VantagePoint Magazine December 2014 - Dorking & Villages by VantagePoint Magazine

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Dorking & Villages • December 2014

VANTAGEPOINT YOUR COMMUNITY  YOUR VIEW

MAGAZINE

HAPPY CHRISTMAS to all our readers from your local magazine

Inside: CHEESE AND PORT WIN PANTOMIME TICKETS GROWING CHRISTMAS TREES CHRISTMAS WITH THE NATIONAL TRUST CANNY AND CRAFTY CHRISTMAS IDEAS

King William IV, Mickleham Book now for your Christmas parties 2 Courses Traditional roast turkey and all the trimmings Just £19.95

The historic building was built in 1790 as an ale house for workers at Cherkley Court. Its stunning views have been enjoyed for over 200 years. We strive to give our customers quality products and courteous service. All our food is prepared from scratch inhouse by our professional chefs. All our ingredients are locally sourced wherever possible – meats from Nash Farm, breads from Westcott Bakery, and fruit and vegetables come directly from Covent Garden. Eamonn and Anne wish you a pleasant visit and both hope that you agree that the King William IV is Surrey’s best kept secret! Telephone: 01372 372590 Web: www.thekingwilliamiv.com The King William IV is situated directly behind Frascati Restaurant, 25 yards up Byttom Hill on the A24 between Leatherhead and Dorking

TO THE POINT Just as the filed of red at the Tower of London gripped the nation, they also captured the imagination of our readers who were swamping us daily with entries into our competition from last month to win a ceramic poppy. I’m sorry that only two of you could win but it does show what an amazing project it was! We also received some lovely comments on November’s Stefan Reynolds front cover image of the Thiepval memorial, Editor & Publisher which was taken by a local reader, Andy Bailey. He took it last year while undertaking research for two of his local war memorials and more details are available at www.ewhurstfallen.co.uk and www.rudgwickremembers.com. Humph is growing as you can see and continues to make his presence felt in the oﬃce, having recently chewed his way through our internet cable. Thankfully he could not reach anything

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

more serious and now limits himself to cardboard when I am not looking. Well, it is Christmas month already and we have a suitably themed edition with contributions from all manner of local businesses and people, including the team here. We are delighted to be supporting the Dan Eley Foundation’s Bumper Family Charity Quiz which seeks to raise money for disadvantaged young people while also oﬀering prizes of £600. Please support them if you can and I hope you have fun doing the quiz around the Christmas table. Together with my colleagues, we wish all of our readers and all of our local advertisers (without whom we’d have no magazine) a very happy Christmas! 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.

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Please visit our website or contact any of us below if you need any more information. For more articles and Jottings, visit it us online at

Sales: 01306 776679 Editorial: 01483 421601

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

Trish Soper Sales trish@vantagepublishing.co.uk

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December 2014

Contributors: Jeremy Blood, Elizabeth Carlos, Penny Kitchen, Louisa Mason,Viv Mickleﬁeld, Gill Potterton Print: Polestar Stones

CONTENTS Rugmart 1214_Layout 1 07/11/2014 10:49 Page 1

LE N A O S OW

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6 Jottings Your local community noticeboard

8 Christmas with the National Trust 14 Branching Out Viv Mickleﬁeld visits a local grower of Christmas trees

22 Canny and Crafty Christmas Ideas From the local team at VantagePoint Magazine

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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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We would just like to thank all those who have emailed us over the past 12 months and for the many kind comments. Please keep your jottings coming in, we do love hearing from you. We’d like to take the opportunity to wish all our readers a very happy Christmas and a healthy and happy New Year.

They are sorely missed by the Association and there is a reward for information leading to their safe return.

their website for details of these and other events. ‘Clandon by Candlelight’ is a chance to see Clandon Park near Guildford in a very diﬀerent light. The ground ﬂoor rooms will be lit just by electric candles, very festive! It takes place Tuesday 2nd – Thursday 4th and Sunday 7th, Tuesday 9th – Thursday 11th and Sunday 14th December, 11am3pm www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ clandon-park tel: 01483 222482. Then on Tuesday 16th and Wednesday 17th December, from 3pm-5pm and 8pm-10pm, they are holding Carol Concerts. Join the Oxford Singers as they herald the festive season in Clandon’s stunning Marble Hall. Tickets are Adult £15, Child £7, Family £37 (2 adults and up to 2 children) and includes refreshments at the interval. Booking essential through Guildford Tourist Information Centre on 01483 444334 or www. visitguildford.com.

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DELIVERED TO 19,259 LOCAL HOMES Like us on Facebook at Vantage Point Magazine

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Jottings is your community noticeboard for local events and information, editedt by Nick and AngiewCrisell ards

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Autumn is a great time to try practical conservation volunteering, especially joining in with local woodland management. The Lower Mole

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Surrey Artists’ Open Studios present ‘Art Online for Christmas’. Running from 10th November – 23rd December, it’s an opportunity to buy original art and crafts from Surrey based artists, direct from their website www.surreyopenstudios.org. uk. The online shop oﬀers a range of beautiful handcrafted artworks for sale, direct from the artist who made them, and all from the comfort of your own home! Browse through the work of over 30 artists, including paintings, limited edition prints, ceramics, metalwork, glasswork, photography, woodwork, woven crafts, textiles and sculpture. There is a wide variety of work with gift ideas to suit all budgets. Once selected, it is easy to buy your chosen piece, which will be carefully wrapped and sent to you. A perfect combination of online shopping and buying local! Some SAOS artists will be opening their doors as usual, in the lead up to Christmas, so please check

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There has been such a wonderful response to the WW1 commemorations throughout the country. Schools, clubs and churches have come up with all sorts of events from exhibitions and remembrance services to creating lasting memorials. It is therefore very sad to report that two groups of Great War (19141918) Medals, kept in frames, were stolen earlier this year (on 21st January 2014) from the HQ of The Royal Flying Corps Association near Dorking. The two medals were as follows: LT.E.BREWER, SGT.A.POLLARD M.M 15110. If by any chance you have been oﬀered these medals or have any information, do please ring 01306 711114. Apparently, the police have been unable to come up with anything.

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Christmas with the N Christmas is a time for customs, from those passed down through families and friends, to new discoveries that become part of your festive celebrations. Sending cards, decorating trees, singing carols, advent calendars, mince pies and mistletoe…there are some festive customs without which Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas. For many, a day out to a National Trust house and garden or a walk in the countryside is already a Christmas ‘must do’. Over the festive season, National Trust places will be decked out with Christmas sparkle, Father Christmas will pay a visit to special grottos and atmospheric estates will be packed full of festive customs to bring Christmas to life through the ages. Every single visit this Christmas will support the National Trust’s work as a charity looking after special places for future generations to enjoy. There are plenty of activities on oﬀer to help make your Christmas that extra bit special in these winter wonderland locations. So whether it’s learning how to make a festive wreath, listening to carols or meeting Father Christmas, here’s a selection of top National Trust Christmas events:

rugs to magnificent fir trees, gilded baroque angels to a vintage nativity scene, Petworth House is dressed to impress this winter. There are seasonal treats on oﬀer too; visit the famous Servants’ Quarters to discover more. There’s lots of fun for younger visitors to Petworth House this Christmas. Follow the quiz trail through the grounds, then write and post your very own letter to Santa. You can meet the man himself for a chat and a chocolate gift too. Work oﬀ some energy after Christmas by following the cook’s trail in the gardens; you’ll discover the recipe ingredients to make a gingerbread snowman at home.

A Country House Christmas: 6th December-2nd January, 11am-3pm (closed 24 and 25 Dec). All I want for Christmas trail: 13th-24th December, 10.30am-3pm, £3. Meet Father Christmas: 13th, 14th, 20th, 21st December, 11am-3pm, £5 (including treat). Gingerbread trail: 26th December-2nd January, 10.30am-3pm, £3. Information: 01798 342207, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/petworth-house

Sir Harry’s Christmas party at Uppark House and Garden Uppark was once the home of 19th-century party boy Harry Fetherstonhaugh, who loved to entertain. This winter, wander through rooms decorated for Harry’s Christmas party; the Dining Room is set for a sumptuous feast, whilse the Tapestry Bedroom is dressed for a children’s Christmas. Visit the servants’ quarters to find out what special ingredients go into a traditional Christmas pudding. Miniature festive decorations can also be glimpsed inside Uppark’s famous doll’s house.

A Country House Christmas at Petworth House Inspired by period issues of Country Life magazine, this magnificent 17th century mansion presents several rooms dressed for a vintage-style country house Christmas, with a quirky twist.

Outside, the stables have been transformed for an important visit from Father Christmas; children can make their way through a winter wonderland to meet him, and to receive a special gift.

Step into a welcoming atmosphere of log fires and wellingtons, evergreen trees and glamorous sparkle. The rooms are set to welcome guests for a luxurious evening of traditional entertainments and dinner. From warm tweed

A Victorian Christmas at Uppark: 6th, 7th, 14th, 21st December, 11am-3pm. Meet Father Christmas: 6th, 7th, 14th, 21st December, 11am-3pm, adults £3.50, children £5.50, includes gift (normal admission fee applies). Stir up Sundays: 9th, 16th, 22nd, 30th December, 11am-3pm, 50p. Information: 01730 825415, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/uppark

Kick-start some Christmas spirit with Stir Up Sundays at Uppark. Stir a traditional Christmas pudding, make a wish and take home a bag of spices and a sixpence for your own pudding.

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he National Trust Carols and Candlelight at Clandon Park, near Guildford The beautiful Marble Hall at Clandon Park comes alive with Christmas carol concerts from the Oxford singers on 16th and 17th December (3pm-5pm and 8pm-10pm). Herald the festive season with mulled wine and mince pies in the interval. Also,during December, there is the chance to explore the house by candlelight, as the Onslow family would have experienced it in the 18th and 19th centuries. Booking essential on 01483 222482 or www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ clandon-park.

