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Farnham & Villages • December 2015
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YOUR LOCAL TEAM I have had a very cultural few weeks which have taken place in the major entertainment venues in our area. I started in Dorking with my first visit to Dorking Halls to see a recording of I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue. A perennial favourite of mine (after all, I did name my dog after the late, great Humphrey Lyttleton), the hall was filled to the rafters and it was a great evening of unalloyed laughter. Next stop was the Minerva in Chichester, where the wonderful Dame Penelope Keith was excellent in a good slightly underwhelming play called Mrs Pat. By contrast, an evening with the musical magician that is Jools Holland, once again performing to a sell-out crowd at G LIve in Guildford, was simply brilliant. Finally, and an interesting contrast to I’m Sorry, was the 50th anniversery tour of
Round the Horne at the Yvonne Arnaud in Guildford. Terrific fun, and still very amusing, albeit in a clever way that is sadly missing in many modern comedies. Stefan Reynolds Editor & Publisher
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The reason for mentioning this is to remind people how lucky we are with the venues and the quality productions and performances we have on our doorsteps and only slightly further afield. In addition, we have smaller venues in the towns and villages that regularly put on great plays or concerts. Beats the train up and back from London! Once again, keep it local... Finally, all at VantagePoint wish our readers, our advertisers, our business partners and supporters a very Merry Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous New Year. Contact the editor: stefan@vantagepublishing.co.uk
Marcus Atkins Sales Director marcus@vantagepublishing.co.uk
Liz Godfrey Sales liz@vantagepublishing.co.uk
Contributors: Andrew Crisell, Charles Kershaw, Beth Otway, Paige Sinkler, Kirstie Smillie
Nick and Angie Crisell Jottings jottings@vantagepublishing.co.uk
Barbara Maddison Sales barbara@vantagepublishing.co.uk
Print: Buxton Press
December 2015
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CONTENTS
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The local magazine produced by local people for the local community
Rugmart
THE WINTERSHALL NATIVITY
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46
"The Place to buy Rugs"
6 Jottings
Your local community noticeboard
8 A Surrey Hills Christmas
Gift ideas from Surrey Hills Enterprises
14 A Potted History of Panto Paige Sinkler investigates
20 A Teenage Christmas
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Charles Kershaw offers some local present ideas
24 Fashion & Style Socks again!
29 Farnham Town Council Winter news
Large/Oversize Rugs
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Tribal Rugs
Traditional Rugs
Runners
Contemporary Rugs
Designer Rugs
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32 Local
Wintershall’s Nativity
36 Sounding Off GOG returns!
38 Gastro
Latest food and drink news
42 Gardening
Greenfingered gifts
46 Recipes
It’s cocktail time!
50 Walks
Underlay provided for all types of flooring
Brighten up your Home this Christmas
Thursley to Elstead
52 Profile
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54 Business Cards
Small ads for trades and services
55 Competitions
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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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JOTTINGS YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD Well, with Halloween and Guy Fawkes night out of the way, it’s full steam ahead to Christmas. This year we are cooking Christmas lunch; actually, for the first time in six years! I have to say the last time we hosted, it was a culinary disaster, mainly down to me and a mistake with some Hoisin sauce, so do wish us luck! Changing the subject, it does seem that there are more Christmas concerts than ever. Personally, I think there is nothing better than a good festive concert to get you into the Christmas spirit, so do try and get along to one if you can. Finally, we wish you a very happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year. Why not visit Squire’s ‘Ice Grotto Adventure’? It’s a magical interactive journey, where you will meet Santa’s chief elf Elfin, and together embark on an adventure to save Christmas! Children will then visit Santa in his Grotto, and if they have been very good they will receive an early Christmas present! Tickets cost £7/£8 per child and £3 for adults, which include the interactive adventure plus a wrapped Christmas gift for the children. The ‘Ice Grotto Adventure’ is open until 24th December. Book online at www. squiresgardencentres.co.uk or call 01252 756450. Incidentally, Squire’s Garden Centre in Badshot Lea is proud to announce that they have chosen The Woodlarks Centre as their dedicated ‘Charity of the Year’ for 2015/2016. The Woodlarks Centre in Farnham is a care home and activity day centre, which supports adults with various physical or learning disabilities and impairments.
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Grayshott Flower Club will be meeting at Grayshott Village Hall on Wednesday 2nd December for a demonstration entitled ‘Postcards from France’ given by Melanie Smith. Mince pies and coffee will be served from 7.15pm and there will be a Raffle and Sales Table. Visitors and new members are always welcome to join this friendly club which holds demonstrations, workshops, beginners’ classes and visits. For further information, contact 01428 651956. As you would expect, there is loads going on in December at RHS Wisley, Woking GU23 6QB. A late night Christmas shopping evening and the lights switch on takes place on Wednesday 2nd December at 5pm. Presiding over the switch on is none other than Mary Berry. Find sparkling seasonal decorations, unique gifts, plants and books to make your Christmas shopping a pleasure. Enjoy various food and drinks tastings of all your favourite and festive lines. Every weekend in December from Saturday 5th to Sunday 20th December, and 23rd to 24th December, you can go along and make festive gingerbread and enjoy storytelling with Santa. For 3+ years, accompanied by a responsible adult; adult attends for free. £5 per child. Booking is essential. Visit www.rhs.org.uk/wisley for details of this and other events and call 0203 1765830 to book. Normal garden entry applies. Elstead Afternoon WI will hold its next meeting on Thursday 3rd December at 2.15pm in Elstead Village Hall. This is their Christmas meeting when Tony and Lizzie Gilks will entertain everyone to a Victorian Christmas entitled ‘Timespan’. To complete
Jottings is your community noticeboard for local events and information, edited by Nick and Angie Crisell
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A Surrey Hills Christmas Are you looking for something a bit different to buy for loved ones this Christmas? Like to support local businesses, keen to show what Surrey has to offer? Then look no further, Surrey Hills Enterprises has exactly what you need... If you fancy a delicious Christmas tipple from the Surrey Hills then Silent Pool Gin is the perfect show stopper gift. Hand created in Surrey’s premier artisan distillery, the aromatic, award winning gin takes its water and name from the mythical ‘Silent Pool’ in Albury and has been decanted into the most beautiful copper etched, aqua-marine bottle. Selected for the maiden voyage of the P&O cruise ship, Britannia and on its way to securing a global market with export interest from South Africa, Denmark, Italy, Sweden, France, and the Far East, this is your chance to give (or keep) a gin that is set for stardom! Silent Pool Gin is available from Taurus Wines, (www. tauruswines.co.uk), Kingfisher Farm Shop (www.kingfisherfarmshop.com) and from the distillery itself (www.silentpooldistillers.com). Look out also for some special cocktails that they have provided for us on our recipe pages. Taurus Wines stocks wines from all over the world, including other labels produced here in the Surrey Hills. Their 17th century cowshed, with thick Cotswold stone walls, offers the perfect cool conditions for cellaring wine in the Surrey Hills. There’s usually a bottle or two open for you to try and they’re always on hand to provide friendly, knowledgeable advice. Their tranquil location belies an extensive selection which, as well as wines, includes Surrey and Sussex brewed beers, malts produced by independent distilleries, handrolled Havana cigars and fine glassware. Still on the drink theme and a neighbour of Silent Pool, Albury Vineyard produces top quality organic sparkling and rosé wines from vines grown exclusively in the Surrey Hills. The vineyard was established in May 2009 with an initial planting of around 8,500 vines, mainly the traditional Champagne varietals of
Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. A further 12,600 vines were planted in May 2010. They are very excited to be releasing two new organic sparkling wines, Albury Estate Classic Cuvée and Albury Estate Blanc de Blancs. They also produce Attila’s Bite, named after their vineyard manager’s lovely dog! This is a fragrant, aromatic eau de vie de vin, with the rich but soft flavour of tropical fruit, with notes of mango and peach. This also features in one of our cocktails if you fancy giving it a try. For more information, visit their website at www.alburyvineyard.com. High Clandon Estate Vineyard was founded by Sibylla and Bruce Tindale in 2004 to feed a passion for creating a quintessential English quality sparkling wine in the beautiful rolling downs on the Surrey Hills. Their multi-award winning Quintessence is crafted from the classic trio of champagne grapes – Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay, created in the traditional Méthode Champenoise – and with long bottle maturation of almost uniquely five year’s maturation on yeast lees, followed by at least six months after dégorgement for that
Albury Estate Classic Cuvée and Albury Estate Blanc de Blancs
Surrey Hills Enterprises, a Community Interest Company is a not-for-profit organisation which brings together organisations, independent companies and artisans based within the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) via a membership scheme. All members benefit from increased awareness of their business through an on-line directory, use of the Surrey Hills trademark, a high level events and networking programme, PR and social media. All profits made by Surrey Hills Enterprises are put back into the Surrey Hills through a series of projects which enhance, protect and preserve the landscape; promote the rural economy; educate visitors, residents and businesses and promote partnership. For further information visit www.surreyhillsenterprises.co.uk. 8
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perfect integration of flavours. You can buy online at www.highclandon.co.uk. If ales are more what you are looking for then the Tillingbourne or Hogs Back Brewery are for you. The Tillingbourne Brewery is an award-winning microbrewery producing some of the finest hand-crafted ales in the South East. They produce a wide range of beers including; ‘Summit’ IPA, ‘The Source’, ‘Hop Troll’ IPA, ‘Bouncing Bomb’, ‘Black Troll’, ‘AONB’ and the current CAMRA Champion Golden Ale London & South ‘Falls Gold’, and they currently produce around 4896 pints of ale per week! To order simply visit their website www.tillybeer.co.uk. The Hogs Back Brewery offer fine ales brewed in the Surrey Hills as well as hundreds of other beers from around the World, they currently brew over 200 brewer’s barrels which is a total of 57,600 pints a week! They also have a wonderful local cider, Hazy Hog, now their second best seller. Why not visit their well stocked brewery shop or order online www. hogsback.co.uk. For a truly unique gift why not opt for a brewery tour and tasting at their 18th Century farm buildings base in Tongham, contact Hogs Back Brewery on 01252 783000 to arrange (recommended by the Ed). On a smaller scale The Crafty Brewing Company is an independent micro-brewery offering traditional real ales. Based in the Surrey Hills at Dunsfold, they pride themselves on developing hand-crafted innovative ales ranging from light and citrusy to dark and chocolaty. This small brewery regularly experiments with new flavours and ideas to develop interesting and delicious ales. Visit www.craftybrewing.co.uk to find out more.
If you’re looking for some great local ‘eats’ this festive season head to The Butchers Hall and Country Grocer in Forest Green where you can buy the most marvellous Surrey Hills meat and all the accoutrements you could possibly need: cheese, jams, chutneys, charcuterie, fruit, vegetables, cakes, bacon, sausages, eggs and lashings of British beer! They are also rather well known for their legendary pies – full to the brim with slow-cooked meat and vegetables, steeped in stock or wine. Visit them at www.thebutchershall.co.uk for further information. Why not treat your loved ones to gift vouchers for a meal out at some truly sensational Surrey Hills Pubs. The Wheatsheaf in Farnham, The Queens Head in East Clandon, The Stag on the River in Eashing, The Duke of Cambridge in Tilford and The Cock Inn in Headley are all owned by local firm Red Mist Leisure. Their pubs offer high quality locally sourced produce in delightful Surrey Hills settings. Visit www.redmistleisure.co.uk for information on each pub. For the ultimate Surrey Hills experience why not go all out and book a weekend away in a Surrey Hills Yurt. These eco-friendly luxury yurts are situated on a 15 acre smallholding in the heart of the Surrey Hills, in Westcott (near Dorking). Each yurt is beautifully designed inside and out and provides biodegradable toiletries and logs to fuel your very own stove for a few days. They can arrange for a local horse and cart to pick you up from the station as well as a variety of courses and activities from willow sculpting to wood carving and dye making, archery, horse riding, guided walks and relaxation massage. Visit www. surreyhillsyurts.co.uk for more information. Looking for something more creative? Abinger Stained Glass offer a variety of fun and informative courses in stained glass, fused glass and copper foiling. Amanda Winfield has worked professionally in stained and decorative glass since 1986 and uses the colours of the surrounding Surrey Hills countryside to inspire her decorative glass pieces. Contact Amanda at www.abinger-stained-glass.co.uk for further information. FIND OUT MORE
Inside one of the Surrey Hills Yurts December 2015
Visit www.surreyhillsenterprises.co.uk. 9
JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD
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the afternoon the committee will provide a special Christmas Tea. All visitors and new members will be made very welcome. Contact Helen White on 01252 710039. Grayshott Decorative and Fine Arts Society’s December meeting is on Thursday 3rd at 2pm in Grayshott Village Hall. Alan Read, in a festive themed lecture, will explore the origins of Santa Claus and our Christmas traditions, in The Inventors of Christmas. At their first meeting of 2016, on Thursday 7th January, Frances Hughes will look at a number of the fascinating paintings of Noel Coward as well as his stage and film career in ‘The Master’: Noel Coward as Actor, Writer and Painter. For more information about the society and these events, contact Caroline on 01428 714276 or visit their website www.grayshotttdfas.org.uk. Fanny Burney, admired by figures such as Dr Samuel Johnson and Edmund Burke, and whose early novels were enjoyed by Jane Austen, will be the subject of Rosemary Wisbey’s talk to the Farnham & District Museum Society on Thursday 3rd December. On Thursday 7th January, Margaret Simons, the well-known local historian from Reading, will talk to the Society about Mary Russell Mitford. Could you use some help with your Cleaning, Ironing or both? Regular hourly rate only £12-£13/hr (area related) Price quoted includes agency fee (no hidden extras) One off spring cleans available. Call for price details Times and hours to suit you (min. 2 hours per week) Maid2Clean registers workers only after vetting 550+ Reliable, honest, suitable workers – why pay more? Ease of replacement if you wish to change your worker Worker sickness replacement cover provided if required Insurance provided
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Born in Alresford in 1787 Mitford is best known for her sketches of rural life but was also a poetess and dramatist. Meetings are held at the United Reformed Church in South Street, Farnham at 7.30 for 7.45pm (please use side entrance). Non-members are very welcome at a charge of £3 per visitor. For full details of their programme visit the website at www. farnhammuseumsociety.org.uk. Hale Art Group is holding a Christmas show/sale on Saturday 5th December at the Hale Institute, Wings Road, Upper Hale. It runs from 10am to 4pm. You never know, you may find an old master of the future! The Santa Special weekends at the Rural Life Centre in Tilford are extremely popular with both parents and children. As usual, the Centre’s 60 or so volunteers have been working overtime to get ready for Santa’s visits on 5th-6th and 12th-13th December. They have been stringing up thousands of fairy lights, thinking up fun activities for the children to do while they wait to talk to Santa, dusting off the old player piano and preparing for the enchanting donkeys, reindeer, sheep and calves that visit on different days. And of course, there are all those presents to wrap! The only way into the museum on Santa Special days is by the Museum’s
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Professional counselling and psychology in Farnham Our team of counsellors and psychologists at The Eaves have immediate availability to help with: • Adult and Children’s counselling • Couples counselling • CBT and solution focused • Family therapy We are open 6 days a week, 9am until 9pm. Call for an appointment or further advice.
