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Dorking & Leatherhead • December 2016
VANTAGEPOINT YO U R B E ST V IEW OF W H AT ’S GO ING O N LO C ALLY
Merry Christmas! Inside: AN ARTISAN CHOCOLATIER CHRISTMAS GLOW AT RHS WISLEY FROM PANTOMIMES TO SANTA - FESTIVE THINGS TO DO LOCALLY WIN A BREAD MAKING DEMONSTRATION IN YOUR OWN HOME
The local magazine produced by local people for the local community, delivered by your local postman
The perfect Christmas gift for wine lovers... Farnham Maltings - 7th & 8th April Guildford Cathedral - 12th & 13th May Dorking Halls - 22nd & 23rd September The three VantagePoint Wine Festivals will feature over 100 international wines including champagnes, premium wines and local wines, alongside wine experts and producers. There will also be a charity blind wine tasting, music, entertainment, concessions, food, money off wine vouchers and more. There will be three sessions per weekend, Friday from 7pm-11pm, Saturday from 12pm-4pm and 7pm-11pm. Entry is just ÂŁ10 per session if booked in advance, with wine tokens also available at a reduced price when booked together.
To book or for more information, please visit
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YOUR LOCAL MAGAZINE Vantage Publishing Limited 9 Chestnut Suite, Guardian House, Borough Road, Godalming, Surrey GU7 2AE.
Sales: 01306 776679 Editorial: 01483 421601 VantagePoint is published by Vantage Publishing, a Godalming based local magazine business which was first established in 2009 when we launched our first community magazine. We publish five magazines which are delivered monthly by Royal Mail to over 117,500 homes across the Hampshire, Surrey and West Sussex, giving us the largest local circulation in the areas we cover. Each of our magazines is specifically localised and tailored to its geographical area and hand-delivered by your postman. Please visit www.vantagepointmag.co.uk or contact any of us below if you need any more information. CONNECTSURREY
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YOUR LOCAL TEAM I recently had a very enjoyable lunch with our very own GOG (Grumpy Old Git) who was actually not at all grumpy and perfect company, lubricated as you might imagine by a glass of wine or two. He is very grateful to those readers who often write in to (mostly) agree with him on the challenges of modern life. As you can imagine, he has plenty more articles up his sleeve for readers to look forward to in the New Year. A reminder that we are starting the VantagePoint Wine Festivals in 2017 and have three events lined up, one in Farnham in April, Guildford in May and Dorking in September. Advance tickets are just ÂŁ10 per person for entry and ÂŁ25 per person for entry together with discounted wine
Stefan Reynolds Editor & Publisher
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tokens, so you may like to consider buying some as Christmas presents for any wine lover you know. There will be over 100 wines available alongside some from our great, local producers. There will also be music and entertainment, and we will be supporting two local charities at each event. Please visit our website www.vantagepointevents.co.uk for more details. Finally, we wish all our advertisers and readers a very merry and peaceful Christmas and a very happy and prosperous New Year. It is a great time to catch up with family and I am much looking forward to spending Christmas at home with French relatives coming over from Paris - in spite of Brexit! Contact the editor: stefan@vantagepublishing.co.uk
Marcus Atkins, Sales Director 01483 420173 / 07702 132157 marcus@vantagepublishing.co.uk
Lauren Broughton, Sales 01483 661088 / 07852 041227 lauren@vantagepublishing.co.uk
Contributors: Phil Kemp, Beth Otway, Kirstie Smillie
Liz Godfrey, Sales 01483 661089 / 07788 748826 liz@vantagepublishing.co.uk
Jesse Boon, Sales 01483 418141 / 07542 710508 jesse@vantagepublishing.co.uk
Cover: Mince pies by Nadia Mackenzie (NT)
December 2016
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Print: Buxton Press
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CONTENTS The local magazine produced by local people for the local community
RUGMART Surrey’s Biggest Rug Shop www.rugmart.co.uk
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6 Jottings Your local community noticeboard
9 An artisan chocolatier Phil Kemp visits Noble & Stace
14 Festive Things to Do Local pantos, markets and meet Santa 20 Fashion
Visit us for a huge range of Modern, Contemporary & Bespoke rugs
Sheer Delight Decadence
21 Christmas Glow At RHS Wisley 25 Green Wood Works Woodland conservation hand-in-hand with furniture
28 Recipes Chocolate delights
32 Gardening Christmas at Kew and Christmas gift ideas Hand Woven Oriental Rugs Traditional & Antique Rugs Large and Over Size Rugs Persian & Afghan Rugs Handmade Tribal Kilims Hall Runners & Hearth Rugs
34 Walk 37 Profile
Come and visit our showroom: 2-3 Woodbridge Road, Guildford GU1 4PU Be inspired by our treasure trove of rugs over 4 floors and 7000 sq ft!
01483 578874 4
Two National Trust walks
Bookham and Horsley Riding for the Disabled
38 Business Cards Small ads for trades and services
39 Competitions Win one of three great prizes
VANTAGEPOINT YOUR B E S T V I E W OF W H AT ’S G OI N G ON L OC AL LY
The contents of this magazine are protected by copyright and nothing can be reprinted without prior permission of the publisher. The publisher has tried to ensure that all information is accurate but does not take any responsibility for any mistakes or omissions. We take no responsibility for advertisments printed in the magazine or loose inserts that might be delivered alongside it. © Vantage Publishing Limited.
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JOTTINGS YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD
JOTTINGS
Jottings is your community noticeboard for local events and information, compiled by Jane Gosden. To feature here, please email us at jottings@vantagepublishing.co.uk by the copy date shown below. Please note that space is limited and inclusion cannot be guaranteed.