Animals in the stable yard at Hatchlands Park, near Guildford Visit the animals in the courtyard at Hatchlands Park on Sunday 14th December (1pm-3pm), solve the Snow Queen’s puzzle in a fairy tale trail, and meet Father Christmas. The shop and tea room will be open for some Christmas shopping, hot drinks and light refreshments. There is music and readings on 13th December by Ayres and Graces and Christmas carols on 14th December in the music room. Booking essential on 01483 444334 or www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ hatchlands-park.

Seasonal concerts at Leith Hill Place, near Dorking Join in some festive fun on 6th and 7th December, with music and a last chance to visit the house before it closes for winter. Enjoy a seasonal concert with Apollo5, ‘a cappella’ vocal group, the cosy fire in the Terrace Room and family activities upstairs. Book for the concert at 11.30am or 2pm and join in with the festive atmosphere and sing-along carols in between, courtesy of Stef Conner and her Timeline Choir. Guaranteed to put you in the Christmas mood. Booking essential on 01306 712711 or www.nationaltrust.org.uk/leithhill.

Edwardian Advent at Polesden Lacey, near Dorking See the house dressed as a magical living advent calendar, with 24 scenes and activities depicting the countdown to Christmas. There are carriage rides, food tastings and Father Christmas who will be roving in the house and gardens. Polesden Lacey’s café oﬀers a full three course Christmas lunch, the perfect way to meet up with friends and family in the festive season. From Boxing Day December 2014

to New Year try a game of Polesdenopoly in the gardens and play at becoming a millionaire like Mrs Greville, on a family trail. Information: 01372 452048 or www.nationaltrust. org.uk/polesden-lacey.

A Solstice walk on the River Wey Navigations, New Haw to Walsham Walk from New Haw to Walsham lock along the River Wey Navigations, with two of our lengthsmen ojn the 19th December. Enjoy mulled wine and mince pies by the bonfire, followed by a minibus ride back to New Haw. Booking essential on 01483 561389.

Crafts and Christmas trees in the Surrey Hills Try your hand at making a Christmas wreath with a workshop and lunch at Bookham Commons (5th December) or the Witley Centre (7th December). Then on 20th December there is the chance to harvest your own Christmas tree at Hindhead Common. Bring a saw, sledge and pair of gloves and cut down your own tree. There are also festive walks and children’s crafts at the Witley Centre on 22nd December and a guided Boxing Day walk at Bookham Common. Booking essential on 01372 220644.

Wreaths and winter wonders at Winkworth Arboretum, near Godalming Join in a course to make a traditional Christmas wreath on 7th December with materials from the Arboretum. The Arboretum is open every day except Christmas Day for winter walks and there is a children’s trail available for just 50p. Walk oﬀ the excesses of the season with a New Year guided walk, 1 January at 2pm. Booking essential on 01483 208477.

Images from top far left: Ian Pearce, David Levenson, with the rest by John Millar. 9

Jottings - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD - NOW IN DATE ORDER!

Partnership is running woodland task days at Norbury Park on Wednesday 3rd and Thursday 4th December. Meet at 10am at Fetcham car park, top of Young Street, Leatherhead KT22 9BW. Full task information can be found on their volunteering page at www.lowermoleproject.org. uk or call 01372 743783. The Three Bridges Spiritualist Church, a very friendly and lovely well established spiritualist church has been around for many years and their doors are open to everyone. They are a self funded church so everything that comes in goes back into the church. They hold a service every Wednesday evening. Their doors open at 7pm, the service starts at 7.30 till 9pm and everyone is welcome. It’s £4 on the door, which includes a raﬄe ticket that is drawn at the end of the service and a lovely cup of tea or coﬀee. They also hold a special clairvoyant evening once a month. They are currently fundraising for a new church roof. December’s programme has John Shaw on 3rd, Valerie Kirkham on 10th and John Shaw, carols and mince pies on 17th. The church is located in New Street, Three Bridges, Crawley RH10 1LW. You can call Monday - Friday, 3pm-5pm. For more information, contact Tina on 07518 303618.www. threebridgesspiritualistchurch. co.uk. Dorking Folk Club celebrates their now traditional and legendary end to the year and the festive season on Wednesday 3rd December. Take along your seasonal tunes, ditties, carols and songs and join in their festive frolics to end the year’s Club nights – free mince pies are included! Join in their bonanza Christmas ‘bring one-take one’ 10

raﬄe - everyone goes home with a surprise Christmas present! In the New Year the Club evenings kick oﬀ again on 7th January with a Singers night, and include guest nights on 14th January with Jez Lowe, a great singer, songwriter and musician, and 21st January with Keith Kendrick, more songs music and witty monologues. More Information at www. dorkingfolkclub.org.uk The dates for the antiques collectors and craft fairs in Cranleigh and Shere are: Cranleigh Village Hall, 4th and 18th December, free entry refreshments available, 7.30am - 3.30pm. Shere Village Hall, 14th December, free entry and parking, 11am - 4.30pm. That favourite of Christmas ballets, Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, will be performed by the Russian State Ballet and Opera House, with a cast of highly talented dancers and a large orchestra. When a little girl’s godfather gives her a nutcracker doll as a Christmas present, it turns into a prince and the magical story begins to unfold, to the accompaniment of Tchaikovsky’s beautiful music. Watch it live at Dorking Halls on the big screen on Thursday 4th December at 7.30pm. Tickets are £30-32. Call 01306 881717 to book. The lunchtime recital at St Martin’s church on Thursday 4th December is given by organist James Stanton. There is no recital on Thursday 11th but there will be a carol service on Thursday 18th. Lunchtime recitals at St Martin’s are free and start at 1pm. Call 01306 742629 for more information. Dorking town centre will stay open late for the annual Gala

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Night late night shopping event from 6pm to 8.30pm on Thursday 4th December. This year’s theme, ‘A Traditional Christmas’, will provide a host of entertainment and activities for shoppers under the twinkle of the Christmas lights. Families and friends will be able to explore the town, peruse the stalls, relax in the restaurants or join retailers dressed up in old fashioned attire. In St Martin’s Walk, South Street and along Dorking High Street live music provided by local bands The Usual Suspects and Ten in a Room will be on oﬀer in addition to a traditional nativity scene with live animals, reindeer, star gazing (weather permitting), roving choirs and Morris dancers and engaging street entertainers. All town centre car parks will be free from 3pm. Residents and visitors will be able to continue their Christmas shopping on Saturday 6th December during Small Business Saturday, a nationwide initiative taking place to encourage support for local shops and businesses. Car parking will be free from 12 noon. Free car parking will also be available from 12 noon on Saturdays 13th and 20th December. For more information on Christmas celebrations in and around Dorking, visit the new website www.visitdorking.com. I do congratulate Mole Valley District Council on being behind these celebrations and for having the foresight to allow free parking on certain days. It has to benefit the whole town and sends a nice festive message to everyone living in the area. I wish this was going on when I lived just 50 yards away! The Magic of Christmas comes to Bishopsmead Parade, East Horsley from 4.30pm on Friday 5th December this year when vantagepointmag.co.uk

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Jottings - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD - NOW IN DATE ORDER!

traders and service providers will be opening their doors to give the local community festive treats. The event stars – from the Magic Circle - Mandy Davis, The Diva of Deception, who will be performing close-up tricks and balloon magic for the young and young-at-heart inside venues along the parade. Admission is free: donations – especially generous ones! - are welcome. All proceeds to Alzheimers Society and local charities. For more details call 01483 282449, during daytime. Messy Church meets on the First Wednesday of every month from 3.30pm until 6pm. In December 2014 they celebrate their 64th session of Messy Church with the theme ‘Christmas Begins with Christ’; they follow a diﬀerent bible based theme every session. As traditional with Messy Church, they have 10 activities running for an hour and then a short celebration time followed by a pasta supper. They meet at Dorking United Reformed Church, West Street. They always welcome regular or occasional helpers to come and help support the activities adding new ideas and enthusiasm to the team if that appeals to you? Most of all they would welcome you to just come and chat, meet with them and enjoy the activities; there is no set charge but would ask for a donation as appropriate. Remember Messy Church is for adults too so they invite people from all ages in the community to come and join in the fun. Check them out at www. dorkingmessychurch.org.uk . Test your spelling ability by playing Scrabble! The Dorking Scrabble Club welcomes players of all abilities. The Club meets every Wednesday at 7.30pm. 12

Opponents are paired to play three games in the course of the evening. Help is given to new players and everyone is provided with a list of all the two and three letter words (there are over 1400!) If you are interested ring Priscilla on 01737 767072 or David on 01306 889308 or just go along any Wednesday to the Roy Currie Room at Dorking United Reformed Church ,West Street, Dorking. There’s a Christmas Fair on Friday 5th December 10am to 1pm at the Christian Centre St Martin’s Church, Dorking. Loads of gifts, crafts, brick a brac etc. Large tables £10 small £6. You might still be able to get a stall for the fair. Ring Sue on 01293 862614 or email Shirley at sfisher53@btinternet.com. It is all in Support of Animal Welfare of Luxor. HCPT – The Pilgrimage Trust takes disabled and disadvantaged children on a trip to Lourdes every Easter at no cost to them or their families. The charity has a catholic foundation, though children and helpers come from all backgrounds. All helpers are trained and DBS checked. For more information please go to www.hcpt.org.uk see the HCPT youtube channel or email group1@hcpt.org.uk. Do you fancy learning how to jive properly? Well you can Learn original American 40’s / 50’s style. (not Lindy Hop or modern jive) on Mondays 8 - 10pm at South Holmwood Village Club, Warwick Road, South Holmwood, Dorking RH5 4NP. £6 on the door to include free tea and coﬀee, bar if preferred. Call 07854 621522 for more information. There’s a rock and roll dance night on Saturday 6th December at the South

