VantagePoint Magazine March 2015 - Haslemere, Midhurst & Petworth

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Haslemere, Midhurst & Petworth • March 2015

VANTAGEPOINT MAGAZINE

The local magazine produced by local people for the local community

Loseley House and Garden

Inside: GARDEN BIRDS SOUNDING OFF WEDDING HINTS AND TIPS WIN TICKETS TO BEEREX

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TO THE POINT Humphrey writes...

It’s me again this month. Him indoors says he is far to busy to pen this piece as he is having to deal with the Jottings, seeing as Nick and Angie have abandoned ship for sunnier climes.

And busy he is, given that we had well over 250 emails this month for events and happenings. I guess spring has sprung and everyone is waking up from their winter slumber. Happily he still had the time to walk me, otherwise there would be big trouble in the boardroom.

The great thing about this ‘gig’ is that I am now getting fan mail! I have received a lovely book and an invitation to ‘Flyball’, which is a team knockout relay race for four dogs and their owners. It takes place weekly in Crondall on a Saturday morning and sounds great fun. It starts at 10am so I am not sure him indoors is that keen as he is usually devouring the Tele-

graph with a coffee while tutting at something or other.

Now, we want to hear from you (or your dog, if applicable) about VantagePoint and how we can make it better for our readers. April sees the Humphrey sixth anniversary of our very first local commuChairdog nity magazine and now we have five, stretching all the way from from Dorking to Midhurst and reaching over 107,000 households. We have devised a simple survery with just 10 questions and we would love as many readers as possible to take part. We are offering a bottle of the Stefan Reynolds fabulous, local Greyfriars Sparkling Rosé to the Editor & Publisher first name we pick out of my dog bowl. Please either visit our website and click on the ‘Reader Survey’ tab or visit www.surveymonkey.com/s/ The local magazine JZWD85Q to take part. Thanks! produced by local people for the local community,

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

March 2015

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

Contributors: Andrew Crisell, Carol Farley, Nick Farley, Chris Elrick, Jessica Harding, Beth Otway, Andrea Pinnington, Lyn Sanders, Kirstie Smillie, Jack Sturgess Print: Buxton Press Cover: Loseley House 3

CONTENTS Rugmart 0315_Layout 1 06/02/2015 14:34 Page 1

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6 Jottings Your local community noticeboard

8 Sounds of the spring Andrea Pinnington on birdsong

14 Loseley House and Garden An Elizabethan house in Surrey

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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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Jottings

- YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

It’s an honour to be in charge of Jottings this week while Nick and Angie enjoy a well-deserved break in search of sunshine and warmth. I’ve always thought this section to be the lifeblood of the magazine; promoting local events and organisations who invariably contact us to say how many people attended or contacted them due to VantagePoint is always a delight and one of the main reasons we started the magazine six years ago next month. So here goes... and don’t worry, normal service will resume next month!

The Godalming Music Festival is one of the biggest Arts events in Surrey attracting over 3,000 participants from all over the south east of England. It has been running each year since 1947. All of the performing arts disciplines are represented at the Godalming Festival, making it one of the most comprehensive in the region. The Festival began on 16th February but you can still attend the music and speech classes in March. All the music classes take place after school in the Borough Hall from Monday 2nd March to Friday 19th March and speech drama and musical theatre is at Prior’s Field school over the weekend Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th March. The whole festival culminates in a celebratory concert in the Borough Hall on Saturday 21st March at 7pm. Audiences are welcomed to all the classes and very modestly priced entry tickets are available on the door. For more detailed information on venues and classes please visit the website www.godalmingmusicfestival.org. uk or contact the Festival Director Joy Poulter on 01483 417051 or joy_poulter@sky.com.

Midhurst Decorative and Fine Arts Society’s next lecture is on Tuesday 3rd March. It is entitled ‘Durham and St Cuthbert’ by Dr Sally Dormer, lecturer for the Early Medieval Year course at the V&A. This will be held in the Midhurst Methodist Church Hall. Coffee available from 10am for 10.45am start. Please contact the membership secretary if you would like to attend on 01730 814641 or visit www.sussex.nadfas.net.

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Do you need help getting your business online? As part of the M3 Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), Waverley businesses are able to participate in a training programme run by the Association of Town Centre Management (ATCM) designed to help small businesses develop their knowledge of the internet, social media and the benefits of getting their business online. There will be three modules, held at the Waverley Borough Council offices in Godalming. They are aimed at independent retailers and you can elect to do one or more of the following modules: ‘Understand your Customer and Digital Marketing’; ‘Develop your Business Online’; ‘Grow your business through Social Media’. The workshops will be held on Thursday 5th March from 4pm8pm and Monday 30th March from 4pm- 8pm. Funding has been provided through the LEP for this training so there is no cost to the business. Places are limited and should be booked via ATCM – for more information contact Xav. Anderson@atchm.org.

Grayshott Decorative and Fine Arts Society’s next meeting is on Thursday 5th March at 2pm in Grayshott Village Hall. In his lecture on Regency furniture, Janusz Karczewski-Slowikowski will talk about the merging of Greco-Roman influences and Egyptian influences in his stunningly original interpretation of the styles of classical antiquity in the 19th century. Then, on Thursday 9th April, William Forrester will follow the Sackville family, their homes and gardens from the Tudor era when they gained Knole to the creation of Sissinghurst. On 21st April they visit Oxford and the Edward King Chapel.

A Concert for the Community takes place on Friday 6th March at the Haslemere Methodist Church, Lion Green.

Do go along for an enjoyable evening. The church has engaged the Haslemere Town Band for this special occasion and its talented musicians will be playing a wide selection of music; the concert will start at 7.30pm. To encourage widest participation, the admission charge will be £8 but

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

HASLEMERE, MIDHURST & PETWORTH DELIVERED TO 22,603 LOCAL HOMES Like us on Facebook at Vantage Point Magazine

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Next Copy Date: 9th March 2015 6

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Sounds of the spring

In her second article for VantagePoint, local nature writer and publisher Andrea Pinnington gives some tips on what to listen out for this spring.

It’s January as I write this and the days are starting to lengthen and already the birds are becoming more vocal. Working from home can result in easy distractions and the robin that sings outside my window has already claimed a lot of my time. Being freelance means that sadly I don’t get a regular paycheck sent out to me at the end of every month. However, I am reassured by the fact that experiments have indicated that bird song makes a measurable and physiological improvement in a person. So whatever my salary lacks, the distracting robin and his feathered garden cohorts are making me happier.

Though this may sound rather flippant, there is a lot of truth in the relationship between bird song and positive mental attitudes. In 2010, recordings of birds including blackbirds, greenfinches, robins and song thrushes were played at the Alder Hey Hospital in Liverpool to calm children during injections, surgery and other stressful procedures.

Learning bird song is quite a lot like learning a new language. It requires enthusiasm and some dedication.

I am in the kindergarten of bird song life. Level one in the metaphorical Oxford Bird Song Reading Tree, but it gives me indescribable joy to be able to know just a handful of the birds that are busy living and singing around me.

A beginner’s guide to bird song Based on the RSPB’s list of the 10 most common garden birds, here are some tips on what to listen out 8

for and how to commit the sounds to memory. It’s not that easy and reminds me of a subdeck to a guide to the Greek language that ran “Learn Greek in 25 years or your money back.”

House Sparrow

If you hear a group of birds that sound as though they are having a good gossip, then it is likely that you are listening either to a flock of sparrows or goldfinches. If they are hidden away in a hedge, then I can guarantee they are house sparrows.

There has been a sharp decline in sparrow numbers over recent years – up to 60% in parts of the UK between 1994 and 2004 alone. However, numbers seem to be on the increase so hopefully its friendly chirrup will be a familiar sound again.

Blue Tit

This is another busy bird that spends a lot of time around humans. If you put up a bird feeder in your garden, then this acrobatic ball of yellow and blue will certainly be a regular visitor along with its brother, sister, aunt, uncle and others besides. Though they are small, they have surprisingly large broods with anything up to 14 eggs. Their song consists of a few high-pitched notes and then ends with a trill but it is not particularly distinctive. More noticeable is its scolding alarm call, which it uses to warn off potential predators. vantagepointmag.co.uk

Starling

Goldfinch

The starling is an intelligent bird and an extremely good mimic. If you can tell which other birds it is copying, then you are reaching the A-level of the bird song world. For the beginner, listen out for bill clicks, whistles and high-pitched squeaks.

Starlings can also imitate sounds such as car alarms and telephone rings, though in this day of numerous ring tones and silent vibrations, this is less common than it used to be.

The village gossip that looks as though it is dressed in a smart uniform, the goldfinch is a popular visitor to bird feeders especially if you put out nyger seed.

Its tinkling song is a high-pitched series of trills delivered throughout the year but with added gusto in the spring. Goldfinches are known collectively as charms, which, with their colourful feathers and pretty song, seems to be exactly the right word.

Blackbird

On my bird feeder I get three birds from the tit family: great tits, blue tits and coal tits. There is a definite pecking order and the great tit sits firmly at the top.

It is the only one of the three with a big black stripe down its front and the males with the bolder stripes are the most successful ones. It makes a variety of sounds but the easiest one to pick out by ear is the one that sounds like teacher-teacher.

If you need convincing that bird song lifts the spirits, then keep an ear out for the clear, musical tones of the blackbird delivered from a high open perch such as the top of a tree. The sound is like an incredibly musical person whistling a ditty.

Blackbirds also have a very distinctive squawk as they break cover from bushes. Once you know the sound, you will hear it everywhere.

Wood Pigeon

These large portly looking birds are easy to identify by the white patches on their necks and wings and their waddling gait. It is the quantity and weight of their feathers that apparently gives them their rotund appearance (something I blame my jumpers for as well). Their mellow cooing is strangely compared to the phrase take toooo cooos, Taffy. Wood pigeons also make a distinctive clap as they fly off out of trees and bushes.

Chaffinch

The chaffinch has a large range of vocal sounds none of which are particularly easy to describe.

The male marks its territory during the spring and summer and seems to rarely pause for breath, repeating its song over and over again. It starts off slowly with a few notes, which then build up and end in a bright, silvery flourish. Bill Oddie once said that if you hear a bird and you don’t know what it is, then it’s probably a great tit. However, I think this applies just as well to chaffinches.

March 2015

Great Tit

Collared Dove

This bird only arrived in the UK in 1955 and has since made a sizeable impact on our bird population. It is much more delicate in appearance than the chunky woodpigeon and its song is an endless repetition of three syllables: coo-cooo-cu. Take note, the woodpigeon’s coo has five syllables!

Robin

Last but not least, the robin – the quintessential garden bird that seems so cheery and upbeat but is actually fiercely territorial. Its long warbling song is one of the first to be heard in the morning and often the last in the evening. In the days of street lighting, it sometimes gets confused and sings throughout the night as well. Like the blackbird, it is a clear and tuneful song often delivered from a showy open perch.

FIND OUT MORE Andrea Pinnington and Caz Buckingham’s new nature book The Little Book of Garden Bird Songs is out on 1st March. It features the most common garden birds and has a handy sound bar to make bird song learning easier! For more information, go to www. finefeatherpress.com.

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Jottings - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

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with no charge for accompanied children aged 16 and under. Tickets are available from the church’s Open Door Lounge on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays between 10am and 12 noon; do drop in for coffee or tea at the same times. Additionally, tickets will be available at the door on the evening. This community-wide event will feature the Haslemere Town Band, which is believed to be one of the oldest brass bands in continuous existence in the UK. Last November, the band held its annual Sounding Brass Concert which was most successful and so the March 6th concert at Haslemere Methodist Church will provide a further opportunity for its supporters to join the audience in appreciating the band’s quality of playing. The Concert will support the church’s development fund. Please get this date in your diary and encourage friends and neighbours to come to this special concert - why not make up a party to do that?

Contact Mike Hydon by email at mike.hydon@virgin.net or on 01428 651549.

Haslemere Musical Society, fresh from a huge success with their recent sell-out ‘Come and Sing’, remain busy in rehearsal for their concert on 7th March. They expect their customary full house for a concert in which the HMS Symphony Orchestra will play Schubert’s moving and passionate 9th symphony known as the ‘Great C Major’ before accompanying the HMS Chorus in a performance of Rossini’s ‘Stabat Mater’. Rossini was already a great composer of much-loved operas when he came to write his BeritazMater’ 0914_Layout 14/08/2014 11:45 Page 1which ‘Stabat and he 1filled it wonderful melodies will go down well with a Haslemere audience. The concert

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will take place at Haslemere Hall at 7.30pm and tickets are now on sale at the Hall (01428 642161) priced at £8-16, with half prices for children.

