VantagePoint Magazine December 2016 - Haslemere, Midhurst & Petworth by VantagePoint Magazine

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Haslemere, Midhurst & Petworth • December 2016

VANTAGEPOINT YO U R B E ST V IEW OF W H AT ’S GO ING O N LO C ALLY

Merry Christmas! Inside: A GREAT LOCAL CHOCOLATIER CHRISTMAS GLOW AT RHS WISLEY FROM PANTOMIMES TO SANTA - FESTIVE THINGS TO DO LOCALLY WIN A BREAD MAKING DEMONSTRATION IN YOUR OWN HOME

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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 publish five magazines which are delivered monthly by Royal Mail to over 117,500 homes across the Hampshire, Surrey and West Sussex, giving us the largest local circulation in the areas we cover. Each of our magazines is specifically localised and tailored to its geographical area and hand-delivered by your postman. Please visit www.vantagepointmag.co.uk or contact any of us below if you need any more information. CONNECTSURREY

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YOUR LOCAL TEAM I recently had a very enjoyable lunch with our very own GOG (Grumpy Old Git) who was actually not at all grumpy and perfect company, lubricated as you might imagine by a glass of wine or two. He is very grateful to those readers who often write in to (mostly) agree with him on the challenges of modern life. As you can imagine, he has plenty more articles up his sleeve for readers to look forward to in the New Year. A reminder that we are starting the VantagePoint Wine Festivals in 2017 and have three events lined up, one in Farnham in April, Guildford in May and Dorking in September. Advance tickets are just ÂŁ10 per person for entry and ÂŁ25 per person for entry together with discounted wine

Stefan Reynolds Editor & Publisher

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tokens, so you may like to consider buying some as Christmas presents for any wine lover you know. There will be over 100 wines available alongside some from our great, local producers. There will also be music and entertainment, and we will be supporting two local charities at each event. Please visit our website www.vantagepointevents.co.uk for more details. Finally, we wish all our advertisers and readers a very merry and peaceful Christmas and a very happy and prosperous New Year. It is a great time to catch up with family and I am much looking forward to spending Christmas at home with French relatives coming over from Paris - in spite of Brexit! Contact the editor: stefan@vantagepublishing.co.uk

Marcus Atkins, Sales Director 01483 420173 / 07702 132157 marcus@vantagepublishing.co.uk

Lauren Broughton, Sales 01483 661088 / 07852 041227 lauren@vantagepublishing.co.uk

Contributors: Phil Kemp, Beth Otway, Kirstie Smillie

Liz Godfrey, Sales 01483 661089 / 07788 748826 liz@vantagepublishing.co.uk

Jesse Boon, Sales 01483 418141 / 07542 710508 jesse@vantagepublishing.co.uk

Cover: Mince pies by Nadia Mackenzie (NT)

December 2016

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Print: Buxton Press

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

RUGMART Surrey’s Biggest Rug Shop www.rugmart.co.uk

6 Jottings Your local community noticeboard

9 Our local chocolatier Phil Kemp visits Noble & Stace

14 Festive Things to Do Local pantos, markets and meet Santa

Visit us for a huge range of Modern, Contemporary & Bespoke rugs

20 Fashion Sheer Delight Decadence

29 Green Wood Works Woodland conservation hand-in-hand with furniture

33 Gardening Christmas at Kew and Christmas gift ideas

36 Recipes Chocolate delights

40 Walk

Hand Woven Oriental Rugs Traditional & Antique Rugs Large and Over Size Rugs Persian & Afghan Rugs Handmade Tribal Kilims Hall Runners & Hearth Rugs

Two National Trust walks

43 Profile Waverley Ensemble

Come and visit our showroom: 2-3 Woodbridge Road, Guildford GU1 4PU Be inspired by our treasure trove of rugs over 4 floors and 7000 sq ft!

01483 578874 4

45 Business Cards Small ads for trades and services

47 Competitions Win one of three great prizes

VANTAGEPOINT YOUR B E S T V I E W OF W H AT ’S G OI N G ON L OC AL LY

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

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A chorister’s life at Chichester Cathedral – an unparalleled opportunity for your son All Chichester’s choristers receive:

A world class musical education A foundation for continuing success An exceptional opportunity Generous scholarships

“We feel so blessed that our son is a chorister: he is happy and fulfilled, and we enjoy every minute of watching him grow and flourish” Lisa, chorister’s mum

PLACES AVAILABLE NOW FOR YEAR 5 BOYS PLACES AVAILABLE FOR YEAR 3 & 4 BOYS FROM SEPTEMBER 2017 Contact Charles Harrison, Director of Music, soon, either by phone 01243 812486 or e-mail organist@chichestercathedral.org.uk to find out more or to arrange a friendly informal audition. Open Day on March 4th – a chance for your son to have fun finding out what the Chorister’s Life is all about – save the date! See: www.chichestercathedral.org.uk/worship/cathedral-choir/

Make sure your little one is reception-ready with our new Reception Readiness programme. Weekly in-school familiarisation sessions Sessions run from after February half term to end of Summer term Completely free of charge for registered children Themed sessions

To register your place, or to find out more, please call the school on 01428 643734, or email hayley.dibb@stiveshaslemere.com

Is your little one reception-ready? December 2016

Three Gates Lane, Haslemere, Surrey, GU27 2ES

01428 643734 www.stiveshaslemere.com

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St Ives School is a part of

Charity Reg No 312080 Company Reg No 724728

JOTTINGS YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

JOTTINGS

Jottings is your community noticeboard for local events and information, compiled by Nick and Angie Crisell. To feature here, please email us at jottings@vantagepublishing.co.uk by the copy date shown below. Please note that space is limited and inclusion cannot be guaranteed.

Plenty going on in the run-up to Christmas and beyond, with a great behind-the-scenes tour at Petworth House in January which will be worth the trip. You can do the walk featured in this edition at the same time if you do decide to pay a visit so do keep your magazine! Whatever you do, we wish our readers a very peaceful and merry Christmas. GOG gets published! I hope you will forgive me but I am going to start off this month’s jottings giving a bit of a plug to my dear old cousin Andrew, who in conjunction with a very old pal of his, Gordon Mott, have just published their first novel. You may have read in Vantage Point some of Andrew’s somewhat tongue in cheek rantings under the name of GOG (Grumpy Old Git). I think the last one was on mobile phones. Anyway, I have just finished reading the novel and I do have to say it was a highly amusing read that sent me to sleep chuckling. It is called ‘Higher ; The Tale of a University’, by Gordon Mott and Andrew Crisell. Here is the blurb: It’s a dark day for the failing University of Mixton when vice chancellor Dr Turpin gets an ultimatum from Whitehall: improve massively or face closure. Enter Ed Prendergast, an enforcer bent on axing old degrees and launching trendy new ones in non-academic subjects. But Ed is faced with members of staff who are each pursuing their own, very dodgy, agenda. The ensuing imbroglio of student sit-ins, sex, spying, and sudden death gives rise to some gripping questions. How does the university’s finest building get burned to the ground? What are green gorillas? Why are so many of Mixton’s residents being burgled? And who is dealing drugs to both students and townsfolk, not to mention the vice chancellor? Will snowballing disaster spell the end of Mixton University? Or will it survive all challenges to show us the future of British higher education? It occurs to me that the book might make a rather good Christmas stocking filler, especially for anyone who has had something to do with university life. It’s available from Amazon, price £11.99 or you can download to Kindle for just £3.

Grayshott Decorative and Fine Arts Society Thursday 1st December 2pm In ‘The Christmas Story in Renaissance Art’ Paula Nuttall will tell the Christmas Story through a selection of well-loved paintings and illuminated manuscripts. Thursday 5th January brings the first meeting of 2017 when, in ‘For the Inspection of the Public’, Helen Hillyard will explore the origins of the incredible collection at the Dulwich Picture Gallery. This will be an invaluable preliminary to their visit there in the spring. On Friday 18th January, they will visit The National Portrait Gallery for the Picasso’s Portraits Exhibition. For more information about these events and the society, contact Caroline on 01428714276 or visit the website www.grayshottdfas.org.uk. RHS Garden Wisley Thursday 1st to Saturday 31st December Throughout December, the Garden, Shop and Plant Centre will be open until 8pm. Last entry to the Garden will be at 7pm. Enjoy the Christmas Glow lights in the Garden, the festive gifts, food and books in the Wisley shop as well as the famous Wisley Christmas Shop (closed after 24th Dec) in the Plant Centre. Normal Garden entry applies with reduced entry price after 3pm (£9.90 per adult and £3.60 for 5 – 16 year olds).On 24th December the site closes at 5 pm and remains closed over Christmas Day. Enjoy a Boxing Day stroll as the Garden reopens. Also, visit Santa and Mrs Claus for stories, songs and a present at Wisley Plant Centre. Prices from £10 per child, children of any age, must be accompanied by an adult, prices from £2 for adults. Check the dates and book online at www.rhs.org.uk/wisley. Chiddingfold Cinema Friday 2nd December 6.30pm The final film for 2016 is The BFG (2016) Cert PG, Running time: approx. 2 hours 15 minutes. Steven Spielberg and Mark Rylance, who last teamed up to Oscar-winning effect for Cold War thriller Bridge of Spies, combine again to present a new adaptation of Roald Dahl’s tale of 10-year-old Sophie and her

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<6 JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD magical encounter with The Big Friendly Giant. Definitely one for all the family. Tickets for each standard screening cost £5 (£3 for children under 15) on the door, or in advance via www. chiddingfoldcinema.com or from Chiddingfold Post Office. Season Tickets are also available from both locations. For all the latest information and screening dates, sign up to the mailing list, either online at or in person at the box office of each screening. For further details, especially anyone interested in volunteering to join them, contact Matthew Lacey on 01428 683120, or email boxoffice@chiddingfoldcinema.com. Julian Lewry Music They have some excellent gigs in December. On Friday 2nd December they present Sally Barker at St. John’s Church in Farncombe. Sally was The Voice UK finalist 2014. “She changes the atmosphere in a room when she sings” (BBC Radio 2’s Chris Evans). Tickets £16 adv / £19 door. Then on Saturday 3rd December, China Crisis will be at St. John’s Church. Formed in 1979 in Kirkby on Merseyside with a core band of vocalist/ keyboardist Garry Daly and guitarist Eddie Lundon, China Crisis charted in the 80’s with distinctive AOR-fuelled pop songs like African & White, Christian, Wishful Thinking, Black Man Ray, King In A Catholic Style and Best Kept Secret. Tickets £18 adv / £22 door. Finally, on Friday 9th December, -Glenn Tilbrook will be at St. John’s Church. Squeeze frontman Glenn Tilbrook is one of Britain’s most cherished singers, guitarists and songwriters. There is no denying Glenn has been pretty busy over the last couple of years - such is the continuing work ethic of a fellow who’s never been far from the action since Squeeze made their recording bow with the Packet Of Three EP in 1977. Tickets £18

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adv / £22 door. For full details / links on these and the many other fabulous shows coming in 2017, see the website and/ or the respective Facebook pages where you can catch all the latest news about the shows. www.julianlewrymusic.com. www.facebook.com/farncombemusicclub. You can also call Julian Lewry on 01483 421520 / 07769 592452. Haslemere Musical Society Saturday 3rd December 7.30pm Their autumn concert in Haslemere Hall, features works for both choir and orchestra. The 60-strong choir, accompanied by the society’s symphony orchestra, will sing Charles Gounod’s wonderfully melodious St Cecilia Mass. Gounod was a great tunesmith and put some of his most beautiful melodies into this joyous work, written in honour of the patron saint of music. The orchestral part of the concert will include Glazunov’s Winter from his suite The Seasons and will be followed by excerpts from the evergreen and hugely popular ballet Swan Lake by Tchaikovsky. Tickets, priced from £8 to £16, with half-price for under 18’s, are available from Haslemere Hall on 01428 642161 or from HMS members. Christmas Fayre - All Saints Church Grayswood Saturday 3rd December 11.30am-1.30pm Stalls include bottle tombola, cakes, gifts, brocante, bulbs and plants, bran tub, toys and games, cards, books and DVDs and much more. Soup and Bacon Butties will be served from 12.15pm -1.30pm. Entrance £1 adults (includes tea/coffee and a biscuit!); children under 10 free. Do go along and join the fun! For more information contact Di on 01428 654303 or email

LIGHTING

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Thoroughly intriguing chocolate from a

local chocolatier Phil Kemp pays a visit to Noble & Stace Everyone loves chocolate don’t they? Whether it’s as a ‘thank you for inviting me’ gift, a present for a special person - or just sheer selfindulgence. But there’s chocolate and there’s very special chocolate, and the handcrafted chocolate produced in rural Sussex by Noble & Stace Chocolatiers is simply mouth-wateringly special. Mike Noble practices his magical art at their chocolate kitchen nestled in the South Downs National Park, and for a very good reason. Much of their chocolate uses flavoursome ingredients sourced locally from wineries, a gin distillery, coffee roasters, a mint farm, a craft brewer and intriguingly even a natural mineral water producer. “The first chocolates we produced eighteen months ago were the result of a collaboration with a small craft brewery a few miles away,” said Mike. “I started working with Langham Brewery by exploring the different flavours of their ales to find one that best complemented our chocolate, and produced a tablette that was very well received - once people got the idea that ale and chocolate makes a tasty combination. Their award winning hoppy ale was blended with a rich dark chocolate ganache in place of cream and butter.” Mike Noble