Plenty going on in the run-up to Christmas and beyond, with a great behind-the-scenes tour at Petworth House in January which will be worth the trip. You can do the walk featured in this edition at the same time if you do decide to pay a visit so do keep your magazine! Whatever you do, we wish our readers a very peaceful break and a Merry Christmas. Dorking Museum exhibition: ‘Dorking 1916’ Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays throughout December This is the third of their popular special exhibitions commemorating the centenary of the Great War with a focus on the Home Front. Dorking 1916 highlights the impact of the Great War on the big houses and estates of the area – the loss of family and staff, their decline as big estates and use for army training, hospitals or convalescent homes. It also explores the changing role of women in wartime, from knitting and fundraising to taking over key local roles – head teachers or postal workers – and less traditional roles such as farm or munitions workers. Displays include scrapbooks from a local nurse who served at the front, uniforms of a munitions worker and a nurse and a digital timeline of events at the front and in Dorking. The Museum is open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays (except 22nd-24th December), 10am to 4pm, at 62 West Street, Dorking RH4 1BS. Visit www.dorkingmuseum.org.uk. Enquiries to admin@dorkingmuseum.org.uk or phone 01306 876591. RHS Garden Wisley Festive Events Various dates throughout December Late opening over the whole of RHS Garden Wisley from the 1st to 31st December: Throughout December, the Garden, Shop and Plant Centre will be open until 8pm. Last entry to the Garden will be at 7pm. Come and enjoy the Christmas Glow lights in the Garden; the festive gifts, food and books
in the Wisley shop as well as the famous Wisley Christmas Shop (closed after 24th Dec) in the Plant Centre. Festive Lunches and Afternoon Teas will be available from the 1st–24th December: The Restaurant’s tempting Festive Menu will ease you into the festivities. Why not treat yourself after an invigorating walk to see the winter colour? Gift vouchers for Afternoon Tea make wonderful presents, too. Two course lunch, including a glass of Prosecco and tea or coffee, £25.00 per person. Christmas display in The Glasshouse will be from the 3rd December 2016 to 4th January 2017. Enter into a magical Gingerbread House and garden filled with poinsettias and colourful seasonal plants. Or take a peek at our Ten Christmas Trees from around the world exhibit, designed by local schools. As you wander further into the arid and tropical zones look out for candy canes wrapped in seasonal flowering plants, such as Schlumbergera and bromeliads. The Glasshouse Gallery will feature an exhibit of the Wisley Citrus Collection. There will also be Christmas Activity days: Stories and Songs with Santa (includes garden entry). Join them to decorate gingerbread and make your own horticultural Christmas decoration at the Clore Classroom. Visit Santa and Mrs Claus for Stories, songs and a present at Wisley Plant Centre. For full details on entry dates, times and fees and to book online please go to www. rhs.org.uk/wisley. RHS Wisley, Woking, Surrey GU23 6QB 0845. A 1930’s Christmas at Polesden Lacey Thursday 1st to Friday 23rd December This December, you’re invited to step back in time and enjoy all the glamour and sparkle of a high society soiree at Polesden Lacey in the 1930s. Step into the hall and admire the 18ft Christmas tree adorned with authentic ornaments and lights – this is how Christmas should look. The fireplaces are set with poinsettia, filling each room with
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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD festive warmth, while Christmas trees twinkle in every corner. Delicate mistletoe adorns each picture frame in anticipation of Christmas kisses. Scents of nutmeg and cinnamon drift from the servery, while 1930’s tunes float through the air to set your feet dancing. Christmas for families: If you’ve been good this year then head to the gun room and set down your Christmas wishes in a letter to Father Christmas. While you’re in the house, look out for Mrs Greville’s mischievous pooches, Billy and Dougal, who are having a party of their own. Out in the garden, check out the chicken coop’s Christmas makeover before taking a horse and carriage ride through the frosty grounds to the sound of sleigh bells – weekends only, adults £3 and children £2 each. On the Unseen Spaces tour, explore rooms within the house that have never been open to National Trust visitors before, like the servant’s attic bedrooms and the king’s suite. Find out about our plans to restore them to their original glory. Unseen spaces tours will happen every day in December at 2.15pm. We suggest a £2 donation per person. Collect your key from visitor reception. Christmas shopping: Polesden Lacey has one of the largest and best stocked gift shops in the National Trust, so don’t forget to leave time for some Christmas shopping. Selling delicious wines and nibbles, fine homeware, artisan crafts made by local artists, books and unique giftware for grown-ups and kids alike, you’re guaranteed to find great stocking-fillers for your loved ones. Visit www.nationaltrust. org.uk/polesden-lacey for more information on Christmas at Polesden Lacey and events for 2017. Free to National Trust members or Adults £17, Children £9.60, Families £44.
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Dorking URC Events From Thursday 1st December Thursday 1st December - 5.30pm: Extra Messy Christmas in the Main Hall hot dogs & burgers available in the Church Garden; Wednesday 7th December - 3.30pm-6pm: Messy Church – ‘Special Message’; Saturday 10th December – 10am-4pm: Nativity in a Day Preparation - activities to prepare for the Service the next day; Sunday 11th December at 10.30 am: All-Age Worship ‘Peace on Earth’ presented by the members of Junior Church; Wednesday 14th December 10am: Small Fry Toddler Christmas Celebration and Nativity; Sunday 18th December - 10.30 am: Morning Worship - ‘The Message of Christmas’ and 6.30 pm:Carols by Candlelight; Christmas Eve at 4pm: Christingle Service; and finally on Christmas Day at 10.30am: All-Age Worship - ‘Happy Birthday Jesus’. Wear your ‘Christmas jumper’ and bring along a Christmas present to show to others. Elf Workshops at The Friary, Guildford Saturday 3rd, 17th and 23rd December 11am-4pm The Friary Guildford will be holding three children’s Christmas chocolate craft days in a special Elf Workshop at the shopping centre in December. The younger shoppers will be invited to the Elf Workshop to decorate and customise little chocolate bars using coloured icing, jelly sweets and mini chocolates. With the help from parents and a host of loveable elf characters, the children can take a break from shopping and have fun making their own chocolate creation to take home and enjoy. For more information, visit www.thefriaryguildford.com.
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December 2016
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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD
Christmas concert with Horsley Choral Society Saturday 3rd December 7.30pm The concert will feature Puccini’s Messa di Gloria together with Christmas music and carols and is the ideal way to start the festivities. They will have some great soloists, Geoffrey Horton (bass) and John Upperton (tenor) and some beautiful music for all. Also, communal carol singing and seasonal refreshments. Held at St Andrew’s Church, Cobham. Ticket office is om 01483 280756 and tickets are £12 (under 18s £6) and are also available on the door. There will be a retiring collection in aid of Age UK (Surrey). Effingham Local History Group - The People of Effingham in World War I Saturday 3rd December 11am to 5pm Effingham Local History Group will be holding this exhibition at the King George V Hall, Browns Lane, Effingham. The exhibition will look at the lives of Effingham civilians as well as those who survived military service and The Fallen. It will include rare and previously unseen photographs from the photo albums of a lady who lived in the village for most of her life. Entry is free (donations welcome). Refreshments will be on offer as well as books and Xmas cards to purchase. The Grange Centre Christmas Carol Concert Saturday 3rd December 7.30pm Visit the prestigious Yehudi Menuhin Hall in Cobham and see what people with disabilities can do - sing along to carols with their choir, conducted by Ian Assersohn. Readings
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from actress Deborah Grant and their patron Sir Richard Thompson, plus soloists and Surrey Brass. Mince pies at the interval! Held at The Yehudi Menuhin School, Stoke d’Abernon, Cobham KT11 3QQ. Tickets £15 (£9 children and students). Box office 0870 084 2020 open 10am-3pm or book online at www.yehudimenuhinschool.co.uk. Alternative Christmas Tree Festival Saturday 3rd December and Sunday 4th December This takes place at At St Michael’s Church, Betchworth. 3rd December from 10am to 4pm and 4th December from 12pm to 4pm. Homemade mince pies and coffee/tea will be available. Walking in Dorking – Historic Guided Walks Bookings throughout December Take a trip into Dorking’s history with a guided walk of the town to see hidden Dorking. Your knowledgeable Museum guide will reveal the forces, events and personalities that have shaped the town and its architecture and reveal the secrets that lie behind the streets of modern Dorking. Hear about the medieval town, the markets, the churches, the inns, the great estates and the ancient cottages. Discover the people who have built the town’s reputation – Charles Dickens, William Mullins, Thomas Cubitt, Ralph Vaughan Williams, Laurence Olivier and more. Tours last 90 minutes. Group tours (minimum of 10 people) can be arranged by appointment, £3 per person. For details, visit www. dorkingmuseum.org.uk/guided-walks-around-dorking or email admin@dorkingmuseum.org.uk.
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patients’ care is funded thanks to gifts in wills Every gift, in every will, makes a difference to the care we provide.