The Friends of Haslemere Parish conclude their spring series of Coffee Concerts on Saturday 7th March in St Bartholomew’s Church with the well renowned Stretto Quartet. The programme will include Mendelssohn’s Quartet in E minor Op 44 No.2 and Smetana’s Quartet No 1 in E minor. This concert is in effect a pre-run of a similar programme soon to be performed in London. Coffee and biscuits from 10.30am, no tickets, concert at 11am, with a retiring collection.

Midhurst Garden Club’s next meeting is on Monday 9th March at the South Downs Memorial Hall, North Street when they have a talk by Steven Bradley on ‘Patio Gardens and Containers’. Refreshments will be available from 7pm and Steven’s talk will commence at 7.30pm. Visitors are, as always, very welcome to join them (entry fee £2.00) for what they expect to be a very interesting evening.

Ben Law will be talking at Cowdray Hall at 7.15pm on Tuesday 10th March. His talk is entitled ‘Re-emergence of our Woodland Culture’. It will be an illustrated talk about the seasonal, cultural and craft aspects of woodland management. Tickets are £6 and are available to buy at Cowdray Farm Shop or by calling 01730 815152 during office hours.

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Jottings - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

The planning for the 2015 Midhurst Music Arts and Drama Festival (MADhurst) is well underway. This year the festival will include a mixture of entertainment by old favourites, such as the Milestone Collective Swing Band, (led by local lad Alistair Gibson), the short story competition and children’s fun day. There are popular new additions from 2014, such as a very naughty burlesque evening entitled ‘Showgirls, Songs and Sangria’, with Starlet Daze (AKA Dawn Gracie), a classical concert, ‘Ragtime at the Ruins’ with the Fabulous FB Pocket Orchestra, and an ecumenical service. In addition there is going to be new talent and a few surprises. This year MADhurst has commissioned local artist Dodie Buchanan to design the programme cover and posters. There will be an art trail through various venues across the town, including a Philip Jackson sculpture in the porch of the parish church, plus an artisan craft fair at the South Downs National Park Memorial Hall. The number of artists contributing to this exhibition is being expanded so do get in touch if you would like to participate. New workshops are also being planned and events in the town square too. One of these will be a celebration of local artisan food, called ‘Gastromania’. As always there will be a huge range of events in the MADhurst Fringe organised by local clubs. Last year 18 different groups got involved, from the teenagers of Youth Zest to the U3A, who organised a guided historic walk through Midhurst. There was also collaboration with the Sports Association, who hosted a range of very popular events throughout the week, and the Camera Club, with their well-attended annual exhibition. The MADhurst Committee has just welcomed

six new members. There is plenty to do and always space for everyone wanting to help. Contact details are on the website www.madhurst.co.uk. All are welcome at the MADhurst AGM on 11th March, venue to be announced on Facebook, Twitter and website. Go along and meet them.

Make sure you keep your diary free for this Midhurst Music Arts and Drama Festival - Saturday 22nd August- Monday 31st August. Follow them on Facebook and Twitter and check out the website for all the details of the Festival.

Compered by The Haslemere Fringe’s stellar funny man and performance poet, Geoff Allnutt, aka The Speech 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

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Jottings - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD go directly to Comic Relief and tickets are available to buy from Haslemere Hall. Call 01428 642161 or go to www. haslemerehall.co.uk.

The children from Molly Moocow’s music and movement classes will be making their faces funny for money as they help support Comic Relief with a Red Nose Day Mooathon on Friday 13th March. Molly would like to get as many children as possible to join her for a giant music and movement session. The Mooathon takes place at The Grange Centre, Midhurst, with funny face painting from 1pm and the moosical Mooathon at 1.30pm. £5 per family with all proceeds going to Comic Relief. Check out Molly’s website for more info www.mollymoocow.com or find Molly Moocow on Facebook to receive updates about the event.

Haslemere will be busy promoting itself as a tourist destination and urging all residents “To be a tourist in your own town” during English Tourism Week which runs from 14th to 22nd March. This week long initiative, spearheaded by the English Tourist Board is designed to increase awareness among local residents about the delights on their doorstep. The Visitor Information Centre will be actively promoting the town as a tourist destination, handing out balloons as well as leaflets on local walks, town trails and showcasing Haslemere’s top attractions.

One of the highlights of the week includes the local Walks for Health group incorporating the event into its regular walk on Saturday 21st March and taking walkers up to

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the National Trust’s Swan Barn – a charming walk through field, farm and woodland located just off Haslemere High Street. Take a guided tour of St Christopher’s Church, a beautiful building and a fine example of the arts and crafts movement. Or take advantage of one of the many special offers and promotions running in local businesses throughout the week. This is a chance to celebrate this historic and welcoming town and discover the town’s many gems! More information on the events in the town during English Tourism Week is available from the Haslemere Visitor Information Centre on 01428 645425.

Back by popular demand following their sell out 2014 performance, the John Shillito Band will perform their toe tapping selection of traditional New Orleans jazz in All Saints Church, Grayswood on Saturday 14th March.

Hosted by the Friends of All Saints, the evening is raising funds for the church. At 6.30pm there’s a special Jazz menu at the Wheatsheaf – Grayswood’s local free house, with a great selection of guest beers. Doors open at 7.30pm and music starts at 8.00pm. The audience is guaranteed a footstomping extravaganza. Tickets £15 each, or including a two-course supper, £25. Contact: Pauline Lamb: tel. 01428 643798 or email lamb@haslemere.com; Janet Dallas: Tel. 01428 643227 or email janetdallas54@gmail.com.

Return Of The Red Kite is the title of Haslemere Natural History Society’s next talk on Saturday 14th March, 2.15pm at Haslemere Educational Museum. Keith Betton is County Bird Recorder for Hampshire and has been

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March 2015

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In 1508, Loseley Manor was bought by Sir Christopher More, a lawyer of Derbyshire extraction. He was an exchequer official in Henry VII’s reign who rose to be King’s Remembrancer under Henry VIII. He lived in the medieval house situated on what is now the South Lawn, and took an active part in the affairs of the country. He was twice High Sheriff of Surrey and Sussex.

His son, Sir William More, held many high offices at Court and within the county. He was a personal friend and trusted adviser of Queen Elizabeth I. He was knighted in 1576. Sir William inherited Loseley in 1549 and commenced building the present house in 1562. He supervised the building work himself and his accounts of the building work still exist. The total cost of the house was £1,640 19s 7d.

Most of the building stone, now over 800 years old, came from the ruins of the Cistercian Waverley Abbey, near Farnham, which was pulled down in the reign of King Henry VIII. The stone contributes greatly to the mellow appearance and atmosphere of the house. (The clunch facings came from a quarry in Guildford and pillars built from stone from the quarries of Hascombe Hill.)

Loseley and

Garter by King James I who twice visited Loseley. Sir George was also Lieutenant of the Tower of London and Treasurer to Henry, Prince of Wales. He consolidated the family’s position by buying the ‘Manor and Hundred’ of Godalming from the crown in 1601 for £1,341 8s 23/4d.

As can be seen from the old paintings of Loseley, there was a further wing to the northwest, containing a chapel, picture gallery which was 121 ft long, and a riding school. Built by

Queen Elizabeth I stayed at Loseley on four occasions and a letter to Sir William giving strict instructions concerning the preparations for one of the visits has been preserved. Straw was to be strewn on the drive to avoid jolting of the carriage, Sir William was asked to ‘avoyade his family’ (i.e. move his family and servants) to make room for the Queen’s retinue, and the house had to be cleaner than on the last occasion.

After Sir William’s death in 1600, it was inherited by his son Sir George More who represented both Guildford and Surrey in parliament and was created Chancellor of the Order of the 14

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House Garden

Sir George More at the beginning of the 17th century, it fell into disrepair and was pulled down in 1820. To the north-east stands the original garden wall, in which can be seen the archways which matched those in the wing opposite. The original moat is still in existence and was connected by a secret passage to the cellars (now sealed off).

On Sir George’s death in 1632, his grandson, Poynings More, succeeded to Loseley. He was created a baronet shortly before his death in

1642, the title becoming extinct on the death of his son and successor, Sir William More, without issue in 1684. Loseley passed to Robert More, the son of Poynings More’s younger brother, but in 1689 he too died without issue, and so the property was inherited by his sister Margaret and her husband, Sir Thomas Molyneux. Thence forward the family name became More-Molyneux.

Their son was Sir More Molyneux, who went on to have 11 children. He is depicted in a large painting in the Great Hall alongside his wife Cassandra and eight of their children. Their two sons and two elder daughters were to die young and unmarried, and the house was looked after for more than 20 years by another daughter, Jane, who supervised every detail of household and estate management. On her death in 1802, the estate passed to her nephew James More-Molyneux who died in 1823. He was succeeded by his son James, who became a JP and Deputy Lieutenant and was very active in public service. His younger son William, also a JP, inherited in 1874 and in 1877 he added the Nursery Wing on the south side of the house. He died unmarried in 1907 and was succeeded by Gwendoline, the daughter of his younger brother.

Gwendoline married Brigadier General Francis Longbourne (who assumed by Deed Poll the additional names of More-Molyneux) and they started the Jersey herd and home farm in 1916. Francis saw active service in WW1 and was highly decorated for bravery.

They were to live in the house during the difficult war years with Top left: Loseley House Top middle: A general view of the gardens looking back towards the house Top right: The Great Hall Far left: A painting showing the old wing before it was pulled down in 1820 Near left: The tennis lawn border

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Relationship’, ‘Midsomer Murders’, ‘Churchill, the War Years’ and ‘Amazing Grace’.

The Rose Garden

no electricity, heating or hot water. When in 1946 the house was inherited by their son, James More-Molyneux and his wife, there was no money, no heating or electricity, a leaking roof and death duties to be paid. They accepted the challenge: Loseley had been in the family for over 400 years and was worth working for. The farming business was developed and they also founded Guildway Limited, which started with the production of concrete blocks and progressed to the construction of pre-fabricated houses which were exported all over the world.

The house was opened to the public in 1951, and in 1968 Loseley Dairy Products was started, with the production of cheese followed by yoghurt and then ice cream. At its peak, it was supplying some 1,500 customers in London and the Home Counties, exporting to the Far East, Middle East and also Italy.

Customers in the UK included Harrods, Fortnum & Mason’s, and British Airways. In 1985, due to increased overseas competition, the business was sold to Booker plc and in 2010 the Jersey herd was dispersed. The buildings used for yoghurt and ice cream production now house a variety of small businesses. In 1998, James More-Molyneux passed on the running of the estate to his son Michael who lives there to this day with his wife, children and mother. His eldest son Alexander and his wife live and work on the estate together with their daughter and twin sons.

The estate is currently 1,400 acres, comprising 140 acres of woodland and 650 acres arable crops farmed under a Farmed Tenancy business. It employs 25 full-time members of staff and double this number during the summer months.

Loseley welcomes over 100,000 visitors every year who come to see the house and garden or attend some of the events which include a gardening show, craft fair, dog show and a ploughing match and country fair. Loseley also host more than 80 civil weddings and receptions, and have been used as a film location for productions including ‘Emma’, ‘Foyle’s War’, ‘The Special 16

On Monday September 29th 2014, work began on erecting scaffolding over Loseley House. To hide the scaffolding, a large screen covers the front with a photograph of the house printed on it. The last time the house was re-roofed was in 1856 and a partial re-roof took place in 1956. The slates are being replaced with tiles which will be more in-keeping with the house when it was built in 1562. All the events will continuing to take place and the work will be completed by May 20th. By this time all the scaffolding will have been removed from site and Loseley will stand proudly with its new roof which hopefully will last for another 120 years.

The gardens The 2.5 acre Walled Garden has had many lives since it was laid out formally in the 16th century, including an organic vegetable garden, orchard and designs by the renowned Gertrude Jekyll. The Walled Garden has been carefully restored over the past few years and is now one of Loseley’s main features. It contains a series of ‘rooms’ including an award winning rose garden with over 1,000 bushes, an extensive herb garden, a colourful fruit and flower garden, a white garden with fountains and an organic vegetable garden. It also features a Mulberry tree reputedly planted by Queen Elizabeth I. The herb garden is divided into four separate sections – culinary, medicinal, household and decorative and contains over 200 herbs, some of which date back to ancient times. Other features include a magnificent vine walk, ancient wisteria and the moat border. The most recent addition is a 2.5 acre wild flower meadow, planted on what used to be the Loseley cricket pitch.

