VantagePoint Magazine April 2014 - Farnham & Villages

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Farnham & Villages • April 2014

VANTAGEPOINT YOUR COMMUNITY  YOUR VIEW

MAGAZINE

Also inside: JOTTINGS COMPETITIONS FARNHAM MUSIC & DRAMA GARDENING Q&A

GET CYCLING! Follow in the steps of our great cyclists and take to the road in the Surrey Hills

TO THE POINT Tracy Carroll from Local Food Surrey has written an interesting article this month about how important it is to support our local food shops, which appears on page 24. She quotes a very interesting statistic that for every £10 spent at a local food business, £25 is generated for the local community, compared with just £14 if that tenner is spent in a multinational.

This information came from a report carried out by the New Economics Foundation which has studied local economies and has come up with 10 steps to save local communities.

Their first suggestion is to rebuild lo-

cal economies by plugging the leaks that are draining local money away to other parts of the country. How money circulates in an area is just as important as the amount of money flowing into it, which means that we should all be encouraged to spend our money with local shops, farmers’ markets and tradesmen.

This goes for businesses as well.

We should all be dealing with local suppliers wherever possible. Buy stationery from your local supplier.

Use a local accountant. Work with local companies, who may already be doing their bit by advertising in the locally produced newspaper or

magazine such as this one. To quote the report, “the income gets passed on from local business to local business, over and over again. This is the same money, but every time it changes hands, it creates local wealth”.

Keeping our local economy as vibrant as possible is vitally important.

Local businesses, shops and markets (and, of course, charities and organsiations) must be supported if we want to retain our distinctive local communities, which is often the reason we choose to live where we do.

So let’s all keep it local!

Stefan Reynolds, Editor

VantagePoint is the local magazine produced by local people for the local community, and is published by Vantage Publishing, a Godalming based magazine business established in 2009.

We now publish five community magazines which are delivered monthly

by Royal Mail to 107,277 homes across the South East, which gives us the largest local circulation in the local area, all with guaranteed delivery by your postman.

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

Vantage Publishing Limited 6 Chestnut Suite, Guardian House, Borough Road, Godalming, Surrey GU7 2AE.

For more articles and Jottings, visit it us online at

vantagepointmag.co.uk

T: 01483 421601 W: vantagepublishing.co.uk

THE VANTAGEPOINT TEAM Stefan Reynolds Editor & Publisher 01483 421601 stefan@vantagepublishing.co.uk

Carol Martin Sales Executive 01483 418141 carol@vantagepublishing.co.uk

Marcus Atkins Sales Director 01483 420173 marcus@vantagepublishing.co.uk

Angie & Nick Crisell Jotters 01483 421601 jottings@vantagepublishing.co.uk

Contributors: Elizabeth Carlos, Tracy Carroll, David Gillott, Penny Kichen, Patrick Le Mesurier, Mark Pittick, Matthew Pottage, Amanda Reid, Charlie Smith, John Walter Print: Polestar Stones Cover: Alan Tomlinson

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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Throwing some

light on lighting

All our rooms need to have an ambience, and this month we look at how some lighting suggestions can make a room feel cosy, stylish, or give it the WOW factor, Charlie Smith advises.

Lighting is one of the key elements that helps make your house a home. Proper lighting enables you to perform tasks easily, makes you feel safer and more comfortable, and allows you to enjoy your home to its full potential. Each room, however, has specific and unique general and accent lighting needs. Here are some tips and ideas to consider when planning your lighting needs for each room in your home.

1.Use lighting and decoration for a first impression.

The hallway conveys the first impression of a home’s interior.

Centre a traditional chandelier, contemporary pendant, or transitional close-to-ceiling fixture in your hallway to provide basic illumination and create a welcoming atmosphere.

Make your artwork come to life and illuminate it with halogen light from a track or adjustable recessed down-lighting.

Mirrors also add a special decorative touch to a foyer.

2. Size the decorative fixture to the space.

Not all halll ways can accommodate a large chandelier, so make sure the size proportions are correct.

Likewise, if you have a larger space, you’ll need a larger fixture. If you are able to view the fixture from above, make sure to select a foyer chandelier or pendant that looks attractive from second storey viewing.

3. Use lighting to bring out the best in your living spaces.

Enhance your room’s ambiance, dramatise wall textures, accent artwork, or just provide general illumination for your study, living room, family room, playrooms, or bedrooms. A variety of different types of lighting fixtures will work for both your general lighting and accent lighting needs. Try recessed lighting or track lighting to make a room come alive by accenting artwork, wall washing, or grazing. Table lamps are also a great choice. When table space is limited, wall lamps are a good alternative.

4. Create a focal point with lighting.

Your dining table is in place, chairs are 8

pushed in, and the table is set.

To complete the picture you need a centre piece, your light fixture. This lighting fixture is the focal point of your room, so it needs to express your own personal style, while still satisfying general lighting needs. Whether your dining and entertaining style is casual and laid-back, or is generally more formal, choose a fixture that reflects you.

5. Use a chandelier or pendant for general lighting.

Both fixtures are excellent sources of lighting and are sure to set the tone of your dining room. Recessed wall washers can also provide additional light while helping to create an illusion of a larger room space. When hanging a chandelier, make sure that the chandelier is 6” to 12” smaller than the narrowest side of the table. The bottom of the pendant or chandelier should be approximately 30” above your table. Consider a smaller chandelier with an integral down light for additional light on the table.

6. What about the kitchen?

Not only are your meals prepared here, but your family and guests gather here as well.

Sufficient and adequate lighting is a must for performing all your culinary needs, helping kids with their homework, ambience for dinner parties or just simply to create a feature to the room. Sketch a plan of your kitchen that focuses on activity areas and then decide what kind of light each area will need: general, task, accent, or decorative. Use higher watt bulbs vantagepointmag.co.uk

in task areas. A glass or plastic pendant will provide ample “up-lighting” to cover the entire dining area with light.

7. Illuminate certain areas.

This could include your special home objects, architectural detail, or food presentation areas with track or recessed lighting. Use under cabinet lighting in cabinets, valances, and toe spaces and create drama while also supplying additional light to navigate around your kitchen in the evening.

8. Don’t forget about the bathroom.

Bathroom lighting is probably the last place people want to invest time and money. Mirrors go unlit, and often one ceiling fixture is used to light up the sink, mirror, and shower. However, as whirlpool tubs become larger and steam showers are added, more and more time is spent relaxing in the bathroom.

Since you begin and end your day in the bathroom, why not spend a little extra time considering which fixtures and lights would work best?

Halogen bulbs are generally the standard for bathroom lighting, but the newest compact fluorescent bulbs are also a great option.

FIND OUT MORE

All the above suggested solutions can be seen at Elstead Lighting’s showroom with over 2,000 designs to choose from. The design ranges are both contemporary and traditional. They cater for all areas of the home, the team are highly experienced and they will come up with any solution for any design scenario. Please visit their website www.elsteadlighting.com for more information.