TO FIND OUT MORE: t: 01293 447369 e: andyperry@stch.org.uk w: www.stch.org.uk Registered Charity No. 281362
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Thoroughly intriguing chocolate from a
local chocolatier Phil Kemp pays a visit to Noble & Stace Everyone loves chocolate don’t they? Whether it’s as a ‘thank you for inviting me’ gift, a present for a special person - or just sheer selfindulgence. But there’s chocolate and there’s very special chocolate, and the handcrafted chocolate produced in rural Sussex by Noble & Stace Chocolatiers is simply mouth-wateringly special. Mike Noble practices his magical art at their chocolate kitchen nestled in the South Downs National Park, and for a very good reason. Much of their chocolate uses flavoursome ingredients sourced locally from wineries, a gin distillery, coffee roasters, a mint farm, a craft brewer and intriguingly even a natural mineral water producer. “The first chocolates we produced eighteen months ago were the result of a collaboration with a small craft brewery a few miles away,” said Mike. “I started working with Langham Brewery by exploring the different flavours of their ales to find one that best complemented our chocolate, and produced a tablette that was very well received - once people got the idea that ale and chocolate makes a tasty combination. Their award winning hoppy ale was blended with a rich dark chocolate ganache in place of cream and butter.” Mike Noble
December 2016
As an occasional chocolate binger I knew it wouldn’t take much to tease my palate, but in my conversation with Mike I was quickly becoming intrigued. Chocolate and craft ale? Well, sure, why not? But what he said next literally took my breath away. “I then went to completely the opposite end of the scale, and got in touch with the South Downs Water Company. Instead of the traditional truffle
combination of chocolate, cream, and butter I took out the cream and the butter - and replaced it with a mineral water.” said Mike, smiling at my bemused expression. “I knew that would surprise you. It surprises many people. Water and chocolate don’t normally mix that well, but it does if you get it in the right quantity - and it gives a quite different texture. In a traditional truffle cream and butter is quite indulgent, and it’s creamy and quite rich. But unlike the mineral water one it doesn’t have an instant melt in the mouth. The best way I can describe our Pure Mineral Water Truffles is that they’re a bit like a sorbet – which has a very clean kind of melt and a rich taste - and nobody would think that it didn’t have the cream and the butter. And of course it’s a dairy-free option that increasingly customers are looking for.” Chocolate and ale? Chocolate and mineral water? Surely Mike’s chocolate ingredients cupboard had run out of surprises? “Our customer research revealed, perhaps not surprisingly, a love of Champagne truffles. We are surrounded by vineyards around here, and so I soon produced my equivalent of a Champagne truffle using
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recommend without hesitation given the tantalising and surprisingly original flavours I tasted in their chocolate kitchen.
a local English sparkling wine. That really captured people’s imagination so I do a lot now with different vineyards in Sussex and Hampshire. It’s not a massively powerful alcoholic taste, but the fruitiness of the wine really comes through making a really nice smooth truffle.” Mike paused for effect, and of course he had the advantage of knowing what was coming next. ”Just two weeks ago we launched our new Chilgrove Gin Truffle range! We worked closely with the Chichesterbased distillery’s husband and wife team to develop some recipes – and we now have a very zesty gin and lime truffle, which is quite subtle on the gin. And we also have our gin and lemon, which is stronger on the gin and with a little less on the lemon. And of course, as you’d expect there is a gin and tonic truffle too - with a little bit of orange in it giving it a lovely citrus mix.” Noble & Stace Chocolatiers make everything by hand – melting and moulding and creating in their spotless food hygiene five-rated chocolate kitchen. There are no automated industrial-scale production machines. All the equipment used is typical of any domestic kitchen. And it is their hands-on approach that makes their chocolate so distinctive.
“We mostly stock through local suppliers like farm shops, delis and cafes – and farmers’ markets. My first stockist was the farm shop and café at Cowdray Park in Midhurst. Increasingly we’re being approached to make special orders for restaurants, hotels and events like weddings. We did a wedding recently where they wanted gifts for their guests, and being autumn we created little gift boxes inside which nestled chocolate acorns and oak leaves. But word is spreading and we’re getting enquiries from stockists much farther afield. And of course, you can place your own personal order on our website. We can make up special orders just for you – for example a pick and mix of six sparkling wine truffles and six peppermint creams.” Mike Noble has certainly introduced my taste buds to some surprising flavour combinations and unfettered delight enjoyed when a freshly hand crafted chocolate from his kitchen melts away in your mouth. Chocolatier extraordinaire! Phil Kemp is a freelance writer and photographer based in Godalming. www.weyriver.co.uk
10% DISCOUNT for VantagePoint readers Show this article to Noble & Stace at any one of the markets or fairs they will be at before Christmas and get a 10% discount on their fabulous chocolates. Visit their website to see where they will be at www. nobleandstace.co.uk or look on their social media: Facebook.com/nobleandstacechocolatiers Twitter @noble_and_stace FIND OUT MORE
Noble & Stace Chocolatiers. Website: www.nobleandstace.co.uk, phone: 01730 814886 or email: mike@nobleandstace.co.uk.
“The problem with mass-produced chocolate is that the big manufacturers have to provide for a very long shelflife - and in so doing they need to add extra ingredients to achieve this, which does make the flavour different,” explained Mike. “We produce chocolate mostly to order which means that our chocolate is freshly produced and in small volumes. We all also eat with our eyes so we are presenting something that is unique looking, and looks more appealing as it hasn’t been run off a machine. I’m piping it by hand, I’m adding something to it, all the truffles are dipped by hand. It is a labourintensive way of doing it, but that’s what makes it special.” I asked Mike where we can go to enjoy the Noble & Stace chocolate experience – something I’d personally
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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD
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Box Hill Bugs This is the outdoor toddler group for nature lovers and woodland adventurers. At Box Hill (National Trust). Choose from Mondays 11am or 1.30pm or Tuesdays 10am, 11am or 1.30pm. Price: £25 for a term of six sessions. For booking or more information email: learningboxhill@nationaltrust.org. uk or visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/box-hill. Carol Praise at Horsley Methodist Church Saturday 3rd December 7pm An evening of traditional carol singing amongst hearty singers with an interval for refreshments. For more details please call 01483 282474.
Surrey Hills Society Events Various dates in December The Surrey Hills Society offers a wide ranging programme of exclusive talks, visits and short, focussed walks. All of these are designed to increase the understanding and awareness of the special landscape and features, which characterise the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. On Saturday 3rd December there will be a Pre Christmas walk at Belmont School, followed by mulled wine and mince pies. On Saturday 10th December, why not try Christmas decoration and wreath making. A repeat of last year’s very successful event, going out into the countryside to collect materials and then returning to base to make them into Christmas decorations. Finally, on Tuesday 27th December, Walk off your Christmas puddings! Join walk leader Pete Lambert “Based in Guildford we are a family run for a brisk walk and take in the beautiful views along the River Wey. All of these events are free. Meet at The Parrott in care business that provides & friendly, Lucinda Kalupka, Registered Manage Shalford at 10.30am for an 11am start. Forindetails on these “Based West Clandon,reliable, Guildford we areNurse a family run trustworthy and competent events and more go to www.surreyhills.org.
