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

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Haslemere, Midhurst & Petworth • January 2016

VANTAGEPOINT Your best view of what’s going on locally

MAGAZINE

Happy New Year!

Inside: INTERIORS MIDHURST U3A THE HISTORY OF DENNIS - PART 4 50 YEARS OF THE YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE WIN TICKETS TO THE CAKE DECORATING AND SUGARCRAFT SHOW The local magazine produced by local people for the local community, delivered by your local postman

Update your essential documents. A resolution for 2016 £50 credit against your invoice for January only If you already have a Will, how old is it? Has the family changed? If so, your Will may not do the job you intended. Perhaps you do not have a Will? Who needs a Will? • Parents of young children: Without a Will nominating guardians if tragedy strikes children are taken into Care. • Co-habitants who are not married: Without a Will they have no inheritance rights. • Married people with families: Your Will can ensure that your dependants benefit in the most tax efficient way. Your Will can also protect assets should the surviving spouse remarry. Your Will can protect assets from the divorces/ insolvencies of heirs. • Those who have recently married: Marriage annuls a Will so you need a new Will. • Blended Families: Wills are essential as there are competing interests. • Citizens without close relatives: You may wish friends or charities to inherit otherwise distant relatives will benefit.

Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA)  The LPA for Finance: These documents enable your chosen and appointed attorney to run your ﬁnancial affairs if you should suffer illness or accident. Business owners should have LPAs  The LPA for Health and Welfare: If you are so unwell that you are unable to decide matters for yourself normally the Local Authority/ Health Authority makes the decisions on your behalf. Many citizens would prefer their chosen attorneys to make such decisions. The LPA gives them this right. At Shaws Wills and Trusts we take the time to listen to you. We listen to your concerns and we advise on the most effective strategy. 3 We use plain English. 3 We have ﬁxed fees which we advise in advance. 3 Our clients tell us they are very pleased when the job is done. This article is necessarily brief. Specialist advice should always be sought. Please phone Susan Shaw now.

A Will is a powerful document. It can achieve so much.

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.

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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 now publish five community magazines which are delivered monthly by Royal Mail to 108,193 homes across the South East, which gives us the largest local circulation in the areas we cover, all with guaranteed delivery by your postman. Please visit www.vantagepointmag.co.uk or contact any of us below if you need any more information.

YOUR LOCAL TEAM Firstly, may we wish all our readers and advertisers a very happy and prosperous New Year. As we enter our seventh year publishing our local community magazines, we continue to get terriﬁc feedback from so many of those who send us the monthly Jottings. Farnham Lions have just told us that “you remain our principal source of bookings” which is always good to hear. In order to further improve the service we oﬀer to local people through the Jottings, we have made a small and hopefully useful change to make it more obvious what event or organisation each Jotting is about. They also remain in date order with the date more prominent. Please let me know what you think.

January 2016

Stefan Reynolds Editor & Publisher

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Following suggestions from readers, we are also now oﬀering to send all our Jottings to you by email at the beginning of every month. We usually get between 250 and 300 Jottings each month and this will enable you to receive all of them at the same time. They will be arranged by edition (Dorking, Farnham, Godalming & Cranleigh, Guildford and Haslemere, Midhurst & Petworth) and this will enable you to easily see what is happening in other areas. The Jottings will also be searchable so you can seek out events that interest you. To sign up to get this new monthly service, please visit www.vantagepointmag.co.uk. We have lots more planned for this year, so keep tuned in!

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

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

Nick and Angie Crisell, Jottings 01483 421601 jottings@vantagepublishing.co.uk

Barbara Maddison, Sales 01483 418141 / 07802 498858 barbara@vantagepublishing.co.uk

Contributors: Andy Goundry, Beth Otway, Malcolm Ring Print: Buxton Press Cover: Mother and child in the snow - NT John Millar

CONTENTS

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The local magazine produced by local people for the local community

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"The Place to buy Rugs"

6 Jottings Your local community noticeboard

9 Interiors A little inspiration...

15 The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre at 50 We celebrate their golden anniversary

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Grayshott Concerts 2016 season

21 Dennis Brothers Andy Goundry with his fourth installment

26 The Meath Epilepsy Charity Malcolm Ring profiles a fine local organisation

32 Gardening Seasonal flowers

34 Finance How Three Counties Money Advice can help you

36 Recipes Hold that diet

38 Gastro The Royal Exchange, Lindford

40 Walks

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

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SOLICITORS & NOTARIES

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JOTTINGS YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

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Happy New Year! First of all, we wish all our VantagePoint readers a very Happy New Year. You will notice that this month we have made a change to the layout of Jottings with each one starting with a heading and a date where appropriate. Hopefully this will make it easier for our readers to refer to events, but do let us know what you think. This is definitely a month for awards; I think we have mentioned no less than four award winners, in all the editions, who have each excelled in their particular field. Well done to you all. Finally, another big thank you for sending in your Jottings and for sending, where possible, attachments in Word format, it does help us a lot. Surrey County Walkers They have a long list of organised walks taking place from January to the 28th March. They take place all over this area and are between 5 and 8 miles. For full details, please visit www.surreycommunity.info/surreycountywalkers. Liphook & District Ramblers Tuesday 5th January There is nothing like a walk after Christmas so why not join Liphook & District Ramblers? There are plenty of walks to choose from, during the week, at the weekend, short walks and longer walks. The next one is on 5th January and is a 4 to 5 mile walk over Stanley Common. Meet just before 10am at Gunn’s Farm, off Midhurst Road, Liphook. GR SU842307. Park in the road. There’s also a 6 mile walk on Saturday 9th January in Hindhead and The Devil’s

Punchbowl and on Sunday 24th January a 9½ mile walk around Hambledon, Denmead Mill and Horndean. For full information, such as meeting places and times for lifts from Liphook, visit www.liphookramblers.wordpress.com. Tea Parties at Grayshott Village Hall Tuesday 5th January 2pm Tea parties are held monthly on the first Tuesday of the month and usually finish by 4pm, starting with a talk or music followed by refreshments. They also hold a lunch in July and at Christmas. Subs are £14 per annum. The programme so far for 2016 is: 5th January, John Betjamin with Paul Robinson. 2nd February, Conan Doyle from a Local Perspective with Julia Mayo. 1st March, The Perils and Panoramas of Peru with Liz Pennick. 5th April, Citizens Advice Bureau with Sally Cowper. And back by popular demand on 3rd May is Victoria Helstrip talking about her visit to India. For more information about Grayshott Tea Party, telephone Chairperson, Margaret Taylor on 01428 604396 or Secretary, Liz Pennick on 01428 717397. Community Transport is available, if necessary. Haslemere Educational Museum Tuesday 5th January - Saturday 30th January There’s an exhibition on the History of Haslemere where you can learn more about Haslemere and its fascinating history through the story boards in the Reception and Haslemere Room. The Museum is open from 10am to 5pm and entry is by donation. Email enquiries@haslemeremuseum.co.uk. You can also

Jottings is your community noticeboard for local events and information, edited by Nick and Angie Crisell

To feature here, please email us at jottings@vantagepublishing.co.uk

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www.vantagepointmag.co.uk Next Copy Date: 11th10th January 2016 2016 Next Copy Date: January 6

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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

go to www.haslemeremuseum.co.uk or call 01428 642112. Sewing workshops at Sew Creative Friday 8th January Sew Creative is running the following workshops in Petersfield: Friday 8th January - Sewing With Stretch from 12noon-5pm; Saturday 9th January - Make a quilt in a day from 10-4.30pm; Monday 11th January - Dressmaking Day from 10-4.40pm; Friday 15th January - Make Do and Mend from 2-4.30pm; Friday 15th January - Love your sewing machine from 5-7pm. To book go to www.sewcreative. org.uk or call 01730 858020 or visit the shop at 20-22 Lavant Street, Petersfield, GU32 3EW. Sewing Group Would you like to meet likeminded people who knit/sew/ craft in a monthly get together? If so please ring Kathy on 07871 830855 or email gracethreads@hotmail.com. The meetings and location to be decided on possible interest in the group, but will be in the Midhurst, Petworth, Haslemere area. Haslemere Educational Museum Saturday 9th January 2.15pm The Wildlife of Baja California, Mexico is the subject of Lee Morgan’s talk. Lee has more than eight years’ experience

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of travelling to this beautiful corner of the world and he will be sharing his enthusiasm for the wildlife that lives both above and below the waves. Known as the Galapagos of Mexico, the remote desert peninsula of Baja and the sheltered turquoise waters of the Sea of Cortez (Gulf of California) have long been famed for their spectacular scenery and wildlife. Non-members are welcome but are invited to contribute £3. More information at www. haslemerenaturalhistorysociety.org.uk. You can also email info@haslemerenaturalhistorysociety.org.uk. Fernhurst Films Saturday 9th January 7.30pm I love jotting about Fernhurst Films, they show such interesting movies, many of which I’ve never heard of. For example, last month they screened a little known film, The Moo Man and amazingly, the star of the film, Stephen Hook the farmer surprised the audience with a personal appearance, in fact he introduced the film, did Q & A afterwards and when asked if he had any milk with him, the audience bought out his remaining raw milk, butter and cream! Fernhurst Films are starting the New Year with an unmissable film called Dark Horse on Saturday 9th in the Village Hall. It is the incredible true story of the racehorse Dream Alliance who was trained in, and became the soul of, a small Welsh mining community depressed after the closure of their pit. The film received its world premiere at

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INTERIORS

A little inspiration... Now that Christmas is just a distant memory, we can now think about preparing for 2016. Updating our homes is surprisingly therapeutic mainly because we live day to day with everything that surrounds and a change can be invigorating, not to mention getting the creative juices flowing. An easy way to transform a room is to decorate using new colour ways. There are wonderful exotic and tropical prints on offer with everything from flamingos to palm leaves, both available as fabrics and wallpapers, teamed with the latest paint colours of teal blues, gentle greys and dusky pinks the choice of expression is vast. Try some of the new generation of paints such as Little Greene matt emulsion not only environmentally friendly but also washable and great for high traffic areas like hallways. We are lucky to have so many local companies that specialize in fabrics, curtain making, soft furnishings, inspirational wallpapers and second generation paints. Being local means that great service and advice is included. Look out for local upholsterers to breathe new life into tired chairs and sofas. Samples of paints, wallpaper and fabrics are readily available and can be used to create a mood board to capture inspiration and feeling.

