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• CONTENTS
RUGMART Surrey’s Biggest Rug Shop www.rugmart.co.uk
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6 The Editor's Note Plus contact information
8 Winter Safety Andy Goundry with tips for safe winter motoring 10 Celebrating Christmas... ...with culinary delights from local producers
Visit us for a huge range of Modern, Contemporary & Bespoke rugs
14 Gardening Beth Otway with gifts for gardeners 18 Fashion Kirstie Smillie with girly gifts for Christmas 21 Food & Drink Mincemeat and mince pies
25 Farnham Town Council Latest news
28 Walk Hand Woven Oriental Rugs Traditional & Antique Rugs Large and Over Size Rugs Persian & Afghan Rugs Handmade Tribal Kilims Hall Runners & Hearth Rugs
30 Profile Farnham Brass Band
32 Jottings
Come and visit our showroom: 2-3 Woodbridge Road, Guildford GU1 4PU Be inspired by our treasure trove of rugs over 4 floors and 7000 sq ft!
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Climping Beach
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45 Business Cards Small ads for trades and services
47 Competitions Win one of three great prizes
VANTAGEPOINT 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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December 2017
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• THE EDITOR'S NOTE Christmas is almost upon us and it does not seem that long since it was still summer. In this issue, we have included plenty of gift ideas from our writers to help you choose the right present for your loved ones. Where you can, please not only try and buy through our local shops but also try and buy things that are made or grown locally.
CONTACTS Marcus Atkins, Sales Director 01483 420173 / 07702 132157 marcus@vantagepublishing.co.uk Jesse Boon, Sales 01483 418141 / 07542 710508 jesse@vantagepublishing.co.uk
Phil Kemp writes about just some of the great food and drink products that are made with passion within just a few miles of where we live. From chocolate to gin and condiments to sparkling wine, these often award-winning items are well worth locating and many will be available at some of the Christmas fairs and markets that will be taking place in December. Imagine a Christmas table where the food miles for almost everything you are about to eat is barely into double digits. It is perfectly possible and something worth trying. I have ordered my beef, chipolatas and turkey from a local producer and will try and make sure the vegetables have not been anywhere near an airport. Mince pies will be homemade (look out for our recipe in this edition) and festive fizz is easily sourced from one of any number of fabulous local vineyards. However I will draw the line at red wine - for me, it has to be claret!
Lauren Broughton, Sales 01483 661088 / 07852 041227 lauren@vantagepublishing.co.uk Claire Taylor, Sales 01483 661089 / 07787 157263 claire@vantagepublishing.co.uk Nick & Angie Crisell, Jottings 01483 421601 jottings@vantagepublishing.co.uk
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FARNHAM & VILLAGES DELIVERED TO 22,346 LOCAL HOMES
Merry Christmas and a happy and proseperous New Year from all of us at VantagePoint Stefan Reynolds, Editor & Publisher 01483 421601 stefan@vantagepublishing.co.uk
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For more articles, please visit it us online at
Contributors: Louise Buchanan, Andy Goundry, Gill Kellett, Phil Kemp, Beth Otway, Kirsty Smillie
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Next Copy Date: 6th December 2017 6 VANTAGEPOINT
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Image: Confused.com
Winter Safety Andy Goundry with tips for safe winter motoring
The winter may be upon us, but most of us will need to use our cars, even though the seasonal weather could bring hazardous driving conditions. So what can you do to make driving safer? First, let’s start with correcting a widely-held misunderstanding – that 4x4s are the thing to have in bad weather conditions. Unfortunately, most of the time it’s just not true. True, a 4x4 will get you moving on slippery surfaces better than a conventional 2-wheel-drive vehicle. However, having 4-wheel-drive offers little or no benefit if you need to stop quickly on those same slippery surfaces. And stopping, or being able to take avoiding steering action, are of course far more important than being able to get going in the first place.
Far better is to have tyres which are optimised for the season: most of the tyres that we buy or indeed are fitted to our new cars, are not at their best in winter conditions. In fact, below around 7°C, the rubber of these socalled summer tyres hardens, giving much less grip than at higher temperatures, resulting in longer stopping distances and a much higher risk of skidding. So what’s the answer? Traditionally, fitting special winter tyres which do not harden at low temperatures is the best way to keep safe. To give you a flavour of just how effective winter
Even at 5OC, the performance of summer tyres is significantly worse than either winter or all-season tyres. Photo: Tyresafe.
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WINTER SAFETY
These are powerful arguments in favour of changing to winter tyres when temperatures drop. However, most people are put off doing so, both by the costs of buying an extra set of tyres, and the hassle of changing them over twice a year. Also, winter tyres tend to perform slightly worse than summer tyres above that critical 7°C temperature. All is not lost, though, for a new breed of tyre has emerged over the last few years, ‘all season’ tyres. These, as the name implies, offer most of the benefits of both winter and summer tyres and can be kept fitted all year round. Typical of these all-seasons tyres is the highlyregarded Michelin CrossClimate range, although many of the well-known brands are now offering similar products. So, consider fitting all-season tyres when your car next needs new rubber, but remember that it’s best to change all four at once. Cost wise, they are only a little more expensive than summer tyres. After tyres, it’s particularly important in winter months to keep your wipers in good condition. Wiper blades are past their best after a couple of years, and the resulting smeared windscreen causes increased glare, making for tricky night driving. New blades are not too expensive, particularly if you buy online. The same goes for lights: they need to be clean and functioning. Not just to help you to see clearly, but even more importantly to make sure that you can be seen. How often do we meet an oncoming vehicle with only one headlight working, making it extremely difficult to judge its width, which can easily have disastrous results. Sadly, it’s tricky to replace headlight bulbs on many modern cars without a costly dismantling job. Nevertheless, urgent
Image: HiQ
tyres can be in adverse conditions, Auto Express magazine carried out a test of emergency braking on snow from 30mph using cars which were identical except for tyre fitment. The winter tyres stopped in 27 metres, whilst the summer tyres took an incredible 85 metres to stop from the same modest speed! And just to reinforce the point about 4x4s, other independent tests have demonstrated that a 4x4 on summer tyres will take far longer to stop in winter conditions than a conventional 2-wheel-drive car on winter tyres.
replacement of failed bulbs is vital if you want to stay safe. On a positive note, an increasing number of newer cars are being offered with either xenon or LED headlamps. These have a much greater life expectancy than conventional halogen bulbs, making this one option box which is well worth ticking if you order a new car, for as well as the improved life, they are much more powerful, lighting up more of the road ahead, provided, that they are correctly adjusted. Correct headlamp adjustment needs specialist equipment, so a garage visit is necessary if you suspect your headlights are not as powerful as they should be. Again, correctly adjusted lights help not just you as a driver, but also oncoming drivers, who are not dazzled by poorly-aimed beams. And finally, always ensure your windscreen and other windows are clean, for dirty screens again increase glare from oncoming traffic. Many proprietary car glass cleaners are available which do an effective job, although an old traditional method of using damp newspaper also works well. Don't forget the inside of the glass, where an insidious layer of grime can develop unnoticed. Screen washers should also be checked and topped up with winter grade fluid. So with suitable tyres, good lights and wipers, and a clean screen, stay safe and happy winter motoring! FIND OUT MORE Find more of Andy’s articles at www.autonews.uk.com
Right: Windscreen wiper or washer problems can be a real hazard in low winter sunlight. Photo: http://blog.drive24.co.uk. December 2017
© Andy Goundry 16 October 2017
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Celebrating Christmas
WITH CULINARY DELIGHTS FROM LOCAL PRODUCERS
Phil Kemp has his Christmas palate tantalised and teased by Kevin Depree of The Godalming Food Company Every year in the run-up to Christmas, we invariably suffer from a promotional tidal wave of publicity from the large manufacturers and national retailers who want us to fill our homes with their Christmas-themed grocery products. For many of us catering for Christmas understandably becomes a dreaded chore – but, there is another way which is not only refreshingly different, it can also be great fun too.
itself as ‘A Food & Coffee Oasis’. And given that its proprietor Kevin Depree some 25 years ago joined the catering industry as a chef, to quickly rise up through the ranks to end up running restaurants, who better to guide an exploration of the culinary side of Christmas?
Scattered across Surrey is a healthy community of independent grocery retailers, who not only supply a refreshingly different range of food and drink to proudly grace your Christmas dinner table, but also source exciting products from local producers. They will also provide suggestions and helpful guidance on what you can do to make this Christmas special.
“Here at The Godalming Food Company we run a deli-style shop where we pride ourselves on a totally personal shopping experience,” enthused Kevin, as we stood close to a display of extremely tempting breads and cakes. “And I have tasted every single product you see on the shelves in here, some more often than not, especially when it comes to the decent wines. I’ve made a point to refresh my memory how each of those taste - quite regularly!”
Tucked away in my home town of Godalming’s High Street is an independent retailer that quite deservedly describes
Kevin laughed at my quip on how poor memory does have a hidden benefit in his line of business, before quite appropriately leading me over to the shelves laden with wines, spirits and beers.