Telephone 01252 820225 theeaves.org.uk If you are a counsellor or psychologist looking to join a successful practice, please call Bridget on 07903 140704
steam train, bringing excited youngsters, parents and grandparents into the little station for the start of their adventure, which includes a castle, a model railway themed with favourite childhood characters and the toy workshop. Visitors are given a time slot to reduce waiting times. Seasonal refreshments are available before boarding the train back to the car park. Bookings can be taken by telephone on 01252 795571. On the museum’s website, www.rural-life.org.uk , there is a video showing highlights of last year’s Santa Special weekends. The Rural Life Centre is an accredited museum of village life, midway between Tilford and Frensham in Reeds Road off the A287, three miles south of Farnham. The Farnham Town Crier, Jonathan Jones, will narrate Dickens’s seasonal classic ‘A Christmas Carol’ at St Mark’s Church, Upper Hale on Saturday 5th December at 7.30pm. There will be no charge for the evening, but a retiring collection will be taken in aid of ‘Emily’ the pipe organ. The Reverend Lesley Crawley, a priest at St Mark’s said, “We are so thankful to Jonathan for offering this performance to save ‘Emily’ who is a beautiful Edwardian pipe organ that is just over 100 years old. She is referred to as ‘Emily’ after her benefactor Emily Mangles. Sadly, she can
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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD no longer be played regularly as she is in need of a complete overhaul. I’m really looking forward to the event. Please put the date in your diary and come along with all your friends.” I have listed below Christmas services at St Mark’s Church, Alma Lane, Upper Hale, Farnham GU9 0LT. 5th December at 7.30pm - come to a one-man reading of ‘A Christmas Carol’ by the Farnham Town Crier – entry free but donations welcome to restore the pipe organ ‘Emily’; 10th December at 3.30pm – Messy Christmas – Christmas for those who like painting, sticking, singing and eating; 18th December at 6pm – Informal Carols by Candlelight; 24th December at 5pm – Crib Service (come dressed as your favourite nativity character); and 25th December at 11am – Informal Communion. All are welcome to go along to the Memorial Hall, Sandy Lane, Church Crookham GU52 8LD on Saturday 5th December at 7.30pm. The RSPB North East Hants Local Group will be host to RSPB’s regional director and inspirational speaker, Chris Corrigan. The RSPB provides ‘Homes for Nature’ throughout the UK and here in the North East Hampshire and Farnham area there are several nature reserves to enjoy within
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A potted history of
panto As the nights draw in and a chill descends, the nation’s mind turns to fairy tales and farce: panto! This welcome mid-winter burst of hilarity is as British as a grey Christmas, but why is it so popular, and where did it come from? Paige Sinkler investigates... For many families, their annual visit to the panto marks the start of the Christmas season. Edward Haversham, of Prince’s Hall Theatre in Aldershot, explains “Panto is a revered family ritual. Theatregoers enjoyed it as children, grew up and brought their own children, then their grandchildren. Almost immediately the show ends, many patrons book the same seats again for next year!” Panto’s roots are long and broad, evolving from early incarnations in Elizabethan and Stuart times which borrowed from traditions in France and Italy and in turn harked back to conventions as old as ancient Rome. Pantomime as we know it in Britain today comes in part from the 16th century Italian tradition of commedia dell’arte, which was originally improvisational. Professional actors travelled from town to town, performing outside on impromptu stages. Like panto, the form relied on classic ‘types’ and a few core props to convey allegorical or political messages. Stock characters represented common social satirical types, such as ‘Pantalone’, the miserly Venetian Merchant, and ‘Dottore Graziano’,
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the pedant from Bologna. Actors tended to perfect a role and become known for it. Masks were gradually adopted through the influence of carnival, although they were also used as far back as Roman theatre in the Atellan Farces. The British take on commedia dell’arte was the masque folk tradition in the Middle Ages, whereby travelling players would visit a nobleman in his/her hall on holidays or special occasions and present a celebratory show with dance and song. Queen Elizabeth hosted masques, often allegorical stories flattering the host, with some audience participation. Ben Jonson and Sir Philip Sidney wrote masques, and we see them in Shakespeare plays such as The Tempest and Romeo and Juliet. Unlike in the Italian commedia tradition, however, where female actresses were well established, the English used men for all parts, perceiving women’s performance on stage akin to harlotry. Cross-gender play is a central feature of today’s panto, with the Dame usually played by a man, and the leading man by a young woman. Another difference is that early 18th century British pantomimes were silent, as there were legal restrictions on spoken theatre in London at that time.
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A key panto component until relatively recently was the harlequinade, a set piece of chaos – a play within a play – featuring a standard stock group of characters and plot, which appeared in the middle or at the end of the classic tale being told. Usually introduced by a Fairy Godmother, the cast would go through a magical transformation into these alter egos and a crazy chase scene would follow, before all were returned to the original play. One of the characters in the harlequinade was the clown, which evolved to near dominance when in the hands of the legendary Joseph Grimaldi, a genius of social observation and mimicry in the early 1800s, when Drury Lane’s Theatre Royal was the home of pantomime. As the harlequinade itself grew in popularity, many of its features migrated to the play proper – the slapstick, the chase, the clown – until the discreet set piece finally disappeared in the early 20th century. Panto is served up with lashings of farce, often based on the dynamic of role reversal, in which the mighty bumble and the lowly sort it all out. This convention is thought to have come from the seasonal Tudor Feast of Fools, a Northern French feast day celebrated by clergy around the New Year, intended to symbolise biblical ideas of humility. Traditionally overseen by a low-born Lord of Misrule, the social hierarchy of all involved was temporarily reversed (‘The First Shall Be Last’), with contentious results the Church authorities tried for centuries to suppress. This tradition of inversion is even older. During the Roman festival of Saturnalia, usually in December, masters were served by slaves and bans were lifted on forbidden entertainments such as gambling. Free
speech was allowed and the low-born could criticise and send up their masters without redress. This opportunity for release might explain the continuing popularity of panto in Britain, a nation known for its courtesy and reserve. In fact, the form is hardly seen anywhere outside the British Isles. Anita Dobson, starring this year in Woking’s Sleeping Beauty, says “I love the Wicked Fairy, a role I have played many times before and I can’t wait to get that costume back on and start being bad again, I’ll have all of those children booing and hissing in no time”! From this melting pot of traditions and cultures, several features have become part of the panto furniture: • Stock characters, including the Dame, the leading man, the Clown and the Chorus • Risqué double entendre, which extends the show’s appeal to both young and old • Audience participation (‘Oh yes he is!’ ... ‘Oh no he’s not!’) • The bench scene, where characters avoid and then face their nemesis • Good characters entering stage right and bad from stage left • A messy slapstick scene – such as baking – involving lots of mess At Aldershot’s Prince’s Hall, even the furniture has become part of the furniture, with ‘The Bench’ having its own credit in the programme. The audience goes wild when it is brought out on stage, and fans fly ‘I The Bench’ banners. Keeping panto fresh whilst upholding tradition is a challenge. As a recurring event, one must meet
Far left: an early pantomime flyer. Above left: the dwarves in Snow White at the New Victoria Theatre in Woking. Above right: Anita Dobson as the Wicked Fairy in the New Victoria Theatre’s Sleeping Beauty. Main photo: Peter Pan at Richmond Theatre. December 2015
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Far left: Guildford Fringe Festival’s adult panto in 2014. Left: Jack and the Beanstalk in Winchester. Above: Panto tweet showing Snow White’s pass for the Prince’s Hall, Aldershot.
audience expectations but avoid ‘panto fatigue’. Jamie Smith, writer of the Yvonne Arnaud Panto, explains, “It’s a balancing act. It can be difficult to satisfy the needs of a modern audience with fresh jokes, satire and routines whilst upholding the most traditional and thus best loved elements of this very British art form.”
Panto is equally popular in amateur theatre, with local theatre groups and church congregations often putting one on each year for the community. This enhances the participatory nature of panto, as parts are played by members of the community, bringing people together for seasonal fun.
James Barry writes for both the Princes Hall Theatre in Aldershot and the Theatre Royal in Winchester, and enjoys the challenge of different approaches. “Aldershot has evolved its own brand of panto, sticking to the traditional format but evolving a core set of Keeping actors whom the community have come to know and panto love. Winchester does it fresh whilst differently, preferring to ring the changes each upholding year with different actors tradition is a and a new stage element challenge. As – this year it’s circus and aerial acrobatics.” a recurring
Other incarnations of the form include pantomime on ice, such as at the Guildford Spectrum, and modern twists like the Guildford Fringe’s 18-certificate Adult Panto, now in its third year with ‘Aladdin: Rub My Lamp’. “We all know the ingénue is not as innocent as she seems!” says Nick Wyschna, Director of the Guildford Fringe Festival. “Adult humour underlies traditional panto, we simply bring this to the fore. My touchstone is whether it will make my mum laugh but not feel uncomfortable.”
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event, one must Social media has also meet audience opened up the genre, breaking down the expectations barrier between audience but avoid and cast. Princes Hall uses Twitter to invite ‘panto audiences behind the scenes fatigue’ and generate conversation
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between audience and cast. The lines of reality blur, with panto characters themselves occasionally ‘taking over’ the theatre’s Twitter feed to talk to their audience directly.
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In Surrey, panto has a long tradition of kicking off the holiday season with a great big belly laugh. As James Barber, Director of Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre says, “Panto in Guildford is all about celebration; it’s our great Christmas party where people who have visited the Theatre throughout the year can get together – parents, grandparents, children, aunts, uncles – and have a jolly good festive bash.” Let the fun begin! Paige Sinkler is a freelance writer and charity consultant based in Guildford. As part-time fundraiser for the Yvonne Arnaud, she accepts cash, cheques or magic beans. FIND OUT MORE
Please visit www.vantagepointmag.co.uk for a list of local pantomimes this Christmas. vantagepointmag.co.uk
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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD
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easy reach. But the work of the RSPB does not stop there. Chris will highlight some of the challenges and opportunities encountered in the work to safeguard our precious wildlife and wild places. Entrance fee for non-group members is £3. Free parking at the hall. Refreshments served in the interval. Aldershot Floral Design Club will be holding its annual Christmas Show entitled ‘All Spruced Up’, this December. The Event will take place at Normandy Village Hall, Glaziers Lane, Normandy on Saturday 5th December from 1pm-5pm, and on Sunday 6th December from 10.30am- 4pm (prize giving at 3.30pm). Admission of £5 will include a drink. There will also be a sales table, refreshments and a raffle. The Farnham Town Crier, Jonathan Jones, will narrate Dickens’s seasonal classic ‘A Christmas Carol’ at St Mark’s Church, Upper Hale on December 5th at 7.30pm. There will be no charge for the evening, but a retiring collection will be taken in aid of ‘Emily’ the pipe organ. Watts Gallery Trust received very welcome news of investment from Guildford Borough Council in the Trust’s campaign to further increase education,
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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD training and tourism at the Watts Gallery - Artists’ Village. Guildford Borough Council will invest £125k to enable Watts Gallery Trust (WGT) to complete the restoration of Watts Studios and provide education, learning and employment opportunities for the next three years. In enabling WGT to complete the restoration of Watts Studios and, for the first time, open the artists’ studios to the public, the Council will help the Trust to save this important part of Guildford’s heritage. Watts Studios include the only remaining studio of the great Victorian artist George Frederic Watts (1817-1904) and are the last surviving artists’ studios designed by Ernest George, one of the most celebrated architects of the Victorian era. Restored and open to the public, the addition of Watts Studios to Watts Gallery – Artists’ Village will significantly increase tourism in the Guildford and Godalming area. Watts Studios are open to the public on 26th January 2016. The Vivaldi Singers will celebrate The Glory of Christmas, a feast of traditional and contemporary Christmas music at St Joan of Arc Catholic Church, Tilford Road, Farnham GU9 8DJ on Sunday 6th December at 3pm. Tickets £10 Pride Farm Shop 1215_Layout 1 10/11/2015 12:25 are Page 1 adults, £5 under 16’s and under 5’s free. Tickets available from the web site www.vivaldisingers.com
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A Teenage Christmas Teenagers can be some of the hardest people to buy for at Christmas for both parents and grandparents. Charles Kershaw (16) takes a look at some gift ideas available in some of our local shops...