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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

the Sundance Film Festival, where it won the prestigious Audience Award in the World Cinema Documentary Competition. This is a rare opportunity to see a most heart-warming story brilliantly made into an irresistible and uplifting film. Doors open 7pm with the film starting at 7.30pm. Tickets are on sale at the Fernhurst Post Office or on the door on the night. For a trailer of the film, click onto:-www.fernhurst.net/films/index.htm. Remastered: Bosch to Bellotto - Petworth House Saturday 9th January - 6th March The art collection at Petworth House and Park is the most important in the care of the National Trust and this first exhibition brings together its key early European paintings in a well-lit, modern gallery setting. In addition to our modern exhibition gallery, visitors can enjoy three historic state rooms within Petworth House. These will be re hung and re-lit to offer a refreshingly new experience of the famous mansion. On display will be masterpieces by Teniers, van Dyck, Claude, Bellotto and many others. Tickets at £12 (including National Trust members) can be booked via the Box Office: 0844 249 1895 or online www. nationaltrust.org.uk/petworth. Opera South’s New Year Party Saturday 9th January 6pm A reminder, if you haven’t finalised your New Year’s Eve

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plans, that there may still be tickets available for this sumptuous party at The Georgian Hotel, High Street, Haslemere GU27 2JY. The evening includes a champagne reception, followed by a concert of popular songs and arias by young professionals, and dinner with wine. Tickets are £65, all inclusive, from Sarah Barnes on 01428 643129 or email saba@haslemere.com. Haslemere U3A Monday 11th January 2pm ‘Animals in History’ by Susan Howe. Susan is a Blue Badge London guide and has given some very entertaining talks in the past. This time she will talk about animals in the lives of famous owners, including Florence Nightingale, who always carried an owl in her pocket, the Duke of Wellington and his horse, and Oscar Wilde and his pet lobster! The talk is in Haslemere Halls and admission is £2. Non-members welcome. Membership enquiries to Margaret Mowatt on 01428 652338 or meetings enquiries to Don Stacey on 01428 644423. Also www.haslemere-u3a.org.uk. Waverley Dowsers Tuesday 12th January Waverley Dowsers Evening Meetings take place at the Unitarian Hall, Godalming at 7pm for 7.30pm. The subject of the January meeting is ‘Raymon Grace’ with Sandra McKenzie. On 9th February, Steve Taylor talks abour GODALMING 40 HIGH STREET GU7 1DY 01483 418020

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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

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‘Health, Healing and Dowsing’. They are getting people attending their meetings from a wide area which to date has included Chichester, Reading, Crondall, Farnham, Farnborough, Lightwater, Guildford and on one occasion from Northampton; why not join them in learning how to help the community. Contact Michael Haxeltine on 01252 541639 for further information. Grayshott Gardeners Wednesday 13th January 7.30pm Tim Butler will be bringing a welcome foretaste of summer to Grayshott on Wednesday 13th with his talk on the history and growing of Lavender. Tim is the owner of the Lavender Fields of Selborne where different varieties are grown to produce a range of products using the essential oils distilled from the flowers. Grayshott Gardeners meet on the second Wednesday of each month at Grayshott Village Hall with refreshments from 7.30pm and talks at 8pm. New members and visitors are always welcome. For further information look at their website www.grayshottgardeners. net or email info@grayshottgardeners.net.

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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD have chance to experience in one amazing show! This live concert style ‘rockumentry’ will be performed by one extraordinarily talented musician - Phil Walker, and backed by his exceptional band. Tickets: £20* (*A £2 per ticket booking fee applies. No booking fees for Groups and Friends). Call the Ticket Desk on 01483 369350 or book online at www.glive.co.uk. More information about the show on www.storyofguitarheroes.com.

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RHS Garden Wisley Saturday 16th January – Sunday 6th March Butterflies will cause a flutter and provide a kaleidoscope of colour in the Glasshouse at RHS Garden Wisley with over 7,000 butterflies being released providing a kaleidoscope of colour. 40 different species, from giant Owl to delicate Glasswings, will be set against the vibrant backdrop of tropical plants. Butterflies in the Glasshouse is a must for all the family, for photography enthusiasts or for anyone looking for a great day out. Visitors can round off a walk and butterfly visit with afternoon tea or a two-course lunch in the restaurant for £12 per person throughout February (booking essential). There will also be butterfly biscuits baked fresh at Wisley by the Taste of Wisley bakers. Visitors can beat the queues and pre-book a time slot for weekends and half term at www.rhs.org. uk/wisley.

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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

Circle Dancing There will be a warm welcome for you at your local Circle Dance group. It’s great fun, very relaxing, an enjoyable way to keep fit and an opportunity to make new friends. It’s suitable for men and women of all ages and you do not need a partner. Lynn Frances is an experienced teacher of 32 years and has built a reputation for her ability to create a wonderful atmosphere to enable participants to relax, learn and enjoy themselves. She runs classes at: Pirrie Hall Brook on Thursdays in three ten-week terms, 7.30pm9.30pm. St Catherine’s Hall Guildford on the third Tuesday of the month, 7.30pm-9.30pm. WI Hall Hartley Wintney on the second Wednesday of the month, 7.30pm-9.30pm. Contact Lynn on 01420 474881. Bramley Music - Holy Trinity Church Saturday 16th January at 7pm Bramley Music welcomes the return of Manus Noble for another spellbinding concert of classical guitar music. The sounds he can coax out of his instrument are truly magical, and those who heard him last time will be urging others to come and hear for themselves. Tickets are £10 (under 18’s and students £5) and are available as usual at the door or in advance from Robertsons in Bramley High Street, and include a free glass of wine or soft drink in the interval. Tickets may also be reserved via stuartwhite@waitrose. com or 01483 892645. Proceeds will go to the charity

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Anthony Nolan which works to save the lives of people with blood cancer. Haslemere Decorative and Fine Arts Society Tuesday 19th January 2pm The first lecture of the year is by Mark Corby who will compare the lifestyles in medieval Paris and London. The differences in style and splendour of the two cities during this frenetic and interesting period of history will be compared and explained. This is the first of 10 lectures in 2016 on varied subjects including Thomas Heatherwick ‘The Leonardo Da Vinci of our times’, HDFAS also organises in depth special interest days; the first is in February on the subject of 18th century English porcelain. Outings to places of artistic and historic interest are arranged throughout the year and form part of the 2016 programme of events. Lectures are held at Haslemere Hall and guests and new members are always welcome. For more details about the society contact the membership secretary Sue Wright on 01428 683578 email membership@haslemeredfas.org. uk. More information about the society’s activities can be found at www.haslemeredefas.org.uk. Haslemere Educational Museum This ever popular Haslemere institution was crowned cream of the crop at The Beautiful South Awards. The Museum has been awarded a coveted Bronze in the Small

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The

Yvonne Arnaud Theatre at

Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre is one of the country’s leading regional producing theatres – and it is currently celebrating 50 years of ﬁrst-class productions. As well as entertaining the local community, much of the theatre’s work has also toured the country and enjoyed West End success. Building a Theatre for Guildford The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre Trust was established in 1961 in response to local demand for the construction of a larger theatre. Among the Trust’s patrons were Dame Sybil Thorndike, Sir Michael Redgrave and his daughter, Vanessa. The site was provided by Guildford Borough Council at a peppercorn rate and the purposebuilt horseshoe shaped theatre was designed by a local architect Mr John Brownrigg. It took two years to build and was only made possible by the generosity of hundreds of enthusiastic Guildford and Surrey play-goers who donated nearly 70% of the original cost in covenants and gifts, led by the Founding Chairman A.W. Graham-Brown.

opened!”. Among the guests at the foundation ceremony were Loelia, Duchess of Westminster; Lord and Lady Hamilton of Dalzell and Sir Richard and Lady Nugent.

On September 18, 1963, Vanessa Redgrave ‘laid the foundation stone’, imprinting her footprint in the concrete ﬂoor of what would later become the Theatre foyer. She said: “From the ﬁrst moment that I heard plans for the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre I was very, very interested. I can’t wait for the Theatre to be

The theatre had to hold three ‘opening nights’ to allow all the local Founder Members to attend and the production transferred directly to London where it also enjoyed a successful run. This was the fore-runner of many plays that would follow suit and transfer to London: during the ﬁrst 10 years, the Theatre presented over 230 productions, of which 36 transferred to the West End.

January 2016

After a high proﬁle fundraising campaign, the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre opened on 2nd June 1965 with a Gala performance of A Month in the Country starring Ingrid Bergman and Michael Redgrave. Actor Dirk Bogarde opened the evening with a prologue specially commissioned from the playwright, Christopher Fry.

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The Under the Theatre’s ﬁrst Artistic Director, theatre Laurier Lister (in post 1964-1974), plays were usually produced on a fortnightly was made basis, with the annual Christmas possible pantomimes enjoying a longer thanks to the run. In 1974, Lister was succeeded generosity of as Artistic Director by Val May who strove to counter ﬁnancial hundreds of pressures by increasing the enthusiastic number of works received from Guildford and touring companies or produced Surrey playin partnership with West End management. goers who donated nearly James Barber, the Theatre’s General 70% of the Manager since 1984 (pictured below), original succeeded Val May in 1992 and the number of touring and pre-West End cost

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transfer productions received by the Yvonne Arnaud increased and the theatre continued to produce its own shows.

For James, this theatre has been a part of life since it was built: he has fond memories of being brought to the theatre in the 1960s to see Flanders and Swann, Joyce Grenfell and, of course, the Pantomime. Of the theatre’s 50th anniversary, James says: “It’s incredible that despite all the regional theatres that have closed around the country, including in Surrey, the Yvonne Arnaud is celebrating its 50th birthday. I am very blessed to have worked in this beautiful Theatre, in this beautiful place, for 35 of those 50 years”.

Yvonne Arnaud

The 1990s saw the Yvonne Arnaud expand, when part of the 18th century Town Mill beside the theatre became the Mill Studio, providing a venue for small-scale drama and to encourage a repertoire of productions that would not otherwise be seen in Guildford. It also created a home for the Youth Theatre’s activities. The theatre today Under the Directorship of James Barber, Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre is a busy producing and receiving house, creating shows in Guildford and touring nationally, with many productions transferring to the West End. The Yvonne Arnaud’s exciting programme of events features a range of new work, established classics and award-winning productions, as well as a diverse selection of music and opera, ballet, ﬁlm seasons, an art exhibition, family shows and an annual pantomime.

Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre opened its doors as a proud memorial to the much-loved French actress Yvonne Arnaud who had made her home first in Effingham Common and then London Road in Guildford. Her warmth, humour and talent gave Yvonne an unrivalled position on the English stage for nearly fifty years.

Equipped with two performance spaces (the Main Stage and the Mill Studio) and home to the Yvonne Arnaud Youth Theatre, the venue oﬀers a brilliant mix of activities for young people and adults all year round.

A long-time Guildford resident, Yvonne had been a supporter of the local arts scene and was a Director of the Guildford Theatre Club from its incorporation in 1946 until her sudden death in 1958.

Extensive catering facilities are available to suit all pockets, with multiple theatre bars, the Riverview Restaurant and the Riverbank Café. Whether you’re looking for coﬀee, lunch, afternoon tea or a complete night out, the Theatre’s picturesque riverside setting oﬀers something for everyone – not just theatregoers.

In 1964, Dame Sybil Thorndike said: “Those of us who loved Yvonne as an actress feel her spirit behind this theatre for Guildford – a town which has been eager for good, live plays – and a theatre of its own, coupled with the name of a great actress, will be a further mark of the town’s energy and enterprise”.

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50 Years of Legendary Actors The last half-century has seen an astonishing array of actors appear on the Yvonne Arnaud stage. The early years saw performances from Max Adrian in The Cardinal of Spain; Sybil Thorndike’s penultimate role in The Viaduct; Wendy Hillier and Gladys Cooper in Somerset Maugham’s The Sacred Flame; Alec Guinness’s riveting scientist in Time Out of Mind; Joan Plowright in The Cherry Orchard; Edward Woodward in The Dark Horse; Susan Hampshire and Gerald Harper in House Guest; Janet Suzman in The Three Sisters and Dorothy Tutin in Macbeth. The 1980s saw the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre take its first show to Broadway: Shaw’s Pygmalion starring Peter O’Toole, Lionel Jefferies, John Mills, Dora Bryan and Amanda Plummer. The decade also welcomed appearances from Rex Harrison and Edward Fox in The Admiral Crichton, Leonard Rossiter in The Rules of the Game; Leslie Caron, Kate O’Mara and Dinsdale Landon in The Rehearsal; Derek Jacobi in Breaking the Code; Penelope Keith in Dear Charles; Beryl Reid in A Little Bit on the Side; Alan Bates and Felicity Kendal in Ivanov; Judi Dench and Michael Williams in Mr and Mrs Nobody; Vanessa Redgrave and Christopher Reeve in The Aspern Papers. Actors to take to the Guildford stage in more recent years include: Felicity Kendal, Josie Lawrence, Nicky Henson and Robert Bathurst in Alarms and Excursions; Barry Humphries and Emily Perry in Edna: The Spectacle; Gene Wilder in Laughter on the 23rd Floor; Rick Mayall and Stephen Fry in Cell Mates; Helen Mirren and John Hurt in A Month in the Country; Michael Gambon in The Caretaker; Penelope Keith and Una Stubbs in Star Quality; Joan Collins, Frank Llangella and Moira Lister in Moon Over Buffalo; Richard Briers and June Whitfield in Bedroom Farce; Edward Fox in The Winslow Boy; John Barrowman in Beautiful and Damned; David Suchet in Man and Boy; Patricia Routledge and Roy Hudd in Solid Gold Cadillac; Timothy West in The Old Country; Anthony Sher in Kean; Rosemary Ashe, Lynda Baron, Susie Blake, Michele Dotrice, David Horovitch, Roy Hudd, Sam Kelly, Maureen Lipman and Simon Rouse in When We Are Married; Charles Edwards, Jonathan Hyde, Emma Fielding, Ian McNeice and Joss Ackland in The King’s Speech and Ben Miller in The Duck House. Some of the fabulous actors who have appeared at the Yvonne Arnaud. From top: Ingrid Bergman and Michael Redgrave in A Month in the Country, performed on the opening night in 1965; Alan Bennet and Patricia Routledge in Talking Heads (1992); Judi Dench in Mr & Mrs Nobody (1986); Helen Mirren and John Hurt in A Month in the Country (1994); and Ben Miller in The Duck House (2013).

