the view that far and away the best roasting potato is the old Victorian variety Golden Wonder (the one the crisps were named after) until, that is, Nicki Crawley, at the Shop, introduced me to Mayan Gold. Golden Wonder is unquestionably a roaster par excellence but Mayan Gold pips it I think. You simply must try Mayan Gold, but don’t par-boil for too long – it falls apart very quickly and suddenly. If you want to impress everyone at Sunday lunch with your magnificent roast potatoes this is the potato to do it, but don’t try them for anything other than roasting or chipping. Many years ago in the early 1970s I read about a very old potato called Pink Fir Apple and I tried to track it down. However it was quite impossible to get seed then. It had virtually disappeared from culture because of a virus which had infected all existing stock, but eventually new propagation techniques enabled clean stock to be produced and now this wonderful potato is well known. The Potato Shop has it, of course, and they believe that they are the biggest grower of this special potato in the country and it is their best seller. It’s a knobbly old thing, the Pink Fir Apple, and that is why most people tend not peel it, in fact not peeling potatoes is becoming de rigueur. I am decidedly a peeler. I always peel potatoes, but each to his own I suppose. Anyway, Pink Fir Apple is one of those waxy varieties that make wonderful salad potatoes and as this variety holds well it is also excellent as a simple boiled potato with good texture and great flavour. February 2015

Right - clockwise from top left: Vitelotte; Mayan Gold; La Ratte; Pink Fir Apple

Another potato which I didn’t know until Nicki gave me some to try is a 200 year old French variety called Vitelotte. This has a dark purple skin and unlike some potatoes with coloured skins its flesh is also coloured and retains its colour when cooked. This looks spectacular in a salad and it makes the most wonderful mash too. However, I can understand that not everyone wants purple mash! In any case the reason to try it is not because of its colour but simply because it tastes good, although there will be occasions when you can capitalise on its colour for some culinary visual effect too. Some of these potatoes are not heavy croppers and some are more difficult to grow and to keep than the more commonly grown commercial varieties and this consequently, and understandably, means that they will cost more. But in just the same way that we are prepared to pay a premium for the best cheese, meat or wine so we must expect to pay more for the best potatoes. They are definitely worth it. Gone are the days when potatoes were advertised simply as ‘reds’ or ‘whites’ and I urge you to take advantage of the amazing choice that exists out there. You will find that Edward is not the only Majestic potato. FIND OUT MORE

For more details about The Potato Shop, please visit www.thepotatoshop.com. They do sell by mail order, please call 01580 766866 or email potatoshop@morghew.com for further details.

Jottings - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

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variety of Groups ranging from creative writing, digital photography, computers and poetry to French, Latin, art history, walking, wine tasting and singing. There are more than 40 to choose from and if it isn’t there the remedy is easy – just start another. On the third Tuesday of each month they meet at 2.30pm in the Midhurst Methodist Church Hall for a get together and an interesting talk by an expert. In February James Burns is talking about his work with the charity Help for Heroes and in March Judi Darley will be describing her job as Activities Oﬃcer with Chichester Harbour Conservancy. They warmly welcome new members – both couples and singles. For further information, look on their website – www.midhurstu3a. org.uk or contact the membership secretary on 01730 813374.

for February is Wednesday 4th, Print Competition R3 Beaton Cup - Set subject ‘Transport’. Judge - Rob de Ruiter. Wednesday 11th, Practical Evening – Lighting. On Wednesday 18th February there is a Speaker. Alan Fretten will give a presentation ‘Trans-Siberian Odyssey’. Alan has been widely published with his pictures of the rock bank Wishbone Ash and has been a ﬁnalist in the Wanderlust Travel Photo of the year four times. The Trans-Siberian is one of the great railways of the world and this journey will take you through Russia, Mongolia and into China from Moscow to Beijing, 7,865 kilometres through eight diﬀerent time zones! This is an illustrated travel talk with a couple of short A/V’S thrown in for good measure. There is a small charge of £5 for non-members for speaker and Practical Evenings.

Haslemere Library is hosting a display called ‘Magna Carta - Law and Legacy’ from Wednesday 4th to Tuesday 10th February. It will be on display during usual opening hours (closed Mondays) and includes a Magna Carta facsimile on loan from Lincoln Cathedral. Find out about the history and myths of this hugely important document and how it has inﬂuenced our laws, past and present. For more information phone 0300 200 1001 and ask for Haslemere Library.

Do you love Mozart choruses? Haslemere Musical Society invites all interested singers to join this widely popular community singing event. Their annual Come and Sing activity will take place at St. Christopher’s Church, Haslemere on Saturday 7th February and will feature choruses from Mozart’s Requiem. The conductor will once again be Christopher Hann and the accompanist for the rehearsal will be well-known local composer Clive Osgood. The event starts at 2pm and singers will be joined by the society’s orchestra for a ﬁnal performance at 6pm. Interested singers and groups wanting to book are invited to contact treasurer Kate McWhirter on 01428 609203 or go onto the HMS website www.hmsoc.org.uk.

Midhurst Camera Club holds their Wednesday meetings at Cowdray Hall, Parkway, Easebourne, Midhurst GU29 0AW. They start at 7.30 for 7.45pm. The programme

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Jottings - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

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Midhurst Garden Club is holding the next meeting on Monday 9th February at the South Downs Memorial Hall North Street. The speaker will be Mark Saunders, head gardener at Fittleworth House. Refreshments will be available from 7pm and the talk will commence at 7.30pm. Visitors will be very welcome and the entry fee is £2 which includes tea/coffee and a biscuit. For more information contact Denise Skinner on 01730 814194. The Fintry Trust in Brook, Godalming is holding some interesting events in February. On Monday 9th, there is a Quiet Day on the theme of Julian of Norwich’s revelations of Divine Love with Rev. Camilla White. Cost £10. Take a packed lunch, drinks provided. 10am -3.30pm at Fintry, Church Lane, Brook, Godalming GU8 5UQ. Then on Saturday 21st, The Divine Comedy - second of a 3-part series looking at Dante’s work with Dr Jeremy Naydler, Fellow of the Temenos Academy. Cost £25. Take a packed lunch, drinks provided. 10am -3.30pm. Finally, ‘8 Steps to Mindfulness’ will be held over two weekends (Friday 27th February – 1st March and Friday 20th – Sunday 22nd March). A mindfulness course taught by two certified MBSR trainers. Total cost is £390 for full board, £312 for non-residents. To book or for details on all these events, go to fintry.administrator@btconnect.com, or phone 01428 682621. Pilates classes are held weekly in Fernhurst, Hascombe and Cranleigh and massage clinics are also available. For

more information please contact Laura at kaizen.pilates@ outlook.com or 07557 018276. More News on the 100 Years Anniversary Celebrations of the founding of the Women’s Institute. A Baton left Anglesey on 1st January 2014 and will arrive at the Royal Albert Hall on 4th June this year. WI has its origins in Ontario Canada, when in 1892 isolated communities were brought together and offered education in home economics and agriculture. In 1915 the movement came to Llanfairpg on Anglesey, and encouraged women to grow and preserve food for a war-torn nation. As the WI spread and grew it broadened its social and educational aspects and continues to offer friendship and opportunity to all women. On this note Bramshott Monday Afternoon Group would like to extend a warm welcome to all ladies to the Church Centre Liphook. They meet on the second Monday of each month. Their current programme includes: History of Knitting; Story Telling as entertainment - together with craft and luncheon groups. Tel. Christine Weller on 01428 712593 for more information. Haslemere U3A’s next meeting is on Monday 9th February at 2pm in Haslemere Hall. The talk is entitled ‘All Year Round Colour in Your Garden’ and the speaker is Geoff Hawkins, broadcaster and gardening consultant, and former head gardener at Mill Court estate near Alton. Admission £2. Non members welcome. If you are interested in joining or need further information, call

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Jottings - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD either the membership secretary Margaret Mowatt on 01428 652338 or the meetings secretary Alan Davis 01428 717115. Grayshott Folk Club’s next gig is taking place at St Alban’s Church, Tilford Road, Hindhead GU26 6RB. It takes place on Friday 13th February and features a band called ‘Fernhill’ (www.fernhill.info or www.youtube. com/watch?v=vo2E7VtigLg). They are from Wales and make new, beautifully lyrical and intense folk music which they have played to audiences all over the world. Central to their sound is the voice of Julie Murphy, described by Time Out as “a must hear, must see singer”. Her fans include music legends Robert Plant and Danny Thompson, both of whom have recorded with her. Adult Tickets £12, Children under 16 £6. Call Des O’Byrne on 01428 607096. ‘Swinging to Victory’ is on Saturday 14th February at 2.30pm at G Live in Guildford. In partnership with The Royal British Legion, this is a celebration of the morale boosting hits performed by the star singers and big bands of the 1939 to 45 period – many of which have become the classics of today. Performed by a full 17 piece Big Band and 4 Singers the performance features over 30 memorable songs including We’ll Meet Again, I’ll Be Seeing You, Moonlight Serenade, Serenade in Blue, What a Swell Party, Ma I miss your apple pie, and I’ve Got Sixpence. There will be Big Band Classics from Count Basie, Tommy Dorsey, Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman plus many more,