Under £20 It can be a pain to find enough sockets to plug iyour devices into your computer, especially phones, which most of us teens are never without. The USB Hubman by Kikkerland (£15) gives you four extra spaces so you can charge more phones and have more things plugged into your computer at once (Between the Lines). Think your teen needs to brush up on their French or Spanish, or needs to expand their English vocabulary? How about the 365 French/Spanish Words a Year and 365 New Words a Year calendars by Merriam Webster (£10.99). They give you one new word every day to learn and by the end of the year you’ll have 365 more words added to your vocabulary (Between the Lines). For girls with pierced ears, there are loads of stud earrings to choose from in local jewellers that are bit different. My sister’s favourites are a pair of silver starfish earrings (£18) and rose gold star earrings both in Whitley’s in Godalming and silver rose gold plated dome studs at Jewel in the Crown in Haslemere (£28).
Elphicks in Farnham has a range of vintage inspired gifts called Gentleman’s Hardware perfect for the young man in search of a really useful present. I liked the Multi Tool (£25), a Retro Gold Torch (£18), the Camping Spork Tool (£10) which is ideal for DofE or camping at a festival and a charming enamel mug (£8).
Bigger Spends/main presents Giving clothes as a gift is always tricky and my advice is to go for simple, high quality clothes rather than any ‘fun’ items or novelty sweaters you may have seen. When it comes to the Christmas sweater, the Alta Placement Crew in dark blue from Fat Face (£45, below) is about as festive as most older teens want to look. I have my eye on a fur lined zip jumper by Fynch Hatton that I spotted in David’s Menswear of Haslemere. It’s warm enough to double as a coat. I also liked their sheepskin gloves by Dents, simple leather belts by Profumo and plain heavy cotton Tommy Hilfiger shirts. For grandparents who often like to give a more lasting gift, the Grand Central cufflinks (£25) are stylish and classic enough to last – great
There is a wide range of scented candles called Yankee available at Lorimer’s in Godalming and House of Fraser, Guildford which, according to my sister, are really hard to find anywhere else but are a great gift for any teen girl. New scents for the Christmas season include ‘Cosy by the fire’ and ‘Snow in love’ (prices £9 to £29.99). Another girl thing is a new washbag and my sister went mad for the Bohemia Zig-Zag print range of washbags in Hengelo, Haslemere (around £20-£30).
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for the post exam prom season. Whatever you choose don’t forget to enclose the gift receipt in a large labelled envelope in case your teenager needs an exchange. The large envelope is so they don’t throw it out with the wrapping! My sister wants an Olivia Burton wrist watch from Hengelo in Haslemere in steel with a duck egg blue strap which is simple and tasteful (£70-£80). Olivia Burton watches are also available at Anthropologie and the Gate Boutique in Guildford. For those that like a bit more bling, Goldsmiths in Farnham stock a range of Thomas Sarbo wristwatches in this season’s rose gold and steel all around (£200). For the boys we liked the selection of Seiko watches around £100-£200 at Whitleys, especially the Seiko solar wristwatch (£139). For skiers, mountain bikers and other more active types, record your adventures with the Kitvision Escape Action Camera available at Robert Dyas (£29.99) or the Wi-fi version at £65 which is currently £30 cheaper than Amazon.
Stocking fillers (under £10) There is a new girl craze (so my sis tells me) for Popband hair bands which make a great stocking filler at £8 a packet from Hengelo, Haslemere. There are Fat Face stores in most local towns. We spotted some lovely snowflake earrings for £6. Lorrimer’s in Godalming (and no doubt others) has some DVD deals on summer blockbusters such as Divergent, Mazerunner and X-Men: Days of Future Past. They are £5.99 each or any 2 for £10. In the toy section, they have starter sets of Airfix models at £6.99, perfect for dads in search of a father-son bonding activity this Christmas.
We were really impressed by the huge range of Science Museum toys and other unusual small gifts packed into Alison Townsend in the Lion and Lamb Courtyard, Farnham. Elphick’s in Farnham is already fully stocked and bursting at the seams with Christmas gifts (see above). I liked the Ridley’s Games Room range which includes Quizzes, Four Classic Jokes, a Harmonica and a Yo-yo (from £4.95). Also Table Trivia games (£2.99) and the Lagoon Spy Kit (£7.99). Keep them busy! 500 Totally Extreme Awesome Things to Do and 500 Boredom Busters: Things to do When Bored (£7.99 each), available from Between the Lines. The craze of adult colouring continues and teenage girls seem particularly afflicted. The Haslemere Bookshop can help with The Secret Garden and Animal Kingdom colouring books by Millie Marotta (£9.99). Other titles top of the teen girl wish list this Christmas are: Love, Tanya by Tanya Burr - Tanya is a You Tube sensation followed by girls who love her tips on fashion, beauty etc. Here she shares more tips and life stories. Mug Cakes by Mima Sinclair (£8.99) - 40 cakes to make in a microwave, what could be better! and Mary Berry’s Absolute Favourites (£8.99). All available from good bookshops. The Haslemere Sweet Shop has a box of Barratt with all your favourite liquorice novelties for £6.99, as well as Dip Dabs, sherbet fountains and choc-filled walking sticks. Or fill some bags with their favourites from the huge pic and mix selection. For the chocolate lover, choose local hand-made Wimblehurst chocolates. Serious music lovers will really appreciate the time to peruse the vinyl at Ben’s Records in Guildford. Phone Ben on 01483 301165 and he’ll be happy to send out a gift voucher.
December 2015
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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD
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or on the door. Do go and join them to start off the festive season. Join in the fun of a festive Santa Cruise on board a beautifully decorated boat and travel along the Wey & Arun Canal and through a restored lock. Children under 12 years will receive a gift from Santa who will board the boat at the lock whilst adults enjoy mulled wine and mince pies. The boat departs from The Wharf next to the Onslow Arms on the B2133 in Loxwood (free car parking). The trips take 45 minutes and depart at 11am, 12noon and 2pm on Sunday 6th, Sunday 13th, Sunday 20th, Monday 21st, Tuesday 22nd and Wednesday 23rd December. Tickets cost £9 per person (under 12 months are free). Booking in advance is essential. 50 minute festive boat trips, with light refreshments on board, will run on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day at 11am, 12noon and 2pm. Tickets cost £5 for adults and £2.50 for children. Booking in advance is advisable. Call 01403 752403 or email office@weyandarun.co.uk. More information at www. weyandarun.co.uk/tripboats. Christmas Music at St Thomas-on-The Bourne, Farnham, will as always, be a real treat for regular church-goers and visitors alike. Come, and hear for
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yourself and join in at any one of the services. There’s a Christingle service for children on 6th December; Nativity service on the morning of 20th December, and the traditional Nine Lessons and Carols in the evening; Crib services and Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, ending up with a final celebration on Christmas Day morning, including Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus. A Christmas CD, recorded by the choir in 2013, is available. “I can promise you some great Christmas music at all of these services, sung really well, for all to listen to, join in and be inspired by” said Robert Lewis, the Director of Music. Further details of services and music can be found at the parish website www. thebourne.org.uk. Anyone interested in joining the choir is invited to contact Robert Lewis at director@ stthomaschoir.co.uk. Learn confidence through public speaking in a fun and supportive environment. Farnham Speaker’s Club meets on the 2nd and 4th Monday of every month at the Farnham House Hotel. For more information, please email Annie on annie.pritchard@way-forward. co.uk or call 07866 086887. Due to the tragic fire at Clandon Park, the West Surrey National Trust Centre will be holding their
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Socks again! Stylist Kirstie Smillie has been searching locally for presents to inspire - move away from the predictable
These leather clutches are perfect for injecting a little colour to the classic jeans and t-shirt look - available in eleven colours, £49, they are also perfect for travelling. Luigi, 50 High Street, Haslemere 01428 651250.
As a fashion stylist, I offer Personal Styling sessions at home or out shopping for clients who are tight on time and need a voice of confidence to find their own style. Sessions priced from £150. For gift voucher details, call 07773 234947 or email kirstie@kirstesmillie.com.
Kirstie Smillie Fashion Sylist “My favourite presents are always those that are a little too extravagant for everyday - a beauty treatment, a designer mascara, a beautiful scented candle. I actually love receiving socks at Christmas, soft luxurious cashmere ones for lounging at home or chunky outdoor styles to wear scrunched down over my jeans with my lace up boots.”
Julie Drummond Owner, Sheer Delight Lingerie, Godalming “The best gift I ever received was a curved gold hinged bangle with about 90 diamonds around one edge. Purchased from Jewelled, Godalming by my husband several years ago.”
David Steel Owner, D7 Godalming
For gorgeous, tactile reactions, they will love this sheepskin hat. Beverley Edmondson, 27b The Borough, Farnham T: 01252 715039.
A great gift for those who need some hours to chill…. The Spa, Radisson Blu Edwardian hotel in Guildford is offering a Winter Warmer Mini Spa Day which includes use of the spa, 60 minute treatment, and a one course lunch, £61.50 Call 01483 792304 for full details.
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“ …my silver pocket Tiffany Swiss Army knife is with me at all times - easily my favourite present.”
If you can’t afford an outfit by Chanel, wow your friends with a stylish Chanel mascara, £25 - it comes beautifully presented and you know it will be used daily. House of Fraser, Guildford. FIND OUT MORE
Kirstie Smillie is a Personal Fashion Stylist. Contact her at kirstie@kirstiesmillie.com, call 07773 234947 or follow her new blog on www.kirstiesmillie.com. vantagepointmag.co.uk
FASHION & STYLE and look a little further for imaginative presents. Think luxury, unique, memorable and you can’t go wrong…well let’s hope! Instead of a Christmas jumper, a patterned shirt will add a party note for Him - fine, pure cotton shirt, £89 or opt for one colour in dark rich blue for the more conservative. D7 Menswear, 42 Bridge Street, Godalming. T: 01483 427872
Sophie Marzolini Group Spa Manager, Radisson Blu Edwardian Hotel, Guildford “My husband surprised me with a beautiful Tiffany’s bracelet , this is something I had wanted for a while but never mentioned to him.”
Beverley Edmondson Creative Director of Beverley Edmondson Millinery in Farnham “My favourite Christmas present, apart from having few days off work was a large faux fur throw for my sofa that I got a few years ago. I have since purchased a second for my other sofa and another for my bed!”
For great design vintage inspired Roberts radios are hard to beat. This Revival Mini, £140 is sold alongside a large selection of styles and colours. Manns of Cranleigh, 101 High Street, Cranleigh. T: 01483 273777
Julie Wright Co-owner of Luigi, Haslemere “My husband surprised me with a gorgeous cashmere dressing gown from The White Company and a vintage inspired radio by Roberts.”
Try this one, as I was very impressed by the softness of Sainsbury’s faux fur rug. 125x150cm, £30. Sew two together for a great size.
Cashmere bed socks, £35 The White Company, 13 Swan Lane, Guildford. T: 01483 459035
For a show stopper, electric blue topaz cocktail ring, set in silver, handmade, £385. Jewelled, 89 High Street, Godalming. T: 01483 869838 December 2015
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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD
Get fit the fun way with Surrey Swing! Learn to dance every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Please visit our website www.surreyswing.com for dates and venues or call Surrey Swing on 01483 901197 or email info@surreyswing.com
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Christmas Music at St Nicolas Church, Bury Street, Guildford this year on Monday 7th December at 8pm with all proceeds going to Clandon Park. As before, The Epsom Chamber Choir will be singing and giving a wonderful start to the Christmas season. Tickets are £12 each and will include a glass of mulled wine or fruit juice and a mince pie. Tickets are available from the Guildford Tourist Information Centre, 155 High Street, Guildford GU1 3AJ www.visitguildford.com or Mrs. G. Duckworth on 01252 836857, or email giselawsntc@ outlook.com. The Christmas meeting of Farnham Afternoon Townswomen’s Guild is on Tuesday 8th December in the Methodist Church Hall, South Street. It will start at 1.30pm which is earlier than usual so that there is plenty of time for chatting whilst nibbling mince pies, etc. To find out more about Townswomen’s Guild, visit the national website at www.the-tg.com or for more information about the local guild phone 01252 726015 or 712503, email, zelbob@aol.com or just go along to a meeting. The ladies of FATG very kindly wrote in to thank “all those responsible for Vantage Point for a splendid and interesting local magazine and to wish everyone a peaceful and joyful Christmas”. Thank you ladies, your kind wishes are very much appreciated!