Looking ahead...

Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre continues to celebrate its anniversary year, welcoming the New Year in theatrical style with a New Season programme of events that includes: Alan Ayckbourn’s ﬁrst revival of his classic comedy Confusions (Wednesday 13th – Saturday 23rd January) and the world première of his latest work Hero’s Welcome (Friday 15th – Saturday 23rd January); Featuring a large live orchestra with over 30 musicians, the Russian State Opera presents Madam Butterﬂy (Monday 1st – Tuesday 2nd February); Guildford School of Acting present Our House: The Madness Musical (Saturday 12th – Saturday 19th

January 2016

March); William Nicholson’s stunning West End hit Shadowlands (Thursday 18th – Saturday 27th February) stars Stephen Boxer; Richard Bean’s brilliantly observed drama Toast (Monday 21st – Saturday 26th March) stars the Olivier Award-winning actor Matthew Kelly; Winner of the 2014 Molière Award for Best Play, The Father (Tuesday 29th March – Saturday 2nd April) sees Kenneth Cranham reprises his indelible West End performance. Ballet and Opera screenings from the Royal Opera House and a Film Season (Monday 29th February – Saturday 5th March) also feature. For a complete guide to what’s on at Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, please visit the website at www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk or call the Box Oﬃce on 01483 440000.

LOCAL The World’s Best Classical Music in Grayshott... Overture opens the evening with Beethoven’s Symphony No.4 in B ﬂat major, with conductor Graham Ross bringing the evening to a tumultuous conclusion.

Little Grayshott village is BIG in classical music. For over 10 years, enthusiasts have ﬂocked from far and wide to hear world-class performers present the well-loved classics. And this year is no exception. With the world’s most performed living composer Sir Karl Jenkins as Patron, Grayshott Concerts is staging a Gala performance of two of his major works. So on Saturday 12th March 2016, St Luke’s Church, Grayshott, will resound to Sir Karl’s most popular work, The Armed Man – A Mass for Peace, sung by top local choir Excelsis, accompanied by the Marylebone Camerata. This iconic work has been performed, live, over 1800 times in 20 countries. Running simultaneously on huge screens, will be The Armed Man – The Film, which depicts the horrors and futility of war but ends on a note of reconciliation and hope. The programme also includes a performance of Sir Karl’s latest work, The Healer - A Cantata for St Luke, which premiered at St Luke’s Church, Grayshott, in October 2014. The work was commissioned by Grayshott Concerts to celebrate their 10th anniversary of music making in the village, and is now being performed again by popular request. The concert will be conducted by Sir Karl and by Robert Lewis, Director of Excelsis.

St Luke’s Church, Grayshott, has hosted many significant grand-scale events, including Beethoven’s rarely-performed Triple Concerto with the London Mozart Players, and also Elgar’s great Cello Concerto with BBC Young Musician of the Year, Laura van der Heijden. But the venue’s largest ever orchestral line-up comes on Friday 23rd September 2016, when the 44-strong London Mozart Players perform one of the world’s most-requested symphonies, the nostalgic Dvorak Symphony No.9 From the New World. Packed with dozens of hummable tunes, the work is frequently heard on radio and TV. “We always thought it would be too big to put on” says Concerts co-founder, Peter Harrison, “but this year, we shall do it!” Coupled with the symphony, comes one of the most beautiful concertos in the repertoire, Dvorak’s muchloved Cello Concerto in B minor. Returning to Grayshott is the young prize-winning cello soloist Yoon-Kyung Cho, under the baton of Howard Shelley, the group’s Associate Artist. To round off the year, Grayshott is staging Mozart’s inspiring Mass in C, with one of London’s best amateur choirs, Pegasus, and an impressive line-up of top-flight soloists. The work, said to rival his Requiem in musical eloquence will be followed by Violin Concerto No.4. Performing on period instruments, the London Handel Orchestra is directed by Adrian Butterfield, a leading authority on period stringed instruments.

Vivien Harrison, Artistic Director, says: “It’s great to have Soprano Lucy Knight back, who starred for us in The Healer and to welcome Baritone Morgan Pearce for his ﬁrst role in Grayshott. What an evening it will be!” The Grayshott premiere was recorded and later broadcast on Classic FM and had its US premiere in the Carnegie Hall, New York, last January. The Healer goes on tour in May 2016 to London, Birmingham and Manchester. The CD of the premiere has been released by Warner Classics as part of a box set. Single CDs are available through Grayshott Concerts website. Making a triumphant return to Grayshott on Friday 17th June is violin virtuoso and superstar, Tasmin Little, who will perform Beethoven’s much loved Violin Concerto in D, accompanied by the famous London Mozart Players. Weber’s popular Freischutz 18

Top left: Howard Shelley. Above: Lucy Knight with Sir Karl Jenkins

FIND OUT MORE

Booking is now open to ‘Friends’ with general booking opening on 13th January. Call 01428 606666 or visit www.grayshottconcerts.co.uk. vantagepointmag.co.uk

JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

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Visitor Attraction of the Year Category at the Beautiful South Awards 2015. Held at the iconic Grand Brighton Hotel, the presentation evening celebrated the fantastic visitor experiences available across the South and South East of England. Established over 20 years ago, the Beautiful South Awards reward excellence, quality, innovation and customer service. The Chiddingfold Horticultural Society Wednesday 20th January 8pm The Society held a well attended AGM on 18th November. Sheila Rapley was chosen as the new Chairman and the rest of the committee re-elected. After the interval for refreshments, Pat Freemantle showed how to produce a decorated Christmas tree and also a cake which looked very festive and were raffled. The meeting will be a members’ social evening in the Village Hall, Coxcombe Lane with entertainment and a finger buffet. Members are asked to bring their own drinks and to renew their membership. Windows 10 computer course at Fernhurst Centre Wednesdays 20th and 27th January Are you in two minds about upgrading to Windows 10? Well, this demonstration will talk you through the pros and cons of both installing and using Windows 10. There will also be some hands on time on the Centre’s computers.

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Runs from 11am to 1pm and costs just £10. Also, if you missed it the first time, the Fernhurst Centre is running ‘An Introduction to Researching Family History’ for a second time. Learn and practise how best to use the resources on the internet to research your family history in this 2 week course. Both sessions will introduce new resources and techniques and will also involve practical student exercises using the computers provided. Some class time will be allocated to student’s own research, with the tutor providing assistance when difficulties are encountered. Two x 2 hour sessions on Wednesday 17th and Wednesday 24th February from 10.30am to 12.30pm. Cost £20. Details for other courses are on the website www.fernhurstcentre. org.uk and places must be booked in advance either on 01428 641931 or email ferncent@gmail.com. There’s lots of free parking at the rear of the Centre. Les Amitiés Françaises Lecture Thursday 21st January 7.30pm The society will have its annual historical and geographical lecture on La Chartreuse. Their speaker, Thierry Viennois, who comes from Grenoble, will talk about this splendid region where St. Bruno founded the famous monastery in 1084 in a lonely, wild valley. Today, there is still beautiful sub-Alpine countryside and also thriving industry. Thierry is an accomplished lecturer, his French evenly paced, easily understood. They meet in the Baptist Hall, Queen Street,

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Godalming at 7pm (coffee, chat) and lecture at 7.30pm. Information from johnpetty@which.net or on 01483 389102. Programmes in local libraries etc. The society organises lectures throughout the year and they also enjoy many social events and an outing - all with a French flavour. Grayshott Folk Club Friday 22nd January 7.30pm Who better to celebrate their 5th birthday with, than their old favourites The Bully Wee Band? The band returns to Grayshott Village Hall GU26 6TZ, having established themselves as firm favourites from previous appearances. The Bully Wees put on a great show, guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s face. Not only are they great musicians but they are also engaging entertainers. Since their reformation in 2004, they have proved themselves to be among Britain’s foremost exponents of acoustic Folk/ Rock music. You can have a little taste on Youtube at www. youtube.com/watch?v=pbgC4fmcylA. Tickets for this gig are £15, under 16’s £7.50. If any space left, you can pay at the door on the night, £18, under 16’s £9. Call Des O’Byrne on 01428 607096. Winter Wassailing with the National Trust at Swan Barn Farm, Haslemere Friday 22nd January 7pm-9pm Learn the art of the wassail and improve your chance of

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a bumper apple crop. Join in an evening of spirit warding, superstition and fun as we perform a traditional wassailing ceremony to banish the evil spirits from our orchards. Bring pots and pans to bash and scare away the spirits. Sample the traditional drink of the ceremony, wassil, made with apples pressed on the farm, just behind Haslemere High Street. There will be food on sale, with burgers made from Black Down beef. Families are welcome and dogs on leads. Please dress warmly and wear your wellies as it’s often muddy January. Park in the pay & display car parks in Haslemere and walk through to Swan Barn Farm (5 minutes walk), and meet in the orchard in front of Hunter basecamp. Barrow Hills School Barrow Hills has appointed Mr Sean Skehan as the new Head, effective from 1st September 2016. The current head Mr Matthew Unsworth, who has been at the helm for some 10 years is emigrating with his family to his wife’s homeland in Australia, at the end of this term. Mr Skehan, a committed Roman Catholic has been in the education sector for the last 25 years, most recently working as a Head at St Andrew’s School in Bedford (independent co-educational Nursery and Junior School / girls’ Senior School.) Justine Voisin, Chair of Governors, commented, “We have made the selection from an extensive and strong field of candidates, several of whom would have made an

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The continuing story of

DENNIS Brothers

Britain’s oldest vehicle manufacturer was established in Guildford, Surrey. In the fourth article in his series, Andy Goundry continues the story. When Hestair took over Dennis in 1972, production was at an all-time low and losses approached £1 million. Hestair’s solution was to embark on a dramatic rationalisation programme. One of their first steps was to sell the sprawling Woodbridge Works site, renting back less than half the buildings. Out too went promising new, but high-cost projects, such as a proposed high-performance front-wheel drive, low-floor ambulance. Lawn mower production was moved from Guildford to Hestair’s farm machinery division in Kent. Axle production was also ended, leaving Woodbridge Works to concentrate on vehicle assembly rather than component manufacture. Initially, Hestair continued to target the traditional Dennis customer base of local authorities with their regular demand for fire appliances and specialist trucks. Production for all other markets, including haulage, was all but abandoned. However, this left the company with a very small marketplace of only around 300 vehicles a year, which was clearly too small to financially sustain the business. The need to increase production to profitable levels caused the company to focus on the Middle Eastern market, which had grown rich on the dramatic oil price rises of the early 1970s. Dennis were soon selling a range of vehicle types to Iraq, the Gulf States and Libya, including fire appliances and refuse collectors as well as hundreds of Delta 16ton trucks. Ironically, many of these very

