VantagePoint Magazine August 2014 - Dorking & Villages

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Dorking & Villages • August 2014

VANTAGEPOINT YOUR COMMUNITY  YOUR VIEW

10 YEARS OF

WINGS & WHEELS

MAGAZINE

Also inside: ANTIQUES AND COLLECTING WWI AT DORKING MUSEUM LOCAL BRITISH CHEESES WIN A SPA DAY

TO THE POINT With my summer visit to our French house approaching, the invitation by the Godalming Joigny Friendship Association to a boules evening was too good to be true. But true it was, and I jumped at the chance to hone my pétanque skills in advance of the usual neighbourly matches. Readers with good memories may remember my description of a game a few years ago, when a British contingent, which included my colleague Marcus, our Jotters, Nick and Angie, and me were challenged to a boules match by our French neighbours which we won, much to the chagrin of our hosts. Since then the teams have been mixed to maintain peace in our little part of Corrèze.

The venue for the boules evening was the Forester’s Arms in Kirdford, which is a charming village between Petworth and Billingshurst in West Sussex. The pub has a pétanque terrain with seven pistes at the end of its garden, which is leased by the brewery to the Amitiés Boules Club, our hosts for the evening. That club is affiliated to the Southern Counties Pétanque Asso-

Stefan Reynolds Editor

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

ciation, together with 20 others in the wider area, including clubs in Crondall, Cranleigh and Oxshott. I was slightly astonished to see on the English Pétanque Association website that there are more than 160 clubs throughout the UK. Our hosts were delightful; mostly couples, they were all terribly enthusiastic supporters of France’s national sport. One couple had even recently returned from competing in Beziers, southern France.

We were split into teams of two, allocated a piste and off we went, with our hosts on hand to make up the numbers where required, offer us advice and guidance and teach the novices. It took me a while to limber up, losing my first match but then winning the next two with some displays of accuracy that even shocked me. I can see why it is so popular in this country, as it is a very addictive game and more bloodthirsty than traditional English bowls, which according to our hosts is part of its appeal. I just hope my good form stays with me until my holiday...

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 107,277 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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vantagepointmag.co.uk THE VANTAGEPOINT TEAM

August 2014

Stefan Reynolds Editor & Publisher stefan@vantagepublishing.co.uk

Carol Martin Sales Executive carol@vantagepublishing.co.uk

Marcus Atkins Sales Director marcus@vantagepublishing.co.uk

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

Contributors:Vinny Clist, Andrew Crisell, Louisa Mason, Debbie Serpell Print: Polestar Stones

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CONTENTS Rugmart June 14_Layout 1 15/05/2014 15:26 Page 1

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6 Jottings Your local community noticeboard

8 Wings & Wheels Celebrating 10 years

14 Antiques and Collecting Debbie Serpell offers her advice

18 Dorking in 1914

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Dorking Halls Event Screenings Glyndebourne Live: La Traviata Sunday 10 August, 5.30pm National Theatre: Skylight Thursday 28 August, 7.30pm

RSC Live: Two Gentlemen Of Verona Wednesday 3 September, 7pm National Theatre Live: Medea Thursday 4 September, 7pm

Salome Sunday 21 September, 4pm National Theatre: Medea Thursday 25 September, 7pm

Madama Butterfly on Sydney Harbour Thursday 18 September, 7.30pm

Left: Salome

Right: Madama Butterly

Box Office: 01306 881717 Book online: www.dorkinghalls.co.uk August 2014

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Jottings August is traditionally a relatively quiet month when it comes to events. It is after all the busiest month of the year for family holidays and many clubs and societies don’t have meetings or functions during this period.

However, if you are staying at home there are compensations.

For a start everything is a little less frantic and the roads are much quieter! Whatever you’re doing, have a great holiday.

It’s very heartening to see the enormous community reaction to commemorating the 100th Anniversary of WWII. Dorking is no exception. Dorking Museum & Heritage Centre have mounted a special exhibition looking at life in Dorking and the villages in 1914 and the immediate impact of the outbreak of the Great War, with a focus on recruitment and enlisting. The exhibition opened on 24th July and will run to Saturday 6th December. The Museum, in West Street, is open Thursday, Friday, Saturday, from 10am-4pm.

You can find out more at www. dorkingmuseum.org.uk/ww1centenary. Should be fascinating especially if your family has been long time residents of Dorking.

- YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

RHS Garden Wisley continues Summer Family Fun with The Great Garden Quest. Sponsored by Witan Investment Trust, it started on 24th July and runs to Sunday 31st August. The trolls have stolen the fire from our friendly dragon.

Can you solve the clues to find her fire and return it? Along the way there are pixie riddles, a Green Man, wizards and of course the dragon! To help you along the way, they’ve got a packed programme of workshops where each week you’ll make and learn new things to help you along your journey. Archery taster sessions, stage sword fighting, craft workshops, sow and grow, music workshops and lots more. More details on the website www.rhs.org.uk/wisley. There is also a barefoot trail, birds of prey, garden games and storytelling, so go and join the fun in the garden.

Head 2 Head Theatre, a not for profit organisation, are organising summer activity for children with special needs. They plan to involve participants with an interactive, multi-sensory production of Toad on the Road. During each 50-minute session the young people (with siblings and carers) will explore the venue, discovering scenes and meeting characters

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from the story. If weather permits, some of the action will take place outdoors. Whatever the weather, they will also provide games, a sensory tent and an eating area, so take along a picnic to enjoy before or after your booked session. Each venue offers plenty of parking spaces and accessible toilet facilities (hoist available at some venues). Have a look at their website and, if you’re interested, contact them as soon as possible as they expect Toad on the Road to be extremely popular. Once again, this event will be free for children with special needs (ages 4-19) and their accompanying carer. All other members of the party will be charged £5 each. These are the dates and venues: Wednesday 30th July- Saturday 2nd August at Redhill Baptist Church, Hatchlands Road, Redhill RH1 6AE; Monday 4th to Tuesday 5th August at The Children’s Trust, Tadworth Court, Tadworth KT20 5RU; Tuesday 12th to Thursday 14th August at Merrow Methodist Church, Bushy Hill Drive, Guildford GU1 2SH; Thursday 21st to Saturday 23rd August at Walton Leigh Special School, Queens Road, Walton KT12 5AB. Morning slots: 10.45am-1pm. Afternoon slots: 12 noon-2.30pm. The website is www. head2headtheatre.co.uk/specialneeds/free-holiday-activities. Head

JOTTINGS IS YOUR COMMUNITY NOTICE BOARD FOR LOCAL EVENTS AND INFORMATION. TO FEATURE HERE, PLEASE EMAIL NICK AND ANGIE AT JOTTINGS@VANTAGEPUBLISHING.CO.UK

DORKING & VILLAGES DELIVERED TO 19,112 LOCAL HOMES Like us on Facebook at Vantage Point Magazine

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Next Copy Date: 11th 10th August 2014 6

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10 years of

Wings and WheelS

As Wings & Wheels celebrates its 10th Show this August bank holiday, we take a look back at its humble beginnings in 2005 to its present day status as one of the best airshows in the UK. Each year the organisers from Dunsfold Aerodrome pay homage to the history and it’s this element of the air display which makes the show unique.

In 2005 Dunsfold Aerodrome and Brooklands Museum put their heads together and created an event that celebrated and showcased the history of British aviation and motoring. The end result was Wings & Wheels which, to this day, presents an incredible mix of air and motoring displays for a relaxed family day out.

The line-up in 2014 won’t disappoint, with the early history represented by the Spitfire, Mustang, Hawker Hurricane, Douglas DC-3 (C47), B-25 Mitchell, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flights’ Lancaster, Spitfire and Hurricane and the prized Avro Lancaster from the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum (CWHM). The later years will be represented by the Red Arrows Hawk, Red Duo Gnats, Royal Navy Sea Fury and Hawker Hunter.

Described as ‘Surrey’s most secret airfield’, the Aerodrome was cloaked in secrecy and screened from public gaze for over 50 years and only became public knowledge when its records were de-classified in the 1990s.

Constructed in just 20 weeks by the Canadians, a variety of aircraft operated from Dunsfold Aerodrome between 1942 and 1945 including B-25 Mitchell bombers, Typhoons, Mustangs, Mosquitoes and Spitfires. After the war, the airfield was used as a repatriation centre and over 47,000 prisoners of war were returned to their homelands using Dakota, Lancaster, Stirling and Halifax aircraft.

In 1950 the Hawker Aircraft Company Ltd, (today part of BAE Systems), moved into Dunsfold, using the airfield as a flight test centre for its parent factory at Kingston, testing and refurbishing Sea Hawks, Hunters, Sea Furies, Gnats, Harriers and Hawks for the worldwide markets.

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A host of civilian favourites are also included in the five hour air displays from the Avro Vulcan and Brietling Wingwalkers to The Blades and Turbulent Team. The ‘Wings’ of the event would not be complete without a close-up inspection of all the weekend’s visiting aircraft and Dunsfold’s resident Boeing 747 in the ‘Wings Park’ which is also open for tours – a new and popular addition in 2013.

Top: The Red Arrows are regular visitors to Wings & Wheels

The more recent history of the aerodrome will resonate with car fans across the world as the motoring element incorporates the world famous Top Gear track. Supercars and classic and vintage icons put on awe-inspiring displays vantagepointmag.co.uk

simulators, military outlets and displays, static aircraft, fairground, emergency services demonstration and over 80 retail outlets selling a wide variety of products and gifts.

of power and speed in two hour auto spectaculars orchestrated by Brooklands Museum.

The ‘Wheels’ of the show includes displays from Porsche 911, Dodge Monaco, TVR Tasmin 280i, Ducati Multistrada 1200s, Ferrari F355 Berlinetta, Ford GT40, Lotus Elise 49 and the stunning Benetton F1 B190.