December 2016

As an occasional chocolate binger I knew it wouldn’t take much to tease my palate, but in my conversation with Mike I was quickly becoming intrigued. Chocolate and craft ale? Well, sure, why not? But what he said next literally took my breath away. “I then went to completely the opposite end of the scale, and got in touch with the South Downs Water Company. Instead of the traditional truffle

combination of chocolate, cream, and butter I took out the cream and the butter - and replaced it with a mineral water.” said Mike, smiling at my bemused expression. “I knew that would surprise you. It surprises many people. Water and chocolate don’t normally mix that well, but it does if you get it in the right quantity - and it gives a quite different texture. In a traditional truffle cream and butter is quite indulgent, and it’s creamy and quite rich. But unlike the mineral water one it doesn’t have an instant melt in the mouth. The best way I can describe our Pure Mineral Water Truffles is that they’re a bit like a sorbet – which has a very clean kind of melt and a rich taste - and nobody would think that it didn’t have the cream and the butter. And of course it’s a dairy-free option that increasingly customers are looking for.” Chocolate and ale? Chocolate and mineral water? Surely Mike’s chocolate ingredients cupboard had run out of surprises? “Our customer research revealed, perhaps not surprisingly, a love of Champagne truffles. We are surrounded by vineyards around here, and so I soon produced my equivalent of a Champagne truffle using

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recommend without hesitation given the tantalising and surprisingly original flavours I tasted in their chocolate kitchen.

a local English sparkling wine. That really captured people’s imagination so I do a lot now with different vineyards in Sussex and Hampshire. It’s not a massively powerful alcoholic taste, but the fruitiness of the wine really comes through making a really nice smooth truffle.” Mike paused for effect, and of course he had the advantage of knowing what was coming next. ”Just two weeks ago we launched our new Chilgrove Gin Truffle range! We worked closely with the Chichesterbased distillery’s husband and wife team to develop some recipes – and we now have a very zesty gin and lime truffle, which is quite subtle on the gin. And we also have our gin and lemon, which is stronger on the gin and with a little less on the lemon. And of course, as you’d expect there is a gin and tonic truffle too - with a little bit of orange in it giving it a lovely citrus mix.” Noble & Stace Chocolatiers make everything by hand – melting and moulding and creating in their spotless food hygiene five-rated chocolate kitchen. There are no automated industrial-scale production machines. All the equipment used is typical of any domestic kitchen. And it is their hands-on approach that makes their chocolate so distinctive.

“We mostly stock through local suppliers like farm shops, delis and cafes – and farmers’ markets. My first stockist was the farm shop and café at Cowdray Park in Midhurst. Increasingly we’re being approached to make special orders for restaurants, hotels and events like weddings. We did a wedding recently where they wanted gifts for their guests, and being autumn we created little gift boxes inside which nestled chocolate acorns and oak leaves. But word is spreading and we’re getting enquiries from stockists much farther afield. And of course, you can place your own personal order on our website. We can make up special orders just for you – for example a pick and mix of six sparkling wine truffles and six peppermint creams.” Mike Noble has certainly introduced my taste buds to some surprising flavour combinations and unfettered delight enjoyed when a freshly hand crafted chocolate from his kitchen melts away in your mouth. Chocolatier extraordinaire! Phil Kemp is a freelance writer and photographer based in Godalming. www.weyriver.co.uk

10% DISCOUNT for VantagePoint readers Show this article to Noble & Stace at any one of the markets or fairs they will be at before Christmas and get a 10% discount on their fabulous chocolates. Visit their website to see where they will be at www. nobleandstace.co.uk or look on their social media: Facebook.com/nobleandstacechocolatiers Twitter @noble_and_stace FIND OUT MORE

Noble & Stace Chocolatiers. Website: www.nobleandstace.co.uk, phone: 01730 814886 or email: mike@nobleandstace.co.uk.

“The problem with mass-produced chocolate is that the big manufacturers have to provide for a very long shelflife - and in so doing they need to add extra ingredients to achieve this, which does make the flavour different,” explained Mike. “We produce chocolate mostly to order which means that our chocolate is freshly produced and in small volumes. We all also eat with our eyes so we are presenting something that is unique looking, and looks more appealing as it hasn’t been run off a machine. I’m piping it by hand, I’m adding something to it, all the truffles are dipped by hand. It is a labourintensive way of doing it, but that’s what makes it special.” I asked Mike where we can go to enjoy the Noble & Stace chocolate experience – something I’d personally

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<8 JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD drdcook01@gmail.co.uk or Shirley on 01428 653285 or email shirley1941@btinternet.com. Green Father Christmas 3rd, 4th, 10th, 11th, 17th and 18th December A very special guest is arriving at the Weald & Downland Open Air Museum in Singleton, near Chichester. Green Father Christmas (or Old Winter) was originally part of an old English midwinter festival – usually dressed in green he was a sign of the returning spring. Every child can spend time with Green Father Christmas, seated in his decorated chamber, before receiving a traditional wooden toy (or soft toy for 0-3 year-olds) wrapped in brown paper and string. There will be plenty of opportunities to take photos, and each guest can enjoy a hot drink and a mince pie whilst waiting. Meetings with Green Father Christmas are by appointment and tickets must be purchased in advance. Tickets are £10 per child (including a toy) and all children must be accompanied by an adult. Accompanying adult tickets (maximum two per meeting) are available for £5 each (free for Annual Members) and include full entrance to the Museum. Tickets are available to buy online via the Museum’s website at www. wealddown.co.uk/shop. Regular Museum admission prices apply to additional accompanying visitors. Those with access requirements are advised to call the Museum on 01243 811363 or email office@wealddown.co.uk prior to booking. Museum opening times and further information can be found at www. wealddown.co.uk. The Museum is open from 10.30am to 4pm at weekends throughout December (closed 24th /25th December) and opens for ‘Christmas at the Museum’ on Boxing Day and Tuesday 27th December. Dogs on leads are welcome.

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Liphook Scouts Christmas Post 2016 Saturday 3rd to Saturday 17th December I think that this is a great idea, do try and support it. Liphook Scouts are running their Christmas card postal service in Liphook, Bramshott, Conford, Passfield and Fernhurst, collecting from the 3rd - 17th December. It costs 25p a card. For post box locations and more information see www.liphookscouts.org. uk/post. Borderlands Artists Consortium From Saturday 3rd December This group of artists are working towards Look Again, an exhibition in the Haslemere Museum. It is to be a very free flowing celebration of the beautiful objects there. It runs from 3rd December into the New Year. Borderlands is always keen for new members! Look at their work at www. borderlandsartists.org, and call 07919 278613 or 01252 714693 for more information. Cowdray Farm Shop Christmas Tasting Day Saturday 3rd December 10am-3pm They will be hosting their annual Christmas Tasting Day where everyone is welcome and it’s free of charge. On arrival customers will receive a complimentary mulled wine before entering the courtyard in front of the shop where a range of suppliers will be sampling out their festive produce. Suppliers include Midhurst based Noble and Stace chocolatiers and Pulborough based Charlie’s Trout. Neal’s Yard Dairy will also be offering seasonal artisan cheeses. The Cowdray butchers will be on hand to take orders for turkeys and hams and answer

Local vineyard

situated on Blackdown Ridge, Haslemere

• Excellent Christmas gifts for friends, family or business needs • Vineyard tours Visit our online shop at www.blackdownridge.co.uk Blackdown Ridge Estate Blackdown Park Farm, Blackdown Park, Fernden Lane, West Sussex GU27 3BT T: 01428 656003 E: admin@blackdownridge.co.uk

December 2016

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Bespoke Woodcraft_Layout 1 14/11/2012 17:43 Page 1

<11 JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

Bespoke Woodcraft We are a local joinery that commits to making all your indoor/outdoor wood projects to the highest quality standard

customer queries, as well as supplying some cooked tasters for visitors to sample. Other seasonal products available include homemade Cowdray mince pies and lattice tarts, Cowdray Christmas cake, Christmas puddings, practical gifts and Christmas floral displays and wreaths plus Christmas Trees from local supplier, Santa Fir. Christmas Trees Saturday 3rd, 10th and Sunday 11th December 10am-2pm You can harvest your own Christmas tree on these dates at Hindhead Commons and the Devil’s Punch Bowl. Bring along a saw and pair of gloves to choose and cut your own Christmas tree. Trees from £15. More information at www.nationaltrust. org.uk/hindhead-and-devils-punchbowl . Meet Santa at Haslemere Museum Sunday 4th December 11am to 3pm Santa will be paying a surprise visit to the Museum as part of the Haslemere Christmas Market. So bring your little ones along to meet Santa and tell him all their special Christmas wishes. Each child will receive a gift to take home. The cafe will be open for tasty seasonal treats too! Free entry to Museum and £3 per child for Santa visit. For more details visit www. haslemeremuseum.co.uk.

tel: 07763329641 or 01428 643316 bespokewoodcraft@yahoo.co.uk www.bespokewoodcraft.co.uk

Tree Dressing at Weald & Downland Open Air Museum Sunday 4th December The annual Tree Dressing celebration, held at the Museum in Singleton, near Chichester, is a magical occasion for visitors of all ages. Based on an ancient custom that celebrates the

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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

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life-giving properties of trees, Tree Dressing takes place during National Tree Week. With its origins in the Green Man legends and other ancient customs, visitors to the Museum are invited to make a lantern during the afternoon, which is then lit for a procession around the Museum’s downland site. Younger visitors are well catered for, with lantern and headdress making, crafts and storytelling. The Museum is open from 10.30am until 4pm with Tree Dressing activities beginning at 12.30pm. Visitors wishing to make a lantern should aim to arrive promptly in order to participate in the final procession, which starts at 3.45pm and closes the day. Winter warmers on offer include mulled cider, mulled apple juice and spiced biscuits, for which the Museum requests donations. Regular Museum admission prices apply (free for annual members). Dogs on short leads are welcome and there is ample free parking. Visitors with disabilities are advised to contact the Museum on 01243 811363 in advance of their visit to discuss the easiest way to access the site. The Museum is open at weekends throughout December (closed 24th – 25th December) and open for ‘Christmas at the Museum’ on Boxing Day and Tuesday 27th December. Sussex Wildlife Trust – Wildlife Calendar Stunning wildlife calendar will support nature conservation in Sussex. Sussex Wildlife Trust, the largest nature conservation charity in the county, has published its first printed calendar following requests from members and other supporters. It features 12 stunning full colour photographs showcasing some of the most beautiful and stunning examples of wildlife found in Sussex, as well as fun facts about the featured species and reminders of key UK dates. Money raised from sales will be

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Festive things to do Christmas means lots of things to many different people. Here we round up some of the pantomimes being shown, places where you can visit Santa and a few fabulous markets, both local and further afield.

Pantomimes...

Dick Whittington Dorking Halls, Reigate Road, Dorking RH4 1SJ 17th December to 28th December Dick Whittington tells the rags-to-riches tale of our hero and his hilarious cat, on their fun-packed journey to find fame and fortune in London. This year’s Dorking Halls pantomime will be packed full of laugh-out-loud comedy routines, stunning dances, show-stopping songs and heaps of audience participation… Oh yes it will! www.dorkinghalls.co.uk Aladdin Yvonne Arnaud Theatre Millbrook, Guildford GU1 3UX 9th December to 8th January Ultimate Panto villain Kit Hesketh-Harvey returns to Guildford as Abanazar. Following her captivating performance in the West End production of War Horse, Emma Thornett will play the title role of Aladdin this Christmas (left). www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk Peter Pan Haslemere Hall Bridge Road, Haslemere GU27 2AS 13th January to 21st January 2017 It’s panto time again (oh no it isn’t, oh yes it is!) and 2017 brings a swashbuckling spectacle of a pantomime - Peter Pan. Join Peter, Wendy and the Lost Boys as they take on the villainous Captain Hook and his band of pirates. www.haslemerehall.co.uk Beauty and the Beast Leatherhead Theatre Church Street, Leatherhead KT22 8DN 20th to 30th December Join them for exciting adventure this 14

year...an adventure that will transport us to the French village of ‘Marsh de Mello’, where a love story is waiting to unfold that will tickle your French Fancy! www.theleatherheadtheatre.org

Further afield Sleeping Beauty Princes Hall Princes Way, Aldershot GU12 4RR 8th December to 31st December Starring favourites Robert Hopkins, Donovan Christian Cary, James Franklin, Rachel LeaGray and Tom Capper. As well as everyone’s favourite routine from Peter Pan and Snow White - The Twelve Days of Christmas! www.princeshall.com Sleeping Beauty The Anvil Churchill Way, Basingstoke RG21 7QR 8th December to 2nd January Starring Sue Holderness (Only Fools and Horses, right), Katrina Bryan (CBeebies) and Sarah-Jane Buckley (Hollyoaks). www.anvilarts.org.uk Cinderella Camberley Theatre Knoll Road, Camberley GU15 3SY 6th December to 31st December The most magical fairy-tale of them all will be brought to life through stunning costumes, hilarious Ugly Sisters, unforgettable songs and dances, a script bursting with jokes plus a ton of magic and audience interaction! www.camberleytheatre.biz Peter Pan Chichester Festival Theatre Chichester PO19 6AP 17th to 31st December Night after night, Peter Pan stares in through

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Wendy, John and Michael Darling’s bedroom window, longing to hear the stories told by their mother. One thrilling evening the brave, wistful, maverick boy who refuses to grow up, teaches the Darling children how to fly, whisking them off to the magical world of Never Land - a deliciously frightening place. www.cft.org.uk Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs The Harlington 236 Fleet Rd, Fleet GU51 4BY 14th December to 24th December Award-winning Starburst Foundation will be producing this year’s Fleet panto with a cast of local talent. look forward to a traditional pantomime with modern songs & dances to get feet tapping & audiences firmly into the festive spirit! www.theharlington.co.uk Santa Claus - The Musical New Theatre Royal Guildhall Walk, Portsmouth PO1 2DD 9th December to 31st December Filled with your favourite Christmas tunes such as Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Santa Claus is coming to Town and Frosty the Snowman, Santa Claus - The Musical is a jampacked Christmas treat for everyone. www.newtheatreroyal.com Cinderella The Harlequin Warwick Quadrant, Redhill RH1 1NN 9th December to 31st December With pop legend Chesney Hawkes playing Prince Charming and Redhill favourites Abigail Welford, Neil Wheatley and Simon Bashford back as Cinderella, Buttons and the Fairy Godmother. www.harlequintheatre.co.uk Jack & The Beanstalk King’s Theatre Albert Road, Southsea PO5 2QJ 6th December to 1st January Starring Vicki Michelle (‘Allo ‘Allo) Anne Hegerty (The Chase) and Marcus Patric (Hollyoaks). www.kings-southsea.com December 2016

Snow White New Victoria Theatre The Ambassadors, Peacocks Centre, Woking GU21 6GQ 10th December to 8th January The job of head dwarf Prof is a tall order but nothing that TV and film star Warwick Davis can’t measure up to. Joining him is comedy favourite Andy Ford as the Henchman. www.atgtickets.com/venues/new-victoria-theatre

Meet Santa...