For information about Home Styling visits, call Charlie on 07770 568307 or email charlie@charliesmith.biz.

Elstead Lighting - a potted history of a long established local business Elstead Lighting was originally The Elstead Forge and was founded back in 1686 in Elstead, Surrey, by a Mr Richard Paine. It was managed by his succeeding heirs until 1870. It then passed on to the Bovington family in 1870 who carried it on until 1956, when daily work in the forge ceased.

two or three extra, and put the surplus in the shop window or on a small display board outside.

People would buy items from here which led to Geoffrey designing and making more. It was this simple change that started Elstead Forge on its journey to where it is today.

The forge then lay dormant until 1965 when it was taken over by Geoffrey Lucas. At this point the forge mainly produced gates, railings and general ironwork, as well as some fire baskets and hearth accessories. Gradually, the gates, railings and general work dropped off but the making of fire baskets and some lights grew. When the forge received an order for a fire basket or light they would make

In September 1971, Geoffrey asked his brother Stephen Lucas to join him. They operated out of two premises; the Elstead Forge and a builder’s yard a mile away which had office facilities, a place to pack and sort orders, a workshop and a spray painting area. Geoffrey and Stephen quickly out grew the Elstead premises and built a new factory in the Mill Lane Industrial Estate, in Alton, Hampshire.

April 2014

In 1972 Elstead exhibited at its first hardware trade fair at Olympia in London, showcasing their range of lanterns, fire baskets and barbecues. In 1973 Elstead exhibited at the London Light Show for the first time and continued to grow steadily.

Stephen’s son Jonathan joined in 1979 and he continues to run the business from premises in Alton which enables alll work to be carried out from one single site.

Here they have a large showroom where they can showcase one of the largest collections of decorative lighting in the UK. Elstead Lighting, Elstead House, Mill Lane, Alton Hampshire GU34 2QJ. Showroom open 9am to 5.30pm Monday to Saturday.

Tel 01420 590510.

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Get CYCLING

Mark Pittick offers some advice for serious cycling in and around the Surrey Hills Cycling has become the new national obsession, fuelled by the success of the GB track cycling teams’ Olympic gold medal hauls and by success from the recent Tour de France wins by Sir Bradley Wiggins (2012) and Chris Froome (2013).

Surrey is the most wooded county in the UK and has hosted some of the worlds’ major road cycling events, including the Olympic road race and key stages of the Tour of Britain. There has never been a better time to be inspired by cycling, to get fit and enjoy the best countryside Surrey has to offer.

The Surrey Hills is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, encompassing a hilly area of the North Downs and taking in Cranleigh, Dorking, Farnham, 14

Godalming and Haslemere. This area is a cycling paradise, for both mountain and road cycling.

Cycling is a great way to get around and enjoy the wonderful landscape, and a chance to test yourself up some of the world famous climbs, including the iconic Box Hill and Leith Hill (highest point in the South East). You can ride for miles in this small area, never climbing the same hill twice and enjoying fantastic vistas covering the South of England from the top of Leith and Holmbury hills. Using local train services, you can also get here farly easily.

Having lived and cycled in the Surrey Hills for many years, I have a good understanding for how you can get the most out of cycling in the area.

Whether you just have an old bike you’d like to dust off or are already an accomplished cyclist looking to challenge yourself on the steepest climbs the area, I have compiled for you some useful tips for an enjoyable ride along with a couple of routes, including a short introductory ride and a tough test on the “The Tour of the Surrey Hills”. vantagepointmag.co.uk

The following lists my top five tips to getting the best out of your cycling, whether cycling in the Surrey Hills or elsewhere: 1. Safety Always follow the Highway Code and ride ensuring you are considering other road users. Ride single file and not in long drawn out trains or groups of riders, as this can aggravate local motorists in the Hills as there isn’t much room on the narrow roads to pass cyclists. I always ride with flashing lights on front and back of the bike as this gives early warning to motorists in the dark lanes of the Hills. If you see horse riders then slow right down, give them a verbal “hello” so they know you are there and if safe to do so, pass. If the horse looks skittish, then stop and wait until the horse rider gives you the ok to pass.

2. Bike fit Ensure your bike fits you properly, even if it is an old banger!

Ideally get a professional ‘bike fit’ at one of the many local bike shops, who will measure you and adjust your bike to fit you properly. This will ensure you have the most comfortable and efficient ride possible.

3. Clothing.

Wear the best Lycra cycling shorts with a padded insert that you can afford and ensure you don’t wear any underwear (yes you need to go commando!). This will ensure you don’t get nasty saddle sores, caused by friction between you and the saddle. Please always wear a helmet too; I’ve never met anyone who came off a bike and said “I wish I hadn’t had a helmet on”.

4. Fitness The key to building fitness is to start gradually and build up the mileage and introduce hills as you get fitter. If you are new to cycling, then a 16km run on flat terrain is a good start for an hour ride, ideally completing this at least three times a week.

If you purchase a bike and then head straight for Bar Hatch Lane as your first hill, your lungs will feel like they are going to exit your chest when it ramps up to 20%, and it will probably put you off cycling forever. Box Hill is a much better starter hill as it is not very steep, at an average gradient of about 5%.

April 2014

5. Nutrition Take water bottles and some energy food to eat along the way for any ride over an hour. If you attempt to ride for four hours on fresh air alone, you will probably get “The Bonk” after about two hours (this is where you simply run out of gas due to depleting all your energy stores). So drink plenty of water (or better still an energy drink) and eat regularly during the ride (flap jacks etc. will do nicely). Please do take your litter home with you, discarded wrappers and bottles don’t add to the natural beauty of the area.

The great thing about cycling is that you can travel quite large distances and see a lot of the local area, whilst burning a lot of energy and building fitness. Cycling is also very kind on the body, not overly stressing the knees, back or other parts of the body. A steady paced ride will burn between 600 and 800 kcalories per hour; adding up to about 4,000 kcalories on a

ride of four to five hours. For those of us who are looking to manage our weight, then cycling is an ideal way to burn off those unwanted pounds (3,500 kcalories equates to about one pound of fat). > 16 15

When cycling in the Surrey Hills, you will no doubt soon be keen to improve your times up the climbs. One of the biggest influences on your climbing time is how much you weigh, as unfortunately this has a big impact on how hard it is to cycle up a particular hill. This is why cyclists can seem to be a bit obsessed with how much they and their bikes weigh. As an example of how your weight affects climbing times I have produced the table below, which shows how your climbing time would vary up Box Hill: Assumptions: sustained power you can generate on bike equals 200W, hill 2.5miles long, bike & accessories weigh 15lbs and gradient averages 5%: Personal weight Average Speed 126lbs/ 9 stone 15.9mph 140lbs/ 10 stone 12.9mph 154lbs/ 11 stone 11.8mph 168lbs/ 12 stone 10.9mph 182lbs/ 13 stone 10.2mph

Time to climb Box Hill 9.4 minutes 11.6 minutes 12.7 minutes 13.8 minutes 14.7 minutes

You can see from the above, that a difference in weight of four stones means a climb time difference of over five minutes; or put another way, it takes 54% more time for a 13 stone person to climb Box Hill versus a nine stone person.