The latest addition to Wings & Wheels is evening entertainment.

As the last plane touches down the party starts across the arena with a mix of musical performances. Swing, big band and jazz takes over the Military Zone, in the Wheels Zone is a mix of Rock n Roll, Doowop and Rockabilly and finally, taking centre stage in the middle of the Arena, is a covers band with something for everyone.

As the show has continued to grow, it has gone from an audience of 10,000 to attracting crowds of over 35,000. As visitor numbers have grown so has the entertainment in the arena with a variety of zones now a popular part of Wings & Wheels.

The show has also tried to take the hassle out of the day for families with over 25 fixed-price catering outlets, two bars, hospitality facilities, free on-site parking, public camping, lost children point, disabled access, informative show commentary, opportunities to meet the pilots, official show merchandise and grandstand seating.

The Central Arena Zone will showcase the show’s history and include interactive experiences with the radio shack, meet the pilots, garden car and photo booth.

The Wheels Zone features interactive displays from car and motorbike clubs and a crowd line parade whilst the Stunt Zone explodes with the sound of two and four wheeled hair-raising performances including The Royal Signals White Helmets display team which headline the 10th anniversary show.

The 10th annual Wings & Wheels will be held over the August bank holiday weekend; Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th August 2014, at Dunsfold Park near Guildford, and is open to spectators from 9am until 9pm.

The Military Zone and Parade adds some classic nostalgia to the ‘Wheels’, as the regal military vehicles complete a cavalcade for spectators before taking their place in the zone’s living history and re-enactment displays including live battles which are not for the feint hearted!

The 32 acre public arena is now bursting with a huge variety of interactive attractions and contains all you need for a great family day out.

The show boasts laser quest, paintballing, kitplane demonstrations, aviation and motoring August 2014

FIND OUT MORE

Top: Brooklands Museum’s Napier Railton (Laurence Pierce). Above: The Tigers Parachute Display Team (Pete Gardner)

Tickets start from £20 for adults, £45 for a family (2 adults and 3 children aged 5 – 15yrs), £6 for children aged between 5 and 15yrs and under 5s are free. Hospitality packages start from £150 per person, weekend passes, grandstand tickets and camping are also available. For more information visit www.wingsandwheels.net or to book standard tickets call 08712 305 572.

Wings & Wheels is promoted by Dunsfold Park Limited and in 2014 will be assisting the fundraising efforts of Brooklands Museum Trust and Help for Heroes.

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

2 Head Theatre are based at 15 Ralliwood Road, Ashtead KT21 1DD Tel/Fax: 01372 278021 mobile: 07519 747 290. Email: h2hoffice@ gmail.com.

This might be of interest for parents looking for things for their kids to do in the holidays.

Eight special summer holiday clubs, including Stagecoach, the Bear Grylls Survival Academy, the Annabel Croft Tennis Academy and the Andrew Flintoff Cricket Academy, are being put on during the summer holidays for children and teenagers in Weybridge. It is apparently likely to be offering one of the highest concentrations of varied summer holiday activities all in one place in Surrey; the exciting line up is completed by Activate Sport, Gold Medal Academy, Arty Times and the Mark Jones Golf Academy. Different activities to suit many interests are on offer for 4-16 year olds from 14th July to 22nd August (I know two weeks have

already elapsed) at St George’s College in Weybridge - with its impressive grounds and facilities.

Full days from Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.30pm are available as I write but early booking is advised.

More information can be found here http://stgeorgesweybridge. com/pages/holidayclubs/ or call 01932 839441.

Hatchlands Park, in Clandon, near Guildford is holding August Fun Day Fridays. These take place every Friday in August, from 11am to 4pm. Spend the day at Hatchlands Park with children’s trail, activities and garden games to keep the little ones entertained. Plus pony magic and Have a Go Archery on selected Fridays. Call 01483 222482 or visit www.nationaltrust. org.uk/hatchlands-park for details.

Normal admission applies plus £2 per child.

Here’s something else for the school holidays. Every Monday

throughout August, from 11.30am to 3pm at Clandon Park, you can enjoy children’s arts and crafts and games plus pony rides and Have a Go Archery on selected days.

Call 01483 222482 or visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/hatchlandspark for details. Normal admission applies plus £2 per child. Also over the Bank Holiday weekend, Sunday 24th and Monday 25th August, from 11am to 5pm you can sit back and listen to live music or play giant garden games on the lawn. Normal admission applies.

Surrey Mini Bluegrass festival is taking place on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd August. It all happens at Mickleham Village Hall, Dell Close, Mickleham RH5 6EE. Saturday: picking from 12 noon, concert at 7pm- 11.15pm.

Saturday Band workshop 3pm.

Sunday: picking from 12 noon, concert at 3pm-7.15pm. Sunday workshops from 12.30pm-2.30pm.

You need to arrive 30 minutes

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Jottings - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD - NOW IN DATE ORDER! before concerts and workshops.

Day tickets cost £13 or for the full weekend £17. Under 16’s costs £5.

Workshops are an extra £5. Food and soft drinks available and there are B&B’s availably locally. For full festival information call Chrisy Forbes on 01737 813089 or 07821 196381. Email surreybluegrass@ hotmail.co.uk. You can also visit www.surreybluegrass.com.

Watermill Jazz meets every Thursday evening at the Friends Life Social Club in Pixham Lane, Dorking. This month’s performers are: the Warren Vache - Alan Barnes quintet (7th), Ollie Howell quintet (14th), Sarah Gillespie quintet (21st), and Reuben James trio (28th). Doors open at 8 for 8.30pm start. Call 07415 815784 for tickets.

The Probus Club of the Horsleys, a luncheon club for retired professional and business gentlemen, meets on the second

Monday of each month at the Leatherhead Leisure Centre. A convivial lunch is followed by a speaker covering a number of interesting topics. Speakers over the next year include the Chief Constable of Surrey, the Army Engagement Team, the famous golfer Peter Alliss and the noted sports commentator Steve Rider.

Ladies lunches are held twice yearly to include wives, partners or friends.

Visitors and new members are welcome. For further information contact David Lush on 01483 280267.

This sounds like a lovely summer holiday treat. Alice – the Musical

by The Cambridge Touring Theatre is being performed at Hatchlands Park in Clandon near Guildford on Thursday 7th August, from 6pm to 8pm. A fabulous family musical, full of laughter and fun for all the family! Take your own seating; refreshments will be available throughout the performance.

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Gates open at 5.30pm. Tickets: £12 adults, £8 children, £32 Family (2 adults and up to 2 children). Under 3s Free. Book at Guildford TIC 01483 444334, or book online at www.visitguildford.com.

The Gruffalo Live on Stage is coming to Dorking Halls. Join Mouse on an adventurous journey through the deep dark wood in this magical, musical adaptation of The Gruffalo. Songs, laughs and scary fun for children aged 3+ and of course their grown-ups! It runs from Thursday 7th to Saturday 9th August with performances at 2pm on Thursday, 11am and 2pm on Friday and 11am and 1.30pm on Saturday. Tickets are £12 (friends and groups of 10+, £9.50). Call the Box Office on 01306 881717 or go to www.dorkinghalls.co.uk.

I can’t believe that an entertainer that was a household name when I was a teenager is still going strong. I’m talking about Ken

’Kingfisher’

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

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cost is £35 plus £4. Call 07843 666874 to book a place.

Dodd who has embarked on a massive UK tour that continues up to the end of December. The Ken Dodd Happiness Show is coming to Dorking Halls on Saturday 9th August. To book tickets call 01306 881717. You can find out more about the show at www. kendoddshows.com.

Surrey County Walkers also have some excellent walks coming up over the next few weeks. Here are details of a couple but to get full information, just google Surrey County Walkers. On Sunday 10th August there’s a 6.5 mile easy walk through Eversly and Eversly Cross.

Meet at St Mary’s Church, Eversly.

(Grid Ref 175/778608). The leader is Cyril, tel: 01252 703869. On Saturday 16th August there’s a 7 mile easy walk over Tilford Common, Pierpont and Sheephatch. Meet at Tilford Village Green car park. (Grid Ref 186/73434). The leader is Barry, tel: 01252 703869. Both walks start at 10am so just turn up a little beforehand.

Leith Hill Place, the family home of the young Ralph Vaughan Williams, is now owned by the National Trust. Situated on the slopes of Leith Hill and famed for its outstanding views, it opened to the public last year and is now hosting concerts and recitals.

In a special workshop (10am to 4.30pm) and concert, you can explore the influence of nature on British poets and composers, including Vaughan Williams. The workshop will be presented by Stef Connor and Lisa Coates, and the price includes coffee and lunch. It takes place on Saturday 9th August at Leith Hill Place, The

The Dorking Halls presents a screening of Verdi’s La Traviata, live from Glyndebourne.

The tragic story of the beautiful Violetta is one of Verdi’s best-loved operas

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On Wednesday 13th August there’s Jazz at Loseley Park.

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Jottings - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD - NOW IN DATE ORDER! and canapés are available from GUTS on 01483 408316.

On Sunday 17th August from 9.30am to 4.30pm there will be one of the largest one-day classic car shows in the southeast. It takes place on Cranleigh Showground (GU6 7DW) and is organised by the Cranleigh Lions.

There will be around 1,800 classic vehicles of all shapes and sizes, arena events, autojumble, trade, antique and craft stands, food and drink, ice cream, a live band and some great attractions for the kids.

In the arena you can see displays of interesting vehicles and clubs, plus a selection of vehicles from the Brooklands Museum Trust and a demonstration from the Cranleigh Fire Service. Entry is £6 with under 16’s free. Parking is free. All profits raised by the show are used by the Cranleigh Lions to support individuals, families and charitable organisations that need a helping hand. This year some of the profits

will be helping Oakleaf, Cranleigh Riding for the Disabled, Rowleys Centre for the Community and TALK. Full details can be found on the website www.cranleighlions. org/classiccarshow.