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Holmwood Club, only £3 on the door, go and jive or just listen to the DJ playing the sounds of the 50’s from 7.30 - 11.30pm. A joyful start to Christmas ‘Carol Praise’ takes place on Saturday 6th December from 7pm - 8.30pm in The Methodist Church, next to West Horsley Village Hall. Go and sing your favourite carols with a break for refreshments and mince pies, etc. You can phone through your requests on 01483 282474. You can celebrate Christmas at Leith Hill Place, the childhood home of Ralph Vaughan Williams and now in the care of the National Trust. Music will be provided by Apollo 5, a group of young singers, and there will be mulled wine and mince pies available. It takes place on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th December at 11.30am and 2pm and lasts about one hour. Either before or after your chosen time you can mingle and soak up the festive atmosphere. There will be carol singing led by local musician Stef Conner and her Timeline choir singers. Tickets are £10, Children £5, and can be ordered by calling 07795 256657. You can also visit www.nationaltrust.org. uk/leith-hillevents. A screening of La Bayadere, a beautiful love story set in India, by The Bolshoi Ballet takes place on Sunday 7th December at 3pm at Dorking Halls. The Bolshoi will also be performing their version of The Nutcracker on Sunday 21st December. Both performances start at 3pm and tickets are £17. Book by calling 01306 881717. On Sunday 7th December at 8pm in an atmospheric candlelit concert at St Nicolas’ in Guildford, the Surrey Hills Singers and Surrey Hills Chamber Choir vantagepointmag.co.uk

Dorking Halls Event Screenings The Old Vic’s The Crucible Thursday 4 December, 7.30pm

Bolshoi Ballet Live: The Nutcracker Sunday 21 December, 3pm

The Old Vic’s The Crucible Friday 5 December, 1.30pm

Royal Ballet Encore: Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland Tuesday 23 December, 7.15pm

Bolshoi Ballet Encore: La Bayadère Sunday 7 December, 3pm National Theatre Live: JOHN Tuesday 9 December, 8pm

Left: The Crucible. Top right: La Bayadère. Bottom right: Nutcracker

Box Office: 01306 881717 Book online: www.dorkinghalls.co.uk

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December 2014

Branching Out From our homes to our high streets, the sight of a Christmas tree delivers the very essence of glad tidings at this time of year. Viv Micklefield visits one local grower to discover the mystery behind the magic Is it too big, or too small? Is it too bushy or too skinny? Traditionally the purchase of the allimportant Christmas tree marks the start of the festive season for many families, so down at Oxenford Farm in Elstead near Godalming, the pressure is on. Anthony and Jo Baker are fourth generation farmers on the site, which sits in the shadow of a Pugin designed gatehouse; the farm’s history stretching back to when Anthony’s ancestors were originally tenants in the 1800s and the land was still part of the nearby Peperharow estate. Where once there was a dairy herd, now they rear beef stock and the market crops have been replaced by cereals. With around a tenth of the 500 acres here dedicated to growing Christmas trees, what’s interesting is how this particular diversification came about. As we step out on a walk around the plantations, Jo recalls how 14

it all began during WWII. “Then there were so many Canadian soldiers based near here and at Witley. We had some Christmas trees growing wild in the woods, nothing formal, and the soldiers wanted them. So Anthony’s father began to grow trees properly almost 60 years ago. Originally a large number were sold to wholesalers and greengrocers, but with supermarkets coming along, it’s changed a lot over time.” These days, the first trade orders can arrive at Oxenford from July onwards, with the bigger trees – anything up to an impressive 30 feet in height, being installed in shopping centres and government buildings. However, with several thousand sales to the public each year, this represents a growing part of the business. Here they specialise in the four most popular varieties of Christmas tree. The Norway vantagepointmag.co.uk

Spruce with its deep pine smell instantly evokes childhood memories, although thanks to a (slightly unfair) reputation for shedding needles in our centrally heated homes, its popularity has dropped too. The new favourite is the Nordman Fir recognisable by its glossy needles which will still get thirsty and can lose their shine if not properly cared for once brought inside. For branches that are more spaced out, the Noble Fir comes out tops. Easiest to spot amongst the forest in front of our eyes, is the distinctive Blue Spruce, renowned for being a bit spiky but as Jo says, it’s a good choice if you want to stop inquisitive house cats taking a climb.

A potted history of the Christmas tree • Evergreen fir has been used to celebrate winter festivals for thousands of years. Ancient peoples believed these warded oﬀ evil spirits and promoted good health, while early Romans celebrated the winter solstice by decorating their homes and temples; • Germany is credited with starting Christmas traditions in the 16th century when devout Christians brought decorated trees into their homes and many of our associated customs began here; • In the 1840s Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and their family appeared in a sketch gathered around a Christmas tree and the fashion for a decorated tree caught-on both in Britain and America; • During Victorian times trees were lit with candles to remind children of the stars in the sky at the time of the birth of Jesus; • Thomas Edison’s assistants reputedly came up with the idea of electric lights for Christmas trees; • Britain’s most famous Christmas tree stands each year in London’s Trafalgar Square – a gift from the people of Norway since 1947 as an expression of thanks for support during WWII.

And as she goes on to explain, how fast a tree matures depends on the variety. “Norway Spruce is the quickest growing at about a foot a year. We start with small plants known as transplants that we get from another grower. It’s very important to get the right seed stock so there’s a really good provenance. The Nordman Firs grow about six inches a year but this depends hugely on the weather, and on the growing conditions. “What we want is for it to be not too dry, not too wet, with some sunshine at the right time. Actually, it’s the same as growing vegetables in your garden, you need a bit of everything. When planting the trees you need rain and especially here, because with the sandy soil it’s like the Savannah sometimes. We have to make sure they don’t dry out.” By working the land in a 10-year rotation this ensures that trees can be oﬀered in all shapes and sizes. And the good news is that this is a sustainable crop, which has a positive eﬀect on the environment. In fact, the British Christmas Tree Growers Association claims that over 74,000 acres are currently given over to Christmas trees in the UK, each acre of which absorbs 12 tonnes of carbon dioxide every year. Judging by the number of the birds around us these plantations also appear to provide a haven for wildlife. However, I’m curious as to why there are some areas enclosed by wire fences, while others not. “I don’t think people December 2014

Your local Christmas tree farm Above: Cutting trees at Oxenford Farm

Oxenford Farm Where: Milford Road, Elstead GU8 6LA When: 9am - 6pm daily (until 24 December) www.oxenfordfarm.com / 01252 702 109 Santa Fir Christmas Tree Farm Where: Guildford Road, Shamley Green GU5 0SQ When: 9am - 6pm daily (until 3pm 24 December) www.santafir.com / 01483 271 770 Wylds Farm Where: Warren Road, Liss GU33 7DF When: 9am - 5pm (until 22 December) www.wyldsfarm.co.uk / 01730 891 490 These farms are quality marked by the British Christmas Tree Growers Association, www.bctga.co.uk 15

realise that it’s not just a case of popping trees in the ground, and just leaving them,” says Jo. “We have problems here with deer, especially when the antlers are in velvet, they rub against the bark and completely destroy it; they also eat the new shoots. The rabbits munch the tiny trees and all you’re left with is a twig. Once they wiped-out an entire plantation which has a knock-on eﬀect six years later, when they’d usually be ready to sell.” Aphids pose a threat too and even when the trees become established, the care doesn’t stop there. “They’ve got to be pruned every year to make sure they grow into a good shape, and we need to keep an eye out for any disease they might get. You do need to give them a lot of attention.” And it’s become so labour intensive, that the Bakers now have a full-time member of staﬀ dedicated to looking after their trees. Once the Christmas season arrives, it’s all hands on deck with the help of several dozen extra helpers to keep up with the demand. “The trees are cut on a daily basis. You can get very sophisticated machinery but we are a relatively small grower so, instead, use men with chainsaws. For public sales trees are wrapped using net funnels. But for the really big trees it takes a lot of manpower, even having mechanised balers we often have to pull these out with tractors.” So otherworldly are the majestic boughs reaching to the wintery skies, you almost expect to see reindeers and a sleigh appearing any moment. And while there’s little doubt that it’s exhausting work running the farm, Jo and Anthony hope that at least one of their four sons will someday take over the reins. Having seen the love that goes into making so many people’s Christmas special it’s definitely well worth supporting a local grower. Not only are you doing your bit for the planet, it’s the equivalent of buying something with zero food miles, and as these are freshly picked trees; if looked after, they will keep for longer. Just as importantly, who’d want to miss out on such a lovely shared community experience, even if it takes a bit of a ‘discussion’ when it comes to agreeing on the perfect tree? Viv Micklefield is a locally based writer and can be reached at vivmicklefield@aol.com.

Caring for Christmas trees • Leave the tree out of doors, or in cool, moist conditions until required for decorating; • Saw one inch oﬀ the stump and mount in a water holding stand OR plant a rooted tree in damp soil; • Water daily keeping away from direct heat; • If you decorate the tree with lights use a low heat producing type; • Avoid knocks by positioning near a wall or corner.

Recycling Christmas trees Unless you plan to plant out a rooted Christmas tree, the branches and trunk are biodegradable and can be composted for garden mulch. Alternatively, recycle a tree at your local garden waste collection point (Godalming, Haslemere) or at your local tip (Cranleigh, Dorking, Farnham, Guildford, Milford, Midhurst). If you subscribe to a garden waste collection service, Christmas trees can usually be put out in the New Year. For more information on all local recycling services visit: www.waverley.gov.uk www.guildford.gov.uk www.molevalley.gov.uk www.chichester.gov.uk vantagepointmag.co.uk

Jottings - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD - NOW IN DATE ORDER!