FIND OUT MORE

Loseley gardens are open to the public from May and the house in June – entrance to the house ends in August and to the grounds in September. Visits to Loseley House are by guided tour only and last around 50 minutes.

Key dates: Spring Garden Show - 17th-19th April; May Craft Fair - 13th-14th May; Summer Garden Show 24th-26th July; Teddy Bears Picnic Day – Sunday 9th August; and Country Fair and Ploughing Match - 27th September.

For more information, please call 01483 304440 or visit www.loseleypark.co.uk.

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Jottings - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

studying Red Kites for seven years. His work has involved wing-tagging the chicks and also using radio transmitters to track their movements. In 2012 he found 22 nests in Hampshire and there is probably a population of 75 pairs and 150 non-breeders. With their return as a breeder to Surrey as recently as 2012, attendees will hear from Keith’s experience across the border. Non-members are welcome but are invited to contribute £3. More at www. haslemerenaturalhistorysociety.org.uk or email: info@ haslemerenaturalhistorysociety.org.uk.

Lots on at RHS Wisley now that it is spring! Events include Lindt Daffodil Pot Decorating on Saturday 14th March from 10.30am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-3.30pm. Go and see the carpets of spring flowering bulbs, including the crocus extravaganza by the garden entrance and decorate a daffodil pot to take away. The Orchid Society of Great Britain’s Spring Show is on Sat 21st March from 11am-4pm featuring competitive classes and displays by members and affiliated societies. This show will be held in the Glasshouse Gallery. There will also be unusual species for sale and advice for all. The Glasshouse is open from 10am-5.15pm (last entry at 5pm). Then there is the Spring Plant Fair from 27th-29th March from 10am-5pm. This is a must for all plant lovers. Meet the growers and choose quality plants from specialist nurseries. Finally, the Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt is from 28th March-12th April from 10.30am-4.30pm. Hop through the garden on the trail of the Lindt Gold Bunny.

Follow the clues to lead you to a delicious Lindt treat for the hoppiest Easter ever! See birds of prey soaring above the

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garden as well (11th-12th April). There are activities every day, visit www.rhs.org.uk/wisley for what’s on when.

For everyone who enjoys outdoor events, trying new things, learning new skills and meeting new people there is something to tempt the beginner and the more experienced at West Dean in 2015. The College and Gardens offer an exciting full programme for artists, art and craft fans, festival-goers, food fans, gardeners and music lovers. You can shop and try a creative workshop at the Design and Craft Fair, learn new skills on an art or craft short course, taste new foods and dance to Latin music at the 20th annual Chilli Fiesta and much more to ensure you have a fun packed year, whatever your interests. As West Dean is part of a charity, every penny spent there, whether on a short course, in the shops, entry to the Gardens or an event, and every donation made, helps open up West Dean for more people and preserve it for future generations. A couple of events coming up: Mother’s Day in the Gardens (Sunday 15th March from 10.30am-5pm) - children go free. They also have Easter Egg Trails around the gardens for children (1st-6th April from 10.30am-5pm). For more information visit www.westdean.org.uk.

Fernhurst Choral Society are currently rehearsing for the Petersfield Festivites when they combine with other local choirs. On Saturday 15th March in Petersfield Festival Hall they will perform two contrasting works. The popular Nelson Mass - Haydn, and `A Great and Glorious Victory` by Jonathan Willcocks. The Musical director is the emminent

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Jottings - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

Conductor Paul Spicer. On Saturday 18th April at St. Mary`s Church Petworth there will be a `Come and Sing`. This event will no doubt be as popular as last year when they studied and performed Handel`s Messiah. This year it will be the beautiful Faure Requiem. Every so often FCS participates in an exchange with another European choir. They will welcome this year a Swiss choir - Le Chant Sacre who are based in Geneva. Together they will perform a Schubert programme - the Stabat Mater and the Mass in A flat major. The venue will be the acoustically suitable St. Paul`s Church, Chichester. The date for your diairies is Saturday 30th May. As you may see from the above, FCS affords a great opportunity to participate in glorious choral singing.

They are a friendly membership and welcome new singers and rehearse on Monday evenings in Fernhurst Village Hall from 8pm until 9.45pm. There are no auditions - an ability to sing in tune is an obvious advantage! For further details please see http://fernhurstchoralsociety.org.uk.

Wey & Arun Canal Trust have a Guided Walk on Monday 16th March. This walk will be guided by Alan Johnson, The Wey & Arun Canal Trust’s Technical Liaison Officer, and leaves at 2pm from the Gunpowder Store, Stonebridge, Shalford near Guildford on the banks of the River Wey. The walk will then continue along part of the old route of the Wey and Arun Canal and cross over the A281 road and through into Hunt Park along the riverside path which has recently been built by the Trust’s volunteers. At the end of the walk, visitors will have fine views of the three oaks which are more than 100 years old and a chance to see the

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new viewing platform being installed. Parking is available in the public car park next to Trunley Heath Road on the A281. From there it is a short walk to the Gunpowder store at Stonebridge. The walk is approximately 1.5 miles and with a level surface, although suitable footwear is recommended. The Gunpowder Store reference is GU4 8EP. Further details available from support@weyandarun. co.uk. No booking required.

Haslemere Decorative and Fine Arts Society (HDFAS) will acknowledge the bicentenary of one of the most famous battles in English history with a lecture on ‘The Art of Waterloo’ by Peter Warwick. The lecture will take place at Haslemere Hall on 17th March at 2pm. Peter Warwick, who is the Chairman of New Waterloo Dispatch/ Waterloo 200, the official body arranging the bicentenary commemorations for Waterloo in 2015, will talk about the battle, a defining moment in European history, and he will show how artists have interpreted the event, thereby influencing our understanding of what actually happened on 18th June 1815. The artists did not always get it right!

Visitors are welcome to the lecture. 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.

The January meeting of the Chiddingfold Horticultural Society was the Members’ Social Evening and enjoyed

Chichester 38 Southgate, Chichester West Sussex po19 1dp t : 01243 787899

Midhurst Sheep Lane, Midhurst West Sussex gu29 9ns t : 01730 812201

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Jottings - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD by all. The March meeting will be at 8pm on Wednesday 18th in the Village Hall, Coxcombe Lane. Geoff Lunn will tell us about ‘Encouraging Wildlife on Your Doorstep’. He will show his beautiful photographs of wildlife followed be a Question and Answer session and demonstration of practical ideas. Visitors are welcome to come and hear Geoff. There will be an entrance fee of £2.

Liphook W.I. will be meeting on 18th March in the Village Hall at 7.30pm. Their speaker this month is John Negas and his talk is entitled ‘Gardening with Flair’ which is just what is needed after the dreary months of winter. They are a very friendly group and are planning all sorts to celebrate the W.I.’s centenary. All visitors are very welcome, particularly those new to the area, for any further information please telephone Christine Chubb on 01428 723957.

Due to demand, two local entrepreneurs are providing even more fantastic new courses at Haslewey Community Centre, opposite Lion Green. Anna Lewis from YogaBellies, is introducing Core Yang Yoga – an eight week evening course of dynamic flowing yoga designed for women of all ages.

YogaBellies also provide fun, friendly and safe holistic yoga classes for pregnant women, Mothers, babies and children.

Each class focuses on a different aspect of pregnancy and birth, providing training in deep relaxation and preparation for birth and motherhood – and it’s a great way to meet other new mums. In addition, Haslewey have had a huge hit with the Haslemere Computer Training classes run by Fiona Hewkin and the beginners and intermediate courses

‘Into the Darkness’ is the title of Midhurst Camera Club’s talk on the 18th March. Attendees will be treated to a show of superb artistic talent by Diana Goss, MSc UKCP ARPS who specialises in, and thoroughly enjoys, Night Photography.

Diana will be giving her history of shooting in the darkness with a couple of audiovisual and a selection of DPIs. During the first half she will explain the technical aspect of shooting in the dark, and after the break, the creative aspects. Her friend and Colleague Elmer Maniebo will be coming with her and giving some light painting demos during the talk.

On 25th March there is a Practical Evening on ‘getting more out of your camera - part2’. The club’s meetings are held at Cowdray Hall, Parkway, Easebourne, Midhurst GU29 0AW - 19.30 for a 19.45 start. There is a small charge of £5 for non-members for speaker and Practical Evenings.

On Thursday 19th March at 7.30pm, Haslemere Museum Patron, and former ITN War Correspondent, Michael Nicholson OBE will be giving a talk about the ‘Lighter Side of a War Correspondent’s Life’. Tickets are on sale from Haslemere Museum (01428 642112) at £12 which includes a glass of wine or a soft drink. This talk follows Michael’s sell-out talk in October at the Museum when he spoke about ‘The Darker Side of a War Correspondent’s Life’.

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Out with the old Spring always instigates a fresh start and with this in mind I would like to encourage you to refresh your winter wardrobe and make room for uplifting new additions for the new season.

Be Ruthless When working with a new client, I always have to be mindful of how honest they want me to be. I normally start off an appointment fairly carefully, so I can work out exactly what the end result needs to be. A gentle discussion or a ‘it’s gotta go’ approach depends on the quantity of similar items, or if there are bulging wardrobes in every room. Have plenty of bin bags at the ready...

Try on or tip!

If it doesn’t fit now, put it away. If you can’t bear to part with it (probably because you can remember how much it cost you a few months ago!) put it in a suitcase in the attic. It’s a halfway house to see if you really pine for it.

If you don’t - it’s charity or dress agency time.

What do you need?

Do you work fulltime or need dog walking casuals? Your

own wardrobe has to reflect your own lifestyle so write down a daily list of ‘looks’ that you wear and it will soon become apparent if you own too many business suits from a previous job. Research online first to get a feel for what’s in store, and focus on what you need. Remember to check if they are washable if it’s an everyday casual item. Business clothing needs to be flexible to offer alternatives so keep the mainstays classic black, navy or charcoal and then add colour and direction with the layers.

Get fit By this I mean, get your clothes to fit you. Be prepared to spend a little to reduce sleeve lengths or take waistbands in to make sure you look finished and well dressed. A simple alteration can add such a difference to the end look and for £15-20 you will look more polished and together.

Great spring/summer trends

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1. Are you ready for an invasion of smart denim? MIH denim kimono for a grown-up weekend look. Note the return of double denim and bootleg cut.

2. Dolce & Gabbans show how multi-coloured prints work in separates - remember heels are essential for midi skirt lengths.

3. The jumpsuit is still growing in popularity - apart from the inconvenience, it is super slimming and elegant(see Richard Nicoll).

4. Wide trousers are back, an elegant alternative to your skinnies shown here by Donna Karan (or go for ‘cigarette’ length to the ankle for a slim line) All Fashion trends from www.net-a-porter.com

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FASHION FOOD

Children too...

Quick wardrobe refresh

ing for s, automatically uplift *Add nautical stripe n by ow sh as s new gingham spring or look at the . ns jea th wi ct rfe rg. Pe Diane Von Furstenbe eve - I ts, long and short sle *Buy new white T-shir any. love The White Comp out everyday bag - empty ur yo th wi er all sm *Go Look at ! ed us en be t still haven’t those ‘essentials’ tha Afia bag.

Jones Bookmaker tan will - neat-fitting jackets ing *Wear a bit of tailor jeans. th wi en ev re, tter postu cut give the image of a be er ort bbs and H&M for sh Look at Jigsaw and Ho versions. from a ality - whether that’s *Always buy better qu designer. charity shop, chain or 10 for - Primark velour ones, ers ng *Buy slimmer ha ts. ke jac for £4. Keep shaped ones st opinions a friend to give hone ask lp he me so et *G . on ti ec dir for fresh or work with a stylist

Our ever-growing children need a clear-out too and it’s not a bad idea to make some money back at the same time. Second Thoughts, new to Chiddingfold since September 2014, is crammed of with ‘previously loved’ clothes and shoes from 0-teens. Once you have registered as a seller you will receive 50% of the sale price which can also be sold on their eBay store.

They only accept good quality clothing. This will stay in the store for 6-8 weeks before a reminder email for collection is sent. After that the clothing is taken to charity shops or to an orphanage in Uganda. Buyers are offered a one week’s return policy, if agreed at time of purchase, to give you a chance to try the item on ‘little Jimmy’ at home after school.

Owner Nicki, and Lisa run the business during school term time only, Monday-Friday and the first Saturday of each month, 9.30am-4pm.

Stock up on some branded gems for teens, Hollister from £8

Second Thoughts, 1 Chiddingfold Galleries, Petworth Road, Chiddingfold GU8 4UF. Contact nicki@secondthoughtschiddingfold.co.uk or call 07765 428005.