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as well as hit songs of the period as sung by Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra and Ann Shelton. 50% of the Astor Big Band’s profit, plus a collection at this performance, will be donated to the Royal British Legion, so please do dig deep for this fantastic cause. To book, call 014383 739047 or go to www.GLive.co.uk Don’t go breaking any hearts this Valentine’s Day! Book tickets for Kiki and Carmelo’s spellbinding acoustic live show! It’s on Saturday 14th February at 8pm in The Cranleigh Arts Centre. 2013 marked Kiki’s 50th year in the music industry and has cemented her status as one of the UK’s finest and most revered vocalists. To celebrate, the duo released their critically acclaimed album ‘A Place Where I Can Go’ which features the haunting duet ‘Horses’ with Scottish singer Eddi Reader. Join Kiki and Carmelo for an acoustic journey of stories and song which include covers of songs by artists such as Kate Bush and Frank Sinatra and of course Kiki’s own hits ‘Don’t Go Breaking My Heart’, ‘I Got the Music in Me’ and ‘Amoreuse’ Tickets are £20, or £18 if purchased in advance. Call 01483 278001 or go to www.cranleighartscentre.org. For music lovers in Haslemere and the surrounding area, HHH will be presenting its final two concerts of the season in the New Year at St Christopher’s Church, Wey Hill, Haslemere on Saturday 14th February and Saturday 21st March at 7.30pm. The February concert is. ‘Food of Love’ the Amaryllis Consort presents a delightful programme of songs

Lynn Henderson t: 01483 901060

e: lynn@hendersonsfamilylaw.co.uk

For all family law matters: • Specialist legal advice • Collaborative law • Mediation FREE initial half hour The White House, 2a Meadrow, Godalming, Surrey GU7 3HN 01483 901060 www.hendersonsfamilylaw.co.uk February 2015

Rebecca Dziobon t: 01483 901058

e: rebecca@hendersonsfamilylaw.co.uk

Samantha Mabey t: 01483 901057

e: samantha@hendersonsfamilylaw.co.uk

Paul Linsell t: 01483 901060

e: paul@hendersonsfamilylaw.co.uk

Greenhouse Gardening Keen greenhouse gardener Penny Kitchen learned a few tips from Gardeners’ Question Time expert Anne Swithinbank, and offers some advice of her own. I became a ‘real’ gardener the day I got my first greenhouse. Armed with that little 5ft x 7ft structure I soon realised I could dramatically increase both my garden production and enjoyment. Of course, with a greenhouse comes a whole new panoply of problems to contend with: overcrowding, ventilation, insulation, seedlings drying out too fast or damping off, thriving pests... But I haven’t met a greenhouse gardener yet who doesn’t think the advantages outweigh these frustrations.

Above: The Palm House and Parterre at Kew

Below: An attractive, useful addition to any garden

restored walled garden. As visitors to the gardens and their popular Chilli Fiesta know, they are packed full of seasonal fruit and vegetables, as well as exotic ﬂowers. “Any kind of cover can revolutionise your gardening,” said Anne. “You’ll ﬁnd you can steal a march on the season and soil conditions by raising young plants in pots and modules for planting out later.”

While visiting West Dean Gardens near Chichester I had the chance to pick the brains of down-to-earth expert Anne Swithinbank of the long-running Radio 4 programme Gardeners’ Question Time. A Kewtrained horticulturist and former glasshouse supervisor at the RHS Gardens, Wisley, there isn’t much she doesn’t know about gardening under glass.

Anne’s parents bought Anne her first greenhouse when she was 11 years old, but today she is equally a fan of simple cold frames and porches. “Use as wide a range as you can to extend your growing season.” She recommends using greengrocers’ boxes filled with compost to grow salad leaves and parsley which, she had proved would germinate in winter: “I have to take photos for magazine articles in winter, which is how I learned that this can be done.”

West Dean has 16 Victorian glasshouses situated within the

Another suggestion: if your greenhouse roof is high enough,

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use raised bed kits in there to grow everything from carrots to brassicas. Unheated Apart from extending the growing season, a greenhouse is a boon for protecting tender plants in winter, although Anne admitted she no longer heats her Devon greenhouse and uses ﬂeece to protect her really tender plants. This not only saves fuel but, in fact, her plants seem to thrive.

stages, not going from starter pot to large pot in one fell swoop “otherwise the roots will suﬀocate”.

Above: Exotics in a porch

If you are getting on in years and ﬁnding the garden chores too much, Anne recommends a greenhouse for pottering and perhaps inspiring a collection of decorative plants. “Everyone seems to be growing vegetables these days,” she said, “however a greenhouse enables you to extend your passion for beautiful plants.”

Grow your own Start garlic oﬀ under glass, one clove per small pot, along with broad beans, to get a head start. Some annual ﬂowering climbers do better in a greenhouse, so why not train one up the frame where it can provide gentle shading as well?

Buying and setting up “Buy the biggest greenhouse you can aﬀord,” was her advice, “and absolutely don’t buy one without one or more roof vents. Ask for extra louvres for a side wall.” Even in winter you still need ventilation to avoid grey mould.

A cold frame is a very useful stage between greenhouse and garden, enabling seedlings to harden oﬀ before they face the elements. Save money by raising your bedding plants from seed – it’s possible with a greenhouse. Grow tender plants such as chillis, basil and cape gooseberries which require under-glass protection.

Shading paint is the simple and inexpensive way to protect plants from scorching. In the hot weather, also remember to hose down hard surfaces, which will keep humidity-loving pests like red spider mite at bay.

Another big advantage to being the owner of a greenhouse is that you can keep uncommon plants such as Gloriosa lily from year to year instead of resigning yourself to their loss over the winter. In fact, if you keep other lilies in pots in the greenhouse they will remain safe from the lily beetle, which can devastate the plant outdoors.

If you have a group of related plants in the same size pots, then capillary matting in a tray is the easy way to keep them watered. Don’t forget to feed “Amateur gardeners never feed plants enough,” said Anne. “After six weeks the compost nutrients are used up and you must provide your plants with more – nitrogen-rich during active growth and high potash in winter to toughen the plants. In commercial glasshouses where the temperature is maintained, they feed the plants throughout the winter.” The other ‘sin’ is failing to pot-on enough. The plants’ roots require repotting in incremental February 2015

Anne’s advice to “inspect your plants with your glasses on!” struck a chord with me! She pointed out that unless you are sharp-eyed, plants in your greenhouse can become host to scale insect, mealy bug and other pests without you realising, until you ﬁnd yourself with a serious infestation. “Try SB Plant Invigorator (an environmentally friendly pesticide, mildewcide and foliar feed) or soft soap solution, but if after a couple of sprays, the problem persists, it is time to try biological controls,” she said.

Below: Anne Swithinbank

Famous nearby glasshouses to visit West Dean The 16 splendid glasshouses were all built between 1890 and 1900 and were completely derelict before their restoration in the early 1990s (see overleaf). They are magniﬁcent 15

examples of Victorian craft and ingenuity, but are very labour intensive. They are repainted on a four-year cycle; the exteriors over summer when the weather is kinder, and the interiors over winter when the houses can be emptied. In addition they are hand scrubbed from top to bottom, inside and out, each winter, a process that takes two gardeners two months to complete. There is always colour on display from the large collection of plants on show, including exotic plants, orchids, strawberry plants, ﬁgs, nectarines and peaches. www.westdean.org.uk/garden/home.aspx

RHS Gardens, Wisley Building on the cathedral-like glass structure of the Bicentenary Glasshouse at Wisley started in 2005. It covers an area equal in size to 10 tennis courts and rises to 140ft in height. It has three climatic zones, recreating tropical, moist temperate and dry temperate habitats. The Glasshouse showcases a world-class plant collection – the RHS’s extensive tender plant collection is housed here, including diﬃcult to grow, rare and endangered species, hundreds of orchid species and old cultivars of Solenostemon (Coleus), among others. Entering The Glasshouse is like walking into a jungle with tree ferns, tall palms, lush-leaved creepers and dazzling ﬂower displays. Visitors to The Glasshouse from 17th February to 8th March will enjoy the colourful added bonus of 16

the annual ‘Butterﬂies in the Glasshouse’ event, something to thrill all ages. www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley

Kew Gardens You are spoiled for choice at Kew Gardens: glasshouses at this world-famous site range from the grand Temperate House (above) down to the more intimate and elegant Waterlily House. Both of these are Victorian masterpieces. The Temperate House is the largest surviving Victorian glasshouse in the world, covering 4,880 square metres and extending to 19 metres high. It was built to house the many species of semi-hardy and temperate plants Victorian plant collectors were bringing back from around the globe. Unfortunately for today’s visitors, but a good thing for future generations, the Temperate House is closed until 2018 for vital restoration. There is a fascinating short video on Kew’s website showing the work involved in moving some 4,000 precious plants and repairing the structure which ﬁrst opened to the public in 1863. Other glasshouses at Kew include the Princess of Wales conservatory (opened in 1987, and containing 10 computer-controlled climatic zones under one roof), the Davies Alpine House and the Bonsai House. www.kew.org

Penny Kitchen is a Farnham based writer and editor. She can be reached by email at penny.kitchen@ btopenworld.com.

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and readings from Shakespeare sonnets and plays. Perfect for Valentine’s Day! The March event is a celebrity concert given by the distinguished pianist John Lill, performing: Mozart: Sonata in F, K332; Schumann: ‘Carnival Jest from Vienna’ Op 26; Prokofiev: Toccata in D minor, Op 11; Brahms: Three Intermezzi, Op 117, Eb, Bbminor, C#minor; Beethoven: Sonata in F minor Op 57 ‘Appassionata’. For tickets (£18 each) please make cheques payable to HHH Concerts and post with stamped, self-addressed envelope to: Alastair Vartan, Rosewood, Park Road, Haslemere GU27 2NJ. Tel: 01428 652448. Haslemere Natural History Society’s next talk is entitled ‘The Gargano - Its Amazing Fauna and Flora’. It’s on Saturday 14th February at 2.15pm at Haslemere Educational Museum. Andrew Cleave makes a welcome return to talk about this region, a little-known corner in south-east Italy bordering the Adriatic, which is dominated by a mountain range rising to over 3,000 feet. At its feet in the coastal plain are two salt lakes. Gargano is known as ‘the Orchid Capital of Europe’ and is rich in wild flowers, birds, butterflies and reptiles. Monte Gargano is also a place of pilgrimage being the site of the oldest shrine in Western Europe, dedicated to the archangel Michael. Non-members are very welcome but are invited to contribute £3. More information at www. haslemerenaturalhistorysociety.org.uk or email: info@ haslemerenaturalhistorysocietyorg.uk .