January 2016

successful products were in fact designed prior to the Hestair takeover. With better marketing of these new models, perhaps Dennis could have avoided being taken over. All this income and profit from the Middle East allowed the revitalised company to develop new modern products with reduced manufacturing costs. One of the most successful of these was the RS/SS series of fire appliances, which went on to a 16-year production run of over 1,750 vehicles. The RS/ SS shared a common cab design with a new refuse collection vehicle, the Phoenix, which was equally successful. Not content with reaping the rewards of this success, Dennis management then felt the time was right to re-enter the bus business. British Leyland, whilst dominant in the market, were intent on forcing their standard products onto customers, which did not sit well with the traditionally conservative bus operators. Dennis launched their rear-engined Dominator double-decker in 1977, and were quickly successful in gaining good orders from around the UK. In parallel, Dennis also developed the front-engined Jubilant double-decker specifically for Hong Kong, then a new market for them but one which was to play a major role in the company’s future, for the Jubilant was to prove a great success in this notoriously arduous location. Indeed, ten years after introduction, all 364 Jubilants sold to Hong Kong’s major operator, KMB (Kowloon Motor Bus), were still in operation, a level of reliability almost unknown previously. Capitalising on this success in Hong Kong, Dennis then developed the Dragon, a big 3-axle decker capable of carrying 172 passengers. Again, sales were substantial, with over 1,000 in operation with KMB by 1992. Indeed, the level of Hong Kong business helped Dennis to survive a major downturn in the UK bus market in the early 1980s. A model of the Dennis Jubilant, one of 364 models sold to Kowloon Motor Bus, all of which were still in operation 10 years after their introduction.

Management changes at Hestair in 1982 prompted a muchneeded review of the vehicle building activities of the group, for there were similar products from various plants being marketed in competition with each other. Hestair management wisely decided to focus each of the Hestair plants on their most successful products, and so the Guildford factory became responsible for two key markets, bus and fire chassis. The Guildford fire engine body-building business, no longer particularly profitable due to the costly unique requirements of each fire brigade, was sold off, and the body-building business went on to be re-formed as JDC, John Dennis Coachworks. This was run by the grandson of one of the original founders of the company, and continues at Slyfield in Guildford to this day. Similarly, refuse collection vehicle operations were centralised at the Hestair Eagle plant at Warwick, and production of cabs moved to Hestair’s Duple Coachbuilders factory in Blackpool. With the new-found focus on bus and coach manufacture, Dennis at Guildford identified an opportunity in the early 1980s for a light and economical yet durable coach. In an inspired and brave approach, Dennis’s designers took a new, compact Cummins engine and placed it midships in their new chassis, unlike the competition which had big, heavy rear-mounted engines. The new coach, the Javelin, was launched in 1986, and as operators became familiar with the new-to-them Cummins engine, it gained substantial orders, selling 1,300 by 1994. This operator acceptance of Cummins engines was key to developing one of Dennis’s next, and most successful models of all time. The UK bus market was undergoing massive

change in the early 1980s as the industry was eﬀectively de-nationalised and opened up to free competition. As a result, numerous small operators sprang up, intent on providing local services using comparatively cheap van-based buses. Experience soon showed that these van conversions struggled with the rigours of everyday bus operation, and Dennis reasoned that a small, economical purpose-built bus would be more durable. Enter the Dennis Dart, a little bigger and heavier than the van conversions but much smaller, lighter and more economical than a conventional ‘big’ bus, thanks to its lightweight economical Cummins engine and unusually small wheels. Expectations for the success of Dart were modest, with sales predictions being in the hundreds. In the event the Dart went on to become Britain’s most successful bus, selling over 10,000 in its production life. A development of Dart, the Alexander Dennis Enviro200 is indeed still in production, so total sales are now approaching 20,000. Compare that build record with the much better known Routemaster, which only managed around 3,000 sales! However, whilst Dennis was enjoying success with the Dart and other models, by the late 1980’s their owners, Hestair, were losing interest in vehicle building, having diversiﬁed into other areas of business. In 1988, senior directors from the various Dennis businesses in Guildford, Warwick and Blackpool formed a new company,

Probably the most successful bus type in the world – the Dennis Dart. This is one of the thousands which have been operated in London. Photo: Dennis Society 22

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Trinity Holdings, to buy the vehicle-building businesses from Hestair for £27 million. Under Trinity Holdings management, the Guildford business again flourished. Now renamed Dennis Specialist Vehicles, they moved from the now-outdated Woodbridge Works to a new purpose-built factory at Slyfield in 1990, which was muchneeded to cope with the volume of orders for Dart in particular. The success of Dart was followed up in the latter half of the 1990’s by the development of an innovative range of low-floor buses, ranging from the Dart SLF (for Super Low Floor) to the Trident double deckers, which included a 3-axle version for the key Hong Kong market. One of the hundreds of Dennis Dragons bought by KMB (Kowloon Motor Bus) in Hong Kong. Interestingly, this bus gained a second life when it eventually returned to the UK for use as an open-topper in London operated by Big Bus Tours. Photo: Danny Chan

The very well-regarded Dennis RS fire appliance. That rather utilitarian squared-off appearance belied an incredibly strong and spacious, at the time almost the only purpose-built fire engine cab designed to be easy to use by a full crew equipped with breathing apparatus etc. Photo: Dennis Society

Fire engine sales were equally buoyant in this period, thanks to the Sabre chassis which was also highly successful. Whilst the smaller Rapier, a very agile and impressive appliance, achieved fewer sales due to its limited payload, it formed an impressive ‘halo product’ for the company, and won several plaudits for its technical excellence, not least a Design Council award. By any standards, whether volume of sales, turnover, or profitability, Dennis was on a roll at that time, and the business was ready to embark on the next stage of its growth. For Dennis’s management team, the next logical step was to once again become a builder of complete vehicles by merging the Dennis chassis-building business with Plaxtons, a bodybuilder with which Dennis had traditionally enjoyed very close links. Plans for this amicable merger were however dealt a blow when Alexanders, a rival bodybuilder, grew concerned at the potential impact on their business. The parent company of Alexanders, Mayflower Corporation, had also eyed the 1990s growth of Dennis and therefore began a hostile bidding war for Dennis, eventually taking over the company in 2001 and renaming the bus-building business Transbus International. Mayflower believed that they could continue to grow and profit from the Guildford chassis business, which they combined with their Alexanders body-building operation, and unwittingly over-extended themselves in buying Dennis Specialist Vehicles. Cost-cutting soon became the order of the day, resulting in several unwelcome measures such as the sale and leaseback of the Guildford site. Other businesses within the Mayflower empire were similarly over-extended, and eventually Mayflower collapsed into Administration in 2004, taking with it a large percentage of the pension fund of the loyal workforce. This was probably the lowest point in the history of the business, and, for a time, it looked as if closure was on the cards, however in the nick of time a late saviour was found, as we shall see in the next chapter of this series. © Andy Goundry ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Almost the last chapter in Dennis fire engines – the superb Rapier. As well as selling in the UK, several were sold into mainland Europe, much to the chagrin of their local manufacturers. Indeed, a number served in Erfurt, Germany, right in the heart of Mercedes and MAN territory! This one, however, served much closer to home, with West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service. Photo: David Rowell January 2016

Andy Goundry spent his working career in vehicle design and development, with almost twenty years in senior engineering and management roles at Dennis. Since retirement he has continued a close involvement with vehicles, writing for specialist magazines and websites, as well as producing his own motoring website www.autonews.uk.com. 23

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The Meath Epilepsy Charity If someone is affected by epilepsy and has associated (and often severe) physical and learning disabilities, then there is a very special charity offering accommodation and friendly support services in Godalming. It is situated immediately to the west of the railway station; its main and very beautiful Grade II listed building is quite easy to spot from the platform through the trees. The house and grounds in Westbrook Road were donated by Lady Meath in 1892 to establish what she is reported to have said should be seen as “a home not a hospital….. a home of comfort, all being as bright and cheerful as possible”. That home later became the organisation that we now know as The Meath Epilepsy Charity. The purpose of this article is to set out where we are in 2016, to give a little information to everyone locally regarding epilepsy and disability and to ask for your support, be it a financial donation, a bequest in your Will, your time as a volunteer or a donation of old or unwanted furniture for our latest social enterprise, Changing Perceptions. The Charity’s objectives are twofold. Firstly, to support, care for and protect the physical and mental health of people living with epilepsy and associated learning and physical disabilities through the provision of suitable accommodation, specialised assistance, skills training, leisure and sports pursuits. Secondly, to promote integrated services that empower and enable people to live fulfilled lives as independently as possible. The Meath provides a progressive pathway of care and support, ranging from a residential service, offering 24 hour care seven days a 26

week, to support in a person’s own home for as many hours as they require. Personally tailored assistance is afforded to each person in order to ensure that they remain safe and happy and take as much control in their life as they are able. Currently, there are over seventy five people living at the Meath’s historic site in Westbrook Road. The accommodation is grouped into small ‘family’ units, with each resident having their own room which they can personalise as they wish but sharing a communal kitchen, lounge and dining area, where they cook, eat and spend quality time with their friends. Many would never have been able to form friendships before coming to the Meath. But with a little assistance – and there are qualified staff on duty round the clock - people living with epilepsy and associated disabilities can achieve in areas which they had never dreamed possible, using their hitherto undiscovered creativity and skills and thus succeeding alongside their peers. Over the last few years, the Charity has been growing its supported living service off-site, providing the same high quality care and support to people living more independently in tenancies of their own around the local area. It has also expanded its specialist accommodation at Westbrook Road. Work has now been completed on the building of an exciting new high needs residential unit that cares for the Charity’s most disabled clients. Its twelve residents are housed across two floors with everyone having the benefit of assistive technology, much of it bespoke. The contemporary building lies between the old Grade II listed building and the railway station. Fundraising to meet the £2.3 million building cost began back in 2010. People supported by the Meath come from all walks of life. Almost all have multiple problems, the common denominator being epilepsy which, in itself, can appear in a wide variety of forms. The causes of epilepsy also vary; for many, epilepsy was apparent early in life but, for others, the cause may be a head injury following a car accident or, as happened to one resident, the result of being beaten up when on the way back from his school. vantagepointmag.co.uk

However, providing comfortable, safe accommodation and the chance to meet and make friends with other people similarly affected is only half the story. It is clear that encouraging people to engage in healthy activities, whether they are creative, academic, everyday skills or sports pursuits, help enormously with people’s holistic welfare. To this end, the Meath offers a wide choice of activities on-site, as well as access to many more within the local area, enabling people to achieve their own personal goals and ambitions and to live a far more fulfilled lifestyle. The Meath’s Skills and Enterprise Centre was developed from the Charity’s historic day services, which helped residents gain the most from their day. The Centre now boasts a wide array of enterprises, including a modern gym, IT centre, expressive arts workshop and a pottery, with an on-site catering outlet, Café Meath, which also provides skills training to some of the people supported by the Meath. All of these facilities are open to the general public with every penny taken ploughed back to charitable use. The Meath now runs two shops in Godalming High Street. ARTHOUSE Meath, at 96 High Street, opened three years ago and provides both a sales outlet for the pictures, mugs, tea towels, cards, shirts, aprons and wrapping paper which the residents design in association with professional art tutors and a studio, visible from the shop, where customers can meet and talk to the artists as they paint and draw. The finished products, which are of an extremely high quality, are the work of a number of artists, helped by their art instructors and carers, together with a whole production team including designers, print makers, marketers, photographers

and, very importantly, a team of willing volunteers behind the sales counter. The second shop, called Changing Perceptions, is at 133 High Street and was formally opened in December 2014 by the Secretary of State for Health, Jeremy Hunt MP. Here old or redundant furniture is collected, stored, upcycled or re-purposed and then sold. The shop area at the front is very bright and cheery and includes a specialist Tea Shop where you can obtain an excellent cup of loose-leaf tea or fair trade coffee in addition to buying a piece of furniture. To the rear, the premises has a large storage area and a workshop where the Changing Perceptions team, which includes people supported by the Charity, volunteers and Meath staff, receive and prepare the donated furniture for display. The premises has its own parking area at the rear, accessed via the South Street car park, which makes dropping off donations of furniture or collecting purchases far easier. Sales have been extremely successful, to the extent that much of the furniture is sold the moment it goes on display! However, the key to developing this exciting new social enterprise is not only to attract many more customers, but more importantly to maintain our wonderful band of volunteers in addition to reaching out to everyone to consider Changing Perceptions as you contemplate what to do with any unwanted furniture. So, please, if you have furniture to donate, or wish to volunteer to help at either ARTHOUSE Meath or Changing Perceptions, then please phone the Meath on 01483 415095. The amazing thing about all of the wonderful services that the Meath offers is the self esteem and confidence that is grown as a result, which goes a long way to giving people a real quality of life, despite the challenges that they face everyday. So, by supporting one of the area’s oldest charities, you will not only be helping continue its valuable work, you will also be helping make an incredible difference in someone else’s life. And that is priceless! The author of this article is Malcolm Ring, a Trustee of the Meath Charity and – perhaps more importantly - the proud father of Emma, resident at the Meath.