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present ‘A Family Christmas’, a concert for all the family. With a soloist performance from Mike Winterbotham, there will be Christmas favourites from both choirs. Refreshments are inclusive and you can join the choir for a glass of wine and a mince pie (or two). Tickets are £12 for adults and £5 for children and are available online at www.surreyhills-choirs.co.uk/ tickets. Alternatively you can call 01483 892474 or email tickets@ surreyhills-choirs.co.uk. Join in the fun of a festive Santa Cruise on board a beautifully decorated boat and travel along the Wey & Arun Canal and through a restored lock. Children under 12 years will receive a gift from Santa who will board the boat at the lock whilst adults enjoy mulled Oxenford 07/11/2014 wine and2012_Layout mince pies.1 The boat departs from The Wharf next to

the Onslow Arms on the B2133 in Loxwood (free car parking). The trips take 40 minutes and depart at 11am, 12noon and 2pm on Sunday 7th, Saturday 13th, Sunday 14th, Saturday 20th, Sunday 21st, Monday 22nd and Tuesday 23rd December. Tickets cost £9 per person (under 12 months are free). Booking in advance is essential. Also 50 minute festive boat trips, with light refreshments on board, will run on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day at 11am, 12noon and 2pm. Tickets cost £5 for adults and £2.50 for children. Booking in advance is advisable. Call 01403 752403 or email office@ weyandarun.co.uk Visit www. weyandarun.co.uk/tripboats. The Horsley Floral Decoration Group (affiliated to NAFAS) is a friendly afternoon ﬂower 15:36 Page 1club. They meet at arranging East Horsley Village Hall on the

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2nd Tuesday of each month (except August) at 2pm.They have a varied programme of demonstrators/speakers/inhouse entertainment, trips, internal competitions (optional), sales table, refreshments,etc. Visitors and new members very welcome (Feb/AGM Members only). Do join them (first visit free) for fun, ﬂowers and friendship. For more details phone Yvonne on 07976 281060 or Beryl on 01483 831422. If you are out and about in the Surrey Hills this December, take a seat by the fireside to enjoy a seasonal Festive Afternoon Tea at the Mercure Box Hill Burford Bridge Hotel. Available for the entire month, their chef has created a veritable feast of delectable delights which can be enjoyed in the lounge whilst contemplating examples of the ﬂora and fauna and views

CHRISTMAS TREES Member of the British Christmas Tree Growers Association

BUY DIRECT FROM THE GROWER LOCATED ON THE B3001 BETWEEN MILFORD AND ELSTEAD BRING THE CHILDREN TO SEE THE REINDEER AND FARM ANIMALS

Open Every Day from 29th November, 9am to 6pm

OXENFORD FARM, ELSTEAD Tel 01252 702109 e-mail: xt@oxenford.go-plus.net www.oxenfordfarm.com

December 2014

listening for sleigh bells

An Edwardian Advent Polesden Lacey Every weekend in December

Soak up the charm and sparkle of a traditional Edwardian Christmas this December. Twenty-four festive scenes and activities celebrate the countdown to Christmas with a free glass of mulled wine for every house visitor. Adult £4, Child £2, Family £10 01372 452048 | nationaltrust.org.uk/polesdenlacey Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for festive cheer

Christmas pattern inspired by wallpaper at Wimpole Estate, Cambridgeshire.

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Jottings - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD - NOW IN DATE ORDER!

you might have seen on Box Hill. Classic Christmas sandwich fillings such as smoked salmon and dill, cream cheese, turkey and cranberry, rare roast beef with watercress mayonnaise and roasted pepper, goat’s cheese and chestnut pesto make up the savoury selection. For the sweet tier, try special cinnamon and mixed peel scones, served with clotted cream and mulled berry jam followed by gingerbread macaroons with Cointreau cream and chestnut and vanilla cheesecake. Absolutely no calories! The cost is £16.95 per person, or for an extra special touch, add a glass of bubbly for just £24.95 per person. Horsley Choral Society’s Christmas Carol Concert will be held at St Mary’s Church, West Horsley on Tuesday 9th December at 7.30pm. The choir will be joined by St Teresa’s Preparatory School Choir for an evening of Christmas carols and festive songs, audience participation encouraged! A great way to start the Christmas festivities. Tickets: £6 (Under 12 £3) Ticket Oﬃce: 01483 280756. Interval refreshments. New members are always welcome and if you fancy making a New Year resolution to join a choir then do get in touch. For more details visit www.horsleychoralsociety. com. Dorking Good Neighbours, your local voluntary car scheme, is looking for more drivers to boost their numbers. They’re looking for local drivers, with their own cars, to join a group of about 30 volunteers to take residents to their medical appointments, at surgeries, dental practices and nearby hospitals. Typically, drivers are asked to take a passenger about once every 18

two weeks. Drivers are usually arranged well in advance, to fit flexibly around any commitments and holidays you may have. If your lifestyle allows you to spare a few hours to help neighbours in our community, please do consider joining them. For more information, speak to the Transport organiser on 07948 568906. The Dorking & District U3A holds its next monthly meeting on Wednesday 10th December at 2.30pm in the Christian Centre beside St Martin’s Church in Dorking. Philip Johnson, a former Benedictine monk and head warder for 17 years at Hampton Court Palace, will give a talk entitled ‘A monastic life’. Admission is free. For more information on the range of activities offered by the Dorking U3A visit www.dorkingu3a.org. uk. Are you are Interested in the Arts, Heritage and Culture? Horsley Decorative & Fine Arts Society meets at East Horsley Village Hall on the second Wednesday of the month from October to July for lectures on a wide variety of subjects. The lecture on 10th December will be Rag-Dolls to Robots: A World History of Toys by Chloe Sayer. Coffee 9.45am to 10.15am. Lecture from 10.30am to 11.30am. Visitors (£5) and new members welcome. For more information and the full programme visit their website www.horsleydfas.org.uk or phone Chris on 01483 280021. The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain returns to Dorking with a high-spirited romp through all kinds of music styles, from classical to pop, and with instruments ranging from the tiny sopranino ukulele to the

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large contrabass. It takes place on Thursday 11th December at Dorking Halls. Tickets are £23 available by calling 01306 881717. On Saturday 13th December at 3pm, Christmas music comes from the Ladybirds choir, directed by Helena Twentyman. There will be carols ranging from traditional favourites to a beautiful Indian carol, plus some light-hearted Christmas songs. With a raﬄe, tea and mince pies, profits will go to the Leatherhead Swans Club, supporting sport and recreation for disabled people. It takes place at The United Reformed Church Hall. Tickets are £7.50 and can be ordered by calling 01737 843662. Hatchlands Park, near Guildford is holding a traditional festive evening of music and prose in the Music Room. It’s on Saturday 13th December, from 8pm-10pm and features music and readings by Ayres and Graces. Tickets cost £16 Adult and £8 Child, and can be booked through Guildford TIC on 01483 444334 or www. visitguildford.com. On Sunday 14th December, Hatchlands Park is holding a Christmas Animal Visit from 1pm to 3pm. See the animals in the festive cobbled courtyard and then meet Father Christmas in his grotto. The gift shop will also be open. Normal admission applies. More information at w w w.nationaltrust.org.uk/ clandon-park tel: 01483 222482. Then in the evening, enjoy festive carols and readings for all the family. Adult £8, Child £4, Family £20. Booking essential through Guildford TIC on 01483 444334 or www.visitguildford.com If you are a retired or semiretired professional or business vantagepointmag.co.uk

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World class healthcare with a local approach St Anthony’s Hospital combines the most advanced medical procedures and skills with the kind of personal care that many hospitals have forgotten how to provide. We specialise in complex cardiac cases, orthopaedics, urology, vascular, breast and colorectal cancer surgery – and in the dedicated, compassionate care of the individual. St. Anthony’s has been established at North Cheam for over 100 years. The only independent hospital in the area to provide full intensive care, it offers a safe and secure setting for complex and routine surgery.

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CANNY AND CRAFTY

CHRISTMAS IDEAS It’s not even here yet but do you already feel ‘bah humbug’ about the festive season? Is it the thought of all the expense, hassle and running around that’s making you dread the next few weeks? The VantagePoint team have pulled together some of their favourite money-saving, time-creating and stress- busting tips to share with you.

Making your money go further Reduce the number you buy for – if you’ve not already done your present shopping agree with your family to put all your names in a hat and draw out one each to buy for. You could all agree to set a price limit on gifts too. Buy pre-loved gifts – a new twist on buying from charity shops, try buying nearly new items in pristine condition. Second Thoughts in Chiddingfold have toys and clothes for all ages and A Change Of A Dress in Godalming has lots of branded clothing. As Nicki Bartley from Second Thoughts explains “ We can provide you with perfect presents even without the original packaging – just nestle in amongst colourful tissue and place in an attractive box tied with ribbons”. Make several outfits out of one - if you are spashing out on a new outfit to wear this season buy something that will see you through several social occasions rather than focusing

on buying that one special dress. Our fashion columnist and independent stylist Kirstie Smillie suggests opting for an outfit that you can dress up or down with a diﬀerent jacket, shoes or accessory. She recommends asking for advice when shopping in boutiques like Blush in Haslemere as shop owners and assistants know their stock. Layering is key. A cropped sweater worn over a fitted dress will instantly change the look, or try a mid heeled ankle boot with opaques to modernise a skirt. Edible gifts - can be quick and easy to make. Turn to our food page for some ideas. Recycle unwanted presents – but remember who gave them to you originally! Give useful inexpensive items – like pens, toothbrushes and soap. These are guaranteed not to end up unwanted in the back of the cupboard. Personalised gifts needn’t be dear - use family photos and frames from a charity shop or find out that person’s favourite song or a tune that you both remember and track down that single on CD or as a record (try Record Corner in Godalming). If you can find the original record you can frame it as a meaningful gift if the recipient doesn’t have a record player. Use old maps or comics as wrapping paper Or brown paper and buy lovely ribbon to add a festive twist. You could also buy a Christmas stamp and ink and decorate your brown paper. Arty Crafty in Godalming have a wonderful selection of ribbons and stamps. They also have a great display of Christmas card ideas if you have time to make your own.

vantagepointmag.co.uk

Get a free Christmas tree - you can harvest your own Christmas tree on Hindhead Common on the 20th December from 10am to 12 noon. Bring along a saw, sledge and a pair of gloves to cut down your own tree. Car parking at GU26 6AB. Donations for the trees gladly accepted.