Hopefully, many of you have a copy of the National Garden Scheme yellow booklet. It lists all the Gardens that are open to the public during the summer months.

Anyway, in case you haven’t a copy here a few local ones that are open in August. On Sunday 17th August from 2pm-6pm, The Old Croft, Dorking RH5 4NT. Who doesn’t love the sound of running water? Magazine featured fiveacre garden with stunning lakeland vistas, tropical bamboo maze, curved pergola of rambling roses and unique topiary. Home-made teas. Admission £5, children free.

On Sunday 24th Aug from 12 noon-5pm), Pratsham Grange, RH5 6LZ. Stunning views of Holmbury Hill and Leith Hill. Cutting flower

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and kitchen gardens, two ponds joined by cascading stream and roses, hydrangeas and fuchsias, with geometric beds highlighted in Surrey Life magazine. Home-made teas. Admission £4.50, children free.

I have mentioned Wings & Wheels a number of times but of course the event is now nearly upon us. It’s taking place on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th August at Dunsfold Aerodrome, Nr Guildford.

On the wheels front, the world famous, record-holding display team the Royal Signals White Helmets will headline the Wings & Wheels Stunt Zone. On the wings side, you will be able to enjoy the world famous Red Arrows, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (Lancaster, Spitfire & Hurricane), Vulcan, Chinook, the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum’s (CWHM) prized Avro Lancaster, B25 Mitchell and a host of other modern and historic aircraft during the five

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Antiques and Collecting In her introductory article for VantagePoint, local antique dealer Debbie Serpell offers some advice on collecting Many of the good antique dealers began their trade as collectors first. Their love of their specialist field of antiques has invariably sprung from their passion for collecting. My own personal love of collecting antiques and subsequent career in dealing in antiques was inspired by my paternal grandparents.

My grandmother trained as a potter at The Royal College of Art in London where she met my grandfather who was a watercolour painter. Their home was full of well chosen, interesting antiques and furniture and in particular they amassed rare pieces of early English pottery and well executed paintings. My grandmother’s love of pottery focused on 19th century Staffordshire pottery and it was this that I was drawn to as a child. She taught me what was good and what was not; what to collect and what to avoid. I came to understand the difference between a well moulded Staffordshire figure and a figure whose mould definition was poor and over used. I learnt what was common and what 14

was rare; what was worth investing in and what to disregard.

When my grandmother died, her collection of Staffordshire figures was naturally divided equally between my father and his sister in New Zealand. This then became the incentive to try to collect the figures that my father had in effect lost to his sister. It was not long after this that I became salaried and could afford to buy my own pieces and felt the serious collecting bug for the first time. Once the bug has bitten it is impossible to look back and my collecting began in earnest, as did my learning pathway. To this day I cannot pass an antique shop without at least looking in and the draw of an antique fair or car boot sale is ever present.

Above: Debbie appearing on ITV’s Dickinson’s Real Deal

I work alongside my husband, Bob Moores, in the antiques business. He shares my passion for pottery and in this regard, he specialises in collecting and dealing in early English Toby Jugs. We have a website for our stock (Nest Egg Antiques) and I have been a dealer at vantagepointmag.co.uk

Petworth Antiques Market for some 12 years now. We stall out at the good trade fairs in the south of England and I also now enjoy the challenges of being a dealer on the ITV’s daytime antique show, Dickinson’s Real Deal.

Current Trends With Antiques Like any other business, antiques will suffer from ‘trends’, since fashions for items will come and go. What is also true is that fashions revert back and what may not be fashionable now will become fashionable again. It is also true to say that quality antiques will always hold their value no matter what the trends are.

My Top 10 tips for collecting: 1. Buy from reputable dealers Whatever the area of antiques interests you, it is always best to buy from reputable dealers. It is they that will be able to guide you towards sound investments and to steer you with their knowledge.

Great relationships can develop between the collector and the dealer. Both share a common interest and understanding and dealers are always prepared to buy from a collector they value. It is not just a ‘one way street’!

Currently, the fashion in interior design is for what is being described as the ‘shabby chic’ look. Wooden furniture is being painted and given a deliberate ‘distressed’ appearance. If you cast your mind back to the 1980s, the fashion then was for stripped pine furniture. Furniture that was painted, was dipped in acid baths and stripped back to the original wood. It is only a matter of time before the trend today reverses and items now being painted will be stripped once again!

2. Learn to buy at auctions Experience of buying at auctions is invaluable but always preview the auction beforehand. The preview gives the buyer the opportunity to handle the items in which he or she is interested in. Damage, for example, will be apparent if you give yourself time to view the items and although I do buy damaged items, it is always unwise to pay the full price for them since restoration costs can be considerable.

My own field of expertise, namely Staffordshire figures, has suffered as a result of current trends in the market. Late Victorian Staffordshire figures are now exceptionally cheap to buy and items like Staffordshire Spaniels can’t be given away!

Now of course is the time to buy since it is my belief that these items will regain their popularity. Despite the decline in prices for the common Staffordshire pieces, the prices for early and rare figures has remained buoyant.

3. Buy what you love There is no better piece of advice. The enjoyment of collecting is in the ‘chase’. You cannot go wrong if you find enjoyment in collecting in a particular area of antiques.

4. Speak to other collectors and share their opinions There are many specialist trade fairs (eg militaria, toys, jewellery) where a wealth of information is available to the collector.

My finding is that people are generally more ‘savvy’ today than ever before. There are a large number of programmes on the television which now educate the masses with regard to antiques and collecting. The internet provides a wealth of information about current prices and values.

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In view of the extremely low interest rates on savings in general, I believe that people ought to ‘invest’ in antiques in much the same way as they might in stocks and shares. Identify areas of interest such as glass, pottery, art or jewellery etc and monitor the trends. When prices are low, buy good pieces from reputable sources and when prices are high you have an opportunity to sell and make a profit, which may well be much greater than if you had put your money into an ISA!

Collectibles include Toby jugs and even Stafforshire Spaniels

My key advice here is to enjoy any antiques that you acquire and if prices dip, weather the storm as they will eventually recover.

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5. Do your homework first before selling Be mindful about trends in your chosen field.

There are prime times to sell and good times to hold back on selling. Fashions and interests in areas of antiques fluctuate as do the gold and silver prices. These will influence the market and the prices that can be achieved. If you choose to sell at auction, investigate the seller’s premium that the auction house will charge and deduct from your selling price. The seller’s premium varies from one auction room to another.

6. Invest in antiques We are all painfully aware that money in the bank is not growing in interest.

Money invested in good antiques is a far better way to use your money.

Not only do you invest in a beautiful object, you are rewarded by the enjoyment that comes from owning and living with the item.

7. Learn from your mistakes Anyone who collects or deals in antiques will have made errors of judgement in buying at one time or another. The key is to learn from these mistakes. They are inevitable but can provide valuable insights into the pitfalls of collecting.

8. Condition A general rule of thumb is that damaged items are never worth the same price as items in mint condition. I am not advising that you should never buy items that are damaged but you should be both aware of the damage and mindful of the repair costs if you do. There are 16

many collectors who will buy damaged items as examples of pieces that they perhaps do not already possess in their collections.

9. Avoid the fakes Unfortunately the market is flooded with bogus or fake items. There are minefields in some areas of collecting. A good example of this is in the Chinese market, where fakes are almost as good as the original pieces and they can fool even the best of dealers and collectors. The skills of the Chinese craftsmen is as good today as it was centuries ago and the raw materials such as clay for making the items is still available.

10. Don’t over clean!

Time and again I see items that have been over cleaned, particularly in the areas of silver ware, other metals and furniture. Nothing beats the appearance of the patina of age. Removing this by overzealous cleaning removes the character and value of the item. Furniture develops a pleasing ‘look’ with age and use. Removing this by brutal sanding or over polishing reduces the charm and appeal of the piece. I always say that we can return an item to its original brand new appearance but you cannot put back the look of age once it has been removed. Silver hallmarks are often found to have been rubbed away by such cleaning practices and this will drastically reduce the value of such pieces.

FIND OUT MORE

Debbie Serpell and her husband run Nest Egg Antiques - www.nesteggantiques.co.uk. Contact bmoo@btopenworld.com or 07774 234509. vantagepointmag.co.uk

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

hour flying displays. For four and two wheeled fans, supercars and classic and vintage icons put on an awe inspiring display of power and speed on the Top Gear track in a two hour auto spectacular from Brooklands Museum. Tickets start from £20 for adults, £45 for a family (2 adults and 3 children aged 5-15yrs); £6 for children aged between 5 and 15yrs and under 5’s are free. Hospitality packages start from £150 per person, weekend passes, grandstand tickets and camping are also available. For more information visit www. wingsandwheels.net or to book standard tickets call 08712 305 572.

The Surrey Sculpture Trail is at RHS Wisley GU23 6QB. Running from Saturday 23rd August to Sunday 28th September, it will once again feature the talented sculptors of Surrey Sculpture Society. They are exhibiting over 60 sculptures, both traditional and contemporary throughout the Garden. Many are for sale, but you can just go and browse and choose your favourite while enjoying the Garden.

If you’re looking for a fun day out for all the family on Bank Holiday Monday 25th August, then look no further than Epsom Downs Racecourse. An action packed afternoon of racing and entertainment awaits the young and old alike with pony rides, a petting zoo, bouncy castle, carousel, face painting, hot shoeing demonstrations, trade stands and more! All entertainment in the Grandstand and Lonsdale Enclosures is free. There will be guest appearances from everyone’s favourite cheeky little piggies, Peppa and her little brother George. They will be making personal appearances at intervals throughout the day. There will be photo opportunities so don’t forget to take your camera! For more information contact Epsom Downs on 0844 579 3004 or visit www.