Proprietor Kevin Depree in festive spirit
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“Our motto is local wherever possible, and if not local then certainly English next. There appear to be a lot of local brewers making good beer. We’ve also got a very good wine scene in Surrey, and some great spirits up and coming too.” Kevin picked up a bottle of ale. “This is from the Crafty Brewing Company, a micro-brewery in
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CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS WITH CULINARY DELIGHTS FROM LOCAL PRODUCERS
Dunsfold. Luke, the owner, used to brew in Godalming and the five ales he makes are extremely good.” “Now this cider has got a really good story behind it,” said Kevin as he tapped at a bottle labelled The Garden Cider Company. “It’s made in Chiddingfold using apples brought in by people from their gardens, and in return they get rewarded with bottles of cider made from their and other people’s donated apples. It sells here really, really well. “To the wine and gin. There is a good demand for Horsmonden White, a still wine from the Davenport Vineyards in Sussex. Closer to home we stock Silent Pool Rosé from the Albury Organic Vineyard, a good wine, as are the wines from the Greyfriars Winery near Guildford who do a really good sparkling wine. All of these are in our fridge at the moment so that you can come in and taste them. You can also sample the gins we have including Juniper Green from a company based in Bramley and Dancing Dragontail a summer gin - here with Gutsy Monkey the winter gin from The Gin Kitchen in Dorking. And, of course, we stock The Silent Pool Distillery’s range of gins and cordials.” Having previously seen a hamper that The Godalming Food Company had filled with an interesting range of different items, I asked Kevin to suggest how he could
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make a choice from the products he was introducing me to. “There is a demand for hampers all year round, and as well as alcohol there are of course many food items to choose from. To make it easier for Christmas we provide some hamper ideas in our brochure – but we can adapt the range to suit what you need. This can, for example, make allowances for gluten intolerance. We’ll even walk around the shop and help customers fill a hamper tray by making suggestions according to who they intend the hamper to be given to. And at Christmas we try and make it all about families sharing. Steering Kevin back to continuing my tour, particularly with locally sourced products, we moved on to the food sections. “Some time ago I was asked by a customer: ‘What products wouldn’t you be without?’ A great question, and here I can give you some examples. The guys at Briscoes used to run pubs in Reigate where they used savoury jellies in their food recipes. Now they produce artisan jellies that can be mixed in sauces or eaten with cheese or cold meats. They sell phenomenally well throughout the year. Another is Le Mesurier Horseradish Sauce, created in Godalming and described as ‘so hot it makes your eyes water’! “Local cheeses include those from the Gimblett Cheese micro-
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CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS WITH CULINARY DELIGHTS FROM LOCAL PRODUCERS dairy in Haslemere. Little parcels of creamy goodness! Local company Crosbies make loads of quiches and tartlets, as well as fantastic cakes. Chris and Claire Crosbie are excellent bakers and make some of the best gluten-free brownies I’ve ever tasted.” Kevin noticed that I was keenly eyeing up the chocolate section. “Ah, Amelia Rope’s chocolate is lovely, as are those from Noble & Stace Chocolatiers. Farnham-based Mummy Makes crumbly fudge is a nice local product. But let’s get spicy with the Art of Curry sauces made by Sameena, her products are amazing – as are Dee’s Pies from Kingston in Surrey. Amazing pies with lots and lots of filling and not too much pastry which seems to be the cost-cutting norm from other makers. “Our artisan coffees come from Redber, roasted and blended in Guildford, and also from the Surrey Hills Coffee roastery in Dorking. All Fairtrade and very tasty coffee. You’ll love this too.” Kevin picked up a pack of Tweetea. “They’re over in Cranleigh and have come up with something so unique. She has created tasty fruit teas from natural ingredients for children. Not only is it popular with kids, adults like it too!” Kevin was in overdrive now, so although I’m running out of space I’ll let him finish with the passion he undoubtedly has for food, and as he told me right at the beginning of the interview: ‘I’ve always loved food, I’ve never wanted to do anything but be in and around food.’ “Our Surrey Honey is produced so close to us we believe that the bees fly over the deli at some point en route to visit flowers to feast on! Jams and marmalades? Mad Jams in Godalming are handcrafted in a unique style – try pineapple and cracked pepper for instance, or strawberry and Pimms! And a great way to finish is with Two Birds, an additive you can add to yoghurt, porridge and muesli – it really lifts the texture and flavour of what you are eating. Very, very popular and we’ll always stock those.” To say I enjoyed my introduction to locally produced food and drinks that will go down extremely well at Christmas is a total understatement. It’s a no-brainer to me. Hunt out your local independent deli retailer and go and talk to them. It’ll be the best Christmas feasting you’ve had in a long time! Phil Kemp is a Godalming-based writer and photographer. www.weyriver.co.uk FIND OUT MORE The Godalming Food Company, 99 High Street, Godalming, Surrey, GU7 1AQ. www.godalmingfood.co.uk. Tel: 01483 239891 Visit an independent food and drink retailer near you to find the best local producers. December 2017
Featured producers: The Crafty Brewing Company - Dunsfold www.craftybrewing.co.uk The Garden Cider Company - Chiddingfold www.thegardencidercompany.co.uk Davenport Vineyards - Rotherfield www.davenportvineyards.co.uk/ Albury Organic Vineyard - Albury www.alburyvineyard.com Greyfriars Vineyard and Winery - Guildford www.greyfriarsvineyard.co.uk/ Juniper Green - Bramley www.junipergreen.org/ The Gin Kitchen - Dorking http://gin.kitchen/ The Silent Pool Distillery - Albury www.silentpooldistillers.com Briscoe's Jellies - Reigate www.briscoesjellies.co.uk Le Meseurier - Godalming www.lemesuriers.com Gimblett Cheese Micro-dairy - Haslemere www.gimblettcheese.co.uk Crosbie Foods - Wormley www.crosbiefoods.co.uk Amelia Rope Chocolate www.ameliarope.com Noble & Stace Chocolatiers - Easebourne www.nobleandstace.co.uk/ Mummy Makes - Farnham www.mummymakes.net Art of Curry Sauces - Godalming www.theartofcurry.co.uk Dee's Pies - Kingston www.facebook.com/DeesPiesUK Redber Coffee - Guildford www.redber.co.uk Surrey Hills Coffee - Dorking www.surreyhillscoffee.co.uk Tweatea - Cranleigh www.tweetea.co.uk Two Birds Cereals www.twobirdscereals.uk
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VANTAGEPOINT 13
Gifts for Christmas • GARDENING
With Beth Otway Charles Dowding, who will give a talk entitled 'Successional Sowing and No Dig Gardening' at 8pm, on Wednesday 14th March 2017, at East Horsley Village Hall, Kingston Avenue, East Horsley, Leatherhead, KT24 8QT. Entrance is free for NVS members. Tickets are £1 for members of affiliated societies, £2 for RHS students, and £5 for other visitors. Post a stamped envelope, marked with your address, to NVS Treasurer, 1 Oakfields, West Byfleet, Surrey, KT14 6RZ, with a cheque payable to the National Vegetable Society Surrey District Association.
I treasure the joy I experience when I find the perfect gift for a special person. I will share this joy with you by mentioning the best products that I have tried and tested this year, to help you find superb presents for your loved ones this Christmas. There are many great local gardening societies who meet regularly across Surrey. Membership of a gardening society is a lovely gift. Society members can learn more about gardening, make new friends and have fun! If you're looking for a society near you, or a friend or relation, visit www.surreyhorticulturalfederation.org where you'll find details of horticultural societies and information about their meetings, talks, shows, and events. The Surrey Horticultural Federation are hosting a very special Spring Talk entitled 'Trees a Cut Above the Rest' with Tony Kirkham, Head of Arboretum at the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, at 2.30pm, on Sunday 4th March 2018 at Normandy Village Hall, Manor Fruit Farm, Glaziers Lane, Normandy, Guildford, GU3 2DE. Tickets to this event are limited and available in advance. Ticket prices: £7.50 for members of affiliated societies, £10 for non-members. Please enclose a stamped envelope, marked with your address, with a cheque payable to Surrey Horticultural Federation and post to SHF Secretary, Redleaf Nursery, Green Lane, Tilford, Farnham, GU10 2AP.
I was thrilled to receive a gift of an Access Garden Products Exbury classic growhouse this autumn (below). This growhouse, is rather like a tall cold frame, it is free standing (lean-to models are available) and boasts some great features, including an automatic watering system, sliding doors, 4mm toughened safety glass, versatile staging and shelves that are easily added or removed. The Aluminium framework can be colour coated in a range of attractive colours and has a 25 year guarantee. If you don't have room for a glasshouse, this is perfect! Green & Blue Bee Bricks and Bee Blocks (right) are brilliant. Designed as nest sites for solitary bees, these bricks and blocks can be incorporated into house builds, extensions, or used as a bee home in your garden or allotment.
The National Vegetable Society are hosting a very special evening with 'No Dig' advocate
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December 2017
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GARDENING - GIFTS FOR CHRISTMAS I love my BiOrbAir Terrarium! This updated terrarium offers a number of new features and runs silently, it's a great improvement on the older model. I grow a wide range of miniature orchids, ferns, and terrarium plants inside my BiOrbAir terrariums.
Permanent Publications (ISBN: 978-1-85623-301-9) is a fabulous book, full of information for gardeners, cooks, and anyone inspired to create products using natural ingredients. The Book of Orchids: A Life-Size Guide to Six Hundred Species from around the World by Maarten Christenhusz, published by The Ivy Press (ISBN: 978-1-78240-403-3) is a wonderful book for orchid enthusiasts that features lifesize pictures of each orchid.
Dalefoot Composts produced the best performing composts in my 2016 Peat Free Compost Trial. Dalefoot Composts are available for purchase online and delivered to homes across the UK, saving the recipient the task of collecting and unloading their compost.
The Chinese Kitchen Garden: Growing Techniques and Family Recipes from a Classic Cuisine by Wendy Kiang-Spray, published by Timber Press (ISBN: 978-1-60469-677-6) is a charming book that's certain to delight keen cooks and gardeners alike.
In my 2017 Sweet Pea Trial, the Maxi Rootrainers from Haxnicks performed better than the more widely used Deep Rootrainers. These larger-sized seed trays are ideal to use for sowing sweet peas, tomatoes, beans, and other deep-rooted plants.
The English Roses by David Austin (ISBN: 9781-84091-751-2), published by Conran Octopus is an updated book of roses, ideal for anyone planning a rose garden. Garden membership is a wonderful gift. The recipient will enjoy unlimited visits during opening times, with many gardens offering other exclusive, member only benefits. We are fortunate to have so many glorious gardens open to us and many are close by. 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, expertise, and training opportunities, for future generations.
Now for some book recommendations. Hedera: The Complete Guide by Hugh McAllister and Rosalyn Marshall, published by the Royal Horticultural Society (ISBN: 978-1-90705-773-1), is a marvellous ivy encyclopaedia. Packed full of everything you could wish to know about ivy, this fantastic book is perfect for Christmas.
and
Why not give Charles Dowding's latest book alongside the talk tickets? No Dig Organic Home & Garden: Grow, Cook, Use and Store Your Harvest by Charles Dowding Stephanie Hafferty, published by
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Christmas is traditionally thought of as the season of goodwill. Friendship and times shared together are priceless. Why not volunteer to help in a friend or relation's garden, at a school, or in a local garden? Gardening is wonderfully uplifting - it's magical to share the experience and the joy.
FIND OUT MORE For full reviews and more information about each of these gifts, a planting list for terrariums and bottle gardens, gardening advice for the month ahead, and much more besides, visit my website www.pumpkinbeth.com.
Allium ledebourianum (Beth Otway)
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Robin Pryer Landscape Craftsman
• Patios • Driveways • Pergolas
• Decking • Ponds • Garden Features
01428 729902 01252 765109 07711 327203
• Fencing • Planting • Turfing
December Deals Free consultation , site survey and scaled garden design drawing on confirmation of project booking Competitive rates for hard landscaping i.e. brickwork, fencing, decking, paving and driveways Free scaled planting design drawings for new projects or difficult demanding areas Competitive rates for professional knowledgeable garden refurbishment, lawn instalment, border preparation. Business established since 1996 Proprietor has 38 years of horticultural and landscaping experience
Consultancy - Design - Implementation - Care Eagles Lodge, Liphook GU30 7PF
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Girly gifts for Christmas • FASHION
With Kirstie Smillie
What to buy the ladies in your life? Kirstie Smillie offers a few hints. Slinky underwear has its moment but in reality most of us would like to receive gorgeous everyday things we will actually use. Leather bags, dramatic scarves, cashmere sweaters and designer treats. Aim for small and luxurious rather than big and budget. For the lady who likes hands free
For the luxury loving vegan
1
For the never have enough stripes
2 For the outdoorsy ankles gal
3 For the label lover on a budget
4 For the creative with swish
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5 For the ooh aah, ‘it’s cashmere!’
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For the print on print drama
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Wrap it up Put some thought into how you are going to present your present! Get creative with gift wrapping and select a theme with arty bits you have or visit a local craft shop for ribbon, trims, letter stamps and card punches. If you are visiting Godalming, take a browse in Arty Crafty in Church Street, Godalming as it's full of gorgeous inspiration to get you into the ‘Christmas creative’ mood. Tel: 01483 427133. GRAPHIC Natural and black, cut out letters in sparkly card and add stripy ribbon.
TARTAN Multi-coloured tartan ribbon, a different plaid for each gift.
BAUBLES Use small Christmas tree baubles with clashing ribbon and paper.
Credits
NATURAL Go natural with brown paper, string and a few green sprigs. 1. Great backpack, natural leather with plenty of pockets and strap options, £95.99 www.zara.com; 2. Waxed canvas and vegan leather make up bag, £48.50 www.jessicarussellflint.co.uk; 3. Cotton stripy top that will always be in fashion, £29 www.johnlewis.com; 4. Wool blend Fairisle Bonnie socks, £19. www.hobbs.co.uk; 5. Dior Vernis nail varnish, £20, www.dior.com; 6. Tassel silk thread earrings, £48 www.anthropologie.com; 7. Cashmere boyfriend cardigan, £139 www.purecollection.com; 8. Printed quilted scarf wrap, £19.99 www.mango.com
Kirstie Smillie is a Personal Fashion Stylist. Follow her style blog at www.kirstiesmillie.com. For appointments, email kirstie@kirstiesmillie.com or call 07773 234947. All images found on www.pinterest.com December 2017
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VANTAGEPOINT 19
CHOCOLATE TIME! It’s been an extremely busy year for Noble and Stace Chocolatiers since we featured them last November.