Recruiting Home C in your local area
“Based Carers in West Clandon, Guildford Recruiting Home Live businessin thatcare is committed to pro in your local area friendly & reliable Carers who ge
“Based in Guildford we are family ru that provides friendly, reliable, tru business that is committed providing people carerstowho genuinely care” with Dorking Tree of Light Service carers who Lucinda Kalupka, Nurse & Registered Manager From just an genuinely hour a day tocare" 24 hour suppo friendly & reliable Carers who genuinely care” Sunday 4th December
Live in care
• • • • • • • • •• • • • •• • •• • •For further information please call M Call us224 today Call us today on 01483 985on 01483
Local residents will be coming together to remember Lucinda Kalupka, Nurse & Registered Manager Lucinda Kalupka, Nurse & Registered Manager loved ones at a Dorking Tree of Light service on Sunday Goo career A fullyRewarding managed live in care solution providing: “Based in Guildford we are family run home care business 4th December, at St Paul’s Church. The event, which provides friendly, reliable, trustworthy and competent Paid starts at 6.30pm, will include From Christmas anda day to 24that justcarols an hour hour support Flexible •carers vetted,hours trained proven team of readings, and has been jointly organised by local hospice whomanaged genuinely care" AFriendly, fully liveand in care solution providin carersGood provider, St Catherine’s Hospice with St Paul’s Church. Lucinda Kalupka, Nurse & Registered Manager hourly rates + paid holiday Rewarding career Wor Comprehensive support The Tree of Light offers bereaved friends and relatives • 24/7 office support throughout the care Friendly, vetted, trained and proven te Paid mileage Flexible hoursand an opportunity to reflect on the year that’s passed A fully managed live in care solution providing: & training package honour those who’ve touched their lives but are no Friendly,Work vetted, trained and proven team of carers in your local community Comprehensive 24/7 office support throughout the ca personal care, cooking, longer here. Everyone who attends is invited to write support• Companionship, 24/7 office support throughout the care package a message and dedicate a special to their loved & star training trips out, shopping Companionship, personal care, cooking, trips out, shopping one, and place it on the Tree of Light, in return for a Companionship, personal care, cookin • Experienced in caring for those withMSdementia, Experienced in caring for those with dementia, & Parkinsons donation to the hospice. There will also be a Book of MSExperienced & Parkinsons in caring for those with de Remembrance. The event is open to everyone in the community, regardless of whether you have had a relative cared for by St Catherine’s. If you can’t attend For further information please call Matthew. For further information please call Matthew. the Dorking Tree of Light service, there are other services taking place across Sussex and Surrey. For full details Call us today on 01483 224 985 please visit: www.stch.org.uk/treeoflight. For more info@homecountiescarers.co.uk information on the Tree of Light, please call Zoe Dolding, www.homecountiescarers.co.uk Individual Giving Coordinator info@homecountiescarers.co.uk at St Catherine’s, on 01293 info@homecountiescarers.co.uk 447374.
For further information please call Ma
www.homecountiescarers.co.uk www.homecountiescarers.co.uk
December 2016
Call us today on 01483 11
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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD
Art For Christmas by Surrey Artists’ at Cranleigh Arts Centre Sunday 4th December 11am-4pm Art for Christmas is an exciting one day event presented by Surrey Artists’ Open Studio members, offering a fantastic opportunity to buy beautiful and unique gifts for your loved ones by our very talented artists. Are you looking for something distinctive for someone special? Art for Christmas will have original art and craft for sale at affordable prices, from a range of Surrey-based artists. The day also includes demonstrations of how the work is made and you can even have a go at making something yourself! You will meet artists from across the county and learn how they produce their work. A range of jewellery, textiles, paintings, ceramics and more will be available to buy on the day. There will be a café open selling tea, coffee and delicious cakes and sandwiches. Entrance fee is £1 per person (free for under 3s). Held at Cranleigh Arts Centre, 1 High Street, Cranleigh GU6 8AS. Dorking Museum: The Deepdene Trail Individual walking tour on 4th December and virtual reality tour Dorking Museum is very pleased to have worked alongside the MVDC Hope Springs Eternal team to bring the revitalised landscape of the Deepdene alive. The Museum walks team runs guided walks on the Deepdene Trail. Tours last for an hour and a half and take in the grotto, woodland walks, parterre and temples, featuring spectacular views across the Weald. But the real highlight is exclusive access to the grade
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II* listed family mausoleum, constructed by Thomas Hope on the death of his young son. Group tours can be arranged by appointment through the Museum website and there is a special tour for individual bookings on December 4th, £4 per person. Visitors to the Museum itself can also take a Virtual Tour of the Deepdene estate in 1825, from the lodges to the mansion and out around the gardens and Betchworth Castle, controlling the screen by means of a games controller. For details and booking, visit www.dorkingmuseum.org.uk/thedeepdene-trail/ or email admin@dorkingmuseum.org.uk. Guildford Rambling Club’s Walks Programme Various dates in December Unless otherwise stated visitors are welcome on all walks and they normally start at 10am. The first meet for December is on Sunday 4th December near Dunsfold, for a nine and a half mile circular walk to Loxwood. Details for this can be found by calling David L on 07580 914207. Next there will be a five mile circular morning walk near Tilford on Sunday 11th December. Please call Sally on 01306 885976 for more information. There will be another circular morning walk of four and a half miles, from Friday Street on Thursday 15th December. Details from Maria on 01306 644836. And finally, on Sunday 18th December, there will be a figure of eight walk around Shere, with a six mile and four mile loop. Bob is leading this one, please contact him on 07745 572494 for more details. For information about these walks and more please go to www.guildfordramblingclub.org.uk. Capel Choral Society Christmas Concert ‘In dulci jubilo’ Monday 5th December 7.30pm Held in Capel Memorial Hall. The Choir will be singing music by Mendelssohn and Buxtehude with a seasonal flavour, plus carol settings by John Rutter, and some better-known ones for the audience to join in. The music will be accompanied by a string ensemble. Tickets are £10, which includes the traditional mulled wine and mince pies. Tickets are now available, please contact the Ticket Secretary Yvonne Allmond on 01403 269884 or email yvonneallmond@aol.com to book. From 2pm the following Sunday, 11th December, the Choir will be in the church of St John the Baptist, Capel, when it will be leading the singing in Carols & Cakes, an informal afternoon of Carol singing, when you will be able to choose your favourite carol to sing – anything from ‘Little Donkey’ to ‘Hark the Herald’! Entrance is free, but for £1 there will be drinks and a selection of cakes and there will be a raffle. The event is in support of the church wall fund. The Festive Season will no doubt be over far too soon, and in the New Year the Choir will be recommencing rehearsals of Mendelssohn’s great oratorio Elijah for the Leith Hill Musical Festival, in which it will be singing on Friday 7th April 2017. New singers are warmly invited to join the Choir and sing in the Festival; men, as always will be particularly welcome! The first rehearsal of 2017 is on Monday 9th January from 7.45pm in Capel Memorial Hall. Please contact the Secretary if you would like to discover the very enjoyable experience of choral singing.
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December 2016
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Festive things to do Christmas means lots of things to many different people. Here we round up some of the pantomimes being shown, places where you can visit Santa and a few fabulous markets, both local and further afield.
Pantomimes...