Santa’s Cellar Grotto at Denbies Wine Estate London Road, Dorking RH5 6AA 3rd, 4th,10th, 11th, 17th, 18th, 21st to 24th December Enjoy a warm welcome from Santa`s elves, outdoor train ride followed by a visit to see Father Christmas in his Cellar Grotto and tell him your Christmas wishes. £7.50 per child which includes a gift from Santa, train ride, Santa`s sticker book and Christmas crafts in Santa`s cellar (please note that the gifts are suitable from birth and up, therefore all children are required to have a ticket). £2 per adult which includes the train ride and mince pie in the cellar. www.denbies.co.uk/events/family-events Christmas Winter Wonderland at Birdworld Holt Pound, Farnham GU10 4LD 3rd December to 24th December Come to Birdworld, located in Alice Holt Forest, to meet Santa’s reindeer and some friendly farm animals before you enter a magical world full of animated characters in winter wonderland settings. As you walk through the different scenes, you can enjoy the friendly banter with the impish elves before the children meet Santa to receive their present. For those too old for a present, a mince pie and a hot fruit punch awaits! Santa will be in his Winter Wonderland with his elves and reindeers on selected dates throughout December. www.birdworld.co.uk Meet Father Christmas at Hatchlands Park Hatchlands Park, East Clandon, Guildford GU4 7RT 3rd, 4th, 10th, 11th, 17th, 18th and 22nd December Father Christmas is visiting Hatchlands again this year. You can come along and meet him in his cosy festive sitting room in the courtyard, have a quick chat and receive a small present. Free entry to NT Members or entry fee to property of £6. Child: Entry fee to property of £3 (NT members free), £5 to meet Father Christmas. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/christmas

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Meet Santa... Further afield Santa on the VC10 at Brooklands Brooklands Road, Weybridge KT13 0QN 3rd, 4th, 10th, 11th, 17th and 18th December Once again Santa will be giving his reindeer a rest for a while and borrowing our VC10 aircraft so that he can meet his young fans. For children aged 5-7, normal museum admission of £6 is payable + £5 for a visit to Santa (includes a small present). Accompanying adults and seniors pay normal museum admission. For children under 5, admission to the museum is free and they can also visit Santa for £5. Santa must be booked in advance. www.brooklandsmuseum.com Stories and Songs with Santa Wisley Plant Centre, RHS Wisley, Woking GU23 6QB 1st, 2nd, 8th, 9th, 15th and 16th December Visit Santa and Mrs Claus for stories, songs and a present at Wisley Plant Centre. Prices from £10 per child, children of any age, must be accompanied by a parent, prices from £2 for adults. Book online at rhs.org.uk/wisely. Eight sessions per day, ½ hour activity. www.rhs.org.uk/wisleychristmas

Markets...

Farnham Christmas Market Castle Street, Farnham GU9 7PZ Sunday 11th December 10am-4pm Find the perfect Christmas gift; hundreds of stalls offering gifts, decorations and treats plus more in the Mercure Bush hotel and Santa’s Grotto. www.farnham.gov.uk German Christmas Market in the Guildford Guildhall High Street, Guildford Sunday 4th December 11am-4pm To celebrate Guildford’s twinning with the German city of Freiburg a ‘Mini’ Christmas Market is being held in the Guildhall in the High Street on Sunday 4th December from 11am to 4pm. Wooden toys, candles and Christmas confectionery from Freiburg will be on sale, there will be a tasting of wines from the Freiburg area, Glühwein (mulled wine) will be available and there will be a tombola. Literature about Freiburg will also be on display. Haslemere Christmas Market High Street, Haslemere GU27 2LA Sunday 4th December 10am-4pm Christmas Market: Christmas gifts for all the family. Stalls selling a variety of goods, from baby clothing to unique crafts. Also street entertainment and Santa’s Grotto. Free shuttle bus from Lion Green, Wey Hill and the station. www.haslemere.com/christmasmarket 16

Further afield Chichester Christmas Market North Street and East Street, Chichester Saturday 3rd December to Sunday 11th December A fantastic array of festive stands, in Chichester’s North Street and East Street for nine days in December. This is a fabulous opportunity to find a spectacular range of top quality crafts, unusual and individual gifts for all your friends and family. www.woodlandcrafts.co.uk/chichesterchristmas-market-2016 Southbank Centre Winter Market Southbank, London SE1 8XX 11th November to 8th January Southbank Centre’s popular Winter Market (above) returns this year to the banks of the river Thames, within a short walk of Waterloo station. Browse the twinkling wooden cabins that line the riverside for affordable gifts, quirky crafts and handmade pieces, alongside festive snacks and drinks. Continue your shopping at the Charity Shop Emporium, part of Southbank Centre’s weekend of charity and giving on the 10th and 11th December, where you can pick up original gifts and party outfits from the pop-up stalls of high street charity shops, independent retailers and smaller charitable organisations. www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whatson Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market The Close, Winchester SO23 9LS Friday 18th November to Tuesday 20th December Founded in 2006, the Christmas Market celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. Now recognised as one of the best in Europe with its unique location, high quality exhibitors and bustling atmosphere. Wonderful Christmas gifts, decorations and festive foods can be found in abundance. www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk/home/ christmas-at-the-cathedral/christmas-market

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<13 JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

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used to support conservation work throughout the county. Christmas cards supporting the work of the Trust are also available. They cost £8.99 but stocks are limited so order asap either from www.sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/shop, or call 01273 497532. Postage and packing applies.

very welcome to join them for their lectures. For more details, contact HDFAS membership secretary Sue Wright on 01428 683578 or email; membership@haslemeredfas.co.uk. Further information about all the society’s present and future activities can be found on www.haslemeredfas.org.uk.

Festive Afternoon Tea Monday 5th December 2.30pm Local cruise specialists, GoCruise, are co-hosting a festive afternoon tea with Regent Seven Seas at the Lythe Hill Hotel in Haslemere. As well as a lovely tea there will be a presentation from Regent Seven Seas on the world of luxury cruising and the chance to chat with Andy and Olivia from GoCruise about any plans you may have for cruising in 2017 and beyond. Places are strictly limited so please call Andy or Olivia on 01483 808787 or e-mail them on oanda@gocruise.co.uk to reserve yours.

West Sussex Decorative and Fine Arts Society Tuesday 6th December 2pm Christopher Bradley will give a talk on Three Wise Men - Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh - Traditions of the Magi. There will be mince pies and mulled wine after the lecture. Meetings are held in Fittleworth Village Hall and coffee is available from 1.20pm. For membership details contact Jackie Buckler on 01903 411086. Visitors are welcome for a fee of £8. They don’t have a talk in January.

Haslemere Decorative and Fine Art Society Tuesday 6th December 2.15pm Haslemere Hall is the venue for the last lecture of 2016. NADFAS lecturer Pamela Halford will ‘unwrap the Christmas story: painting, prose and poetry’. The many layers of history, customs and myth that make up Christmas. Following the lecture Christmas tea will be served to members and guests. There will also be an opportunity to book for the society’s outing to 18 Stafford Terrace and Leighton House on Thursday 26th January 2017. You can also book a study day on Thursday 9th February entitled ‘Smoke, Mirrors and Sanctity: The Tudors and The Arts of Propaganda’ with NADFAS lecturer Denise Haywood at Haslemere Museum. Visitors and new members are

Haslemere Flower Club Wednesday 7th December The December meeting of Haslemere Flower Club will be the AGM and Lunch, for members only. Haslemere Flower Club monthly meetings will start again on 25th January 2017. They would like to wish their members a very Happy Christmas and a successful year of flower arranging in 2017. Lurgashall Film Night Wednesday 7th December 7pm They hold a film night in Lurgashall Village Hall on the first Wednesday of every month. Next showing will be Dad’s Army starring Bill Nighy, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Tom Courtenay, Michael Gambon and many more. Admission £5. Bar available.

ART CLASS STARTS SOON

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GREAT NEWS for all our readers looking for something fun to do over the next few months! Our current class is full but we are now taking enquiries for our next parttime Art Class, which starts soon.

STILL LIFE TO LANDSCAPES By the end of the course, students have created a minimum of 8 pieces of their very own original art they can enjoy forever, from simple still life and flower studies to beautiful countryside landscape scenes. YOUNG AT HEART This course is a brilliant way to learn new skills you will be able to enjoy forever. It is also a great way of meeting new friends and to have a fun experience you will always remember and cherish! It is open to adults of all ages. LIMITED PLACES To maintain our high standards of tuition, classes are kept small numbers – so places available are limited! If you are interested you call us now for details. For information on dates, course fees and bookings, call now on

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<17 JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD Doors open 7pm, Film starts 7.30pm. Lurgashall Village Hall is in Mill Lane, Lurgashall GU28 9ES. Grayshott Flower Club Wednesday 7th December 7pm Meetings take place at Grayshott Village Hall on the first Wednesday of the month, except January – doors open at 7pm for refreshments, sales table and raffle. Visitors and new members are always welcome. For further information please telephone 01428 651956. On Wednesday 7th December Jennifer Thompson a NAFAS Area Demonstrator, Floral Designer and Teacher will be giving a demonstration entitled ‘Christmas Treats’. Members are encouraged to enter the competition, the subject being ‘Table Magic’ which will be judged by Jennifer.

Cape Town Cruise Safari 14 nights aboard Boudicca Departing: 11th January 2018 Visiting: • Cape Town • Port Elizabeth (Overnight) • Richards Bay (Overnight) • Durban (Overnight) • Mossel Bay • Cape Town (x3 Overnight) Ocean view room From

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Santa Claus and the Christmas Adventure Thursday 8th to Saturday 24th December The producers of the Santa Adventures are delighted to return to G Live in Guildford this Christmas for the fourth year running with this must see interactive show. The adventure takes place at Santa’s HQ in the North Pole; The Reindeer Sat Nav is programmed and the toys are piled high on the sleigh, then… chaos strikes! Rudolph is missing and the Elves are misbehaving… will Santa ever deliver the presents to all the boys and girls? Filled with songs, nursery rhymes and magic, Santa Claus and the Christmas Adventure promises to be a truly unforgettable experience, including the magical moment when snowflakes fall over the audience – a guaranteed white Christmas at every performance! Performances take place at 10am, 11.30am, 2pm and 4pm (see website for daily schedule). Tickets:

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Email: info@curadomi.co.uk www.curadomi.co.uk Guardian House, Borough Road, Godalming, Surrey GU7 2AE 18

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Oxenford 2012_Layout 1 07/11/2014 15:36 Page 1

JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD Children £12.50/14.50, Adults £13.50/15.50, Family of 4 £46/54. Call the Box Office on 01483 369350 or go to www.glive.co.uk. Running time: 70 minutes with no interval (including a meet and greet with Santa Claus). Suitable for children aged 2+. Haslemere Rotary Club Santa The annual visit of the Haslemere Rotary Club Santa and his Sleigh will be at Haslemere and Liphook on the following dates and times: Thursday 8th December, High Lane 5pm-7pm; Sunday 11th December, Camelsdale /Woolmer Hill 4pm-7pm; Tuesday 13th December, Liphook 5pm-7pm; Saturday 17th December, Tesco Car Park Haslemere 10am-5.30pm and Saturday 17th December, Carols on Lion Green, Haslemere 6pm-7.30pm. Money Collected at theses venues will be for Friends of Haslemere Hospital and Haslemere Food Bank. For more information, have a look at the website www. haslemererotary.org. Les Amitiés Francaises Thursday 8th December 7pm Amitiés Francaises’ December lecture will be given by Cédric Cabanne and is entitled Le Féminisme en France. It will be a fascinating talk on a subject where so much has been written and where controversy has brought people into the street to demonstrate. Cédric Cabanne is a serious researcher and a great lecturer. He also brings effective visuals so if your French is a little rusty, you will not miss very much! As usual, the meeting will take place in Godalming at The Baptist Church Hall, Queen Street; (off the High Street almost opposite the King’s Arms).There is good parking and a lovely atmosphere with

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CHRISTMAS TREES Member of the British Christmas Tree Growers Association

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Open Every Day from 26th November, 9am to 6pm

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

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Westminster Wills Tax & Estate Planning If you are over 65 it will only cost you £75* to make or update your Will. We are also Lasting Power of Attorney Specialists - only £85* each LPA if instructed during the Will appointment. FREE home visits, so no travelling! Call us now for a no obligation chat on: 01428 769281 www.westminster-wills.co.uk email: info@westminster-wills.co.uk Westminster Wills, Hindhead, Surrey, GU26 6UG

*OUR PRICES INCLUDE VAT. These very special rates are only available if you are over 65 years old. Our normal low price for a standard single Will is £125, £195 for two. Mag half page landscape Roundabout 180815.indd 1

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Sheer Delight Decadence Celebrating 15 years in Godalming, drum roll please, lingerie boutique Sheer Delight, by Kirstie Smillie How often do we roll up to the bulging rails of a department store to buy our lingerie and not really know where to start? So, a few years ago after a little trepidation, I crossed the threshold of Sheer Delight to experience a more enjoyable approach, and met owner Julie Drummond. Entering into the calming uncluttered interior, the delicate displays on show are a small percentage of what Julie has on offer. The experience develops from within tidy storage cupboards in the fitting rooms where many more styles and sizes are brought out to try on.