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epsomdowns.co.uk. Don’t forget children under 18 accompanied by an adult are free! Tickets for the Duchess’ Stand are reasonably priced at £18 in advance (£20 on the day). Lonsdale Enclosure is £10.

The Peaslake Summer Fair is taking place on Bank Holiday Monday 25th August. It celebrates the village and its rural life and has been an annual event for many years now, always eagerly looked forward to. The Alley Cats Jazz Band will be playing and you can sample and savour the sizzling BBQ or relax with delicious teas and cakes in the Hall. The school field will be buzzing with fun events including a dog show and a snakes and lizards tent and the centre of the village will be a hive of activity with the classic cars all lined up. There’s a Punch & Judy show, a magician, bouncy castle and plenty of refreshments alfresco style, including Pimm’s, beer and cider tents. The Fleur de Lys Morris side will also be performing. This year’s theme is the Celebration of 125 years of St. Mark’s Church, Peaslake. St. Mark’s will be open and there will be an exhibition of 125 years of church and Peaslake history in The Old School Room next to the church.

The Dean of Guildford Cathedral, the Very Rev Dianna Gwilliams will open the Fair at 1pm and it goes on until 4.30pm. It will be a great day out for the whole family.

Dorking has always had a rich musical community comprising musicians of all kinds. Around seven pubs in the area regularly host groups and solo artists with all types of music from folk to jazz and rock. One such group is Bloco do Sul (Group of the south) - a percussion group playing the rhythms of Brazil.

It’s been based in the town for 26 years and performs at many kinds of events all over the south east and beyond. The group is open to all of any ability who wish to try their hand and has its workshops at St. Martin’s School every Monday

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evening. www.bloco-do-sul.co.uk Romeo and Juliet performed by The Lord Chamberlain’s Men. A one off performance on Sunday 31st August, from 7pm to 9.30pm will be set in the romantic grounds of Hatchlands Park in Clandon, near Guildford. Enjoy the world’s greatest love story performed by the all-male cast of The Lord Chamberlain’s Men. Take your own seating and refreshments will be available throughout the performance. Gates open at 6.30pm. Tickets: £16 adults, £8 children, Family (2 adults and up to 2 children) £40. Book at Guildford Tourist Information Centre on 01483 444334, or online at www. visitguildford.com.

‘Walk to d’feet mnd’. The Motor Neurone Disease Association has organised a fund-raising walk on Sunday 31st August. From 10am onwards, join them at Box Hill for a gentle stroll in the woods or a heart-beating hike up the North Downs - different walks for different ages and abilities - dog and child friendly! Panoramic views over Dorking and the surrounding areas. There’s a large car park with disabled parking (Free for National Trust members - £4 otherwise). There’s also a servery selling hot and cold food and drinks from 9am. The children’s fun trail is about an hour’s stroll with logs and ropes for the small ones or seats for the older ones!

Extend your walk on one of the many paths maintained by the National Trust. Maps are available to keep you on your chosen path as well as path markers on route.

Sadly the paths are not that even and therefore unsuitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Do try and join in this really enjoyable walk and help raise vital funds for the branch! Please register in advance by contacting Simon Edmands on 07753 821964 or simon.edmands@ukipme.com.

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DORKING IN 1914 DORKING MUSEUM’S WWI EXHIBITION Dorking, like all other towns, villages and cities all over the world is commemorating the centenary of the WWI this year.

Almost every village in Surrey has a war memorial like almost every village in the UK, and the soldiers on those memorials are what most of us think about when we think of the WWI. Dorking Museum’s exhibition will focus on what went on in this area when war broke out. The exhibition will open at the end of July. It covers the town and surrounding villages and their experience of the early months of the war. There is a particular focus on recruitment and enlisting – and asking the question, ‘was enlistment really voluntary?’ It is the first in a planned five-year series of exhibitions that will enable the Museum to investigate different aspects of the experience of the war in the town.

We have displays on the issues which affected the people of Dorking in the first few months of the war. The anti-German feeling around Dorking caused the owner of Degenhardts store on South Street to write in to the Dorking Advertiser to explain that, although he had a Germanic name, he was English by birth and asked Dorking residents not to boycott his shop. The local football team could only continue to play if they gave all their receipts to the Prince of Wales’ relief fund – a debate that ran nationally felt that football was a distraction to young men who should be enlisting.

The exhibition will feature display panels in the Museum’s temporary exhibition space but will also spill in to all areas of the permanent exhibition, showing how the war affected all aspects of town life. Outside the Museum, there will be recruitment posters and biographies of some of the town’s major recruiters and those who enlisted. Local artefacts from the period will be on display, including personal items from John Lee-Steere of Jayes Park, Ockley, who was killed in November 1914, just a couple of hours after he had finished a letter home. The letter will be on display alongside photographs of John and cards sent home from the front to a nurse at Dorking’s Cottage Hospital.

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Running alongside the exhibition at the Museum is an online project researching the soldiers on the memorials in and around Dorking. The museum appealed to the local community for photographs and memories of their relatives and the response has been overwhelming. We have been sent photographs and pictures of medals and given very personal details which mean that these men are no longer just names on a wall – but are remembered as individuals.

If anyone has anything that they can offer us – please email admin@dorkingmuseum.org.uk.

Dorking Museum is run entirely by volunteers and we receive no government or local authority funding. We rely on your generosity to keep Dorking’s history alive and relevant. You can help us by making a donation to us through our website.

Top: Queen’s Royal West Surrey Regiment leaving after mobilisation. 5th August 1914. Above: Troops leaving Dorking Station 1914. Dorking Museum FIND OUT MORE

Dorking in 1914 opens at Dorking Museum on 24th July and runs until 6th December. The Museum is open between 10am and 4pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at The Old Foundry, 62 West Street, Dorking, RH4 1BS. Tel: 01306 876591. Online at www.dorkingmuseum. org.uk and on Facebook and Twitter. Admission: Adults £2, Concessions £1, Under-5s free, Family ticket £4.50. vantagepointmag.co.uk

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

Group singing is cheaper than therapy, healthier than drinking and certainly more fun than working out. It’s the one thing in life where feeling better is pretty much guaranteed. So, why not join one of the best choirs in the southeast; the Vivace Chorus? Their first rehearsal of the 2014-2015 season is on Monday 1st September in central Guildford starting at 7.15pm. Just turn up at Holy Trinity Church in the High Street and give them a try. Their first concert will the Bach’s Mass in B minor on 15th November in Guildford Cathedral.

There are plenty more details on their website: www.vivacechorus. org.

Want to understand how to read or watch a Shakespeare play better? Want to discover how actors make a character come alive? This September, Guildford Shakespeare Company’s popular evening Shakespeare classes for

• • • • •

adults returns with King Lear.

Over eight weeks together you’ll explore the mechanics behind how Shakespeare and why Shakespeare wrote the way he did. These fun, practical evening classes are suitable for all ages and all levels, and are designed to help you discover and enjoy Shakespeare with confidence. They’re also perfect for those who just want to learn more about Shakespeare, his plays and enhance your enjoyment of watching them! Classes are run in a supportive and informal atmosphere by professional actors and workshop leaders who have a wealth of knowledge and firsthand experience of working with Shakespeare. The course runs from Tuesday 2nd September from 7 to 9pm and every Tuesday to 21st October. The fee is £120 and the venue is Guildford County School, Farnham Road, Guildford GU2 4LU. Having had a very successful Summer Concert at the end of

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June, Beare Green and Newdigate Choral Society (BGN) are now resting their voices until the start of their autumn season on Wednesday 3rd September. In meantime they will be enjoying each other’s company with an occasional lunch at the Surrey Oaks in Newdigate. BGN was formed early last century and with breaks for the Wars has continued ever since. This popular choir draws singers from surrounding villages as well as Dorking and Reigate. They are now recruiting new singers to take part in their Christmas concert on 17th December and will be soon rehearsing for the annual Leith Hill Musical Festival in April 2015. They have several social events during the year, the next one being a Barn Dance in Beare Green on Saturday 18th October. Rehearsals take place on Wednesday evenings in Newdigate Village Hall at 7.45pm.

New members are always very welcome; no audition required, just a desire to sing. For further

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Dude Food A new cookery school in Abinger Hammer provides food for thought, says Stefan Reynolds

done. There is a delightful, airy main room with a large dining table in one corner and big squashy sofas in another, where we are offered coffee and chat with our fellow course attendees. Before long, we are introduced to Guildford born Vincent ‘Vinny’ Clist, a youthful former Times Chalet Chef of the Year and our tutor for the day. He takes us into the large, well appointed teaching kitchen (one of two they have built here) where, once aproned up, we will be let loose with seriously sharp knives and some rather lovely, heavy stainless steel pans.

Food is the new football. At least it seems to be when it comes to me and the majority of my male friends. We all cook, we all love cooking and spend much more time discussing food than football, no bad thing in my book. So when my colleague Marcus and I were offered the opportunity to try out a cookery course at the new Abinger Cookery School, we accepted with alacrity.

Even though the courses sounded tempting – The Perfect Roast, Seafood Secrets to name just two– there was one that seemed just right, and so it was that one Friday we arrived at 9am to experience Dude Food, which was described as ‘an American-Diner style of food, cool to cook at the moment’. Not being remotely ‘cool’, perhaps this would be my moment?

The Abinger Cookery School occupies what used to be the Abinger Arms in the pretty village of Abinger Hammer. My last visit to the pub was many years ago, following a Sunday walk with my family and friends. I remember it well because it was the first time I tried a sip of my dad’s pint of bitter, which I pronounced to be “horrible”. Happily I soon trained my tastebuds and the future of our breweries was secured.

The conversion of the pub, which had been derelict for some time, has been brilliantly 20

Top: Our lunch of Cow pie. Above: Vinny Clist from Abinger Cookery School

This is to be a real hands-on course, and we will be cooking most things on the menu ourselves.