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There’s a Valentine’s Dinner and Auction of Promises in aid of the Museum in a Million campaign which will be taking place at the Georgian House Hotel in Haslemere. It’s on Saturday 14th February at 7pm. Tickets for this black tie event are £45 each and the auction of ‘promises’ will follow a delicious three course dinner with the evening concluding with dancing, courtesy of Twilights Disco. Included in the auction are holiday lets in Florida, the Isle of Wight, Cornwall, France and the Lake District, tickets for Wimbledon, a doggy holiday, an oil sketch portrait by renowned local artist Roger Dellar, a photographic sitting with Peter Searight of The Remarkable Studio and lots, lots more. Tickets for this event are on sale now from Rebecca McLusky-Cannings on 01428 642112. If you have an item or a promise that you are happy to donate to this event then Rebecca would love to hear from you! Another alternative for something to do on Valentine’s night is to go to the cinema. Fernhurst Films have a remarkable knack of selecting some top rate films, many of which haven’t had the publicity they deserve and have therefore slipped through the net of the discerning filmgoer. On Saturday 14th February they are screening ‘Belle’ as usual, in the Village Hall. It has an amazing cast including Tom Wilkinson, Emily Watson, Penelope Wilton and Miranda Richardson. ‘Belle’ is inspired by the true story of Dido Elizabeth Belle (GuguMabatha-Raw), the illegitimate mixed race daughter of a British Navy officer who finds herself entangled in the social mores of 18th

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century Britain. Raised by her great uncle Lord Mansfield (Tom Wilkinson), Dido Belle enjoys the privileges that her father’s family ties allow. Although, due to the colour of her skin, she is not permitted to fully join polite society. However, true love could have other implications when she meets vicar’s son John Davinier (Sam Reid), a passionate campaigner for the abolition of slavery. This lustrous film was partly shot at Kenwood House, providing a visual feast as a bonus. Doors open 7pm, film starts 7.30pm Duration 104mins Rated: PG. Whilst mentioning Fernurst Films, they sent us a lovely email. “Great success! The last time we had a full house at Fernhurst was when we showed our very first film 8 years ago, and on Saturday we did it again with The 100 Year Old Man... It really was a mini triumph and we have you to thank for that because there were so many people there for the first time from all over who told us they’d read about it in VantagePoint, your ears should have been burning!”. Just goes to show how widely VantagePoint is read, so keep sending in those Jottings and if you run a business, why not advertise with us? If the children have been stuck indoors this winter, then February half term, 14th to 22nd, is the perfect opportunity for the family to get outside and have some holiday fun at beautiful National Trust places near you. Join in for some outdoor escapades; pull on your wellies and rush through gardens on an adventure trail, make

pancakes around the camp fire, or crafty artworks in a mansion. You could also try ticking off some of the Trust’s ‘50 Things to do before you’re 11 ¾’ challenges such as hunting for bugs, building dens and making mud pies. Visit www.50things.org.uk for lots of ideas to get cracking. A great example of what’s on offer from the National Trust during half term is taking place at Nymans, Handcross RH17 6EB. Nymans’ extensive gardens are full of nooks and crannies for children – perfect for young explorers. Follow the new Winter Adventure Trail, performing fun tasks and solving riddles and clues to discover the gardener’s hidden secrets of winter life. It runs from 14th – 22nd February from 10.30am – 3.30pm, normal admission plus £2. For further information on all National Trust events in London and the South East, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/southeast. The Liphook & District Model Railway Club, entering its 51st year, will be exhibiting at the forthcoming Midhurst Modellers Show at the new Grange Leisure Centre Midhurst on Sunday 15th February. Three member’s layouts, Tellurium Canyon in United States H0N30 scale by Matt Wildsmith, Ehrwald in German N scale by Ben Russ and Idylton Vale in British 00 scale by Tony Bettger, together with a modelling demonstration by Andrew King, will form part of the model railway section of the show. The club looks forward to meeting many of its modelling colleagues and those interested in taking up the hobby. Find out more at www.millandvalleyrailway.co.uk.

Make your home home stand Make your stand out out with beautiful,quality qualitylighting lighting with beautiful,

LIGHTING Showroom open 9:00am - 5:30pm Monday - Saturday Elstead Lighting Ltd, Elstead House, Mill Lane, Alton, Hampshire, GU34 2QJ Tel: 01420 590510

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Jottings - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD If you are planning a wedding this year you might be interested in popping along to the Wedding Fair which is being held at Farnham Maltings on Sunday 15th February from 11am to 3,30pm. The Maltings Valentine Wedding Fair has around 50 wedding services oﬀering everything from Bridal gowns and jewellery to cakes and wedding venues. Browse at your leisure at the event which is sure to be an essential part of your wedding planning! Free entry. For more information visit www. prestigeweddingfairs.co.uk. In February Haslemere Decorative and Fine Arts Society (HDFAS) will be distracted from the British winter by a talk by Marilyn Elm on the Brazilian landscape designer Roberto Burle Marx. The lecture, entitled ‘A Brazilian Odyssey: The Works Of The Artist And Landscape Designer Roberto Burle Marx’, will reveal the many aspects of this artist’s career who as well as producing contemporary modernist designs in the Americas, collaborating with many Brazilian architects, was also an amateur botanist and expert horticulturalist. The lecture takes place at Haslemere Hall on Tuesday 17th February at 2pm. Visitors are very welcome. For more details about the Society please contact HDFAS Membership Secretary Sue Wright on 01428 683578 or email membership@haslemeredfas. org.uk. Further information about all the Society’s future activities can be found on HDFAS website at www. haslemeredfas.org.uk.

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Liphook W.I. is hoping to get in shape for the coming spring with a talk on Pilates at their next meeting. These are held on the third Wednesday of every month in the Village Hall at 7.30pm which in February will be the 18th. The special interest groups have got off to a flying start although they could do with a few more scrabble players. Visitors are very welcome particularly if new to the district, for any further information please telephone Christine Chubb on 01428 723957. After the January social, Chiddingfold Horticultural Society’s first talk of the 2015 season will be on ‘Winkworth Arboretum’. This will be at 8pm on Wednesday 18th February in the Village Hall in Coxcombe Lane and visitors are welcome to go along. ‘Life as a Bunny Girl’ will be the subject of the Speaker, Gillian Parker, at the next meeting of Stedham WI - to be held in Stedham Memorial Hall at 7.30 p.m. on Thursday 19th February. Visitor’s welcome - £1 entrance fee. For further information please contact Vanessa on 01730 817547. Prepare to quake in your boots at a giant panto spectacular this February from Liphook’s Methodist Amateur Dramatic (MAD) Company, on Friday 20th February at 7.30pm and on Saturday 21st February at 3pm and 7.30pm, on stage at Bohunt Liphook. Just when you thought that Christmas and the panto season

s ’ n e r d l i Ch

London for Free

With London less than an hour by train, why not visit the capital with the children or grandchildren for a half-term or weekend treat. We have picked three good, and free, reasons to visit the West End in February, all extracted from a great book called Little London. There is much to do in London that is free all year round, all you have to do is get there. The good news is that children under 5 travel free at any time on London buses, the tube, Docklands Light Railway (DLR), and London Overground (London trains) when accompanied by an adult with a valid ticket. All children aged 5-10 years can travel for free anywhere at any time without a ticket on buses and up to four children between 5-10 years accompanying an adult who has a valid ticket or Oyster card can travel for free without a ticket or Oyster photocard on the tube, DLR, and London Overground.

Don’t forget that parking is free in many places on a Sunday and no congestion charge will apply, so you might want to consider driving.

Little London: Child-friendly Days Out and Fun Things To Do by Kate Hodges and Sunshine Jackson. Publishing by Virgin Books, £12.99 Illustrations © Nicole Thompson

Dance with dragons Dance dragons at Chinese Newwith Year*

The parades generally start around 10am, with the main ‘Dotting of the Eye’ ceremony at noon in the square. 008_115_Little_London.indd 29

The National Gal family fun on Sundays Visit www.nation ~P Somerset House run f each Saturday afternoC and some sessions www.somerse 29

at Chinese New Year*

Chinese New Year always makes us aware of Chinatown itself is always rammed, but if Chinatown itself is always rammed, but Chinese New Year always makes us aware of the amazing benefits of living in multicultural you’re explore its narrow streets Chinese New Year always makesfeeling us awarebrave, of Chinatown itself is always rammed, but if if you’re feeling brave, explore its(and narrow the amazing benefi ts of living in multi cultural the amazing benefits ofand livingback in multicultural London. The biggest official celebration outside you’reauthentic feeling brave, explore its narrow streets alleys for a more streets and back alleys for a more authenti London. The biggest offi cial celebrati on London. The biggest official celebration outside and back alleys for a more authentic Asia takes place every year in Trafalgar Square. loud) experience. Try some dim sum, hear ear- c (and Asia takes place every year in Trafalgar Square. loud) experience. Try some dim sum, hear ear(and loud) experience. Tryoff some sum, outside Asia takes place year in It’s crammed with the stuffevery that kids love: splitting being let in thedim street and It’s crammed with the stuff that kidsfireworks love: splitting fireworks being let off in the street and dragons and lions,It’s martial arts (with sticks!), get chased by enormous Kung hear earsplitti ng fireworks let off in the Trafalgar Square. crammed with theand stuff dragons lions, martial arts (with sticks!), getdancing chasedbeing by dragons. enormous dancing dragons. Kung magic, firecrackers, noodles, drums and loads of Hei Fat Choi! magic, firecrackers, noodles, drums and loads of Hei Fat Choi! street and get chased by enormous dancing that kids love: dragons and lions, people martihaving al arts fun (if you’ve got really little ones, people fun (if you’ve got really little ones, dragons. Kung Choi! we’d take a backpack or carrier rather than a Hei Fat (with stihaving cks!), magic, firecrackers, noodles, 27 Gerrard Street, W1D 6JN we’d take a backpack or carrier rather than a The parades27generally Gerrard start Street, W1D 6JN chinatownlondon.org pushchair). around drums and loads of people having fun (if Free 10am,around with the main ‘Dotting of the Eye’ chinatownlondon.org pushchair). The parades generally start The main parade is on Sunday 22nd February 2015. ceremony square. you’ve got really litt‘Dotting le ones,ofwe’d take a at noon in theFree 27 Gerrard Street, W1D 6JN 10am, with the main the Eye’ Charing Cross, Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus The main parade is on Sunday 22nd February 2015. backpack carrier rather than a pushchair). chinatownlondon.org ceremonyor at noon in the square. Charing Cross, Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus Free FEBRUARY The main parade is on Sunday 22nd February 2015.