Complete with all year round cupsized one-pieces, bikinis and coverups, November also saw the arrival of new styles from Sunflair.

Above: Owner Julie Drummond

The team, who has recently been joined by Sandra, are very aware that customers have to bare themselves during a fitting but with years of experience and tact they will put you at ease. I found the curtained changing rooms offered plenty of space to undress while allowing the experts to check the fit and offer new styles to try on. I now repeat on my Marie Jo Avero, from £60, it’s a winner for me, and I’m hinting to my husband to purchase a gift voucher, which they bag and beribbon, for a perfect Christmas present.

Stocking cup sizes from A-J and in Below: Sheer Delight’s shop in Godalming back measurements 30-44, Julie and her team can focus on a fantastic fit whatever your figure requires, from fuller bosoms to neatly formed. Popular brands like Marie Personal customer service is top Jo, PrimaDonna and Empreinte of the list and Julie will often send complement newer designs in the repeat bras to customers living speciality market including HotMilk further away. Out of stock sizes can nursing bras from New Zealand and be specially ordered and presents reversible young teen bras from are beautifully gift boxed free of Taylor + Rani, from £19.50. Hanro and Wolford offer sleek under layers charge. A finalist in the Underlines and perfect tights, with Anita Active Stars Awards for Best Shop Personal for the physical and Anita Care Touch, we were waiting to hear if the for post-operative comfort. Julie team were victors as this article went and long standing employee, Helen both went to to press. Visit the website www.sheer-delight.co.uk or Germany to become expert fitters in the niche area of mastectomy bras, with first hand understanding of take a stroll down the historical Church Street for a the emotions attached and Sheer Delight is now an visit and you will find out if they are worthy winners. Anita Care Centre of Excellence.

“ ”

If a bra doesn’t work, we won’t sell it - it has to function, And look good Leaving school at seventeen, Leeds born Julie got stuck in with numbers and worked in admin for an insurance brokers and other private companies before becoming a civil servant. She has been involved in the transpose from paper to computer processes so is totally comfortable with figures and bookkeeping, balancing profits and stock. Husband Paul, when not working, turns his hand to the store’s accountancy and helps Julie with upgrades including the newly decorated Beach Lounge on the first floor. 20

Sheer Delight

26 Church Street, Godalming GU71EW Telephone: 01483 427022 Email: enquiries@sheer-delight.co.uk Opening Hours Mon-Sat 10-5pm FIND OUT MORE

Kirstie Smillie is a Personal Fashion Stylist. Follow her style blog www.kirstiesmillie.com. For appointments contact kirstie@kirstiesmillie.com or call 07773 234947.

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Photo: jamesharris1231

FASHION Julie’s inspirational words from on her website...

“Delight in... being a real woman”.

Above: Empreinte Melody T-shirt bra and matching briefs

Above: Marie Jo embroidered Lily collection

Julie reveals all: • Wear red under a white shirt, it won’t show through. • Buy colour every now and then, it’s good for the soul. • If your bra fits properly, your whole confidence will grow. • Your newly fitted bra, should feel like a firm ‘hug’ around your back. • Don’t wash bras too frequently; use a mild soap and always dry naturally. Above from top: Anita Active bra from £55 and PrimaDonna ‘By Night’ from £108

Above: Sunﬂair one-pieces from £72

Above from left: Marie Jo Avero in Toffee; PrimaDonna Deauville collection in Ruby; and Empreinte Erin bra and briefs December 2016

To advertise, please call 01483 420173

<19 JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD people who like to know more about France. The full annual programme is available in brochures in libraries and at www. amitiesfrancaises.com and on Facebook. For membership enquiries, contact john.petty@which.net. Visitors are very welcome. Christmas Wreath at Squire’s Garden Centre, Milford Friday 9th December 10am and 2pm Create a beautiful fresh Christmas Wreath for your front door, or a stunning Candle Centrepiece (includes a candle) at Squire’s Christmas Gardening Workshop. Using a fresh noble fir ring as the perfect base, you’ll get to decorate it with cones, petite baubles, snow spay and dried flowers. You can also bring your own foliage from home if you wish. The workshop lasts just under an hour and costs £25. You’ll get tuition, and a complimentary tea or coffee in the Squire’s Café Bar. In the evening sessions you can enjoy a complimentary glass of wine and mince pie, plus there’ll be local entertainment and exclusive discounts until 8.30pm. Advanced booking is required, either in person at Squire’s or by calling your local centre. www. squiresgardencentres.co.uk. West Dean Gardens- Father Christmas 10th, 11th and 17th, 18th December 10am to 4pm Father Christmas will be visiting West Dean Gardens during these weekends and children will be able to enjoy the magic of sharing their secret Christmas wishes in Santa’s grotto in the historic Apple Store. Standard prices £5 Child (includes a gift and activities) £5.50 Adult (Standard entry to the gardens) includes mulled wine and a mince pie. Booking is essential

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and tickets are available online at www.westdeangardens. org.uk. West Dean offers a relaxing way to do some Christmas shopping. Visitors can park for free and drop in to the Gardens Shop to browse the festive lights, decorations, cards and gift wrapping paper. After shopping for beautiful gifts visitors can relax in the Gardens Restaurant, which overlooks the parkland and beautiful Lavant Valley and offers the chance to unwind over a slice of Jane’s Christmas cake served with a hot drink (£4.75) or homemade mince pie and a hot drink (£3.50). A traditional homemade Christmas Lunch menu will be available from 1st to 18th December 12pm to 2.30pm daily (except weekends) by reservation only, telephone 01243 818215. The Fernhurst Centre Saturday 10th December 10am to 5pm A new workshop from Totally Textiles: ‘Weave a Christmas Tree’. All materials and equipment are provided and the cost is £35. Get in touch with your creative side! Book your place now by emailing ferncent@gmail.com or call the Centre on 01428 641931. Coffee and tea is provided but you would need to provide your own lunch. Details and dates for this and other courses are on their website www.fernhurstcentre.org.uk and places must be booked in advance using the above contacts. By the way, have you seen their brightly coloured Jute bags – wonderful for a small gift or filling with Christmas gift? They cost £4.80 and are pretty good for carrying shopping in too! The Fernhurst Centre reopened in October after a ‘Facelift’ and they now have soft seating and lighting with bean to cup coffee and locally made cake, a bargain at £1.50 a cup and £1.60 a slice respectively. They hope you will go and visit them.

For all family law matters: • Specialist legal advice • Collaborative law • Mediation FREE initial hour

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Is Your Will Tax Eﬃcient? Do you have Lasting Powers of Attorney? Inheritance Tax: • Inheritance tax is producing increasing revenue for the exchequer. In 2016 -2017 it will increase by £5 billion. It is your family who pays this bill. • Since 2006 there have been many tax changes which impact Wills and inheritance. Your existing Will may not be tax eﬃcient. • The new Inheritance tax Residence Nil Rate Band has been criticised by the Treasury Select Committee as it is not “Simple, fair and clear”. The form of many existing Wills will mean that this tax allowance cannot be claimed. • There are many ways in which a Will can result in a lower tax bill and the converse is true also. • Home-made Wills can cause the family considerable expense and grief. • Will Writers are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and many are not regulated at all, so the consumer should check credentials carefully. A quick and cheap Will could prove very expensive in the long run.

Lasting Powers of Attorney: • These are essential documents and exist to protect you during your lifetime. • They are not only for the elderly. • They have to be signed when we have full metal capacity and can understand the documents. • They cannot be done ‘quickly’ as they must be registered. • We should make provision many years before we may need such protection. • If a citizen has an accident or illness which causes incapacity that person’s assets are frozen (even a joint bank account is frozen) unless there is a legally appointed attorney. • If there is no LPA document the family faces very considerable problems and expense. In the meanwhile the State will make decisions relating to both ﬁnancial matters, and health and welfare matters. • It simply makes sense to appoint trusted family members to act for you in the case of accident or illness.

Wills are essential documents: They protect: • Spouses and minor children • unmarried partners who otherwise have no inheritance rights. • Family members who are vulnerable. They can ensure: • family members beneﬁt in the most tax eﬃcient manner • The correct balance of inheritance in blended families.

Shaws Wills 3 We quote our fixed fees up front. 3 We meet with you in informal surroundings and spend a lot of time making sure that we get everything right and you are happy. 3 We believe in Plain English. 3 We advise on the most tax effective solutions. 3 Our clients tell us that the experience has been a pleasant one and they are very glad they have the necessary documents in place.

A well written Will can achieve so much and is not a recurring cost.

3 Please phone us now.

Susan Shaw LL.M 01428 712856 www.shawswills.com

Member of The Surrey Law Society and the Institute of Professional Will Writers. Associate of STEP The Society of Trusts and Estate Practitioners.

<22 JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD Christmas with Home & Vintage Saturday 10th December 10am-3pm Pop along to a beautiful winter fair at Grayswood Village Hall in the lovely village of Grayswood. Shop to the sounds of Christmas carols with the aromas of cinnamon spice whilst surrounded by lots of treasures including Christmas decorations, fresh flowers wreaths and beautiful gifts for that someone special. The candle lit tea room will be serving mulled wine and mince pies alongside traditional tea and cake. Dogs on leads welcome with a treat on the door. £1 entry under 14’s free.

is an exploration of the work of composers whose lives were tragically cut short or irreversibly altered due to their wartime experience. As well as some well-known composers such as Edward Elgar, Frank Bridge and our famous local composer Hubert Parry, Wilson’s performance and talk will shine a light on the work of promising composers never given the chance to fulfil their potential, providing a well-deserved voice to some very beautiful but unheralded music. Tickets: at the door, www. wegottickets.com and Chamberlains Music, Wey Hill. The Leconfield Singers – Christmas Concert Saturday 10th December 6pm St. Mary’s Church in Petworth GU28 0AE is the venue for this lovely concert of traditional and contemporary carols from around the world. Joining the Leconfield Singers will be The English Philharmonia Brass and conductor Graham Wili. Tickets are £15 (Under 18’s £7.50) and are available from www. leconfieldsingers.com or Spriggs at 10a New Street, Petworth, tel 01798 345133.

Christmas Tea Saturday 10th December 4pm The afternoon of Saturday 10th offers a superb Christmas Tea combined with great entertainment by the ‘Songsmiths’ at Haslemere Methodist Church, Lion Green, Weyhill GU27 1LD. Tickets at £10 are available from the church during its Open Door Coffee Mornings from 10am to 12noon on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. You can also book tickets through malcolmstravel@hotmail.co.uk or by calling 01428 480360. Proceeds will support church development with 10% given to the Haslemere Food Bank. This unique event with a 4pm start is for everyone but will appeal particularly to those who prefer not to go out at night.

Leaping Hart Archery Based in Midhurst, the club is now ready to open its doors to new members in January 2017. If you have never shot before and would like to have a go at this great sport, there are two options available to you. Either go along for a ‘have a go’ session, or join up for a six session ‘Introduction to Archery’ course. This will give you twelve hours of small group instruction, and enable you to join the club as a full member. All equipment supplied. There are gift cards available for both, so treat a friend or relation, (could be a rather good Christmas

Banks of Green Willow Saturday 10th December 7.30pm There is an HHH Piano recital at St Christopher’s Church, Haslemere. The War Centenary is receiving a lot of attention within the arts and this concert, given by the pianist Alex Wilson,

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Please contact Victoria Evans for an appointment on 01483 411512 or v.evans@downslaw.co.uk *Places are limited and subject to availability – please mention Vantage Point.