The only one we don’t cook is the pulled pork, which Vinny starts to prepare in front of us as it will need a few hours in the oven. Next up is Cow pie with boneless marrow, which will be our lunch. We watch Vinny as he tackles his own and then it is down to us. Each allocated our own fully equipped ‘work station’, we get going by frying off some lovely looking, locally sourced stewing beef, sweating onions, adding fresh herbs, mushrooms, stock, half a bottle of local bitter and leaving it to do its stuff. The beauty of a course like this is that dirty and used pans and utensils are magically whisked away to be cleaned while we get instructions for the next task, which is to make the pleasingly named Yum buns, effectively steamed bread rolls which will go with the vantagepointmag.co.uk

as he had been “tasting all morning”, which showed a degree of self control that I would struggle with. We ease out the marrow bone, pushing its contents down and into the pie filling, which makes for a rich but very satisfying dish, which we wash down with the remnants of the beer.

pulled pork. These are made using a simple bread mix, which naturally involves lots of kneading which I do find rather therapeutic but it always seems to take an eternity.

As the dough proves we tackle a real favourite, scotch eggs. Now our Jotter Nick makes a mean scotch egg. They are so good that both Marcus and I have been scared to emulate him for fear of disappointment. While eggs are being soft boiled (a strict four minutes), we make the meat layer using seasoned minced pork, to which we add chopped herbs. With the eggs ready and peeled, we flatten out some of the pork mix and carefully completely wrap the egg, dip it in flour, whisked egg and panko breadcrumbs before deep frying for about six minutes. Wow! These gleaming golden balls not only looked professional, they tasted delicious.

I can see a scotch egg cook-off in the VantagePoint offices sometime soon...

The afternoon session was no less busy as we cook the lamb ribs, shape and cook the steamed buns, and make some Boston baked beans, a tasty revelation.

This often forms part of the breakfast if you stay overnight in one of the four bedrooms available to rent upstairs.

We finally tackle the sweet course, a sticky toffee pudding, which once again was something I had never made and proves to be surprisingly easy to do.

By now, we are flagging slightly but thankfully our repertoire is complete.

Vinny removes the pulled pork from the oven, which Marcus shreds before adding pomegranate molasses and the frankly magnificent roasting juices, and our ‘second’ lunch is almost ready for tasting.

Next up is to marinade some lamb ribs, make our suet pastry (wonderfully easy) and set to work on our ‘boneless marrow’. This involves some empty marrow bones (“which can be used over and over, just clean them in the dishwasher”, says Vinny) in which we will stuff a heart-stoppingly rich mix of butter, shallots, parley, breadcrumbs and seasoning. With the beef now tender, we assembled our Cow pie in a small pie dish, with the marrow bone protruding from the middle, Desperate Dan style. We stuff the bone with the boneless marrow mixture, cover with a blanket of pastry, and then bake in the oven for 20-30 minutes.

After admiring and comparing our lovely looking creations (it does get a tad competitive), we take them into the main room for what is by now a late lunch and a well needed break from the kitchen. Vinny declines to join us

By now it is about 4pm and we are all still pretty full from Cow pie, but we can’t resist some pulled pork inside a slightly chewy Yum bun with some Asian slaw that Vinny had made for us. Wine is proffered and happily accepted, a reward for what had been a slightly tiring but very rewarding (and filling) day.

Vinny has proved to be knowledgeable, patient and a very convivial host, and the recipes we cooked were all things we would all happily recreate at home – once we had eaten the copious contents of the doggy bags we all returned with.

From top: A ‘perfect’ Scotch Egg, the Cow pie before cooking and Sticky Toffee Puddings

I left Abinger with a renewed sense of culinary purpose, determined to be more creative and improve my repertoire at home. I even ended up buying a set of the same Zwilling Henckels pans. No excuses now.

FIND OUT MORE

The Abinger Cookery School, Guildford Road, Abinger Hammer, Surrey RH5 6RZ. Please telephone: 01306 730470, email info@abingercookeryschool.com or visit abingercookeryschool.com for more information.

In addition to their day courses, Abinger Cookery School also runs a five day Chalet Cooks Course and are currently offering 50% off all chalet cooks courses in August. Contact them for more details.

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

details please ring their secretary on 01306 631115.

‘Strictly Beginners’ are fun, friendly and easy Ballroom and Latin dance classes held at West Horsley Village Hall on Wednesday evenings. A brand new beginner’s class is starting on Wednesday 10th Sept at 7.30pm. No partner necessary, £6 per person. Phone Sue on 01483 282431 or email courtdancingwh@outlook.com for more details.

Most counties in England (including Surrey, Hampshire and Sussex) hold an annual Ride & Stride, on the second Saturday in September (13th this year), to raise money for the restoration and repair of buildings for Christian worship. The idea is that cyclists and walkers are given a list of churches and chapels in the area of their choice. They map out their own route to pedal or walk having asked their friends to reward their efforts. The money collected is divided into two. Half the monies go to the church or chapel of the cyclist’s or walker’s choice, probably your own, the other half is retained by the County Trust for distribution to churches in need. In the dozen years that the Bike Ride (now Ride & Stride) has been running in Surrey over £250,000 has been raised. Ride & Stride is a fun way to spend time on a pleasant September Saturday while at the same time supporting a worthy cause. Why not make up a group and join in this year! Details from your local church or from donaldson@ haslemere.com. Supporters who prefer not to ‘ride or stride’, please consider sponsoring volunteers involved in this important event.

For more information, visit www. surreychurchespreservationtrust. org.

AMICA is a social group serving the Hampshire/Berkshire/Surrey border communities. They welcome single 22

people who have just moved into the area, have changed circumstances or feel its time to move on. Both weekday and weekend events are organised by members to serve wide-ranging interests. You are welcome to attend an event for free by browsing their website www.amicauk.org. Please introduce yourself beforehand to one of their hosts by calling/texting 07857 135973, leaving your name and contact number for a call back as required.

The textile reuse charity TRAID has expanded its free home collections service to the Surrey area.

Offering thousands of households scheduled pickups of their unwanted clothes, the service can be booked online, by phone or email giving people a hassle-free way to donate unwanted clothes directly to charity, from their door. All the charity asks is that people using this service have a minimum donation of at least one large bin liner sized bag. Nearly one million tonnes of textiles are sent to UK landfill and incineration every year, with 350,000 tonnes of these textiles estimated to be good enough quality to be worn again. With UK landfill at bursting point and textiles contributing disproportionately to greenhouse emissions, TRAID’s innovative work to reclaim and reuse unwanted clothes is more relevant than ever.

To book a free home collection with TRAID go to www.traid.org. uk/collections, call 020 8733 2580 (then press 1 to book a collection) or email recycling@traid.org.uk.

If you would like to do something really useful for the community, here’s a date for the diary. On Saturday 20th September you can help to keep West Horsley tidy by joining their Autumn Litter Pick.

Meet at the Village Hall at 10am.

All equipment will be provided.

Further information from Cllr Pamela Holt on 07909 963466.

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Now, this is something that might help occupy the kids on those long car journeys. Instead of the ‘are we there yet’ questions, children and parents can actively contribute to the conservation of British wildlife. Apparently around one million mammals are killed on UK roads each year, but People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) is turning these deaths into a positive, by using recorded sightings of road kill to help monitor the changing state of Britain’s wildlife populations, all with the help of the Mammals on Roads app starting this July and running to the end of September.

They are calling on volunteers to record any sightings of mammals, dead or healthy, they spot on their car journeys via their mobile phones and tablets.You can take part in the survey using the free app, available from the App Store and Google Play. Alternatively, the survey can be completed on the web, or via a printed survey pack.

Email mor@ptes.org or call 0207 4984 533 to request a pack.

If you live in Dorking and go to Dorking Halls on a regular basis, you might be interested in becoming a Friend of Dorking Halls.

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Keeping it local Tucked amongst the Downs and nestled in the lands of Surrey, Sussex and Hampshire is a plethora of artisan producers creating amazing local cheeses. Louisa Mason, of Flavour Tastings, which specialises in showcasing British artisan cheeses at cheese tasting events, champions the producers in the area.

Some great cheesemakers can be found on the Sussex side of our area. The Traditional Cheese Dairy produces a wide range of cheeses, from a soft cheese called Burwash Rose that is rind-washed in rosewater, to a hard ewe’s cheese called Lord of the Hundreds, which is similar to Spanish Manchego but with Sussex style.

The beautiful rolling hills and verdant countryside that surrounds our area offer magnificent views and enjoyable walks. But the land also provides rich pastures ideal for dairy farming. The result is brilliant, delicious cheese.

Citing Hampshire cheesemaker Lyburn as a prime example, Louisa says: “It is no surprise that the rolling Hampshire hills lend themselves to dairy farming, where the cows can eat the rich, lush grass of the South Downs and surrounding areas,” Lyburn, located in the New Forest, is a traditional dairy farm that makes a variety of hard farmhouse cheeses.

“My favourite from Lyburn is Old Winchester, a cross between a very mature cheddar, Old Amsterdam and Parmesan,” Louisa explains. “It is a really meaty cheese that is wonderful to cook with as well as to nibble cubed with a glass of red.” While many would associate farmhouse cheese with cheddar styles, small farms across the UK are offering a huge range of cheeses that are truly unique.

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“Our local cheeses can also provide a glimpse at history,” Louisa notes. “Lord of the Hundreds takes its name from the tax booth once located on the farm where the cheese is made, where a tax collector was responsible for 100 parcels of land.” Cheese making was always part of traditional dairy farming and provided a valuable income stream as well as using excess milk yields at certain times of the year.

Top: Tunworth from near Alton.

Above: Old Amsterdam from Lyburn Farm Cheeses near Winchester

For those who enjoy goat’s cheese, Louisa recommends Chabis, a light, fresh goat’s cheese made by the Blunt family of Golden Cross Cheese. She pairs it with another Sussex delight: “We serve Chabis with Loft Pickle’s chilli jelly at our tastings and it is always very popular. Chabis is fresh and vantagepointmag.co.uk

Little Anne.