It’s a destination shop for your kids wardrobe, but with a handy coffee shop nearby, Treacle’s Tea Shop for that all important refreshment break, The Green, Chiddingfold, Telephone 01428 684859.

Ladies Dress Agencies A great way to sell those pieces that are still in great condition. It varies but most agencies sell your items for four weeks and will pay you 50% of the selling price. Some are closed Mondays, so telephone for opening hours and full details of service.

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5. Lace, macrame, crochet and embroidery, in preparation for summer sunshine, EMAMÓ coverup 6. Suede - from these Lanvin boots to bags and jackets - the softer option to leather.

Kirstie Smillie is a fashion stylist. Feel relaxed and confident in your own style with a wardrobe full of clothes you love.

Email: kirstie@kirstiesmillie.com Call 07773 234947.

March 2015

Bramley: New 2 Vous, 11 High Street - 01483 893305 Dorking: Style Connect Dress Agency, 22 West Street - 01306 886430 Michele’s Dress Agency, 11 High Street - 07585 896831 Farnham: The Posh Dress Agency, 3 Ridgeway Road - 01252 717713 Godalming: Change of Address, 2 Church Street - 01483 429996 Haslemere: Plum, 66 High Street - 01428 643349 Petworth: Eternal, 88a New Street - 01798 344434 21

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Jottings - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

Stedham WI will be meeting in the Stedham Memorial Hall at 7.30pm on Thursday 19th March. Their speaker for the evening will be Graham Bowring and his subject is ‘The Secret Life of the Hedgehog’. New members and visitors are always welcome. Please see www.stedhamWI. com or telephone Vanessa on 01730 817547 for further information.

Are you interested in birds? Whether you are a beginner or expert, do join the free bird walk at Frensham Little Pond on Thursday 19th March organised by the RSPB local members’ group. Starting point is the National Trust car park in Priory Lane, GU10 3BT off the A287 (there are two). The walk starts at 9.30am ending about 1pm. Birds we hope to see include waterfowl, kingfisher, little egret, woodlark, stonechat and other woodland and heathland birds. The walk is 3 miles at a leisurely pace on firm paths. Please bring binoculars if possible. Do wear warm waterproof clothes and outdoor shoes/boots. The walk is unsuitable for buggies, very young children or dogs. Further details from www.rspb.org.uk/ groups/Guildford or email gadcom2010@gmail.com or tel 01372 467074.

The Midhurst Players will be presenting one of the first amateur productions of ‘Tartuffe’ by Molière in a new adaptation by, well-known and loved author and poet, Roger McGough from Thursday 19th to Saturday 21st March at 7.30pm. The play had a much acclaimed run at the Liverpool Everyman Playhouse followed by a UK tour by the English Touring Theatre. The show will be at

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the Memorial Hall, South Downs Centre, North Street, Midhurst, GU29 9DH. For further information and booking contact the box office on 01730 814419 or online at www. midhurstplayers.co.uk.

Les Amitiés Françaises’s popular series of lectures in French continues on 19th March at 7.30pm in the Baptist Church Hall, Queen Street, Godalming. Eric Simon’s lecture will be on “’La France avant la Révolution’. The speaker used to teach at the French Lycée in London. Recent talks have concentrated on Napoleón and Louis XIV, so the March lecture will put the revolution into perspective by setting the historical and geographical backdrop to later events. April’s talk at 7.30pm on 16th April will be on Alexandre Dumas – ‘The forerunner of modern literature’, to be delivered

by Elizabeth le Doze. Non-members are very welcome at the lectures (£6 at the door). Brochures on Les Amitiés are available in libraries and museums. As well as a programme of lectures, members enjoy convivial dining occasions together and visits to historic houses and gardens, all with a French connection. For further information, please contact John Petty, membership secretary on 01483 861974, john. petty@which.net and on www.amitiesfrancaises.com.

The Clockhouse in Milford is hosting a film evening on March 20th at The Clockhouse, Chapel Lane Milford when they will be showing ‘What we did on our holiday’.

Tickets are £5 and doors open at 6.45pm. The film starts 7.30pm. They have a licensed bar. Tickets available from The Clockhouse 01483 420668.

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 22

Rebecca Dziobon t: 01483 901058

e: rebecca@hendersonsfamilylaw.co.uk

Samantha Mabey t: 01483 901057

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Paul Linsell t: 01483 901060

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Customers submit their reviews directly to Checkatrade. com. Recently, a customer in Woking who’s kitchen units were refurbished, gave the business full marks, writing: “Dream Doors staff gave excellent service and gave quality assurance from start to completion. Their product transformed our kitchen.”

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Gary says, “Whatever our customers want, we’re almost always able to provide. If they need new doors to fit an existing kitchen we can supply made-tomeasure replacements, and have them fitted in just one day. Customers may also incorporate worktops, sinks, new appliances or even a total refurbishment, we sell some of the best products around at very competitive prices. But it’s not just about price with our customers. They want to feel reassured that their money is safe, and know that we will do a good job which is why we only take a 50% deposit with nothing further to pay until all work is completed.

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Grayshott Folk Club Des O’Byrne tells the story of this club which we have been delighted to support over the past four years The seeds of an idea to organise live music events were originally sown way back in the early 1980s when Tina and I were at college in Lincoln and set up ‘Rock at The Grot’. However, a 27 year teaching career intervened, so Grayshott Folk Club didn’t actually spring to life until January 2011. Its aim was to counter the depressing effects of austerity by brining the best folk musicians possible to Grayshott, and offering ‘quality music at affordable prices’. We wanted to create something special locally, so people didn’t have to travel miles away or battle traffic in order to access brilliant live music. In addition to bringing the best musicians to Grayshott from around the British Isles and the rest of the world, we also wanted to offer local, young and emerging musicians a leg up and a chance to showcase their talents to a discerning and appreciative audience.

Our family links with Grayshott are very strong and go back many years. After checking out what amenities were available in the area, it was clear from the outset that Grayshott Village Hall would become our spiritual home and base. The facilities there are excellent. It offers flexible seating arrangements and enough capacity for our needs but above all, it has very good acoustics. Every musician, without exception, has commented on the wonderful sound they get in the Hall. This is also due in large part to our dedicated Sound man, Martin. Martin has done the sound for almost all of the 50+ gigs we have put on so far.

However, Grayshott Village Hall is very much in demand from many village organisations and interest groups, so it is not always available when we want to use it. We have been very fortunate in having alternative venues to use and Grayshott Social Club, St. Alban’s Church, Hindhead and most recently, Haslemere Museum, have all served as excellent alternative venues to put on our shows. All of them are perfectly suitable and have their own special qualities and we thank those involved (Peter Hatch/ Nick, Rev. Richard Bodle, and Karen and Rebecca), for agreeing to allow us to put on our events at these venues.

Initially the main focus of Grayshott Folk Club was folk music but it was always our intention to diversify and offer other genres of live music in addition to folk. We will continue to put on occasional one-off gigs in order to broaden our appeal.

Grayshott Folk Club is not a club as such; there are no membership subscriptions, annual fees or registration charges.

The ‘club’ is simply a group of like-minded people who share a

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joy of listening to and watching roots, acoustic and folk musicians perform their music live, in person and everybody is invited to join us at all of our gigs.

In the four years of our existence, we have already hosted members of Fairport Convention, The Albion Band and Lindisfarne at Grayshott Village Hall. We proved to be ahead of the game by spotting the emerging talents of Blair Dunlop, Josienne Clarke & Ben Walker, CrossHarbour and The Willows early in their careers. All of them have become much more widely known and gained greater recognition since playing for us.

We have presented folk/rockers Acoustic Strawbs three times at Grayshott and strayed into rock with Martin Turner’s Wishbone As and pop with Benny Gallagher, with some success but our greatest achievement has been to attract some of the most talented and admired contemporary folk performers to play for us at Grayshott. These have included: Sam Sweeney, Sam Carter, Ewan McLellan, Tyde, Lucy Ward and Maz O’Connor, all of whom have been nominated for, or won BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards. We have also featured some excellent big folk bands, including The Outside Track, Jamie Smith’s Mabon and The Old Dance School.

Grayshott Folk Club would not exist at all without the generous and invaluable support we get from a whole raft of people who include; Martin Bradley (sound), Stephen Penny (lights), Brian Tapp (seating), Ros Cox (front of house), Barbara, Vicky, Linda and Mary (refreshments) and of course; the one, the only Tina O’Byrne.

I salute you all.

FIND OUT MORE

Call Des O’Byrne on (01428 607096) for postal tickets and more information. Future gigs are online at www.grayshott.com/wordpress/ grayshott-folk-club-gigs-2015.

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A large selection of the Rug Gallery’s weavings can be viewed on the website, but with so many more in stock at the stunning shop premises, you can browse and choose from hundreds available.

March 2015

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Jottings - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

Godalming Choral Society presents ‘Baroque Masters’ on Saturday 21st March 2015 at 7.30pm at Holy Trinity Church, High St, Guildford, GU1 3JH. It features: Pergolesi : Stabat Mater ; Handel : Let God Arise! ; Purcell : Hail! Bright Cecilia & Funeral Sentences for Queen Mary. Conductor : Michael Veazey. The concert will support the work of The Prostate Project, the Guildford based cancer charity. Tickets : £15 (Students £8) are available from Record Corner, Pound Lane, Godalming; Guildford Tourist Office, 155 High Street, Guildford tel : 01483 444333; Godalming Choral Society Ticket Office tel : 07505 203468 or online. For more details go to www.godalmingchoral.org.uk.

East Hampshire District Council is backing the introduction of the first regular Grayshott Market bus service with a £1000 start up grant. A pilot Grayshott SHOPPA bus service was trialled last year between Hindhead and Headley.

The new regular monthly service is set to start on the first Market day 21st March 2015. The route is planned to be between Liphook and Headley Down via the Market, with regular stops along the route. “SHOPPA will serve locations other bus services don’t aim to reach” explains Tim TinsleyWickes, Market Organiser. “The aim is to share local events such as the monthly Market with a wider community and we are already looking at other areas”. The Grayshott Market started in April 2014 and runs on the third Saturday of every month from March to November. Averaging around 30 stalls, the main focus is food. Traditional fayre includes pies from Simon, pulled pork burgers from Nosh+ and Daisy’s cakes to handmade chocolate truffles and the

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more exotic samosas, noodles, sushi, Pad Thai, curries plus patés and cheeses and artisan breads. Other stalls include Moroccan leather ware, herbal remedies, arts, crafts and antiques.

Local complementary therapists, Samantha Hardwick of Time Out Massage and Helen Adams of Petersfield Massage, are raising money for the local branch of Dreams Come True by organising a Health and Harmony Day on Saturday 21st March 2015 at Grayshott Village Hall, to reinforce to people the benefits of using complementary therapies as a way of improving health. The day will run from 10am to 4pm.

Samantha and Helen are inviting local residents to pop along and find out how to bring balance and harmony into their lives. Attendees will be able to talk to therapists first hand and explore beneficial ways to improve their health and wellbeing as well as being able to enjoy taster sessions or have card readings. There will be a Pilates class to join in and free talks throughout the day on Living a Life of connection, fulfilment and true happiness, First Aid for Frazzled Days, Connecting with your Angels and a Guided Mediation with Helen. To learn more about the treatments available and/or pre-book a session at the Health and Harmony Day, please visit the website at www.healthnharmony.co.uk or contact Samantha on 07974 682525 or Helen on 07749 574681.

March is the month for grand designs in Surrey! Four gardens will be holding charity openings for the National Gardens Scheme. The first three showcase the style of famed British garden designers John Evelyn, Capability

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Wedding Hints & Tips

by Lyn Sanders, Lily-Marie Wedding Planner

Just got engaged? Congratulations! ….but still confused about where to start?……worry not; hopefully I have everything you need here to keep you calm with tips from the local industry insiders, in the order you need to consider them, with tips from the local industry insiders!

Choosing your venue can be one of the most stressful, time-consuming parts of the process because it not only dictates the style of your day, but heavily impacts the overall cost.

For those wanting the freedom to create their perfect wedding without being tied to what a venue permits there is an exciting new website to help you choose the more original venue in Surrey….www.blankcanvasweddings.co.uk.

“Blank Canvas was created to offer a selection of individual, flexible venues and spaces that allow you to create your day your way. A day suited to you, fits your vision and your budget” says owner Heidi Teague.

Once you’ve fixed the location and date you can concentrate on the finer detail, but make sure you tick off the big items first, like your dress.