The Tanners • 75 Meadrow • Godalming • Surrey • GU7 3HS • 01483 861848 • www.downslaw.co.uk

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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD present idea!) or give yourself a New Year challenge. Call Michael on 07734 982525 for more information. Festive Cruises on The Wey & Arun Canal 11th, 18th, 21st, 22nd and 23rd December Bookings are already being taken for the extremely popular Santa Cruises which will be running in December. Trips depart at 11am, 12noon and 2pm and cost £10 per person to include festive refreshments and a gift from Santa for all children under 12 years of age. New for 2016 is a Santa Cruise for the Grown-ups on Friday 16th December, 7.30 – 9pm. Santa tells us that Christmas is not just for the children and invites adults to join him for a 90 minute trip along the canal whilst enjoying a glass of mulled wine with snacks, and seasonal sing-along music. Santa will also have a small gift for everyone! Tickets cost £15 per person. On Boxing Day and New Year’s Day festive trips depart at 11am, 12noon and 2pm. Tickets: £5 for adults; £2.50 for children. Booking in advance is essential for all the trips. Full details are available on the website and bookings can be made online. Alternatively call The Wey & Arun Canal Trust Office on 01403 752403 or email office@weyandarun.co.uk . Also www.weyandarun.co.uk. Santa Sprint and Stroll Sunday 11th December A ‘Santa Sprint and Stroll’ around the Weald & Downland Open Air Museum in Singleton is being held in aid of St. Wilfrid’s Hospice. Participants can choose either a 5K Sprint or a 1 mile Stroll (all off-road) around the Museum’s undulating paths. Registration costs £15 for adults, and £5 for children aged 5-15 years. Participants can also enjoy the Museum for free, and

December 2016

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supporters are welcome in return for a donation to the Museum in lieu of the normal entry fee. Register online at www.santa. stwh.co.uk or contact the Fundraising Team on 01243 755302 or email fundraising@stwh.co.uk. The Lynchmere Society Sundays 11th December and 1st January 10am Volunteers are most welcome to join in their programme of scrub clearance on the Commons. For details ring 01428 723251 or email info@thelynchmeresociety.org. The Society still has a quantity of good meadow hay for sale - in manageable bales. Midhurst Garden Club Monday 12th December 7pm The final meeting of the year culminates with a visit from the distinguished Garden Designer and Speaker, Andy McIndoe, previously the M.D of Hilliers and now a freelance consultant. His subject for the evening is ‘Beautiful Gardens’. Festive refreshments will be available from 7pm before the talk at 7.30pm. All proceeds from the Grand Christmas Raffle will go to Macmillan, Midhurst. Visitors will pay £5 and are most welcome to go along join them at the South Downs Memorial Hall, North Street. For more information about the Club, contact Denise Skinner on 01730 814194, askinner3@sky.com or check their website www.midhurstgardenclub.org.uk. Renaissance Art Workshop at Cowdray Heritage Monday 12th to Friday 15th December They are holding a five day workshop with Cowdray’s Artist in

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<25 JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD Residence, David Cranswick: Traditional Oil Painting Workshop - Classical Painting Techniques of the 16th and 17th centuries at the Tower Room, Cowdray Heritage Site, GU29 9AL. For all enquiries and bookings contact: cranswickart@gmail.com or call 07801 430194. By the way, Cowdray Farm Shop & Café Juice Bar is open daily and serves healthy takeaway food and drinks. A new daily winter takeaway lunch menu has launched serving homemade Cowdray Soup (vegan) or a hot vegetarian dish. Both are served with warm pitta bread. A range of hot drinks is on offer including coffee, speciality teas and hot chocolate. The winter hours at the Juice Bar are: Monday to Friday 8.30am-2pm and Saturday and Sunday 8.30am-3pm. The Meath Epilepsy Charity Concert Monday 12th December 7pm This year, their Carol Concert, held at the beautiful St. Clement Danes in The Strand, will be heralding in the Charity’s 125th anniversary - a really important milestone in their history. To help celebrate, they are once again looking forward to welcoming the wonderful Band of the Honourable Artillery Company, alongside their special guest soloist, the up and coming young mezzo soprano Anna Huntley. The Choir of King Edward’s School from Witley are also returning, with of course, the beautiful voices of St Clement Danes’ own Choir to lead the carolling. Voices from their own ‘Backstage’ Expressive Arts Group will be joining members from the Godalming Jazz Choir in their very own tribute to the festive season, and they invite you to join them for a glass of bubbles and homemade mince pies from their own Café Meath at the close of the Concert. Tickets at £15 each are available through the website www.meath.org.uk or by contacting anns@meath.org.uk.

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Midhurst U3A Tuesday 13th December 2.15pm The next meeting at the Methodist Church Hall, North Street, Midhurst, has Joy Lewis and Derrick Hughes talking on ‘Traditional Music on Unusual Instruments’. Refreshments available from 2.15pm followed by talk at 2.30pm. For more information on events, groups and meetings contact the membership secretary on 01730 813374. Grayshott Gardeners Wednesday 14th December 8pm Andy McIndoe is known to many as a Director of Hillier Garden Centres, where he has been responsible for 25 consecutive Gold Medal winning gardens at Chelsea. He is also an author and TV personality and will be giving a talk entitled ‘Beautiful English Gardens’ at Grayshott Village Hall. Doors open at 7pm with refreshments available and the talk will start at 8pm. Visitors and new members are always welcome to join this active club with its programme of talks, visits, Spring and Sumer Shows and a very popular Annual Plant Sale. For further information on Grayshott Gardeners have a look at their website www. grayshottgardeners.net, email info@grayshottgardeners.net or call 01428 604449. Shooting Star Chase and Surrey Life Carol Concert Thursday 15th December Singer-songwriter Tony Hadley is set to light up Christmas for children with life-limiting conditions, and their families, with an exclusive performance at the 10th Shooting Star Chase and Surrey Life carol concert. The children’s hospice charity’s

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HYPNOBIRTHING – What’s It All About? Hypnobirthing is a complete birth education programme that teaches self-hypnosis, relaxation and breathing techniques for a calm, natural birth that often results in significant reduction in the length of labour and pain, and therefore less need for medical intervention and pain relief. Hypnobirthing is not about ‘training’ mothers to give birth; it is about releasing fear and allowing our minds to relax so that our bodies can birth our babies gently.

programme. The course has been designed by a clinical hypnotherapist and a midwife with over 25 years’ practical knowledge and experience. We offer a complete Bump-to-Baby experience as, uniquely, we include basic baby care in our programme.

In our modern world women are often surrounded by negative messages about birth, we expect it to be a painful and traumatic experience. It is precisely this fear that creates tension in a prospective mother, which in turn creates anxiety and pain. Hypnosis works at a subconscious level, changing perceptions of birth so that it is seen as a positive experience, enabling the mother to trust her body.

28 January 2017 & 11 February 2017 29 April 2017 & 6 May 2017 22 July 2017 & 29 July 2017

Hypnobirthing supports mothers and fathers to connect in the process by teaching self-hypnosis and coaching skills, it also boosts confidence and encourages you to take control of your pregnancy and birth. Furthermore, babies born using hypnobirthing techniques are often calmer and ready to bond and feed, and mothers are at less risk of developing post-natal depression. Quest Hypnotherapy is pleased the introduction of our unique

Classes being held at The Georgian Hotel over 2 Saturday mornings from 9.30 to 2pm and include refreshments and light lunch:

Classes are limited in size so booking is essential. Contact us for a chat or to find out more information, and class availability. Quest Hypnotherapy Ltd T: 01798 344879 E: geraldine@questhypnotherapy.co.uk W: www.questhypnotherpy.co.uk/hypnobirthing

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<26

JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

Vice President will perform songs from his Christmas album at the event, which will be held at St George’s College Chapel in Weybridge. The evening will also include carols, performances from the 140-strong Elmbridge Mixed Voice Choir and Shooting Star Chase’s Family Choir, readings from supported family members and a special Christmas video starring some of the supported children. The concert will be followed by a wine and canapé reception, and a raffle – offering prizes including tickets to see the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at G Live; an opportunity to eat at Surrey Life’s restaurant of the year, Emlyn in Dorking; and a Silent Pool gin gift pack. The concert will raise vital funds to give children with life-limiting conditions, and their families, a Christmas to remember. Tickets at £20 are already selling fast, so to avoid disappointment visit www. shootingstarchase.org.uk/carolconcert or call 01932 823115 as soon as possible. The Wey & Arun Canal Trust As you know, we take a big interest in developments on the canal so we were fascinated to learn how a recent problem with choking weed was resolved. Apparently, part of the canal was becoming choked with a water fern called Azolla Filliculoides, considered one of the most invasive plants in the country. The solution to the problem was found with the introduction of twelve thousand two millimetre-long North American weevils that nibbled away at a carpet of vegetation on the canal, clearing the non-native water fern in just a few weeks. There is now no sign of the weed! Individually, the weevils consume a small amount of Azolla, but they breed to produce large populations which feed extensively on the weed. Across the UK,

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entire infected lakes and canals have been cleared using this form of biological control. St Stephen’s Church in Shottermill Sunday 16th December 6.30pm They are holding a variety of family friendly Christmas events in December including a Carol service. There will be Christingles at 3pm and 4.30pm on Christmas Eve and a Christmas Day Celebration at 10am. All are welcome. For more info see their website www.shottermillparish.org.uk. Grayshott Folk Club Christmas Special Friday 16th December 7.30pm The Churchfitters will be returning to perform their ‘Christmas Cracker’ at Grayshott Folk Club. Last time they visited, in December 2014, they were trialling their very special and unique Christmas show, which has now evolved into a full blown and brilliant seasonal celebration. You know it will be fun and will feature the brilliant musicianship of Rosie Short; if anyone was born to perform, it was her. She will be accompanied on Fiddle by her brother Chris and the slightly wacky but hugely lovable French connection that is Boris - Expect the unexpected! Tickets to this event are strictly limited to allow the audience members to sit at large tables together and they invite you to bring along your own food and table decorations. They will supply complimentary mince pies and crackers and as usual they will have a fully licensed pay bar including mulled wine. Tickets are £15 each and will be available from their local Box Offices (Grayshott Post Office, Grayshott Wine Centre and Haslemere Bookshop), but if you

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Woodland conservation and hand-crafted furniture go hand-in-hand with Mervyn Mewis, says Phil Kemp Furniture is all around us, and although we take it for granted our homes simply wouldn’t be homes without it. We also live in the most heavily wooded county in the country, and again we take all that living wood for granted. Don’t we? But it’s here that the magic starts – especially if your name is Mervyn Mewis of Green Wood Works, who seamlessly has melded together the management of local woodlands and the crafting of hand-made furniture, and in the process has actively contributed to the conservation of our natural spaces. “I got involved in woodland conservation 20 years ago and at the time posed the question as to what we make from our local woodlands,” explained Mervyn, standing by a crackling brazier adorned with a pot of steaming fresh coffee. “The answers to my question included making firewood, charcoal and hurdles. And after that there was a lot of head-scratching. So that got me thinking and I started looking around to see what we could actually make from our woodlands, and at the same time promote their management and get people interested and as fascinated as I am in this historic process of using timber.” Now, given that the brazier we were standing next to was made from the drum of an old washing machine Mervyn had salvaged, I very quickly had the feeling that my visit to his rural workshops in the grounds of The Birtley Estate in Bramley was going to be educational all the way! I wasn’t wrong. “I was doing volunteer conservation work and trees started following me home, dead wood everywhere, with bits of trees on the patio. That’s where I started making smallscale furniture, and chairs in particular. For me there’s a lot of interpretation coming direct from the tree. You can use natural December 2016

shape and form, and you can fashion timber to your needs.” We were now standing close to a collection of beautifully crafted chairs lined up by the tools that Mervyn uses at his open-fronted workshops, and which of course were also handbuilt from local timber. It is at these workshops that he also runs courses in practical furniture making.

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The final process involved using a large ungainly-looking wooden frame. I watched as Mervyn stood behind it as he secured the billet horizontally in front of him.

“I only use native hardwood timbers, especially ash and oak. I’ve more recently introduced sweet chestnut, and I use some yew for decorative purposes. In helping manage local woodlands I work with independent specialist woodworkers and those that specialise in tree work and woodland management – and this provides the raw material that I use for my teaching.” I asked Mervyn to lead me through the process of taking a freshly cut log and crafting this into one of his elegant chairs. We started at the splitting log where he skilfully wields a hand axe to prepare the wood for working into a chair leg. “I have a side axe, which is bevelled to one side and not evenly balanced, and with this I’m putting a series of depth cuts into the green unseasoned timber, and shaving off the hard corners,” explained Mervyn, the axe a blur in his hand. “We then move over to the draw horse for the next step.” He stepped over to a long wooden low bench and sitting at one end placed the partly formed leg on to a raised shelf set at an angle in front of him. Before reaching for a double-handed blade, Mervyn pushed his feet forward on to the bench’s treadle securing the wood in to position. “It looks a bit like a horse, some people call it a draw bench, but it is in effect a vice which holds the wood when I use opposing pressure to clamp it up with my feet,” said Mervyn demonstrating how effective this very traditional woodworking tool is. “I then start using the knife to pull through the fibres of the timber, drawing the blade towards me each time – hence this being called a draw knife. Very simple, very effective. Isn’t that brilliant – and isn’t it a wonderful sound?” It was, and in Mervyn’s experienced hands the chair leg very quickly started to take shape. I asked how easy it is for a complete novice to come along to one of his furniture-making courses and get to grips with the tools and methods.