They’ve just completed a mini expansion programme after being awarded a local grant earlier in the year which has enabled the creation of a bigger workspace, the installation of some professional equipment and a brand new website. Most exciting of all was a summer of new product development with carefully sourced local ingredients including Brighton Gin and Bolney Estate Sparkling Wine plus a Spice Infusion range including Turmeric & Ginger, a new Dinner Party Gallery and a tube of classic dark chocolate Pastilles launching in December.
Mike has also recently started running some chocolate making workshops, partnering with local coffee roasters and tea merchants Edgcumbes. And to top things off they were Grand Finalists in the Sussex Food & Drink Awards in February and received commendations in the Sussex Business Awards and the CPRE Rural Enterprise Awards. Find them at local farm shops, delis, farmers markets, Christmas events or of course online at their brand new website www. nobleandstace.co.uk. Look out for our competition in January to win a place on one of their workshops!
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Food for Christmas Recipes by Gill and Louise, the Great Little Cookery School
FOOD & DRINK •
Mincemeat and Mince Pies Christmas for me is a time for family traditions, whether long-established ones or newly added. This recipe is my mum's mince pie pastry recipe; although she sadly died almost 17 years ago a lot of my recipes that I use today constantly evoke her memory. I have a small A6 handwritten book that she gave me back in Christmas 1994, now falling apart at the seams and so well thumbed through, a very treasured possession. It all depends how much time you have but I find shop-bought mincemeat overly sweet. I tend to add to a 400g jar a selection of things: some grated peeled cooking apple, a handful of chopped dried apricots, sultanas, some chopped cranberries either fresh or dried, possibly a slosh of brandy. I decant the jar into a larger bowl and stir in my additions. Do not let the mixture become too wet. Any that I am not using straight away can be frozen in a zip lock bag for the next baking session. Or add to stewed apples for a simple festive apple /mincemeat with crumble topping.
Ingredients: For the mincemeat: dried fruit -raisins, currants, apricots, cranberries, mixed peel approx 350g total weight, 150g beef or vegetarian suet, 120g dark brown sugar ,1/4 tsp mixed spice and 1/4 tsp nutmeg, zest and juice of a small orange, grated peeled cooking apple, 1/2 inch root finely grated peeled fresh ginger, approx 75ml brandy, or if you prefer alcohol free 75ml of well brewed black earl grey tea. For the pastry: 225g/8oz plain flour,110g/4oz packet margarine (I use Stork), 25g/1oz lard or vegetable baking fat -Trex, 1oz sugar, 1 egg yolk, 1-2 tbs cold water
For the mincemeat, add all to a large bowl and mix thoroughly with hands. Store in fridge in clean sterilized jars for one week or freeze in a zip lock bag and use within three months. 1. In a large bowl rub fats into flour until resembles fine bread crumbs. Stir through sugar. Stir through egg yolk. Now add water slowly initially 1 tbs and keep stirring through with a knife. Add more water slowly. You are aiming for a cohesive non-sticky ball that you can gently knead briefly. Really no more than 30 seconds otherwise you will have tough pastry. If you have added too much water simply dust with a small quantity of extra flour and gently knead until you have smooth dough. 2. Cover with cling film and allow to rest for at least 30 mins. It will keep well at least a week at this stage. 3. When you are ready to make the mince pies pre heat the oven to 210C - gas 7. Lightly flour both your work surfaces and rolling pin and roll to desired thickness. I find shop-bought mince pie pastry too thick and the fillings too sweet. With home made you can create them exactly how you like them. For me, I roll to about 2mm thick. 4. The number you make does depend on the thickness of your pastry but I make around 15 with this quantity. Don’t despair if you are new to pastry making -if the first rolling out doesn’t go well simply form back into a ball and start again - it is always easier to roll second time around. I like my mince pies decorated with a variety of pastry shapes such December 2017
as hearts and stars rather than a full pastry lid. 5. Make sure your mince pie tins are lightly greased – I use the wrapper from the packet margarine to do this. Don’t overfill each pie - approx 1 heaped tsp as you don’t want the mixture bubbling up and over the edge on cooking. If that happens just work fast to remove from the trays before it starts to stick. 6. Cook for 10-15 mins in the oven until lightly browned and smelling delicious Carefully lift out the pies whilst still hot. I use the tip of a rounded knife to ease out- allow to cool on a cooling rack. The filling will be very hot at this stage so resist all temptation to eat straight from the oven. 7. Once cold or just pre serving, sprinkle lightly with icing sugar. Stored in an airtight tin they will keep well in a cool place for one week or freeze well wrapped.
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VANTAGEPOINT 21
Food for Christmas • FOOD & DRINK
Recipes by Gill and Louise, the Great Little Cookery School
Gill’s friend Helen’s best-ever Brownies This really is the best brownie recipe! This has been given to so many people we know who have tasted them. Packaged in a cellophane bag with a bow, they make an excellent gift for colleagues and teachers at Christmas.
Ingredients 185g unsalted butter, 85g plain flour, 185g plain chocolate, broken into squares (Tesco or Sainsbury’s basics is fine for this) , 2oz cocoa, 50g white chocolate, chopped (again basics is fine), 3 large eggs, 275g granulated sugar (I have been experimenting with using 50g less and it works just as well).
1. Line a 10” square tin with parchment paper, or butter well if you have a good non-stick one. 2. Cut the butter into small pieces and put this and the plain chocolate into a Pyrex bowl over a saucepan of hot water to melt. Alternatively, you could use the microwave. 3. Sieve the cocoa and flour together in a separate bowl. 4. In another large bowl, whisk the eggs and the sugar together until really thick and frothy - about 3 mins. 5. Pour the slightly cooled chocolate mixture over the eggs and fold in. Fold in the flour and cocoa, adding the white chocolate. 6. Once this has all been mixed carefully together, put it into the tin. The mixture will look quite thick. 7. Bake for 25 to 30 mins or until there is no wobble in the middle. Leave to cool in the tin and then chop into pieces.
The Great Little Cookery School’s Posh ‘Rocky Road’ This version doesn’t use marshmallows, but you can use the mini ones if you wish. You can vary the quantities of any of these ingredients as it really doesn’t need to be that accurate, these are really a guide of how we like to make it. By adding colourful ingredient’s such as pistachio nuts and apricots, and leaving the top layer exposed, the finished result will look far more attractive and less like a scene from the battle of the Somme! You will also need some cellophane bags and ribbons for packaging. You should make about 6 bags at least, depending on how generous you are.
Ingredients 500g plain chocolate or less if you don’t want such a deep result (we always use Tesco or Sainsbury’s basics), 75g Amaretti biscuits – the crispy ones, crushed , 50g desiccated coconut, 150g mixed dried fruit, use the best you can get eg cranberries, apricots, large sultanas, cherries etc, 150g unsalted mixed nuts eg brazil, walnuts, pistachio - chopped but still ‘lumpy’
1. Line a 9” square tin with parchment paper. Melt the chocolate in a double boiler or in a microwave until liquid. Do not allow any water to get into the chocolate mixture. 3. Carefully stir in the fruit and nut mix but allow some of the fruit and nuts to not be completely covered as this looks more attractive when slicing. 4. Pour into the tin and allow to cool. Tip out onto a board and cut into squares. For more information, please visit www.glcookeryschool.wordpress.com. They offer gift vouchers which make fantastic presents to the would-be cook. 10% off either a course or a voucher if you mention VantagePoint Magazine.
22 VANTAGEPOINT
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Christmas 2017
Farnham receives national recognition
Services to Farnham Awards recognise individuals’ contributions to the town. To nominate somebody, just visit the Farnham Town Council website and complete the nomination form with the nominee’s details and why you have chosen them. You will also need someone else who knows them to support your nomination. Award winners will receive a medal, kindly sponsored by Sir Ray Tindle of the Tindle News Group, by the Mayor of Farnham at a dedicated ceremony on 26 February.The deadline for nominations is Monday 11 December.
Farnham Town Council has been declared ‘runner up’ in the Council of the Year category of the National Association of Local Council’s Star Council Awards. The Town Council was one of three finalists and received a special mention for the work it had done on fighting for Farnham’s interests in the Neighbourhood Plan.The Mayor of Farnham, Councillor Mike Hodge attended the awards presentation and said: “To get to the finals is a fantastic accomplishment for the team at Farnham Town Council. Councils across the country are facing challenging times but Farnham consistently and successfully pushes the boundaries and works above and beyond expectations.” The overall winner of the Council of the Year category was Halewood Town Council in Merseyside.
Apply for a grant The South Street Trust funds projects that are art-based educational activities. A total of £20,000 is available to be spread across successful applicants. Previous successful projects include the commissioning of an artist to work with children in 12 schools and a clay exploration class for children aged three to 11. The deadline for applications is 12pm on 8 January. Grants are decided in March and paid in April and May 2018. For details about how to apply, visit www.farnham.gov.uk/grants.
Nominate a community hero Do you know someone who does exceptional work for Farnham’s community or works tirelessly to foster the town’s community spirit? If so, you have just a few days left to nominate your community hero for a prestigious Services to Farnham Award. December 2017
Farnham fights for Neighbourhood Plan Just weeks after being adopted, Farnham’s Neighbourhood Plan has come under threat from modifications proposed by Waverley Borough Council. Waverley is proposing to allocate an additional 451 houses on top of the 2,330 that were agreed by residents in the adopted Neighbourhood Plan.This threatens sites at appeal including Waverley Lane, Lower Weybourne Lane, Monkton Lane and Folly Hill. In response to a consultation by Waverley Borough Council, Farnham has robustly expressed its view that a Plan-led approach is best for Farnham and that no additional allocations should take place in the early years of the Neighbourhood Plan. This is particularly as the town faces significant disruption over the next few years as a result of already approved development and that there are alternative sites available for the additional homes elsewhere in the borough. The full response to the consultation can be seen at www. farnham.gov.uk/neighbourhoodplan and all responses on Waverley’s website. The Inspector will now review all the comments received and consider the next steps.
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VANTAGEPOINT 25
Christmas 2017
Farnham wins gold at Britain in Bloom
scarecrow, flower in a boot and best anti-litter poster. Additional prizes were given to those who entered the Secret Gardens of Farnham competition. In a separate awards presentation, the Mayor of Farnham Councillor Mike Hodge and representatives from the main sponsoring organisations gave prizes to the winners of the Allotment competition and Secret Gardens of Farnham.
Farnham has been named joint winner of the Large Town category in the RHS’s Britain in Bloom competition. Farnham in Bloom is supported by community groups throughout the town who look after specific areas. In addition, schools and community groups plant baskets and pick litter making this a true community effort. In 2017, Farnham in Bloom attracted sponsorship of over £20,000 which funded all the flowers and baskets in the town. Farnham Town Council is grateful to its sponsors which included corporate sponsor Specsavers, gold sponsors Squire’s Garden Centre, Forest Lodge Garden Centre, Graduate Landscapes, The Patio Black Spot Removal Company,Wild Flower Turf Ltd and the Farnham Institute charity, silver sponsors BBS for Magimix, Aura Care Living and Net Technical Solutions and the many individuals and companies who supported hanging baskets. This year two stalwarts of Farnham in Bloom, John Burdett and Kevin Taitt have retired. At the Britain in Bloom awards, Kevin Taitt, team leader for outside services received a Community Champion award for his professional expertise in helping volunteers to reach their goals and for winning many accolades in local Bloom competitions.