If you want to lose weight, keep fit or just see our fabulous local countryside, there has never been a better time to start cycling, so go on, get that bike out and enjoy the Surrey Hills!

If you want to get more out of your cycling and this article has whetted your appetite, then you can learn everything you need to know about road cycling from Surrey Hills’ resident, Mark Pittick’s ,book ‘Zero to Hero: The Fast Track Guide to High Performance Cycling’. This book expands on the subjects shared in this article, starting from ‘bike fit’, clothing for all weathers, through to bike choice, fitness and fitness plans, weight management, nutrition, competing in Cycle Sportives and much more besides.

Inspired by writing this article, I embarked on writing a second book on cycling! This book covers 11 cycle routes in Surrey, Hampshire and Sussex, and is entitled ‘World Class Cycle Routes in Surrey, Sussex and Hampshire’. I have cycled over 100,000km in the area and these rides are the refined best routes that the area has to offer. The book has routes divided into three categories, short (up to about 50km), medium (up to about 100km) and epic (up to 200km). Each route has a summary description of the route and key places on route and some pictures of the local area. At the end of each route there is a link to mapmyride.com, where a file is available to download to a cycle navigation computer i.e. Garmin 800. Using the route file you will be able to retrace the whole route easily without referring to a map or written instructions.

Available for download via www.amazon.co.uk/kindle (or just type in “Mark Pittick” into amazon.co.uk and it will pop up).

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A selection of

CYCLE ROUTES Introductory ride in the Surrey Hills

(32km with four climbs including Leith and Holmbury Hills).

The first route detailed here is a taster of what the Surrey Hills has to offer the road cyclist. Go directly to the Garmin website using this link for the route details: http://connect.garmin.com/ course/5640216 At the end of the ride, stop in the Hurtwood Inn for well-earned pint or a cup of tea and slice of cake from Peaslake village stores.

The Tour of the Surrey Hills

If you are reasonably fit and can ride up 16 challenging climbs, gaining a total of 2,400m in vertical ascent for 115km, then this ride is for you. Every year the Audax cycling organisation runs a non-competitive ride out of Shere in August, showcasing the best cycling the area has to offer (Box Hill, White Down, Bar Hatch Lane, Leith Hill, Holmbury Hill, Coombe Lane…..). You can join this ride for about £5 by applying to the Audax organisation in the UK, or alternatively just turn up whenever you like and have a go yourself. The fit types here will complete this ride in about four hours, whilst it can take others over six hours so beware. Go to the Audax website and find the turn-by-turn directions starting from Shere community centre: www.aukweb.net/event/detail/12-356

Two local rides

We also have a couple of rides for you to try. One is on page 48 and covers Chiddingfold, Haslemere and Blackdown.

The other covers Peaslake, Coldharbour and Westcott and appears in our Dorking, Godalming and Guildford editions and can be seen online at vantagepointmag.co.uk.

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Choosing that

Wedding Venue

Local writer Penny Kitchen offers some advice as a new mother-of-the-bride to be.

My daughter and her fiancé announced their engagement on the 30th December. As I write, one month later, I have already spent hours online researching, been to two wedding fairs and to look round five potential venues. Now every time I log on, pop-up ads from wedding dress suppliers, mother-of-the-bride websites and gorgeous venues assail me. They have me in their sights!

“Couldn’t you just elope and throw a party?” I asked hopefully.

“No!” was the answer. Four of Anna’s friends are getting married in the next six months and now she understandably wants her own ‘big day’.

Like many couples, they are planning on paying for most of it themselves, but as they add up the various costs I can feel their anxiety mounting along with the excitement.

What we have learned on our early forays into appraising venues will hopefully prove helpful for any readers in the same boat. Luckily for me, my daughter’s shortlist of half a dozen venues were all in and around Farnham and Guildford. We are particularly blessed with beautiful properties and locations in this part of the world but it can be very hard to choose.

The ones we’ve looked at have fallen into three categories: hotel, country house and barn conversion. And then there’s 900-yearold Farnham Castle below, with its romantically ruined keep and a pretty half-timbered ‘new’ addition commissioned by Elizabeth I – definitely in a class of its own!

When?

The first decision to be made is time of year and date. You will find, as we did, that summer weddings (imagine sunshine and a romantic background of old stone, wisteria and lavender) are expensive! The venue bargains are to be found on winter weekdays, but can your nearest and dearest get the day off work? Even if you opt to pay the top price (as much as £11,000 for a Saturday in August) rain might still put paid to those outdoor photos in the rose garden.

The more desirable the venue is, the further ahead you need to book your date, especially in the summer months when booking a year and a half in advance is not unusual. It’s another reason for possibly looking at special rates available for an autumn/winter/weekday/ short-notice wedding.

Priorities When you phone to book an appointment to view, have some idea of how many guests you will have – the venues can tell you exactly how many they can accommodate seated and standing.

Even if you always imagined a formal ‘Downton’ setting, do look at other options. Converted barns full of mellow beams, such as Gate Street Barn south of Guildford and Bury Court at Bentley on the Surrey-Hampshire border, are gaining in popularity, but they are not necessarily less expensive, and for most families cost is the bottom line. On the other hand, they may allow you a choice of half a dozen caterers, offering different styles and prices.

You will find that the more formal and grand the property the less flexible arrangements are likely to be. A ‘house’ caterer is a case in point. If you want a hog roast or a barbecue and the house caterer will only provide traditional wedding fare, you need to know at the outset. Also check to see if you have to add VAT to prices because that extra 20% makes a big difference.

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What we discovered as we pored over the brochures and quizzed the very pleasant people who showed us around was that you sometimes gain on the venue price – a special offer perhaps – only to find that their exclusive caterer’s eyewatering prices boost the costs back up.

Many of the questions concern the catering which, after all, is central to a happy and successful day. Can you bring in your own caterer? Is there a fully equipped kitchen? Can their own caterers be flexible with the menu? Can they accommodate special dietary requirements? Will there be a tasting ahead of the day? How many serving and bar staff will be on duty?

Watch out for extras. Your day may not be such a bargain if you have to pay bar staff for the evening, hire cutlery, table linen and cake stand, or pay corkage if you supply your own wine. Take it from me, this all adds up!

Is entertainment permitted and do they supply a PA system for the speeches? Are there attractive areas indoors for photos if it’s raining? Is there a comfortable room or rooms where the bride and bridesmaids can get ready and is there a complimentary suite for the couple’s wedding night?

An important consideration for us was having two separate rooms for the ceremony and the wedding breakfast, otherwise all your guests must vacate the hall while chairs and tables are set for the meal. We preferred to know that this was all done and decorated in advance.