“This is a pole lathe, so-called because the traditional drive mechanism is a springy pole attached to the ground at one end, with the other end popped up in the air and to which is attached a string that works with a foot treadle to bend it up and down. Depressing your foot on the treadle pulls the pole down, releasing it lets the pole spring back up – and in the process it spins the billet backwards and forwards on the lathe.” Mervyn then placed a chisel-shaped wood turning tool against the spinning piece of wood, and started gouging the billet which quickly took the full shape and form of the leg destined for his chair. “It takes me about 20 minutes to fashion a leg from start to finish,” said Mervyn. “For a new student it’ll take longer than that of course. Those that come along are interested in learning the processes, and I hear time and time again their nervousness. ‘I don’t know how to do this.’ And I say: ‘That’s exactly why you are here – let’s begin!’” In the short hour I was with Mervyn he impressed me with his strong commitment for woodland conservation, his undoubted ability in turning locally grown timber into practical items of beauty, and perhaps most of all by his knowledge and infectious enthusiasm that undoubtedly rubs off on his students. If you want to know about local woodland conservation, learn how to make furniture – or have friends and neighbours jealously admire the new set of hand-crafted chairs in your house – then Mervyn Mewis is the man to see. Phil Kemp is a freelance writer and photographer based in Godalming. www.weyriver.co.uk FIND OUT MORE

Please visit the Green Wood Works pages at www.birtleyestate.co.uk. Email: mwmmusic@hotmail.co.uk

“I tell my students when they start working with me that these aren’t complex processes. How do you make a chair? There are three or four different processes, all of which can be picked up by anybody. A certain amount of hand to eye coordination is useful, but you don’t need to be physically strong so long as you have the will to do it.” Mervyn released the wood from the draw horse and held it up for me to examine. “There we have a fashioned billet – ready to go up on the lathe.” 30

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

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

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

1. On line application viahelp our web siteneeded. confirming name, address and other details. for pens that professional is often Melody Care has an enviable reputation Live-In Care Assistants to help share the burden. Whatever the circumstances 2. providing Submission of a detailed CV listing all previous work experience and qualifi cations. be, Melody Care will designed be there when the help isTest, needed most. 3. might Completion of a specially Psychometric which helps us to determine character, integrity and attitude towards vulnerable people. Recommended 4. Highly A telephone interview typically lasting 15 minutes. Care areinterview increasingly being recommended by health professionals and grateful clients 5. Melody A face to face typically lasting 90 minutes. whoof have at first hand the wonderful care provided by the Melody Care 6. alike Copies theexperienced carers passport, driving licence, utility bill, bank statement andteam. any “Each of your carers I have met are lovely! We all really appreciate the care package you have relevant training certifi cates are taken as part of the process to confi rm their identity set up so efficiently at such short notice” wrote one client recently. Another wrote: “Melody and status. Care have done a wonderful job of looking after mum and I know she is very fond of her carer. would also like say how accommodating haveplaces all been andhave the care mum has5 7. ICompletion of atoregistration form listing you all the they livedthat in the last received been really is excellent.” years. Thishas information then used to apply to the “Disclosure and Barring Service” to check there is no criminal record (previously known as CRB check). Melody Care also Attitude apply to theLive-In Independent to ensure carer is not Providing care takesSafeguarding a very special Authority kind of person. Melodythe Care select theirregistered carers for understanding, as well as their abilitywith to run a house and care in all regards ontheir any patience list that and would preclude them from working vulnerable adults. our clients. We also the provide extensive trainingand using our own reference in-house training depart8. for Melody Care contact previous employer a personal to verify that ment. This is to ensure each carer is up to date and fully conversant with current rules and they have provided these and begins that the genuine and and complete. regulations. Before the service weinformation would alwaysgiven meet is with our clients their family 9. to Finally, Melody Care arrange for any additional training that needs to be done toand be determine exactly what their needs and desires might be. We then produce a detailed undertaken. Sometimes “refresher” course is required and Melody Care provide this. personal care plan so thatathe Live-In Care Assistant knows exactly what is expected of them.

For more information, call For more information 01252 220207 call

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

or 220080 visit 01252

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

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

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w Run a bath and prepare bedroom

<28 35> JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD want to secure your ticket in plenty of time, call Des O’Byrne on 01428 607096. Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Navigators We received a letter recently and thought it best to publish it in full. “This week I met with some of Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Navigators and I wanted to share with your readers the importance of post-diagnostic support for people affected by dementia – not just the person with dementia, but their carers, family and friends. Receiving a diagnosis of dementia can be a difficult and emotional time. It can be hard to come to terms with it and know what to do next. The charity’s Dementia Navigators act as a guide to help people to find the best support for them. They provide accurate, accessible information to help people with dementia and their carers make informed decisions. To find out more about Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Navigators in Surrey, call the charity on 01932 855582”. Jeremy Hunt MP South West Surrey Haslemere Mummers at the Museum Saturday 17th December 11am Go along to the performance of this traditional play, 20 minutes of family fun! It is a traditional play and different versions are performed all over the country at this time of the year. The plot concerns a battle between good and evil end with a resurrection of the hero by a doctor with mysterious cures. A second performance will take place in the town in front of the war memorial at 12 noon. For more details visit www. haslemeremuseum.co.uk. No need to book, just turn up! They would really appreciate a donation though! Later on at 7.30pm

Before

there’s ‘Figgy Pudding at Haslemere Museum’. Carols and songs to drive away the cold winter. Opus Anglicanum’s Christmas concert with unaccompanied singing and a narrator. Packed full of laughter and of course mince pies in the interval. For more details visit the website as above. Cost: Tickets £15 / Under 18s £5 - Book in Advance. Haslemere Christmas Cracker Saturday 17th December 7.30pm For many the annual Christmas Cracker concert is an integral part of the festive scene in Haslemere. Now in its sixteenth year, the event features seasonal carols, songs, comic verse and other fun activities. Singers come from local choirs, churches and music societies who are joined by children from St Bartholomew’s School. Comic verse and traditional readings are also included, together with instrumentalists. Mulled wine and mince pies are served during the interval. The event takes place at the Haslemere Hall on Saturday 17th December at 7.30pm. Tickets, costing £10 for adults or £5 for children under 12, are available from the hall box office (01428 642161). The event is usually a sell-out so do get your tickets early and come along and enjoy the fun with all the family. 3 Counties Church Hammer Christmas Events include a Family Service on Sunday 18th December at 10.15am, followed by Carols by Candlelight at 7.30pm. On Christmas Day there is Family Service at 10.15am. Postcode: GU27 3QW.

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GARDENING

With Beth Otway

in 1762 by Princess Augusta at Kew gardens. Ginkgos, a favourite of herbal medicine, are a prehistoric tree species that grew during the time of the dinosaurs. Often referred to as a living fossil, it’s amazing that the Gingko has survived to give us an insight into the plants that grew on our planet one hundred million years ago.

Christmas

at Kew

With the shorter daylight hours that winter brings, every moment outdoors feels like a gift. Spending your time outside in beautiful surroundings, with friends or family, can make the moment even more precious. If you’re looking to find some winter inspiration, there’s nowhere better to visit than the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew. Kew offers so much to its visitors at every time of year. During winter you might enjoy walking amongst the trees or you may wish to quietly recharge your batteries by the lake. You can also visit the Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art, the Marianne North Gallery, and the sculptures created by Henry Moore and Eduardo Paolozzi, that reside in the gardens. With 132 hectares of landscaped gardens, Kew is a great place to explore. If you’re interested in bees, you might want to visit The Hive, an immersive multi-sensory experience, which was installed at Kew earlier this year. The Hive was designed by Wolfgang Buttress, who was inspired by scientific research into the health of bees. The Hive has been designed to reflect the real time energy of a colony of bees residing in a beehive, located behind the scenes at Kew. Each moment you experience inside The Hive will be filled with the collective energy of the bees within Kew’s beehive.

Kew’s Holly Walk offers seasonal inspiration; if the weather’s chilly, warm up inside the Palm House, where you’ll find a wonderland of plants from the Americas, Africa, Asia, Australasia, and other exotic locations, growing together inside this iconic glasshouse, the basement of which houses the Marine Aquarium. The Princess of Wales Conservatory is home to real life water dragons, rare and diverse plant collections, including carnivorous, tropical and sub tropical plants. The lower level features viewing windows, showing the depths of the glasshouses’ pond, and the fish that reside there. The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew is a magical place to visit at any time of year, but from the 23rd November until the 2nd January 2017, Christmas at Kew offers visitors the chance to experience Kew after dark, where you’ll find the gardens lit up by a vast array of illuminations created by renowned lighting artists from across Europe. Along the mile long path that sparkles with light, you’ll find botanically inspired installations, alongside fire garden displays, and interactive experiences, which make Christmas at Kew very special indeed. Christmas at Kew also features vintage rides, festive food and drinks, as well as Santa and his elves. Tickets are available in advance; please visit www.kew.org for all the details.

See over for Beth’s Christmas gift ideas...

Autumn and winter unclothe the leaves of deciduous trees, revealing the beauty of the trees’ architecture and displaying their bark and stature. There are around 14,000 trees at Kew, making this a great place to reconnect with nature, and relax in the serene, quiet, refined beauty that’s found at the start of winter. If you or your children are interested in the Jurassic period, you might enjoy visiting the first ever Ginkgo biloba to be grown in Britain, this specimen was planted December 2016

Clockwise from above: Ginko tree; a Water Dragon; the Palm House. All by Beth Otway

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GARDENING GIFTS

With Beth Otway

Books are wonderful presents. This year my book recommendation is Botanicum from Big Picture Press, a wonderful and truly beautiful book that’s certain to delight the whole family. This autumn, I received a very special gift of a standard holly from some dear friends. I am thrilled with the tree - Ilex ‘Nellie R. Stevens’, a lovely female holly with glossy leaves and orange-red berries, purchased from Squire’s Garden Centre in Milford. Over the past couple of years, I have bought some beautiful hand-made Christmas decorations from Sarah Beevers at the Loseley Christmas Fair. Sarah also makes botanical themed jewellery and pieces inspired by nature, for more information visit www. etsy.com/shop/sarahbeeversdesign I feel such an uplifting, happy sensation when I find the perfect gift. I have been busy testing out products, searching for special gifts for gardeners. Here are my recommendations: Membership of a horticultural society would make a super present. There are many friendly gardening societies who meet regularly across Surrey, where you can learn about gardening and make new friends. If you’re looking for a society near you, or a friend or relation, visit www.surreyhorticulturalfederation.org I love growing Sweet Peas. For many years now I have used Deep Rootrainers, from Haxnicks, to sow my Sweet Pea seeds, with great results. The Rootrainers Racking Station is a super space saver; it holds eight of the Rootrainers seed trays over two levels. The Rootrainers Racking Station lifts the trays up, making the plants easier to tend. If you or a friend would like to make your own Sweet Pea wigwam, why not book onto a course with Nicki from Willow and Yoga. Nicki’s workshop is nestled in a small woodland, near Dorking in Surrey, where Nicki offers courses using a selection of different willows to make traditionally woven baskets, bird feeders, Willow balls, hearts, sculptures, Christmas decorations, wreaths and gifts. Living willow courses are available during February and March. Full day courses include materials, tea, cake, and home-made soup with bread and cheese. Gluten free and vegetarian diets are catered for. If you’re looking for a gift for someone who enjoys traditional crafts, membership of the South of England Hedge Laying Society might be the perfect present. The society holds regular training events in coppicing and hedge laying, with an annual Hedge Laying Competition.

A wonderful gift at Christmas, or at any time of year, is the gift of garden membership. The recipient of your gift will enjoy unlimited visits during opening times, with many gardens offering other exclusive, member-only benefits. We are fortunate to have so many glorious gardens open to us; it’s important to support gardens and charitable organisations, to ensure we protect these beautiful spaces of historical and horticultural importance, their plant collections, horticultural knowledge and training opportunities, for future generations. Many gardens offer gift membership. You’ll find details of gardens in Surrey, Hampshire and West Sussex offering garden membership on my website. I’ve used hundreds of pairs of secateurs; the only secateurs I recommend are Felco secateurs. Felco offer full servicing for their secateurs, replacing any parts, and posting the secateurs back as good as new a wonderful surprise present! Reusable Velcro plant ties are a great stocking filler, ideal for very young, or older hands that struggle with knots. Christmas is the season of goodwill. Why not volunteer to help in a friend or relation’s garden. Gardening is uplifting; it’s heartwarming to share the experience and the joy. Happy Christmas! FIND OUT MORE For gardening advice for the month ahead, ideas and inspiration for indoor gardening, details and reviews of these gifts, more super ideas for Christmas gifts, and much more besides, visit my website www.pumpkinbeth.com. All images by Beth Otway.

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39> JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

Santa’s Victorian Parlour at Haslemere Museum Wednesday 21st to Saturday 24th December Go along to the Museum and visit Santa as he takes times out before Christmas to relax in his charming Victorian parlour. Your little ones can tell him all their special Christmas wishes and each child will receive a gift to take home. The shop will be open too so get Christmas all wrapped up and find gifts for all your friends and family – why not treat them to a Museum gift membership, the perfect present that lasts all year! Time: 10.30am to 4.30pm except Wednesday 21st 12noon-4.00pm and Saturday 24th December 10.30am-12.30pm. Cost: Museum Members £4 / Non Members £5 (no need to book, just turn up!). For more details, visit www.haslemeremuseum.co.uk. Haslemere Town Band The band has been playing in the town and the surrounding villages for over 180 years. Nowadays, they play regularly at local fetes, concerts and community events such as the Charter Fair and Remembrance Sunday and soon will be dusting off their Christmas carol books in preparation for the festive season. They have a strong nucleus of players but recently new players have been slow to fill empty seats. They are keen to expand their membership, especially with cornet and trombone players. Are you learning a brass instrument or percussion? Have you played in the past? Are you a player? They would love you to join them at their free ‘Make Music ‘ sessions on the last Thursday of every month, at the United Reformed Church, Beacon Hill from 6.30pm to 7.30pm which started in November. David Wright, Head of Brass at Charterhouse and Musical Director, will be in charge. All ages and abilities are welcome.

Brass instruments are available to borrow. For more information contact Sandra on 07708 334179 or email secretary@ haslemeretownband.co.uk. Red Riding Hood Monday 26th Tuesday 27th at 2.30pm and Wednesday 28th December at 7pm The Lynchmereans present their 69th Pantomime which will be performed at the Maud Hardman Hoyle Memorial Hall, Hammer GU27 3QW. It’s always great fun so don’t delay, get your tickets by calling 01428 658179 or emailing elizabethibbotson@ btinternet.com. Godalming and Haslemere Ramblers - Festival of Winter Walks To work off those extra pounds that you might just put on over the Christmas holiday, Godalming and Haslemere Ramblers are organising their festival of winter walks between Tuesday 27th December and Monday 2nd January. All family members are welcome and walks are typically 4/5 miles in length. Full details of the walks and starting points can be found on their website, www.gandhramblers.org.uk/walks. Jenny Caddy, Chairman, says “We look forward to welcoming new walkers to our group and hope that, as a result, they will take up walking as their new way of getting some healthy exercise in 2017.” A Vintage New Year Party at G Live Saturday 31st December 7pm-1am Head to G Live’s Vintage New Year Party for an unmissable evening of classic glamour with a delightful twist! Get your glad rags on and step back in time as G Live is transformed into a dazzling, vintage

Looking for inspiration or insight. Maybe you are struggling to find a meaningful relationship, you are stuck in a job that no longer satisfies, or you simply feel like you have lost your way. Often situations like this can be a turning point; a time to reflect on old behaviours and actually be an opportunity to create change. This can be hard to tackle on your own. A spiritual advisor can help support you to find your inner strength and tap into your full potential. Particularly at this time of year, we can find ourselves reviewing our lives; it can be a stressful period – but at the same time can be a chance to look to a new year with fresh ideas and plans. If this resonates with you and you are interested in gaining some guidance, please contact me at www.soulinsight.co.uk or call Amanda on 07391 988013 for further information.

www.soulinsight.co.uk December 2016

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Chocolate delights So who does not love chocolate? It is one of those magical things - in small doses of course. My step-father used to swear by Cadbury’s, something my French mother never really understood. So convinced was she that French or Belgian chocolate was vastly superior, a few years ago she organised a grand chocolate tasting amongst their friends in South Africa where they lived but she failed to get much support! Happily palates have changed and there is now a much better appreciation of top quality chocolate alongside the traditional old family favourites. As you will see in our interview with Mike Noble from Noble & Stace on page 9, excellent chocolates are now even being made here in the south-east of England. From wines to chocolates, who would have thought it? Here are a few recipes for Christmas. Some of these would make great gifts as well... if you don’t end up eating them all. SR

Ginger Caramel Crunch

caramel and cream mixture onto the chocolate, let it sit for a couple of minutes and then combine. Once the mixture has cooled to 35d C stir in 20g salted butter, the crunch from step 1 and ground ginger to taste – start with just a pinch!