Creating time, experiences and memories Keep children busy making their own presents while you get on with the rest of the preparations! C&H do a fabulous range of inexpensive kits. These include making friendship bracelets, candles, soap, cards and paper beads. The nearest C&H store is in Guildford or you can buy online at www.candh.co.uk. Offer your services - create a hand crafted voucher offering your time to help friends or family with gardening, cleaning or decorating for a gift that lasts beyond Christmas. Think this would only be of benefit just to elderly relatives think again! Skills like knitting, crochet and sewing are all in vogue. If you are a Nancy Birtwhistle you’ll have the grandchildren queueing up! Skills to offer but are on your own this Christmas? You could volunteer with Voluntary Action South West Surrey who would love your help. Contact them on 01483 565456 (Guildford) or 01252 725961 (Waverley) or see the website for details: www.voluntaryactionsws.webeden.co.uk. Meet up with friends rather than buying them gifts - Make a date with a friend and do something festive as your Christmas present to each other. Try a Christmas wreath making workshop for example and you could even make a gift in the process. Some local ones include: Bookham Common - with the National Trust on 5th December, £25 per person. Telephone 01372 220644 to book.

Send (nr Woking) - with the National Trust on 10th December, £25 per person. Telephone 01483 561389 to book. The Nationalk MTrust has other courses but further away. Check www.nationaltrust.org.uk for more information.

Reducing the hassle factor Bring a dish - if you are hosting Christmas you don’t have to do all the catering and entertaining yourself. Ask guests to contribute, whether it’s the crackers, a pudding or wine. In fact if you don’t ask your guests might bring something anyway and you could end up with 10 boxes of chocolates instead! Have homemade food but without making it yourself - The WI Country Market is a great place to buy cakes, sausage rolls and mince pies. You can even buy your entire Christmas lunch from a COOK outlet (and if you heat meals in their ceramic dishes you can pass them oﬀ as your own!). Take a break and find sanctuary - if it’s all getting too much step inside any local church and sit in the silence. And if a traditional Christmas and New Year really isn’t your scene avoid it all and go on retreat (www.thegoodretreatguide.com). Start early for 2015 - save your Christmas cards and cut them up to make gift tags for next year. Buy your pudding and cards cut price after Christmas and put them by for next December. However you prepare and spend Christmas this year we wish you a joyous time and a happy and healthy 2015 from all of us at VantagePoint.

Farnham - Made in Farnham on Sunday 7th December and Thursday 11th December 10am1pm, £45 pp at The Packhouse, Runfold. Contact Susanne Hales on 07721 770969 to book. Milford - Squires in Milford on 10th December 10am and 6pm £20 per person. Ring 01483 324077 to book. December 2014

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Jottings - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD - NOW IN DATE ORDER!

man, you might like to consider joining The Probus Club of The Horsleys. Certainly, a warm welcome awaits you. They meet at the Leatherhead Leisure Centre on the second Monday of each month for a good lunch (three courses and coﬀee), an illustrated talk (in January they have the Chief Constable of Surrey) and group activities such as theatre trips, to which partners and friends are welcome. Two of the lunches, in June and December, include ladies. Potential members are welcome to come as a guest before joining. Just call David Lush on 01483 280267.

former singers and long-lost friends, and would like to take this opportunity to thank them all for their good wishes. The choir recently celebrated their 110th Birthday and have been busy rehearsing for their Christmas season. They will be singing carols at Polesden Lacey on Sunday 14th December, at the invitation of the National Trust, closely followed by their Christmas Concert on Monday 15th. At the Christmas Concert the choir will be performing the delightful Messe de Minuit by Marc-Antoine Charpentier (16431704); and also singing two settings of O Magnum Mysterium by two composers born 400 years apart, William Byrd and Morten Lauridsen. The concert will be in the church of St John the Baptist, Capel starting at 7.30pm and tickets are £7.50 which includes traditional mulled wine and mince pies afterwards. For advance bookings, go to www. capelchoralsociety.com , where you can find out more about this vibrant singing society.

On Sunday 14th December, Dorking Choral Society is holding a wonderful Christmas musical celebration at United Reformed Church, West Street, at 7pm. The choir is led by their new dynamic conductor Hilary Campbell, who is proving such a success. The concert will include a performance of On Christmas Night by Bob Chilcott, one of the most renowned choral composers in Britain today. His piece is a musical celebration of the Christmas story presented in the form of eight original carols. There will be further carols sung by the choir and also by the children of St Joseph’s School, plus some well-known carols for the audience to join in. The price is £7 payable on the door. Children under 16 are free. Included in the price is mulled wine and mince pies which will be served in the church hall after the concert. Go along bring your friends and get the season oﬀ to a good start.

The Dorking Harmony Singers, a daytime choir, are a small but friendly choir that would very much like more people to come and sing with them. If you enjoy singing and can spare some time during the day why not give them a try? They meet on Thursday mornings during term time in Dorking town centre. There is no audition and you don’t need to be able to read music. They sing a mixture of pop, folk and classical so If you’re interested, please phone Helen on 07753 862138 or email: hmargetts@gmail.com.

After their appearance on the BBC’s Countryfile in October, the Capel Choral Society were surprised and delighted by the messages received from

Here are details of Christmas Services at St Barnabas, Ranmore Common Road, Dorking, RH5 6SP. Holy Communion Sunday 14th at 11am; Christingle/Nativity

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Saturday 20th at 4pm; Festival of 9 Lessons and Carols Sunday 21st at 11am; Midnight Communion Wednesday 24th at 11.30pm; Holy Communion ; Thursday 25th at 10am. Regular services throughout Year – all start at 11.00am. First Sunday of month – Matins with choir – refreshments after service, second Sunday of month – Holy Communion, 3rd Sunday of month – No Service, fourth Sunday of month – Matins. Normally all services follow the Book of Common Prayer. The Royal Ballet’s version of Alice in Wonderland is screened twice at The Dorking Halls. First live from the Royal Opera House on Tuesday 16th December at 7.15pm and then as an encore screening on Tuesday 23rd December at 7.15pm. Tickets for both screenings are £17. Call 01306 881717. NewLife Fertility Clinic in Epsom has partnered with Access Fertility in a new service designed to bring hope to those facing fertility problems. An innovative IVF programme is making private infertility treatment more accessible to couples in the Surrey and Greater London area through a partnership between one of the country’s leading fertility clinics and Access Fertility - the UK’s first independent provider of IVF payment programmes and treatment plans. For the first time IVF patients will be oﬀered a 70% refund if they fail to have a baby after undertaking fertility treatment at NewLife Fertility Clinic in Epsom. For more information and patient eligibility, visit www.accessfertility.co.uk and www.newlifeclinic.org.uk. Beare Green & Newdigate Choral Society invite you to join them vantagepointmag.co.uk

The Perfect Cheeseboard

As the festive season approaches, buffets are set, dinner parties are hosted and hospitality ramps up. In all the festivities it’s easy to forget that a cheeseboard can be an easy-to-make, impressive addition to any celebration. Rather than leaving it to the last minute and simply grabbing whatever is nearest, Louisa Mason from Flavour Tastings gives us some top tips to create an impressive cheeseboard. “Variety is the key to a perfect cheeseboard,” she suggests. “Combine different styles, colours, shapes and flavours so there is something for everyone.” Start with a soft and creamy cheese like a brie or camembert. Find one that is unctuous and will be at the peak ripeness when you are ready to eat it. This means keeping an eye on it in the fridge and even taking it out a few hours before eating to finish its maturing process. French bries and camemberts tend to be stronger compared with British ones so choose the flavour profile you most enjoy. For something really British try Isle of White Soft a rich creamy cheese made with Jersey milk, or the rich and deep flavoured Tunworth from Hampshire. Add to your board a hard cheese. The obvious choice is a mature cheddar but also consider less well known cheeses like Old Winchester, a cross between an Old Amsterdam, Parmesan and Vintage Cheddar produced in the New Forest. Continental-style hard cheeses also go well such as an aged Gruyère. Whilste December 2014

many people just use Gruyère for cooking this is a deeply complex cheese, especially if you can acquire some Premier-Cru matured for 14 months. Of course, the nation’s favourite cheese is cheddar and this in itself comes in variety of ﬂavours and styles. From the more earthy, farmhouse ﬂavour of an unpasteurised Montgomery all the way through to the sweet, soft Godminster Vintage, there is a plethora of good cheddars to choose from. Barbers 1833 Vintage Cheddar is a good mix of savoury and sweet notes which will suit most palettes and is over two years old. Often over looked are the semi-soft cheeses. This includes soft delicate cheeses like Cornish Yarg and also the washed rind cheeses. “Washed rind cheeses are seriously underrated in the UK”, Louisa tells us. “They are much more popular on the Continent which is a shame considering how good they have become in the UK now.” She suggests looking further afield than Stinking Bishop too. “Sussex has an amazing washed rind cheese 25

called Burwash Rose. It’s creamy, rich in flavour and washed in rose water giving it a lovely floral aroma. If that’s not to your taste try a firmer washed rind cheese like Drunken Burt whose producers are winning numerous awards.” Of course, no festive board would be complete without a Stilton, nick-named ‘King of English Cheeses’. There are now six producers who can make Stilton under the Protected Designation of Origin Scheme. Under these rules the cheese must be made in Derbyshire, Leicestershire or Nottinghamshire and only from pastuerised milk. This means the unpasteurised form cannot be called Stilton but is actually named ‘Stichelton.’ Stilton needs very little explanation but do try out the different producers. Colston Basset tends to be slightly lighter in texture while Cropwell Bishop has more tang. Stichelton can be very piquant and goes wonderfully with a glass of ruby port. For a truly stunning board consider the colour and shape of each cheese and try to bring in some variety. The other consideration is to include at least one non-cow’s milk cheese, like an ash-covered goat’s cheese or square ewe’s milk cheese like Flower Marie. “I love Flower Marie,” writes Louisa. “It’s definitely on our board this year. Soft, lemony with a lingering tang this Sussex cheese is a gem.” Finally presentation is everything so make sure you have a nice platter to serve it on. This can be wood, marble or slate and feel free to experiment with how you decorate it. Frozen grapes, walnuts, edible flowers, the list is endless. However, don’t get too carried away as sometimes less is definitely more!