Charlotte from Amaryllis Bridalwear suggests that you “speak to your friends for recommendations, take someone with you to your appointment who will be helpful but honest (but not too many people as this can have a negative affect…too many opinions can be stressful). Remember to have an open mind about styles of dresses – they all look different when they are on. Ideally you need to start searching approximately 8-12 months prior to your big day, allow plenty of time and don’t be pushed into purchasing a dress if you’re unsure– you want to make sure you’ve found the one!”.

Once you have your venue and dress sorted you can start to think about flowers; you will need these details to give to your floral designer as it will really help determine the style of the flowers and overall scheme.

Hannah from Hannah Berry Flowers explains that “we will take all factors into con-

March 2015

sideration such as natural light, space and venue decor and will advise the best designs to suit the venue. Of equal importance is your bridal bouquet; it is a key accessory to your outfit; it has to work with your dress and not take the eye away from the overall look”.

With all aspects of planning, the earlier you start the longer you have to make decisions that suit you as a couple. Photographer Ginny Marsh recommends that “you start to narrow your photographer choices down by picking work you love; not just some of their images, but ALL of their images and don’t get too worked up over what ‘style’ you’re looking for (such as reportage / contemporary / traditional) keep an open mind”.

So what else helps you choose when there are so many photographers out there? Ginny suggests trying not to shop on price! “It’s easy to narrow photographers down by cutting out the ones who you think are too expensive, but generally with photographers, you get what you pay for. You don’t want to wish you’d paid a bit more for a better photographer, because after your wedding it’ll be too late. Finally meet with a few photographers in person to find out who you get a good vibe from and get on well with. You’ll be spending your whole day with this person, and it’s important you feel comfortable and at ease in their presence”.

Your wedding photographs are so important! After your cake has been eaten, your flowers are wilting, your dress is dirty; your wedding photographs are the only thing that last to remind you of how much fun you had, the details and the emotion.

To look your wedding day best, take some tips from inside the pro make-up bag!

Natasha Wiggins is a professional wedding hair and make-up artist and she’s kindly revealed her secret to creating a flawless bridal glow. “A product I couldn’t 27

be without and simply love using with my brides is Bare Escentuals ID Mineral Veil. It’s an amazing powder that will stop any shine coming through, as it absorbs oil on the skin, but it doesn’t create a thick layer like some pressed or loose powders can do, which are often bulked out with talc and other nasties! Mineral Veil leaves you with a translucent, soft finish and it is completely sheer, so it softens the make-up finish, minimising the look of fine lines and pores. I simply love using it. Hopefully you’ll love the results on your wedding day make-up too.”

To create perfect lips all day long, Natasha always apply a lip tint under the lipstick to help it to stay on longer, with all that kissing and champagne sipping!

To fix it all in place one of her favourite products at the moment is ModelCo’s BEAUTY FIX Airbrush Face, a magic make-up fixing spray.

“It is amazing! It helps the bride’s makeup set and it also seals it so that it does not come off - all day! All you need to do is spritz it on like a toner after applying all your make-up and it will be smudge proof.

Ta dah!”

According to a recent survey by confetti. co.uk. 81% of couples say cutting the cake is their top wedding day tradition, so as the cake is a significant centrepiece at the reception it’s definitely worth asking an expert for advice.

Debbie from Debs Makes Cakes explains: ”the size of your cake will most likely be determined by the number and size of portions you need. The flavour and level of detail in the decoration will be determined by the amount of money you have to spend. Whatever your cake budget, decide which of size, style and flavour are most important to you so that your money can be spent in a way that you think matters”.

Many venues have neutral décor and an all-white or ivory cake may disappear into the background. Have your wedding cake on its own small table and have fun styling the background. Introduce your suppliers to each other; your wedding coordinator, florist, venue stylist, caterer and cake supplier will need to work together to create a cohesive event for you. Also, don’t forget the cake knife! An engraved cake knife can be a wonderful keepsake from your day.

Whilst on the subject of food it is worth noting that from your guests perspective, the food and entertainment tend to be the most memorable parts of the day. But don’t be afraid to tailor your menu to your tastes. Joe from Keeley’s Kitchen loves to create a personal menu “if, as a couple you have precious memories of eating bangers and mash…. have bangers and mash! It is your day after all. However, if you are going to do something simple just make sure your caterers use the best quality locally sourced

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products; the last thing you want is a bad simple dish!

And don’t forget to have a taster; you may have to pay for it but it will be worth it!”

Another tip is if you do want something simple maybe look at going for more expensive crockery; even bangers and mash can look different on a beautiful plate and may only cost as little as 20p extra per person.

Joe specialises in making your wedding breakfast that little bit different; do involve your guests, something as simple as a self-carve roast dinner. Maybe put a chef’s hat on one of your guests chairs at each table and that person has to carve the meat for everyone. This works very well if you have a table of mixed guests as it is a great ice breaker. It is also good for fussy eaters as they can pick what they want on their plate.

Last but certainly not least, the entertainment. “How do we get everyone on the dance floor”? “What song shall we have for our first dance”? “We want a band and a DJ but can’t quite justify it within our budget”?

These are all questions I am frequently asked and this is where experts can advise. Lemon Entertainment have a wide selection of artists to choose from, some of their bands can also DJ in-between and after the live band sets. It’s all included in their price and is much cheaper than booking both a band and a DJ separately.

Lucy at Lemon Entertainment explains: “You only have one wedding day, some people don’t put enough impor-

tance on the entertainment when in fact it can be the making of an event. Use a reputable company who deal with professional musicians and you are more likely to have a positive experience than if you find a part time band in your local pub” Remember; break the rules, have fun and celebrate your day your way.

For further advice on any aspects of your day please don’t hesitate to get in touch: Lily-Marie – www.lily-marie.co.uk – 07824 809664 Amaryllis Bridalwear - www.amaryllis-bridal.co.uk 01420 80552 Hannah Berry Flowers - www.hannahberryflowers. co.uk - 07871 037536 Ginny Marsh Photography – www.ginnymarsh.co.uk - 01252 856 937 Natasha Wiggins - www.nwmake-up.co.uk - 07841 511409 Keeleys Kitchen - www.keeleyskitchen.co.uk – 07776 235206 Debs Makes Cakes - www.debsmakescakes.co.uk 0751 8011 731 Lemon Entertainment - www.lemonentertainment. co.uk - 07753 496308

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BLUSH BOUTIQUE• 2B HIGH STREET• SHEPHERD’S HILL• HASLEMERE • SURREY• T: 01428 656412• www.blushtrends.co.uk March 2015

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A GOOD Book

In this column we feature books that we, and our reviewers, like. They may not necessarily be new books, but they’ll be fiction and non-fiction books that we have enjoyed. We’ll always include at least one children’s book in the selection each time. We’d love to hear your thoughts on anything you feel we should be reading and sharing with others.

Handmade Baskets

– from Nature’s Colourful Materials

By Susie Vaughan Published by Search Press £9.99. Paperback. www.searchpress.com

I will admit right now that I do have a weird passion for baskets. I don’t know what it is – whether it’s the natural materials, the lovely shapes and colours, the delightful creaking noise they make, but I am always absolutely thrilled if someone gives me a gift of, or in, a basket.

So, having acquired some basic willow-weaving skills courtesy of Stefan Jennings’s wonderful willow sculpture workshop recently (you may have seen it advertised in The Onion) I was delighted to see this lovely book by Susie Vaughan and now feel inspired to have a go at making a basket myself. I haven’t actually tried it yet, but it certainly makes my fingers itch. It is a ‘how to’ for beginners - half of the book tells you how to identify and collect the right material, and that’s followed by the instructions 30

to make a simple round basket, an oval basket, a frame basket, how to add handles, how to make interesting borders, how to make lids, and then some inspirational pictures at the end to get your creative juices going.

It has made me want instantly to reach for the secateurs and start attacking the shrubs and trees in the garden for materials. Look out family, you could all be getting very dodgy-looking baskety objects as presents this year.

Reviewed by Carol Farley

Tom Kerridge’s Best Ever Dishes

By Tom Kerridge Published by Absolute Press £25. Hardback. www.absolutepress.co.uk

I don’t know if you saw, tried or kept Tom Kerridge’s Roast Red Pepper Soup recipe reproduced in this magazine recently (November 2014 edition), but a reader of the magazine said that she’d made it as a result of its appearing in the magazine

and had had very satisfied lunch companions who all asked for second helpings. I made it for a lunch party of 12 friends last weekend. I followed the recipe to the very letter and honestly, I have never been so popular – everyone wanted second helpings and it became a real talking point. I have also made the Treacle Tart which was absolutely delicious and am about to work my way through the rest of the recipes in the book.

I think it’s about to become my favourite cookery book - I absolutely love it. The recipes are all ‘ordinary’ dishes that, in the hands of Kerridge, are elevated to something sublime. His writing is almost exactly as he speaks, although I was disappointed not to find an “amazin’” written anywhere. So if you want to surprise someone with an extraordinary cottage pie or crispy duck salad, then look no further than this fabulous book with it’s fabulous recipes and photographs.

Amazin’.

Reviewed by Jessica Harding

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BOOKS FOOD Mapp & Lucia and other books

by E F Benson Lucia Rising - paperback ISBN: 9780140119626 Lucia Victrix – paperback ISBN: 9780140119633

Mapp and Lucia once again brought Rye to our television screens over Christmas in the lavish new three-part production of E F Benson’s cruelly amusing satire of life in the mid to upper social strata of Rye in the 1920s. I say “in Rye” but in the books Rye is thinly disguised as Tilling. E F Benson lived in Rye and despite changing its name he barely concealed the town’s identity in his books.

It is inevitable that in dramatising novels for television, especially novels with such complex relationships as these, much is going to be lost and that is why I urge you to read these wonderful and funny books. The two central characters are each intent on controlling those around them and until they meet each other March 2015

they have both been successful in doing just that. The busybody, interfering Mapp and the arch-snob Lucia are like two heavyweight fighters circling each other in the ring before landing a few blows and then retiring to their corners to draw breath and plot anew, and they both manage to involve everyone else in their sharp games.

and three). Penguin conveniently publishes the six books in two compendiums of three: Lucia Rising which comprises the first three books and Lucia Victrix the last three.

These books are beautifully written and apart from their intricate plotlines and superb characterisations they are a window on what life was like in Rye and similar places not so very long ago. Apart from being very funny they must also have been quite daring books when they were first published including as they do such characters as ‘quaint Irene’ and ‘Georgie’ neither of whom would cause an eyebrow to be raised today but who would have been seen as quite daring in the less ‘aware’ twenties and thirties. Benson himself had quite an interesting family background too: he was the son of an Archbishop of Canterbury; he was homosexual and his mother had a long affair with the daughter of another Archbishop of Canterbury.

When Findus Was Little and Disappeared

Much as I enjoyed the new TV dramatisation it was simply not a patch on the original books which are among my all-time favourites and all of which I have read many times. There are in fact six books: Queen Lucia, Miss Mapp, Lucia in London, Mapp and Lucia, Lucia’s Progress, and finally Trouble for Lucia. The first was published in 1920 and the last in 1939, and only in the last three do both characters appear together. The first three books are about either Mapp (book two) or Lucia (books one

Noel Coward said “We will pay anything for Lucia books.” Me too.

Reviewed by Nick Farley

By Sven Nordqvist Published by Hawthorn Press www.hawthornpress.com £10.99 Hardback

This was one of the early books in the ‘Findus and Pettson’ series by Nordqvist. I have now read every one of the eight books in the series and I think they’re all an absolute delight.

This book has a particular attraction for me because it tells of how Findus, the talking cat, came to live with Pettson, the farmer. The stories are charming and amusing and the illustrations are busy with lots of animals and detail for children to look for and discover.

Children love these books, so do parents and grandparents as they can read them safe in the knowledge that they’re harmless and gentle but are also fun, wellwritten stories which are great for girls and boys.

Reviewed by Chris Elrick 31

For your 32

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Jottings - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

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Brown and Gertrude Jekyll, providing unique historic insight and great spaces in which to enjoy the first flowers of spring. Children go free at Albury Park (22nd March 2pm5pm. Adults £4) and can explore 14-acres pleasure grounds designed by John Evelyn in 1670. Enjoy the views from amazing terraces stretching for ¼ of a mile. The daffodil field at Clandon Park, Guildford looks stunning in spring.

(22nd March, 10.30am-5pm. Adult £5, children £2,50).

Parkland, laid out in the style of Capability Brown around 1770, offers lovely walks and a children’s adventure trail.