You have to consider insurance, adequate parking (can guests leave their cars overnight?) and disabled facilities as well as establishing their cancellation/postponement policy.

Accommodation A deciding factor can be whether accommodation is available on site, which is why the hotel option is often the best. It saves your guests having to hunt around for a bed and breakfast and the cost of taxis at the end of the evening. Three venues we visited offered accommodation for the exclusive use of the wedding party – the Farnham House Hotel, Northbrook Park (both a few minutes’ drive out of Farnham on the A31) and Farnham Castle, which I was surprised to learn, has 32 bedrooms.

Northbrook Park, a delightful country house with orangery and peacocks in the gardens, also has accommodation on site in the form of chalets, each with kitchen, sitting room and separately lockable double bedrooms and family room.

Even small details need to be considered. For instance, at Farnham Castle candles aren’t allowed and at Loseley Park confetti, noisy fireworks and Chinese lanterns are forbidden.

Both of these restrictions make absolute sense when you consider the grandeur of the listed buildings, but you need to be aware and warn your guests.

Questions to ask I found loads of useful questions to ask on www.confetti.co.uk and recommend you go through these with any potential venue. In fact, write the answers down because you will forget who said what!

April 2014

Once your venue and the catering are sorted, then all you have left to think about is the photography, the invitations, the flowers, the evening entertainment, the dress, the cake…..

Eloping would be cheaper but think of all the fun they’d miss!

Two new books to help with your wedding planning Customise your wedding, with beautiful craft projects. You’ll find quick, simple and stunning items to make from each top designer, including invitations, table settings, favours, decorations and gifts for the bridal party. With six themes to choose from, you can create the perfect, costeffective special day.

(GMC Distribution, price £16.99) Couples planning their big day can save up to 75 per cent of the average cost of a wedding by following some simple steps, according to the just-published Haynes DIY Wedding Manual.

Author Laura Strutt estimates she saved a fortune on her own wedding and she is now sharing her practical advice and tips with this new easy-to-follow, step-by-step guide.

FIND OUT MORE

Farnham Castle at the top of Castle Street, Farnham, is managed by Galloping Gourmet. Tel 01252 413091 www.farnhamcastleweddings.co.uk Northbrook Park, Crondall Road, Farnham Nr Bentley, Surrey GU10 5EU Tel: 01420 521266 www.northbrookpark.co.uk Gate Street Barn, Gate St, Bramley, Guildford, Surrey GU5 0LR Tel: 01483 894362 www.gatestreetbarn.com Bury Court Barn, Farnham, Hampshire GU10 5LZ Tel: 01420 550499 www.burycourtbarn.com Farnham House Hotel, Alton Road, Farnham GU10 5ER Tel: 01252 716908 www.farnhamhousehotel.com Penny Kitchen can be contacted at penny.kitchen@btopenworld.

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Let’s eat the

HIGH STREET

Will our local economy go hungry as we vote with our food pounds at the supermarkets?

Local food specialist Tracy Carroll explores.

A Google search for statistics about small shop closures throws up a disturbing - yet unsurprising - set of results. ‘7337 high street shops closed down in 2012,’ and ‘More than 320 independent shops will close every week in 2013,’ jump from the screen. Closures such as these drain diversity from the high street and slice deeply into our local economy.

Indeed, a study by the New Economics Foundation in London found that for every £10 spent at a local food business, £25 is generated for the local economy, compared with £14 for each tenner spent at multinationals. Consider it. The farmer buys a meal at the local cafe; the cafe owner buys tomatoes from the local greengrocer; the greengrocer gets his shoes heeled at the local cobblers; the cobbler buys a pie from the local bakery; the baker buys meat for his pies from the local farmer. When buying from national businesses or even those tens of miles away, money leaves our community.

Let’s not knock them; supermarkets employ local people and are a godsend to many, including time and cash strapped parents, disabled people and the elderly. They have their place, yet I find the shopping experience somewhat shallow.

A study by the New Economics Foundation in London found that for every £10 spent at a local food business, £25 is generated for the local economy, compared with £14 for each tenner spent at multinationals.

Browsing the aisles, I meet images of smiling farmers cuddling a chicken or leaning against a cow, the picture of rural contentment - really? I’ve noticed the word ‘market’ crops up a lot in supermarkets these days, too, whether it’s ‘Market Street’, ‘market fresh’ or ‘market value’.

So, as someone who is immersed in the local food scene, I find it interesting to see these gigantic companies, which turn over millions each week, doing their utmost to conjure up a ‘local’ shopping experience while competing with business owners who are doing it for real.

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Identikit high streets monopolised by multiples (however heavily disguised as ‘local stores’) make me sad. That’s one of the reasons I set up my networking websites (Local Food Surrey and Local Food Sussex). By bringing together independent traders, we can make some real noise as well as connecting chefs, producers, retailers and consumers to keep those vital food pounds close to home.

We’re now producing films, telling the stories of people who work jolly hard to keep their businesses thriving. Comment to these folk about all the money they must be making, and you’re likely to be met with an ironic smile and a roll of the eyes. Because, truth is, unlike the big names in the food industry, none of the independent business owners I’ve talked to are doing it for the money.

‘Passion’ is a word that has become over used on food labelling, but I use it here without apology; these people prove their passion by working long hours in order to keep their shops open, make artisan products, then stand there in the rain at farmers markets - smiling.

So, shall we support them by spending a few pounds each week at local businesses? We must.

FIND OUT MORE

Tracy Carroll is managing director of LocalFoodSurrey.com and LocalFoodSussex.com.

Please visit the websites for more information. vantagepointmag.co.uk

HEALTH FOOD

ACUPUNCTURE OR PAINKILLERS Are you missing the point?

Amanda Reid from Take a Breath investigates

There was a time when acupuncture was thought of as a funny sort of treatment - funny peculiar that is, and certainly not funny ha ha. For who would voluntarily subject themselves to having needles jammed into them like a stuck pig, or a victim of ancient witchcraft? However, a while ago, suffering from painful frozen shoulder which a myriad of treatments and remedies had failed to relieve, I was about to have this myth dispelled.

A friend said, as friends do, “You must try my physiotherapist”, and so it was that this intuitive and caring individual with spiritual eyes and the gentlest of touches began, with my permission of course, painlessly to introduce needles into various parts of my body, apparently unrelated to where I was feeling the pain. Think reflexology, think Eastern wisdom. Somehow the excruciating pain that had kept me awake half the night for weeks on end began to lessen until it, after a few sessions, completely disappeared. Magic, or what!

It is seriously alarming that, according to recent reports, half the Western world seems to take chemical painkillers on a regular basis, for back pain and other niggles. These substances, particularly those that are opiate-based, are addictive. I just looked at the blurb accompanying one well-known analgesic, which warned that more than three days consecutive use could tip you over into dependency - and it’s a rare GP who takes the time and trouble to wean a patient off an addictive substance.