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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD Imagine feeling more energetic, less tense and stressed this Christmas? Imagine being free of back and neck pain? The Alexander Technique can help you learn how to change habitual patterns of movement that can cause tension and pain. To discuss how the Alexander Technique could help you, to arrange an appointment, or to find out about forthcoming free taster sessions, contact local teacher, Jenny Goodwin, email jenny.goodwin@btinternet.com or call 01252 795326/07891 016768. You can also go to www. jennygoodwin-alexandertechnique.co.uk. Ladies, do you fancy a friendly game of netball? Tilford Netball Club meets every Saturday morning from 10am to 11.30am. If you would like to have fun whilst getting fit why not go along and join them? They play at Weydon School, Farnham GU9 8UG. Dress in trackies and trainers, with a bottle of water, and try them out to keep fit and meet new friends. Some of them are returners to the game after absence, some since school! So don’t worry if you haven’t played for many years. They also play in a summer league at Surrey Sports Centre for those who would like to play competitive games. If interested please contact tilfordnetball@ btinternet.com or call Marie on 07825 137008.
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Helping you to resolve your family law disputes At Hendersons we are committed to supporting our clients in achieving constructive solutions for issues arising from a family breakdown. This can include working out the future arrangements for the children and finding the fairest way to share the family finances. In many cases mediation provides the best approach to help a couple reach an amicable, fair and cost-effective outcome for the future. We recognise that family breakdown is often a stressful and uncertain time for couples and their children. Mediation offers a way forward by providing a safe and supported environment outside the court process. As mediators we will work with you and your family lawyers to help you resolve your family law disputes.
At Hendersons, we have a team of skilled and sensitive family mediators, who are all experienced practising family lawyers. Our mediators are able to set out options and provide the focus, supervision and support for a couple to achieve their own long lasting and effective solutions. Some of our mediators are trained to directly consult with children where appropriate within the mediation process. This can provide children with the opportunity to express their views and opinions that can help and inform a couple to arrive at the best arrangements going forward. For more information about mediation, please contact: Simon Clark T:01483 901058 E:simon@hendersonsfamilylaw.co.uk ADVERTORIAL
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Christmas in Farnham In association with Specsavers
Farnham Christmas Market
Sunday 13 December 10am to 4pm Castle Street and Mercure Bush Hotel Conference Suite
Veridas Gerikas
On Sunday 13 December between 10am and 4pm, Farnham Town Council will host a Christmas Market in Castle Street and the Mercure Bush Hotel. Castle Street will be closed to traffic and transformed into a bustling, jolly, festive market with around one hundred stalls, music and entertainment.
There will be warming food and drink on offer including German sausages and mulled cider, plenty of festive gifts, treats and decorations. There will be a live Nativity in the Bush Hotel courtyard and Father Christmas will be busy in his grotto in the Bush Hotel conference suite! Farnham Town Council would like to thank the sponsors of the Farnham Christmas Market 2015. Gold sponsors
Silver sponsor
Farnham Farmers’ Market
Sunday 13 December 10am to 3.30pm Central car park The Farmers’ Market will be held on the same day as the Christmas Market and is perfect for picking up fresh and local produce. Farmers’ Markets enable the producers and growers to sell their products direct to the customer, which means fewer food miles are travelled. You can expect to find local cheeses, fresh meats such as turkey, beef and lamb and Christmas wreaths. Farnham Farmers’ Market will be open from 10am to 3.30pm.
Civic Christmas Carol Service Tuesday 15 December 7.30pm
On Tuesday 15 December, the Civic Christmas Carol Concert organised by Farnham Town Council in association with the Farnham Herald, will include traditional carols and five lessons. The service will include music from Farnham Youth Choir. Visit www.farnham.gov.uk to find out how to apply for free tickets. December 2015
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News Other Events for Your Diary Farnham in Bloom Winter Celebration Sunday 20 December - 2.30pm to 3.30pm
Come along to Gostrey Meadow to sing carols around the Christmas tree with Farnham Brass Band.The carol singing will take place from 2.30pm to 3.30pm and is a celebration of Farnham in Bloom’s golden success. Mulled wine and mince pies will be available.
Christmas Shopping in Farnham
There is no need to go any further than Farnham for your Christmas shopping this year. With over 200 shops, many of which are independent retailers, you can find perfect gifts for all your family and friends. Farnham Town Council has invited retailers to stay open for late night shopping on Thursday 10 and 17 December. Waverley’s pay and display car parks will also be offering free parking between 3pm and 7pm on Thursday 3, 10 and 17 December.
Veridas Gerikas
Hunt for Farnham’s Penguins
This year’s Christmas window competition will be officially launched on Sunday 13 December at the Farnham Christmas Market. Children aged between 5 and 11 will be able to pick up an entry form and hunt for the penguins that are hiding in shop windows around Farnham. Children who find the most penguins will be entered into a draw to win a prize. Entry forms will be available at the Christmas Market and from Farnham Town Council’s offices.They can also be downloaded from www.farnham.gov.uk/christmas.
What’s On…
With so much festive activity taking place in Farnham in the lead up to Christmas, Farnham Town Council has produced a What’s On guide, available at Farnham Council offices and online. It provides information about Christmas events such as local fayres and church services. For the latest details about Christmas in Farnham please visit www.farnham.gov.uk/Christmas. You can also follow Farnham Town Council on Twitter @Farnhamofficial or on Facebook /Farnhamofficial. Alternatively, please email events@farnham.gov.uk or call 01252 712667.
Advertise Your Event for Free
Farnham Town Council welcomes local businesses, retailers, schools, churches and community groups to add their event listing to the events calendar on the Farnham Town Council website. Visit www.farnham.gov.uk/events. 30
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Nominate Somebody Remarkable
Farnham Town Council is seeking nominations for its Services to Farnham Awards. The annual awards aim to give recognition to people who give an outstanding or crucial service to the community or people of Farnham. Nominations can be made by organisations or individual members of the public.
Over seven years, nearly ninety people have received awards.This has been for a range of services including contributions made to the environment, heritage, schools, the arts, music and Farnham communities. Every nomination will be assessed by a small panel of people. Their shortlist will be put forward to a Full Council meeting in January. The winners will be invited to attend a presentation in February where the Mayor of Farnham, Cllr Mrs Pat Frost will present them with their medal. The medals are kindly sponsored by Sir Ray TIndle of the Tindle News Group. The nomination form can be downloaded from www.farnham.gov.uk/servicestofarnham or call 01252 712667.
Grants for the arts
Groups and organisations wishing to put on an art-based educational activity in 2016/17 are invited to apply for a grant from the South Street Trust. The South Street Trust was set up following the sale of the Farnham School of Science and Art in 1986/87. The school was established by local philanthropists James and John Knight in 1880 for the ‘instruction of children and adults in drawing, painting, modelling, designing for architecture, manufacture and decoration and for no other purpose’.
Proceeds from the sale of the school were invested and the income of around £20,000 per annum is used to provide annual grants for art-based activities. Farnham Town Council is the trustee of the fund and is responsible for assessing applications and awarding grants. Grant application forms and the criteria for applying can be found at www.farnham.gov.uk/grants.
Council Services Over Christmas
Farnham Town Council will be closed from 3.30pm on Thursday 24 December to 9am on Monday 4 January. For information about services over the Christmas period, please visit www.farnham.gov.uk.
Farnham Town Council
Town Council Office, South Street, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 7RN Telephone: 01252 712667 Email: customer.services@farnham.gov.uk Web: www.farnham.gov.uk Twitter: @farnhamOfficial Facebook: Farnham Town Council Town Clerk: Iain Lynch. Farnham Town Mayor: Cllr Mrs Pat Frost. December 2015
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The Wintershall
NATIVITY
The Wintershall Nativity Play will be performed from 16th20th December 2015 both inside and outside of Holly Barn on the Wintershall Estate in Bramley near Guildford. There are ten performances in all which are usually sold out by early in December, with a total audience of 6,000 people. Michael Billington of the Guardian described the play last year as “a refreshing antidote to the rampant glitz of most seasonal theatre”. The play brings the story of Christmas to life and begins with Mary and Joseph’s difficult journey to Bethlehem and the appearance of the Angel Gabriel to the shepherds in the fields, heralding the good news of the Messiah’s birth. Songs and music accompany the arrival of the wise men on horseback. The play is performed by 50 volunteer cast (including a real baby Jesus) in wonderful biblical costumes and historically accurate props, assisted by sheep, donkeys, horses and a sheepdog. This is all set on a hillside on the very beautiful Wintershall estate with rolling hills, scenic views and lakes, in an area of outstanding natural beauty. This is a play that all the family will enjoy and it reminds us of the real reason for Christmas in our busy commercial world where children focus on what they receive and not on the Bible story. Charlotte de Klee, the producer, says “Christmas is about peace, acceptance and tolerance, so what a privilege to be producing the oldest but forever new, life changing story of the birth of Jesus”. Children, in particular, respond really well to the animals and they want to hug them and pet them. The Nativity has evolved year after year from its first performance in 1989. The volunteer cast rehearse extensively with many script read throughs, technical rehearsals and full dress rehearsals so that the standard of performance is improved each year. The audience say that the performance gets better and better, one person said ‘it was a wonderful and inspirational performance and a very faithful telling of the Christian story’. The Nativity has also been performed at the BBC Broadcasting House Piazza in London and the All Souls Church nearby, which caused much media attention, especially bringing live animals to the capital.
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Wintershall Charitable Trust, which hosts the play, was established to tell the Bible story through epic, dramatic performances. They use any surplus funds from the Nativity to help fund other plays. They also perform the Passion of Jesus plays which are free and will be performed at Trafalgar Square, London on 25th March 2016 (this drew an audience of 20,000 people last year) and Guildford High Street on 26th March 2016. The Life of Christ, an open air five-hour play, is also staged at Wintershall and will be performed from 21st–25th June 2016. These plays have been so successful that the cast were awarded the Queens Award for Voluntary Service ‘for outstanding community service’.
To book the Nativity please call 01793 418299 or book online at www.wintershall-estate.com. Performance times are 16th18th December 4.45pm and 7.30pm, 19th-20th December 2.30pm and 5.30pm. Performances are 90 minutes long. Tickets are £16.50 for an adult and £8.50 for a child. There is free parking, Holly Barn is a few minutes steep walk from the car park. Disabled access is available by prior arrangement. As the play takes place both outside and inside Holly Barn, please dress appropriately. Seating is on plain wooden benches. Hot drinks and snacks and a small shop, selling seasonal merchandise, are available from 40 minutes before each performance.
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Farnham Maltings is holding their annual Christmas Fair, the biggest in Surrey, on Tuesday 8th and Wednesday 9th December. It is open on both days from 12 noon to 9pm and entry is £1 (Members and under 15’s, free). With over 150 stalls, this hugely popular fair is a great place to find gifts, treats, stocking fillers and hand crafted items. There are drop-in free workshops, choirs and loads of festive food and drink from the food emporium. Something for everyone! More information at www.farnhammaltings.com.
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On Wednesday 9th December, Grayshott Gardeners will be rounding off their year of meetings, shows and outings with mulled wine and mince pies and ‘Stories From The RHS’ told by Gordon Rae who is Patron of Grayshott Gardeners and a former Director General of the RHS and holder of the Victoria Medal of Honour, awarded for outstanding services to British Horticulture. This meeting starts at 7.30pm at Grayshott Village Hall and promises to be an enjoyable event. For further information on the Club please look at their website www.grayshottgardeners.net or email info@grayshottgardeners.net.
ages and abilities. Their December and January programme includes; Creative machine embroidery; Wednesday 9th December from 2pm to 5pm. Habby Bag; Friday 11th December from 1pm to 6pm. Kids Zipped PJ keeper; Saturday 12th December from 10am to 12noon. Mixed generation learn to sew; Tuesday 15th December from 10 to 12noon. Love your sewing machine; Tuesday 15th December from 1pm to 3pm. Homemaker; Friday 18th December from 2.30 to 5pm. Dressmaking day; Friday 8th January from 12 noon to 6.30pm. Make a quilt in a day; Saturday 9th January from 10am to 4.30pm. Kids love to sew (with their own machine); Saturday 9th January from 2pm to 3.30pm. Make do and mend; Friday 15th January from 2pm to 4.30pm. Sew Creative’s classes are small and very sociable with great tutors to enhance your skills and creativity. The two studios are both situated within the shop itself creating a buzzing atmosphere with their own machines and tea and biscuits on tap! To book, visit the Sew Creative website www.sewcreative.org. uk or phone them on 01730 858020 or pop into the shop at 20-22 Lavant Street, Petersfield, GU32 3EW. You will be assured of a very warm welcome.