Farnham in Bloom awards 2017 Members of the Farnham in Bloom community have received thanks from Farnham Town Council for their contribution towards the town’s entry into South and South East in Bloom and Britain in Bloom. Prizes were awarded to local school children for the best hanging basket, tallest sunflower, largest pumpkin, best 26 VANTAGEPOINT
The Mayor also presented the ‘Mayor’s Special Award’, to Martin Billet for his outstanding contribution to Farnham in Bloom, Rita and Geoff Hollebon were jointly crowned Bloomin’ Litter Volunteer of the Year and John Durham won Gardener of the Year. The awards concluded with the announcement that a new category will be introduced into next year’s Secret Gardens competition in honour of Madge Green who passed away earlier this year. Madge was the driving force behind Farnham in Bloom for many years before the Town Council took over the mantle.
Christmas Market Wrap up warm and head into Farnham town centre on Sunday 10 December for the Christmas Market. From 10am to 4pm, Castle Street, The Borough, The Bush Hotel courtyard, conference room, car park and Central car park will host over 200 stalls selling Christmas gifts and festive treats, local produce, mulled wine, mince pies and roasted chestnuts. There will be performances from carol singers, brass bands and local singer songwriters. Children will be a able to visit Father Christmas for free, post their l
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Half the tickets will be given to local charities and organisations to thank them for the wonderful work they do for the town. The remaining half will be allocated via a ballot. See www.farnham.gov.uk/Christmas for further information.
Winter Celebration
etter to Santa in the North Pole postbox and pet the animals at the live Nativity. A free park and ride will take passengers from Farnham Sixth Form College to the Farmers’ Market and Christmas Market in Victoria Road. Provision for taxis will be available in West Street by the junction with Downing Street and from Bear Lane as well as at the railway station as usual. For more information about the Christmas Market, visit www.farnham.gov.uk/Christmas. Farnham Town Council thanks its sponsors for their highly valued support.
Round off a wonderful year for Farnham in Bloom by coming along to the winter celebration on Sunday 17 December at Gostrey Meadow. From 2.30pm to 3.30pm you will be able to sing along to your favourite Christmas classics with wonderful live music. There’ll be warming mulled wine and mince pies and a chance to buy a pot of hyacinths, which were planted by children who came along to the Bloomin’ Kids gardening workshops in October.
Your guide to Christmas in Farnham Pick up your guide to Christmas in Farnham from Farnham Town Council and locations throughout the town. You’ll find information about church services, Christmas events, school fayres, Christmas tree sales and other community events.You can also download the guide www.farnham.gov.uk/Christmas.
Principal sponsor of Christmas in Farnham – Specsavers Gold sponsor of the Christmas Market – Kidd Rapinet Silver sponsor of the Christmas Market – BBS for Magimix Bronze sponsor of the Christmas Market – The Wheatsheaf
Christmas Civic Carol Service The Farnham Herald is again joining with Farnham Town Council and supporting the Christmas Civic Carol Service with the internationally acclaimed Farnham Youth Choir on Thursday 14 December at St. Andrew’s church.
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 Town Mayor: Mike Hodge December 2017
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VANTAGEPOINT 27
Climping Beach DEVIL'S PUNCH BOWL: HIGH ROAD AND PINE VALLEY This is a lovely walk along a great and unspoilt beach, just perfect for some post-Christmas exercise with the family and dogs. Just one factor that might influence your choice of date: it may be best not to go during a high tide. This is because the shingle on the beach is uncomfortable to walk on but at low or medium tide there is a wide mixed sand-and-pebble strip all the way which is perfectly walkable. To check before you go, try the tide times website at: www.tidetimes.org.uk and click on 'Worthing'. This walk is taken with permission from www.fancyfreewalks.org.
• THE WALK 1. Facing the sea, turn left along the beach. If you go down the shingle you will find a fairly sandy strip and, although there are pebbles here and there, it is quite comfortable to walk on. At low tide, you may find even more sand. If you are walking at high tide, you can make use of a tarmac drive and continue over the dunes. Your first destination is a long breakwater in the distance. It guards the outflow of the River Arun. After a walk of 2km, turn left back up the beach alongside a sea barrier, looking across the river to Littlehampton and its funfair. 2. Go through a pay-and-display car park and continue near the river. You can either take a concrete lane or go down a strip of sand even closer to the river. If you choose the sandy route, you need to go left-right round a creek by the marina and possibly duck under some boarding ramps, after which you must exit left back to the concrete lane, through the Littlehampton Yacht Club and ferry entrance. Continue along the lane and, where it bears left to the West Beach car park, leave the lane by forking right on a narrow tarmac footpath. There are small sand dunes here and, as a temporary diversion, on your right a footbridge takes you to an islet with a seat, a possible picnic spot. Continue following the high path, passing a creek with several interesting old wrecks, going beside the white Dormy Cottage. You come out to a road. Keep straight ahead along the road, ignoring a footpath on your left. On your right soon is Ruth’s Café, a pleasant outlet with generous sandwiches. At a T-junction, turn right. Straight ahead, but not
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28 VANTAGEPOINT
on your route, is a swing bridge and, on the other side of the Arun you will find two pubs, the Steam Packet and the Arun View, both well regarded for food. Believe it or not, the River Arun didn’t always reach the sea here. Until the late 1400s it flowed into the River Adur 10 miles to the east. That route got silted up and the river found its own way to form the present estuary during the 1500s. 3. Turn immediately left on a wide tarmac drive for the Littlehampton Marina. In 50m, turn right as indicated, continue straight across the gravel to the riverside and turn left on a grassy path. After several impeccable mobile homes, you pass the Marina and, at a fingerpost, your path veers left across the concrete slipway and then veers right on a tarmac drive, passing the Boat House Café which is noted for its fresh fish. Keep right by some chalets and fork left, as directed by a signpost, through a gravel parking area and through a modern kissinggate onto a woodland path. As the path quickly winds its way out of the wood close to a road bridge, fork right up a bank onto a higher path, going under the road bridge and rejoining the wide path. Very shortly, before a solid metal fence, turn left as indicated on a rather overgrown path, up a step, over a wooden bridge into a field. 4. Follow the nice clear straight path across the barley field. After 600m, as you enter the next field, the path turns right at a fingerpost. Fork immediately left on a narrower path, avoiding the large metal gate ahead. You have a good view on your right of Arundel Castle and the South Downs. Your path veers left at a fingerpost onto a wide path and comes out, via a large metal gate to a road. Your route is left along the road, but 300m to the right, if you wish to visit, the late 12th / early 13th -century church of St Mary's Clymping, with many interesting features. Having turned left on the road, using the footway, continue to a roundabout and cross straight over to Crookthorn Lane opposite. (To avoid the barrier, it is best to switch first to the right-hand side.)
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Climping beach by Stefan Czapski
5. Just after a thatched cottage, turn right on a byway, passing St Mary's Clymping Primary School. Ignoring the footpath ahead, turn left opposite the school on a wide track between fields. After 300m, you reach a 4-way signposted junction. If you are not visiting the pub and the village, there is a short cut here: simply keep straight ahead on the track and turn right at the beach, or on a tarmac track, back to the start. Turn right on a nice clear path across the wheat field, continuing on a drive past thatched cottages to a lane. Turn left, immediately reaching the Black Horse Inn, a traditional country pub. After a possible break, continue on the lane, passing some old flint houses of the village and some woodland, arriving back at the beach where the walk began. Directions: Arriving at the big Arundel roundabout (via the A29/ A284 or the A27), take the minor turning for Ford, Climping. Go 3 miles through Ford, crossing a railway, to a major crossing of the A259 with a roundabout. Turn right on the A259 and, in nearly ½ mile, turn left as for Climping Beach. Park at the end of the lane
DISTANCE: 5 miles OS MAPS: OS Explorer 121 (Arundel)
in the car park. There is a modest charge by ticket, calculated from arrival time. A possible alternative free parking site is Crookthorn Lane, postcode BN17 5QU, with some competition from the school run. An alternative route is via the A24 and Worthing. Follow signs through Littlehampton and, from the A259, look for Climping Beach as above.
Tra Travel, Explore, Adventure
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STARTING POINT: The walk begins at the Climping Beach car park, near Littlehampton, West Sussex, postcode BN17 5RN. For many more walks, please visit our website at www.vantagepointmag.co.uk/category/walks.
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December 2017
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Farnham Brass Band at Christmas • PROFILE
Farnham Brass Band would like to invite you to their concert 'A Christmas Festival' on Saturday 9th December at 7.30pm. The band will be in concert with the Sandhurst Military Wives Choir, a first for St Mary's Church, Frensham, where the event will take place. Tickets are £15 (£10 U16s). Both musical groups benefit from being under the capable directorship of Ben Roberts. Ben has worked hard with both the band and the choir to achieve what will be an amazing, musical feast. Christmas music to help celebrate a very special time of year, but also moments of poignancy, pure entertainment and possibly some audience participation too. Farnham Brass Band continue to go from strength to strength with regular members enjoying a busy calendar of events throughout the year. However new members are still welcome, either returning players or 'newbies'. The band have some spare instruments and tuition is available. Just come and find them at the Tilford Institute every Monday evening from 6.45pm. Sandhurst Military Wives Choir also have an enthusiastic membership who take part in many musical events throughout the region. The choir was formed in 2012 as a way of supporting military wives, partners and serving female members of the forces from the Sandhurst, Pirbright and Deepcut barracks. The choir is part of the Military Wives Choir Foundation and as such will join their sister choirs from Odiham, Brompton, Salisbury and Arborfield for a truly spectacular concert in Guildford Cathedral on the 18th December. Please get in touch if you would like more information about future events or membership; sandhurst@militarywiveschoir.org.
30 VANTAGEPOINT
You can catch up with Farnham Brass Band in and around Farnham throughout the lead up to Christmas: Sunday 12th November Hale Remembrance Service 10.30am Monday, 27th November Phyllis Tuckwell 'Light a Life' Service 6pm Thursday 30th November Squires Garden Centre, Badshot Lea 6.30pm Saturday 9th December A Christmas Festival, St Mary's Church Frensham 7.30pm Sunday 10th December Farnham Christmas Market 12 noon Sunday 17th December Farnham in Bloom, Gostrey 2.30pm
Meadow
Monday 18th December Round the Chrismas tree, Rowledge 7pm Saturday 23rd December Lion & Lamb Yard, Farnham 10.30am FIND OUT MORE Tickets for 9th December are available on 01252 794727 or from farnhambrassband@gmail.com.
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Pilgrim Wood is an elegant, 1920s country house situated in three acres of grounds in an area of outstanding natural beauty close to the North Downs Way. Our elevated position provides remarkable views of the surrounding countryside, yet we are conveniently located only two miles from the centre of Guildford. Registered and compliant with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) for 35 residents over the age of 65 years, we provide long term residential and dementia care as well as respite and convalescent care in an individual, family run home. We encourage our residents to partake in an active and varied lifestyle, including festive and social events, regular outings, and a daily program of group activities. We welcome visitors, so please feel free to stop by or call to make an appointment.
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December 2017
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Jottings Jottings is your FREE community noticeboard for charities, local events, groups and information, compiled by Nick and Angie Crisell. To feature here, please email us at jottings@vantagepublishing.co.uk by the first Friday of the month prior to month of publication. Please note that space is limited and inclusion cannot be guaranteed. We believe you should demand the highest levels of service from your travel company. Travel Dream will tailormake your holiday experience by listening to your ideas, then hand pick resorts for you in stunning locations around the world. Please mention VantagePoint Travel Club when calling to secure the best offers available.