The trouble is, that point of no return is an unknown quantity that differs for each individual.

Traditional acupuncture, by contrast, can reduce inflammation and provide long-term relief for all types of pain, not just skeletal, without uncomfortable side-effects like the drowsiness, nausea and constipation that is associated with many painkilling medicines. The side-effects of acupuncture, however, are almost always positive, giving increased energy levels, improved sleep and digestion, plus a general sense of well-being. In April 2014

fact, acupuncture is becoming increasingly mainstream. The National Institute for Heralth and Care Excellence now recommends its use for persistent non-specific lower back pain, and has proposed it be made available on the NHS. Take a Breath consulted local practitioner and member of The British Acupuncture Council, Rachel Townsend. She told us, “Traditional acupuncture is based on an ancient Chinese system of medicine and is one of the most popular complementary therapies practised in the UK today with 2.3m. treatments carried out each year. The practice involves extremely fine, sterile needles inserted at specific points on the body to trigger its natural healing responses and is not at all frightening or uncomfortable.

Being holistic, it seeks to address the underlying causes of pain and find a long-term solution, rather than just masking them with medication.

Every patient is unique and two people with the same western diagnosis will have different treatment plans because the pathology of their illness is different”.

Rachel added that the benefits of acupuncture are not limited to pain relief but extend to a whole range of other illnesses.

FIND OUT MORE

This article is brought to you by Take a Breath, an online local business directory and community, supporting a balanced and healthy lifestyle. Visit www.takeabreathmag.co.uk to find local natural health practitioners, classes and workshops, read articles, and connect with like-minded people.

33

GARDENING

Questions& Answers Hello, my name is Jo and I would like to answer gardening questions from local enthusiasts!

I live locally and have been working in horticulture for over 30 years, and as a professional gardener for over 10, so I hope I can help local people with their gardening questions.

Q: How can I remove moss from my lawn?

A: Many lawns at the moment have more moss than grass. This is because conditions have been ideal for moss... nice and damp and not much sun. The first step is to kill the existing moss. This can be done using a granular lawn weed feed and moss killer. Full instructions for rate of application and timing will be on the packet. After two weeks the moss should be black and dying... which is when the hard work starts.

Using a metal lawn rake or scarifier, all the dead moss needs to be removed. Electric scarifiers can be hired from DIY outlets. Don’t be tempted to put the moss on your compost heap as it will still contain weedkiller. The Q: How can I grow really tasty tomatoes?

A: Firstly, choose the right variety. In my experience cherry tomatoes are the most flavoursome and often have the advantage of ripening early, therefore avoiding the dreaded tomato blight. My favourites are Gardeners Delight, Sungold and Tom Thumb. There are also “ new” heritage varieties available which are old non-hybrid types traditionally grown for their flavour.

Tomatoes are easy to grow from seed, in trays or in individual pots. They will need a light frost-free location, and remember to water sparingly once they have germinated. All local nurseries and Garden Centres will be selling tomato plants in pots, but don’t be tempted to leave them outside if it is still frosty.

Location is also an important factor for flavour.. they will need lots of sun (on its way hopefully?!) and heat to produce that lovely sweet taste. I am lucky enough to have a south facing garden, so my tomatoes grow in growbags and pots up against the house. That way they get any available sun all day, and heat from the bricks at night. If you are lucky enough to have a greenhouse that is ideal, just watch out for white fly and remember to water well without splashing water onto the leaves, as this will scorch them.

36

next step is to improve drainage. The simplest way is to prick the soil to a depth of a couple of inches with a fork, or more labour-saving devices are available, such as tines on a roller, which can be pushed across the lawn. Sand can then be raked into the holes to act as mini drains.

Now the fun bit... re-seeding your lawn. Assuming you are sowing grass seed over existing patches, the best way is to mix half the recommended rate with topsoil or peat free compost and scatter by hand over your lawn.

Remember to water liberally for the first few weeks unless we have lots of rain... highly likely I suspect!

Q: How can I get colour in my garden throughout the year?

A: The easiest way is to buy one or two plants in flower every month, or even better, ask friends and neighbours for cuttings, or in the case of herbaceous perennials, ask for a clump! In January this year I had four shrubs and bulbs in flower in my garden, but I also have colour from stems of plants such as Cornus, Acers and Rubus. Then there are the berries and other fruit such as Hawthorn, Pyracantha, Rosehips, Crab Apples and of course Holly.

Evergreens are also invaluable. Shrubs such as Mahonia and Fatsia also have flowers out of normal season and fabulous architectural foliage. Grasses such as Carex and Stipa look wonderful any time of year with the sun or frost on them. Whatever your garden is like, now is a good time to sit still, take stock, and enjoy...

GET IN TOUCH

If you have any questions you would like answered in future publications of VantagePoint by someone with local knowledge, then please email them to me at ladygardenerjo@yahoo.co.uk or write to us at the VantagePoint address on page four of the magazine. vantagepointmag.co.uk

A locally inspired Easter meal Three of our local chefs offer up a special three-course meal for Easter

Warm Asparagus Hollandaise Ingredients 20 asparagus spears 400ml vinegar 4 free range eggs Seasoned butter in which to toss asparagus in - prepare this by mixing some butter at room temperature with salt and freshly milled black pepper. If you are using salted butter, you may not need to add more salt.

Le Mesurier Hollandaise Sauce Rocket leaves for garnish Serves 4 Le Mesurier sauces are available at local food shops and delicatessens and at local farmers’ markets. For more information, look online at lemesuriers.com.

This recipe for a light and tasty starter comes from Patrick Le Mesurier, the Godalming-based chef behind the Le Mesurier condiment range. Ready in minutes, it showcases the delicate, nutty flavour of British asparagus, which traditionally reaches the shops towards the end of April. “Easter cooking is all about fresh, vibrant flavours”, says Patrick, who trained with the Roux brothers. “British asparagus is the best in the world; a prized culinary gem. In fact, it’s so precious that none of it is exported – we British quite rightly keep it all for ourselves.”

1. Trim the asparagus spears so they are all the same length.

2. Plunge them into boiling water and cook for about 2-3 minutes, then transfer to a warmed dish. Keep warm.

3. Have a high-sided pan just coming to the boil, add the vinegar, stir the water and break the eggs into the vortex. Cook for 3 minutes until softly poached. (Or if you wish you can use an egg poacher.)

4. Open a jar of Le Mesurier Hollandaise Sauce and warm as per instructions.

5. Toss the asparagus in the seasoned butter and line up 5 on each plate.

6. Remove softly poached eggs and place on top of the asparagus.

7. Spoon the warmed hollandaise sauce on top of the egg, and garnish with a few rocket leaves.

Chocolate and Caramel Tart Ingredients 375g shortcrust pastry (either bought or home-made) 1 tsp vanilla paste or extract Flour, for dusting 100g 70% plain chocolate 100g white chocolate 6 tbsp melted butter 2 eggs, plus 3 egg yolks 4 tbsp golden caster sugar Icing sugar and single cream, to serve (optional) For the caramel 150g sugar 50g water Serves 10 40

Chocolate is a must for an Easter menu, so we asked Chef David Gillott of Ashtead’s Four Gables Food Academy to come up with an extra-special dessert. In this recipe for a makeahead dessert, a caramel layer sits under a rich chocolate topping – definitely a family favourite!