This tiny, unpasteurised little disk of fresh cheese tastes clean and tangy. Made by the aptly named Thimble Cheeses, production is so small that Little Anne can be quite tricky to get hold of – but well worth the effort!

not too ‘goaty’ for those who don’t like their goat’s cheese too strong”.

Golden Cross Cheese Company is a family owned business that has been producing goat’s and sheep’s cheeses since 1989. Their herd of 300 goats graze outside in the Sussex countryside during the summer and are fed hay all year round.

They also make a French style charcoaled log called Golden Cross which is a stronger, richer goat’s cheese especially suitable for those who like their cheeses stronger.

Fans of blue cheese should watch for Norbury Blue from Norbury Park Farm in Surrey. A relative newcomer to the artisan cheese world, Norbury Blue only started production in 2001. This handmade cheese is created from milk sourced on the same farm as the dairy. The cheese is allowed to mature for four weeks under the careful eye of producers Neil and Michaela Allam. It is released in small batches and features a very distinctive taste, in part due to the unpasteurised milk used to make it. “This is a really piquant blue that combines a soft texture with a pungent flavour”, Louisa says, adding, “This is a great cheese for lovers of strong blues.”

The current revival in artisan cheese is a far cry from the rationing days of WWII. In 1940 cheese production virtually stopped, save for a standard, cheddar-like national cheese, produced to a universal recipe to enable efficient distribution. The variety of cheeses started to increase again by the early 1950s, but it is only in the last 30 years that such a great number of artisan producers have created award-winning cheeses.

“The innovation and creativity of the UK cheese market is inspiring,” Louisa says.

“Modern methods combined with historical know-how present us with some fabulous new cheeses. For example, just outside of Alton is Hampshire Cheeses, which make the British Cheese Champion Tunworth. This rich, creamy cross between Camembert and Brie has won awards for a reason! It is unctuously rich and full-flavoured with a slight sweetness – a great addition to any cheeseboard.”

Within 10 miles of Hampshire Cheeses is another new cheesemaker who produces

With more than 700 types of British cheese available, including many amazing varieties from our area, now is the perfect time to ‘buy local’ and try an artisan cheese. Of course these artisan cheeses are not always easy to find so keep a look out at farmers’ markets and good delis.

From top: Neil and Michaela Allam with their Norbury Blue.

Above: Little Anne, made by Thimble Cheeses

Flavour Tastings also has an online shop specialising in local and British cheeses (www.flavourtastings.co.uk/shop). With the rich heritage and new innovations in the cheese world, eating local has never been so rewarding.

FIND OUT MORE

For more information on local cheese and British Cheese Tastings, visit Louisa’s website: www.flavourtastings.co.uk.

It’s also a great place to read about some of the producers and search out recipes.

August 2014

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Soundingoff WILL OSCAR WIN AN OSCAR? Andrew Crisell recently made a list of potential gripes and was horrified to discover that virtually everything irritated him, the classic symptom of a dreadful old fogey. Here is another lighthearted contribution...

Every time Gog sounds off you may sense the extrusion of tongue into cheek, and therefore take a pinch of seasoning. But at the heart of today’s rant lies a serious point: the perils of televised trials.

At one level or another, all the participants in the trial are aware of these things. The presence of an audience almost inevitably changes their behaviour: they feel pressure not just to be natural and truthful, but to work up a show.

They don’t happen in this country but there is some pressure The barristers must satisfy popular expectation to hold them (especially from broadcasters with an eye to the and play to the gallery. If the accused is pleadratings), and we have all been treated to continuous coverage of ing innocence he’ll need to look innocent, or if the trial of the South African athlete, Oscar Pistorius. The argu- he’s hoping for mitigation demonstrate contriments for televising court cases are, tion by shedding tears, on the face of it, compelling. We live Televised trials are a devil’s bargain because without the in a democracy where there should that turns the audience into voyeurs tears the audience will be as much freedom of information and encourages the participants to doubt the contrition. as possible, and our system of justice put on an act.

What starts as a trial on is an aspect of that democracy. Justelevision soon becomes tice should not only be done but seen to be done, so the more trial by television. people who can observe justice in action, the better.

Real justice, however, is not concerned with And yet when vast numbers of people are watching at close drama but with finding out the truth – and quarters, a strange sorcery occurs. Honesty appearances can distract and sincerity become early casualties. Telefrom the truth. Most statues vised trials are a devil’s bargain that turn the which symbolise ‘Justice’ deaudience into voyeurs and encourage the pict a lady who not only carparticipants to put on an act. These trials do, ries a sword and scales but let’s be clear, make irresistible viewing. At wears a blindfold. This tells any time, most of us are happy just to gape at us that she will do her duty other people’s business, hence the old joke, “I without fear or favour, ignorlove work: I can sit and watch people do it for ing identity, wealth and rank. hours”. But trials on telly are terrific: adverBut it also suggests that she saries clash; barristers argue with each other won’t take any notice of viand distraught, angry or evasive witnesses; sual attempts to entertain or there is suspense because the result is as yet deceive her. Trials on teleunknown. All the ingredients of drama are vision are enormous fun to here. Even more closely than in the theatre, watch, but they don’t serve we can study the face of the accused. Is he inthe cause of justice. nocent or guilty? And best of all, the drama is not make-believe: Do you agree with Andrew? What irritates you it’s for real! Nevertheless, what we’re after is not so much the these days? Please write in or let us know at editor@vantagepublishing.co.uk. truth as entertainment.

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Abinger Cookery School Vincent Clist is the head chef of the Abinger Cookery School and to date runs all the classes they hold there. Vinny fell into cooking after working in his local pub and went on to gain experience working in several restaurants in and around Cambridge. It was his stint working with gastro holiday company, Fish & Pips, that really put Vinny on the culinary map. Having completed three seasons working as a chalet chef for them in the French Alps, Vinny was awarded The Times Chalet Chef of the Year.

Vinny’s subsequent two years travelling and cooking in Australia further underlined his talent as a cook allowing him to broaden his culinary experience and expertise.

Chargrilled leeks with a Romesco sauce 1. Wash the leeks thoroughly and peel off the outer layer, trim off 1cm from the root end and leave a few centimetres of green at the top end.

2. Bring a large pan of well salted water to the boil, fill a bowl with cold water and ice.

3. Add the leeks to the boiling water and cook for 4-6 minutes, or until softened, drain. Then put them into iced water.

4. When cold, drain from the water and pat dry with kitchen paper. Brush with a little olive oil and barbecue for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally until charred.

5. Put them into a bowl with the left over olive oil, lemon juice and zest, sliced garlic, basil and parsley and toss together. Season well and serve.

For the Romseco sauce: 1. Put the red peppers and tomatoes in a roasting tray, drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

2. Wrap the two halves of garlic in foil and add to the roasting tray, roast in

the oven for 20 minutes.

3. Remove from the oven and put the peppers in a bowl and cover with cling film to ‘sweat’ off the skins.

4. When the garlic is cool enough to handle, pop the cloves out of their skins and set aside.

5. Peel and de-seed the peppers.

6. Toast the almonds in the oven for 3-4 minutes until lightly browned.

7. Heat some olive oil in a frying pan and fry the bread on both sides until golden brown.

8. Put the chilli, red peppers, roasted tomatoes, garlic, almonds, bread and vinegar into a food processor.

Add 100ml of olive oil and blitz until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

30

8 small leeks 3 tbsp olive oil Juice and zest of 1 lemon 1 garlic clove, peeled and finely sliced Small handful of basil and parsley, roughly chopped Salt and pepper For the Romesco sauce: 1 dried red chilli, soaked in warm water for 2 hours 2 red peppers 5 ripe plum tomatoes 100ml olive oil, plus extra for drizzling 1 whole head of garlic, halved horizontally 100g blanched almonds 1 thick slice of good quality white bread 50 ml sherry vinegar Salt and pepper Serves 4

Courgette and fennel salad 1. Using a speed peeler, peel the courgettes lengthways into long thin ribbons, thinly slice the fennel then finely chop the chillies and add them all to a bowl.

2. In a small jug, add the juice of the lemon and top up with double the amount of extra virgin olive oil. Stir in a pinch of salt, then mix well and pour over the salad.

3. Toss to coat, then scatter over

Ingredients

Ingredients

the basil and mint leaves and serve immediately.

2 courgettes, (mixture of yellow and green) 1 bulb of fennel 1-2 fresh red chillies, de-seeded 1 lemon Extra virgin olive oil Sea salt A few sprigs of fresh basil leaves, picked A few sprigs of mint leaves, picked Serves 4

vantagepointmag.co.uk

FOOD Beef Ribs with Chimichuri 1. Mix all the marinade ingredients together in a large non-metallic dish.

Add the beef and marinate for a minimum of two hours, or overnight if time allows.

2. Preheat the oven to 140°C/gas mark 3.

3. Transfer the beef ribs to a large non-stick roasting tin. Roast for 2-3 hours covered with foil, or until the beef ribs are cooked. Remove the foil, turn the oven up to 200C/gas mark 6,

return to the oven uncovered for a final 30 minutes for the marinade to reduce and glaze.

4. To make chimichurri, blitz the parsley, oregano, garlic, shallot and chilli flakes in a food processor or chop very finely by hand.

5. Add the olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar and some seasoning and pulse to combine everything to a saucy consistency.

Ingredients 1.3 kg of beef ribs For the marinade: 1 small onion, peeled and grated 300ml coke 2 tbsp light soy sauce 2 tbsp rapeseed or olive oil 2 garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped 2 tbsp runny honey Freshly ground black pepper 1 tbsp crushed fennel seeds For the Chimichuri: Small bunch of parsley, roughly chopped ½ tsp of oregano, fresh or dried 2 garlic cloves 1 shallot, chopped ½ tsp of chilli flakes 2 tbsp of olive oil Juice of ½ a lemon 2 tsp of red wine vinegar Serves 4

Raspberry soufflé 1. Brush the base and sides of four 250ml soufflé dishes or coffee cups with melted butter and sprinkle with caster sugar, tipping out the excess.