Sew Creative in Petersfield, run a wide range of sewing and fabric crafting workshops for all
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The Osmonds is coming to G Live on Wednesday 9th December. This dazzling, extravaganza comes directly from the Andy Williams Moon River Theatre in Branson, USA. Treat your entire family to this award winning variety production featuring nostalgic footage of the late Andy Williams (who sadly passed away in 2012) from Christmases past. Sing along to your favourite Christmas Classics including Silent Night, Last Christmas, Merry Christmas Everybody and Sleighride. Jimmy, Jay and Merill Osmond will also perform their classic hits made famous during more than five decades of entertaining around the world. Osmond fans will hear Love Me for a Reason, Crazy Horses, Down by the Lazy River and more. Special guest star, Irish Comedian Jimmy Cricket will also perform, bringing his jovial hilarity into the mix. Tickets £30.50/£35.50 plus £2 booking fee capped at £6 per order. No booking fee for Friends and groups of 8+. Call 01483 369 350 to buy fee-free. Other bookings at 01483 369359 (10am6pm, Monday to Saturday) or at www.glive.co.uk . Over 60’s and Friends of G Live: Save £3. Voices Together Community Choir will be holding their Christmas Concert at 7.30pm on Wednesday 9th December at St Thomas on the Bourne Church. All welcome – go along and get into the
spirit of Christmas with their festive programme with refreshments in the interval. No tickets but they will hold a retiring collection in aid of Farnham Assist. Farnham Afternoon Bridge Club meets at Farnham Maltings every Wednesday afternoon except the first Wednesday in the month. Bridge (Rubber) starts at 1.45pm and they then have a short tea break mid afternoon and finish at 4.30 pm. The members, quite a few who are now on their own, all enjoy their bridge and find it a great way to meet together in a nice friendly atmosphere. New members are very welcome and can obtain further information from the membership secretary, Rosemary Ostime on 01252 721312 or Trevor Lawson on 01252 543372. On Thursday 10th December, Les Amitiés Françaises welcome Cedric Cabanne to talk about France and Islam. A subject of keen interest today as France has the largest Muslim population in Europe. As usual, they will meet at the Baptist Hall, Queen Street, Godalming at 7pm for coffee followed by the lecture at 7.30pm. Plenty of parking nearby. Further information from johnpetty@which.net or call 01483 389102. Leaflets of the annual programme are in museums etc in Waverley. (Lectures are in French).
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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD The Farnham Fundraising Group for Marie Curie presents ‘Christmas Cheer’ with Shuffletunes on Friday 11th December at Farnham United Reformed Church, South Street, Farnham GU9 7QU. This special musical evening starts at 7pm, (doors open 6.15pm) Join them for a medley of music, songs, readings and carols, performed by the wonderful Shuffletunes choir and help raise money for Marie Curie, the charity that offers care and support through terminal illness. There will be seasonal refreshments and a raffle. Tickets are priced at £5. For more information and tickets, please contact Jill Channing on 07768 107571 or email jillm. channing@gmail,com. On Saturday 12thDecember at 7.30pm Fleet Choral Society present their Christmas Concert at 7.30pm at Church on the Heath, Elvetham Heath, Fleet GU51 1HA. Prepare for the festivities with them in the best possible way. Seasonal words and music, chiming handbells, resounding brass and traditional Christmas Carols for all the family to join in! Also featuring will be Riverside Brass and Church Crookham Handbell Ringers. Tickets £12 (Students in fte £6) available from tickets@fleetchoralsociety.org and from Serendipity, 295, Fleet Road, Fleet.
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The Brooke Sponsored Dog Walk takes place on Saturday 12th December at Tilford Village Green, GU10 2BU. They will be meeting at 10am at Tilford Village green car park. The walk will go through the picturesque village of Tilford, woods and commons and will take about 2 hours. All monies raised will go towards helping the Brooke improving the welfare of at least 2 million horses, donkeys and mules in the developing world. All enquiries to worthcote@hotmail. com. Pop along and join in the carol singing outside the United Reformed Church in South Street on Saturday 12th December in support of Christian Aid. Churches Together in Farnham is holding its annual outdoor carol sing in the centre of Farnham this year. Refreshments will be provided in the Spire Coffee Bar at the church, who are holding a Souper Soup morning on that day from 10am to 2.30 pm. Carol singing is from 2 to 3.30pm. Christian Aid is making a great effort this year to rid the world’s children of malaria by training people how to use mosquito nets and your contribution will help to achieve this aim. It’s time to pull on your running shoes and get festive! Christmas is coming and what better way to
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Soundingoff THE MYSTERY OF SOCKS Andrew Crisell, our grumpy old git (GOG), recently made a list of potential gripes and was horrified to discover that virtually everything irritated him, the classic symptom of a dreadful old fogey. Here is his latest salvo... A few months ago GOG was complaining that even However, my complaint this month is though we’re supposed to be living in an age of highly how bafflingly perverse not just gadgetry, sophisticated technology the simplest gadgets and but life is. Here, one naturally thinks of devices, most of which have been around for centuries, socks. Why do they never come back still don’t seem to work properly. from the laundry in This week I want to moan about pairs? Why, even I have enough self-respect never to something slightly different, but more mysteriously, before I do I can’t resist deriding one half of have bought sky blue socks in my life does one more malfunctioning piece the pair never come of kit. back at all? Now let me tell you about an Have you noticed how many hotels, offering wieven deeper mystery. fi, swipe-card access to your room and a digitally operated safe when you get there, cannot find an One day, in my pile of clean laundry, effective way of plugging the wash-basin in your a pair of SKY BLUE socks appeared en suite bathroom? I don’t exaggerate when I – socks triumphant in their say that I’ve stayed in hotels everywhere from hideousness. I have enough selfDublin to St Petersburg which are unable to respect never to have bought sky solve this problem. They attempt to do so with blue socks in my life. No other male a lever behind the taps, which when pulled, lives in my house, and my wife and lowers a metal cover over the sink-hole. This I do not share a washing machine contraption, whose ingenuity is worthy of the or clothes-line with anyone else. age we live in, suffers from only one trifling Yet here they were. We’ve all drawback: it doesn’t work. heard of weird people, whether paupers or perverts, who steal But what is really entertaining laundry from other people’s is that as the hot water gurgles clothes-lines. Now I can report that down the sink-hole, and you a phantom laundry donor is about – a struggle to complete your donor of sky blue socks. ablutions by refilling the basin umpteen times over, you can pass t h e I am an old man, and with age should time by reading a little homily that is stuck come wisdom. But the older I get, the to the bathroom wall. This exhorts you to save less I understand. The only thing that the planet and avoid wasting gallons of hot water by comforts me is that you can be pighanging on to your dirty towels for as long as possible. ignorant and still write a column for a magazine. Here is my message to all hotels which are afflicted with the intractable problem of the sink-hole. It doesn’t look Have a lovely Christmas! very cool in the hi-tech environment you’re struggling to create, but just get hold of a piece of rubber. Stick it on Do you agree with Andrew? What irritates you the end of a chain, cut it to size, and it will save you – and these days? Please write in or let us know by emailing editor@vantagepublishing.co.uk. the planet – a fortune. 36
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Record Sales Week at Andrew Lodge Estate Agents an unusually busy period. The team, based at the Downing Street Office, sold many new instructions and also properties that had been on their property portfolio for some months.
Despite a shortage of people selling properties in the Farnham area, Andrew Lodge Estate Agents recently celebrated a record sales week. The independent firm sold more than £7m worth of property, making it the firm’s best sales week this year. Sales advisers at Andrew Lodge normally have a busy run-up to New Year as the autumn and winter months are often a popular time to sell, but this was
Director Stephen Jenkins commented: “We had an amazing sales week, with almost every other phone call involving an offer. It was one of our busiest week’s this year and we were delighted to sell some properties that had been on our books for a while. “It goes to show that some properties can sell within a week or two and others take more time. The key is determination and a realistic approach to pricing. It can take time to find the right buyer, but with our connections we always get there in the end. “There is a shortage of sellers at the moment, but I must emphasise that now is great time to market a property. People are keen to buy in Farnham area and equally as keen to move in the New Year so that they are settled for the spring.” 01252 717705 www.andrewlodge.co.uk
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gastr
...for the lovers of local food and drink The Little Barn Café
Greyfriar’s latest harvest
They still have plenty of the 2012 Blanc de Blancs and their 2013 Sparkling Rosé for sale for your Christmas celebrations as well as a Pinot Gris and their Velvet Volker, a delicious guest red Pinot Noir.
Sited in one of the oldest buildings in the village of Elstead, The Little Barn Cafe has enjoyed being a welcome addition to the village since opening in January 2015.
Details of their Christmas Saturday morning tasting and tales sessions will be on their website shortly. Do go and see them for your Christmas bubbles for the true sparkling taste of Surrey!
They have a varied breakfast menu from the traditional full English to grapefruit and mint layered sponge cake. They have a specials board that changes weekly so keep up with the website.
Please see the Reader Offer with the cocktail recipes in this edition on pages 46-47.
It is a relaxed space to go and meet friends and family and enjoy good freshly cooked food. They have also just started to hold monthly evening events.
Greyfriars Vineyard has finally completed their fifth harvest ! 115 tonnes of wonderful ripe grapes harvested and now in the tanks making their new 2015 vintage.
www. greyfriarsvineyard.co.uk
Tel 01252 705023 littlebarncafe.co.uk.
Christmas at Cowdray The team at Cowdray Farm Shop hope you can join them on Saturday 5th December for their Christmas Tasting Day from 11am to 3pm. Suppliers offering tastings of their wonderful produce will include: Upperton, makers of fantastic local sparkling wine, Chilgrove, another local supplier who’ve added vodka to their original gin offering, and Langham Brewery who are based on the Estate and makers of our fantastic Cowdray Ale. Neal’s Yard Dairy will be offering Colston Bassett Stilton and Stichelton and Borough Cheese will be sampling their delicious Comte. Sweet tasters will be supplied by local chocolatiers, Noble and Stace – now a firm favourite with Cowdray customers. And for those keen to try Cowdray’s truly wild and natural venison the Cowdray Deer Manager, Jason Griffin, will be on hand cooking up some homemade sausages on the barbecue. Cowdray Farm Shop & Café Cowdray Park, Midhurst, West Sussex, GU29 0AJ www.cowdray.co.uk
or
visit
www.
www.
Gin Lovers Experience For gin lovers and those who are plain gin curious, Silent Pool Distillery now offers a 90 minute Experience, where one of the distillers reveals how Silent Pool award winning gin is made, what exactly goes into it and why. Visitors are taken through the production process, the botanicals, flavours and how they work together to deliver a multi levelled and complex-tasting gin. There will also be the opportunity to taste some of the various stages in production and some of the other spirits being produced. Go to www.silentpooldistillers.co.uk
Send your food news to gastro@vantagepublishing.co.uk 38
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get in the spirit than by signing up for one of Phyllis Tuckwell’s Santa and Rudolph Fun Runs? The Fun Runs will take place on Saturday 12th December at the Devil’s Punch Bowl in Hindhead, on Sunday 13th December at Queens Avenue Playing Fields in Aldershot. Everyone is welcome to run, walk or jog at whatever pace you feel comfortable with. Get friends and family to sponsor you, and raise money to help Phyllis Tuckwell provide the supportive and end of life care which it offers those facing cancer, or other serious progressive illness, in West Surrey and North East Hampshire. Visit www.pth. org.uk or call 01252 729446 to register. Fees are £14 for adults and £7 for children under 14, but they will be higher on the day, so make sure you book your place in advance. Registration includes a Santa suit for adults, reindeer antlers with a red nose for children, festive goodies and a medal for everyone who completes the course.
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Offer ends As we approach the shortest day, why not lighten 31 December the dark evenings with some exercise? There will 2015 be a warm welcome for you at your local Circle Dance Discount excludes group. Circle Dancing (or World Dancing) is great fun, lunchtime specials. very relaxing, an enjoyable way to keep fit and an 50Downing Downing Street, Farnham 50 Street & Central Car Park | Farnham opportunity to make new friends. It’s suitable for men Restaurant entrance from Downing Street and Central Car Park, Farnham and women of all ages and you do not need a partner. Lynn Frances is an experienced teacher of 32 years Traditional Plaice 12x3.indd 1 04/07/2014 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, 7.30pm-9.30pm. St Catherine’s Hall Guildford on the Sited in one of the oldest buildings in the village of Elstead, third Tuesday of the month, 7.30pm-9.30pm. WI Hall first mentioned in the Doomsday book, the Little Barn Café Hartley Wintney on the 2nd Wednesday of the month, has been a welcome addition to the village since it opened its doors in January 2015. 7.30pm-9.30pm. Contact Lynn on 01420 474881.