FEBRUARY

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LIT

CHILDREN FOOD

Let your imagination run Every year, over the spring half-term holiday,

Every year, over the spring half-term Centre holiday, theaSouthbank the Southbank hosts fun-packed series Centre hosts a fun-packed seriesgeared of events geared of events totally aroundtotally kids’ literature and performing performing arts. There areare shows, live around kids’ literature and arts. There shows, bands and lots of viti book-related live bands and lots of book-related acti es (thereactivities are over(there 60 are over 60 separate events taking place over separate events taking place over the week-and-a-bit festival). the week-and-a-bit festival). We especially We especially love the free art free workshops led byled children’s love the art workshops by children’s illustrators (our lot adored the pop-up-bookmaking class they illustrators (our lot adored the pop-up-bookmaking class they attended), the truly groundattended), the truly groundbreaking interacti ve theatre events interactive theatre events and superand superspecial authorbreaking readings. special author readings. As well as paid-for shows and classes,

As well as paid-for shows and classes, there’s tons of free stuﬀ there’s tons of free stuff happening. Maybe happening. Maybe you’ll stumble across a adinosaur-petti ng zoo, zoo,a you’ll stumble across dinosaur-petting a bicycle-powered discobicycle-powered or an opera fordisco babies. it allfor gets too If or anIfopera babies. it all gets too much, 2 there’s a parenting room on much, there’s a parenting room on Level for quiet time and Level for quiet time and breastfeeding. breastfeeding. Tiny bums will2 appreciate the small toilets onTiny the will appreciate the small toilets on the Spirit Level at the Royalbums Festi val Hall. Spirit Level at the Royal Festival Hall. Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX

wild

at the Imagine Children’s Snuggle Festival* with a cl

at Th

Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX southbankcentre.co.uk southbankcentre.co.uk The Mediatheque at the BFI is a great place to spend a 020 7960 4200 020wintry 7960 4200 afternoon. The room, packed with viewing stations, Free–£££ Free–£££ is where the public can access the BFI’s vast archives Open 9th to 22nd February 2015 Open 9th to 22nd February 2015 of ﬁlms, TV programmes, public information shorts and Waterloo, Embankment, Charing Cross

For more ideas, visit www.golondon.about. com/od/londonforfree

childr place on the (espe The screen visit t you co café’s

adverts, then settle down to watch them. You simply go There’s a great selection of chain cafés around the Southbank in, tellourreception how long you’d like staybut and they’ll complex; kids absolutely adore Wagamama andto Giraffe, you’re alsoyou moreto than welcome to bring food and eat the it show your screen, andyour youown can browse collection at the tables in the foyer spaces. from there. There are themed collections available (retro

Snuggle up with a classic tv show at The Mediatheque 36

LITTLE LONDON

P O P CORN

008_115_Little_London.indd 36

llery offers free s and in the holidays. nalgallery.org.uk. ~P O P free family workshops oon for 6-12 year olds CORN s for under 5s too. ethouse.org.uk

TTLE LONDON

February 2015

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children’s telly treasure trove The Kids Are Alright is a great (especially at weekends), book in advance The Mediatheque at the BFI is a great place to start), or create your own playlist. You can turn up 14 LITTLE LONDON telephone. placeon tothe spend a wintry afternoon. day, but to be absolutely sureThe of a viewingby station room,(especially packed with viewingbook statiin ons, is by telephone. at weekends), advance BFIcan auditorium has family-friendly The main BFI auditorium often has familywhere The the main public access often the BFI’s 008_115_Little_London.indd 14 screeningsofonfiSunday so you could combine friendlyascreenings on Sunday lunchtimes, vast archives lms, TVlunchtimes, programmes, to a film with a trip to the Mediatheque. Afterwards so you could combine a visit to a film with publicvisit informati on shorts and adverts, you could even treat yourselves to one of The Riverfront a trip to the Mediatheque. Afterwards you then café’s settlebrilliant down burgers. to watch them. You could even treat yourselves to one of The simply go in, tell reception how long Riverfront café’s brilliant burgers. you’dBelvedere like toRoad, staySouth andBank, they’ll show you SE1 8XT bfi.org.uk/archive-collections/introduction-bfi-collections/bfi-mediatheques to your screen, and you can browse the 020 7815 1346 collecti on from there. There are themed Belvedere Road, South Bank, SE1 8XT Free collecti ons available children’s telly Open Tuesday 1pm–8pm,(retro Wednesday–Friday 12am–8pm, bfi.org.uk/archive-collections/introduction-bfi-colweekends 12.30pm–8pm treasure trove The Kids Are Alright is a lections/bfi-mediatheques Waterloo, Embankment, Charing Cross great place to start), or create your own 020 7815 1346 Free playlist. You can turn up on the day, but to be absolutely sure of a viewing station

PETWORTH FILM HOUSE Petworth Film House (PFH) is located in the Leconfield Hall in the centre of the beautiful market town of Petworth, West Sussex. PFH starts its season in September and finishes at the end of May of each year with two showings a month. Currently PFH is in the middle of their third Season with lots of wonderful films to look forward to in 2015. Benefitting from a large wide-format, high-definition screen, a clear and capable, line-array sound system and raked seating, film nights are an impressive event where the Petworth and surrounding community can socialise and enjoy a variety of films. PFH is a community association which started in 2012 run by a volunteer committee. All proceeds from ticket sales go towards improving Petworth’s Leconfield Hall where the films are shown. Since 2012, PFH has contributed in funding a few improvements. These include insulating the roof, installing Wi-Fi, and paying its ongoing costs, and after the third season, purchasing a satellite dish to broadcast live events in addition to the twice monthly films.

The Petworth Film House Schedule All ﬁlms are subject to change due to availability. February February 12 100 Year Old Man February 26 My Old Lady March March 12 Chef March 26 Mood Indigo (French) April April 9 And So It Goes April 23 Mr Turner May May 14 100 Foot Journey May 28 TBC FIND OUT MORE

Email: petworthﬁlmhouse@gmail.com Phone: 07970 543130 www.petworthﬁlmhouse.co.uk

www.architecturesurrey.co.uk

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Jottings - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

was well and truly over, here’s a chance to see that favourite of shows Jack and The Beanstalk. With Dame Dolly Goldtop and her son Jack, Miss Molly Barlecorn and her daughter Jill (Is she a Miss?!) and the evil Black Mac it should be great fun. The MAD Company bring the spirit of traditional pantomime to their home community. You will ﬁnd all the classic ingredients, the wonderfully familiar as well as the fresh and new, all set in a classic tale with some great characters to entertain you. A truly heart warming, feel-good production. Tickets are available at www. thelittleboxoﬃce.com/mad or telephone 01730 263152. ‘Unravel’ a Festival of Knitting, returns to Farnham Maltings. It will take place from Friday 20th to Sunday 22nd February and is open from 12 noon to 6pm on Friday, 10am to 5pm on Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sunday. Admission is £7 in advance, £9 on the door, under 15’s free. Tickets are limited so best to book in advance, available until 12 noon on Thursday 19th February. Browse and purchase yarn, buttons and other knitting accessories from the bustling marketplace. Over the weekend, you can take part in workshops and listen to a range of talks by new designers and international visitors. Since its launch in 2009 the festival has fast become one of the leading independent events for knitting and crochet enthusiasts from across the country, and now around the world, as the festival features an international talk in collaboration with PomPom Quarterly. Last year 2,500 people attended the event over two days and we are now expecting even more as the event takes place over three days.

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The Guildford International Concert Season resumes on Sunday 22nd February when G Live in Guildford will be welcoming the St Petersburg Symphony Orchestra. They will perform a trilogy of Tchaikovsky pieces, which includes the highly charged Romeo and Juliet and sublime Violin Concerto. The evening concludes with the composer’s great ﬁnal work, Symphony No. 6, known as the ‘Pathétique’, perhaps the most popular of all Russian symphonies. There will be a talk with the soloist, Alexander Sitkovestsky in the G Live Bellerby Studio prior to the concert. This event is free, but must be booked with a ticket to the concert. Tickets are £22.50 to £37.50, Students £10 and U16’s Free (one child free per full price adult ticket.) There are discounts for group bookings. Go to www.GLive.co.uk or call the ticket desk on 0844 7701 797. Do you need to walk more for your health in 2015? New walkers are always welcome at the Haslemere ‘Walks for Health’ group at any of their weekly walks of about an hour, leaving on: Tuesdays from Haslewey at 2.30pm; Thursdays from High Lane Community Centre at 1pm; Saturdays from Haslemere Leisure Centre (Herons) at 11am. Also ½ hour walks are now available on the ﬁrst Tuesday of each month from Haslewey at 3pm, for those wishing to start gradually. So why not try these walks and help make 2015 a healthier year for you! If you have any queries you can call Martin Osborne on 01428 644824, otherwise just turn up!