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Well, can you believe it, Christmas is here again. I know that I was always told that the older you get, the faster time goes by, but this is ridiculous! There seems to have been a huge number of Christmas fairs and markets in November and there are still quite a few happening in December, so still plenty of opportunity to finish the Christmas shopping. We are hosting Christmas this year, thirteen around the table. Wish us luck; last time we did it there was a serious incident with the gravy! Anyway, we wish everyone a very happy and peaceful Christmas and a wonderful New Year. Squire’s Garden Centres From 25th November Roll up, roll up, the circus is coming to town! From 25th November until 31st December there is a very special circus at Squire’s Garden Centres in Badshot Lea (Farnham), Shepperton, Stanmore and Washington. Held in the Big Top and hosted by a Ringmaster who is ‘helped’ by some very funny clowns, the circus stars Boris the animatronic dancing polar bear who has to be seen to be believed! Tickets are £10-£12 and can be booked at www.squiresgardencentres. co.uk. Jack and his Giant Stalk Tuesday 28th November – Sunday 31st December 8pm (Saturday matinees 3pm) No you haven’t read this wrong, this is the title of Guildford Fringe’s ADULT Panto, their fifth offering to date. It is was it says, an adult panto and is strictly for over 18s so please don’t go if you are easily offended! This is the ultimate adult Christmas party night out and it takes place at the Back Room of the Star Inn, Quarry St, Guildford. Tickets are on sale now and are £18.50 each (£17.50 concessions) and they sell quickly – to make sure you don’t miss out on the action, call 0333 666 3366 or visit www.GuildfordFringe. com. The Magic of Christmas Wednesday 29th November – Saturday 23rd December Visit Santa and Mrs Claus at RHS Garden Wisley, for stories, songs and a present. For a more magical experience, join them to decorate gingerbread and make your own horticultural Christmas decoration as well as the stories and 32 VANTAGEPOINT
songs. This takes place at the weekends and from Tuesday 19th to Friday 22nd December. Christmas Glow at RHS Garden Wisley Friday 1st to Wednesday 3rd January Enjoy the atmosphere of the festive season with the breathtaking Jigantics installation of giant illuminated flowers around the garden. The shop and plant centre will stay open late for your Christmas shopping needs. The Glasshouse will be open from 10am–7.15pm (last entry 6.45pm) and features the special display ‘T’was the Night Before Christmas’ based on the poem by Clement Clarke Moore. The catering facilities will be offering supper, hot and cold drinks and snacks. Check website for details www.rhs.org. uk/wisley. The garden is closed on Christmas Day. Grayshott Folk Club Friday 1st December 7.30pm Grayshott Village Hall is the venue for the next gig which features The Way Down Wanderers on tour from Chicago, U.S.A. Young, upbeat and full of vitality, they are a blast of fresh air from the Windy City and will bring their own style of lively Americana/Folk/Bluegrass music to Grayshott. You won't be able to sit still! (https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=Tt4kV6vFnVI ) Support will come from Jonas & Jane, a home grown Bluegrass/Folk duo who make a very welcome return visit. Tickets £15 from all the usual places or Des O'Byrne on 01428 607096. www.grayshottfolkclub. co.uk. Surrey Border Movie Makers Friday 1st December They meet on the first Friday of each month and are a film making club whose members consist of retired professionals, experienced film makers and complete beginners. They share a love of making films which they do to the best of their ability including holiday films, drama and documentary. They always welcome new members. Interested in seeing what they do? Visit the website www. surreyborder.org.uk. They meet at the St Joan’s Centre, 19 Tilford Road, Farnham GU9 8DJ. There is plenty of parking. Your first visit is free. Contact secretary@surreyborder.org. uk.
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www.hendersonsfamilylaw.co.uk info@hendersonsfamilylaw.co.uk St Polycarp's School Christmas Fair of Elvetham Heath Primary School choir to sing with Saturday 2nd December 11am-2pm them for the first time. They will also be performing the Visit Santa in his grotto at St Polycarp's School Christmas lovely ‘Maria’s Cradle Song’ and there will be plenty of Fair. This fun-filled fair has plenty to entertain the whole carols for all the family to join in! It takes place at The family such as a lucky dip, chocolate tombola, fantastic toy Church on the Heath, Elvetham Heath, Fleet GU51 4HA stall, secrets room and plenty of refreshments (BBQ, mince conductor Gwyn Parry-Jones. Refreshments and mince pies, hot chocolate and mulled wine). Entrance: £1 per adult pies available in the interval. Tickets are £12 each, children and 50p per child. and students in further education £6. Available from www. fleetchoralsociety.org and also from ‘Serendipity’, 295 Christmas Fayre Fleet Road, Fleet. Saturday 2nd December 11am-1.30pm Held in All Saints Church, Grayswood, stalls will include Macmillan Christmas Fair raffle, bottle tombola, cakes, gifts, brocante, bulbs and Saturday 2nd December 10am-3.30pm plants, crafts, books and DVDs and much more. Soup and The annual Christmas Fair put on by the Haslemere & District bacon butties will be served from 12pm-1.30pm. Entrance Committee of Macmillan Cancer Support will be at Grayshott £1 adults (includes tea/coffee and a biscuit!); children under Village Hall. Stalls, old and new, will be offering a wide variety 10 free. Pop in and join the fun! For more information, of Christmas gifts, while Macmillan – in addition to a Craft contact Di on 01428 654303, email drdcook01@gmail. Stall - will be selling home-made cakes, biscuits, jams and co.uk or Shirley on 01428 653285, email shirley1941@ preserves as well as Christmas wreaths. Teas, coffees and btinternet.com. lunches will be available. Admission is £3, with children free. As in previous years, there will be the Macmillan Christmas Fleet Choral Society Christmas Concert Tree Decoration Challenge, with 8 local schools competing to Saturday 2nd December 7.30pm decorate a Tree. Visitors to the Fair will be able to vote for the This 50th anniversary Christmas concert features the ‘Best in Show’, with prizes for the top three. glorious festive cantata ‘Born a king’ by William Lloyd Webber with the talented baritone Matthew Silverman as Vox Farnham Chamber Choir the soloist. The choir will be supported by Roy Woodhams Saturday 2nd December 7.30pm at the organ, and are delighted to welcome the children They are joining forces with The Punch Bowl String Quartet December 2017
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for a treat of a concert called ‘Shining Light’. This will showcase beautiful contemporary compositions by the Norwegian composer Ola Gjeilo which feature choir and strings, as well as other pieces on the theme of light including some well-known favourites. Takes place at St Thomas-on-The Bourne Church, Farnham. Tickets £12 on the door (u/18s free). Find them on Facebook - search for Vox Chamber Choir. Christmas Fair Saturday 2nd December 9.30am-12.30pm Do pop along to the Christmas Fair at the United Reformed Church, South Street, Farnham and buy your Christmas presents early! Stalls include chocolate and bottle tombolas, cards, books and DVDs, cake stall and many, many more. Amnesty International - Candles of Hope Saturday 2nd December 7.30pm They present, at St Mark's Church, Hale, Farnham GU9 0LT, an uplifting evening of inspirational readings from around the world, music from local singers and instrumentalists and updates on the work of Amnesty International. Drinks and nibbles served and entry is free. Everyone welcome, they look forward to seeing you there! Winter Show/Bazaar Saturday 2nd December 1pm Friends of Elstead Village Hall are holding a Winter Show/ 34 VANTAGEPOINT
Bazaar in Elstead Village Hall & Youth Centre. There will be lots of stalls and the show will feature the local school choir and the ballet school, plus a short panto by the Amdram Group. Entry to the bazaar is free; entry to the show is £3 for adults, free for children under 16. More information from Denise Cleaver on 01252 703739. The Great Big Gig Saturday 2nd December 3.30pm The West End Centre, Queens Road, Aldershot are putting on a mini festival/all dayer with seven bands on the main stage plus an acoustic stage. Headliners, The Men That Will Not Be Blamed For Nothing, sold out their last gig at the Westy a month in advance! Advance Tickets £15 from the West End Centre Box Office on 01252 330040, or online at https:// uk.patronbase.com/_WestendCentreEvents/Productions/ WSCU/Performances (age limit 14+) or from or from www. wegottickets.com or www.seetickets.com. Julian Lewry Music From Saturday 2nd December These are the last two gigs of the year, and excellent ones they are too. Making his 9th appearance at St. John's Church, they welcome back Tom Russell and his guitarist Max de Bernardi. Tom has a fabulous new album ‘Folk Hotel’ which is getting rave reviews. Tickets are £18 adv/£22 door. Then on Saturday 9th December, they welcome back ‘Any Colour You Like’ a fabulous 10-piece Pink Floyd tribute
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YOUR COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD • band. The net proceeds of the concert will be donated to the Godalming based Trinity Trust Team youth project. Their aim is to raise over £1,000 as they have done on Any Colour You Like's previous shows for this charity. Call 01483 421520 or 07769 592452 or go to www.julianlewrymusic.com. Also, www.facebook.com/farncombemusicclub. Advent Joy Sunday 3rd December 2.30pm The Chase Singers will be celebrating Advent and the Festive Season in a concert at St Peter’s Church, Wrecclesham with a mixed programme of old and new favourites. Tickets at £10, including an excellent tea, are available from Christopher Ellis on 01252 714480. Start the season off with joy! Ewshot Xmas Fair Sunday 3rd December from 2pm-4pm This will take place in the Village Hall where Santa will be in his fantastic Grotto. There will be a raffle, tombola, mulled wine, and refreshments and stalls to keep you occupied until the lights on Ewshot’s Xmas tree are switched on. Entry is 50p for adults and free for children. Christmas Music From Sunday 3rd December As always, there will be a feast of Christmas Music at St Thomas-on-The Bourne in Farnham for regular churchgoers and visitors alike. The advent procession takes place on Sunday 3rd December. There’s a Christingle service for children on 10th December; the traditional Nine Lessons and Carols in the evening of 17th December; Crib services and Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve; ending up with a final celebration on Christmas Day morning. A Christmas CD, recorded by the choir in 2013, is available. 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 Christmas Wreath Workshops Monday 4th and Tuesday 5th December 10am–12.30pm Nicola of Jasmine Flowers will demonstrate how to make your very own moss based door wreath, and fill it with scrumptious berries, cones and foliage. All materials and tools are provided. So gather up your friends and join her for a fun festive morning, where you will be able to take home your own creation to adorn your front door. The cost is £45 per person, refreshments and homemade cakes included. It takes place at Bury Court Barn, Bentley GU10 5LY. For more information or to book your place, call Nicola on 07778 137062 or email nicola@jasmine-flowers.co.uk. Ballet Cymru The Light Princess Tuesday 5th December 7pm Farnham Maltings feature a new full length ballet for 2017 with a new score by brilliant Welsh composer Catrin Finch December 2017
Dance Shows and Gym Displays Nativities and Pantomimes Music and Choir concerts GCSE exam recordings Plays and Musicals Prizegivings and Award Ceremonies
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in collaboration with The Riverfront Theatre in Newport. The Light Princess is the lightest and brightest dance event of the year. Drawing inspiration from Sleeping Beauty, this live ballet will transport you into a world of laughter, beauty and wonder. Live in the Great Hall. Tickets are £17 (£15 conc., £10 under 15s). Call the box office on 01252 745444 or go to www.farnhammaltings.com.
01252 718481 / 725733 www.bournebuildings.co.uk 39 – 43 Guildford Road, Farnham, Surrey GU9 9PY
long-term home for their wonderful productions. Tickets cost £10 and include an introductory talk from Matt and a Q&A. Book online at www.guildford-shakespeare-company. co.uk or call 01483 304384. The venue is St Mary’s Church, Quarry Street, Guildford GU1 3UA.
Historical Association (West Surrey Branch) Tuesday 5th December 7.30pm At their next lecture, Professor Andrew Jotischky, from the University of London will talk on ‘The Crusades: Holy War or the Clash of Civilisation?’ What really happened has become an issue in our times. Takes place at St Nicholas’ Hall, Bury Street, Guildford GU2 4BW. Visitors very welcome (£3 at the door) students free. Further information from Rollo Crookshank on 01252 319881 or email crookshank@ starkmann.co.uk.