1. Cut the pastry into rough pieces and put in a food processor. Drizzle over the vanilla paste and blitz until it’s well mixed throughout the pastry. Tip out onto a floured surface, bring together into a dough and knead until well combined. Roll out to line a 23cm tart tin (leave any overhanging pastry and then you can trim it away after cooking). Chill for 30 minutes, to allow the pastry to rest.

2. For the caramel, place the sugar and water in a pan and bring to the boil, then reduce down until it starts to turn golden brown. Be careful not to burn it!

3. Heat oven to 180˚C. Line the pastry with cling film (yes cling film – don’t worry, it won’t burn and it’s the best way to blind bake a tart).

Fill with rice, bake blind for 15-20 minutes, then remove the cling film and rice and bake for 5-10 minutes vantagepointmag.co.uk

FOOD Slow Roasted Shank of Lamb with Port and Redcurrant Jus For the main course, we consulted John Walter, Head Chef and Manager of The Lakeside Restaurant at the University of Surrey.

An enthusiastic supporter of seasonal ingredients, John has chosen the sweet and tender meat of new season lamb, preferably from the South Downs, and teams this with purple sprouting broccoli and new potatoes for an exquisite Easter Sunday lunch.

1. Pre-heat the oven 190˚C. Chop the celery, onions and carrots into large chunks and lay in a flameproof casserole or roasting tin.

2. Nestle the seasoned shanks of lamb on top of the vegetables then add herbs, spices, peppercorns, wine and port.

3. Cover loosely with ovenproof foil and bake for 1.5 hours.

4. Remove the foil then cook for another 30 minutes.

5. Transfer the meat and vegetables to a large, warmed serving dish and keep warm, leaving the juices in the roasting tin 6. Meanwhile, boil potatoes with a sprig of fresh mint until tender. Keep warm.

7. Place broccoli in a pan with two cups of water and a knob of butter, season and cover with a tight-fitting lid. Cook over a medium/high heat for

5 minutes until the broccoli is tender.

8. Drain the broccoli cooking water into the tin containing the lamb roasting juices, then place the tin over a medium heat on the hob to release the caramelised juices before stirring in the redcurrant jelly and more wine as needed; simmer to create a rich jus.

9. Arrange the broccoli and potatoes around the lamb, pour the jus into a warmed jug and serve.

more until pale and golden. Carefully spread the caramel over the base and set aside while you make the filling.

Lower oven to 160˚C. 4. Break the chocolate into pieces and carefully melt in a bowl over a pan of barely simmering water before adding the melted butter and stirring to combine. Put the eggs, yolks and sugar in a large bowl and whisk for 10 minutes - it may be easier to use a machine! You will know the mixture is ready when it turns pale and leaves a trail when you drag a spoon through it.

Using a large spoon, gently fold in the melted chocolate, being careful not to knock out the air. Transfer to the tin.

5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the

surface is set and risen – it will still wobble slightly. Cool, then chill overnight, before dusting with icing sugar and serving.

April 2014

Ingredients 4 sticks of celery 4 medium carrots 2 medium onions 4 shanks of spring lamb, seasoned with salt and freshly ground pepper Sprig of fresh thyme Sprig of rosemary 2 bay leaves 4 allspice berries 4 crushed juniper berries 4 black peppercorns Glass of full-bodied red wine (allow extra for gravy) Glass of ruby port 1 tbsp redcurrant jelly To serve Purple sprouting broccoli New potatoes Mint and butter for cooking Serves 4

FIND OUT MORE

All our featured chefs are members of Local Food Surrey, where you can discover the finest local food and drink from Surrey, cookery classes and the very best restaurants, pubs and caterers serving delicious local produce.

Visit localfoodsurrey.com to find out more.

41

GARDEN

What to do in

April

With Matthew Pottage, Garden Manager at RHS Garden Wisley

Turn boring blobs into naturalistic drifts April is a good time to review early spring bulbs that have finished their flowering displays and are now in leaf.

Some of the earliest, such as snowdrops, should now have pretty much completed their active growth cycle for this year but will still be visible above ground. This makes it the best time to lift any big clumps, split them apart and replant in whatever formation takes your fancy.

Bulbs physically ‘bulk up’ by adding smaller bulbs alongside the parent bulb, which, after many years can lead to some congestion and pulling these apart re-invigorates them. While it may seem laborious the best way to create a carpet effect is to re-plant

smaller bulbs singularly but in close proximity to each other.

This is also a good time to think about which bulb combinations to plant to give you longer displays – at Wisley we have a bank of early crocus that are peppered with the white Leucojum venustum and Cyclamen coum – the whole area is a tapestry of spring colour and lasts well over a month.

Plant spring bulbs under trees or mature shrubs where you are less likely to disturb them.

Left: Livting and dividing Galanthus elwesii after flowering, while still in leaf. Above: Cyclamen coum

Sneaking through the winter?

April is usually about the right time to start un-wrapping any plants that have been protected for the winter. The warmer spring days will initiate growth, and while a late frost may clip softer growth, it won’t cause you any serious problems.

It is also a good time to crack on and start planting half-hardy ornamentals such as Penstemon, which can cope with the cooler nights. We have a super collection of Penstemon at Wisley. They will fit with most planting styles and can be an ideal way to fill in edges in traditional cottage borders, or, if you’re after something more adven42

turous, some of the bolder cultivars will blend nicely into more subtropical bedding displays. I’m a real fan of P. ‘Stapleford Gem’ with its almost two-tone blue/ purple flowers (left), though I see from the propagation lists my teams put together that they are very fond of the striking, pink flowered P. ‘George Home’ which has a white throat. It is quite an old cultivar, but never fails to perform.

If you’re lucky, some of your half-hardy plants like Verbenas and even some Helichry-

sum will have survived the winter and by now should be in need of a tidy up. Get out the secateurs and take the stems back to vigorous buds or re-growth. Apply a dressing of balanced fertiliser once the risk of frost has passed, and they’ll continue growing like winter never happened.

FIND OUT MORE

RHS Garden Wisley is the flagship garden of the Royal Horticultural Society, the world’s leading gardening charity. RHS Garden Wisley, Woking, Surrey, GU23 6QB. Visit rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley to find out more.

vantagepointmag.co.uk

Following the success of the Brooklands Double Twelve Motorsport Festival in 2013, which saw over 5,000 people attend over the two day event, the Double Twelve will return in 2014 on the 14th to 15th June. Expected to be the biggest motoring competition held at Brooklands since 1939, it is being organised in association with the Vintage Sports-Car Club and held on the weekend closest to the Anniversary of its original opening date, 17th June 1907.