Dennis Brothers - the post war years Britain’s oldest vehicle manufacturer company was established in Guildford. In the second in a series, Andy Goundry tells the story. The end of the Great War brought a sudden and dramatic change to the fortunes of the Dennis company. From working almost flat-out producing trucks for the War Department, the order book vanished almost overnight as the vast fleet of vehicles which Dennis had toiled so hard to produce began to find their way back to Britain, to be sold off for civilian use, thereby reducing dramatically the opportunities for new vehicle sales. This left Dennis with an almost insurmountable problem: they had one of the biggest truckmaking factories in Europe, capable of building around 2,500 trucks per year, and a very limited market. Lesser companies might have thrown in the towel there and then, however the Dennis brothers picked themselves up and set out to develop both new markets and new models. The latter was an inspired move, for if the Great War had done nothing else, it had firmly established the superiority of trucks rather than horses to move goods. Whilst the market was saturated with large numbers of ex-military trucks, they were limited to a 3-ton payload. Dennis realised that higher capacity models would generate sales, and so introduced both 4 and 5 tonne versions of the original army truck, which were successful in recovering some of the lost sales; then, as now, the concept of one man, or truck, being able to do more than his competitors, was attractive to customers. Raymond Dennis also set out on a marathon 60,000 mile world tour to promote Dennis products, highlighting the reliability of the military vehicles, to say nothing of the fire engines whose performance was becoming legendary. Indeed, in 1917 a Dennis fire engine had pumped water continuously for 17 days in a huge fire in Salonika (now Thessaloniki) in Greece. In seeking new markets, Dennis astutely investigated opportunities to offer innovative products into markets where the Dennis brand was already well understood and respected, 24

This lovely old Dennis Dart belongs to the company, and can often be seen around Guildford. Shown here on wedding transport duty with the author in the front seat.

and which could make use of some of their existing technology, thus avoiding too much of a leap into the dark. Two interesting new ventures sought to strengthen the Dennis relationship with local authorities, quickly becoming successful businesses in their own right. Firstly, drawing on their experience with fire pumps, they launched an innovative vacuum cesspool emptier which was quickly taken up by their target local authority market, and indeed laid the foundations for the municipal vehicle market for which Dennis subsequently became a by-word. The other new venture was into the manufacture of motor mowers, and specifically large machines which enabled the local authorities to keep their many hectares of parkland in trim. Again, Dennis were quick to promote the efficiency benefits of their product, proudly proclaiming that one man with a Dennis mower could cut in a day as much as two men and a horse could cut in two days. Dennis mowers went on to carve out a successful business for over 50 years, indeed they are still manufactured, although no longer part of the original Dennis empire, having been sold off in 1976. Despite these brave efforts to regenerate the business, orders for Dennis trucks remained in the doldrums until the mid-1920’s, when the company launched a successful new 30cwt (1.5 tonne) payload truck, set apart from its competitors by the use of robust truck components compared to the lighter and shorter-lived car components used by others. This approach was, interestingly, mirrored by the company almost sixty years later when the Dennis Dart midibus took the bus market by storm. vantagepointmag.co.uk

Images from left: A 1933 Dennis Mower. These are still widely used today (photo: Dennis Mowers); Development of a lowered chassis frame meant that double deckers could at last have a solid upper deck roof to protect the passengers from the elements (photo: Showbus); This superbly restored Dennis Ace fuel tanker is locally owned by Joe Devanny, and can regularly be seen at the Goodwood Revival. Photo: J Devanny

The latter half of the 1920’s saw the Dennis market for buses and coaches grow significantly, with new models championing the latest technology appearing regularly. The first bus to be equipped with pneumatic tyres, for example, was a Dennis, as was the first bus fitted with four-wheel brakes. Development of specific models aimed at carrying passengers rather than goods also meant that floor levels were lowered, meaning fewer steps for the passengers to climb. 1927 saw the introduction of another first for Dennis – their first purpose designed double decker. Although double deckers had been around for some time before this, in both horse drawn and later motorised form, they were invariable based on goods vehicle chassis, thus were comparatively tall, making a solid roof impractical. The Dennis H Type of 1927, in contrast, had a low frame, enabling a solid roof to be fitted, setting the scene for the widespread adoption of double deckers in years to come. As the 1930’s dawned, a relentless introduction of new and enhanced models continued apace, all promoting the traditional Dennis virtues of quality, performance, and reliability, benefits which came, of course, at a price, making Dennis products amongst the more expensive in the market. By this time, however, the world was sliding headlong into the Great Depression, and in those times of austerity, the expensive Dennis products, however good, were finding fewer customers. Once again, Dennis were forced to rethink their product strategy, and rapidly introduced the Lancet, a low-cost single deck bus, which sold for £595 against their previous single decker, which was massively more, at £1,095. Unsurprisingly, the Lancet became a great success, doing much to see the Dennis business through the gloomy days of the depression, particularly with the truck-making arm of the business struggling due to the economy. Indeed, throughout the history of Dennis, the bus business proved to be surprisingly resistant to economic depression, and this was not the only occasion where it kept the company afloat. Other noteworthy Dennis models of the Thirties included the Dart bus, of which one survives today in the hands of the company, and which can often be seen at rallies. On the truck side, Dennis produced a rather unusual-looking, but very successful range called the Ace. Key to the Ace was that February 2015

Above: The 3 ton model which played a major part in the Great War but later returned to the UK in large numbers to flood the market. The fine example shown here was restored over a 10 year period by Tim & Steve Gosling. Photo: M Sutcliffe

the front axle was set well back, giving excellent manoeuvrability, but meaning that the engine and radiator were positioned well forward like a snout. Small wonder that the Ace soon became unoﬃcially named the ‘Flying Pig’. In 1934, Dennis acquired land around the Woodbridge factory on which to build homes for their increasing number of workers. The resulting estate, Dennisville, has most of the roads named after senior Dennis people, notably Raymond Crescent & St John’s Road. Overall, Dennis had coped well since the First World War, rising well to the challenges of the lack of new vehicle orders, the years of recession and fending oﬀ the growing number of competitors such as Leyland & Bedford. Sadly, however, in May 1938 Sir Raymond Dennis passed away at the early age of 59, followed only 3 months later by his brother John, precipitating the company into major changes at the top, even as the gathering storm clouds of World War II were about to force Dennis into yet more major upheaval. ABOUT THE AUTHOR About the author: Andy Goundry spent his working career in vehicle design and development, with almost twenty years in senior engineering and management roles at Dennis. Since retirement he has continued a close involvement with vehicles, writing for specialist magazines and websites, as well as producing his own motoring website www.autonews. uk.com. © Andy Goundry December 2014

GARDEN

Some tasks for

February

With Beth Otway

I enjoy the quiet romance of February in the garden; here are some jobs you can be getting on with. To enjoy the best flowering display from your Wisteria you need to prune it; you’ll enjoy more flowers of better quality, and it will look tidier. At this time of year the structure of the plant is clear of foliage so it’s easy to see where to prune. Using secateurs, cut back each sideshoot to two or three buds, don’t worry about which direction the bud faces, just count two to three buds and make a cut. It’s worth checking any ties you have supporting your Wisteria and replacing any that are too tight or damaged it’s far easier to do this now before the plant gets growing. Sweet peas are wonderfully cheery flowers to have. They are beautiful as cut flowers with a heavenly scent; I can’t be without them. You can get away with sowing Sweet peas in March, but you’ll have better plants, with longer flowering stems if you sow now. I have never found any need to chip or soak Sweet pea seeds to aid their germination. If you have trouble with mice, you can pre-soak your seeds for up to 24 hours in liquid paraffin to deter the rodents. This works a treat! Sweet peas should be started off in tall containers which allow for their long roots; root trainers, the cardboard tubes from toilet rolls or deep plastic pots all work well. I enjoy sowing a mix of colours; I always include ‘Gwendoline’ a beautiful rose pink, ‘Jilly’ a rich cream and ‘Naomi Nazareth’ a pretty pale lilac-blue. These varieties are all highly scented with long stems and large, frilly flowers, which make them ideal for cutting. If you would like to grow plants beneficial to bees and other pollinating insects, now is a good time to sow Ageratum houstonianum, Calendula officinalis, Nigella damascena, Cosmos bipinnatus, Machaeranthera tanacetifolia, Verbena bonariensis and Papaver rhoeas. Ornamental grasses and roses need pruning this month. Remove any old dead leaves from your rose plants, as well as any lurking around in the soil, and then feed your roses with a specially designed rose feed and 26

Beth Otway

mulch with compost or well-rotted manure. Now is also a good time to divide congested clumps of snowdrops and replant. If you’re looking to buy Snowdrops in ‘the green’ please only buy from reputable growers to avoid purchasing bulbs that have been stolen or dug up from the wild. A number of other plants can be divided now: Achillea millefolium and Achillea ﬁlipendulina, Eranthis hyemalis (winter aconites), Solidago canadensis (Golden rod), Lily of the Valley, Echinops ritro (Globe thistle), Michaelmas daisies and Sedums. Provide food and fresh water for garden birds. Put up bird boxes, taking care not to position the nest boxes close to feeding stations, as the competition will usually prevent a nest box being successful. In the greenhouse: sow aubergines, tomatoes, chilli, celery, celeriac, cabbage, leeks and onions. Outside: sow cabbages, peas, parsnips – sow radish in the same row as parsnips: the radish seed will germinate and grow quickly, before the parsnips, which germinate very slowly. Sowing them together in the same row makes the best use of the space. Plant sea kale, shallots, onion sets, Jerusalem artichokes and rhubarb. If your garden lacks interest at this time of year, why not plan a trip to your local nursery or garden centre and treat yourself to a new plant or two? To help insects, look out for the ‘Perfect for Pollinators’ logo when making your selections. FIND OUT MORE

For more gardening ideas and updates, please visit Beth’s website at www.pumpkinbeth.com.