Farnham Scottish Country Dance Club Tuesday evenings Looking for friendly people and some physical and mental exercise? Then why not try Scottish Country Dancing! They are a welcoming group and you can go on your own or with a partner; they all swap around between dances. Farnham Scottish Country Dance Club meets on Tuesday evenings, from 8 to 10pm in the main hall at Weydon School until 19th December and then from 9th January to the end of April. Beginners are welcome, soft shoes advised. Go along and warm yourself up in the cold winter nights ahead! www.fscdc.co.uk.
GSC Bard Walk Film Premiere Tuesday 5th December 7pm for 7.30pm Last year Guildford Shakespeare Company’s co-founder Matt Pinches, embarked on a walk that Shakespeare once took from Stratford-upon-Avon to his place of work, London’s Bankside. His 146 mile adventure was filmed including shots of Shakespeare’s birthplace and The Painted Room in Oxford, where he reputedly stayed overnight en route. The Bard Walk was a fund-raising event to help GSC establish a
Christmas Tree Festival Wednesday 6th to Saturday 9th December St. Andrew's Parish Church, Upper Church Farnham GU9 7PW is holding their second festival with more than 100 dazzling decorated trees. There will be decorated trees from local schools, charities, groups, Churches, clubs individuals and businesses. Entry is free of charge and all are welcome. The Church will be open 10am–5pm Wednesday to Saturday and 12 noon–5pm on Sunday. Musicians will entertain
36 VANTAGEPOINT
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YOUR COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD • and refreshments will be available. A community festival supported by Farnham Town Council and Farnham Herald. www.standrewsfarnham.org. Farnham & District Museum Society Evening Talks Thursday 7th December 7.30 for 7.45pm Susan Purcell is a crossword compiler and editor, and coeditor of Penguin’s Puzzler Crossword Solvers Dictionary. The subject of her talk tonight is The History of Crosswords. Venue: United Reformed Church, South Street, Farnham, (please use Victoria Road side entrance). Non-members very welcome, no need to book - £3 per visitor. www. farnhammuseumsociety.org.uk. Rushmoor Male Voice Choir Singing For You Thursday 7th December 7.30pm Join them at Farnham Maltings for a fun evening of entertainment and music ranging from male voice classics to show tunes and popular songs with the odd Christmas song thrown in! Their guest artists are the Kindred Spirits choir, formed of a group of very brave people who have all undergone, or are undergoing, treatment for breast cancer. The choir are supporting Naomi House & Jacksplace, hospices that do so much for life-limited and life-threatened children, young people and their extended families from the area. Tickets are £12 from Farnham Maltings Box Office on 01252 745444 or https://farnhammaltings.com/events/ rushmoor-odd-fellows-male-voice-choir. Farnham Society Thursday 7th December 8pm Their next lecture is entitled ‘The Journey of the Magi’ by the Rt Revd Dr Christopher Herbert. It will be held at St Joan’s Centre, Tilford Road, Farnham GU9 8TD. Members £3, non -members most welcome, £6 payable at door from 7.30pm. Any enquiries please call 01252 702449. Elstead Afternoon Women’s Institute Thursday 7th December 2.15pm for 2.30pm For their meeting in December in Elstead Village Hall, instead of four volunteer ladies providing the usual delicious tea, the committee will take their turn to present the refreshments for the Christmas Party, when members can also enjoy ‘In Accord – Music for Christmas’. If you would like to become a member of the WI, do join them on the 4th January 2018 – you will be very welcome. Contact Venetia Pierce on 01252 702415. Les Amitiés Françaises Thursday 7th December at 7.30pm The next lecture will be on Judaism in France. Cedric Cabanne, a wonderful speaker, is a history and geography teacher and also lectures on cruise ships. The presentation will take place in central Godalming, at the Baptist Church Hall on Queen Street. Visitors are welcome. For details of events and membership, email john.petty@which.net or visit: www.amitiesfrancaises.com and their Facebook page: @amitieswaverley. December 2017
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Jottings Christmas Fair Friday 8th December 5.30pm-9.30pm Farnham Pottery are holding their Christmas Fair with 50 different craft stalls, live music, mulled wine and delicious food: not to be missed! Farnham Pottery is situated at Quennells Hill, Wrecclesham GU10 4SL. More information at www.thefarnhampottery.co.uk. Dick Whittington Friday 8th December to Sunday 7th January This Christmas, the traditional family Panto at Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre is one of everyone’s favourites, Dick Whittington! It stars Judy Cornwell (Daisy in Keeping up Appearances and Mrs Claus in the Christmas favourite, Santa Claus the Movie) as Fairy Bowbells. Prices range from £20-£28.50 with a £5 discount for under 16s. On Wednesday 3rd January at 12 noon, there is a ‘relaxed performance’. This is open to everyone, but the environment has been specifically adapted for families with children with an Autistic Spectrum Condition, individuals with sensory and communication disorders, those with learning disabilities and anyone who would benefit from a more relaxed environment. Call the box office on 01483 440000 for more information and to book tickets. Santa Special at the Rural Life Centre 9th/10th and 16th/17th December Christmas will once again be brought to life at the Rural Life Centre, Farnham over two weekends in December. Watch their eyes light up, as children take a train ride on the Old Kiln Railway. Visitors will be taken into a wonderful world of Christmas past as they step off the train with all sorts of Christmas attractions to enjoy. Booking is essential. Tickets cost £12.50 for children (gift included), adults £7.50 and can be booked online or by calling 01252 795571. Santa Special is brought to life by a team of over 80 volunteers. To find out more about the event or details on volunteering opportunities at the Rural Life Centre visit www.rural-life.org.uk. Advent Concert - Ne Timeas Maria Saturday 9th December 2pm The a cappella singers, Vox Lucis - are returning by popular request following their wonderful performance last April, and will be singing in the Abbey Church, Alton Abbey GU34 4AP. The programme will be mainly early music, to include Palestrina, Victoria, Parsons, Tallis, De Wert and others. Tickets: £7.50 (incl. refreshments) available from ‘Tickets’ Friends of Alton Abbey Alton Abbey, Abbey Road, Beech, Alton GU34 4AP. Cheques should be made payable to ‘Friends of Alton Abbey’ and please include a SAE and a telephone number and/or email address. All proceeds to Friends of Alton Abbey. Farnham & Bourne Choral Society Saturday 9th December 7.30pm Christmas with F & B in St Thomas-on-The Bourne church will this year feature a performance of Part 1 of Bach’s 38 VANTAGEPOINT
Christmas Oratorio as well as the ever-popular quintet Bourne Brass and a selection of carols with audience participation. Tickets: £13, (£5 for under 16s) to include mince pies and refreshments, from 01252 721075. Visit www.farnham-choral.org.uk for more details on the choir. RSPB North East Hants Local Group Saturday 9th December 7.30pm ‘Penguins to Puffins - a look at the Seabirds of the World’. You won’t need your sea legs, sea sickness pills or waterproofs to enjoy many of the world’s sea birds. Go along to the Memorial Hall, Sandy Lane, Church Crookham GU52 8LD, sit back and enjoy a fabulous trip around the globe looking at stunning images of seabirds expertly guided by guest speaker, Richard Coomber. Visitors are welcome to attend, but there is a small charge of £3. There’s free parking at the hall and a refreshment break when visitors can find out more about the group or do a bit of last minute Christmas shopping. More information at www. northeasthantsrspb.org.uk. Christmas Tree Festival of Colour and Light Saturday 9th Sunday and 10th December 10am-4pm (11am on Sun) The year-long celebrations of the 150th birthday of All Saints Church, Tilford, will culminate with a sparkling Christmas Tree Festival reflecting the life of the whole community. The church will be aglow with seasonal light and colour over the weekend of the festival, featuring a scintillating display of illuminated trees each themed and decorated by a different village organisation. Open to all and free of charge (donations invited), refreshments, including home-made cakes will be served. All the trees, together with the church's own big tree, will then remain on show in the church throughout the Christmas period. The Good Shepherd Church, The Sands, Farnham Guildford Borough Council has now approved plans for an extension to the Good Shepherd Church, The Sands, Farnham. One of the main beneficiaries will be the popular Shepherds Rest cafe which is open every Tuesday from 12 noon until 2.30pm.The extension will provide increased space and improved kitchen facilities and will not only be of benefit to the café but to all the other users of the church. For December the café will be open as usual on Tuesdays the 5th and 19th whilst the Christmas lunch (details in a later jotting) will be served on the 12th. The café will be closed on 26th December and 2nd January and will re-open on Tuesday 9th January 2018. The volunteers at the café would like to take the opportunity to wish all their customers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Festive Cruises on The Wey & Arun Canal From 10th December Bookings are already being taken for the extremely popular Santa Cruises which will be running on 10th, 17th, 21st, 22nd and 23rd December. Trips depart at 11am, 12
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HAMPTON ESTATE IS A FAMILY OWNED AND RUN TRADITIONAL AGRICULTURAL ESTATE LOCATED IN BEAUTIFUL RURAL SURREY. We supply the most succulent English Beef, and other produce, naturally reared on the Estate. Join us for our next collection days on Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd December. For further information on how to ‘place your order’ as well as details on our ‘Pop Up’ restaurant and woodland walk on New Year’s Day, please visit our website: www.hamptonestate.co.uk
Telephone: 01483 810465 Email: enquiries@hamptonestate.co.uk www.hamptonestate.co.uk Hampton_VantagePointAd_147x91.5mm_Landcspae.AW.indd 1 noon and 2pm and cost £10 per person to include festive refreshments and a gift from Santa for all children under 12 years of age. There will also be a Santa Cruise for the grown-ups on Friday 15th December, 7.30pm–9pm. It’s a 90 minute trip along the canal whilst enjoying a glass of mulled wine with snacks, and seasonal sing-along music. Santa will also have a small gift for everyone! Tickets cost £15 per person. On Boxing Day and New Year’s Day festive trips depart at 11am, 12 noon and 2pm. Tickets: £6 for adults; £3 for children. Booking in advance is essential for all the trips. Full details are available on the website and bookings can be made online. Alternatively, call The Wey & Arun Canal Trust Office on 01403 752403 or email office@ weyandarun.co.uk. More information at www.weyandarun. co.uk.
The Hogs Back Road Race Sunday 10th December Believe it or not, this is the 57th Race and, at the time of writing over 800 runners have already entered. There may still be a few places left should you feel a last minute urge to participate. You need to go to http://aat-events. com/race/hogs-back-road-race/ as soon as possible. The race starts and finishes at Loseley House. Runners follow a professional race pacing team along a marked and measured route to the Hogs Back, 11.7km in total. All runners receive a cheeky pig medal and complimentary refreshments and there are prizes for the first few December 2017
09/11/2017 12:42a finishers. Event sponsors Wilkins Kennedy are organising fuel station roughly 5km into the race.