Pause and reflect by the Dutch garden’s formal ponds or have tea in the Undercroft. The fairytale woodland vale at Vann in Hambledon sparkles with snowdrops, hellebores, spring and chequered snakeshead fritillaries. The historic house is a picturesque backdrop to this 5-acre English

elstead chiropractic & therapies

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Heritage-registered garden, at its spring best and open between 29th March and 4th April 10am-6pm (Adults £6, children free). Go for gold at The Chalet –a vista of yellow daffodils, celebrity cars, fascinating koi carp and acres of ancient woodland. (29th March 11am-4.30pm. Adult £5, children free). For more details go to www.ngs.org.uk.

The Haslemere Gardening Society Talk on 25th March is an Introduction to Kew Gardens by the much loved Jean Griffin celebrity gardener and broadcaster. This talk was organised to give a taster to members before their organised coach trip to Kew on the 25th of July. The March talk will be held as usual in the Catholic Church Hall Weydown Road Haslemere. 7.45pm start. Refreshments available, guests are always very welcome. For further details on all the HGS 2015 outings, visit www.haslemeregardening-society.co.uk.

Come to our clinic if you want

The Clockhouse in Milford is holding a Bridge Tea on Saturday 28th March. The cost is £32 for a table of 4 players. 1.30pm for 2pm start. To book a table please contact Carol May at Drovers, Waggoners Way, Grayshott, GU26 6DX, tel: 01428 606984 or email: carolmay@onetel. net. The Clockhouse is in Chapel Lane, Milford.

Call now to book a FREE 15-minute initial consultation in clinic.

There are two events coming up in Iping (near Midhurst).

The first is a good old fashioned ‘jumble sale and bric-abrac stall’ to be held in Iping Church, Iping (GU29 0PF) on Saturday 28th March from 2pm-4pm. Tea and biscuits available. During the Easter weekend there will be an Art

A highly detailed examination with quantitative measurements and regular re-examinations to mark your progress

Tel: 01252 703633 www.elsteadchiropractic.co.uk

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March 2015

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GARDEN

Daffodils

With Beth Otway

For many, daffodils epitomise spring; historically they symbolised chivalry and new beginnings.

Today for many of us daffodils represent hope.

The quintessential daffodil is often pictured as bright yellow in colour, with a trumpet-shaped flower. However the daffodil has a long history of extensive breeding and consequently today there are a huge variety of daffodil flower colours - yellow, white, orange, pink and green.

There are many different flower types, and sizes of daffodil available. Indeed there are over 30,000 names in the Royal Horticultural Society’s Daffodil Registration Database. All daffodils belong to the genus Narcissus; they are part of the Amaryllidaceae family, which also includes snowdrops and alliums.

Daffodils are wonderfully versatile; they can be grown successfully in containers, flower beds and borders, parks, meadows and grassy areas, woods and orchards. They are very resilient and come back each year heralding the start of spring, with no need to lift and replant. Rodents and squirrels leave daffodil bulbs alone, which is a real boon if you suffer with these pests!

Thriving in a sunny or partly shaded spot, they are very easy to grow and can be propagated by seed, division of the bulbs and chipping.

I utterly adore scented daffodils and revel in their delicious fragrance each spring. Narcissus ‘Fragrant Rose’ has, as its name suggests, a definite rose character to its fragrance at times, although the scent essentially reminds me of the sweetness of hyacinths. If you enjoy the heady scent of hyacinths and jasmine, you may also enjoy growing narcissus ‘Cheerfulness’, N. ‘Geranium’, N. ‘Sweetness’ and N. ‘Bridal Crown’. These daffodil varieties have all been awarded the RHS Award of Garden Merit and are superb daffodils that I just couldn’t be without. These scented varieties and indeed all daffodils make ideal cut flowers and a wonderful gift.

Daffodils can bring hope to patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, as the plant 34

compound galantamine can delay the onset of symptoms. Trials found that daffodils grown under stress at high altitude in the Black Mountains in Wales produced more galantamine than those grown under normal conditions. Narciclasine, another compound present in daffodil bulbs, may be used in the future to treat aggressive brain cancers; studies have also suggested that compounds found in daffodils could help treat leukaemia, skin and ovarian cancer and depression.

August and September are ideal months to plant daffodil bulbs giving enough time for the roots to get established before the cold weather sets in. Now is the ideal time to make your selection as daffodils are in flower. Visit botanical gardens now to see different varieties in flower, inhale their scent and get an idea of their character. Many gardens will even have a handy plant label, so you can take down the names of your favourite varieties and order bulbs to plant later in the year.

Many different varieties of daffodil can be enjoyed at RHS Garden Wisley, at The National Trust’s Winkworth Arboretum in Godalming and Nymans in Handcross, West Sussex. West Dean Woods near Chichester has a large colony of wild daffodils; it is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, a working woodland and a private estate, so access is restricted. However a public bridleway running along the western edge provides an excellent vantage point to view the daffodils.

Beth Otway FIND OUT MORE

For more information about daffodils, details of gardens, shows and events and for tips and advice on what to do in your garden this month, see my website www.pumpkinbeth.com. vantagepointmag.co.uk

Jottings - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

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Exhibition in Iping Church on Saturday 4th April from 2pm4.30pm and Sunday 5th April from 12 noon - 3pm. For more information phone 01730 817547.

Easter Egg-citement takes place on Thursday 2nd April from 11am to 3pm at Haslemere Museum, 78 High Street, Haslemere GU27 2LA. Easter at Haslemere Museum promises to be lots of fun with a great range of Easter arts and crafts activities for your little ones to choose from. There will also be a special Easter garden trail for children who will be rewarded with a chocolate treat when they find the characters hidden throughout the gardens. You can be sure this fun packed day will be Easter fun for everyone! Cost: members £2 / non members £4.

Email: enquiries@haslemeremuseum.co.uk or visit www. haslemeremuseum.co.uk.

This Easter, Cadbury is teaming up with the National Trust to offer families the ultimate day out, with their popular Eggsplorer Easter Egg Trails. All Eggsplorers will receive a delicious Cadbury chocolaty treat at the end of each completed trail, and every single Cadbury Easter Egg Trail will help support special places looked after by the National Trust for future generations to explore. Uppark, South Harting, Petersfield GU31 5Q, Tel: 01730 825415 – 3rd-6th April, 10am- 5pm, normal admission plus £3 per trail. Woolbeding Parkland, Woolbeding GU29 9RR, 01730 816638 - Cadbury Eggsplorer Spring Nature Trail plus egg decorating, rolling and racing: 5th April, 10.30am-3pm, £3 per trail. Petworth House, Church Street, Petworth GU280AE Tel: 01798 342207 – 30th

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March-6th April, 10.30am- 4pm, £3 per trail, no additional admission charge. More at www.eastereggtrail.com.

For the first time in 20 years, the Mayor of Waverley is promoting a Massed Bands Extravaganza in aid of her charity, Citizens Advice Waverley on Sunday 12th April at 7pm at Charterhouse School Hall. It will be an exciting evening of music for everyone, from tune of the day to your favourite light classics, presented by the massed bands of Farnham, Godalming and Haslemere, plus other surprise guests. Tickets: £10 from Chamberlain Music Shop, Wey, Hill, Haslemere (phone 01428 658806) or £10.75 (including charges) through the Little Box Office: www. thelittleboxoffice.com/waverleycab. Please support this if you can as it is in a very good cause.

Fernhurst Centre’s popular iPad courses are just sweeping the board at the Fernhurst Centre and they not only have new dates to offer but another new course – ‘iPad – Digital Photography’. The course will help you with taking pictures with your iPad, putting your pictures into albums, editing photos using the Photos app. managing your pictures on your iPad, PC and iCloud. It will also include a review of some selected Photo apps available in the App store. The date for this is 13th April from 10.30am 12.30am - £10. Details for all the iPad and other courses are on their website www.fernhurstcentre.org.uk and places must be booked in advance either on 01428 641931 or email them at ferncent@gmail.com. There is lots of free parking at the rear of the Centre.

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Easter with Jack Easter is a great time to get family and friends around for teas and dinner. Jack Sturgess, from Bake with Jack, has kindly provided our Easter recipes. Jack hosts bread and pasta making experiences in your own home. He also sells gift ideas and vouchers.

Find out more at www.bakewithjack.co.uk or contact him as follows: E: info@bakewithjack.co.uk T: 07840 561 635

Hot Cross Bun Loaf I love hot cross buns at Easter. For something a little different why not make your dough into a loaf, then you can have it toasted for breakfast with berries and yoghurt, or even turn it into French toast with a little beaten egg.

Just dip a slice in the egg and fry in butter until golden both sides. Great as a dessert with an apple compote and ice cream.

Ingredients 500g strong white flour 60g unsalted butter 10g salt 40g sugar 2tsp mixed mpice 15g yeast 220g milk 2 eggs 150g mixed peel and sultanas 2 tbsp apricot jam 1 tbsp water

1. Weigh your flour into a bowl, rub your butter into the flour and then mix in the salt, sugar and spice. Use the microwave to take the chill off your milk, warm it only very slightly and add the yeast giving it a stir to help it disperse. Add the eggs to the bowl along with this yeasty milk.

2. Mix everything until your dough comes together and there is nothing dry left in the bowl. Get your dough out onto an un-floured surface and knead for 15 minutes. Pick up the side furthest away from you and stretch it out along the table with the heel of your hand, then fold the dough back onto itself. Every now and again bring your dough back together with a dough scraper.

3. When 15 minutes is up, stretch your dough as far as you can across the table. Sprinkle over your fruit and fold the dough around it like 36

an envelope. Work the fruit into the dough by kneading exactly as before. Then lightly flour the surface next to your dough. Place your dough onto the flour and make into a ball. Take the side furthest away from you, give it a little stretch and fold it back towards you. Turn the dough 90 degrees and repeat until you are happy with the shape, and you can feel tension in the dough.

Turn your dough over and allow it to rest back in the bowl, covered with a cloth for one hour.

4. After resting your dough, turn it out of the bowl, upside down, onto a surface dusted with flour. Using fingertips and knuckles, press it out flat into a large portrait rectangle about the width of a 900g loaf tin.

Fold the side furthest from you into the middle, then pick up the side closest to you and fold it up to meet

it. Then fold the whole thing in half bringing the top edge to meet the bottom. Give it a pinch at the seam to seal the edges together and dust your dough with flour. Place it into the loaf tin seam side down and allow to rest for another 45 minutes to an hour. Your dough will rise nicely and soften.

5. Mix a little flour and water together to make a paste and use a piping bag to pipe a large cross over the top of your loaf, then bake it in your oven at 170C for 30 minutes.

After this time, remove the loaf from the tin and bake for 10 minutes more on the oven shelf. Rest your loaf on a cooling rack, warm some apricot jam in a pan with a little water and brush it over the top of your loaf for a sticky glaze.

vantagepointmag.co.uk

FOOD Roasted Breast of Lamb with Rosemary, Raisin & Red Wine Sauce Breast of lamb is an underrated cut. It is packed with flavour and really benefits from a slow roast, much like a pork belly. It makes a nice sized joint for a small family roast; a lamb breast weighing 800g – 1Kilo is perfect for four to five people.

1. Soak your raisins in the red wine. 4. While your lamb is roasting, the string, carve it into four or five Allow an hour or so, or you can do pour your leftover wine into a small nice thick slices, one per portion, this the day before if you like. saucepan. Add a squashed clove of and serve with your red wine sauce 2. Unroll your lamb breast, keeping garlic and a sprig of rosemary, set and vegetables of choice. My the string, and season inside and the pan over a medium heat and favourites are roasted garlic mash, out with salt and pepper. Pick the reduce the wine by half. Set this buttered savoy and roasted carrots. rosemary from the stalks (keep aside for later. these) and finely chop it with 5. When your lamb is ready it should one clove of garlic, mix these two be nicely golden and soft to touch. together and sprinkle evenly over Remove it from the tray, wrap it in the inside of your lamb. Drain your tin foil and put it on a plate to one raisins and sprinkle them on too, side. but make sure to keep the left over 6. There should be quite a good wine! Roll up your lamb breast nice amount of liquid in the tray below. and tight and tie back up with the If not top it up with a little water. Put string you saved. You can do this bit the tray onto the hob and simmer all the day before too if you like. the vegetables and juices together, Ingredients 3. Pre-heat your oven to 200C. No use a wooden spoon or potato 1 breast of lamb, boned need to peel your onion, carrot and masher to squeeze all the goodness A few sprigs of rosemary celery, just roughly chop them up from the veg. Then strain this 2 cloves of garlic and put them in your roasting dish liquid through a sieve into a clean 50g raisins with the lamb stock. Add your bay saucepan. Boil and reduce this until 150ml red wine leaf and any rosemary stalks left the flavour is nicely concentrated, 1 bay leaf from earlier. Set your lamb on a rack but not too salty! Then, strain your 1 onion over the tray, put it in the oven and reduced red wine into the pan too.