Tel 01252 718009
I have listed below Christmas services at St John’s Church, Hale Road, Hale, Farnham GU9 9RP. 13th December at 4pm – Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight; 24th December at 3pm – Crib Service (come dressed as your favourite nativity character); 24th December at 11.30pm – Midnight Mass ; and 25th December at 9.30am – Sung Eucharist. Hart Male Voice Choir is looking for new Tenors. They currently have about 70 choristers and are always looking for new members. This autumn, the choir is specifically looking for more Tenor voices. As one of the foremost choirs in South East England they are in constant demand for concert performances and have sung with Lesley Garrett and Aled Jones at Isle of Wight Music Festivals. December 2015
• Breakfast menu • Lunches • Sandwiches • Special board • Cakes and bakes • Teas and coffees • Monthly events
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 8.30am - 4pm Stacey’s Farm, Thursley Road, Elstead, GU8 6DG Tel: 01252 705023 www.littlebarncafe.co.uk 39
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Whether you enjoy singing out your favourite songs from Les Miserables and Phantom of the Opera or prefer soaring Welsh anthems like Cwm Rhondda and roof-raising classics such as Nessun Dorma, there will be something for you with Hart MVC. Although previous singing experience is an advantage, it is not essential as group voice-coaching and rehearsal CDs are provided. If you are interested in joining the choir, contact their recruitment secretary Jack Salway at j.salway@btinternet.com or call on 01428 683405 to arrange to go along to for a warm welcome at a Wednesday evening rehearsal when you can sit-in and hear them in action. For more information, visit their website www.hartmvc.org.uk.
quality - so the ‘Exuberance’, versus a more reasonable alternative - hence ‘Realism’! Each wine will then be reviewed and discussed, after which members will be able to decide their own preferences. The West Surrey Wine Society is a wine appreciation society that usually meets on the third Monday of the month. Many, of the 60 or so members joined with little or no knowledge of wines, just a liking for the product! Meetings start at 7.30pm with a glass of ‘welcome wine’ and generally take the form of a tutored tasting, often led by an expert from a major supplier or a Wine Educator and who is frequently a Master of Wine. For further information on the Society, contact the membership secretary, Frances Hackemer, on 01252 793684.
The West Surrey Wine Society’s December meeting will take place on Monday 14th, unusually, the second Monday of the month, at The Conservative Club, Ivy Lane, Farnham GU9 7PQ and will be a combined tasting and social event with finger food. The theme of the tasting will be ‘Christmas Wines Exuberance or Realism’ presented by club member John Hemsley with the assistance of other members. John will be presenting a range of wines we might consider drinking over the Christmas period. Many of these will be tasted in pairs: one higher cost and better
On Tuesday 15th December at 10.30am in the Maltings, Farnham GU9 7QR, there will be a talk by Sarah Lenton. Entitled ‘Christmas at Covent Garden’, it covers 300 years of Christmas shows at one of London’s great theatres. The theatre at Covent Garden has had a chequered 300 year career. Pantomime began here as a popular Christmas entertainment to pay for the serious plays and operas during the rest of the year. Even in the 21st century, the operas and ballets have echoes of those first Christmas shows. The lecture will be followed by Christmas drinks in the Cellar Bar. Non-members are warmly invited to attend. Phone the membership secretary on 07918 883515 to book your ticket for £5 or, for more information, consult the website, www.farnhamdfas.org.uk. “That’s the Way to do It!”. Mr. Punch is possibly the most famous puppet character of all time, appearing in England as far back as 1662; his comic irreverence gave ‘Punch’ magazine its title. On Wednesday 16th December, Cobbett’s Wey Decorative and Fine Arts Society welcomes Bertie Pearce, a member of the Inner Magic Circle, to talk about Mr. Punch’s anarchic vitality, which has inspired opera, ballet and even punk rock. Descended from the Italian clown Pulcinella of the 15th century Commedia del’Arte tradition, this Lord of Misrule uses his slapstick to dispense with oppressive authority. Do join us for ‘The Punch and Judy Show’ at Farnham College, Morley Road, GU9 8LU. The lecture will start earlier than usual, at 7.30pm and festive refreshments will be served afterwards. For more information, please contact them at farnhameveningdfas@gmail.com or call 01252 793811.
www.architecturesurrey.co.uk
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Celebrate Christmas with the Wessex Chamber Choir at St Andrew’s Church, Farnham on Thursday, 17th December at 7.30pm. The programme will vantagepointmag.co.uk
JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD include ‘People look East’ by Will Todd. The first performance was last year in Wells Cathedral and the choir is welcoming the composer to this performance. William Whymper will give readings and the evening will finish with seasonal refreshments. Tickets at £12.50, £5 for under 16’s, available from kkm.partington@ polarimaging.co.uk or on the door. In 2016 the choir are looking forward to 5th March when they will hold a Come and Sing day of choruses from The Messiah at St. Lawrence Church, Alton. Guildford Rambling Club is meeting at 10am on Thursday 17th December in the car park by Frensham Great Pond for a 5 mile morning walk. Details from Rosemary on 01428 605285 and on guildfordramblingclub.org.uk. Visitors are welcome. Clare Teal is one of the UK’s most celebrated and much loved jazz singers, as well as a prolific recording artist and popular BBC Radio 2 broadcaster. To date she has recorded and released 14 albums to public and critical acclaim. Her stunning voice, encyclopaedic knowledge of jazz, swing and big band music, and her innate warmth and wit have made Clare one of the most sought after singers and broadcasters in the country. The great news is she’s coming to Farnham Maltings on Friday 18th December with her quartet. This is bound to be a terrific evening of jazz and the even better news is that you can be there. Tickets are £20, call 01252 745444 or go to https:// farnhammaltings.com/events/clare-teals-festivefiesta. Just to let you know that the Christmas Special at Grayshott Folk Club is on Saturday 19th December at 7.30pm and features Britain’s current favourite Folk group, ‘The Young ‘Uns’. They will be putting on their show, aptly called ‘We Three Sings’ which they have devised especially for the Festive Season. Grayshott Village Hall will be the perfect setting for these Christmas celebrations, as the Village Hall Committee always take great care and pride in decorating it beautifully. The Young ‘Uns are proud sons of Stockton-on-Tees and they have been blazing a trail around the whole country with their amazing harmonies and wonderful sense of humour. www.youtube. com/watch?v=zuK0C_zj3_0 . The club like to seat groups of people around larger tables and will supply complimentary mince pies and Christmas crackers to create a real party atmosphere. The fully licensed pay bar will be stocked with a range of alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks and Mulled Wine will be available too. December 2015
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Advance Tickets are £14 for Adults/£7 for Under 16’s. Call Des O’Byrne on 01428 607096 to book your tickets or for more information. Christmas is a time for traditions, from those passed down through families and friends, to new discoveries that become part of your festive celebrations. Sending cards, decorating trees, singing carols, advent calendars, mince pies and mistletoe are just some of the festive traditions without which Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas. For many, a day out to a National Trust house and garden is already a Christmas ‘must do’. Over the festive season, National Trust places will be festively decorated and decked out with Christmas sparkle, Father Christmas will pay a visit to special grottos and atmospheric estates will be packed full of festive traditions to bring Christmas to life through the ages. There are plenty of activities on offer to help make your Christmas that extra bit special including learning how to make a festive wreath, choosing and harvesting your own Christmas tree or baking festive treats. Local NT Properties include Hatchlands, Leith Hill Place, Claremont Landscape Gardens, Polesden Lacey, Dapdune Wharf and Winkworth Arboretum. Details at www.nationaltrust. org.uk/events.
Ideal Christmas Gifts
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GARDENING
With Beth Otway
Greenfingered gifts Giving a gift is such a special thing to do, if you’re buying a present that you’ve seen online or in the shops, it’s not easy to tell how useful, wonderful or lasting the gift will be in reality, when you haven’t tried it yourself. With this in mind, I have sought out some super gift ideas, which I have reviewed and tested, so that hopefully you can find the perfect presents for your friends and family this Christmas.
• Apple Master from Lakeland - peels, cores and slices apples in seconds.
• The Cabaret Of Plants Botany And The Imagination by Richard Mabey. Published by Profile Books Ltd - this beautiful book explores our relationship with plants, charting human encounters through science, art, cultural history and poetry.
• BiOrbAIR Terrarium - an automated, specialised terrarium, featuring LED lights and an automatic misting unit.
• The Crafted Garden by Louise Curley, published by Frances Lincoln - a book with craft ideas you can make throughout the year.
• Burgon & Ball Weed Slice - an easy to use tool for removing weeds from gravel and borders.
• The Natural World Of Winnie-The-Pooh: A walk through the forest that inspired the Hundred Acre Wood by Kathryn Aalto. Published by Timber Press, this book reveals the real locations featured in A.A. Milne’s books.
Here they are in alphabetical order:
• Christmas Tree - a live, potted Christmas tree from Wheeler Street Nursery in Witley.
• Trugmakers Trug - beautiful, strong, durable trugs, handcrafted in Sussex.
• Dalefoot Composts - these peat-free composts made from composted bracken and sheep’s wool have great water retention, ideal if you’re planting a container as a Christmas gift.
Locally we have many talented and skilled professionals offering courses that make wonderful presents. Sussex Green Woodworking offers two or five-day courses, where you can make a spoon, rolling pin, stool or chair. Plant Passion in East Clandon offer a variety of courses and workshops - learn to grow, cut, condition and arrange cut flowers, make a posy, or take a flower business or social media course.
• Earth Box - this patented container gardening system is self-watering and portable, a great way to grow vegetables if you don’t have a garden. • Espresso Mushroom Company Hot Pinks or Pearl Oyster Kitchen Garden - grow your own mushrooms indoors at home. • Espresso Mushroom Company Wild Flower Tea Seedbombs - a fun way to grow your own herbal tea. • Garden Design Solutions by Stephen Woodhams. Published by Jacqui Small LLP, this book features lots of garden design ideas and inspiration. • Garden Girl Rain Poncho - a pretty, waterproof poncho. • Lakeland My Kitchen Food Dehydrator - make your own dried fruit and vegetable snacks.
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One of the ways in which you can support your favourite garden is to give the gift of membership. The recipient of your gift will enjoy unlimited visits during opening times, often enjoying a host of other exclusive, member-only benefits. We are fortunate to have so many glorious gardens open to us; it’s important to support these gardens and charitable organisations, to ensure we protect these beautiful spaces of historical and horticultural importance, their plant collections, horticultural knowledge and training opportunities, for future generations. Many charities and gardens offer special gift membership offers. You can find details of gardens in Surrey, Hampshire and Sussex offering membership on my website – there’s just too many to list here! FIND OUT MORE
You’ll find full reviews with prices for each of the products I’ve mentioned on my website, along with further product reviews, gardening advice for the month ahead and much more besides at www.pumpkinbeth.com.
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Merry Christmas from Bourne Buildings An independent family run business established in 1995, Bourne Buildings is a familiar sight to the residents of Farnham. They are well known for the advertising banners, which overlook the Shepherd & Flock roundabout: favourites include, ‘Fall for our sheds this Autumn’, ‘Now is the Winter of our discount sheds’ and of course during this festive season, you can see Santa himself waving and wishing passers by ‘Merry Christmas!’ (see pictured). As well as keeping the locals amused, Bourne Buildings is the largest garden buildings show site in the UK and has over 200 garden buildings on display all year round, as well as thousands of stone items ranging from statues and birdbaths, to benches and urns. Their picturesque show site is set around an old mill pond which creates a stunning and unique
environment; well worth a look even if not looking to make a purchase. Many customers, on an almost daily basis exclaim “How they have been driving past for years and never realised that the 100ft mill pond existed – let alone the extent of the selection on display”. What surprises them further is that the pond is about 10ft above the level of the very busy roundabout only 50ft away! With staff sharing over 80 years of experience and special offers running month to month you will always receive the best service, and can be sure you are getting the best prices in the whole of the UK (including the internet). If you’re thinking of buying a garden building, for any reason, it’s well worth paying Bourne Buildings a visit. Bourne Buildings, 39-43 Guildford Road, Farnham GU9 9PY. Tel: 01252 718481 / 725733 Winter Opening Hours 10am-4pm Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Closed all year round Tuesday and Wednesday. ADVERTORIAL
Bourne Buildings May 14_Layout 1 11/05/2015 14:51 Page 1
Bourne Buildings *** PICTURES SHOW ONLY A FEW EXAMPLES FROM OUR VAST RANGE ***
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01252 718481 / 725733 www.bournebuildings.co.uk 39 – 43 Guildford Road, Farnham, Surrey GU9 9PY
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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD
People throughout Great Britain are being invited to step out with the Ramblers during its free, annual Festival of Winter Walks, where walkers across the country will be leaving footprints in the snow as they explore Britain at its wintry best. Ramblers groups will be leading hundreds of free walks from 19th December until 3rd January. From short festive strolls to blow away the cobwebs, to heartier rambles to burn off the Christmas indulgence and kick-start New Year’s resolutions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The Festival of Winter Walks is free and open to everyone, but anyone who gets the walking bug can visit www.ramblers.org.uk/become-a-member to find out more about becoming a Ramblers member. Members enjoy access to over 45,000 group walks led by volunteers each year, as well as exclusive walking routes that can be downloaded and quarterly editions of Walk magazine. Your membership will also be helping to protect the nation’s footpaths for generations to come. For further information about the Festival of Winter Walks and to browse the festive walks or routes on offer, visit www.ramblers.org.uk/winterwalks. I have listed below Christmas services at St George’s Church, St George’s Road, Badshot Lea, Farnham GU9 9LD. 20th December at 11.30am – Family Praise
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Carol Service; 20th December at 6pm – Carols by Candlelight; 21st December at 6pm - Carols under the illuminated tree (inside if wet!); 24th December at 3pm – Crib Service for Toddlers; 24th December at 5.30pm – Crib Service for all; 24th December at 11.30pm – Midnight Mass; and 25th December at 10am – Family Communion. There will be carol singing under the stars on Tuesday 22nd December at 6.30pm with mulled wine and mince pies to follow, (inside if wet). Organised by the Hale Community Project, It is in aid of the Surrey Air Ambulance and takes place at the Hale Institute, Wings Road, Upper Hale, Farnham. If you would like more information, contact Carol McFarlane on 01252 689261. Looking for the perfect treat for your loved ones this Christmas? Then look no further than G Live where the Saint Petersburg Classic Ballet will be performing two great Christmas classics, The Nutcracker and Swan Lake, both with exquisite music by Tchaikovsky, from Boxing Day. Saint Petersburg Classic Ballet has won plaudits across Russia, Scandinavia and the United States, and now audiences in Guildford have the opportunity to experience the superb artistry of this
TUNSGATE SQUARE LATEST NEWS! C&H WOULD LIKE TO REASSURE ITS CUSTOMERS THAT WE WILL BE
REMAINING OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
DURING THE REFURBISHMENT OF TUNSGATE SQUARE
Shop With Us and Enjoy a FREE Cup of Coffee or Tea!