Dick Whittington Dorking Halls, Reigate Road, Dorking RH4 1SJ 17th December to 28th December Dick Whittington tells the rags-to-riches tale of our hero and his hilarious cat, on their fun-packed journey to find fame and fortune in London. This year’s Dorking Halls pantomime will be packed full of laugh-out-loud comedy routines, stunning dances, show-stopping songs and heaps of audience participation… Oh yes it will! www.dorkinghalls.co.uk Aladdin Yvonne Arnaud Theatre Millbrook, Guildford GU1 3UX 9th December to 8th January Ultimate Panto villain Kit Hesketh-Harvey returns to Guildford as Abanazar. Following her captivating performance in the West End production of War Horse, Emma Thornett will play the title role of Aladdin this Christmas (left). www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk Peter Pan Haslemere Hall Bridge Road, Haslemere GU27 2AS 13th January to 21st January 2017 It’s panto time again (oh no it isn’t, oh yes it is!) and 2017 brings a swashbuckling spectacle of a pantomime - Peter Pan. Join Peter, Wendy and the Lost Boys as they take on the villainous Captain Hook and his band of pirates. www.haslemerehall.co.uk Beauty and the Beast Leatherhead Theatre Church Street, Leatherhead KT22 8DN 20th to 30th December Join them for exciting adventure this 14
year...an adventure that will transport us to the French village of ‘Marsh de Mello’, where a love story is waiting to unfold that will tickle your French Fancy! www.theleatherheadtheatre.org
Further afield Sleeping Beauty Princes Hall Princes Way, Aldershot GU12 4RR 8th December to 31st December Starring favourites Robert Hopkins, Donovan Christian Cary, James Franklin, Rachel LeaGray and Tom Capper. As well as everyone’s favourite routine from Peter Pan and Snow White - The Twelve Days of Christmas! www.princeshall.com Sleeping Beauty The Anvil Churchill Way, Basingstoke RG21 7QR 8th December to 2nd January Starring Sue Holderness (Only Fools and Horses, right), Katrina Bryan (CBeebies) and Sarah-Jane Buckley (Hollyoaks). www.anvilarts.org.uk Cinderella Camberley Theatre Knoll Road, Camberley GU15 3SY 6th December to 31st December The most magical fairy-tale of them all will be brought to life through stunning costumes, hilarious Ugly Sisters, unforgettable songs and dances, a script bursting with jokes plus a ton of magic and audience interaction! www.camberleytheatre.biz Peter Pan Chichester Festival Theatre Chichester PO19 6AP 17th to 31st December Night after night, Peter Pan stares in through
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Wendy, John and Michael Darling’s bedroom window, longing to hear the stories told by their mother. One thrilling evening the brave, wistful, maverick boy who refuses to grow up, teaches the Darling children how to fly, whisking them off to the magical world of Never Land - a deliciously frightening place. www.cft.org.uk Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs The Harlington 236 Fleet Rd, Fleet GU51 4BY 14th December to 24th December Award-winning Starburst Foundation will be producing this year’s Fleet panto with a cast of local talent. look forward to a traditional pantomime with modern songs & dances to get feet tapping & audiences firmly into the festive spirit! www.theharlington.co.uk Santa Claus - The Musical New Theatre Royal Guildhall Walk, Portsmouth PO1 2DD 9th December to 31st December Filled with your favourite Christmas tunes such as Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Santa Claus is coming to Town and Frosty the Snowman, Santa Claus - The Musical is a jampacked Christmas treat for everyone. www.newtheatreroyal.com Cinderella The Harlequin Warwick Quadrant, Redhill RH1 1NN 9th December to 31st December With pop legend Chesney Hawkes playing Prince Charming and Redhill favourites Abigail Welford, Neil Wheatley and Simon Bashford back as Cinderella, Buttons and the Fairy Godmother. www.harlequintheatre.co.uk Jack & The Beanstalk King’s Theatre Albert Road, Southsea PO5 2QJ 6th December to 1st January Starring Vicki Michelle (‘Allo ‘Allo) Anne Hegerty (The Chase) and Marcus Patric (Hollyoaks). www.kings-southsea.com December 2016
Snow White New Victoria Theatre The Ambassadors, Peacocks Centre, Woking GU21 6GQ 10th December to 8th January The job of head dwarf Prof is a tall order but nothing that TV and film star Warwick Davis can’t measure up to. Joining him is comedy favourite Andy Ford as the Henchman. www.atgtickets.com/venues/new-victoria-theatre
Meet Santa...
Santa’s Cellar Grotto at Denbies Wine Estate London Road, Dorking RH5 6AA 3rd, 4th,10th, 11th, 17th, 18th, 21st to 24th December Enjoy a warm welcome from Santa`s elves, outdoor train ride followed by a visit to see Father Christmas in his Cellar Grotto and tell him your Christmas wishes. £7.50 per child which includes a gift from Santa, train ride, Santa`s sticker book and Christmas crafts in Santa`s cellar (please note that the gifts are suitable from birth and up, therefore all children are required to have a ticket). £2 per adult which includes the train ride and mince pie in the cellar. www.denbies.co.uk/events/family-events Christmas Winter Wonderland at Birdworld Holt Pound, Farnham GU10 4LD 3rd December to 24th December Come to Birdworld, located in Alice Holt Forest, to meet Santa’s reindeer and some friendly farm animals before you enter a magical world full of animated characters in winter wonderland settings. As you walk through the different scenes, you can enjoy the friendly banter with the impish elves before the children meet Santa to receive their present. For those too old for a present, a mince pie and a hot fruit punch awaits! Santa will be in his Winter Wonderland with his elves and reindeers on selected dates throughout December. www.birdworld.co.uk Meet Father Christmas at Hatchlands Park Hatchlands Park, East Clandon, Guildford GU4 7RT 3rd, 4th, 10th, 11th, 17th, 18th and 22nd December Father Christmas is visiting Hatchlands again this year. You can come along and meet him in his cosy festive sitting room in the courtyard, have a quick chat and receive a small present. Free entry to NT Members or entry fee to property of £6. Child: Entry fee to property of £3 (NT members free), £5 to meet Father Christmas. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/christmas
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Meet Santa... Further afield Santa on the VC10 at Brooklands Brooklands Road, Weybridge KT13 0QN 3rd, 4th, 10th, 11th, 17th and 18th December Once again Santa will be giving his reindeer a rest for a while and borrowing our VC10 aircraft so that he can meet his young fans. For children aged 5-7, normal museum admission of £6 is payable + £5 for a visit to Santa (includes a small present). Accompanying adults and seniors pay normal museum admission. For children under 5, admission to the museum is free and they can also visit Santa for £5. Santa must be booked in advance. www.brooklandsmuseum.com Stories and Songs with Santa Wisley Plant Centre, RHS Wisley, Woking GU23 6QB 1st, 2nd, 8th, 9th, 15th and 16th December Visit Santa and Mrs Claus for stories, songs and a present at Wisley Plant Centre. Prices from £10 per child, children of any age, must be accompanied by a parent, prices from £2 for adults. Book online at rhs.org.uk/wisely. Eight sessions per day, ½ hour activity. www.rhs.org.uk/wisleychristmas
Markets...