From Mike Noble www.nobleandstace.co.uk

3. Cut the ganache – pour the ganache into a lined tin so it’s approximately 1cm thick and leave somewhere cool to set. Once it’s firm, cut into small cubes and separate out on a piece of greaseproof paper, leaving overnight at room temperature to dry. 4.Dip – Temper approximately 500g of good quality dark chocolate then using a dipping fork, coat each ganache square before placing on a greaseproof sheet to cool. Decorate each with a piece of crystallised ginger if you wish!

Cherry Surprise Chocolates From Lakeland www.lakeland.co.uk

Ingredients 120g sugar, 27g glucose syrup, 610g good quality dark chocolate, 110g white chocolate, 160g double cream, 20g salted butter, crystallised ginger (optional). Makes approximately 40 chocolates Method: 1. Make the caramel crunch – put 50g of sugar and 20g of glucose syrup into a heavy based saucepan over a medium heat. Cook until it’s amber in colour and then immediately pour onto an oven safe silicon mat that’s on a heat resistant surface. Leave to cool and then break up into fine pieces in a processor. 2. Make the ganache – put 110g of good quality dark chocolate and 110g of white chocolate into a bowl and set aside. Measure out 160g of double cream and 7g of glucose syrup into a microwave-safe bowl and bring to the boil – set aside. Now put 28g of water and 70g of sugar into a heavy based saucepan, stir and heat gently until it turns a rich amber in colour. Take off the heat and very carefully pour in the warm cream, a little at a time and stirring continously. It will spit and steam a lot at this stage so take extra care! Then pour the 36

Ingredients 225g icing sugar, sifted, 1 tbsp liquid glucose, 1 tsp cherry liqueur, small jar of maraschino cherries (you will need 20 cherries and some of the liquid), 400g white or milk chocolate, roughly chopped. Makes 20 chocolates Method: 1. Place a chocolate mould in the fridge 20 minutes before starting. 2. Make a fondant filling; mix together the icing sugar,

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RECIPES liquid glucose, cherry liqueur and 3 tsp of the liquid from the maraschino cherry jar, reserve. 3. Place 50g of the chocolate into a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water. Melt the chocolate very slowly, stirring all the time. Remove the chocolate from the heat. 4. Take the mould from the refrigerator and fill a third of each shape with chocolate; using a small paint brush, spread the chocolate up the sides of the shapes until all covered. Return the mould to the fridge for about 10 minutes. Once set, check to see if there are any gaps in the chocolate; if so, fill them in with melted chocolate and chill again to set. 5. Add a cherry to each chocolate and top with cherry filling, leaving space for a layer of chocolate. Refrigerate until the filling is firmer; when firm to touch, melt the remaining chocolate and pour on top of the filling, so that it comes level with the sides of each shape and completes the chocolate. 6. Return to the fridge for about 30 minutes until completely hardened. When ready, gently flex the moulds to release the chocolates and store in a cool dry place.

3. In a souffle dish or individual ramekins, arrange a layer of macaroons, soaked in a little rum or brandy; over these pour a layer of the chocolate cream, then put another layer of macaroons and so on until the dish is full, finishing with macaroons. Leave the dish in a cold place for at least 12 hours.

Cinnamon and chocolate stars From Jessica Haggertyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Brighton Bakes (The Book Guild)

St Emilion au Chocolat From Elizabeth Davidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s French Country Cooking (Penguin) Pinterest

Sprinkled prettily over your tablecloth, these make the perfect pick-up-and-munch treat. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re also very useful as Christmas tree decorations. An all-purpose, buttery, crumbly biscuit then - simple, but all the better for it. Ingredients 150g self-raising flour, 150g plain flour, 2tsp ground cinnamon, 125g butter, 100g sugar, 1 egg, beaten, 100g chocolate. Makes 24 biscuits

Ingredients 125g butter, 125g sugar 125g, 1 teacup milk, 1 egg, 250g dark chocolate,12-16 macaroons, a tot of rum or brandy. Serves 4-6 Method: 1. Cream the butter and the sugar until they are well amalgamated. Scald the milk and let it cool, then mix it with the yolk of the egg. 2. Melt the chocolate in a bain marie with a very little water, then stir in the milk and egg mixture, then the butter and sugar. Stir this cream carefully until it is absolutely smooth. December 2016

Method: 1. Preheat the oven to 160C, gas mark 3. 2. Sift the flours and cinnamon together in a large bowl. 3. In a separate bowl, mix the butter and sugar with a wooden spoon until smooth. Add the egg and mix well. 4. Combine both the dry and wet ingredients and mix into a firm dough. 5. Lightly flour the work surface, turn out the dough and knead it lightly until smooth, making sure not to overwork it or your biscuits will be tough. Roll to a 5mm thickness. 6. Use a star cutter (or indeed any that take your fancy) to cut into shapes and place on a greased oven tray. Bake for 10-15 minutes until light golden. Cool on a rack. 7. Melt your chocolate in a bowl set over a pan of gently bubbling water. Dip your stars in the chocolate or drizzle it over them decoratively. Place back on the rack to harden.

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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

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club. You’ll be greeted with a complimentary glass of champagne, treated to a freshly prepared three-course meal courtesy of their in-house chefs and entertained by the fabulous retro girl band the Tootsie Rollers - who are ready to bring vintage bang up to date. After dinner, put on your dancing shoes as their DJ and live band take over the stage. As the New Year approaches, the London fireworks will be streamed live in the auditorium with a delicious survivor’s breakfast to follow. Dress code is Black tie or your most glamorous ensemble. Tickets: £65, Groups 10+: Save 10%. Call 01483 369350 0r go to www.glive.co.uk. Petworth’s winter secrets From 3rd January This winter for the first time visitors will be able to see aspects of the mansion in a whole new light as the House and Collections team carry out vital conservation work to the interiors and collection. The Winter Mansion Tours, led by a knowledgeable guide, highlight aspects of the art collection, will reveal ‘behind the scenes’ secrets, and the work that goes into conserving the mansion and collection of nearly 6,000 treasures. Petworth has been home to the same family for 800 years, and the internationally important art collection includes the finest collection of paintings and sculptures within the care of the National Trust. The tours run from 3rd January to 17th March 2017. Please check the website for timings, www. nationaltrust.org.uk. Waverley Dowsers Dowsing has all sorts of applications, in the garden, in households where there is unexplained energies that can make

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people ill and of course in archaeology. They meet in Godalming and non members are welcome. For more information about what they do and the courses they arrange, call Michael Haxletine on 01252 541639 or Geoff Mitchell on 01271 472977. The Opera South New Year Party Saturday 7th January Held at the Georgian House Hotel, Haslemere, this is now long established as the way to welcome in the New Year. The evening starts at 6pm with champagne and canapés followed by a concert that includes a selection of well-known and lesserknown operatic arias, ensembles and songs. The programme will be introduced and performed by young professional singers accompanied by Opera South’s Music Director, Mark Austin. Guests can then enjoy a delicious two course dinner served with a choice of red and white wine. As an extra bonus this year, Opera South will be joined during the evening by painter Roger Dellar ROI PS RI, who will capture the ambience of the concert in an oil painting. Roger has very generously offered the painting for auction during the evening, the proceeds to go to Opera South charity. For tickets, to include champagne reception, concert and dinner with wine, at £70, contact Sarah Barnes on 01428 643129, email saba@haslemere.com . The event has been a sell out in recent years so do book early to avoid disappointment. Wild Kew and Pollination Power Saturday 14th January 2.15pm Heather Angel’s book ‘Wild Kew’ was the result of a year devoted to capturing Kew’s wildlife. Heather will show wildfowl babies appearing in spring; summer flowers attracting a host of insect

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WALK - Two National Trust walks This month we have a couple of short walks. The first takes in panoramic views from Leith Hill tower and the countryside surrounding Leith Hill Place, composer Ralph Vaughan Williamsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; former childhood home. The woods are stunning in autumn as the leaves on the trees change colour. The second takes in the beautiful landscape immortalised in Turnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s paintings at Petworth Park. Both are dog friendly.

Leith Hill woodland walk 1. From either of the Windy Gap car parks, head south using the track adjacent to the cottage, following the orange waymarkers. 2. This track leads you down through the woodland where, in the autumn, you can hear roving flocks of woodland birds including nuthatches, coal tits and treecreepers. The Woodland Trail offers a lovely walk at all times of year with autumn being particularly stunning due to the the turning colours of the trees. 3. At the junction of tracks take the second left through the Lime Avenue, planted as part of the original estate landscape. The path takes you past the walled garden on the right and to the road where you should turn left carefully heading down the road for 55yd (50m) before heading right into the farmland over the stile. 4. Follow straight ahead in front of Leith Hill Place on your right and admire the stunning views across the parkland and southwards over the Weald onto the ridge of the South Downs. Pass through the kissing gate and cross the second field to the gate

just below the pond. Once through the gate you will pass through woodland. Bear right and follow the straight track ahead of you. 5. Follow this track which bends right and heads uphill. Bear right, following the signs which lead you through the rhododendron wood and up through the car park to the road. 6. Turn right from the car park and then left up a couple of steps, being careful when crossing the road. Once across the road follow the path heading left up alongside the sandstone wall. This path will lead you all the way up through woodland to the tower. This fortified folly marks the highest point in south-east England and was built in 1765 by Richard Hull of Leith Hill Place. Crowning the summit of the hill and standing 965ft (317m) above sea level, it has impressive 360 degree views from the top, north to London and south to the English Channel. Amazingly, on a clear day up to 13 counties can be seen. 7. Reward yourself with some light refreshments from the servery whilst enjoying the stunning views of inner London looking north and the English Channel to the south, through Shoreham Gap some 25 miles (40km) away. To learn more about the area, and enjoy the spectacular panoramic view from the top battlements, why not enter the tower. To return to the car park head down from the tower, turning left with your back to the noticeboard following the rail around to the top of the steps. Carefully take the steps back to the car park.

DISTANCE: 2.5 miles OS MAPS: MapLandranger 187; Explorer 146 STARTING POINT: Windy Gap car park, grid ref: TQ139429 40

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WALK SPONSORED BY Leith Hill

Petworth House & Park

Petworth Park... through Turner’s eyes 1. To start the trail turn right as you enter the Pleasure Ground and follow the path through the gate to the park, past the kennels (on your right) and towards Lower Pond. 2. After an early morning sketch Turner would go fishing at Lower Pond. While the 3rd Earl of Egremont was used to this daily routine, it landed him in trouble at Tabley House in Cheshire. When commissioned by Sir John Leicester in 1809 for an oil painting of the lake there, he would often be found fishing mid-morning instead, and when pressed he responded that the sketch had already been completed! The finished painting was bought by the 3rd Earl on the death of Sir John, and can be found in the North Gallery in the House. You will still often find fishermen at Lower Pond where there are healthy pike, tench and carp populations. This modern view of Upper Pond, as seen from Petworth House, inspired Turner (1775-1851) time and time again. Petworth House is home to 20 Turner oil paintings, the largest collection outside of the Tate. 3. From the top end of Lower Pond any of the three paths towards Arbour Hill will lead you to Upper Pond. Follow the path to the right of Upper Pond, and stop shortly after the gate. You should have the two spring-fed Stew Ponds ahead of you and a lumpy grass hill on your right. Look across Upper Pond towards the House to see the scene from Turner’s oil painting entitled ‘Dewy Morning’, one of a set of four exhibited in the White Library in the House - this room is open occasionally to visitors, by kind permission of Lord and Lady Egremont. The paintings took over four years to complete due to Turner testing different subjects and compositions. 4. Walk across Mansion Lawn until you are roughly half way between Upper Pond and the House, and then turn around to look back across the lake - this

was the inspiration for ‘Sunset, Fighting Bucks’, which is currently located in the Carved Room in the House. If you visit in late September or October the deer are often seen rutting very close to the House. 5. Petworth House is home to many more Turner oil paintings - 13 in the North Gallery, four in the Carved Room and two in the Red Room. From Mansion Lawn take the gate to the left of the House through to the Pleasure Grounds. Take a right turn to visit the House or a left turn to return to the visitor centre and car park. Open from 7th January to 10th March 2017 at Petworth House, Turner and the Age of British Watercolour oﬀers a rare opportunity to see a major dimension of British art not normally encountered at Petworth and to consider it alongside their renowned collection of oil paintings and sculpture from the same golden period, 1780-1850. Please look out for the feature in the January issue of VantagePoint.