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AWARD WINNING GIN FROM THE SILENT POOL IN SURREY Open seven days a week, from 10:00am to 4:00pm. For details and to order online, visit the website.
www.silentpooldistillers.com
Cocktail time
The origin of the word cocktail is disputed. The first recorded use of the word cocktail not referring to a horse is found in The Morning Post and Gazetteer in London, England on 20th March 1798. However, the Oxford English dictionary cites the word as originating in the US. The first definition of cocktail known to be an alcoholic beverage appeared in the 13th May 1806 edition of The Balance and Columbian Repository, a New York publication. In answer to the question, “What is a cocktail?”, the editor Harry Croswell replied: “Cock-tail is a stimulating liquor, composed of spirits of any kind, sugar, water, and bitters—it is vulgarly called bittered sling, and is supposed to be an excellent electioneering potion, in as much as it renders the heart stout and bold, at the same time that it fuddles the head. It is said, also to be of great use to a democratic candidate: because a person, having swallowed a glass of it, is ready to swallow any thing else”. Whatever its origins, there is no time like Christmas to enjoy one!
Sloe Gin Fizz A perfect way of using up last year’s Sloe Gin to make way for the next batch that I hope you are now making! If you don’t make your own, Sipsmith do an excellent one which is drier than most. Happily you can also use a fizz from one of our great local producers Albury Vineyard (www.alburyvineyard.com ), and Greyfriars Vineyard (www.greyfriarsvineyard.co.uk). In a cocktail shaker, put 15ml gin, 15ml sloe gin, 15ml lemon juice and 5ml sugar. Shake over cubed ice for a good 10 seconds, then strain into a champagne flute. Top with champagne, prosecco or cava, garnish with a lemon twist and serve.
Juniper Green’s Elderflower Collins
Surrey Kir Royal
Gin cocktails are now very fashionable. There are two basic rules: the correct gin and an easy recipe. You need a gin We asked Albury Vineyard for a suitable where the aroma and flavour are not spoiled by the smell cocktail using their sparkling wine and they or harshness of the alcohol. Juniper Green Organic Gin came up with a local version of the Kir Royale. is the perfect gin for a cocktail: smooth, aromatic and with great flavour. Try this really refreshing and moreish Pour one part of Silent Pool Strawberry and cocktail. Visit www.junipergreen.org for stockists. Gin cordial into a flute and top up with 5 parts Albury Estate sparking wine. In a tall glass, add 50ml Juniper Green Organic Gin, 15ml Elderflower cordial. 5ml sugar syrup (2 sugar to 1 water), juice of half a lemon. Add lots of ice and top with club soda. Give it a quick stir and drink!
The Editor’s Bloody Mary The great thing about a Bloody Mary is that there is no single perfect recipe and you can make it as spicy as you like. For me, the inclusion of sherry, celery salt, lemon juice and lots of Worcestershire sauce is imperative. This is my latest version using a less well know sherry style which I think works brilliantly and adds a greater depth than the usual fino. An optional addition is a slug of Grand Marnier, said to be the secret ingredient in the famous version served by the Granadier Arms in Belgrave Square, London. SR In a cocktail shaker, mix together 2 shots of vodka, 2 shots of Palo Cortado sherry, a good squeeze of lemon, three good shakes of tabasco, 6 good shakes of Worcestershire sauce, a pinch of celerty salt, a grinding of black pepper and a few ice cubes. Top up with a good quality tomato juice, shake vigorously to mix and make it as cold as possible before straining into a tumbler. Serve with a slice of lemon, celery and ice optional. 46
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RECIPES Duke in a Sidecar My good friends Nicola Humphreys and Philip Randalll love cocktails and regularly get mixing at the weekend. I asked them for an original recipe for VantagePoint readers and they put in a lot of work on the cocktail front on your behalf! This cocktail is a variation on a Sidecar using The Duke’s Reserve brandy from Albury Vineyard, which is currently available but there are very limited stocks. Coarsely crush 2 green cardamom pods. Add to a cocktail shaker with 2 shots The Duke’s Reserve (50 ml), 1 shot Cointreau (25 ml), 1/2 shot pear vodka (12 ml), 1/2 shot lemon juice (12 ml) and shake over ice. Finely strain and serve in a martini glass with an additional cardamom pod in the bottom of the glass. You could add a dash sugar syrup for a sweeter taste.
Greyfriars Apple and Calvados
The Breakfast Martini
Greyfriars Vineyard on the Hog’s Back is a favourite of VantagePoint and we asked them for their favourite cocktail. Pour 15ml Calvados and 15ml clear apple juice into a chilled flute and top with chilled Greyfriars Blanc de Blancs. Delicious!
I was lucky enough to go on a tour of the Sipsmith distillery in Putney recently which was quite excellent. Start your day the right way with this most unusual of martinis courtsey of their Master Distiller Jared Brown. Rather than an evening tipple or a post-prandial treat, this Martini is one you can use to kick-start your day (though a weekend day might be the better choice).
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, add 1 tsp seville orange marmalade, 50ml Sipsmith London Dry Gin, 15ml Triple sec or Cointreau and 15ml fresh lemon juice. Shake well, strain into a chilled coupe glass and serve with a orange twist.
Silent Pool’s Chamomile Collins
Maple Borealis As a native of Quebec, Julie Dansereau grew up with the wonders and versatility of Maple Syrup. Great for cooking, pouring over pancakes as well as making a delicious cocktail! Please visit www. missmaple.co.uk for more recipes.
To make the syrup, you need 50/50 mix of hot chamomile tea and caster sugar, tea should be brewed at 2 x strength, cool syrup before use.
Mix 50ml Silent Pool gin, 25ml chamomile Place a twig of rosemary into a champagne syrup and 25ml fresh lemon juice in a coupe or other champagne glass and rub highball glass, stir, fill glass with ice, top lightly along the rim. Keep the twig for with soda, stir. Garnish with long twist decoration. Wet the rim of the glass with lime juice and dip the rim of lemon and a sprig of chamomile. into maple sugar. Pour in 2 tbsp maple syrup, a few drops of lime www.silentpooldistillers.com juice and gin, to your taste. Add 150ml of cold sparkling wine or dry cider and decorate with the rosemary.
SPARKLING LOCAL OFFERS FOR OUR READERS:
10% December 2015
discount off 6 bts Albury Vineyards sparking wine with this artcile. www.alburyvineyard.com, 07768 863650. discount off Greyfriars Vineyards sparking wine with this article. www.greyfriarsvineyard.co.uk, 01483 813712. 47
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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD
acclaimed company on its first UK tour. Performances on Boxing Day, Saturday 26th December at 7.30pm, Sunday 27th December at 2.30pm and 7.30pm and Monday 28th December at 2.30pm and 7.30pm. Tickets: £29.50, £34.50, £39. Children and Groups 8+: Save 10%. Concessions and Friends of G Live: Save £3. I think the usual booking fee of £2 applies to most purchases. Book at www.GLive.co.uk or call 01483 369350 (10am-6pm, Monday-Saturday).
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If the weather allows, there is nothing better than to take a New Year’s Day walk to help clear the cobwebs and take in some lovely fresh air. The beautiful gardens and ancient parkland at Hinton Ampner in Hampshire is a venue that fits the bill splendidly. Between 1pm and 3pm they have organised a guided walk around this ancient parkland and magnificent woodland. Hinton Ampner’s head gardener will lead you on the four mile trail, taking in panoramic views of the South Down, mince pies and mulled wine! Dog walkers are welcome with dog treats for all canine guests! Tickets are £10, book on 0844 249 1895. For more information, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ hinton-ampner . There are many other great walks organised by the National Trust; do have a look at the website.
Hundreds of brightly-coloured cows are set to decorate the hills, farms, towns, schools and popular landmarks across Surrey next year with the aim of sharing the beauty of the Surrey Hills and providing a massive boost to local businesses and community projects. Internationally renowned artist Alexander Creswell has agreed to be Patron of Young Portrait Artist Award - 2016. Are you aged the Surrey version of CowParade, the world’s largest 18 years or under and consider yourself an up and public art event, which is designed to focus attention coming artist? Farnham Maltings are offering a on his beloved Surrey Hills. CowParade hopes to round fantastic chance for budding young artists to have up the support of celebrities and community groups their work displayed in the building’s Riverside Café to raise money for health and wellbeing projects. It Gallery. Judges will select 15 finalists whose work was officially launched in November at Sandown Park will be displayed throughout the gallery. They shall Racecourse in Esher1214_Layout and no doubt there will be morePagebe1 contacting local schools and clubs to find possible Godalming Butcher 1 11/11/2014 15:00 about it in forthcoming issues. entrants but will also accept work from individuals.
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL INDEPENDENT BUTCHER Christmas Choices
Local free range bronze dry plucked turkeys Free range turkey breast cushions (stuffed and unstuffed) Local free range dry plucked geese Local free range paprika pork rolls Honey roast hams Triple smoked gammon 30 day aged beef ‐ all cuts available including rib, sirloin and topside Bacon wrapped Godalming chipolatas Check out our new website www.thegodalmingbutchers.co.uk
@ThGdlmngBtchrs
39 High Street, Godalming, Surrey GU7 1AU Tel: 01483 425733 48
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Foot Health
KIRK IROPODIST JONATHAN
WITH PODIATRIST / CH
FUNGAL NAIL INFECTIONS How do I know if I have this problem? What is a fungal nail infection?
Fungal nail infections are caused by fungal organisms called Dermatophytes which are contagious and easily contracted. This condition is called ‘Onychomycoses’ and research has shown that about 10% of the population has a fungal nail infection, with a large number of people being unaware. The first signs are small white ‘flecks’ that appear on the nail surface, which can spread from toe to toe. As the infection develops, the nails become brown/yellow in colour, slowly becoming thickened. In the later stages of infection the nails become crumbly and start to disintegrate as the dermatophyte absorb the keratin within the nail structure.
Where does the fungus come from?
The dermatophyte fungus can be very contagious, spread by its microscopic spores which are very hardy and easily picked up. Once the infection has been contracted our climate pays an unfortunate role as most of the time we wear closed in shoes that provide fungus the ideal warm, moist and dark growing environment.
How to recognise a fungal nail infection
Changes to our nails can happen over several years with the infection slowly developing. Unsightly, discolouring (yellow/ brown) and thickening of the nail is sometimes mistaken as a natural process. If there is a suspicion fungus may be present professional advice from a Podiatrist/Chiropodist is advised for diagnosis. This condition does not self-resolve. Without treatment the fungal infection will progress and nail damage continue to may develop. fungus mayskin alsoon spread to the skin on the also The spread to the the feet leading feet to persistent or cracking to leading a persistent dryness dryness or cracking provingproving very very difficult resolve. diffi cult to to resolve.
How can fungal nail infections be treated? There are three treatment options.
Firstly, topical chemical application purchased from pharmacies may provide a solution but often pateints are disappointed with the results. Secondly, a drug called Turbinafine from your GP can be prescribed but I never recommend this as there are many side effect risks including significant liver and kidney side effects. Finally, the use of laser therapy can simply and effectively eradicate fungal nail infections. The latest ‘Lunular’ laser technology has identified ‘cold’ bands of light that destroy the fungus without heat or discomfort. This simple precedure takes four treatments lasting just 12 minutes to successfully resolve this chronic condition.
Surrey Nail Laser Clinic
The Surrey Nail Laser Clinic is dedicated to treating and irradicating nail fungus. Should you requite more information about Lunar ‘Cold’ Laser therapy, please contact the Surrey Nail Laser Clinic at Farnham Foot Clinic in Farnham to arrange a diagnostic consultation on 01252 716611. Or visit our website which has a wealth of information concerning fungal nail infections and treatment.
Stagesof of fungal fungal nail infection: Stages nail infection:
Waverley Foot Clinic Rooms 5&6, 29 East Street, Farnham, Surrey GU9 7SV Early infection
Brown/yellow discourse
Advanced infection
How can fungal nail infections be treated 01252 716611
m
29 East Street, Farnha
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waverleyfootclinic.co
Thursley to Elstead This is a pleasant walk through fields and woods and across a heath. The shorter option is largely flat. The longer option adds in some minor ups and downs. There are a number of refreshment places along the route including the Woolpack in Elstead (see offer below). The walk description is provided by Guildford Rambling Club (guildfordramblingclub.org.uk).