Farnham Christmas Market Castle Street, Farnham GU9 7PZ Sunday 11th December 10am-4pm Find the perfect Christmas gift; hundreds of stalls offering gifts, decorations and treats plus more in the Mercure Bush hotel and Santa’s Grotto. www.farnham.gov.uk German Christmas Market in the Guildford Guildhall High Street, Guildford Sunday 4th December 11am-4pm To celebrate Guildford’s twinning with the German city of Freiburg a ‘Mini’ Christmas Market is being held in the Guildhall in the High Street on Sunday 4th December from 11am to 4pm. Wooden toys, candles and Christmas confectionery from Freiburg will be on sale, there will be a tasting of wines from the Freiburg area, Glühwein (mulled wine) will be available and there will be a tombola. Literature about Freiburg will also be on display. Haslemere Christmas Market High Street, Haslemere GU27 2LA Sunday 4th December 10am-4pm Christmas Market: Christmas gifts for all the family. Stalls selling a variety of goods, from baby clothing to unique crafts. Also street entertainment and Santa’s Grotto. Free shuttle bus from Lion Green, Wey Hill and the station. www.haslemere.com/christmasmarket 16
Further afield Chichester Christmas Market North Street and East Street, Chichester Saturday 3rd December to Sunday 11th December A fantastic array of festive stands, in Chichester’s North Street and East Street for nine days in December. This is a fabulous opportunity to find a spectacular range of top quality crafts, unusual and individual gifts for all your friends and family. www.woodlandcrafts.co.uk/chichesterchristmas-market-2016 Southbank Centre Winter Market Southbank, London SE1 8XX 11th November to 8th January Southbank Centre’s popular Winter Market (above) returns this year to the banks of the river Thames, within a short walk of Waterloo station. Browse the twinkling wooden cabins that line the riverside for affordable gifts, quirky crafts and handmade pieces, alongside festive snacks and drinks. Continue your shopping at the Charity Shop Emporium, part of Southbank Centre’s weekend of charity and giving on the 10th and 11th December, where you can pick up original gifts and party outfits from the pop-up stalls of high street charity shops, independent retailers and smaller charitable organisations. www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whatson Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market The Close, Winchester SO23 9LS Friday 18th November to Tuesday 20th December Founded in 2006, the Christmas Market celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. Now recognised as one of the best in Europe with its unique location, high quality exhibitors and bustling atmosphere. Wonderful Christmas gifts, decorations and festive foods can be found in abundance. www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk/home/ christmas-at-the-cathedral/christmas-market
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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD
Christmas Music at Clandon Regis Golf Club Monday 5th December at 8pm. The West Surrey National Trust Centre will be holding this evening with the wonderful Epsom Chamber Choir. Giving you a great start to the Christmas season. Tickets are £15 each which includes a mince pie and a glass of wine or juice. All enquiries to Gisela Duckworth on 01252 836857 or please email Gisela on giselawsntc@outlook.com. Book Sale, Music Scores and Drama Galore at Denbies Wine Estate Tuesday 6th to Saturday 17th December (open hours only) Find that elusive, unexpected gift at the Surrey Performing Arts Library, Denbies Wine Estate, Dorking RH5 6AA. ‘The Play’s the Thing’ Gala Performance at Guildford Cathedral Tuesday 6th December Honorary Patron Brian Blessed OBE will feature as part of a special fundraising gala performance to mark the end of the Shakespeare Company’s tenth Anniversary Year. The Marquee at Guildford Cathedral, Stag Hill, Guildford, GU2 7UP. Tickets £30 and can be pre booked. Contact Matt Pinches 07971 234141 or info@guildford-shakespeare-company.co.uk. Bookham & Horsley Rotary Club Rotary End Polio campaign will see a field of purple crocuses. A team of ten very willing volunteers were to be seen
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crawling about in the sun on all fours over Sunday lunchtime this week, on the grass very near our Bookham village sign at Lower Shott! Why you may well ask? It’s part of the awareness campaign for Rotary’s global End Polio Now campaign and they hope for a field of 5,000 purple crocuses next Spring to remind everyone passing and to seek their support. Apart from Rotary regulars, willing volunteers came from the Guides, Sea Scouts and BRA, including the tree warden and two of the volunteers found out about the event from www.do-it.org the volunteering website. This is the Rotary’s highest profile international project, and has been funded by the organisation for several decades alongside the Gates Foundation, the UN and others. A concerted push for charitable contributions and vaccinations is still required to clear the last 2-3 countries worldwide of polio. For more information on the Rotary campaign please go to www. rotarycrocus.com. Messy Christmas in the Dorking United Reformed Church Wednesday 7th December 3.30pm-6pm Their regular Wednesday Messy Church will be held as usual in December, where they will be celebrating ‘A Special Message’ offering 10 activities again for all ages, along with a short Celebration and a pasta supper. For this event children need to be accompanied by an adult. Please find time in your busy schedule to join them at Messy. For more information please contact Judi Currie at judicurrie@ hotmail.co.uk.
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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD
Santa Claus and the Christmas Adventure Thursday 8th to Saturday 24th December The producers of the Santa Adventures are delighted to return to G Live in Guildford this Christmas for the fourth year running with this must see interactive show. The adventure takes place at Santa’s HQ in the North Pole; The Reindeer Sat Nav is programmed and the toys are piled high on the sleigh, then… chaos strikes! Rudolph is missing and the Elves are misbehaving… will Santa ever deliver the presents to all the boys and girls? Filled with songs, nursery rhymes and magic, Santa Claus and the Christmas Adventure promises to be a truly unforgettable experience, including the magical moment when snowflakes fall over the audience – a guaranteed white Christmas at every performance! Performances take place at 10am, 11.30am, 2pm and 4pm (see website for daily schedule). Tickets: Children £12.50/14.50, Adults £13.50/15.50, Family of 4 £46/54. Call the Box Office on 01483 369350 or go to www.glive.co.uk. Running time: 70 minutes with no interval (including a meet and greet with Santa Claus). Suitable for children aged 2+. Gardening Workshop at Squire’s Garden Centre West Horsley Friday 9th December 10am-4pm Choose to create a 20cm candle centre piece (with a candle) or a 24cm Christmas wreath for your front door. Using a fresh noble fir ring as the perfect base, you can decorate with cones, petite baubles, snow spray and dried flowers, plus foliage from your own garden if you wish. You will also receive a voucher for a free tea or coffee to enjoy in our café bar after the workshop. The workshop is running on the 9th December at 10am and 2pm and costs £25 per person. This includes all tuition, equipment and material necessary to create your Christmas item to take home and enjoy. Booking is essential for this event and can be made at the information desk or go to www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk. The Ladybirds Choir Christmas Concert Dorking United Reform Church Saturday 10th December 3pm The Ladybirds Choir warmly invites you to their Christmas Concert, which will be raising funds for PSDS, a local charity that was set up in 2006 by a group of mums including Dorking resident Helen Shiers. PSDS provides support for children with Down’s Syndrome, running a series of activities and educational programmes and providing a host of other services which benefit both the children, their parents and all family members. The concert will be held on Saturday 10 December at 3pm in the United Reformed Church Hall in West Street, Dorking, and the choir will present a variety of songs both well-known and less familiar. Among this year’s highlights will be a lovely setting of the German carol O Christmas Tree, the medieval carol Gaudete and a rousing rendition of Joy to the World, as well as some more light-hearted numbers such as Santa Baby and Winter Wonderland. Tea and mince pies will be served after the performance and there will also be a raffle. Tickets are priced at £7.50 and are available on the door or in advance from Jenny Abbott on 01737 843662. 18
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Brockham Choral Society one hour Family Christmas Concert Saturday 10th December at 5.30pm. Held at St Martin’s Church, Dorking. The society will be joined by the choir of St John’s School, North Holmwood and the concert will include the opportunity for the audience to join in carol singing. Tickets £5, children under 11 free, with concessions for under 25’s in full time education. Tickets available from Pauline Whitehead 01306 881821, Maria Chadwick c/o Michael Frith, 40 South St, Dorking 01306 882728 or online www.brockhamchoral.org/tickets. Serendipity at St Mary Magdalene Church, South Holmwood Sunday 11th December 3pm The Friends of St Mary Magdalene are proud to host a Christmas Concert performed by the popular singing group, Serendipity. The concert will be held at St Mary Magdalene Church, South Holmwood RH5 4X. Tickets are £12 (children under 12 free). Contact John Chiverton 01306 888922, email john.chiverton@btinternet.com or Virginia Smith 01306 885349, email rev.virginia.smith@talktalk.net for tickets. Albury Organic Vineyard Christmas Tasting Event Sunday 11th December 12pm-4pm Join the vineyard for a festive afternoon of tastings, mince pies and music from the Godalming Community Gospel Choir. Included is four tastings of their award winning, Silent Pool Rosé and The Duke’s Reserve Brandy, plus Albury honey made from bees that live on the vineyard and Kokoh chocolate. There will also be a Vineyard toy trail (weather dependent), fun for kids and adults! You will also receive a 10% discount on purchases of Albury Estate sparkling wine. Free vineyard tour and wine tasting voucher with Christmas gift box purchased on the day. Tickets are £5 for adults, children and Albury Wine Club Members free. For further details and bookings visit www.alburyvineyard.com. Wine club members - please contact lucy@albuyvineyard.com for tickets. Festive Cruises on The Wey & Arun Canal From 11th December Bookings are already being taken for the extremely popular Santa Cruises, which will be running in December. Trips depart at 11am, 12noon and 2pm and cost £10 per person to include festive refreshments and a gift from Santa for all children under 12 years of age. New for 2016 is a Santa Cruise for the Grown-ups on Friday 16th December, 7.30pm9pm. Santa tells us that Christmas is not just for the children and invites adults to join him for a 90 minute trip along the canal whilst enjoying a glass of mulled wine with snacks, and seasonal sing-along music. Santa will also have a small gift for everyone! Tickets cost £15 per person. On Boxing Day and New Year’s Day festive trips depart at 11am, 12noon and 2pm. Tickets: £5 for adults; £2.50 for children. Booking in advance is essential for all the trips. Full details are available on the website and bookings can be made online. Alternatively call The Wey & Arun Canal Trust Office on 01403 752403 or email office@weyandarun.co.uk. Also www. weyandarun.co.uk. vantagepointmag.co.uk
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Sheer Delight Decadence Celebrating 15 years in Godalming, drum roll please, lingerie boutique Sheer Delight, by Kirstie Smillie How often do we roll up to the bulging rails of a department store to buy our lingerie and not really know where to start? So, a few years ago after a little trepidation, I crossed the threshold of Sheer Delight to experience a more enjoyable approach, and met owner Julie Drummond. Entering into the calming uncluttered interior, the delicate displays on show are a small percentage of what Julie has on offer. The experience develops from within tidy storage cupboards in the fitting rooms where many more styles and sizes are brought out to try on.