2. Chill in the fridge for 20 minutes, then repeat.

3. Chill again until you are ready to use.

4. Process the raspberries in a food processor until smooth, strain through a sieve, then tip into a small saucepan with half of the caster sugar.

5. Stir over a low heat until the sugar has dissolved, bring to the boil and stir in the corn flour mixture.

6. Remove from the heat but continue stirring until it is all well mixed.

7. Leave to cool completely.

8. Preheat the oven to 170°C (325°F/ Gas 3).

9. Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt and the cream of tartar until soft peaks form.

August 2014

10. Gradually add the remaining caster sugar until the mixture is thick and glossy, add a third of the egg white to the raspberry purée, mixing well with a metal spoon, then add the rest of the egg white and gently mix it in.

11. Spoon into the dishes and smooth the tops.

12. Bake for 12-14 minutes, until well risen and starting to colour.

13. Dust with icing sugar and serve immediately.

Ingredients Melted butter and caster sugar, to dust the moulds 200g of raspberries, fresh or thawed frozen 115g caster sugar 2 tsp corn flour mixed with 2 tsp of cold water 4 egg whites Pinch of cream of tartar Icing sugar, to dust Serves 4

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GARDEN

What to do in With Matthew Pottage, Garden Manager at RHS Garden Wisley

August

Thrifty gardening Select a vigorous shoot, about 5 cm in length, strip off the lowest leaves, making the cut close to the leaf joint and insert into compost suitable for cuttings and propagation. Cuttings root best when taken as shoot tips, with any flowers pinched out and kept in a cool, moist environment out of full sunlight.

Late summer is a perfect time to be thinking about taking cuttings – creating plants for free! While I appreciate the hard work that goes into growing plants, I’m sure I am not alone in sometimes raising my eyebrows at the price of some that are easy to root and quick to grow on yourself.

To this end, now is the time to take ‘semi ripe’ cuttings, which are basically cuttings that have ripened stems over the summer and have the ability to produce their own roots.

Start with some half hardy perennials such as salvias and Penstemon and some of the easier shrubs, namely Hebe and rosemary and see how naturally green fingered you are.

Peeping over the garden fence It is in the height of summer when we tend to be at our busiest as gardeners, and it is important to leave the tools in the shed one day, and get out to other gardens, and see what other people are up to.

Love your lavender Our lavenders have completely finished their flowering display now, and it is a prime time to give them a decent haircut and get them back into shape.

There is often some doubt about how to keep these popular shrubs in prime condition; despite them being a mainstay of so many of our gardens. Firstly, remember they cannot regenerate from the oldest of wood if pruned to the point where no leaves remain; therefore the trick is to deadhead the plant, and reduce the section of green growth that exists between the wood and the bottom of the flower stem. This reduces the height of the plant and helps to keep it compact.

If your plant is very woody and ‘leggy’ you can ‘drop layer’ which is basically lifting the plant, digging a deeper hole and popping it back in, feeding the soil back around the stems, which take root and give you a cluster of new plants. This needs to be done in spring however as it causes the plant some initial stress that could push it over the edge in a cold winter if done in late summer/autumn.

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Even for us, blessed with Wisley, it is always refreshing to see other people’s plants, how they grow them, what they grow them with and how they lay their garden out. This is the beauty of the National Gardens Scheme (NGS) – there’s nothing more fun than seeing someone else’s patch and learning something new. They may be growing that plant you like but are too scared to invest in in case it dies or your eyes could be opened to a new way of doing things.

However, if your garden is already picture perfect, go for the tea and cake – it never disappoints in my experience.

FIND OUT MORE

RHS Garden Wisley, Woking GU23 6QB. Visit rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley to find out more.

vantagepointmag.co.uk

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Jottings - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD - NOW IN DATE ORDER! Lazenby, email terrylazenby@ terrylazenby.plus.com.

waiting list for sold out shows plus more. You can join today by calling 01306 8811717.

Leatherhead Rotary Club is holding a Car Treasure Hunt on Saturday 27th September. It starts and finishes at Leatherhead Youth Project, Kingston Road, Leatherhead KT22 7BT. There’s a breakfast briefing at 9.30am and lunch and results are at 1pm. The cost is £20 per person and includes breakfast and lunch. Suitable for all ages. Places are limited so book now by contacting Simon Edmands at 07753 821964 or simon. edmands@ukipme.com.

Horsley Garden Society holds flower and produce shows, meetings, lectures and visits that bring together those with an interest in gardening.

They hold a plant sale which is open to the public, along with three shows at which members compete for awards and trophies with their flowers, fruit and vegetables, homecrafts and handicrafts. Their Autumn Show is on Saturday 20th September at West Horsley Village Hall with viewing from 2pm to 4pm for non-members who can study the displays, talk to exhibitors and enjoy refreshments. Admission is free. Anyone interested in membership at the modest cost of £8 per annum should contact the chairman, Roger Lindsay, email sue.roger@virgin.net or the membership secretary, Terry

At 7.30pm on Saturday 27th September, vocal ensemble Harlequin is for the first time coming to Guildford to sing at the Electric Theatre. From Thomas Tallis to Eric Whitacre, madrigals and folksong arrangements to 80s ballads, this stunningly versatile group presents a romantic evening of love songs through the ages.

36>

Harlequin comprises choral scholars from across the South East of England. Tickets can be obtained from the Electric Theatre box office at www.electrictheatre.co.uk.

Harlequin is a bit different from most amateur choirs in as much as it was set up for singers of a very high calibre who have gone into other professions but wish to continue singing at a high level. Members, who have to go through an audition, come from quite far afield. They are only 13 strong and will only ever be a maximum of 16. They make a great sound and sing all sorts of accessible music, all without accompaniment.

They are rehearsed by the highly regarded Catherine Beddison, who is a music teacher at Cranleigh School and also co-conducts Cranleigh Choral Society.

I love hearing news about progress on the restoration of the Wey & Arun Canal. I realise that I probably won’t be around to see the task completed, but great strides are

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Leith Hill and Friday Street At 965 feet (294m) Leith Hill is not only the highest point in Surrey but also the highest in south east England. It is a magnificent viewpoint, one of a series that crowns the well-wooded greensand ridge a few miles south of the North Downs. This walk is mostly through the lovely pine and beech woods and over areas of sandy heathland that is characteristic of greensand country, and although fairly hilly in places it is relatively undemanding. However, do follow the route instructions carefully; the large number of tracks and paths in this area, much of which are owned by the National Trust, can be confusing at times.

The walk Begin by taking a path that leads up from the car park, following the first of a series of signs with a tower symbol on them, towards Leith Hill Tower. At a track turn right to head quite steeply uphill. Bear left in front of a gate marked ‘Bridleway’ at a junction and climb again to reach Leith Hill Tower. This was built in 1766 by Richard Hull of nearby Leith Hill Place to compensate for the hill just failing to top the 1,000ft mark; the extra height pushes it to 1,029ft.

There is a small admission charge to the tower, from where there is one of the finest and most extensive panoramas in the south east: northwards across to the North Downs and beyond that to London and the Chilterns, and southwards over the Weald to the South Downs and the English Channel.

Just past the tower the path forks. Take the right-hand path here, at a second fork take the left-hand one and at a third fork take the lefthand one again. Shortly after, a well-defined path joins from the left. Continue ahead for about ½ mile, following the straight main path across Wotton Common to reach a crosstrack.

Turn right here along a fairly straight path and after ½ mile bear left at a T-junction to a lane.

Turn left and almost immediately turn right, at a public footpath sign, along a path that keeps along the inside edge of woodland, with a fence on the right.

On the edge of the woodland go through a kissing gate and follow a path across a field to go through another kissing gate at the far end.

Continue along an enclosed path to the right of houses, soon re-entering woodland, and descend, by an old wire fence on the left, to a crossroads. Turn right along a track that winds through the beautiful woodlands of Abinger Bottom, briefly emerging from the trees to reach a lane. Keep ahead along the lane and 34

opposite the drive to a house called St Johns bear right to continue along a wooded track. After passing a barrier the track becomes a tarmac lane, which you follow through the charming and secluded hamlet of Friday Street to a T-junction passing the Stephan Langton pub.

Turn right to pass across the end of the millpond, a former hammer pond and one of many in the area that were created to power the hammers of the local ironworks up to the time of the Industrial Revolution. The view across it nowadays could hardly be more tranquil. On the far side, turn half right, at a public footpath sign, along a path that heads uphill away from the pond, passing to the left of a National Trust sign for Severells Copse, and continue steadily uphill to a lane. Cross over, keeping ahead to cross another lane and continue along the path in front. Take the right-hand path at a fork – not easy to spot – and head downhill along a sunken path, bearing slightly right on meeting another path to continue downhill, curving left to a lane.

Turn left through Broadmoor, another attractive and secluded hamlet, and opposite a riding centre turn sharp right, at Greensand Way and public bridleway waymarks, onto a track. Keep on this straight and broad track through Broadmoor Bottom for one mile and, 700 yards after passing to the right of Warren Farm, look out for a crossing of paths and tracks by a bench. Turn half left here onto a path; after a few yards cross a stream, by a Navantagepointmag.co.uk

WALK

tional Trust sign for Duke’s Warren, and a few yards further on at a fork take the right-hand path. This is a most delightful part of the walk, initially between woodland on the right and more open sloping heathland dotted with trees on the left. Later the path re-enters woodland and heads steadily uphill, finally curving left to a junction.