The new structure of the competitions was changed in 2013 to encourage entrants to enjoy a full weekend of motoring competition and give them greater flexibility to choose from the three stand-alone competitions. This will be the format in 2014 with the three stand-alone events: • The Double Twelve Speed Trials on the Mercedes-Benz World circuit on Saturday 14th June • The Double Twelve Concours held on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th June • The Double Twelve Driving Tests on Sunday 15th June Each event will have its own class and overall winners, but to achieve a Brooklands Double Twelve Award, an entrant must compete in any two of the three events and the combined scores of these two events will decide their Double Twelve placing.

This means that a car may enter the Speed Trials on the Saturday and then the Driving Tests on the Sunday.

Alternatively a car can be entered for the Concours on the Saturday and take part in the Driving Tests on the Sunday and a car could also be entered for the Speed Trials on Saturday and be judged in the Concours on Sunday.

As well as the main competitions, the Test Hill Challenge will also take place on Saturday. This will involve everything from 44

Sinclair C5s, bicycles and motorcycles to giant pre-war racing cars and running races for energetic children up the punishing 352ft (107m) concrete slope. Some vehicles may even head down the Test Hill in a test of their brakes.

The Museum itself displays a wide range of Brooklands-related motoring and aviation exhibits ranging from giant racing cars, motorcycles and bicycles to an unparalleled collection of Hawker and Vickers/BAC-built aircraft, including the Second World War Wellington Bomber, Viking, Varsity, Viscount, Vanguard, VC10, BAC One-Eleven and the only Concorde with public access in South East England.

With family entertainment once again planned throughout the site and lots more attractions to be announced, this is a weekend for everyone.

Advance ticket prices for 2014 are: Adults - £13; Children (aged 5-16 inc.) - £5; Family (2 adults and up to 3 children) - £32; Brooklands Trust Members (BTM): adults - £2; Under 5s free.

Advance tickets will be available from the Museum Shop nearer the time - see main website for announcements. brooklandsmuseum.com.

Ticket prices on the day: Adults - £15; Children (aged 5-16 inc.) - £6; Family (2 adults and up to 3 children) - £37; BTM adults £4; Under 5s free.

Visitor parking will be in The Heights, off Wellington Way - please follow event signage.

vantagepointmag.co.uk

The local magazine produced by local people for the local community

Celebrating 5 years of local magazine publishing • January

2014

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Getting out with the children in Cranleigh and Godalming

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From 16,487 copies to 107,277 copies, still delivered the first week of every month by Royal Mail.

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We are very happy to contribute to your magazine, managed as it is by people living in the area and with a direct interest in local affairs.

Haslemere DFAS

”

“

Your support is much appreciated and will help raise awareness about the work we do. I have no doubt that more people will learn of our centre through your great magazine.

”

Amber Foundation

The local team behind Vantage Publishing want to thank all their advertisers, contributors and readers for their support since 2009 and we look forward to supporting local businesses, charities and organisations over the next 5 years and beyond.

Contact us to find out how we can help you further. vantagepointmag.co.uk - 01483 421621 - editor@vantagepublishing.co.uk

Chiddingfold, Haslemere and Blackdown This is a circuit on quiet lanes which crosses into West Sussex for a few miles, to run just south of the Surrey boundary. It stretches from Chiddingfold (pictured right), with its 14th-century Crown Inn, to Haslemere, a bustling town with a wide High Street, used in Victorian times as a cattle market. Climb towards Blackdown whose summit, at 919 ft, is the highest in Sussex. You will reach 677 feet on the road but you could leave your bike and climb to the very top. Two miles of winding descent through woodland follows, with the highlight of the farm shop at Lower Roundhouse, an organic farm with a pedigree herd of Sussex cattle.

Ride back through Shillinglee to return to Chiddingfold, where you can relax and have tea and delicious cakes at the Green Room. Go online to vantagepointmag.co.uk for a Peaslake cycle in our Dorking edition.

The cycle Cross over to St Mary’s church and ride into Coxcombe Lane. Turn first L, go up the hill and after 1¼ miles turn L to follow the Surrey Cycle Way for a further 4 miles. The SCW is well signposted by brown signs guiding you along the wooded lanes towards Grayswood. Ride up Clammer Hill and, still following the signs, go on to the T-junction with the A286.

Turn L into Haslemere High Street. Look out for Darnley’s cafe, or Russells opposite, where you can choose to sit and relax at a table on either of the forecourts, or go to the southern end of the High Street for the Swan Inn and the White Horse. From the bottom of the High Street you use residential roads around the town to avoid the busy B2131. You will find the route if you keep climbing toward Blackdown! In detail: from the bottom of the High Street bear R and then go immediately L to climb up College Hill.

Turn L at the top into Hill Road and then first R into Old Haslemere Road. Turn L into Scotland Lane and ride for ¼ mile passing the recreation ground. At the five-way junction turn R into The Chase and shortly L into Tennyson’s Lane, signposted ‘Blackdown’.

Climb gradually upwards through shady woodland into National Trust land and the car parks at Blackdown. Here you may wish to lock your bike and climb to the top of Blackdown hill on foot to enjoy the views over the wooded Weald.

From the car parks descend along the lane and on your left, in a mile, look out for Lower Roundhouse Farm where you can stop and enjoy refreshments whilst looking at the organic produce. They even offer breakfast!

In just over a mile at the base of the hill, turn L at the T-junction and ride downwards along attractive Jobson’s Lane towards Gospel Green.

48

At Gospel Green turn R and go on to cross the A283 towards Shillinglee. In 1½ miles turn L at Shillinglee Home Farm.

Turn L again at the T-junction and cycle 2 miles back to Chiddingfold.

Blackdown Blackdown, at 919 ft, is the highest hill in Sussex and lies within the South Downs National Park. Owned by the National Trust, it is an area popular with walkers for its wild beauty and superb views to the South Downs. In 1869, recognising the tranquillity of the area, the poet Alfred Lord Tennyson built his house, Aldworth, on this greensand ridge overlooking the Weald. Tennyson’s Lane, named after the poet, runs along the northern slopes of the hill and is on the cycle route. Sadly the hill has a darker moment in its history. There was an air crash in November 1967 when a Caravelle passenger plane owned by Iberia, bound from Malaga to Heathrow, crashed into the southern side of the hillside in misty conditions.

Lower Roundhouse Farm This is an organic farm whose philosophy is to produce well cared for and beautiful animals in an unspoilt and healthy environment. There is a herd of pedigree Sussex cattle as well as sheep and pigs and these can be seen on open days. A shop sells meat from the farm, free-range organic eggs, locally-produced vegetables, pots of home-made jams, pickles and sauces, as well as gift shop items. The café is open six days a week, Mondays excepted, and serves everything from a cappucino to all-day breakfasts, lunches and teas.