Complete with all year round cupsized one-pieces, bikinis and coverups, November also saw the arrival of new styles from Sunflair.
Above: Owner Julie Drummond
The team, who has recently been joined by Sandra, are very aware that customers have to bare themselves during a fitting but with years of experience and tact they will put you at ease. I found the curtained changing rooms offered plenty of space to undress while allowing the experts to check the fit and offer new styles to try on. I now repeat on my Marie Jo Avero, from £60, it’s a winner for me, and I’m hinting to my husband to purchase a gift voucher, which they bag and beribbon, for a perfect Christmas present.
Stocking cup sizes from A-J and in Below: Sheer Delight’s shop in Godalming back measurements 30-44, Julie and her team can focus on a fantastic fit whatever your figure requires, from fuller bosoms to neatly formed. Popular brands like Marie Personal customer service is top Jo, PrimaDonna and Empreinte of the list and Julie will often send complement newer designs in the repeat bras to customers living speciality market including HotMilk further away. Out of stock sizes can nursing bras from New Zealand and be specially ordered and presents reversible young teen bras from are beautifully gift boxed free of Taylor + Rani, from £19.50. Hanro and Wolford offer sleek under layers charge. A finalist in the Underlines and perfect tights, with Anita Active Stars Awards for Best Shop Personal for the physical and Anita Care Touch, we were waiting to hear if the for post-operative comfort. Julie team were victors as this article went and long standing employee, Helen both went to to press. Visit the website www.sheer-delight.co.uk or Germany to become expert fitters in the niche area of mastectomy bras, with first hand understanding of take a stroll down the historical Church Street for a the emotions attached and Sheer Delight is now an visit and you will find out if they are worthy winners. Anita Care Centre of Excellence.
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If a bra doesn’t work, we won’t sell it - it has to function, And look good Leaving school at seventeen, Leeds born Julie got stuck in with numbers and worked in admin for an insurance brokers and other private companies before becoming a civil servant. She has been involved in the transpose from paper to computer processes so is totally comfortable with figures and bookkeeping, balancing profits and stock. Husband Paul, when not working, turns his hand to the store’s accountancy and helps Julie with upgrades including the newly decorated Beach Lounge on the first floor. 20
Sheer Delight
26 Church Street, Godalming GU71EW Telephone: 01483 427022 Email: enquiries@sheer-delight.co.uk Opening Hours Mon-Sat 10-5pm FIND OUT MORE
Kirstie Smillie is a Personal Fashion Stylist. Follow her style blog www.kirstiesmillie.com. For appointments contact kirstie@kirstiesmillie.com or call 07773 234947.
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FASHION Julie’s inspirational words from on her website...
“Delight in... being a real woman”.
Above: Empreinte Melody T-shirt bra and matching briefs
Above: Marie Jo embroidered Lily collection
Julie reveals all: • Wear red under a white shirt, it won’t show through. • Buy colour every now and then, it’s good for the soul. • If your bra fits properly, your whole confidence will grow. • Your newly fitted bra, should feel like a firm ‘hug’ around your back. • Don’t wash bras too frequently; use a mild soap and always dry naturally. Above from top: Anita Active bra from £55 and PrimaDonna ‘By Night’ from £108
Above: Sunflair one-pieces from £72
Above from left: Marie Jo Avero in Toffee; PrimaDonna Deauville collection in Ruby; and Empreinte Erin bra and briefs December 2016
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Christmas GLOW at Wisley RHS Garden Wisley in Surrey will be holding a fantastic programme of events throughout November and December to delight visitors young and old. Back for a second year, Christmas Glow (1st December-2nd January 2017) promises to be bigger, brighter and better than ever. Designers of cultivated illumination, Jigantics will be creating a captivating light installation with giant, botanically inspired blooms, set to spark the imagination. This event offers the ideal opportunity to enjoy the atmosphere of the festive season in a beautiful garden setting. There will be even more gigantic blooms to discover than last year, as visitors get the chance to wander through the garden, as well as seeing all the natural Christmas decorations. In addition, we will also be lighting up some of our own magnificent Wisley trees, including the liquidambar on Seven Acres West Lawn, giant redwood around the Pinetum edge and the scots pine in the Loggia. There are 10 trees for visitors to come and find across the garden. The Glasshouse will be decorated in the style of a magical gingerbread lodge complete with colourful floral displays of poinsettias and seasonal plants such as Christmas cactus and bromeliads. There will also be an exhibit of the Wisley Citrus Collection in The Glasshouse Gallery. The lake surrounding the Glasshouse will be illuminated with lanterns, offering magnificent views. There will be a special Light Switch-On ceremony at 6.30pm on 30th November with a late-night Christmas shopping evening. A special parade is also planned by Jigantics, who have been working with The Rayleigh School, based in West Horsley near Guildford, to create and design paper lanterns from tissue paper and willow.
essential: prices can be found online at rhs. org.uk/wisley Find everything you need to transform your home this Christmas at the Wisley Christmas Shop which will be open until 24th December. Choose from unique gifts, baubles and wreaths including Christmas trees as well as gifts for the whole family. A new seasonal café will also be opening to provide shoppers with hot and cold drinks while they shop. For those visitors interested in exploring the garden, you won’t be disappointed by the range of stunning winter vistas that RHS Garden Wisley has to offer. Frost-covered snowdrops will cover the ground, together with crocus and cyclamen these can be found throughout the Pinetum as well as many other areas of the garden including the Alpine Meadow. The coloured stems such as the red Cornus alba ‘Sibirica’ that surround Seven Acres Lake and ornate seed heads on display in the Glasshouse Landscape also help to provide a magical spectacle for all. It’s a special time to visit the garden – there is still a surprising amount of colour to be found, so don’t delay, make a date to visit RHS Garden Wisley and enjoy a fantastic festive day out this Christmas. For full details, please visit the website at www.rhs.org.uk/wisley.