Bear left for a few yards to a fork and take the right-hand track, following the direction of a blue waymark and pass through a gate to leave Dukes Warren to emerge alongside the righthand edge of the cricket pitch on Coldharbour Common. Just after the cricket pavilion turn half right at a National Trust information board along a path with a green wooden post signposted ‘Coldharbour Walk’. Ignore all side turns and follow the green waymarkers all the while.

To the left there are grand views over the Weald to the South Downs on the horizon. Opposite a barrier on the right, turn left to re-join the outward route and head downhill back to Landslip car park.

DISTANCE: 6.5 miles OS MAPS: Landranger 187 (Dorking & Reigate), Explorer 146 (Dorking, Box Hill & Reigate) START GRID REFERENCE: TQ 147 432 STARTING POINT: Below Leith Hill, near Coldharbour village REFRESHMENTS: The Stephan Langton pub in Friday Street (tel 01306 730775). Open for food

Tuesday to Saturday 12pm-2.30pm and 6.30pm9.30pm. Sunday 12pm-4pm. Monday am closed but open at 5.30pm for drinks. Booking advisable.

The walk is taken from the Pathfinder Guide to Surrey, published by Crimson Publishing at £11.99. www.crimsonpublishing.co.uk.

Left: Leith Hill Tower (Peter Pearson) Above: The view from Leith Hill (Sebastian Anthony)

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.

August 2014

35

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

being made. The latest milestone is the completion of the restoration of Southland Lock some 200 years after it was built, which is now being used by boats once again.

The lock was demolished in the 1930s when the canal had fallen into disuse and many of the bricks reused on other local building projects. Reconstruction of the lock was a major challenge for the Trust, not just financially but also logistically as the site is located more than a mile from the nearest public road. WACT chairman Sally Schupke said “None of this would have been possible without the enthusiasm of the adjacent landowners. Their support made all the difference”. The focus of the restoration work will now move northwards. WACT is working on major restoration schemes near Bramley at the northern end of the canal and near Dunsfold at the summit of the waterway. For more information do have a look at www.weyandarun.co.uk.

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 the arts, culture and heritage.

Coffee is from 9.45 to 10.15am.

Lecture from 10.30 to 11.30am.

They are affiliated to the National Association of Decorative and Fine Arts Societies. The 2014/15 programme starts on 8th October with Louise Schofield giving a lecture on Myth and Legend in Early Greek Art. For more information visit their website: www.horsleydfas.org.uk.

The Harlequin Theatre & Cinema is now screening subtitled and audio described screenings, which make it possible for deaf and hard of hearing people, blind and visually impaired people to enjoy the cinema experience with their family and friends. An audio described performance is a standard screening, which is 36

ideal for visually impaired people.

It works by playing a recorded narration, explaining what’s happening on screen, during gaps in the dialogue, through personal headphones.

Closed Caption screenings are a text version of the spoken part of a film, similar to subtitles. Sony Entertainment Access glasses project captions onto the glasses and appear to float 10 feet in front of the user. They are designed for customers who are profoundly deaf so that they can ‘watch’ a film with ‘subtitles’ whilst everyone else watches the screen which displays no subtitles on it. They are hoping to screen their first closed caption screening in the next few months, but if customers would like to experience the glasses for themselves, they have trailers available which they can organise a viewing for. A free membership is available, which will allow customers to book one of the six available audio/ closed caption units in advance.

The membership is valid for one year and customers will receive a weekly e-newsletter with details of upcoming screenings. For further details call 01737 276500.

Just had another report from The Wey & Arun Canal Trust (WACT).

Apparently work to restore the Canal has won the support of a national group that hopes to make use of the waterway both during and after completion.

WACT chairman Sally Schupke says “The Trust is delighted that British Canoeing has decided to become a corporate member”.

Under the agreement, British Canoeing members will be licensed to use a three mile section of the restored canal in Loxwood, West Sussex, and more new areas as restoration progresses. The canal is ideally suited for canoeists and kayakers who enjoy paddling along quiet waters through beautiful unspoilt countryside. Any British Canoeing members wishing to make use of the new agreement

should contact WACT in advance by emailing the boat licensing officer on rallies@weyandarun.co.uk with membership details. Canoeists should report to the Canal Centre to sign in before taking to the water so that any special safety precautions for the day can be issued by the Canal Centre staff. Further details on www.weyandarun.co.uk .

Motorsport legend John Surtees OBE (interviewed in last month’s magazine), has presented a £75,000 cheque to local charity Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance, on behalf of the Henry Surtees Foundation. The presentation, which took place at Mercedes-Benz World, Weybridge, was made to the Air Ambulance Chief Executive Adrian Bell; the money will be used for ‘High Fidelity Simulators’. The Henry Surtees Foundation was inspired by John Surtees, following the tragic death of his son Henry whilst competing in a Formula 2 race in 2009 aged just 18 years old.

Incidentally, the third annual ‘Henry Surtees Foundation Brooklands Team Challenge’ charity kart event at Mercedes-Benz World was held on 1st July raised an estimated £60,000 for the Henry Surtees Foundation and Brooklands Museum (before contractors’ direct costs). The event was organised by the Henry Surtees Foundation, Brooklands Museum and Mercedes-Benz World, working with Daytona Motorsport.

Do remember that our Jottings are intended to support local charities and organisations by promoting their events for free.

So please do drop us an email if you would like us to feature your fundraisers, open days, fêtes, coffee mornings, lectures, activity days and more. Our email is jottings@ FIND OUT MORE

More Jottings are available online at vantagepointmag.co.uk. To send in an entry, go online or email us at jottings@vantagepublishing.co.uk.

vantagepointmag.co.uk

PROFILE

Kids for Kids Local charity Kids for Kids, based in Dorking, is celebrating the ‘absolutely fabulous’ news that Joanna Lumley OBE has accepted their invitation to become Patron (pictured with founder and Dorking resident, Patricia Parker MBE).

Kids for Kids transforms the lives of children living in abject poverty in remote villages in Darfur, Sudan, through a unique package of grassroots projects, which are run by the communities themselves.

Kids for Kids was founded in 2001 by Patricia who was horrified to see the conditions in which children were living in these villages.

The sight of one lone nine year old boy, walking seven hours to reach a handpump, was the catalyst. Water is underground in Darfur, if you can afford to drill for it. No villager can.

The water the little boy carried home kept his brothers, sisters and their three little goats alive. Their milk was crucial for providing protein, minerals and vitamins for the children.

Dorking residents were the first to respond to her plea for help. Now, 14 years on, there are 70 Kids for Kids villages where children’s lives are transformed.

“From the start, I was determined that every penny would be spent responsibly”, says Patricia. “So many charities seem to waste money, or it gets into the wrong hands, particularly in Africa. The money people give us is hard earned, and I feel a personal responsibility to make sure we really buy the goats and donkeys and other items mothers

in Darfur tell me they need so desperately.” Despite ongoing violence and increasing deprivation, Kids for Kids is enabling families to stay in their homes, giving the children a chance of a viable future. Villagers are trained to run the projects themselves and to be accountable to each other - thus ensuring sustainability. Key to the charity’s success is its Goat Loan.

Mothers are lent six goats to give the children milk, often their only protein. After two years they pass on six kid goats to another family, then another, and so on. Donating just one goat helps make a huge difference.

Particia explains that :“Joanna Lumley is calling for help for the children of Darfur who are at risk from starvation after years of neglect and violence. Families cannot afford to feed their children. Many have just one scant meal a day”. She continues: “Many died of starvation in 2013 and in May this year UNICEF warned that 80,000 were severely malnourished out of sight in the villages. No one is telling the world what is happening in Darfur. This is why to have the support of someone so wonderful and wise means so much. Joanna is determined the world will not be allowed to forget these innocent children.”

Kids for Kids is calling for volunteers for its Surrey Committee to help organise events, distribute leaflets, assist with street collections, and enjoy themselves. Patricia says, “it is brilliant that Joanna Lumley has chosen to help a Dorking charity but I need more local people to follow her lead and help us!”.

If you can spare just one hour a week, or have no spare time but would like to help buy a goat, it could not go to a better cause. The charity is careful that every penny is spent exactly where it is needed and relies on volunteers to make this possible. If you can help, please get in touch with Patricia at patricia@kidsforkids.org.uk or by telephoning 07957 206440.

FIND OUT MORE

You can view the charity’s new film with Joanna Lumley at: https://www.youtube.com/user/kidsforkidsdarfur www.kidsforkids.org.uk August 2014

37

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Boasting stars from the West End, a brand new spectacular featuring the kings of swing – Sammy Davis Jnr, Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra – is coming to the New Victoria Theatre, Woking on Sunday 28th September at 7.30pm.

Described as possessing “all the panache and attitude of Sammy, Dean and Frank during their Vegas heyday” hit show Rat Pack Live combines the sound of big band swing with an all-star cast. Featuring all the patter and razzamatazz of the Rat Pack’s infamous live stage show, music fans are invited to join “the UK’s number one Sammy, Dean and Frank live concert extravaganza”.

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The G Live Beer Festival is back this September (Friday 5th– Saturday 6th)! Filled to the brim with local ales, music and food, G Live’s Beer Festival will be a great way to celebrate the summer by meeting up with friends and finding your new favourite tipple.

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For more information, visit glive.co.uk or call the box office on 0844 7701 797.

To win one of three pairs of tickets to G Live’s Beer Festival on Saturday 6th September from 12 noon to 4pm, simply answer this question: Q: What is a main ingredient in beer?

Please enter online at vantagepointmag.co.uk by 28th August 2014.

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T&C apply. The prize is 2 x tickets to G Live’s Beer Festival on Saturday 6th September 12pm-4pm. Prize is non-transferable and there is no cash alternative. Entrants must be 18 years old or over.

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

King William IV, Mickleham Serving Great Food All Day

Different live music acts every Sunday 5pm – 8pm Enjoy a mixture of Jazz, Blues and Folk 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