FIND OUT MORE

For more information, please visit the website at www.meath.org.uk. January 2016

Stylish retirement apartments exclusively for the over 60s in West Sussex

SO Concierge Club lounge Guest suite^ Landscaped gardens Car parking Lift Internet shopping service Weekly trips available* Intruder alarm

Morgan Court

Station Road, Petworth, West Sussex, GU28 0FE

LD Typical living room

Typical master bedroom

Concierge Club lounge Guest suite^ Landscaped gardens Plenty of car parking available Lift Located moments from the main High Street Surrounded by a wealth of services

Turner House

St Margarets Way, Midhurst, West Sussex, GU29 9FU

Show complexes open Tuesday to Saturday, 10.30am - 5.00pm

To find out more or to make an appointment to visit, please call 0800 882 1952 or visit mccarthyandstone.co.uk *Charges may apply. ^Typically ÂŁ25 per night

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ABBEYFIELD WEY VALLEY SOCIETY WINS

Morgan Court, located on Station Road, Petworth, and Turner House on St Margaret’s Way, Midhurst both offer modern yet timeless exterior architecture, and have been carefully designed to offer light, spacious interiors. All apartments in both developments benefit from fully-fitted kitchens with designer integrated appliances and provide spacious, open-plan living and dining areas.

Outstanding care workers from across the county were honoured at the Surrey Care Awards on Friday 20th November in a gala ceremony. These awards are the ‘Oscars’ for care workers and Abbeyﬁeld Wey Valley Society were thrilled to win the category for Involving Friends, Family and Community.

Facilities at both developments include a stunning club lounge, ideal for enjoying an afternoon puzzle or a catch-up up with friends over coffee and beautifully landscaped gardens in which to relax. Providing total peace of mind, the developments also benefit from their very own Concierge, who ensures the smooth running of the development, an inclusive Management Service scheme which includes 24-hour fire and security monitoring, buildings insurance, security lighting and maintenance for the communal areas, window cleaning and grounds maintenance. The contemporary interior design is also discreetly future-proofed, offering level access throughout. For further information and to register your interest in an apartment at Morgan Court or Turner House, please call the dedicated freephone information number on 0800 882 1952 or visit http://www.mccarthyandstone. co.uk.

This award recognises the involvement the Society has with the local community, such as providing placements for students at Farnham College, joining in with the Farnham Carnival, running tea tents and Tombola stalls at local events and giving training in wheelchair awareness. The Society has over 80 volunteers of all ages who provide a connection to the local community for residents and assist with outings and day to day activities. Families also play their part by involving themselves in Society events. The Society were also extremely proud of staff members Tammie Baker and Mike Maher who were finalists in two other categories - Frontline Leader of the Year and Outstanding Contribution to Social Care. The Awards are organised by Surrey Care Association and the finalists were nominated by their colleagues. Erica Lockhart, Chief Executive of the Association, said, “We want to shout about the really excellent care that goes on in Surrey day in day out. Social care staff are so often unsung heroes and we want to change that by highlighting and rewarding their achievements.”

Abbeyfield Wey Valley Society

Enabling older people to live their chosen lifestyle

Our residents enjoy: • Sheltered residential and nursing care

At Abbeyfield Wey Valley Society we have over 25 years’ experience as one of Surrey’s leading providers of sheltered, residential and nursing care for older people. Maintaining homes on four sites, we pride ourselves on alleviating loneliness and providing friendly, relaxed, homely environments, while offering appropriate levels of care and support to preserve the privacy, dignity and independence of every person we look after.

• • • • • •

Single occupation en-suite bedrooms ‘Home-from-home’ relaxation lounges Nutritious meals cooked on site Beautifully landscaped gardens and patios Wheelchair-friendly and lift access Fees reflective of our charitable status

To see our facilities for yourself, we invite you to look around any of our homes without obligation.

Wey Valley Society Find out more at abbeyfieldweyvalley.co.uk

January 2016

01252 735507 admin@abbeyfieldweyvalley.co.uk /Abbeyfield-Wey-Valley-Society

All homes fully CQC compliant. Fees reflect charitable status.

BERITAZ IS A FINALIST AT THE SURREY CARE AWARDS 2015 We believe our clients deserve a quality lifestyle that respects their dignity and independence; their loved ones expect assurance and peace of mind. We provide these within a friendly, professional, caring and secure environment.

Ashton Manor Farnham

Nursing Care for Alzheimer’s & Dementia

Beales Lane, Wrecclesham, Farnham GU10 4PY

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info@ashtonmanor.co.uk www.ashtonmanor.co.uk

Robertson NH Godalming Nursing Care

The Surrey Care Awards recognize excellence in social care in Surrey and are the “Oscars” for the care industry in Surrey. Sometimes the media features unhappy incidents around care workers and this is an opportunity to redress the balance, celebrating really good care delivered, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by dedicated, committed teams and individuals who work in this vitally important sector. Surrey Care Association announced that they received a record number of entries to their 7th annual awards this year. The standard of entries was very high and competition for a place in the finals was fierce. Beritaz Care (a Founder Subscriber to Surrey Care Association) was thrilled to be a finalist in two categories of the Surrey Care Awards at a glittering ceremony held at Epsom Downs on 20th November. Robertson House was a finalist in the Innovation in Dementia Care category and Beritaz Care was a finalist in the Provider of the Year award in a very tightly fought category which recognizes true excellence in the delivery of care.

Priorsfield Road, Hurtmore, Godalming GU7 2RF

01483 421033

robertsonnh@beritazcare.co.uk www.beritazcare.co.uk

Springkell House Hindhead

Residential Care for Alzheimer’s & Dementia

Kumar Gnanakumar, Chief Executive said “I am thrilled that the commitment of our team and their willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty to deliver the very best of care to our residents has been recognized. Our residents are at the very heart of all that we do, so it’s wonderful for them too”.

Wood Road, Hindhead GU26 6PT

01428 605509

info@springkellcare.co.uk www.springkellcare.co.uk We are looking for exceptional caring people to join our wonderful team as Care Assistants, RGNs and Kitchen Assistants in Farnham, Godalming and Hindhead. We encourage and support our staff to develop their careers with us offering full training as well as competitive salary and benefits. Please contact us for further details on 01428 604414. 30

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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

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excellent Head. By selecting Mr Skehan we have chosen the candidate who, we believe, can build best on the strengths and leading reputation of Barrow Hills School.” In the interim, the School will be led by the current Deputy Head (Pastoral) Mr Paul Crisell. Haslemere Educational Museum Tuesday 26th January 2.30pm There’s a ‘Tea and Talk’ when conchologist June Chatfield will explore the Museum’s shell collections. Tea and biscuits provided. Free to members, £1 for non members, and no need to book. Enquiries to enquiries@ haslemeremuseum.co.uk. or call 01428 642112. More information at www.haslemeremuseum.co.uk Raising the Age of Participation There is much confusion about this subject. 16 to 18 year old young people are now required to have a destination and should not just leave school. However, this does not mean having to stay at school. There are many other options available; young people can go to college, into an apprenticeship or a job with training or they could go to a Training Provider. Training Providers are a great alternative if you didn’t get a great deal from traditional education. They offer accredited training in small groups and work experience opportunities with free travel. As it is a legitimate option, all existing benefits to the family will

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continue. The courses are roll on roll off so they can be there when needed. For more information ring Denise at Waverley Training on 01252 725872. Haslemere Flower Club Wednesday 27th January 1.30pm The first meeting of 2016 for Haslemere Flower Club will be on Wednesday at Haslemere Hall, when Melissa King will demonstrate Spring has Sprung. Doors open 1.30pm. The flower arrangements will be raffled and the afternoon will end with tea and biscuits. Visitors are very welcome at a charge of £5. Jack and the Beanstalk Wednesday 27th – Saturday 30th January Pantoland is in trouble! Giant Blunderbore and his partner in crime - Poison Ivy, are blackmailing the Royal Family, leaving everyone in the Kingdom penniless! Can our hero, Jack, beat the odds and win the heart of Princess Rose? How can Fairy Beansprout help? And can Dame Trott and Dozy Den be of any use at all? To find out and have a fun-filled evening of family entertainment go along to Chichester Hall, Witley in January! Performances run from Wednesday 27th - Saturday 30th January at 7.30pm. (There is also an earlier performance on Thursday 28th @ 6.30pm as well as a matinee on Saturday 30th at 2.30pm.) Tickets available from The Toy Box in Godalming, Witley

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January 2016

GARDENING

With Beth Otway

Seasonal flowers a number of Open Afternoons through the year where you can purchase freshly picked flowers, and there’s always the option to purchase the flowers from local florists who stock their flowers. If you wish to purchase flowers on a regular basis, money saving subscriptions are available. I recently caught up with Claire, from Plantpassion, who told me she hopes to have lots of scented Narcissus, Anemones, Tulips and Alstroemerias, plus lots of local foliage, available for Valentine’s Day.

We’re fortunate in Great Britain to have four seasons to delight in, each one distinct. They offer us special moments, opportunities and sensations that we look forward to each year, making each season particularly special. Seasonal flowers are equally significant. Just like seasonal food, we rejoice in their arrival, celebrating their colours, fragrance and beauty. Flowers always make such a wonderful gift. If you’re thinking of buying flowers, don’t forget to think seasonally. There are so many charming and beautifully scented flowers you could buy that would make a truly special and heartfelt gift, especially for Valentine’s Day next month. Many people associate roses with Valentine’s Day, but it’s worth remembering that imported roses will have been picked quite a long time ago by the time the recipient receives them and won’t last very long. British cut flowers will naturally be fresher. I personally think seasonal cut flowers are more charming and sincere. Plantpassion is a flower farm in East Clandon in Surrey, set up by Claire Brown, to provide locally grown seasonal, scented and sustainable cut flowers to florists, companies and private customers. If you live very locally, delivery is available if you order flowers via Plantpassion’s website (www.plantpassion. co.uk). If you’re not that local, Plantpassion has 32

In the 1890s, the ‘Violet Train’ used to carry violets from the South West to London to sell at the flower markets. These days many of the flowers sold at the London markets are imported from abroad and consequently many of us miss out on the joy of receiving a posy of violets. Groves Nurseries sell posies of violets during February when their violets are in flower. The posies are sent out by post - there are 20 highly scented violets in each posy and they come in a lovely range of colours. The posies are £5 each, postage is £5.99 per parcel. Due to the unpredictable nature of the British weather and violet flowering times, the nursery takes orders over the phone for their violet posies. Telephone 01308 422654 for more information and to place an order. At Easton Walled Gardens in Lincolnshire, when they started renovating and restoring the gardens, thousands of snowdrops were discovered growing, hidden from view in the undergrowth. The snowdrops were probably planted in Tudor times and have since multiplied and spread, forming colonies of pretty nodding white flowers that flower each February. Easton Walled Gardens send out bunches of ten flowering snowdrop bulbs, freshly lifted from the gardens. The variety they send out is Galanthus nivalis, the common snowdrop, which is easy to grow and thrives on many different soil types; it will grow happily in clay, chalk and sandy soils. The honey scented flowers are a delight at this time of year. The flowering snowdrop bulbs are posted out in a protective tube surrounded by tissue, the snowdrops are wrapped in cellophane and tied with a ribbon - they make a lovely gift, that if planted in the garden, can be enjoyed every Valentine’s Day, as the snowdrops will flower each February and will over time multiply in your garden.