Theatre Maltings - The Book of Darkness and Light, by Adam Robinson Tuesday 12th December 7.30pm Three chilling tales, two ghostly performers and one thrilling night! Legend has it that many years ago a book of terrifying tales was found. Now, you are invited to discover the secrets of The Book of Darkness and Light… if you dare! Described as ‘mesmerising, atmospheric and creepy’, it is suitable for age 14 plus. Tickets are £12 (£10 concessions). Call the box office on 01252 745444 or go to www.farnhammaltings. com. Farnham Pottery Exhibition Tuesday 12th December – Tuesday 13th January This is an exhibition of the work of Sarah Drew entitled ‘Treasure Found’. Sarah is a wild jewellery designer, maker and author. On Saturday 16th December, from 5pm-7pm, there will be an evening opening and talk by Sarah which is a free event. Also, she is hosting a workshop on Saturday 16th December which will run from 10am–4pm at a cost of £60 including lunch. Experience for yourself Sarah’s amazing contemporary eclectic jewellery crafted from found objects and salvaged materials, such as beach finds, rust, recycled silver and gold and big semi-precious stones. A chance to make a very special Christmas present! Book at
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Jottings www.thefarnhampottery.co.uk or call Guy Hains on 07879 667000 or Cordelia Hampton-John on 07733 325138. Farnham Pottery is situated at Quennells Hill, Wrecclesham GU10 4SL. The Shepherds Rest Café Christmas lunch Tuesday 12th December The ever popular Shepherds Rest Christmas lunch will take place at The Church of the Good Shepherd, The Sands, Farnham GU10 1LJ. This will consist of a 3 course lunch with wine and coffee. The cost will be £20 a head. With a maximum of 32 places early booking is recommended. For more details either contact Ann Payne (details below) or pay a visit to the café which is open every Tuesday from 12 noon-2.30pm. All profits from the café are shared between the Parish and The Good Shepherd Church Fabric Fund. For group bookings or further information on the café, contact Ann Payne at ann.payne303@btinternet.com or phone 01252 782873. The Probus Club of Farnham Tuesday 12th December 12.30pm for 1pm The club was founded in 1969 as a Luncheon Club for men of retirement age from professional and business backgrounds. Meetings are held usually on the last Tuesday of the month at The Farnham House Hotel, and often have an informal talk by a member speaker or occasionally one from outside. The next meeting of the club, however, will be held on the second Tuesday in December, for a Christmas Lunch. Social events are also arranged periodically, the most recent being a four day trip to York. If you are interested in membership, contact the Honorary Secretary, Maxwell Hubbard, at maxwellhubbard2@yahoo.co.uk. Western Front Association Surrey Branch Wednesday 13th December 7.45pm Taking place at Cobham Day Centre, the next event is a talk by Max Arthur entitled ‘Forgotten Voices of the Great War’. Max will share his experiences of interviewing the last 21 British veterans of WW1 – the youngest at the time was 104, the oldest 109! “I particularly remember one man who had gone over the top at Arras with the East Surrey Regiment kicking a football ahead of him before a bullet penetrated his helmet and he was left for dead. Fortunately, a stretcher bearer spotted a slight movement and he was saved. Listening to his story was his 86-year-old son who had never heard his father talk of the war”. Wow, this should be an absolutely fascinating evening. Email Andy Thompson at info@eyewitnesstours.com for full details. The Arts Society - Farnham Wednesday 13th December 7pm for 7.25pm They have an evening talk on ‘That Pretty German Toy: Thoughts on the Christmas Tree’ and it takes place at Farnham College, Morley Road, Farnham GU9 8LU. Peter Medhurst’s talk will examine how much we actually know about the origins and history of the Christmas tree and 40 VANTAGEPOINT
will be illustrated throughout with music. Please arrive by 7.15pm latest, peruse the books and socialise. Visitors are most welcome. (£5 if you are a member of another NADFAS group, otherwise £7). It will be followed by festive drinks and nibbles. Parking is free. You can just turn up or for more information, contact kay.roudaut@btopenworld.com or call 01252 793811. www.theartssocietyfarnhamevening.org. uk. The Wintershall Nativity Play Wednesday 13th-Sunday 17th December The hugely acclaimed Wintershall Nativity Play will be performed both inside and outside of Holly Barn at Wintershall, Bramley near Guildford. To book the Nativity, call 01793 418299 or book online at www.wintershallestate.com. Performance times are 13th-15th December at 4.30pm & 7pm, 16th December 11am, 2.30pm & 5.30pm, 17th December 2.30pm & 5.30pm. Performances are 90 minutes long and there is free parking. The plays are extremely popular so do book early. Circle Dancing With Christmas coming up how about giving yourself a present and sign up to a bit of Circle Dancing (or World Dancing). Apparently, it is relaxing, fun, great exercise and you will make new friends. These international folk dances are done in a circle, creating a wonderful sense of community. There is a wide range of dances from slow to fast and simple to more complex. Men and women of all ages are welcome. Lynn Frances is an experienced teacher of 34 years and has built a reputation here and abroad for creating a wonderful atmosphere in which to relax and have fun. 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 third Tuesday of the month, 7.30pm-9.30pm. WI Hall Hartley Wintney on the second Wednesday of the month, 7.30pm9.30pm. Contact Lynn on 01420 474881. Seale & Sands WI Together with other Surrey Federation WIs, they visited Send Ladies Prison in October. They were invited to tea by the Send Prisoners WI and to look at and purchase craft items made by the prisoners. Money made from the sale of these items goes towards paying for speakers and for materials. The Craft Fair is held in spring and winter, in time for Christmas. The experience was extremely interesting and the quality and professionalism of the items produced was very high. There was a very interesting talk at the October meeting in The Sands when Pat Kingshott, who had previously worked and lived in the Tower of London for 20 years, spoke about the history of the crown jewels. Stag Care This wonderful local charity offer assistance to the elderly, frail and vulnerable providing transport to doctors, dentist, hospital appointments, shopping and home visiting. They urgently need volunteer drivers. Have you any spare time?
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A few hours a month would be a great help. All petrol and expenses will be reimbursed. If you are interested in joining a friendly group of volunteers in this very worthwhile cause, please ring Jan Bradley on 01252 668579 or go along to their coffee morning on 18th January 2018 at St Paul’s Church Hall in Tongham from 10am to 11.30am. The Waverley Singers Saturday 16th December 7.30pm They will be performing their Christmas concert in St Andrews Parish Church, Farnham. The programme will include a mix of old favourites, new pieces and audience carols. A retiring collection will be taken for the Princess of Wales Royal Regiment Benevolent Fund. Full details of the concert can be found at www.waverleysingers.com. Vivaldi Singers Nativity Concert Saturday 16th December 5pm Kick start your festive season and help raise money for Disability Challengers as the story of the Nativity is told through music and readings. This is a relaxed, informal concert which is fully accessible for all the family. It takes place at South Farnham School, Menin Way, Farnham GU9 8DY. A family ticket is £23 (2 adults+2 children), adults £10, under 16s /students £5, under 5s free. Available from www.vivaldisingers.com or at the door on the night. December 2017
The Wonder of Christmas 2017 Saturday 16th December 7.30pm Alton Maltings will be filled with Christmas Music and Carols when Alton Concert Orchestra, Alton Choral Society and the female voice choir Ancora present their Wonder of Christmas Concert! Alton’s musicians collaborate to bring plenty of festive cheer and a little sparkle for an evening of traditional seasonal music, songs and carols. The concert is free, with a retiring collection in aid of Home-Start Weywater. A marvellous array of delicious mince pies and festively spiced mulled wine is generously provided by the Home-Start team during the interval. Do arrive early to this popular event to ensure a seat! Guildford Folk Dancers Saturday 16th December 7.30pm-11pm The club’s Christmas Dance will take place at Normandy Village Hall, Manor Fruit Farm, Glaziers Lane, Normandy GU3 2DT. Ivan Aitken will be calling a variety of traditional English folk dances with accompanying music by Keeping Thyme. The club meets regularly on Thursdays from 8pm–10.15pm at All Saints Church Hall, Onslow Village, Guildford GU2 7QJ. They welcome new and experienced dancers, either with a partner or alone. For further details visit www. guildfordfolkdancers.org.uk or call 01428 683423. Grayshott Folk Club's Christmas Special Saturday 16th December They welcome back Magpie Lane to Grayshott Village hall.
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Jottings They are renowned for their harmony singing, beautiful playing and melodic presentations of traditional Christmas and seasonal songs. Their famous Christmas shows in Oxford sell out every year. Support from Mervyn Mewis & Kathryn Young who enchanted everyone when they supported Faustus back in April. Numbers will be limited so that they can seat the audience around larger tables together. They encourage the audience to bring their own food and table decorations if they want to (but this is not obligatory), whilst they supply complimentary Christmas crackers and mince pies, there is also the usual fullylicensed pay bar. Tickets £15 from all the usual places or call Des O'Byrne on 01428 607096. Website: www. grayshottfolkclub.co.uk.
collection, net proceeds of which are in aid of Guide Dogs for the Blind. More information can be found at www. farnhamvoicestogether.uk.
Christmas Carol Service Sunday 17th December 4pm–6pm You are warmly invited to Weybourne Community Church’ annual Christmas carol service to be held at William Cobbett Primary School (Junior site), Weybourne Road, Farnham GU9 9ER. Join them for a short festive time of Bible readings, favourite carols and a nativity play. All children will be able to take part in the nativity and they are more than happy to have two Marys if needs be! The service will be followed by mulled wine, seasonal refreshments and a tea for the children. This is an event organised by Weybourne Community Church and is free to attend. www. weybournecommunitychurch.org.uk.
Age UK Surrey and Guildford Cathedral Christmas Carol Concert Thursday 21st December 11am-12.15pm Age UK Surrey’s annual Carol Concert will be held in Guildford Cathedral. Refreshments and mince pies will be served before the concert from 10.15am-11am. This will be the first Christmas that the Cathedral will open since their recent renovations. The event will be a mix of traditional Christmas carols and readings. The Guildford Cathedral Singers, the Surrey Cantata singers and Organist Matthew Kelley will perform and dignitaries from across Surrey will be attending. Free entry to all, donations welcome. Car parking is available on site. If you require wheelchair access, or are bringing a group call Age UK Surrey on 01483 503414 or email enquiries@ageuksurrey.org.uk.
Community Carol Singing Tuesday 19th December 6.30pm Taking place at The Hale Institute, Wings Road, Hale, Farnham, this is an evening where the community, of all ages, comes together and celebrates the coming of Christmas, with all the favourite Carols, followed by mulled wine and mince pies. There is no entrance fee, it is open to all, but a donation box will be available to support two local charities and the Surrey Air Ambulance. A raffle will also take place. Why not join them? It is a lovely event. The hall is situated on the edge of Hale Green, and there is parking available. This year they are arranging for a Tree of Remembrance, enabling community members to write a message to family and friends no longer with us. Cards for messages will be available and they do hope you will support this event which is being organised by the Opportunities Community Project and the Hale Networking Group. To find out more, contact Carol on 01252 689261. Voices Together Community Choir Wednesday 20th December 7.30pm They present their Christmas concert and would like you to join them and their guests, the Amici Singers, an ensemble of seven female singers, for an evening of festive music at St. Andrew’s Church Farnham. This will be a little respite away from all the hustle and bustle of the preparations for The Big Day! No tickets, but there will be a retiring 42 VANTAGEPOINT
Bake Natter and Roll WI Thursday 21st December 8.15pm Their next meeting is in the Large Hall at the United Reformed Church in central Farnham. They'll be welcoming Sue Pritchard from Lavender Hill Flowers who will be giving a demonstration of a Christmas themed flower arrangement, and enjoying some festive refreshments. Guests and prospective members are always very welcome and there is a charge of £4 for non-members to attend. Email farnhamwi@gmail.com for more information.
Lost and Found Friday 22nd and Saturday 23rd December 11.30am and 2.30pm Little Blue Monster Productions are coming to Farnham Maltings and have crafted a beautiful adaption of Oliver Jeffers’ award-winning picture book Lost and Found. This is the classic story of the boy and penguin, brought to life live on stage; a perfect festive family treat for ages 3+. ‘Perfectly charming’ The Guardian. Tickets cost £10, call The Box Office on 01252 745444 or go to www.farnhammaltings. com. The Nutcracker & Giselle Tuesday 26th to Thursday 28th December After a hugely successful tour last year, the Saint Petersburg Classic Ballet is returning to G Live this December! Presented by PMB Presentations, the elite Russian company will be performing their favourite repertories with stunning sets, lavish costumes and sublime dancers. The Nutcracker will be performed on Tuesday 26th at 2.30pm and on Wednesday 27th December at 2.30pm and 7.30pm. Giselle on Thursday 28th at 2.30pm. Tickets: £32.50 and £42.50. Under 16s: £22.50, £32.50. Groups 8+: Save £5.50 (Concessions available). Call 01483 369350 (Monday – Saturday, 10am-6pm) or go to www.glive.co.uk.