The Crown Inn, Chiddingfold The Crown is a most attractive half-timbered building and dates back at least as far as the 14th century. It may go back even further to 1285, when it is thought that there was a guest house upon the site used by Cistercian monks making their way to Waverley Abbey, as they travelled between Winchester and Canterbury. There are various historic rooms inside, as well as a modern extension. The church of St Mary is across the road from the Crown. The window at the west end is said to be made up of 427 fragments of glass which were dug up near the old glass furnaces in Chiddingfold which once provided glass for the royal chapels, including St George’s at Windsor. vantagepointmag.co.uk

CYCLE

The route Most of the route is on quiet lanes and roads with several miles on the Surrey Cycle Way. There are no off-road tracks or paths.

Haslemere High Street is busy but it is a short section where you can push your bike. There are some hills to negotiate but, to compensate, there is a wonderful run down from Blackdown, with just one or two switchbacks.

DISTANCE: 16 miles OS MAPS: OS Landranger 186 Aldershot and Guildford, OS Explorer 133 Haslemere and Petersfield (GR SU961354).

STARTING POINT:The Crown Inn at Chiddingfold, or park in the road beside the Green.

REFRESHMENTS: Haslemere is well supplied with inns and coffee shops. There is Darnley’s Café, or Russells opposite, halfway down the High Street, both of which serve coffees, teas and light lunches.

Alternatively try Wetherspoon’s Swan Inn, or the White Horse opposite, both at the bottom of the High Street. Lower Roundhurst Farm, beyond Blackdown, is an interesting place with a variety of food and gifts for sale. At the beginning, or end, of the ride there are the historic Crown Inn and Green Room.

This cycle is taken from On Your Bike: In and Around the Surrey Hills, published

by Countryside Books. Visit countrysidebooks.co.uk for more information.

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.

April 2014

49

EAT Two to Four is situated in West Street covering three floors of a Grade II listed building. It is co owned by Jill Pickett and Chef Rob Gathercole who have been working together for three years creating dishes with the emphasis on fresh, locally sourced produce. I visited for dinner with my husband and immediately loved its cosy yet contemporary feel.

We were welcomed and shown to our table by Jill and were served a selection of breads; lemon and thyme, harrissa, and beetroot and cheddar served with creamy homemade butter.

We chose our starters from the à la carte menu. Spiced crab and tiger prawn fishcakes with sweet chilli dip, pickled cucumber salad and coriander cress for me; seared scallops with black pudding fritters, parsnip and fennel purée, Granny Smith apple salad with curry oil for my husband. Both starters were delicious, in fact my husband declared his to be one of the best he has ever eaten, being especially impressed by the inspired use of curry oil infused with nigella seeds which worked brilliantly in the dish.

Jill recommended a Chilean white wine, Elki Pedro Ximenez, Vina Falernia 2012, to complement our food which was a perfect choice.

Our main courses were similarly impressive. I chose from the set menu, red wine braised lamb shoulder, roasted beets, celeriac, sweet potato and baby spinach.

The lamb, which was rich and flavoursome had been slow cooked, taken off the bone and beautifully presented. My husband had pepper crusted fillet of beef, celeriac purée, green beans, baby onion and pancetta jus which was cooked rare to his taste and which he pronounced to be delectable. I can 50

Two to Four, Dorking agree as one of the joys of dining with him is that I give myself a licence to poach from his plate!

Having seen some served to another table, we were tempted by a side dish of crispy courgettes which were light, well seasoned and really tasty; I think even my vegetable resistant son would approve.

For dessert we ordered vanilla and yoghurt pannacotta with blood orange and honeycomb and a homemade peanut ice cream. Both were perfect.

We were later invited to meet Rob who has an instantly recognisable flair and passion for culinary creation. He is constantly developing and refining his menu, taking inspiration from nature and seasonal produce. The restaurant also prides itself on being able to cater for customers with specific food allergies or intolerances.

Jill and Rob are passionate about their craft with extremely impressive results. I would love to return, perhaps to try a Two to Four Gourmet Night (a six course tasting menu with wine from selected producers) or for lunch to try one of Rob’s homemade burgers and to show my son that courgettes can be delicious!

Elizabeth Carlos TWO TO FOUR 2-4 West Street, Dorking, Surrey RH4 1BL Phone: 01306 889923 Web: 2to4.co.uk vantagepointmag.co.uk

PROFILE

Farnham Music & Drama Why singing and playing a musical instrument is good for your health, your mind and your social life ’Music gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind and life to everything’. Words that are as relevant today as when Plato wrote them and that are at the heart of everything we do at Farnham Music and Drama. We are passionate about offering everyone, regardless of age or experience, the opportunity to learn, enjoy and improve their skills in music and drama. We offer tuition and coaching for all, from babies to retirement. Our activities include Mini Maestros classes for toddlers, one-to-one instrumental tuition, an adult orchestra, adult choirs and youth jazz band as well as performing arts and drama classes for children.

We all admire and respect people who are able to sing, play or perform confidently and at Farnham Music and Drama we believe that everyone would benefit from improving or honing their own skills. The sense of achievement and the feel-good factor of playing and performing, together with the lifelong appreciation of music and performing arts, are some of the joys of developing musical skills, knowledge and understanding. However, many people do not realise the ‘hidden’ benefits of taking part in musical activities, which are far reaching and can positivel affect everything we do.

Research from the University of Zurich has shown that both listening to music and playing a musical instrument stimulates both sides of your brain and can increase your memory and IQ. There is also strong evidence that participating in musical activities helps children with their reading and their numeracy as well as boosting concentration, patience and self-esteem.

Learning to sing or play an instrument requires tenacity and determination. You need to learn to develop the ability to work collaboratively and take account of the views of others in all aspects of ensemble work. These are vital life skills that are transferable to everyday situations. Performing in a group can bring rich and fulfilling social benefits, including opportunities for new April 2014

friendships. All our instrumental, singing, drama and performing arts groups perform regularly throughout the year, including concerts at Farnham Maltings, workshops at the Royal College of Music and participating in Farnham’s Christmas Light switch-on event. Groups also have the chance to go on tour at the end of the summer holidays - last year we played in four different countries in five days!

Children from as young as four years old can begin more formal instrumental tuition by learning to play the violin using the Suzuki violin method which is based on the philosophy that all children have the ability to learn a musical instrument and can enrich their lives through making music.

Adults are welcome too: why not join one of our adult choirs or the adult orchestra? These are welcoming, friendly groups where we practise a variety of musical styles including film, show, jazz and classical music. Our regular ‘Curry Nights’ provide a more informal and relaxed way to share the music learnt during the term in our supportive environment.

Please come along for your free trial of any of our groups at our studio close to Farnham train station.

FIND OUT MORE

To find out more please contact Edward on 01252 727617 or visit www.farnhammusicanddrama.com 51