The walk 1. From Thursley cricket pitch you have two options. For the longer option, walk back along the road towards the A3 and, before the pub, turn right at the little green to walk down The Street. At the bottom do not follow the road sharp right. Instead, at the signpost take the track left. Quickly reach and take a footpath left, through a gate into a field. Follow that path across it and continue along a narrow path to reach Boundless Road, running alongside the A3. 2. Turn right along this road and soon turn left to go under the A3. On the other side, turn left. The road narrows and becomes the drive of ‘Cosford House’. Continue on to pass between the house and a small lake and out along a path. Almost immediately turn left up a bank through trees. At the top the path crosses a field to a gate which debouches onto French Lane. Turn left and follow the road for about ½ mile. As the road bends right take a track left. Pass Cosford Mill (a Grade II listed building built in the late 16th century and was more recently used as a studio by Roger Taylor of Queen) and then, at the top of the slope, turn right and walk for a few yards to reach an A3 slip road. 3. Here, turn right to go up to and turn left to cross a bridge over the A3. Almost opposite the other end of the bridge, look for a gap in the hedge, close to a cycleway sign. Go through onto Thursley Nature Reserve between a short run of railed fences and reach a T-junction with a sandy track and an information plaque. (The shorter option joins the route at this point. See later.) 4. Turn right and walk along the track. At a first blue arrow fork right. At the next go straight on. Go straight over a cross paths marked with arrows. At the next cross paths, with an information plaque and a house on the right, go straight ahead and north along a wide sandy track. At first you will be in trees but thereafter with heathland on your left. After about 1000 yards there are trees on both sides again and you pass a ‘Welcome to Thursley National Nature Reserve’ plaque. Quickly then reach a junction with three routes ahead from which to choose. Take the middle one. 5. Go straight over a cross paths and ignore lefts and rights. A field appears behind the trees on your righthand side and there are lots of silver birches on the 50
left-hand side. Keep going forward until reaching a junction with a 3-way signpost and an MOD warning sign. Here, turn right. Walk a little way to reach a T-junction with two roads, one of which is labelled Guinea Common and is on your right. Turn left and walk up to the far end of the other road, which you will later see is Hookley Road. Reach a T-junction where you jink right to join the Milford Road. Turn left towards Elstead. Continue until you can turn left into Springfield (a road) and immediately right, along Back Lane. At the other end you emerge at the side of a pub, the Woolpack, with a little green and some shops ahead of you. There is a convenience store by The Green where you can usually buy snacks. 6. After lunch, walk on down the side of the green opposite the shops and turn left into Stacey Farm Road. Immediately take a footpath left and up by the side of a house. Emerge in a field and continue forward along its left-hand edge. Exit from the first corner onto a cross paths and continue forward. The path runs for
THE WOOLPACK ELSTEAD, SURREY
CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR WALKERS LUNCH OFFER 20% OFF LUNCH MENU VALID MON TO SAT UNTIL 6 JAN ‘16
TERMS & CONDITIONS Please present this voucher on arrival. Offer excludes Christmas party menu, and is not valid on Christmas Day, Boxing Day or New Year’s Day. Open to non-walkers too!
Tel: 01252 703106 | woolpackelstead.co.uk
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WALK
almost ¾ mile. Near the end it swings sharp left and then quickly right again. Soon afterwards, reach a junction and take a bridleway right and into trees on Elstead Common. Go straight over two successive cross paths. Emerge from the trees on the edge of heathland walk along the left-hand edge. 7. At a Thursley Nature Reserve Plaque turn left onto the start of a boardwalk this takes you in a large arc, passing a large pond which is popular with bird watchers. At its far end at a cross paths, turn left to follow the sandy track more or less south, for a time paralleling some 3-strand power lines initially on your left-hand side. Eventually pass under the power lines and they now run parallel but on your right-hand side. The power lines end but you continue on. Now take a bridleway forking right. Reach a very wide sandy cross track and go straight across to follow a narrow path through heather, then bracken, then bracken and trees. 8. At a T-junction with a wide track go left. Ignore a first left but then take an immediate fork right. Continue forward with a fence and fields on your right-hand side. Ignore a fork right, follow the bridleway straight on. Go straight over a cross paths and ignore two tiny rights. Reach a wide junction and take the track right. Emerge by the little green in Thursley with the pub along to the left and the start point to the right. For the shorter option, from the start, walk along the road past the pub and take the footpath left by the tiny green. Go down to a cross paths and turn right to follow a track roughly parallel to the road and eventually meet the junction with the railed fences and information plaque at the end of the A3 bridge which is mentioned above.
DISTANCE: 7.25 or 9 miles
The Woolpack, Elstead T: 01252 703106
OS MAPS: Explorer 133 Haslemere & Petersfield
The Golden Fleece, Elstead T: 01252 702349
STARTING POINT: Park by the cricket pitch in Thursley, just along the road from the Three Horseshoes (GU8 6QD).
The Mill, Elstead T: 01252 703333
REFRESHMENTS: The Three Horseshoes, Thursley T: 01252 703268
The Old Barn Café, Elstead T: 07930 337007 Elstead Common by Stefan Reynolds
Neither the publisher nor the author can accept any responsibility for any changes, errors or omissions in this route. Diversion orders can be made and permissions withdrawn at any time.
December 2015
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PROFILE Mane Chance
Mane Chance Sanctuary, hidden in the Surrey Hills beneath the Hogs Back in Compton, is so much more than you might imagine. They do most of what you would expect from a Sanctuary – they now have 30 horses and ponies that they care for, some of whom have been rescued from the most horrific circumstances; but you would hardly know it looking at them today. All of them, even the most emotionally damaged, have been brought into their fields where the sanctuary has worked with them patiently, at their own speed, to show them human kindness that most of them have not experienced in a very long time, if at all. Slowly but surely, they start to regain their trust. But that is only part of their journey. It’s important to Mane Chance that they make full use of the relationship that their team work so hard to build. They know that once they have that trust, the horse can become a truly valuable animal in helping others. That is what makes Mane Chance so different – and so special. Their horses and ponies join with them in welcoming sick, disabled or disadvantaged young people from all over Surrey and beyond to the sanctuary. They have regular visits from a local Children’s Hospice in Guildford, where very poorly children are brought to spend quiet time with the horses. It is a privilege to watch an almost instant bond form between the two – an unspoken connection between the child and the horse; both having experienced difficulties and challenges in their lives that is hard for most of us to appreciate and understand. For a charity, they are still very young although they have grown amazingly over the first four years. They have plans to invite more groups in to the Sanctuary to spend time with the horses. Already, they are looking to work with war veterans, young people with emotional and social difficulties, dementia sufferers – the list could be endless.
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As with all charities, they can’t do it on their own. They rely hugely on donations from supporters; however large or small they may be - every penny, as they say, really does count. They have lots of fundraising events planned throughout the year from a star-studded show at the Theatre Royal in Windsor in March, Sanctuary Open Days during the spring and summer, stalls at local fêtes right through to a Christmas Carol Concert in Godalming (attended by their very own Shetland ponies!). They are also lucky enough to have a wonderful team of volunteers who turn up in all weathers to poo-pick, mend fences, groom horses, help with fundraising and so much more – they honestly could not do it without them. All the support that is received really does help them to help more horses to help more people – a circle of care and kindness that is truly heart-warming. They would love to hear from groups that may wish to visit, or perhaps they could present a talk to you or have a stand at an event you might be holding. If you would like to volunteer at the sanctuary and become a part of their family, please let them know. Whilst being only a couple of miles out of the bustling centre of Guildford, they remain an oasis of peace and tranquillity in an ever-increasing hectic world and you are welcome to join them. FIND OUT MORE To find out more information and for ways you can help, visit www.manechancesanctuary.org or you can contact them by email on abi@manechancesanctuary.org or by phone on 01483 351526. vantagepointmag.co.uk
JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD
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Not only will the winners get their work exhibited, one finalist from each age group (7-11 years, 12-15 years and 16-18 years) will also receive a prize sponsored by Pullingers and a place at an arts workshop with artist Jonathan Thompson. The award winners will be announced at the Spark Festival on the 5th March. The deadline for the competition is the 29th January 2016. Please deliver your work and £3 entry fee to the Box Office, Farnham Maltings, labelled with your name, age, phone number and email address. Artists can use any medium, but no photography, and the artwork can be sized up to the maximum of A4. If you have any questions about the competition contact Anna Garrett anna.garrett@farnhammaltings.com. Entry is now open for the 3rd 2XU Surrey Half Marathon Kids’ Challenge. The event is open to 6-16 year olds who are invited to complete a 2km closedroad course on 13th March. To help everyone to prepare for their 2km run Shooting Star CHASE’s Professor Popplepants has put together a 10 step training plan which is downloadable from the 2XU Surrey Half website. Complete all the tasks ready for race day and you’ll be able to meet Professor Popplepants on race day. 10% of registration fees from the 2016 Kids’ Challenge will go to Shooting Star CHASE, a leading children’s charity caring for babies, children and young people with life-limiting conditions, and their families. Those who complete the 10 training activities and raise over £50 for Shooting Star CHASE will receive a special Professor Popplepants pin badge in recognition of all their hard work! To learn more about the event – http:// surreyhalfmarathon.co.uk/charity/shooting-starchase.
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I mention this next Jotting to give readers plenty of time to consider taking on the challenge. Teams of tenacious walkers are being sought to take part in an overnight endurance challenge next summer. The South Downs Way PLOD on 16th July 2016 will raise vital funds for children’s charity Action Medical Research. Although a charity walk, don’t be fooled as teams will need their stamina and wits about them to navigate a 40-mile route through the darkness as they push on to watch the sun rise and steam ahead through the following day. Setting out from the Devil’s Dyke, it finishes on Beachy Head outside Eastbourne. In 2016 for the first time walkers can tackle the PLOD solo– perfect for those who like to go it alone and want to see the stunning views on offer. Or, if the distance seems a little too hard to handle, why not check out the PLOD Lite version at just 20 miles? To take advantage of Action Medical Research’s early-bird discount of just £99 per team, register before 31st December 2015 at www.action.org.uk/plod-south-downs-way. Teams must pledge to raise a minimum total of £1,500 (or £1,200 for the PLOD Lite), while solo walkers pay £25 and commit to raising £375. Right, that is it for another year! Thanks for reading us and supporting all the local events we publicise on behalf of the local community. We feature more local events than any other local magazine, and if you have an event to publicise, please get in touch. FIND OUT MORE
Visit www.vantagepointmag.co.uk to see Jottings from our other areas online. To send in an entry, go online or email us at jottings@vantagepublishing.co.uk.
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COMPETITIONS
Please enter online unless otherwise stated. Postal entries can be sent to us at the address given on page three.
WIN A SILENT POOL GIN PRESENTATION BOX Silent Pool Gin is a classic gin at heart. It is full-bodied and fresh, with depth, clarity, and above all else flavour. Produced with 24 unique botanicals, Silent Pool Gin is a rich and clean juniper-driven spirit with floral layers of lavender and chamomile. Fresh notes of citrus and kafir lime are ground with the subtle sweetness of local honey, creating a well-balanced gin that is both traditional and refreshingly individual. We have a presentation box to give away containing a bottle of Silent Pool Gin and a wonderful Silent Pool glass worth £55. For stockists please visit www.silentpooldistillers.com. To win, please answer the following question: Q: How many botanicals are there in Silent Pool Gin Please enter online at www.vantagepointmag.co.uk by 15th December 2015. This competition is only open to readers aged 18 and over. Proof of age may be required.
WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS TO SWAN LAKE AT G LIVE, GUILDFORD Combining classical training and technique with the best-loved Russian ballets, Saint Petersburg Classic Ballet will perform Swan Lake and The Nutcracker at G Live this Christmas season from 26th-28th December at various times. Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece, Swan Lake, is a tragic tale of beauty, love and betrayal with an instantly recognisable score. The Nutcracker’s delightfully festive, and the perfect introduction to ballet, as Clara is whisked away on a fairytale adventure by her Nutcracker prince into a magical world of snowflakes, Sugar Plum fairies, and toys that come to life. Tickets are £29.50-£39.00, children: Save £10. Concessions and group rates available (booking fees apply). To win, simply answer the following question: Q: Who wrote Swan Lake? Please enter online at www.vantagepointmag.co.uk by 18th December 2015.
WIN AN ORDNANCE SURVEY CUSTOM MADE MAP Win an Ordnance Survey (OS) Custom Made map worth £16.99! Choose anywhere in Britain, add a title and upload a cover photo to create a unique personalised map in classic OS style – an ideal gift for any lover of the outdoors. The OS’s geographic data is so big that they’ve mapped the location of every fixed physical object in Great Britain, from the ground upwards, to within one metre accuracy. In total, they’ve logged 460 million individual geographical features including over 35 million buildings and over 27 million residential addresses. They have a team of around 300 surveyors and two aircraft that produce 10,000 updates to their OS MasterMap database. That’s seven times every minute of every day of the year. To win, please answer the following question: Q: How many buildings has the OS logged? Please enter online at www.vantagepointmag.co.uk by 18th December 2015. 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.
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