Top left: snowdrops. Left: Anemone coronaria ‘Lord Lieutenant’. Both by Beth Otway

FIND OUT MORE

For more information on seasonal cut flowers, gardening jobs for the month ahead and much more besides, please see Beth’s website at www.pumpkinbeth.com vantagepointmag.co.uk

JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

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Wines in Witley and online at www.witleypanto.co.uk. For further information, contact witleypantomimecompany@ gmail.com The History of Alton’s Breweries at The Allen Gallery Thursday 28th January 7.30pm The gallery in 10-12 Church Street, Alton GU34 2BW is home to one of the greatest collections of ceramics in the South of England. It also offers regularly changing exhibitions and programme of events. Until the 9th January, Found in the Fields is an exhibition of handdrawn lithographs by Carry Akroyd, inspired by the poetry of John Clare, entry is free. From 14th January to 30th March, there’s an exhibition highlighting WH Allen’s work in the context of the agricultural collection, again entry is free. From the 6th to the 29th January Body of Work is an exhibition by Su Paul in the café, again free. On Thursday 28th January there’s a talk by the local historian, Jane Hurst on The History of Alton’s Breweries. With the closure of Alton’s last brewery in May 2015, Jane looks back at several centuries of brewing in Alton. All the talks take place in the main exhibition room in the Allen Gallery at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £5 including light refreshments and can be obtained from the Gallery or by telephoning 01420 82802. The Curtis Museum in High Street, Alton GU34 1BA contains a fine collection exploring 100 million years of local history. Displays include prehistoric tools,

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Roman pottery, Saxon burials goods, the 1643 Battle of Alton, the notorious tale of Sweet Fanny Adams and hop picking and brewing. For more information, visit www. hampshireculturaltrust.org.uk. Quiz Night - Haslemere Methodist Church Saturday 30th January 7.30pm Would you enjoy a topical quiz with a nice supper thrown in for good measure? If so, this event will be right up your street! Haslemere Methodist Church at Lion Green, Weyhill GU27 1LD is presenting a fun quiz with a fish and chip supper. Get together a team of four and then decide on your team’s name. Advance tickets at £10 are available from 10am to 12 noon from the church’s Open Door Lounge on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Tickets can also be obtained from Malcolm on 01428 480360 and he can also help those unable to form a team of four. Bookings must be made by Tuesday 19th January. Have fun! Age UK Surrey This local charity works across Surrey to help improve the lives of older people aged 50+. Their services are designed to enable people to remain independent and informed, healthy and active and connected to their communities. The number of people aged over 85 continues to grow in Surrey. 214,000 people are aged over 65! This must be

Are you looking for a friendly dentist? Our caring and professional dental team welcomes you to Elstead Dental Surgery • Saturday appointments • Free examinations for children* • General and Cosmetic dentistry • Sedation available • We offer 0% finance *with registered adult

Please call 01252 702 477 to speak to Heather or Jo to make an appointment Elstead Dental Surgery, The Green, Elstead, Surrey, GU8 6HA www.elsteaddentalsurgery.co.uk - info@elsteaddentalsurgery.co.uk January 2016

FINANCE

Three Counties Money Advice tell us how they can help people... “After an horrendous period in my life I am, as of today, debt free. When everybody else ignored my plight, you gave me time, attention and advice. The NHS wanted to drug me, the bailiffs wanted to hurt me and the collection agencies wanted to hound me. I ignored all of this and listened only to your advice. As I begin to rebuild my life from the foundations I have today, I will always remember your kindness”. This quote is from a letter received from one of our clients. The stable financial future we at 3 Counties Money Advice were able to guide him to is what we hope for everyone who seeks our help. Personal debt is a fact of modern day life. It is common for many of us to take out mortgages, credit cards and loans. But if life throws a curve ball repaying these debts while maintaining a decent standard of living for you and your family becomes a daily struggle. Sudden unemployment, a struggling business, illness, and divorce can all wreak havoc on a person’s personal finances. Having bailiffs and debt collectors knock on the door or seeing another solicitor’s letter fall through the letterbox threatening bankruptcy, eviction and property repossession can cause alot of fear, even driving some to feeling suicidal. Some people delay seeking help because they feel shame and guilt about not being able to sort their financial affairs out for themselves. But, whatever the reason for a person’s financial problems, the sooner they come to see us the better. There is so much we can do. And our help costs nothing. Maybe just a deep breath and a small portion of courage to seek help. What you will find when you walk through the door is a team whose passion is to simply help people in debt. No judgement. No criticism. Our fully trained team of professionals is made up of Keith Potter, Meg Durrant, Malcolm Carter, Bill Kennedy, Roger Grimshaw and John Constable. We are all practising Christians. Financial debt can feel like a prison, and we believe that helping our clients look forward to a debt free future is a practical outworking of Christian faith. To see the relief on a person’s face when a Judge says “you are free from all your creditors as of this moment now go and start a new life” is the reason 34

we volunteer. ANYONE can use our service regardless of background or beliefs. We will give you the time and a confidential space to share your situation. You will always be treated with care, respect and total impartiality. We will help you to look at your situation with a view to finding solutions, not focusing on the problems. This could be negotiating with creditors to arrange debt repayments that are affordable. Creditors could be loan companies, banks, credit card lenders, mortgage lenders, courts or the insolvency service. If necessary we will respond to solicitor’s letters and court action. Together we will review your present financial situation and prepare a realistic budget to maintain a decent standard of living. Our aim is to take the pressure off the client. As well as debt we also give advice and assistance on other money related issues. You may be confused about what benefits you are entitled to or just lack confidence in managing your day to day accounts or be frightened by a tax form. Are you worrying about how to cope if you retire or are retired? We can advise you about state pensions. We can also guide you through the complex maze of welfare and housing provision. If you are struggling with financial burdens you do not have to cope alone. Come and see us between on Tuesdays between 10am and 4pm at Haslewey Community Centre, Lion Green, Haslemere GU27 1LD. You can simply drop in or, if you prefer, make an appointment on our 24 hour message line. Call 07766 765041. Email us at 3cma@frontlinedebtadvice.org.uk or visit www.3countieschurch.org/community/ money-advice. vantagepointmag.co.uk

JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

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the month for awards because Age UK recently announced they were the winners of 3 categories at the Living and Ageing Well Awards 2015. For information about their services, visit www.ageuksurrey.org.uk or call 01483 503414. Organ Recitals at St Bartholomew’s Saturday 6th February 11am The Friends of Haslemere Parish are pleased to announce their programme of spring 2016 Organ Recitals in St Bartholomew’s Church, Haslemere GU27 1BS. They take place on the first Saturday of the month (excluding January) at 11am. The opening Recital is on 6th February by Justin Luke, Assistant Organist at the Queen’s Chapel of the Savoy, London followed on 5th March by Timothy Parsons, the current Organ Scholar at Winchester Cathedral, whose programme will include Bach’s Prelude and Fugue in D and Plymouth Suite by Whitlock. It is hoped that a third Recital can be arranged for either Saturday 2nd or Saturday 9th April; confirmation will follow. No booking required. Coffee from 10.30am. Retiring collection. Any enquiries, email john@worls.plus.com or call 01428 643320. Haslemere Musical Society - Come and Sing Saturday 6th February 2pm Come and Sing Messiah is the invitation from HMC to all Bourne Buildings May 14_Layout 1 11/05/2015 14:51 Page 1

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interested singers to join their widely popular community singing event. It takes place at St. Christopher’s Church, Haslemere and will feature some of the great choruses from Handel’s Messiah. The event will start at 2pm and singers will be joined by members of the HMS Symphony Orchestra for the final performance at 6pm. The whole event will finish by 7pm. The cost is £12 (or £10 per person for groups of 10 or more) and includes the justly famous tea and cakes provided by HMS members. Interested singers and groups wanting to book should contact HMS treasurer Kate McWhirter on 01428 609203 or go to www. hmsoc.org.uk. Wine and Wisdom at Fernhurst Village Hall Saturday 6th February 7pm - 10pm The Fernhurst and Lynchmere branch of Chichester Conservative Association are holding a sparkling evening of amusing, sometimes hilarious quizzes with a delicious hot supper and a glass of wine. Teams of 6 to 8, couples and singles welcome to join teams. There will be a cash bar, raffle and prizes. Tickets at £15 from Rosemary Foster on 01428 653266. Proceeds to local charities. The Fintry Trust Monday 8th February 10am - 3.30pm. The Fintry Trust in Church Lane, Brook is holding a ‘Quiet Day on Mary’ on Monday 8th from 10am – 3.30pm. The THE LARGEST SHOWSITE IN THE UK OVER 200 BUILDINGS, 5000 STONE ORNAMENTS & 100 FURNITURE SETS ON DISPLAY

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January 2016

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Hold that diet.... Here we have three reasonably easy courses for you to enjoy in the New Year. They are not especially decadent and yet neither are we counting the calories. January can be such a dispiriting month that there is little point in making it worse by not eating enjoyable food. The Thai broth comes from Four Gables Food Academy (www.fourgablesfoodacademy. com) and is simple yet comforting. The other two courses come from Red Mist Leisure (www.redmistleisure.co.uk) who own a number of local pubs including the Stag at Eashing, the Royal Exchange at Lindford and the Wheatsheaf in Farnham. Pork belly is a very flavourful cut and excellent value for money while the cheesecake may look fiddly but is in fact very easy to make and a great favourite of most people.