Cheesy gifts

Natural Slate Cheeseboard £17.95 Handpicked Collection www.handpickedcollection.com

Camembert Cookware

£16.49 Steamer Trading Cookshop 168 High St, Guildford, Surrey GU1 3HS

Christmas Cheese Box £25 Flavour Tastings www.ﬂavourtastings.co.uk

So what ever you decide to have on your Christmas cheese board, make sure you give it some thought. FIND OUT MORE

If you want some more ‘cheesy’ advice or want to buy some hard-to find cheeses then see Louisa’s website at www.ﬂavourtastings.co.uk or follow her on Facebook and Twitter. 26

The Big Cheese Making Kit – For Kids £22.95 The Truckle Cheese Co www.victoriasdeli.co.uk

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for their Christmas Concert in Newdigate Village Hall on Wednesday 17th December at 7.30pm when they will be singing Bob Chilcott’s Carols and pieces from ‘Christmas in Blue’, plus popular carols. Free mince pies and mulled wine will be served in the interval. The entrance is free but there will be a retiring collection in aid of charity. Also on Tuesday 9th December they will be singing carols in the Surrey Oaks, Newdigate at 8pm. New singers are always welcome, no experience necessary. Please ring the secretary for details on 01306 631115. On Saturday 20th December from 2pm - 4pm, there are Family Activities at Dorking Museum and Heritage Centre, The Old Foundry, 62 West Street, Dorking RH4 1BS. Why not take a break from the Christmas shopping and join in with fun family quiz trails and activities at Dorking Museum? Find out what residents in Dorking and the local villages were doing at this time in 1914. Princess Mary gave the armed services and nurses a Christmas gift box in 1914. See an example at the museum and then invent your own Christmas box. Ideal for families with children up to the age of 10. All materials provided. No need to book - just drop in. All children must be accompanied. Normal admission applies: Adults £2, Children £1 (under 5s free) Family Ticket £4.50. Call 01306 876591 for more information or have a look at http://www.dorkingmuseum. org.uk. As you would expect, there are lots of Christmas events at RHS Garden Wisley, Woking GU23 6QB. One that struck the eye is the Rose Theatre Kingston presentation of The Lion, The

Witch and The Wardrobe Story Trail which runs from Saturday 20th December to Sunday 4th January 2015 (closed 25th and 31st December). Leap into the magical world of Narnia this Christmas . . . . Meet in the Garden and discover a land inhabited by fantastical fauns and busy beavers. Only the most intrepid children can unlock the secrets and save Narnia from the White Witch’s spell. The event is free once you have entered the Garden. Also, The Christmas Display in The Glasshouse is another stunning display of seasonal plants and is open from Saturday 6th December to 4th January from 10am – 3.45pm. More details at www.rhs.org.uk/ wisley . Guildford Choral Society will be performing Handel’s ‘Messiah’ in Guildford Cathedral on Saturday 20th December at 7.30pm. For many music lovers, Handel’s Messiah defines both choral music and Christmas. Ever since its first performance in 1741, this work has remained at the heart of musical life. Guildford Choral, under conductor and Music Director Jonathan Willcocks, is joined for this performance by a quartet of outstanding soloists and one of the leading baroque ensembles, the Hanover Band. Tickets: Front Nave: £25, Mid Nave: £17, Rear Nave: £10, West Gallery: £19. Concessions: £10 on all seats except Front Nave. Concessions are available for children, students, disabled and ES40. Tickets are available from: boxoffice@guildfordchoral.org or directly from Derek Lake on 01494 675571 and also from the Guildford Tourist Information Centre: 01483 444333 On Sunday 28th December at 11am, Peaslake Royal British

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Legion Branch Commemorates the hundredth Anniversary of the 1914 Unofficial Christmas Truces. Under the title Friends or Enemies a re-enactment of one of the truces that occurred on the Western front will take place on a playing field next to Peaslake Village School. The cast of 30 players and other helpers from Peaslake and surrounding villages will recreate those battle scenes, including an exchange of mementos and gifts, and of course a football match. The morning will conclude with poems and a service of thanksgiving and prayers. There will be marquees available for the spectators and hot drinks will be on sale. There will be a bucket collection for the Poppy Appeal. The narrator for the event will be Brough Scott MBE, who is grandson of General Jack Sealy, who led the cavalry to France in 1914. More information about this unique event can be obtained from Sally Price on 01306 730047 or sally.price@ btinternet.com. This winter, Petworth House hosts an exhibition inspired by Mike Leigh’s award-winning film Mr Turner. Petworth House played a starring role in the film having been the home of one of Turner’s greatest patrons, the 3rd Earl of Egremont. The exhibition features over 30 works of art, mostly by Turner, and on loan from major collections including Tate and V&A. Alongside is personal ephemera once belonging to the artist, such as his fishing rod and painting materials, some on show for the first time. Also on view are props and items of costume from the film, together with artworks by the actor Timothy Spall, created whilst he trained for his role as Turner in the film. A short documentary by Mike Leigh about the making

time not spent drinking port is a waste of time”. So with thoughts not just of Christmas 2014 but also for next year here is the essential guide to port and what to eat with it. Port is a fortified wine made by blending a variety of Portuguese grapes that grow in the harsh conditions of the Douro Valley. How harsh I hear you ask? Well workers have to dynamite the rocky ground in order to plant the vine, the roots need to grow down at least 25 metres just to get a drink. Furthermore, the vines are planted on such steep terraces that the grapes can only be harvested by hand. All this and we haven’t even picked a grape yet! It takes three weeks to harvest the grapes as each variety ripens diﬀerently so workers need to climb the steep terraces time and again to get to ripe grapes. Once picked grapes are taken to Quintas (farms) where some are still crushed by foot treading. Foot treading is not just done for tradition or fun, it has been proved that treading grapes by human feet brings out the full concentration of ﬂavour.

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS Jeremy Blood from Surrey Wine School takes a look at a seasonal favourite Like it or not it’s now the time of the year when our thoughts turn to parties, socialising, eating and drinking. There is just so much to fit in even before the second week of December! I often ask guests at Surrey Wine School what their favourite seasonal tipples are. Not surprisingly many say Champagne and wines from Bordeaux or Burgundy, but sadly Port and other fortified wines such as Madeira or Sherry are still regarded as the drink to leave out for Santa. Port is a wine that some people enjoy just once a year, which is a real shame as it is far more that just the rich, sweet, taste of Christmas. Get to know the diﬀerent styles and you will be enjoying one of the world’s great wines all year round. As Percy Croft of Crofts Port said, “Any 28

While the juice is fermenting, a high alcohol spirit is added that kills the yeast and stops the sugar turning into alcohol, leaving the wine sweet. This process is called fortification and differentiates port, sherry and Madeira from other sweet wines. So port is born in the Douro but its first steps are taken near Porto in Villa Nova de Gueia at the many port houses where it is blended. The ageing process is started during the following year. The essential difference between styles of port is whether it is aged in wooden casks (such as ruby, tawny) or in the bottle (such as vintage). Cask aged ports are ready to drink as soon as they are bottled and don’t improve with age. Bottled aged ports will get better as they mature. Depending on the quality of the year a vintage port may take 15-30 years to reach perfection. Basic ruby and tawny ports have young fruity aromas, are aged in wood casks for twothree years and are ready to drink as soon as it is bottled. I love to drink these wines with chocolate mousse or strawberries. The best cheese match I have found is with a full flavoured goats milk cheese. vantagepointmag.co.uk

White port is made in the same way as ruby except that white grape varieties are used. It makes a great aperitif wine. Simply pour 1/2 white port and 1/2 tonic over ice and add a sprig of mint or basil and you’re all set. I love to match with hard crumbly cheese such as Cheshire, or Wensleydale. Tawny ports can be aged in cask for 10, 20, 30 or 40 years (the year shown on the bottle is an average of the years in the blend) producing wines of real concentration. The colour changes as it ages from rich ruby to beautiful amber and golden hues. They also develop nutty and caramel flavours. Tawny ports are the most versatile, as they can be drunk chilled as an aperitif, matched with desserts or paired with sheep’s and cheddar cheeses. Choose your pairing carefully with tawny port as the age can make a big difference. The older the port the more it will match with raisiny flavours. I absolutely love a 20-year-old tawny such as Churchill’s matched with traditional Christmas cake or mince pies. If you prefer desserts such as crème brûlée or toffee puddings then try a 10-year-old tawny. Late bottled vintage (LBV) is a port lovers dream come true. An excellent value port

December 2014

made from a single year and coming from high quality vineyards and does not need decanting unlike vintage port. This is the top match with chocolate. It also works very well with soft cream cheese like Brie de Meaux. Taylors created the LBV style and I am a real fan of these wines. Vintage port is the pinnacle of all port production and is high on the list of the world’s greatest wines. Made with grapes from a single year, vintage port spends only two to three years in cask and is immediately bottled and released for sale. Although it can be drunk when released it can be a further 20 years before it reaches perfection. These wines leave a sediment in the bottle so it is wise to decant them before drinking. My perfect match with a vintage port is hazelnut and chocolate tart or the classic pairing with Stilton cheese. FIND OUT MORE

Surrey Wine School together with Flavour Tastings run wine and cheese evenings throughout the year. Cheese and wine, cookery and wine with a professional chef, and all the other fabulous tastings are available to buy as gift vouchers. For more bookings and information visit www.surreywineschool.com, email info@ surreywineschool.com or call Jeremy on 01306 898569 or 07436 072518.

EAT

Burford Bridge Hotel and looked pretty on the plate. My main course was fillet steak which I asked for rare, and it was a huge slab cooked to pink perfection. Mr Carlos chose the rib-eye steak, rare again, also done just as he likes it. Before ordering, we told the waiter what style of wine we liked and asked him to recommend a bottle to go with our steak. He chose a bottle of Argentinean Malbec that was absolutely spot on, full bodied and full of fruit. It was a fantastic bottle, and we savoured every drop.

The weather had just taken a turn for the autumnal when I was asked to write a review on the Burford Bridge Hotel and I was delighted at the prospect of a night with Mr. Carlos in a hotel with character, a good meal and a big glass or two of red wine. I had looked at the hotel’s website and liked the look of the old building and the newly refurbished interior. When I looked on Tripadvisor the night before my stay, however, my heart sank. The reviews were not good and my husband and I set oﬀ for our night away expecting something like Fawlty Towers without the humour. However, to my surprise our experience of the hotel was really good. On arrival we checked in and were shown to our room. The room was impressive, large, clean, smart and very well appointed. It had in it possibly the largest bed I have ever seen; there would have been room for our four children (who we had happily left behind). It even had a Nespresso coﬀee machine and a minibar stocked with complimentary soft drinks.