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Jottings - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

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Haslemere Gardening Society is pleased to announce their ﬁrst lecture in 2015 on Thursday 26th February. The talk is by Brian Deaville, covering Flowers and Foliage for Floral Design and will, as usual, be held at the Catholic Hall, Weydown Road, Haslemere. Starts at 7.45pm. They are looking forward to seeing you all on the night. Non members are most welcome for a small fee of £2 and refreshments are available at the end. Haslemere Musical Society performs their ﬁrst major concert of 2015. In Haslemere Hall at 7.30pm on Saturday 7th March, the HMS symphony orchestra will perform Schubert’s Symphony No. 9, the Great C Major Symphony, after which the combined choir and orchestra will present a performance of Rossini’s Stabat Mater, a wonderfully melodic work for which members have been in rehearsal for several weeks by now. Tickets for HMS concerts invariably sell fast and early and readers are advised to buy now to assure themselves a good seat. The prices of tickets, which are available from Haslemere Hall on 01428 642161, range from £8-16, with half price for students. The Wisborough Green Division of the West Sussex Beekeepers Association is holding a Beekeeping Beginners Day on Saturday 7th March at Pulborough Village Hall. This is the tenth year of this popular event that is one of the largest beginner’s courses in the country. This highly regarded course has been designed and will be presented by experienced beekeepers who teach at the

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large well equipped Wisborough Green teaching apiary. It will suit those who have no experience of beekeeping, but would like to investigate this absorbing hobby that is fast growing in popularity. It’s also suitable for those who have some experience and may have kept bees for a short time, but not had any guidance. For those who think they will be able to manage there will be follow up sessions at the teaching apiary in the active season. These will be under the supervision of experienced beekeepers with protective equipment provided. Contact Roger Patterson on 01403 790637 or 07976 306492, roger-patterson@ btconnect.com for course details, or Gordon Allan on 01798 343470, petworthgordon@btopenworld.com to book. The Wisborough Green Division is the largest in West Sussex BKA and covers a wide area. Information will be available for surrounding beekeeping associations. Details of this friendly group can be found on www. wgbka.org.uk where you can ﬁnd further details of the Beginners Day. On Saturday 7th March, The Vivace Chorus will be welcoming Tasmin Little to G Live in Guildford. She has performed in some of the most prestigious venues in the world and it is a great opportunity to see one of the UK’s best known musicians in action. She will be playing Mendelssohn’s violin concerto, often considered to be the ﬁrst romantic violin concerto, and will be accompanied by the superb Brandenburg Sinfonia. Other items on the programme follow a nautical theme: Delius’s sad and

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February 2015

Pancakes with a difference Soufflé pancakes Arnold Bennett Gordon Ramsay celebrates Pancake Day in his own inimitable style – with some very posh pancakes which are absolutely delicious. Recipe from Good Food magazine, February 2004 1. Tip the flour and ½ tsp salt into a blender, add the eggs and milk and whizz to a smooth batter. There’s no need to let the batter stand as it only has a little flour in it – you can use it straight away. 2. Put a non-stick 16-18cm omelette or crêpe pan over a high heat and wait until you feel a good heat rising. Brush the pan lightly with oil then pour in about 2 tbsp of the batter, using a small ladle, and quicky swirl it around the pan to coat. Cook for 30-60 seconds, then loosen the edges with a small palette knife and check underneath. It should be a mid golden-brown colour. Carefully flip the pancake over and cook the other side for 20-30 seconds. Slide the pancake out onto a paper towel. Repeat with the remaining batter, oiling the pan in between and stacking the pancakes on top of each other, then leave to cool. 3. Lay the haddock, skin-side down, on a board and hold it at the tail end. Using a serrated knife, make a nick between the skin and flesh at this end. Pulling the skin hard towards you, slide the knife away from you in a sawing motion – the skin will come away easily in one piece. Put the fish, milk, onion and bay leaf in a shallow pan. Top with the butter wrapper, butterside down, and bring up to the boil. Remove from the heat and leave for about 7 minutes, until the flesh is firm. 4. Lift the fish out of the pan and put it on a plate. Strain the milk into a jug. Press down on the fish with your finger, and watch the fish separate into perfect flakes. Check for any stray bones and discard them. 5. Melt the butter in a medium pan and stir in half of the flour with a wooden spoon. Remove from the heat, stir vigorously, then cook for 3060 seconds over a gentle heat, stirring. Repeat with the remaining flour. Now stir in the hot milk, in stages. 28

6. Scrape the sauce into a bowl and whisk in the egg yolks – the warmth of the sauce makes it absorb the yolks better. Now whisk in two-thirds of the Gruyère, which will melt into the sauce. Switch back to using the wooden spoon and gently fold in the fish to retain the whole flakes. Now’s the time to taste it as everything’s in except the egg whites, which are neutral. Grind over salt and black pepper and fold in. 7. Whisk the egg whites in a metal bowl with a balloon whisk until they form stiff peaks, then fold into the warm sauce with a rubber spatula until evenly incorporated. Liberally butter 4 or 6 small gratin dishes (measuring 20 x 11.5cm across the top). Lay a pancake in each dish so that half lines the base and the other half overhangs. Divide the soufflé between the pancakes and flip over the overhanging halves to loosely enclose. Preheat the oven to fan 170C/conventional 190C/gas 5. 8. Bring the cream to the boil in a pan, then remove from the heat. Whisk in the remaining Gruyère and season. Ladle the sauce over the pancakes and top with the Parmesan. Stand the dishes on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, or until the mixture has risen and the top is browned.

Ingredients For the pancakes 50g plain flour 2 large free-range eggs 175ml milk Mild olive oil (not extra virgin), for frying Salt For the souffle 300g undyed smoked haddock fillet 300ml milk 1 small onion, sliced 1 bay leaf 40g unsalted butter, plus butter wrapper 40g plain flour 2 large free-range egg yolks 100g Gruyère, Emmental or Cheddar, grated 3 large free-range egg whites A little softened butter, for greasing 284ml carton double cream (plus a 142ml carton if serving 6) 50g Parmesan, freshly grated (use 85g/3oz if serving 6) Serves 4 as a lunch or supper dish, 6 as a dinner party

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FOOD Jamie Oliver’s Pancake Cake Pancakes, chocolate, cream... this pancake cake has got the lot, and you don’t even need an oven. Recipe from www.jamieoliver.com. This is no normal cake – it’s all the things people love parcelled up in one big, beautiful bundle. Pancakes, chocolate, cream... delicious! It’s quite unusual, but I say embrace it and you won’t be sorry. You don’t even need an oven, so it’s great if you get caught out and have to rustle up something quickly. Best of all, it’s forgiving – you can cover any lumps and bumps with the topping and it’ll still look amazing. 1. Place the ﬂour, milk, eggs and a pinch of salt in a bowl and whisk to a smooth batter. Add a small splash of oil to a small nonstick pan over a medium heat then wipe with kitchen paper. When the pan’s hot, add a ladleful of batter, tilting the pan to spread, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes each side, until lightly golden. Set aside. Repeat until you’ve used all the batter, stacking the pancakes to one side. 2. Melt the smashed chocolate, butter and a pinch of salt in a heatproof bowl over a pan of gently simmering water (don’t let the bowl touch the water), stirring occasionally. 3. Meanwhile, smash the toasted nuts in a pestle and mortar, or in a clean tea towel with a rolling pin, until ﬁne. By now your chocolate should be melted, remove from the heat, stir through 200ml of cream and a handful of bashed nuts. Whisk the remaining cream with the vanilla and sugar until thick. 4. To build your cake, spread a blob of cream over a serving plate or board, pop a pancake on top and press gently. Spread some chocolate over the pancake and top with another pancake. Keep doing this, alternating between cream and chocolate, until you’ve used all the pancakes, remembering to keep some cream back for the top. 5. Smooth the sides with a spatula February 2015

or palette knife to tidy up the edges, then pour the remaining cream on top. Let it drip down the sides and spread to cover the cake. Press the remaining nuts around the sides, then scrape over a few gratings of dark chocolate. 6. Decorate the base with some lovely fresh raspberries, if you like, then serve.