1 carrot immediately turn the temperature With your fingers mix your flour A few sticks of celery down to 140C. Roast slowly for three and butter together, whisk small 1 litre of lamb stock hours. Your vegetables shouldn’t amounts of this into your boiling 1 tbsp flour dry out in this time, but keep an eye sauce until it has thickened nicely.

1 tbsp butter on them and top the tray up with 7. Your lamb will be at its best after water if you need to. resting for an hour or more. Remove

Cream Egg Cookies This is a great recipe to do with the children. After you slicing your cookie dough, you can freeze the rounds in a plastic container ready for cookie emergencies! These can be baked straight from frozen, just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

1. Use a wooden spoon to mix together your butter and both sugars in a large mixing bowl. Add the egg and yolk and keep beating until the mixture is light and creamy.

Add all your dry ingredients, and the unwrapped cream eggs. Work everything together into a dough, the best way is to squeeze it all together with your hands. If some of the eggs break in the process that is ok.

2. Put a double layer of cling film on your work surface and arrange your March 2015

dough on top in a sausage shape about 5cm thick. Use the cling film to wrap it up nice and tightly. Chill in the fridge for at least one hour.

3. Unwrap your sausage and use a serrated knife to saw it into rounds roughly 1cm thick. Arrange these rounds on a tray with a little space between as the cookies will spread when baking.

4. Bake at 170C for 12-15 minutes until the edges start to brown.

When they are done allow them to rest and firm up a little before transferring to a wire rack to cool.

They should be crispy at the edges and gooey in the middle!

Ingredients 250g plain flour ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda ½ tsp salt 170g melted butter 200g soft dark brown sugar 100g caster sugar 1 egg 1 yolk 300g mini cream eggs

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Soundingoff PEGGING OUT Andrew Crisell, our grumpy old git (GOG), recently made a list of potential gripes and was horrified to discover that virtually everything irritated him, the classic symptom of a dreadful old fogey. Here is his latest salvo...

We are an advanced, technological society. We’ve sent men cat, write brilliant articles for VantagePoint. to the moon and probes to faraway planets. We’ve devel- You, on the other hand, are required to do oped digital media. We’ve devised computers that can do just one single and simple thing. Securing millions of calculations within seconds. While we’re walking laundry is wholly and solely what you are indown the street we can speak to others in distant parts of tended for. And yet you can’t pegging well the globe, and even look at them while we’re doing so. Yet manage it!” Hurling the pieces to the ground have you noticed how often small things don’t work proper- and stamping on them, I caught the wary eye ly? Everyday things that have been around for many years of my next-door neighbour. She now crosses and whose technology is simple and well understood. I want the road whenever she sees me approachto rage against these small things, ing. their cussed refusal to cooperate, The simplest things in life are so often and sometimes their downright reAnother annoyance is completely out of countrol belliousness. The simplest things the fridge door which in life are often completely out of suddenly decides to control. swing open and thus warm up everything that lies behind it. (It What sort of things? Doors and windows that won’t open seems to be beyond the wit of the manor won’t shut. Locks and zip fasteners that jam. Toilets that ufacturers to fit fridge doors with secure don’t flush properly. Ring-pulls that snap before you’ve clasps.) When this happened for the umpopened your can of beer. Superglue, which although ideal teenth time, I slammed the door shut in a for welding human bottoms to toilet seats (so practical jok- fit of exasperation. Our fridge and freezer ers tell me) never sticks the things together that you want it sit one above the other in a single cabinet, to. Trouser pockets that are either designed to disgorge their and the pressure-wave this produced caused contents as soon as you sit down and cross your legs, or to the door of the freezer to open. Not wide form holes so the contents fall straight to the floor. Shoelac- enough for me to notice it immediately, es that, no matter how tightly you tie them, come undone but just enough to defrost about £50 worth within moments. Teapots with spouts that pour hardly any of food and oblige me to throw it all tea into the cup you’re aiming at, but dribble copiously on to away. I sometimes feel as if the carpet or your best suit. Clothes pegs that disintegrate I’m at war with the entire as soon as they’re required to hold up some washing. physical world, which is unfortunate since there’s I recently berated a clothes peg that had no other world we spend done just this. Holding it close so much time in. How to my face, I hissed at it about you? through clenched teeth: Do you agree with Andrew? What irritates you “I am versatile! I walk, these days? Please write in or let us know by breathe, drink, feed the emailing editor@vantagepublishing.co.uk.

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Jottings - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

On Saturday 18th April Cowdray Park is the venue for The Maverick Original Sussex Trail Series. Trail Runners can choose to run one of three distances, Long (20k), Middle (10k), or Short (5k). This Event is organised by Maverick Race. For more information and to register see their website: http://maverick-race.com/event/the-originalsussex/. The Cowdray TukTuk will be on hand serving drinks and snacks.

You are warmly invited to come and hear an overview of the Old Testament, taught in an imaginative way complete with visuals and a work book for each paying participant.

Helps you piece together the BIG PICTURE of the Bible.

Petworth Area Chruches Together (PACT) are putting on this Walk Through The Bible event on Friday 24th April from 7pm-9.30pm and Saturday 25th April 9am -1pm, in an excellent venue of Fittleworth Free Church, School Lane, Fittleworth RH20 1JB (between Petworth & Pulborough).

The cost is a modest £14 - cheques payable to ‘Walk Through the Bible Ministries’ (email geraldgreshamcooke@gmail. com for address) or enter online at www.bible.org.uk and go to ‘Live Event Tickets’ and then ’Bookings’. Pre-booking required in all cases.

The Petworth Park Antiques & Fine Art Fair is a new event, taking place 8th-10th May in the grounds of Petworth House, the magnificent National Trust property in West Sussex, which inspired such great British artists as JMW Turner and J Constable. Petworth House and Park recently featured in Mike Leigh’s film Mr Turner. Supported by

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Smiths Gore and Upperton Vineyards, The Petworth Park Antiques & Fine Art Fair will be held in a marquee in the 700 acre deer park, which surrounds the late 17th century Grade I listed mansion and borders the Sussex town of Petworth. A wonderful excuse to visit the fair this May is that each ticket also gains free entry to Petworth House (and Park) to see all its treasures, including paintings by JMW Turner and Van Dyck. In a reciprocal arrangement, Petworth House ticket holders and National Trust members can also have free entry to the fair. For details, visit www. petworthparkfair.com or call 01797 252030.

Petworth Festival is pleased to announce the dates for this year’s festival. The Summer Festival will run from Wednesday 15th July to Saturday 1st August. The Literary Weekend will run from Wednesday 4th to Sunday 8th November. Programmes and artist/author line up will be announced nearer to each event. The Box Office for the Summer Petworth Festival opens to the general public on 21st May, with priority booking for Sponsors, Patrons and Friends commencing on 22nd April. Petworth Festival is also delighted to announce that this year there will be a walk-in box office in Petworth town centre. This is in addition to the online and telephone box offices. The Festival is very grateful to Paul Rosewarne of Rosewarnes Estate Agents for agreeing to ‘host’ the box office at their offices in The Old Bank House, Market Square, Petworth. Details are still being finalised, however the walk-in box office will be open from Thursday 21st May to Saturday 1st August, from Tuesday to Saturday from 10am-1pm. As well as tickets, festival goers

www.architecturesurrey.co.uk

March 2015

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The Trundle and East Lavant This lovely circuit has extraordinary views over the surrounding countryside from almost its whole length. After a short climb to the crest of St Roche’s Hill, known as The Trundle (a good spot to view the horse racing at Goodwood), the route follows a downhill track with extensive views over Chichester and beyond before reaching the pretty village of East Lavant. The return follows a lovely track to Haye’s Down and then climbs the downs above a patchwork of fields where little has changed for centuries.

Those with dogs may find it useful to know that there are no stiles on this walk, just kissing gates. This walk is not recommended after a period of prolonged rain.

The walk From the car park, cross the road and follow a grassy path to the right of steps and climb to the top of The Trundle. When opposite a radio mast, fork right and continue along a grassy track, with a second mast on your left. Continue through the still visible defensive ditch of the Iron Age fort and keep ahead along a broad stony track to meet the Seven Points car park A. St Roche’s Hill hillfort is better known as ‘The Trundle’. The site occupies a prominent hilltop overlooking the coastal plain near Chichester and is an excellent vantage point from which to watch the horse racing at Goodwood. The hillfort boundary is well preserved and was built in the middle of the 1st millennium BC but within it, and underlying it too, there are the much slighter remains of a Neolithic causewayed enclosure c. 6000 years old.

At the end of the car park, you will meet a junction of tracks.

Turn left here and continue downhill. The spire of Chichester Cathedral will be visible in the distance. Stay on this track, which is known as Chalkpit Lane, for a mile and a half until you meet the main road, Pook Lane B. Turn right here into East Lavant, passing the Royal Oak and the 12th century St Mary’s Church. When you come to a fork in the road, fork right into Sheepwash Lane.

Look out for a bridleway signed to your right along the drive of Staple House Farm. Follow the drive and when it turns into the extensive grounds, maintain direction ahead on a track beside the River Lavant, which is often dried-up. This is the West Sussex Literary Trail and you should remain on this bridleway for just over a mile until you reach a gate signed as the West Dean Estate.

The West Dean Estate covers approximately 6,400 acres along the Sussex South Downs. It stretches over 6 miles from the South Downs escarpment overlooking the Sussex Weald to the edge of START

A

C

B

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vantagepointmag.co.uk

WALK

the Trundle Hill overlooking the English Channel and the Isle of Wight. While much of the village of West Dean and West Dean College is sheltered within the Lavant valley, the Estate rises to its highest point of almost 750 feet on the top of the Downs.

Go ahead through the gate and press on ahead to go through a second gate. At a direction post, you should fork right on a grassy track that climbs Haye’s Down C. The way is quite steep, so take your time and enjoy the fantastic views the open downland offers.

Pass through a gate at the top and continue on a well trodden path through fields to rejoin the Seven Points car park. Retrace your steps back over The Trundle to the end of the walk.

DISTANCE: 5½ miles OS MAPS: Explorer 120 - Chichester, South Harting and Selsey STARTING POINT: The Triangle car park near Goodwood. From the A286 at Singleton, follow signs to the Open Air Museum, pass its entrance and continue for just over a mile to reach the car park on your left.

REFRESHMENTS: The Royal Oak in East Lavant (01243 527434 - www.royaloakeastlavant. co.uk).

IMAGES: Gate on the Bridleway to Haye’s Down (Peter Trimming), the view from The Trundle (Colin Smith) and racing at Goodwood.

Taken from West Sussex Year Round Walks, published by Countryside Books (www.countrysidebooks.co.uk).

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.

March 2015

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Jottings - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

will be able to purchase the Souvenir Programme from the end of June, and also redeem their pre-paid vouchers if they have already purchased them. More nearer the time.

Would you like to help transform the life of someone with a disability? Canine Partners are looking for people willing to take on the early training of a puppy that will one day do something amazing. The Southern Centre Canine Partners puppy training satellite is looking for volunteer puppy parents, who need to be able to attend weekly puppy classes. Reasonable travel expenses will be covered and puppy food, toys, equipment, all veterinary costs and training is provided. For further information on becoming a puppy parent email heyshott@caninepartners.org.uk or call 01730 716017.

Life-saving charity Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance has launched a raffle to win a brand new car worth £15,000, to celebrate its Silver Jubilee. The red 1.2 Mini One three-door hatchback has been kindly donated by Barretts of Canterbury. The car will go on show at shopping centres and community events throughout the counties.

The charity has helped thousands of people and saved many lives after attending more than 25,000 call-outs over the last quarter of a century. Tickets for the WIN A MINI raffle cost £5 each and can be purchased online at www. raffle.me.uk. The draw will take place on December 15th, 2015, making it a perfect Christmas present for one lucky winner.

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Pilates classes are held weekly in Hascombe, Cranleigh and Fernhurst. Massage clinics are also available. For more information please contact Laura on 07557 018276 or email kaizen.pilates@outlook.com.