We slept like logs in the enormous bed and in the morning enjoyed a real coﬀee in our room before going to breakfast. Breakfast was good, there was an excellent selection of buffet items to choose from including cereals, croissants, toast, sausages, bacon, scrambled eggs, baked beans, as well as items cooked to order. I had kippers and Mr Carlos had Eggs Benedict both of which were good. All in all a very enjoyable stay, much better than expected and I imagine that the standards will increase week on week as the staﬀ become more experienced. The hotel deserves a chance to succeed and I look forward to returning in the future. Elizabeth Carlos

MERCURE BOX HILL BURFORD BRIDGE HOTEL At the Foot of Box Hill, Dorking RH5 6BX 020 7660 0684 www.accorhotels.com BOX HILL NORTH DOWNS

We then headed for the bar to enjoy a few proper drinks. I was impressed with the new style decor, it was contemporary and smart while remaining cosy and comfortable. The bar staﬀ were very keen and enthusiastic, although some obviously quite inexperienced. I witnessed a manager showing one of them how to trim away the foil properly on the top of a bottle of wine before presenting it and pouring a glass for a guest. We had a long chat with the new food and beverage manager Christian, who had only been there for 10 days but who was highly experienced in the business and clearly had firm plans for improvement. It looks as if the management understand the teething problems that they have suﬀered since reopening after the refurbishment, and are working tirelessly to get everything up to the correct high standard. We had been told that there wasn’t yet a head chef in the kitchen, so we were apprehensive about what we were about to experience for dinner. We need not have worried. For my starter I had Salad Nicoise which was presented on a square slate plate. Lovely rare seared tuna and soft boiled quails eggs, very good indeed. My husband ordered seared scallops with squid ink sauce which were cooked very well 30

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Connell & Todd combines a passion for great British places with an obsession for vintage prints, ceramics and textiles. To view our complete range, please visit www.connellandtodd.com vantagepointmag.co.uk

BUMPER FAMILY BUMPER FAMILY CHRISTMAS QUIZ CHRISTMAS QUIZ! Fun questions for ALL ages Funds will give disadvantaged young people vocational skills and support. For more details, visit www.daneleyfoundation.org.

Fun Questions For ALL Ages!!

Funds will give disadvantaged young people vocational skills and support.

OVER

OVER £600 IN IN PRIZES! PRIZES!!

£600

£200

£150

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First correct adult entry

First adult entry drawn

First correct child entry

First child entry drawn

Best adult saying

Best child saying

£200

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- correct or not

£100

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- correct or not

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Dan, from Surrey, was an aid worker with street children before a freak accident in the Amazon left him paralyzed from the1stshoulders down.Child He fought toBest survive and the generosity 1st Correct adult 1st Adult entry Correct child entry adult sayingBest child saying and kindness of thousands of people helped save his life. entry drawn – correct entry drawn drawn – correct or not

or not

He founded his charity so that disadvantaged young people can also be helped to overcome suﬀ eringfrom and Surrey, despair and producti ve and llingchildren lives. 80% of all funds raised go in Dan, was live an aid worker withfulfi street before a freak accident towards our training programmes. the Amazon left him paralyzed from the shoulders down. He fought to survive and Charity No. 1146478. the generosity and kindness of thousands of people helped save his life.

Download the quiz from our website now!

He founded his charity so that disadvantaged young people can also be helped to www.vantagepointmag.co.uk overcome suffering and despair and live productive and fulfilling lives. 80% of all funds raised go towards our training programs. is delighted to be publishing this quiz in support of the Dan Eley Foundation. Charity No. 1146478. December 2014

Thank you for your support. Have fun and enjoy a loving Christmas.

Edible Christmas Gifts

by Gill Potterton of Glorious Food

Here are some simple recipes for different festive sweet treats which are fun to make and give as rather special edible gifts. Plan to make them just before you intend to give them, if possible, although they do keep for several days in an airtight tin - but they never last that long in my house! Remember to set aside some time to package them in coloured boxes or gift-wrap them in shiny cellophane with sparkling ribbons. The last recipe is for an unusual chutney which serves beautifully with cold meats, especially gammon, and is very easy and quick to make, so collect some fancy jars for the Spiced Pineapple Chutney and decorate with hand-made labels. As well as running her catering business, Glorious Food, Gill hosts regular cookery demonstrations, sometimes followed by a meal. Gift vouchers for these events make brilliant foodie gifts. A great supporter of local food, Gill is an approved member of LocalFoodBritain.com. Find out more about her on the Surrey section of the website and view the events noticeboard for information about her latest demonstrations. www.LocalFoodBritain.com/Surrey

Christmas Cookies 1. Pre-heat the oven to Gas 4/180C. Cream together the butter, syrup and sugar until pale. Stir in the flour and the chosen flavourings, until you have a workable dough. 2. Roll pieces of the cookie dough into balls, arrange them on a baking tray, spaced well apart, and flatten slightly. 3. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden. Leave to cool on the baking tray before lifting off with a palette knife.

Ingredients 4oz/100g butter or margarine 4oz/100g soft light brown sugar 1 tablespoon golden syrup 6oz/150g self raising ﬂour 2oz chocolate/marzipan/dried cranberries/nuts Makes 12-16

Brandied Date and Walnut Shortbread 1. Pre-heat the oven to Gas 5/190C. Cream the butter and sugar until very pale, then mix in the ﬂour and almonds, to make a soft pliable mixture. 2. Press half of this mixture into the base of an 8 inch square tin, pushing down with the heel of your hand, to make it smooth. 3. To make the filling, combine the walnuts, dates and brandy in a food processor, to make a coarse paste, then spread this over the shortbread. Chop the cherries roughly by hand and sprinkle them over the top. 4. Crumble the rest of the shortbread mixture evenly over the top, to cover 32

the filling and press down firmly, to make a smooth finish. 5. Sprinkle with caster sugar and bake for 30-35 minutes until pale gold.

Ingredients 7oz/175g plain ﬂour 3oz/75g ground almonds 5 oz/125g butter 4oz/100g caster sugar 3oz/75g walnuts 2oz stoned dates 1 tablespoon brandy 1 ½ oz/40g glace cherries Makes 12-16

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FOOD

Brandy Snaps 1. Pre-heat the oven to Gas 6/200C. Line 2 or 3 large baking sheets with baking parchment. 2. Melt the sugar, butter and syrup together in a pan. Remove from the heat and stir in the ﬂour. Add the lemon juice and ginger, stirring well until thoroughly combined. Place dessertspoonfuls of the mixture onto each baking sheet, spaced at least 4 inches apart, as the mixture will spread. 3. Bake one tray at a time (or you will not be able to deal with the hot brandy snaps) for 6 minutes. The brandy snaps should go golden brown, but still be soft. Watch carefully, as they burn easily. 4.Cool for a minute or two then slide a greased palette knife under each

biscuit. If you work quickly, you can shape them while still hot. Roll each one carefully around a rolling pin or wooden spoon handle. If the biscuits cool too much and they become too brittle to shape, pop them back in the oven for just 10 seconds and try again.

Ingredients 4oz/100g caster sugar 4oz/100g butter 4oz/100g golden syrup 4oz/100g self raising ﬂour juice of 1 small lemon large pinch of ground ginger Makes 12-16

Christmas Flapjack 1. Pre-heat the oven to Gas 4/200C. Weigh the butter, sugar and syrup into a saucepan and heat gently until everything has melted together. 2. Remove from the heat and stir in the oats, mixed spice and mincemeat. Spread the mixture into a shallow 8 inch square tin lined with baking parchment and level it out with a palette knife, right into the corners. 3. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until

golden. Cool completely, remove from the tin and cut into bars or squares.

Ingredients 6oz/ 150g butter 2oz/50g golden syrup 4oz/100g demerara sugar 8oz/200g rolled oats 1 level teaspoon mixed spice 8oz/200g mincemeat Makes 12-16

Spiced Pineapple Chutney 1. Peel and quarter the pineapple, making sure all the ‘eyes’ are removed, remove the core and cut into bite-sized pieces. Peel, core and chop the apple. Peel and finely grate the fresh ginger. 2. Put all the ingredients into a large pan and stir over a low heat until the sugar dissolves. Bring to the boil, cover and simmer gently for 5 minutes. 3. Uncover and simmer for a further 10-20 minutes until most of the liquid has evaporated. Discard the cinnamon and spoon into sterilised jars. Seal and keep in the fridge. December 2014

Ingredients 1 large pineapple 1 large cooking apple 4 tablespoons cider vinegar 8 tablespoons muscovado sugar 1 inch piece fresh root ginger 1 cinnamon stick 2 teaspoons chilli jam/pinch of dried chilli ﬂakes Pinch of salt Makes 2 x 1lb jars

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of Mr. Turner at Petworth House features rare behind-the-scenes footage. Visitors can also tour the Artists’ Studio, not usually open to the public, but once used by Turner and other artists as a studio in the nineteenth century. Mr. Turner: an exhibition – 10th January to 11th March. Tickets are £12, booking essential, at w w w.nationaltrust.org.uk/ petworthturner or 0844 249 1895. The Surrey Half Marathon will take place on Sunday 8th March. Starting and finishing at Woking Leisure Centre the closed-road running event is the biggest in the county, and will take 6,500 runners through the country lanes to the South West of Woking before returning to the town for their big finish! The scenic course is ﬂat and fast, so it’s a great place to secure your best 13.1 mile finish time! A kids race will take in a 2km closed road circuit in Woking hopefully inspiring the half marathon runners of the future. The running route will be lined with local live bands, and local club cyclists will lead the runners out onto the course. The Surrey Half Marathon will be working closely with local charities. Their oﬃcial Charity Partners for 2015 are Shooting Star CHASE, WWF, Woking and Sam Beare Hospices and Harrison’s Fund. They hope that runners will use the Surrey Half as an opportunity to fundraise for charity. Entries are selling fast, and prices will go up on 1st January, so ensure you enter before Christmas to secure your place on the start line. To enter, go to www. surreyhalfmarathon.co.uk . You can follow them on Facebook – www.facebook.com/ surreyhalfmarathon Twitter - @ surreyhalf. Download the app – 34