Ingredients 3 cups self-raising ﬂour 3 cups milk 3 large free-range eggs Sea salt Olive oil 150g good quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa solids), smashed, plus extra to serve 50 g unsalted butter, cubed 180 g hazelnuts and brazil nuts, toasted 600 ml double cream 1 tbsp vanilla extract 1½ tbsps golden caster sugar 1 punnet raspberries, to serve Serves 12

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Jottings - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

beautiful Sea Drift, the lusty and patriotic Songs of the Fleet by C.V. Stanford and the intense and rolling melodies of Mendelssohn’s Fingal’s Cave. There will also be another Mendelssohn favourite, Hear My Prayer, which contains the much loved treble solo ‘O for the Wings of a Dove’. Tickets are from £10 - £32 and are available online at www.GLive.co.uk or by phone on 0844 7701 797. Further details at www.vivacechorus.org. The Rotary Club of Haslemere would like to invite you to a Race Night, an evening of fun and entertainment! It takes place on Saturday 7th March in the Village Hall when doors will open at 7pm to warm up for hand wound horses, a tote and a bar. To regain your strength a fish and chip supper will be served mid-evening (vegetarian food on request). This year’s Race Night will be in aid of School in a Bag. The charity supports poor, orphan, vulnerable and disaster affected children throughout the world. All proceeds will help to fill rucksacks with stationery, learning resources and eating utensils that will enable a child to write, draw, colour, calculate, express themselves and above all learn. Tickets cost £15 per head from Mike Jones on 01428 683844 or Gordon Exeter on 01428 661545. Further details at: http://www.rotaryribi.org/clubs/ homepage.php?ClubID=1454. Compered by The Haslemere Fringe’s stellar funny man and performance poet, Geoﬀ Allnutt, aka The Speech

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Painter, the eagerly awaited ‘Haslemere Does Comic Relief’ fundraising night, generously sponsored by car dealers, Barons of Hindhead, will take place at St. Stephen’s Church in Shottermill on Friday 13th March – which is also the oﬃcial Comic Relief Night nationally! This event will take the form of a Comedy Slam competition between four teams of professionals – Haslemere vicars, headmasters, politicians (led by Mayor Penny Bradley herself!) and thespians. Each team will be expected to do a 20 minute stand up session and will be encouraged, mentored and supported by a dedicated professional stand up comedian. The audience will be invited to judge the teams and hysterical laughter, hearty cheers and enthusiastic clapping are merrily expected, together with loud boos if deserved! Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start and the evening will ﬁnish at around 10.30pm. Tickets are £8 per adult or £18 per family of four and there will be a licensed bar serving drinks. All money raised will go directly to Comic Relief and tickets are available to buy from Haslemere Hall. Call 01428 642161 or go to www. haslemerehall.co.uk. Waverley Ensemble Concert, directed by Ishani Bhoola takes place on Saturday 14th March at St Christopher’s Church Haslemere at 7.30pm. A lovely programme of music by Handel, Telemann and Vivaldi. For tickets and more information go to www.ishanibhoola.com or call 07834 275879.

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BRIGHTER FUTURES AT HASLEWEY REPEATING OUR EARLY SUCCESS! Due to the resounding success of the Brighter Futures course at Haslewey at the start of 2015, this amazing six week programme of FREE specialist courses, specifically designed to empower people currently unemployed and guide them along the pathway back to work, is to be repeated from Monday, 9th March. Whether you are looking for full time, part-time or wanting to work in a voluntary capacity, getting “work-ready” can be a daunting task. Brighter Futures offers the tools to move forward with confidence and fulfill people’s potential through a series of inspirational workshops led by a group of professionals, who will share their experience and expertise to encourage people to take that all important first step back into a work environment. Situated opposite Lion Green, Haslewey is a thriving community centre in the heart of Haslemere. Running every Monday from 10.00am – 2.00pm from Monday 9th March to Monday 27th April, Brighter Futures is absolutely FREE of charge to residents of Haslemere & District and funds are also available for child care if needed. A warm welcome and a complementary light lunch Bourne Buildings May 14_Layout 1 13/08/2014 12:49 Page 1

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and refreshments are also provided. Brighter Futures is funded by the Skills Funding Agency and the European Social Fund. So whether you are unemployed or between jobs, wanting a complete career change or returning to work after a long absence, a parent with school age children or recently retired, Brighter Futures could be the answer to your future. From psychometric tools to computer training, formatting an impressive CV to interview practice, starting your own business to voluntary work – Brighter Futures is the answer to becoming “work ready.” For more details contact Haslewey Manager, Kerry Morren-Jeﬀs on 01428 648716 or email her at haslewey@ haslemere.com Hurry, places are limited!

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Goodwood and the West Sussex Literary Trail One of Britain’s most famous racecourses provides an unusual and entertaining backdrop to the initial stages of this glorious walk. Beyond the village of Charlton the route joins forces with the West Sussex Literary Trail and then a thickly wooded stretch of the South Downs Way. South of the charming village of East Dean, complete with duck pond and picture-postcard cottages, the walk meets a third longdistance trail – the popular Monarch’s Way. Goodwood is undoubtedly one of Britain’s most popular racecourses – thanks in no small measure to its superb position high on the South Downs. The course opened in 1801 after the Duke of Richmond gave part of his estate, Goodwood Park, to establish a track where members of the Goodwood Hunt Club and ofﬁcers of the Sussex Militia could attend meetings.

The walk From the car park, head for the exit path in the corner and make for the road. Cross over to a junction of tracks. Bear left to join the bridleway and follow the track as it runs alongside Goodwood racecourse. Keep right at a fork and begin to descend through trees, with glimpses of the surrounding West Sussex countryside. Continue down to a gate, pass under some pylon cables and enter the village of Charlton.

hunt’s most notable chase took place on 28th February 1738. It began before 8am that morning and did not ﬁnish until 5.30pm! For about 10 hours that day the fox led the pack a merry dance in the ﬁelds and woods between Charlton and East Dean. Eventually, the hounds cornered their prey, an elderly vixen, close to the River Arun. On the right is a striking war memorial recalling the fallen comrades of the Sussex Yeomanry. Keep right at the fork here, pass a telephone box and at the T-junction, opposite the Fox Goes Free pub, turn left A. Pass the Woodstock House Hotel and take the next right into North Lane. The lane dwindles to a stony track and passes Ware Barn. At the next fork B, swing right to follow the path signposted West Sussex Literary Trail.

The village is still remembered as the home of the Charlton Hunt. Among the huntsmen were the Duke of Richmond and a man named Tom Johnson, who became a legend in hunting circles. According to the mural tablet in Singleton church, ‘he had no superior, and hardly Climb steeply up the bank and keep ahead at the top with trees an equal.’ Established in the 18th century, the and bushes to the right. Continue to a stile and opening into the next ﬁeld and after about 50 yards you D join a track. Keep right here and shortly you reach a footpath sign with another visible in the ﬁeld. At this point line up the two posts and go diagonally across the pasture towards woodland. E Make for a stile and follow the path C through the trees to a clearing where the path merges with a track running in from the left. Continue ahead. Follow the grassy path down to a major B F intersection; avoid the immediate left turning and at the fork in front of you, take the left exit into the trees C. Keep ahead through the woods, merge with A a bridleway and continue to the next junction, which is waymarked. ConG tinue ahead on the West Sussex Literary Trail but now on a broader track running between trees. Follow the straight track as it rises gently, cross the Broad Walk and soon you reach START the South Downs Way D. 32

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WALK

Turn right here to follow a broad ride, pass a junction with a restricted byway on the left and keep going on the long-distance trail. The Broad Walk is glimpsed on the right through the trees. Immediately beyond a gate leading to Bowleys Field on the left, turn sharp right on to a bridleway. After about 100 yards, cross over a track and continue all the way down through the woods to their southern edge, where there is a very pleasant view of a tree-ringed field rippling away below you E. As you descend through the field, look a little to the right and the buildings of Goodwood, including the grandstand, can be glimpsed on the skyline. On reaching a footpath and bridleway sign at the foot of the slope, turn right on to a cycle track. Follow it almost to Postles Barn and swing sharp left at the gate to join a bridleway running up the edge of the field to a second gate. Follow the track up through the trees, with Postles Barn seen below to the right. Follow the track to a waymarked junction of bridleways and head straight on, still between trees. Further on, descend on a sunken path and emerge finally into open farmland. Follow the obvious path down to a lane and turn left F. Pass the buildings of New Barn and continue on the lane towards East Dean. The 12th century church of All Saints is seen on the right as you enter the village. Walk down Newhouse Lane to the junction and turn right. Pass the Star & Garter pub and when the road bends right by the pond, swing left at the sign for Goodwood and ChichesDISTANCE: 9½ miles OS MAPS: Landranger 197 (Chichester & the South Downs), Explorers 120 (Chichester) and 121 (Arundel & Pulborough)

ter. Pass Manor Farmhouse and continue up the lane to a footpath on the right just before a sign for East Dean for oncoming traﬃc G. Following the Monarch’s Way, walk through the trees to a gateway and stile. Keep along the right-hand edge of the ﬁeld and look for a stile. Bear left in the next pasture and climb quite steeply towards woodland. Head for a stile and gateway and follow the track into the trees. Keep ahead into an extensive clearing and navigate your way across it on a wide grassy path that curves to the left to reach a stile and gate. Continue on a woodland track, cross another stile and then proceed to the road. Cross over and follow the path back into the car park at Counter’s Gate.

REFRESHMENTS: The Fox Goes Free in Charlton and the Start & Garter in East Dean. Image above: East Dean Church. Photograph by Colin Smith.

STARTING POINT: Counter’s Gate, Goodwood START GPS WAYPOINT: SU 897 113 Neither the publisher nor the author can accept any responsibility for any changes, errors or omissions in this route. Diversion orders can be made and permissions withdrawn at any time.