Energy customers can save more than £140 by switching their suppliers and also help raise funds for Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance. Householders can visit shopping and price comparison website ‘Give as you Live’ and compare every available tariff from all UK suppliers to ensure they get the best deal. By changing their gas and electricity provider they can make a free £17 donation to the air ambulance which relies almost entirely on public donations. Just switching one utility supplier will result in an £8.50 donation for the life-saving charity which this year celebrates its 25th anniversary. Director of Income Generation Lynne Harris said: “While energy costs may be going down, the cost of our operation has increased significantly in recent years with major developments of the service we provide. We therefore have to come up with new income streams and ‘Give as You Live’ is a simple and easy way to raise funds for the air ambulance. It doesn’t cost you anything and it actually saves you money.” A £17 donation to the air ambulance would buy almost two doses of a drug essential to suppress adverse heart rhythms. An £8.50 donation would pay for eight sheets of bubblewrap which is used to keep patients warm.

Registration is now open for the Kelly’s Cycle Challenge on 10th May. After the success of last year’s first cycle challenge, they are expecting over 500 participants

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PROFILE

The Fernhurst Centre “It’s phenomenal, there can’t be anything else like it around here.”

These were the words of a recent visitor to The Fernhurst Centre and those who run it are inclined to agree with him. The Centre, an internet café, local meeting place and social hub in the heart of the village of Fernhurst, has been running for nearly 12 years and is entirely volunteer led and managed.

Established with support and encouragement from Chichester District Council, the Centre began with six computers and offered courses in basic computing, word processing and an introduction to handling digital photographs. Such was its popularity that Fernhurst now boasts a highly computer-literate population. Early on was approved as an IT agency as part of the Government’s ‘One Click’ drive to get more people online, especially the older generation.

As computer use in the population at large has become more widespread, so the courses offered at the Centre have grown in range and scope. There are several courses on iPad and Android tablet use, as well as buying and selling on eBay, using the ‘Cloud’ for back-up, or making greetings cards. Computer use is ‘Free after 3’ so there are often groups of school children playing the latest computer game or checking their Facebook accounts.

It’s not just about computers at the Fernhurst Centre as there are two reading groups (one morning, one evening) as well as knitting and crochet circles and a walking group that meets once a month.

The Centre, which is open every weekday and Saturday mornings, is manned by a team of en-

thusiastic volunteers. Anyone interested in volunteering at the Centre is most welcome to come in and see what goes on. It is a fun place to be as people come in for all sorts of reasons - to book a holiday online, skype relatives abroad, ask for help with emails or printing out forms (as State agencies are increasingly requiring online access for claims).

The Centre boasts a ‘George Clooney style’ Nespresso machine which is kept busy churning out cappuccinos to accompany a good range of snacks and biscuits.

People find the Centre a convenient and central place to meet friends or come in and relax with the local papers.

The Centre has been overwhelmed with demand for its colourful notelets of Fernhurst views painted by members of the Fernhurst Art Group (see above) and sells Christmas cards each year featuring local scenes captured on camera by volunteers and friends. As a focal point of the Fernhurst community, the Centre hosts and manages 12 village society websites, allowing residents from a wide local area to find out what is going on in Fernhurst,.

The Centre is looking forward to your visit, why not come in and see what we do?

FIND OUT MORE

Free after 3pm!

March 2015

The voluntary and community element of the busy Centre are the key to its substantial and long-lasting success. Whether you would like to attend a course, meet for coffee or discuss volunteering, please find us on Facebook. Look us up at www.fernhurstcentre.org.uk or call 01428 641931. The Centre is open Monday to Friday 10am – 5pm, Saturdays 10am -12 noon at 2 Crossfield, Vann Road, Fernhurst GU27 3JL. Free parking nearby.

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“Thankisyou “Mum veryfor “Mum is very fond of for herdad” carer” caring fond of her carer” Melody Care are always there

NINE steps to ensure only the best Live-In Carers look after our clients by Simon Carter, Owner of Melody Care

Melody Care are very thorough in of ourusapproach to findingThose the best possible Good health is something many take for granted. whocarers have to care forfor a each client. are 9 rigorous stepsonly thattoo wewell insist our Live in effects Carers go loved one There with failing health know thealldevastating thisthrough has on before they areofassigned to a client: their quality life. So often people’s worlds are turned upside down when a parent or spouse become seriously ill or lose the ability to care for themselves. It is when this hap-

1. On line application viahelp our web siteneeded. confirming name, address and other details. for pens that professional is often Melody Care has an enviable reputation Live-In Care Assistants to help share the burden.

Whatever the circumstances 2. providing Submission of a detailed CV listing all previous work experience and qualifi cations. be, Melody Care will designed be there when the help isTest, needed most.

3. might Completion of a specially Psychometric which helps us to determine character, integrity and attitude towards vulnerable people.

Recommended 4. Highly A telephone interview typically lasting 15 minutes.

Care areinterview increasingly being recommended by health professionals and grateful clients 5. Melody A face to face typically lasting 90 minutes. whoof have at first hand the wonderful care provided by the Melody Care 6. alike Copies theexperienced carers passport, driving licence, utility bill, bank statement andteam. any “Each of your carers I have met are lovely! We all really appreciate the care package you have relevant training certifi catesshort are taken partone of the process to Another confirmwrote: their “Melody identity set up so efficiently at such notice”as wrote client recently. and status.

Care have done a wonderful job of looking after mum and I know she is very fond of her carer. would also like say how accommodating haveplaces all been andhave the care mum has5 7. ICompletion of atoregistration form listing you all the they livedthat in the last received been really is excellent.” years.

Thishas information then used to apply to the “Disclosure and Barring Service” to check there is no criminal record (previously known as CRB check). Melody Care also Attitude apply to theLive-In Independent to ensure carer is not Providing care takesSafeguarding a very special Authority kind of person.

Melodythe Care select theirregistered carers for understanding, as well as their abilitywith to run a house and care in all regards ontheir any patience list that and would preclude them from working vulnerable adults. our clients.

We also the provide extensive trainingand using our own reference in-house training depart8. for Melody Care contact previous employer a personal to verify that ment. This is to ensure each carer is up to date and fully conversant with current rules and they have provided these and that the information given is genuine and complete. regulations. Before the service begins we would always meet with our clients and their family 9. to Finally, Melody Care arrange for any additional training that needs to be done toand be determine exactly what their needs and desires might be. We then produce a detailed undertaken.

Sometimes “refresher” course is required and Melody Care provide this. personal care plan so thatathe Live-In Care Assistant knows exactly what is expected of them.

For more information call

A typical day for a Melody Care Live-In Care Assistant w Arise and prepare the house for the day (draw curtains, open windows, etc) w Feed and walk any pets w Deliver morning tea or breakfast, newspaper and post in bed or to desired location w Prompt or assist with any medication requirements w Prepare bathroom for washing w Assist with all aspects of personal care if necessary (including toileting, bathing, etc) w Assist with dressing and hair care etc w Perform household duties (cleaning, laundry, etc) w Accompany Client to shops/dentist/ doctor/hairdresser/ friends or family w Prepare and serve lunch w Break 14.00-17.00hrs w Perform household duties (cleaning, laundry, etc) w Prepare and serve dinner

01252 220080

w Close down the house for the night (draw curtains, turn on night lights, lock doors and windows etc)

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w Assist with all aspects of personal care and undressing, ready for bed.

or visit

w Run a bath and prepare bedroom

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Jottings - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

at this year’s event. They have added a new 70 mile distance route as well as improving the previous 23 and 45 mile routes of last year. The undulating routes go through beautiful, quiet country roads in Surrey and Hampshire while the HQ, in fabulous Farnham Park, buzzes with a great fun-filled, family atmosphere. Due to popularity last year, they plan to repeat but improve the children’s accompanied ride within Farnham Park, made accessible to all. The events are professionally organized, offering chip timing and superb routes to test the fastest and the fittest whilst remaining safe for the less experienced. Since 2010 Kelly’s Charity Events have raised over £200,000 for local charities. More at www. kellystore.org.

Every year March marks Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Ovarian cancer isn’t as well known as some other female cancers, yet it is the fifth most common - with more than 7,000 diagnoses in the UK each year.

A woman dies from ovarian cancer every two hours, resulting in 4,300 deaths annually. Even so, treatments for ovarian cancer haven’t progressed much in the past 20 years. Almost one in five (17%) women with ovarian cancer carries a BRCA gene mutation. We all have BRCA genes but the likelihood of developing ovarian cancer increases from one in 52, to one in two if your BRCA genes are mutated. This year leading research charity Ovarian Cancer Action has chosen the theme Right to Know. Ovarian Cancer Action believes that all women with ovarian cancer have the right to know their BRCA status, as this can help protect their family from developing the disease. For more information visit www.ovarian.org.uk.

Surrey has been named as one of the most active counties in England with 40% of adults in the region taking part in at least 30 minutes of exercise every week, the latest Sport England survey has revealed.

Having narrowly missed out on the top spot by the active people of Buckinghamshire, the people of Surrey

proudly take the Silver as the second highest performing county for sports participation in England. The results are good news for Olympic silver medallist Roger Black MBE who is supporting GoFest, the UK’s first family festival of sport, fitness, dance and health taking place 10th-12th July at Surrey Sports Park. “There is no doubt the London Olympics inspired the nation and major new initiatives like GoFest are so important to ensure we build on that legacy. I’m delighted to be involved supporting what promises to be an amazing opportunity for families to ‘have a go’ at such a huge variety of sports and activities in one action-packed week end.

As a local dad as well, I’m particularly excited that this first ever GoFest is taking place at Surrey Sports Park in Guildford so I can take my kids as well!” says Black.

However, 58% of adults are still completely inactive, something that GoFest founder Paul Farris hopes to help change, “Ultimately we’d like to build a large GoFest community of like-minded families and support them throughout the year. This will help to tackle the UK’s growing obesity epidemic and simultaneously promote healthy, quality family time,” explains Farris. A whole range of sports and activities will be available for adults and children during the festival including professional coaching and classes from Harlequins Rugby, Surrey Storm, Surrey Smashers, Surrey United and Surrey County Cricket Club. Plus take part in masterclasses with Kevin Keegan, Sharron Davies, Steve Backley and Roger Black, with even more celebrity guests still to be announced. Tickets for GoFest are on sale now, visit www.gofest.co.uk to book yours today.

FIND OUT MORE

Visit www.vantagepointmag.co.uk to see more Jottings from our other areas online. To send in an entry, go online or email us at jottings@vantagepublishing.co.uk.

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WIN WIN A BOTTLE OF GREYFRIARS SPARKLING ROSE

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We want to hear from you, our readers, about VantagePoint and what you think of the magazine.

April 2015 sees the sixth year since we first started publishing a local community magazine in the area and following our rebranding in January 2014 we want to engage with as many of our readers as possible to see what we can do to make VantagePoint an even better reading experience.

You can take part anonymously if you want to but if you are happy to provide us with your contact details, we will enter your name into a prize draw to win a bottle of the award-winning Greyfriars Sparking Rosé, produced locally on the slopes of the Hog’s Back.

Please complete the questionnaire on our website www.vantagepointmag.co.uk or visit www.surveymonkey.com/s/JZWD85Q Please take part by the 31st March 2015.

After an absence from the stage of more than 40 years, Godspell is back! This timeless tale of friendship, loyalty and love features a modern-day rock score, and is the perfect treat for families during the Easter holidays.

The lead cast features The X Factor runner up Andy Abraham, Sugababe Jade Ewan, finalist Leanne Jarvis from BBC‘s The Voice, and West End star Tom Senior.

This new orchestration is aided by a full live band, and features The Guildford School of Acting (GSA) singers.

To win a pair of tickets, please answer the following: Q: Leanne Jarvis was mentored by which judge on BBC’s The Voice? a) Will.i.Am b) Simon Cowell c) Louis Walsh Please enter online at www.vantagepointmag.co.uk by 27th March 2015.

WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS TO BEEREX 2015 Farnham Beerex is the longest running beer festival in Please enter online at www.vantagepointmag. the country held at the same location since it started in co.uk by 27th March 2015.

1977. Now well established in co-operation with both the Farnham Maltings and CAMRA, this event is the major fun and fund-raising event for Farnham Lions.

You will be able to choose between about 75 beers from about 35 breweries, some of which are making their first visit to Beerex.

There are two prizes of two pairs of tickets for Thursday’s session on 23rd April. To enter, please answer the following question: Q: How many half pints of beer are there in a Firkin?

Please enter online at www.vantagepointmag.co.uk unless otherwise stated.

Postal entries can be sent to us at the address given on page three.

TERMS & CONDITIONS OF ENTRY: By entering these competitions you agree to receive periodic emails from VantagePoint Magazine,Vantage Publishing Ltd and the originator of the competition you are entering.You can opt out of receiving these at any time and your data will never be passed on for use by third parties.The prizes are non-transferable and have no cash alternative. Only one entry per person per competition and prizes will only be sent to homes with a GU, KT and RH postcode.

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