Brined and Slow Roasted Belly of Pork with celeriac purée, sautéed greens and cider jus Ingredients For the pork: Half a pork belly, boned and rolled, skin removed, 3 litres of water, 300g table salt, 300g soft dark brown sugar, 1 bay leaf, 1 star anise, 5 peppercorns, 5 juniper berries, 2 cloves, 1 large carrot roughly chopped, 1 onion roughly chopped, a sprig of thyme For the celeriac: 1 small head of celeriac, peeled and chopped in 1cm dice, 1 onion, ﬁnely sliced, 3 sticks of celery, ﬁnely sliced, 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, 100g butter, 150ml vegetable stock, 100ml double cream, salt and white pepper to taste For the cider jus: 2 litres homemade beef or pork stock, 250ml dry cider, 1 sprig of sage For the greens: 100g pancetta lardons, 2x 500g bag of washed baby leaf spinach Serves 6 Method: 1. Three days before you wish to serve your dish you will need to make the brine. Fill a pan with the water, sugar, salt and spices. Gently heat to dissolve the salt and sugar, and boil for three minutes. Empty into a bowl large enough for the pork belly and chill. Place the pork into the brine ensuring it is completely submerged and refrigerate for three days. 2. Four hours before serving, preheat oven to 150 C. Remove pork from brine and rinse under cold running water for 20 minutes. Place on a roasting tray on a bed of 1cm chopped onion, carrot and thyme, and roast for 3 hours. 3. Meanwhile, place the stock in a pan and reduce by three quarters. 4. An hour before serving, make the celeriac purée. Sweat the onion, celery and celeriac with the thyme in butter on a low heat for about 10 minutes, ensuring it doesn’t colour. Add the veg stock and cream and simmer until soft. Puree well and season. It should be 36

the consistency of a loose mashed potato. Keep warm until serving. 5. When the pork is done, remove from the oven tray and wrap in foil. To make the jus, drain all of the fat off the tray, pouring a small amount into a jug to use later and discarding the rest. Place the tray on the heat and deglaze the tray with the cider. Reduce by half and pour into the pan of reduced stock, ensuring you scrape all the caramelised bits into the sauce. Add a sprig of sage and leave to cook out for 20 minutes. If you wish, thicken with a little cornflour. Before serving pass through a sieve into a jug. 6. While the jus is cooking out and the pork is resting, heat a teaspoon of the pork fat in a sauté pan and render down the pancetta on a low heat. Once crispy, pour off half the fat and add the spinach, a little at a time, until it all wilts down. 7. To serve, warm up the purée and spread on the middle of the plate. Top with the wilted spinach and a slice of the pork belly. Serve with your jus. vantagepointmag.co.uk

RECIPES Thai Coconut and Vegetable Broth This can be easily adjusted in spice and by the types of vegetables you put in so it is wonderfully versatile... Ingredients 1½ tbsp Thai curry paste, 1tsp vegetable oil, 1 litre vegetable stock, 400ml can half-fat coconut milk, 2tsp brown sugar, 175g medium egg noodles, 2 carrots cut into matchsticks, half a 300g bag beansprouts, juice of 1 lime, 3 spring onions halved and ﬁnely sliced lengthways, a handful of roughly chopped coriander, red chilli cut into thin strips for garnish Serves at least 6 as a starter Method: 1. Place the curry paste in a large saucepan or wok with the oil. Fry for 1 min until fragrant. 2. Tip in the vegetable stock, coconut milk and brown sugar. Simmer for 3 minutes. 3. Add the noodles, carrots and simmer for 4-6 minutes,

until all are tender. Mix in beansprouts. Add lime juice to taste and some extra seasoning, if you like. 4. Spoon into bowls and sprinkle with spring onions, coriander and chilli.

Bakewell Cheesecake Ingredients For the cheesecake: 530g full fat soft cheese, 1 tsp almond essence, 400ml double cream, 75g ground almonds, 1 vanilla pod, 130g white chocolate For the base: 165g digestive biscuits, 85g melted butter, 1 tsp almond essence, 75g ground almonds For the raspberry coulis: 2 punnets fresh raspberries, 100g caster sugar, water to cover For the jelly: 300ml water, 70g caster sugar, 100g raspberry coulis (above), 3 gelatine leaves Serves 6 Method: 1. Make the biscuit base by blitzing all ingredients until fully mixed together. Line a cake tin with cling ﬁlm and press mixture into the bottom making sure you have an even base. Place in the fridge and allow base to set. 2. Make the raspberry coulis by placing caster sugar and fresh raspberries into a saucepan and cover with water just above the level of your ingredients. Bring this to the boil on a high heat and then allow to simmer gently for approximately one hour. Pour your mixture into a food processor and blitz until completely smooth then allow to cool and refrigerate. 3. To make the cheesecake mixture, whip double cream until ﬁrm peaks appear being careful not to over whip, put to one side. Mix together soft cheese, January 2016

sugar, vanilla, almond essence and ground almonds until smooth. Add whipped cream and raspberry coulis (setting aside 100g for jelly) to mix and gently fold until mixed through evenly. 4. Take your biscuit base from the fridge when set and spread your mixture into the cake tin evenly trying to achieve a smooth top. Place back into the refrigerator and allow to set again. 5. Make the jelly topping by putting all ingredients together in a saucepan and use the same method as the raspberry coulis. When jelly has cooled, but making sure not to allow it to set, spread evenly across top of cheesecake. Finally allow to set once more in refrigerator. 6. To serve cut into desired sized portions and top with mint, icing sugar and toasted ﬂaked almonds. 37

gastr

The Royal Exchange in Lindford has an interesting story behind it. It is the successful result of a local community working together to improve their village and keep their only pub. The transformation of what was a dilapidated building into a great place for eating and drinking is really very impressive. The complete re-ﬁt and refurbishment of the pub by Red Mist Leisure took place in the autumn and I was keen to see the ﬁnal result of their £850,000 investment. The pub is lovely; tastefully decorated, modern and eclectic with a

...for the lovers of local food and drink really welcoming and friendly atmosphere. The food was equally impressive. I chose both my starter and main courses from the Specials Board, firstly West country mussels cooked in cream, bacon, onion and white wine (£5.95), followed by pan fried sea bass fillets with buttered new potatoes and green beans (£12.95). The portions were generous, especially the mussels, and they were sweet and tender. My husband chose black pudding hash with fried egg and olive, sun dried tomato and rocket salad (£5.50), peppered and crumbly black pudding topped with a deliciously unctuous egg, followed by Hampshire sirloin steak and peppercorn sauce (£18.95). He too was very impressed with the succulent rare steak, crispy yet fluffy-centred chips and delicate sweet vine to-

matoes, and finished off with sticky toffee pudding with chocolate and hazelnut ice cream (£5.00) - apparently fantastic but I didn’t get a look in! I had the British cheese selection (£8.00) consisting of Norbury Blue, Tunworth Camembert and Sussex Charmer, served with grapes, chutney and crackers, fabulous. While we were there, I noticed a lovely sense of community in the pub and we felt very relaxed. The pub is only a 5 minute drive from Liphook and I will visit again. A triumph for Red Mist Leisure, I just wish they’d re-develop a pub within walking distance of my house! Elizabeth Carlos The Royal Exchange, Liphook Road, Lindford GU35 0NX. Tel. 01420 488118

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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

Revd Camilla White, Assistant Priest at Holy Trinity Church, Bramley will be leading a day of quiet reflection to prepare for Lent. The day costs £10 per person, please bring a packed lunch. To book, call 01428 682621 or email fintry. administrator@btconnect.com. Midhurst Garden Club Monday 8th February There will be no meeting for the Midhurst Garden Club in January. However, on Monday 8th February the speaker will be Derrick Donnison-Morgan who will be talking about and showing the delights of The Flora of the Island of Madeira. If you wish to know more about the Garden Club contact Denise Skinner on 01730 814194 or askinner3@sky.com. Haslemere Museum Valentine’s Dinner and Auction of Promises Saturday 13th February 7.30pm This year’s annual dinner is being held at the Georgian Hotel in aid of their ‘Museum in a Million Campaign’. Tickets are now on sale for this fun black tie event which combines a delicious three course dinner with the chance to bid for some fantastic auction promises, followed by dancing. Previous auction lots have included holiday homes (both in the UK and abroad), sailing days, a private tour of Coutts bank, tickets to the launch party of London Fashion Week, English National Opera tickets and backstage tour, BMW track experience, bell ringing and lots more! To reserve tickets or to donate an item, contact the museum on email office@haslemeremuseum.co.uk or call 01428 642112. The cost is £45 per ticket to include welcome drink, three course dinner and half a bottle of wine. HHH Concert ‘Intrigue and Innovation’ Saturday 13th February 7.30pm The first HHH concert in the New Year will be an exciting adventure into the world of percussion, with young percussionists Sam Wilson and George Barton, at St Christopher’s Church, Wey Hill, Haslemere. Apart from two marimbas, Sam and George will be bringing a wide collection of drums, shakers, vibraphones, cymbals, cowbells, whistles, woodblocks, guiros, triangles and some house-hold objects. As Sam pointed out, the equipment looks almost as much of a show as the concert itself! Joined by the equally talented George Barton who studied at the St Petersburg Conservatoire and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, their programme will include the music of Steve Reich, performing his seminal works “Clapping Music” and “Nagoya Marimbas”. Tickets are £18 (Aged 8-25 free) and are available from HHH Concerts, 01428 652012, www.WeGotTickets.com, Chamberlain Music, Haslemere, 01428 658806, and at the door.

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Rudgwick to Walliswood This is a largely flat walk through fields and woods, passing an interesting old chapel. The walk description is provided by Guildford Rambling Club (guildfordramblingclub.org.uk). The club will embark on this walk on 24th January. Visitors are welcome to join them.

The walk 1. From the parking area walk north along the road to reach the Kings Head. Take the footpath right that goes through the churchyard behind the pub and out of the back onto a lane. Turn right and walk past Highcroft Cottage. The lane becomes a path. Continue forward. At a cross track go straight on. At a 4-way signpost go straight on, through a gap in the hedge. Head straight out across the ﬁeld then jink right and left to enter a wood. Go through the wood to reach and pass a house and continue forward along its drive to reach a 3-way signpost at a road. 2. Turn left. Immediately after a house is a 3-way signpost. Turn right and follow the Sussex Border Path along the right-hand edge of a ﬁeld. Reach a concrete track and turn left along it. Follow this all the way to a road by Bury St Austen’s Farmhouse. Go straight across and through farm buildings and the concrete track continues all the way to Ridge Farm. Walk through the buildings and on to reach

a road. Cross, jinking left and then turning right, along a footpath. Pass the side of Honeywood House and continue through trees and along its access track for ½ mile to reach a road. Turn left and walk for 100 yards to take a footpath right, into a field. Cross ½ left to a stile into another field. Walk up the right-hand side until forced left a little way and then turn right to continue forward. 3. At the bottom of the field, go over a stile and turn right to walk anticlockwise around the next field. Take the second stile right and follow the lefthand edge across and along in the edge of trees. At a 3-way signpost at a field corner go straight on and continue along field edges to pass through Rose Hill Farm to reach a road. Turn right and walk about 250 yards to find a footpath left, at the righthand side of the entrance to Chapel House Farm. Follow the path along the left-hand field edge and then reach the pretty little Oak Hill Chapel (built in 1899) in the middle of a wood. At the porch turn left and walk along the ‘stepping stones’ path to go down steps and over a footbridge into a wood. 4. Turn right and immediately take the left-most of two more footbridges. Follow the track through the wood for ½ mile, ignoring all lefts and rights, until emerging on a road in Wallis Wood with the Scarlett Arms pub and green immediately to your right.

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5. From the pub, go along the road to the right for 300 yards to reach a left turn to Oakwood Hill etc. Here, look for a footpath right, on the other side of the road. In the field head out half-left (crops or no crops) to reach a gate onto a road, about 100 yards to the left of a ‘tudor’ cottage. Turn left and walk along the road, following it as it swings right and passes Ewhurst Brick Works. After about 500 yards, find a footpath right and along a wide track. Reach some buildings and take a stile left, into a field. The path swings right and exits into trees and then is much overgrown for over ½ mile. At a big gate you are forced right, in a corridor alongside a fence. The path swings right, still in a corridor but now with a fence on the other side. You are forced left. At a yellow arrow go right and quickly cross a plank footbridge into a field. vantagepointmag.co.uk

WALK

6. Head out to the far left corner to exit. Go over another footbridge and reach a T junction with the drive of Hoopwick Farm. Cross and take a footpath right, into a field. Walk along the right-hand edge, ignoring a footbridge on the left. At the far side go through a gate into trees and continue forward. Emerge to walk along the right-hand side of a field. Go through a gate, right, onto a concrete track. This takes you across a field and continues in the next, after you have crossed two stiles. Follow the second section of concrete track straight out until almost reaching a high, green metal stake fence. Here, turn left and walk parallel to the fence. When it ends trend right to find a stile, right, at the edge of a garden of a house (Pollingfold Manor). Follow the path as it emerges on a drive and continue to a road.

field. Follow the path left and into the next field. Here, head half-left to a stile out onto a road. 8. Turn right and walk 100 yards to find a footpath left. Go over a rise and follow a fenced corridor to the left. Go over a stile and along the right-hand side of a field. Take a stile right, onto a path which you follow left, between gardens. Emerge on a road with a ‘Rudgwick’ sign immediately to your right. Turn right and walk to the start.