Search Surrey Half in your app now, Ian McCulloch and his team store. have been testing the equipment with water but all the licences Affinité, the Surrey singles social have come through and today club for the over fifties, has the distillery has gone live for the finalised its winter programme. first time. The verdict? “The first Included are visits to the Comedy lot we tested was 80% proof and Store, a gallery and a museum, it tasted lovely,” said Ian. “We a carol concert, a Christmas took the glass bowl off so we quiz and a New Year Dinner at could smell and taste it as it came Clandon Regis Golf Club. Contact through. You could really smell the club through www.club- the apples.” The boiler is a 1970s affinite.co.uk. Barford Invicta Major allegedly rescued from Liverpool Docks but The Guide Dogs for the Blind the still is a one-off masterpiece Association is looking for of shining metal hand-made by people to be part of a Guide Arnold Holstein. Ian McCulloch Dogs Support Group. Lots of and James Shelbourne began voluntary roles are available from working on the distillery project organising events, helping with in 2013, converting redundant collections and raising awareness farm buildings at Sherbourne of the work they do. Roles are Farm on the Albury Estate next very flexible and can be suited to the Silent Pool. If you read this to how many hours you are able Ian, we at Vantage Point will be to donate. There is something to very happy to give our considered suit everyone! Katie Smith, local opinion! Guide Dogs representative, says “Whatever you’re interested in Looking for new free activities doing, whether you have a little or in the New Year? Over 50 and a lot of time to spare, you will be want to get out more? Age UK guaranteed to meet new people Surrey offers Walking Football and have some fun! At the same in Guildford, Men in Sheds (Ash) time you will be raising funds to Walking and Cycling (all Surrey), enable Guide Dogs to create the home visits for those not able to special partnerships which can get out (Waverley and Guildford) change the lives of people who and even free benefit checks to are blind and partially sighted.” ensure everyone has their full To find out more information, entitlement. You can of course please contact Katie Smith on volunteer for them - and as they 07795 611459 or email katie. are an independent charity – smith@guidedogs.org.uk. For make a donation knowing that it more information on Guide Dogs, stays in Surrey. See the website at visit www.guidedogs.org.uk. www.ageuksurrey.org.uk or ring 01483 503414. I bet you didn’t know that Surrey can now boast its first distillery, ‘The Major’ roared into life recently fuelled by wood from Albury Estate to begin its new life powering Silent Pool Distillery. FIND OUT MORE The first spirit to course its way More Jottings are available online through was apple brandy made at vantagepointmag.co.uk. To send from cider from the orchards at in an entry, go online or email us at Birtley House in Bramley. Until jottings@vantagepublishing.co.uk. vantagepointmag.co.uk

PROFILE

Dorking Folk Club World famous guitarist and rock star Eric Clapton, TV personality and “closet” folkie Richard Digance, and performers of the West End show ‘Warhorse’ have all visited the Dorking Folk Club over the years. Formed in May 1976 on the crest of the new folk revival, the Club has been through a few metamorphoses, name changes and venues over the years. It has always, though, been successful in bringing acoustic and traditional music to Surrey since that time. The Club began life in what is now The Lincoln Arms in Station Road, a brief period in The Bull, Leatherhead, and in 1978 moved to a room in Dorking Hospital for quite a while, and was known as The Chanticleer Folk and Acoustic Club. It was at the hospital that the Club’s reputation began to grow, and Eric Clapton turned up to see Hamish Imlach perform, which illustrates the kind of interest and standing the Club enjoyed. From 1992 the Club’s residency moved to The Watermill pub. The disastrous fire which closed it late in 2001 was actually on the afternoon of a Club night - there were frantic phone calls to find an alternative venue for the guest artist to perform in. Luckily Friends Life came to the rescue and oﬀered a room for hire in their social club building, and the temporary move turned into a continuing successful cooperation since then. Meeting every Wednesday night throughout the year – with short breaks in August for summer festivals, and December for the festive period – the aim is to keep folk and acoustic music live and available in the locality.

As well as the guest nights the Club also has a role in encouraging local non-professional musicians and singers to get together and perform traditional music themselves, in a more informal way. Although called “Singers Nights’ these evenings are open to all – for musicians, singers, poems and monologues, any acoustic performer who would like to take a ﬂoor spot and perform a couple of items for the enjoyment of all. We also welcome non-performers on these evenings who just want to come along and listen. The Singers Nights players are of all abilities, and the Club actively encourages music-making by oﬀering an informal, friendly and supportive atmosphere. We always warmly welcome new attendees – you don’t have to be a member to come along on any night whether to support local performers or to enjoy the intimate, informal concerts of professional guest artists. Details of the programme, and contact details for any further information is on the website www.dorkingfolkclub.org.uk Do come along, if only once, to support the life-blood of our traditional heritage and also to have a jolly good time, guaranteed!

Now, as Dorking Folk Club, its regular members work together behind the scenes to oﬀer as broad a cross-section of folk and acoustic music as possible to highlight the range of styles that constitute traditional music. Guest artists have included John Renbourn, Davey Arthur (The Furys) , Martin Carthy MBE, Spiers & Boden (Bellowhead) , Richard Digance, Irish family band The Doonans, and many more including solo, duos, trios and small groups from the UK, USA and even Australia, a capella, banjos, guitars, fiddles, concertinas and melodeons, percussion and a host of well-known and up-and-coming talent from the wide field of folk. Many of our guest artists are booked when on the verge of their careers and go on to wider acclaim. Both Bob Fox and Tim Van Eycken have performed in the London show Warhorse and also at Dorking Folk Club, and Bellowhead are now regularly played on Radio 2. December 2014

Box Hill The walk affords views of the Mole Valley from both the east and the west. It starts with a climb up to and then along the Pilgrims Way, returning across the top of Box Hill. The afternoon walk crosses the Mole and ventures up to Norbury Park with views down onto Mickleham. The walk description is provided by Guildford Rambling Club (guildfordramblingclub.org.uk).

The walk Walk east, past Ryka’s café, through the car park of the Burford Bridge Hotel and then a few yards along the A24 towards Dorking. Just past the roundabout take a path left, down into a field by the side of the River Mole. Walk around the edge of the field, by the river, to reach a footbridge. Cross and follow the path right to reach a T junction where you turn left and start to climb a hill. Ignore the first signpost pointing right. Instead, take the second path right, at the top of the first set of steps. The path climbs up some more and then strikes out east, along the ﬂank of the slope. Keep going until reaching a five bar gate at a point where a path merges in from above left.

Go through the gate and immediately reach a T junction where you turn right and walk down only a few yards before breaking oﬀ left (unsigned) for 5 yards to reach a lane. Turn left and a signpost takes you uphill from the point where the lane deadends at a gate. The path then turns right and continues east, along the ﬂank of the slope. Keep going until passing a bench with a view down over Brockham. Shortly afterward reach a T junction with a path coming down from the left. Turn left to take this path back (west) towards Box Hill. At one point you are forced left down some steps and then right to continue on. Keep going, straight across at a cross paths with a wide track. Continue until, at a T junction, turning left to continue on in the same direction. Go through a gate and, a few yards further on, drop down left a few yards and turn right to continue on in a

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WALK

grassy open area but still parallel to the main path with which you eventually remerge. Again continue on to pass the Box Hill viewing platform and later the grave of Major Peter Labilliere, who had himself buried upside down there in 1800. The track widens and takes you down a wide grassy slope. Just before three trees in the middle of the slope, turn left and walk down to the starting car park. You could use the cafe and/or toilets and/or picnic here. You could go on to the Stepping Stones public house in West Humble (see later) or the field by the Mole that you traversed earlier. After lunch, from Ryka’s, again head towards Dorking as you did at the start of the morning walk but do not drop down left into the field. Instead walk on a few yards and go through an underpass to the other side of the A24. On the other side, turn left and quickly right, into West Humble Road. Walk up past the Stepping Stones pub to just beyond West Humble Station. Pick up the path going right from the right-hand side of the road just beyond the station and alongside Fanny Burney’s house. (Frances Burney (1752 – 1840), later, Madame d’Arblay, was an English novelist, diarist and playwright.) Enter a large field, staying on the right-hand side, and crossing a footbridge over the Mole. On reaching Swanworth Farm, take the path left and cross the

Mole again. Continue on to a small field with an information plaque then swing right, onto a wide path running right and through a wood and eventually meeting an asphalted lane running uphill, left, towards Norbury Park House. Follow this up to and then around the perimeter of the grounds of Norbury House, staying alongside its wooden fence. You will swing left and pass a sawmill. Follow the fence until it breaks oﬀ left and downhill. (At this point it is worth brieﬂy diverting left to look at the view out over the valley and over Mickleham.) Continue on along the wide path until reaching a signpost saying “Druid’s Grove” and pointing down some steps to the left. Go down the steps to join a narrow footpath on which you head right. At a T junction with a wider path, go right and later take a left fork. At a T junction, go straight over and steeply down a lot of steps to emerge on the bank of the Mole. Follow the bank, right, to reach the field by Fanny Burney’s house. Cross to the far right corner and emerge by West Humble Station. Walk back to Ryka’s.

DISTANCE: A figure of 8 of 5 plus 4.5 miles

GRID REFERENCE: 5 171 1 520

OS MAPS: Explorer 146 - Dorking, Box Hill & Reigate

REFRESHMENTS: Ryka’s café, Old London Rd, Dorking, Mickleham, Surrey RH5 6BY (01306 884454) or the Stepping Stones, Westhumble St, Dorking, Surrey RH5 6BS (01306 889932)

STARTING POINT: The car park by Ryka’s café and next to the Burford Bridge Hotel (RH5 6BX) at the foot of Box Hill

Image above: Box Hill by John Miller

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.

December 2014

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