February 2015

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Jottings - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

I can’t really believe that I’m already talking about Mother’s Day but hey, it’s coming up fast. If you would like to treat your Mum, then you might like to consider a special cruise on The Wey & Arun Canal, Loxwood. They have been really popular in past years. These special cruises will be running on the canal on Mothering Sunday, 15th March. A ‘Coffee & Danish Pastry Cruise’ will depart at 11am and Cream Tea Cruises will depart at 2.30pm and 4.30pm. Black tie service will enhance the relaxing treat for Mums! The trips take 1½ hours. Tickets cost £13 for adults and £9 for children. Incidentally, themed Easter Cruises will be running on all four days of the Easter weekend from Good Friday, 3rd April to Monday 6th April. The boat departs from the wharf beside the Onslow Arms on the B2133 in Loxwood and travels along the decorated canal and through a restored lock. If you would like to book seats for one of the Mothering Sunday or Easter cruises or enquire about private charters call The Wey & Arun Canal Trust office on 01403 752403 or email office@ weyandarun.co.uk. The Surrey Police Band, formally known as the Police Unity Memorial Band, is heading for a great new year during 2015 and they’d like you to come and play with them! They are looking for wind, brass and percussion players to join their fun and friendly band which rehearses each Thursday in Guildford, and perform various gigs and concerts throughout the year. If you are grade five or equivalent, and would like to go along to a rehearsal for

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a free taster session then please get in touch with them at publicity@surreypoliceband.org.uk – no scary audition and lots of friendly fellow musicians who look forward to welcoming you! This year they will be raising money for the Children’s Trust, the UK’s leading charity for children with brain injury. The specialist services provided by the Children’s Trust come at a cost which is not fully met by statutory sources, so the charity relies on voluntary donations from supporters. By supporting the Surrey Police Band this year, you will be helping to fund building works, key members of staﬀ, new equipment, leisure and play activities and much, much more! If you don’t play an instrument but would like to get involved, why not go along and support them at one (or more!) of their concerts during 2015? You can keep in touch by checking online at www. surreypoliceband.org.uk, by becoming a ‘fan’ on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SurreyPoliceBand or by following them on Twitter at https://twitter.com/PoliceBand1 . The Unattached Group (TUG) recently enjoyed a splendid Christmas dinner dance at the Drift Golf Club, East Horsley. 45 members were wined and dined in a great Christmas atmosphere and then danced away the calories to a live band playing a variety of music including the old Christmas favourites; by all accounts a great evening. 16 members also returned to the Isle of Wight for a winter bash (they went there in August and it was such a great success that they returned for a pre Christmas helping). Meals, theatre trips, walks, quizzes etc are all planned for

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PROFILE

Surrey Hills Society

Devil’s Punchbowl, Hindhead

The Surrey Hills Society has been going for six years and has close to 1,000 members. Not only does this membership charity take an active role in protecting the unique landscape and character of the Surrey Hills, it also gives its members an opportunity to explore and enjoy the area with like-minded people. We offer a wide range of activities to suit all age groups, and opportunities to visit many to places that are not normally open to the public. Members are kept informed either through our website or with a newsletter delivered to them three times a year, filled with stories about the Surrey Hills, the events we’ve run and those that are planned. The Surrey Hills stretch across the chalk North Downs that run broadly across the centre of Surrey, from Farnham in the west, above Guildford, Dorking and Reigate, to Oxted in the east. The grandeur and beauty of these hills embrace an amazing variety of landscapes from rolling chalk downs and flower rich grasslands, to acid heaths and woodlands. They cover more than a third of the county so it’s quite likely that you’re probably never far away from discovering your own special spot of local beauty. Or come out with us and explore! Our members are a diverse bunch, some more active than others, some happy to volunteer

to help or run events that interest them, others happy to come along and support but not wanting to be involved in the organisatrion of activities. We’re proud that we manage to achieve a great deal considering we only have one paid staff member. What members do all have in common though is a real interest in the conservation and preservation of the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) for future generations. As we develop, we’re starting to be able to support small-scale conservation projects. For example, we have raised funds to install a water-drinking fountain on Leith Hill, which will benefit walkers, horse-riders and cyclists. With ‘future generations’ in mind, the Society’s events team has recently started organising events for different age groups. These include a guided walk ending with a visit to a local hostelry for those in their 20s and 30s, and other events aimed at family groups, such as craft-making or private visits to local farms that are educational as well as fun. One of our aims is to encourage and educate these younger age groups as they are the future custodians of this beautiful county in which we are lucky enough to live. We already run a full and varied events programme for our core members, but we’re happy to encourage non-members along to events so that they can see what we’re all about. The kind of events we’ve run in the past year include: a private visit to a sculpture garden; a day discovering all the local foodie delights around the Reigate area (from production to menu); a visit to Gatton Community Theatre at Reigate Fort and a day exploring the Wotton Estate, near Dorking. Each year, we’re very involved in running the Surrey Hills Wood Fair in Bramley, a firm favourite with our members and also attracting larger family groups. We also support the Ride London cycle event and see this as a fundraiser for the Society. FIND OUT MORE

Learn more about us by taking a look at our website www.surreyhillssociety.org and discover the varied range of events we’ve got planned for this spring and summer. Best of all, come and join the Society this year! An annual family membership is £25, or £15 for a single membership – pretty good value we hope you’ll agree.

February 2015

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Jottings - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

early 2015 and another leisure weekend away in Somerset in February is being looked forward to by 30 members .TUG is a Surrey/ Hampshire based group of about 80 single people who enjoy times together including a weekly pub meet and chat night. New members would be most welcome and information can be obtained at www. theunattachedgroup.co.uk or Maggie on 07855 008897. Are you looking to get fit or simply looking for a New Year challenge? Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance is appealing for runners and cyclists to sign up to a number of challenge and fitness events in 2015 as the charity celebrates its 25th anniversary. The charity has places available for the Brighton Marathon on April 12th and the London10k on July 12th. All entrants will be supported and given sponsor forms, a fundraising pack, training guides, an air ambulance running vest and a chance to see the helicopter and meet the crew. Riders are also needed for the charity’s Double 100 Cycle Challenge on September 27th, a 100-mile or 100km bike ride which will this year include a 25-mile route. Other events in the fundraising calendar include the GS Avanti Kentish Killer on February 15th, Hastings Half Marathon (March 22nd), Paddock Wood Half Marathon (March 29th), Brighton 10k (April 12th), Warrior Run (April 19th), Tonbridge Triathlon (May 4th), London to Brighton 100k Challenge (May 23rd/24th), BUPA London 10k (May 25th), Reigate Half Marathon (September 20th), Bexhill Triathlon and Duathlon (September 27th), and Barns Green Half Marathon (also September 27th). For more details about the air ambulance’s challenge and fitness events go to www.kssairambulance.org.uk/involved/challenge. Snowdrops traditionally herald the end of winter and provide welcome assurance that the brighter days of spring are on their way. For that first glimpse of spring in Sussex and Hampshire from late January to early March, beautiful displays of snowdrops start to appear at Many National Trust properties such as Nymans, Petworth House and Park, Mottisfont, Hinton Ampner and The Vyne. These delicate white flowers are always popular, particularly with children, who love the miniature plants. If you fancy a family day out, plan a family day out with the National Trust. Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ southeast. where you can get full information. Would you like to join ‘The History Gang’ at the Weald & Downland Open Air Museum? It’s an exciting, creative group for 8-12 year olds who meet at the Museum for a half-day on one Saturday a month. Members can take part in a wide range of different indoor and outdoor activities, in sessions led by the History Gang Co-ordinator with a team of helpers. Activities are based around the many different elements of the Museum’s work: have a go at blacksmithing, take part in a creative session with an artist, make a corn dolly, learn woodland skills, cook in the Museum’s Tudor kitchen, or learn how to shoot a traditional longbow. Each activity is run by a specialist, whether external or one of the Museum’s in-house team. The Group takes full advantage of the Museum’s beautiful 36

40-acre landscape to do trails, tracking and learn about the environment in a fun way. The advantage of the continuing nature of the Group’s activities ensures that everyone becomes very familiar with the site and that strong friendships are formed. The first meeting of the group took place in January. For details on how to apply for membership, visit www.wealddown.co.uk/news/ join-history-gang-2015/. The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford has announced a vibrant and varied New Season programme of events both on the Main Stage and in the Mill Studio. They will be opening the national tours of both Alan Ayckbourn’s Roundelay and William Gaminara’s hilarious new comedy The Three Lions, and Ray Cooney’s Move Over Mrs Markham will open in Guildford prior to its London transfer. The Season also features Tom Conti in Twelve Angry Men which comes direct from its record-breaking West End run and Wendi Peters in Joan Littlewood’s fabulous musical Oh What a Lovely War. Do have a look at their new brochure; you can view it online at www. yvonne-arnaud.co.uk. Surrey Border Movie Makers meet on the first Friday of each month. They are a film making club whose members consist of retired professionals, experienced film makers and complete beginners. They share a love of making films which they do to the best of their ability including holiday films, drama and documentary. Interested in seeing what they do? Visit their website: www.surreyborder.org. uk. They meet at the St. Joan’s Centre, 19 Tilford Road, Farnham GU9 8DJ. There’s plenty of parking and your first visit is free. Contact: secretary@surreyborder.org.uk. I mentioned a while back that we now had a local distillery. Well apparently Silent Pool Distillery has come up with a gin that has flown off the shelves since going on sale locally just before Christmas. The Albury Limited Release has a distinctive aromatic blend of Kaffir Lime, Bergamot, Linden and Elderflower complementing the Juniper and the numbered bottles proved an instant hit. The half bottles with an ABV of 40.2% are available via www.silentpooldistillers.com or local stockists including Kingfisher Farm Shop in Abinger, Quaich in East Horsley, The Drummond Arms in Albury and Bertram Bees in Westcott. The first spirit distilled at the Silent Pool in November was an apple brandy made from cider from Birtley House, Bramley. Looks as if they may be on to a winner here! For more information contact Ian McCulloch at ian@silentpooldistillers.com. The editor is so excited he’s just bought a bottle of the gin to give it a try with his friend Janey, who I am reliably told is known as ‘Auntie Gin’ to her family! FIND OUT MORE

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VantagePoint has got together with The Haslemere Players to win two tickets to the VIP Civic Reception and evening performance of the Academy Award winning musical masterpiece, Fiddler on the Roof, on Wednesday 25nd March at Haslemere Hall from 7pm. Fiddler on the Roof is one of the greatest Broadway musicals. The Haslemere Players’ production of the show, which runs from Tuesday 24th–Saturday 28th March (with a matinee on the Saturday), also includes some exciting modern day twists set to enthral the audience! The show is set inTsarist Russia in the village of Anatevka in1905, where Tevye, the local milkman, has always embraced the traditional way of life. However, his five headstrong daughters have decided that they want to marry for love, rather than accept the choice of Yente, the Matchmaker. Will tradition win in the face of a changing world? To enter, please answer the following question: Q: Fiddler on the Roof is set in which Russian village? Please enter online at www. vantagepointmag.co.uk by 28th February 2015.

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