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Guildford Rambling Club From 28th December Their walks programme can be found at www. guildfordramblingclub.org.uk. Unless otherwise stated visitors are welcome to try them out on any of their walks which normally start at 10am. For the 9 mile circular walk on Epsom Downs on Thursday 28th December, call Mick, on 07765 205353. Look to David R on 07935 887499 as your contact for the 9 mile circular walk from Bentley on Sunday 7th January. For the 8 mile circular walk from Milford on Sunday 14th January, again call Mick. Then David R again for the 5 mile morning walk from Ockham on Thursday 18th January. Mane Chance New Year's Day Walk Monday 1st January 10am–12 noon Start the New Year with an enjoyable and fun-filled walk around Mane Chance Sanctuary in Compton; see their beautiful horses, ponies, chickens and countryside. A two mile walk (or shorter if you prefer) around the farm to work off those extra inches! There will be bacon butties and hot chocolate to help along the way! Bring your family, friends and dogs (on leads) - all are welcome. There’s a children’s quiz and lots of fun. Adults £3 and children (over 5) £1.50. Pre-book your places for discounted rates of adults £2 and children £1. Places can be booked by emailing tickets@ manechancesanctuary.org. December 2017
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Hampton Estate Pop-Up Restaurant Monday 1st January 2018 The famous Hampton Pop-Up is back and will open at Myrtles Courtyard from 11.30am-2.30pm for Hampton Beef in a bap followed by fresh apple fritters and cream. BYO drinks. They will also signpost a woodland walk for those who want to blow away the cobwebs and exercise the dog, a must for New Year’s afternoon. To book please RSVP to office@hamptonestate.co.uk or ring the Estate Office 01483 810465 with your preferred lunch time. Myrtles Courtyard is off the Littleworth Road GU10 1JH and will be signed. Farnham & District Ataxia Support Group Thursday 4th January 11am I have to admit that I knew nothing about Ataxia before we received this jotting. It is, apparently, an umbrella term covering a range of neurological symptoms which affect one's balance and co-ordination in addition to problems with speech, vision, tremors, muscular weakness and chronic fatigue. There is no cure for Ataxia; it is progressive and degenerative. This support group formed 4 years ago and while their mailing list is 33 they usually get attendances of 15 at their two-monthly meetings. There are approximately 10,000 cases in the UK which means the condition is one of the rarest. Their next meeting will be held in the coffee shop of Travelodge, Aldershot, followed by lunch in The Harvester, Aldershot. If you would like more information, you
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Jottings can contact Derek Wood at woody1404@live.co.uk or call 07776 188877. Helen Arkell Dyslexia Centre Monday 8th January to Monday 19th March The centre, a registered charity, offers dyslexia support and advice to anyone who may need it, whether they think they have dyslexia or care for someone who may have dyslexia. They support children and adults alike. They provide high quality dyslexia training for teachers and TAs and in-service training for schools and colleges. This course is Elklan Speech and Language Support for 5-11 year olds and is relevant to SENCOs, teachers, teaching assistants and speech and language therapy assistants working with primary aged learners. To find out more and to reserve a place, go to www.helenarkell.org.uk/courses/elklanspeech-and-language-support.php. Helen Arkell Dyslexia Centre Monday 22nd January to Monday 5th March Following on from the above, they are also running a course for parents to help them support their children who have to deal with dyslexia. It involves attending for six Monday mornings from 10am-1pm at the centre in Arkell Lane, Frensham, Farnham GU10 3BL. The cost is £125 for all six sessions or £25 for each session. For more information and to book, go to www.helenarkell.org.uk/courses/helpcourse-for-parents-in-frensham.php.
Voluntary Action South West Surrey Voluntary Action South West Surrey is a local support and development organisation working with the voluntary sector to provide advice, support and information. If you would like to find out more about what volunteer roles are available and how you can get involved, you can contact their volunteer centres on 01483 565456 or 01252 725961 or email guildfordvc@vasws.org.uk. Discover The World Of Ceramics Various dates throughout the year Held in the inspiring environment of Farnham Pottery, 318 Ceramics runs a variety of courses, workshops and events throughout the year for both experienced and novice potters. Learn the art of throwing or hand building, or develop existing skills through specialist workshops. They run small, friendly classes guaranteed to get you hooked! For further information or to book a place please visit their website www.318ceramics.co.uk, email info@318ceramics.co.uk or call 07468 696620. Pledging for the Planet Thursday 18th January 2018 Ever wondered what you can do in your everyday life to help protect the planet? Hear from Hermione Taylor, founder of Do Nation, and be inspired by some of small lifestyle changes you can make to positively impact the environment. From eating seasonably, getting on your bike or, eating less meat – all of these pledges can help reduce carbon emissions, improve health and help to protect the planet! Tickets £5, available from wwf.org.uk/ whatson. GET IN TOUCH
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info@piersonprojects.co.uk
J E Carpentry
City & Guilds Qualified Carpenter
All aspects of Carpentry & Joinery undertaken including Kitchen Fitting, Wardrobes, Space saving cupboards. Tiling, Painting & Decorating. Free Estimates.
Tel: 01428 608153 Mob: 07876 230634 www.jamesgraytreesurgery.co.uk December 2017
Contact Jack Edmonds on 01276 506838 or email jack.edmonds@virginmedia.com
To advertise, please call 01483 420173
VANTAGEPOINT 45
• BUSINESS CARDS
GEI Ltd_Layout 1 14/06/2013 09:44 Page 1
To advertise here from just £25 per month, please call 01483 661088 or email lauren@vantagepublishing.co.uk.
Simon Baynard Landscaping and Gardening Services
GEi (UK) Ltd Fully Independent Stove Installers HETAS Approved
Chimney Sweeping Services also Provided
01428 643484 07563 618415
Experienced and professional Merrist Wood qualified landscape gardener. • Garden maintenance - regular visits or one offs • Hard and soft landscaping • Turfing specialist •Fencing and paving References available
Tel: 07733 330192 Email: sbaines35@hotmail.com
www.gei-chimney-sweeps.co.uk
HANDYMAN
07988 494922 We provide a fast, efficient, professional, commercial and domestic pest control service in the local area. Rats, Mice, Moles, Wasps, Bees, Squirrels, insects and all other pests destroyed or removed. Call us now: Milford: 01483 429105 Woking: 01483 822204 www.thecountypestcontrol.co.uk
"“
FARNHAM
07860 568133
Find Your Style
Dear Kirstie, I just wanted to say thank you for ensuring that I no longer look middle aged and frumpy. I had no idea that there was a whole world of fashion out there that would actually appeal to me. You have reignited my interest in how I look and what I wear. I would never have been able to do this without you. Xx
Book a Wardrobe Edit and Shopping Experience with a Personal Stylist and enjoy your clothes again.
E: kirstie@kirstiesmillie.com www.kirstiesmillie.com T: 07773 234947
46 VANTAGEPOINT
The LOCAL Independent Choice for ALL Your WINDOWS, DOORS & CONSERVATORIES Giving a Family Service Since 1992 to Our Private and Trade Customers
• PVCu - Timber - Aluminium Tel: 01483 894489 • Bespoke Conservatories www.bramleywindows.co.uk • Soffits & Fascias The Tannery, Tannery Lane, Gosden Common, • Guttering & Cladding Bramley, Guildford GU5 0AB • Highest Quality of Workmanship • Full 10 Year Insurance Backed Guarantee • Genuine Customer Care with a Relaxed Approach
• Traditional Chimney Sweeping service • Local chimney sweep • New customer discounts available • Cages, Caps and Cowls supplied/fitted
Tel: 01483 207420
www.wilkinschimneysweep.co.uk/guildford
To advertise, please call 01483 420173
vantagepointmag.co.uk
Enter at www.vantagepointmag.co.uk
COMPETITIONS •
Please enter online unless otherwise stated. Postal entries can be sent to us at the address given on page three.
4 adult tickets to Beaulieu National Motor Museum and Buckler’s WIN... Hard - PLUS an overnight stay at the 4 star Holiday Inn Winchester
Our lucky winner and three friends will experience an exciting Friends Short Break exploring the world of Beaulieu’s National Motor Museum, with the tickets including entrance to Beaulieu’s World of Top Gear, Secret Army Exhibition, Palace House, Gardens and Abbey. PLUS tickets to Beaulieu’s sister attraction Buckler’s Hard, the 18th century shipbuilding village with its Maritime Museum and more. After this fascinating and stimulating day our winning party can retire to the comfort of the 4-star Holiday Inn Winchester for an overnight stay in two standard rooms, followed by breakfast before departing. The hotel is ideally based to explore all that Winchester and the surrounding area has to offer. To win, please answer the following question: Q: Name the nearest major motorway to the Holiday Inn Winchester Please enter online at www.vantagepointmag.co.uk by 31st December 2017. Full terms & conditions are on the website.
WIN... a Family Karting Experience at TeamSport, Farnborough TeamSport, the UK’s No 1 for indoor karting, with its 24 centres nationwide, is offering VantagePoint readers the opportunity to win a family karting experience for up to four people at its local Farnborough circuit. With kids and adults karts available everyone can come along and compete together for the top spot on the podium.
With their specially-designed Cadet Karts for the over-eights and friendly team of trained professionals, there’s never been a better time to safely enjoy all the fun that karting brings. Race across multi-level tracks, speed down the straights and master the hairpin bends in powerful eco-friendly electric karts. www.team-sport.co.uk. To win, please answer the following question: Q: How many centres do TeamSport have across the country? Please enter online at www.vantagepointmag.co.uk by 31st December 2017. Full terms & conditions are on the website.
WIN... One night dinner, bed & breakfast at the White Horse, Dorking
Dorking's historic White Horse is set to re-open in December 2017, following a substantial £4 million investment. Featuring 56 stylish bedrooms, a reimagined dining area with a capacity of 100 covers, introducing an all-new drink, dine, deli concept, specialising in local Surrey produce. www.whitehorsedorking.com. To celebrate, we're giving away a night's stay, along with breakfast and dinner in 'at The Dozen', the property's exciting new restaurant. For a chance to win dinner, bed & breakfast with a value of £250, please answer this question: Q: How many bedrooms does the White Horse have? Please enter online at www.vantagepointmag.co.uk by 31st December 2017. Full terms & conditions are on the website.
TERMS & CONDITIONS OF ENTRY: By entering these competitions you agree to receive periodic emails from VantagePoint Magazine, Vantage Publishing Ltd and the originator of the competition you are entering. You can opt out of receiving these at any time and your data will never be passed on for use by third parties. The prizes are non- 47 VANTAGEPOINT transferable and have no cash alternative. Only one entry per person per competition and prizes will only be sent to homes with a GU, KT and RH postcode.
DON’T MISS OUR
SALE
1st-18th NOVEMBER
for every
unique taste... ...make Elstead Lighting your first stop
LIGHTING VISIT OUR SHOWROOM TO TRY OUR NEW DECORATIVE LIGHTING ADVISORY SERVICE Our 10,000ft2 showroom is open 9:00am - 5:30pm Monday - Saturday Tel: 01420 590510 www.elsteadlighting.com Elstead House, Mill Lane, Alton, Hampshire, GU34 2QJ