DISTANCE: 2.5 miles OS MAPS: Explorer 121 STARTING POINT: Petworth House car park, grid ref: SU974224

Neither the publisher nor the author can accept any responsibility for any changes, errors or omissions in this route. Diversion orders can be made and permissions withdrawn at any time.

December 2016

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The perfect Christmas gift for wine lovers... Farnham Maltings - 7th & 8th April Guildford Cathedral - 12th & 13th May Dorking Halls - 22nd & 23rd September The three VantagePoint Wine Festivals will feature over 100 international wines including champagnes, premium wines and local wines, alongside wine experts and producers. There will also be a charity blind wine tasting, music, entertainment, concessions, food, money off wine vouchers and more. There will be three sessions per weekend, Friday from 7pm-11pm, Saturday from 12pm-4pm and 7pm-11pm. Entry is just ÂŁ10 per session if booked in advance, with wine tokens also available at a reduced price when booked together.

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Waverley Ensemble

PROFILE donate their green tokens to the company. Ishani believes that it is very important for young people to be involved in music, and this drives both the artistic vision and the direction of the ensemble, providing an accessible and welcoming concert experience through interaction with the audience, where children under the age of ten can have seats reserved in the front row to enable them to further engage with the performers. This year the Waverley Ensemble will be supporting the Dan Eley Foundation, an accountable small independent charity which contributes to the development of underprivileged children and young people living in poverty or disadvantaged circumstances.

A group of professional musicians based in Surrey, the Waverley Ensemble has grown from strength to strength each year since its inception in 2011 and has recently become a community interest company, registered in England and Wales. Ishani Bhoola, the founder of the ensemble, is an award winning professional violinist and teacher who trained initially at the Purcell School of Music and later at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Ishani has been awarded numerous prizes, including the Craxton Memorial Trust Award and the Martin Musical Scholarship, as well as the Menuhin Banff Scholarship which enabled her to participate in Masterclasses at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. At the Guildhall, Ishani was the winner of the Sheriff’s prize for violin. Her subsequent professional career includes posts in the 1st violin section of the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the English Chamber Orchestra, the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, and extensively in the studios of Los Angeles. Ishani currently teaches students locally from beginner to professional level. She constructs, directs and presents each of the Waverley Ensemble concerts, introducing lesser-known baroque repertoire and an eclectic mix of programmes which are both interesting and evocative for the audience. Based in Haslemere, the Waverley Ensemble performs on a regular basis at St Christopher’s Church. Their passion, commitment and dedication allow them to provide a high standard of enjoyable classical music for the whole of the local community, irrespective of age or concert going experience and knowledge. In recent years the ensemble has teamed up with a local Indian restaurant to create the unique ‘Concert and Curry’ series offering a concert ticket with an Indian meal. They have also been fortunate this year to have been given sponsorship from Waitrose in Haslemere, where during October the local community has been able to

December 2016

Next year sees the launch of the Waverley Ensemble’s new initiative, the Haslemere String Competition. This aims to identify and offer development opportunities to the talent of the future, nurturing the next generation of young musicians. The competition offers string players between the ages of thirteen and nineteen the opportunity at an early stage of their musical lives to gain significant concert experience as soloists and to work and collaborate with leading professionals, enhancing and broadening their knowledge, understanding and confidence through constructive insight. The group is also interested in bringing a new interpretative understanding of composers’ works through collaboration with other ensembles. This season, the Waverley Ensemble is presenting an exciting programme alongside local composer Clive Osgood, who has been specially commissioned by the new events company Imagine That Productions to write an opera based on Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The opera, which has been written for a cast of all ages, will have its world premiere as part of the Haslemere Festival, accompanied by the Waverley Ensemble. The performances will take place at St Christopher’s Church, Haslemere on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th May at 7.30pm and the programme will also include some popular orchestral repertoire such as Handel’s The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba and Pachelbel’s Canon in D. Tickets for the performances on May 27th and 28th will be sold at the box office at Haslemere Hall. FIND OUT MORE If you are interested in finding out more about the work of the Waverley Ensemble and any of their performances, or would like to book tickets, please explore our new website, www.ishanibhoola.com, or call 07834 275879.

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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

pollinators; and how in autumn parakeets and squirrels raid chestnuts, while in winter swans court. Her most recent book ‘Pollination Power’, through her research at Kew, in her own garden and travelling to 20 countries, will show the fascinating ways flowers entice and deter their pollinators and the rewards they offer to lure them back. She will also show how many animals, besides honeybees, pollinate our flowers. The talk takes place at Haslemere Educational Museum and non-members are welcome but are invited to contribute £4. More information at www. haslemerenaturalhistorysociety.org.uk or you can email info@ haslemerenaturalhistorysociety.org.uk. Haslemere Musical Society - Come and Sing Saturday 4th February 2017 ‘Come and Sing Haydn’s Creation!’ is the early invitation from HMS to all interested singers to join their annual and very popular community singing event. It takes place at St Christopher’s Church, Weyhill, Haslemere and will feature some of the great choruses from Haydn’s enduringly popular Creation. The event will start at 2pm and singers will be joined by members of the HMS symphony orchestra, who will accompany the final performance at 6pm. The whole event will finish by 7pm. The cost is £12 per person (or £10 per person for groups of 10 or more) and includes the widely famous tea and cakes provided by the HMS catering team. Interested singers and groups wanting to book should contact HMS treasurer Kate McWhirter on 01428 609203 or go to www.hmsoc.org.uk.

New Dementia Project Launches at Haslemere Museum Haslemere Museum is delighted to announce the launch of a

new and innovative project to help people with dementia engage with their diverse collections. Heritage consultant, Padmini Broomfield has been appointed to deliver reminiscence sessions and will visit care homes and day centres offering stimulating opportunities for people with dementia. The project has been part funded by the Community Foundation for Surrey and Haslemere Challice Community Fund with further funding from the South East Museums Development Programme. Padmini has over 20 years’ experience in heritage projects working with museums, libraries and archives to widen community engagement and participation through oral history, reminiscence, outreach, intergenerational and art-based activities. She has recently completed training and an apprenticeship in Reminiscence Arts in Dementia Care and past clients have included English Heritage, British Council, Southampton City Council and Age Concern Hampshire. The Museum has a rich array of objects and images that can be handled and viewed as a stimulus to memory, recollection or engagement and Padmini will develop themed ‘loan boxes’ and support materials to be taken out into the community to initiate interaction through museum objects. FIND OUT MORE

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BroadbandFix would like to wish all customers past and present a very happy Christmas and look forward to being of further service in 2017 Phone, Broadband and WiFi Solu�ons Get your home ready for modern technology! Free es�mates, No call out charge, no job too small by local Ex BT Engineer. Fast expert repair of Broadband Speed, Wi-Fi issues and Phone Line faults Solu�ons to stop ‘buﬀering’ on TVs and mobile devices

Call Adrian on 01428 288868 or 07799 105008 www.broadbandﬁx.co.uk

Your local POND cleaning specialist ALL YEAR ROUND:

• Pond cleaning • Clearance • Seasonal maintenance • Water-gardening • Clear water solu�ons • Blanket-weed - green-water - duckweed removal • Installa�on & maintenance of pumps, ﬁlters & UVs • Professionally qualiﬁed & aqua�c trade accredited (OATA)

Call Richard today: 07711 995665 or 01428 606003 Email: bubble@ﬁshlife.co.uk

Farnham signs Van writing Shop front & 3D Letters Exhibition General signs Illuminated signs Graphic design & Print Open 6 days a week/ Sat 10-4pm 01252 727306 I 07766 625269 farnhamsigns@gmail.com

local designer & ar tist offering excellence and affordability

art@paulinesutton.com Flat roofing specialist since 1971

0771 8898186 Family run business

www.farnhamsigns.com Apex Aerials_Layout 1 07/09/2012 11:07 Page 1

Apex Aerials

Haslemere, Liphook & Petersfield

›› TV and Radio aerials ›› Satellite systems (Freesat, Sky, foreign channels) ›› TV installations including wall mounting etc ›› Wired and wireless broadband networks

Free Site Survey & Written Quotation High Performance Felt Roofing Single Ply & Seamless Liquid Plastic Mastic Asphalt Roofing, Flooring & Tanking

We do good work!

Call 01252 220220 - 01483 651181 - 01730 220006 Email: emma@jonesbrosroofing.co.uk

www.flatroofing.eu December 2016

Contact: Gary Cox and Alex Kis Tel: 01428 656795 or 01730 267311 Mobile: 07850 830605

To advertise, please call 01483 420173

BUSINESS CARDS To advertise here from just £25 per month, please call 01483 661089 or email liz@vantagepublishing.co.uk. Creating the WOW effect

Ovens & More

For the cleaning of Domestic Ovens, Ranges, Hobs & Extractors, AGA/Rayburn & much more……. Ovens from £38, Hobs & Extractors from £15. Also I can clean Showers, Microwaves. Defrost Freezers. Why not get the BBQ, Patio or Garden Furniture cleaned

AQUEOUS

Do your carpets & upholstery need cleaning? • Carpets • Upholstery

• Curtains • Rugs

Professional Carpet & Upholstery Cleaners

So why not call or e-mail Darren

01428 735135

bookings@ovensandmore.co.uk.

Call us free on 0800 022 3122 or Mobile 07557 341914

www.aqueousone.co.uk - info@aqueousone.co.uk

PARAGON

CLEANING SERVICES “The Cleaning Solution”

CARPET CLEANING

• Professional Quality Service • Fully Insured • Latest Equipment • Carpet Infestations Treated

Tel: 01428 608153

Mob: 07876 230634

www.jamesgraytreesurgery.co.uk

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FREE LOGS AVAILABLE

We also provide DOMESTIC CLEANERS, Regular Cleans, Spring Cleans or House Moving Cleans

01428 681530 Mobile: 07770 553686 info@paragoncleaningservices.co.uk

YOUR LOCAL AERIAL COMPANY

GEi (UK) Ltd Fully Independent Stove Installers HETAS Approved

Chimney Sweeping Services also Provided

01428 643484 07563 618415

www.gei-chimney-sweeps.co.uk

Southern Ltd

New Aerials Supplied - Existing Aerials Serviced TV, DAB, FM Aerials - Digital Aerial Upgrades Extra TV, Satellite, Telephone Points Satellite Dish Install & Repair Est. 1985

Call Graham on 01798 813092 07442 509598

apexaerials@aol.com West Upholstery_Layout 1 12/03/2013 10:56 Page 1

Traditional and modern upholstery specialist

07988 494922 We provide a fast, eﬃcient, professional, commercial and domestic pest control service in the local area. Rats, Mice, Moles, Wasps, Bees, Squirrels, insects and all other pests destroyed or removed. Call us now: Milford: 01483 429105 Woking: 01483 822204 www.thecountypestcontrol.co.uk 46

APEX AERIALS

To advertise, please call 01483 420173

25 years experience

01428 658899 07879 836411 www.westupholstery.co.uk ksimpson@westupholstery.co.uk vantagepointmag.co.uk

Enter at www.vantagepointmag.co.uk

COMPETITIONS

Please enter online unless otherwise stated. Postal entries can be sent to us at the address given on page three.

WIN A BREAD MAKING DEMONSTRATION AND TASTING IN YOUR OWN HOME

Jack Sturgess from Bake with Jack is offering our readers a bread making demonstration and tasting at your home for up to 6 adults. He will personally come to your kitchen and host a bread making demonstration for you and your friends at your house within the VantagePoint circulation area. Your demonstration will last around 2 hours. He’ll share with you his top tips for baking success, and you’ll have the opportunity to really see what it should look like step-by-step. He will make two of his favourite and most tasty breads, and you’ll finish with a tasting. You’ll be left with a spick and span kitchen and the recipes for you to recreate as you wish. More information at www.bakewithjack.co.uk.

To win, please answer the following: Q: What is the name of Jack’s business? Please enter online at www.vantagepointmag.co.uk by 31st December 2016.

WIN A MEAL FOR TWO AT A RED MIST PUB OF YOUR CHOICE

Red Mist Leisure is a family of outstanding pubs in Surrey and Hampshire, passionate about offering that authentic experience that makes a British pub so great. From field to fork, their attention to detail ensures you will leave wanting to return, whether it’s for a well-earned pint after work or a Sunday roast with the family. Visit www.redmistleisure.co.uk to discover more about the Red Mist world of proper pubs, fantastic food, great beer and happy, smiley people. To win, please answer this question: Q: How many pubs are currently in the Red Mist family?

Please enter online at www.vantagepointmag.co.uk by 31st December 2016. Terms and conditions apply. Winner will receive £50 of vouchers to redeem at a Red Mist pub of their choice. See website for details.

WIN A SILENT POOL GIN AND GLASS GIFT BOX Silent Pool Distillers is based in the Surrey Hills, in an area of outstanding natural beauty. It’s highly skilled team hand-craft an impressive range of gins including Navy Strength, English Rose, a limited-release gin as well as strawberry and blackberry gin cordials, an English rye vodka and Eau de Vies, so you can stock your entire drinks cabinet. They even do the glasses too! Silent Pool Gin is a classic gin at heart. It is full-bodied and fresh, with depth, clarity, and above all else flavour. Produced with 24 unique botanicals, Silent Pool Gin is a rich and clean juniper-driven spirit with floral layers of lavender and chamomile. We have a presentation box to give away containing a bottle of Silent Pool Gin and a wonderful Silent Pool glass worth £55. For stockists please visit www. silentpooldistillers.com. To win, please answer the following question: Q: How many botanicals are there in Silent Pool Gin? Please enter online at www.vantagepointmag.co.uk by 31st December 2016. 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.