7. Turn left and walk for 100 yards to take a footpath right, along the track to Tillhouse Farm. Follow the track as it swings sharp left to pass the house and continue on into a field. Walk down the right-handside for about 300 yards to turn right, through a gap, into a large field. Head out across it half-left, aiming towards a large house, Maybanks Manor. Reach its drive and turn right to walk round towards another house, Ruet. The drive bends left close to the house and, on this corner, look for a kissing gate, on the left. Take this into a field and walk along its left-hand side. At the first corner, go forward through a clip chained gate into another

DISTANCE: 10 miles

REFRESHMENTS:

OS MAPS: Explorer 134 Crawley & Horsham, Cranleigh & Billingshurst

The Kings Head, Rudgwick T: 01403 822200

STARTING POINT: Turn off the A281 north into Rudgwick and use a lay-by on the right, before you reach the Kings Head.

The Scarlett Arms, Walliswood T: 01306 627243 Image: Drive to Maybanks Manor and Ruet. Most of the drive is a public footpath. © Copyright Robin Webster

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.

January 2016

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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

in Bosham has been given the go ahead. St Wilfrid’s opened its doors in 1987 with funds raised by the local community and has cared for over 14,000 patients and their families since then. All services are free of charge and demand and the range of services provided has grown hugely. The current building in Donnington is no longer fit for purpose and relocation is the only cost-effective solution: the new site in Bosham meets the criteria of location, access and cost. Everyone at St Wilfrid’s is now looking forward to starting the New Year with planning permission firmly secured, enabling them to focus on the next stage of the campaign and the no mean task of raising over £15 million. Make a Wish Golf and Black Tie Ball Saturday 5th March There’s a spectacular golf day and Make a Wish black tie ball at Wildwood Golf and Country Club on 5th March. Golf only is £40, which includes brunch and 18 holes of golf in teams of 4 with prizes. Tickets for the ball only are £50 to include a 3 course meal and music from a local band, The Mays. There’s a raffle and silent auction and games with loads of prizes. Tickets for the golf and the ball are just £75. Dress code: black tie / smart, no jeans. Golf starts at 11am and the ball 7pm. It is all in aid of the marvellous Make a Wish Foundation which grants the wishes of terminally ill children. There will be more information about

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the charity on the night. For tickets contact Carla on 07716 882382 or email carlabates62@gmail.com. Payment by cheque, cash or bank transfer. Sussex Day Walk Thursday 16th June Here is very early news of a walking event that you might like to jot down in your new 2016 diary. The walk is Tillington to Midhurst via the Midhurst Way, a walk of approximately 6 miles. Leaving The Horse Guards Inn, Tillington GU28 9AF at 9.30am, the Midhurst Way goes via the Lodsworth Larder (cake & loo stop), the lovely Lime Tree Avenue of 70 trees, the Queen Elizabeth Oak (old when Queen Elizabeth I saw it ), Cowdray Golf Club, and finally, lunch at the award winning Cowdray Farm Shop Cafe. Return by bus (15 min. journey) to Tillington every hour. More information from Geraldgreshamcooke@ gmail.com or 01798 342151. Gerald is a qualified HeartSmart Walk Leader. The Haslemere Home Stylers We have received a letter from a Haslemere resident. Having just finished clearing my mother in laws house, the subject matter rang rather large bells and I wouldn’t be surprised if it doesn’t for a number of you! “Dear Sir, I would like to tell your readers about my magical ‘find’ in Haslemere. After 60 years of marriage and only one move,

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PROFILE

Midhurst U3A hand at calligraphy. Various groups also incorporate speakers and visits into their programme. Without a doubt there is something for everyone. If you would like to share social activities there is plenty of opportunity with a supper club, Sunday lunch club, jigsaw swap, scrabble and board game groups. Also included in the programme is an annual study day, these have covered ‘art and music of WWI’, ‘art and music in the age of Hogarth’ and this year the topic was ‘inspiration Sussex’, which focussed on the art, poetry and music inspired by the Downs, coast and countryside. Midhurst U3A was formed over twenty years ago. It has grown from the enthusiasm of a few people into the thriving organisation it is today. They have nearly 400 members and an active programme which caters for all interests. If you are just retiring or have already retired why not join them – you’ll ﬁnd a friendly welcome. On the third Tuesday of each month they meet for a get together and a talk by an expert. The meetings are held at the Midhurst Methodist Hall in North Street, near the large car park and opposite Cowdray Ruins. Tea and coﬀee is served from 2.15pm with time to chat and catch up on the latest happenings and the talk starts at 2.30pm. In January, Tristan Gooley, writer, navigator and explorer, will take them on a journey into the Wonderful World of Natural Navigation, followed in February by Andy Thomas exploring An English History of Freedom. In March, Ian Gledhill will give a talk on Magnus Volk and his Amazing Railway. The talks are varied and the speakers are always ready to answer questions. They have a lively variety of interest groups ranging from digital photography, computers and iPads, French and creative writing to Latin, art history, wine tasting and singing for pleasure. There are more than 40 to choose from and if it isn’t there, the remedy is easy – just start another. For outdoor enjoyment there are two walking groups, boules, an outdoor painting group, and wildlife wanderings. For the less energetic there is a book group, discussion group, painting and music appreciation and for the more technically minded there are active architecture, science and technology groups. If you take a more ‘hands on’ approach you could join the very active craft group, have a go at hand bell ringing, or try your 44

To mark the centenary of WWI, Midhurst U3A has undertaken a community project searching out the stories of the men and women named on the war memorials in Midhurst, Petworth and surrounding villages. Many members of the team are also members of the genealogy group who put their skills to community use. The project has generated a lot of interest with people researching family history who have subsequently made contact. To see more visit ww1memorials.midhurstu3a.org.uk. A varied programme of trips and excursions is also on offer, including visits to the opera, galleries, gardens and other places of interest, together with plenty of time to socialise at the annual garden party and the pre-AGM and Christmas lunches. The final date in the year is their Christmas Celebration when the hand bell, singing, and poetry groups provide seasonal entertainment. They welcome new members so go along and see what’s on offer.

Top: A U3A groupn at Winkworth. Above left: Digital photography at Petworth. Above right: The craft group

FIND OUT MORE

For more information on talks, groups and trips visit www.midhurstu3a.org.uk or telephone membership secretary Carole Allan on 01730 813374, who’ll be happy to answer your questions. vantagepointmag.co.uk

JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

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I am downsizing. As a ‘war-time’ child I was brought up to be ‘frugal’ – I have never thrown anything away. It has been a nightmare to know where to begin – I’ve just closed cupboard doors and hoped the ‘stuff’ would disappear. Somehow, I have been led to 2 angels, The Haslemere Home Stylers and want to tell the world about them. Bit by bit and piece by piece they are sorting my horrors and so methodically but even more, so sympathetically! Whatever they may think (!) they don’t show it. They haven’t finished yet, but I feel I must tell your readers. The New Year is coming – I can’t think of a better project, the way to a ‘new you’ or a new found way of life - it beats planning the next holiday or cruise and will last a lot longer. Yours sincerely etc“ Weald & Downland Open Air Museum Roger Champion, former Master Carpenter at the Museum in Singleton, near Chichester, has been awarded a Balfour of Burleigh Tercentenary Prize for exceptional achievement in crafts. Roger joined the Museum in its earliest days in 1968, retiring 35 years later in 2003. Among the historic building exhibits on which he worked are the treadwheel from Catherington, Hampshire; the early 15th century Bayleaf farmhouse, from Chiddingstone, Kent; the aisled barn from Hambrook, West Sussex and the 17th century labourer’s home, Poplar Cottage, from Washington, West Apex Aerials_Layout 1 07/09/2012 11:07 Page 1

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Sussex . His skills in traditional carpentry, knowledge of medieval timber-framed building techniques and joinery have been much admired by his peers working in the field. Well done to Roger and to the marvellous Weald & Downland Open Air Museum. Surrey Border Movie Makers They meet on the first Friday of each month. They are a film making club whose members consist of retired professionals, experienced film makers and complete beginners. They share a love of making films which they do to the best of their ability including holiday films, drama, comedy and documentary. They always welcome new members. If you are Interested in seeing what they do, or to purchase a Christmas Gift of a year’s subscription for a friend visit our website for details surreyborder.org. uk. They meet at the St Joan’s Centre, 19 Tilford Road, Farnham GU9 8DJ. There is plenty of parking. Your first visit is free. Contact: secretary@surreyborder.org.uk.

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Haslemere, Midhurst & Petworth • January 2016

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MAGAZINE

Happy New Year!

choice in our February issue. We publish ﬁve magazines in the wider local area and with guaranteed delivery by the Royal Mail, we oﬀer the very best way of advertising to the widest possible local audience.

This competition is open to all local businesses and if you do not have a suitable advert, we will design one for you. All you need to do is answer the following question and send us the answer, together with your name, company name, full contact details and the edition you would like to appear in (either Dorking, Farnham, Godalming & Cranleigh, Guildford or Haslemere, Midhurst & Petworth). Inside: INTERIORS MIDHURST U3A THE HISTORY OF DENNIS - PART 4 50 YEARS OF THE YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE WIN TICKETS TO THE CAKE DECORATING AND SUGARCRAFT SHOW

The local magazine produced by local people for the local community, delivered by your local postman

Q: What is the total circulation of all our ﬁve editions? We will contact the winner by 11th January to sort out the quarter page advert prior to insertion in the February issue, which goes to press on the 15th January for distribution week commencing 1st February - so please ensure you will be available to supply or approve an advert at short notice. Only one entry per business.

Please enter online at www.vantagepointmag.co.uk by 10th January 2016.

WIN TICKETS TO CAKE DECORATING AND SUGARCRAFT EXHIBITION 2016 Baking is a popular pastime and food fans are increasingly taking the next step to sugarcraft, discovering how to decorate their cakes like works of art. From basic cake decorating skills to the latest trends, tricks and techniques, creative cake makers will ﬁnd it all at Squires Kitchen’s 30th Anniversary Cake Decorating and Sugarcraft Exhibition 2016 at the Farnham Maltings on 11th–13th March 2016. The show includes, demonstrations amazing cake displays, Wedding Cake Showroom, Cake Decorating Competition and mini classes with top tutors. Find out more at www.squires-exhibition.com or call 0845 617 1810. To win one of three pairs of tickets, simply answer the following question: Q: Which anniversary is Squires Kitchen celebrating? Please enter online at www.vantagepointmag.co.uk by 29th January 2016.

WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS TO THE 40TH FARNHAM BEEREX 2016 Farnham Beerex is the longest running beer festival in the country held at the same location since it started in 1977. Now well established in co-operation with both the Farnham Maltings and CAMRA, this event is the major fun and fund-raising event for Farnham Lions. It runs from Thursday 21st April to Saturday 23rd April. You will be able to choose between about 70 beers from about 30 breweries, some of which are making their ﬁrst visit to Beerex. There are two prizes of two pairs of tickets for the evening of Friday 22nd April. To enter, please answer the following question: Q: Approximately how many volunteers are needed each year to run the Farnham Beerex? a) 50 b) 250 c) 1050 Please enter online at www.vantagepointmag.co.uk by 29th January 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 nontransferable 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.

ES S EW UR OW N O N C 6 INE 1 20 NL O

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