The garden will operate extended opening times during the month of December until 8pm (last entry 7pm) to allow visitors time to enjoy their visit, grab a bite to eat or browse the fantastic range of gifts on offer in the Wisley Plant Centre and Gift Shop (the shop will close at 5pm on Sundays and 24th December). The Wisley Plant Centre will be transformed into a magical grotto to welcome Santa and Mrs Claus. Come along for Stories and Songs with Santa and receive a small gift or, for an extra special treat, book into an exciting gingerbread-decorating workshop at the Clore Classroom. Booking in advance is 22
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<18 JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD Christmas with the National Trust Christmas is a time of warmth and celebration, tradition and excitement. Their historic houses and gardens invite you in to celebrate the coming of the festive season, where you’ll discover sparkling landscapes filled with hand-made decorations and winter greenery, wonderful old stories and inspiring new experiences. There is plenty on offer especially for children, from seasonal craft-making activities and visits from Father Christmas, to themed adventure trails through their houses and gardens. You’ll also find seasonal homemade treats in their cafes, and shops fully stocked with gifts to suit all pockets. Enter into the past this Christmas, and help their work as a charity protect these amazing places for the future. For more information on these events and ideas for great value family days out go to www.nationaltrust.org. uk. Age UK Surrey and Guildford Cathedral Christmas Carol Concert Tuesday 13th December 11.15am-12noon. Age UK Surrey’s annual Carol Concert will be held in the Marquee at Guildford Cathedral on Tuesday 13th December. Coffee, tea and mince pies will be served before the concert from 10.30am. The event will be a mix of traditional Christmas carols and readings. The Guildford Cathedral Singers and school children from Rydes Hill Preparatory School will perform and dignitaries from across Surrey will be attending. Please join them for a festive morning of Christmas music and readings in this beautiful setting. All are welcome, free entry and car parking is available on site. A special two course lunch for £10.00 is available in the Guildford Cathedral Refectory after the concert if booked in advance. Telephone 01483 547886 to make a booking. If you would like to attend or you require wheelchair access please call Age UK Surrey on 01483 503414 or email enquiries@ageuksurrey.org.uk. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe Tuesday 13th December to Saturday 17th 7.30 pm, Saturday matinee at 2.30pm Come through the wardrobe and find Narnia at the Nomad Theatre, Bishopsmead Parade, East Horsley. Narnia is a land of talking animals and mythical creatures that one White Witch has ruled for 100 years of deep winter. Four children are staying in an old country house. By accident they go through a wardrobe into Narnia where they learn they could fulfil an old prophecy. They battle wolves, meet talking animals, encounter a evil white witch and meet a magnificent lion named Aslan. Will this be the end of their journey to Narnia or will they stay? The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe is a timeless classic that children cherish and adults adore. Tickets are £16 adults, £10 students/children, £12 for all adults on Tuesday 13th. Call the box office on 01483 284747 and leave a message on the answerphone. You can call into the theatre on Saturday mornings between 10.00am and 12.30pm or book online via www.nomadtheatre.com. The theatre is easily accessible to wheelchair users and has a hearing induction loop. December 2016
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Horsley Floral Decoration Group Tuesday 13th December 2pm Carolynne Meer demonstrates Festive Flowers. The Horsley Floral Decoration Group (affiliated to NAFAS) is a friendly afternoon flower arranging club. They meet at East Horsley Village Hall on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 2pm. They have a varied programme of Demonstrators, Speakers, In-house entertainment, trips, internal competitions (optional), sales table, and refreshments. Visitors and New Members very welcome (Feb/AGM Members only). Join them (first visit free) for fun, flowers and friendship. For more details please phone Beryl 01483 831422 or email bjg317@virginmedia.com. Leatherhead Youth Choir Every Thursday 4.30pm-5.30pm Leatherhead Youth Choir is a new choir open to everyone aged 7-11 who wants to sing. It is run by Leatherhead Choral Society; one of the area’s best known and most successful amateur choirs. There are no auditions, and it doesn’t matter if you can’t read music or have no previous experience. The aim of the choir is to have fun, meet new people, to learn the basics of choral singing and reading music. Rehearsals take place on Thursdays from 4:30pm to 5:30pm at Christ Church (United Reformed), Epsom Road, Leatherhead KT22 8ST. For more information or to sign up, please visit www.leatherhead-choral.net/lyc. Beare Green and Newdigate Choral Society Christmas
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<23 JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD Concert Wednesday 14th December 7.30pm Please join Beare Green and Newdigate Choral Society in Newdigate Village Hall. This year they are planning something slightly different! They will be singing ‘Born a King’ by William Lloyd Webber, a selection of John Rutter Carols plus other Christmas music some of which is arranged by their conductor Jamie Cordell. There will, of course, be the popular carols to which you can listen and join in. Free mince pies and mulled wine will be served in the interval and entrance is free with retiring collection in aid of charity. Advent and Christmas services at Dorking United Reform Church Various dates in December Wednesday 14th December, 10am Small fry toddler Christmas celebration and nativity. Sunday 18th December, 10.30am, morning worship - ‘The Message of Christmas’ and 6.30 pm, Carols by Candlelight. Christmas Eve 4pm, Christingle Service. Christmas Day 10.30am, All-Age Worship - ‘Happy Birthday Jesus’, wear your Christmas jumper and bring along a Christmas present to show to others. All welcome at the Dorking United Reform Church, West Street, Dorking. For more details on all these events visit www. dorkingurc.org.uk. Horsley Garden Society Horsley Garden Society and its predecessors have encouraged the gardeners of the Horsleys and surrounding
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villages since 1924. They hold flower and produce shows, meetings, lectures and visits to bring together those with an interest in gardening - from beginners to experts. New members and visitors are always welcome. Anyone interested in membership at the modest cost of £5 per annum should contact the Chairman, Roger Lindsay via email: r.lindsay339@btinternet.com or the Membership Secretary, Terry Lazenby via email: terrylazenby@terrylazenby.plus. com. Growing Up Wild in Norbury Park! More than 500 Rainbows, Brownies and Guides from Surrey took part in the exciting ‘Growing Up Wild’ day at Norbury Park near Dorking on Saturday 15th October. The event aimed to encourage the girls, aged 5 to 14, to have fun, explore and connect with nature. It was the joint partnership of Girlguiding and the Surrey Wildlife Trust, the latter of which organised an action packed day of activities in the park. The younger girls had the opportunity to search for mini beasts, identify plants and trees, and make food out of mud in the mud kitchen, as well as making stick sculptures. Some of the Guides, aged 10-14, took on conservation work in the woods of Norbury Park, helping the Surrey Wildlife Trust to saw down a number of trees. Other activities included building wigwams, dressing up as slugs and birds, and learning to light a campfire with flint and steel, over which the girls toasted marshmallows. HM Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey, Mr Michael More-Molyneux and the High Sheriff of Surrey, Richard Whittington were also in attendance to
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Woodland conservation and hand-crafted furniture go hand-in-hand with Mervyn Mewis, says Phil Kemp Furniture is all around us, and although we take it for granted our homes simply wouldn’t be homes without it. We also live in the most heavily wooded county in the country, and again we take all that living wood for granted. Don’t we? But it’s here that the magic starts – especially if your name is Mervyn Mewis of Green Wood Works, who seamlessly has melded together the management of local woodlands and the crafting of hand-made furniture, and in the process has actively contributed to the conservation of our natural spaces. “I got involved in woodland conservation 20 years ago and at the time posed the question as to what we make from our local woodlands,” explained Mervyn, standing by a crackling brazier adorned with a pot of steaming fresh coffee. “The answers to my question included making firewood, charcoal and hurdles. And after that there was a lot of head-scratching. So that got me thinking and I started looking around to see what we could actually make from our woodlands, and at the same time promote their management and get people interested and as fascinated as I am in this historic process of using timber.” Now, given that the brazier we were standing next to was made from the drum of an old washing machine Mervyn had salvaged, I very quickly had the feeling that my visit to his rural workshops in the grounds of The Birtley Estate in Bramley was going to be educational all the way! I wasn’t wrong. “I was doing volunteer conservation work and trees started following me home, dead wood everywhere, with bits of trees on the patio. That’s where I started making smallscale furniture, and chairs in particular. For me there’s a lot of interpretation coming direct from the tree. You can use natural December 2016
shape and form, and you can fashion timber to your needs.” We were now standing close to a collection of beautifully crafted chairs lined up by the tools that Mervyn uses at his open-fronted workshops, and which of course were also handbuilt from local timber. It is at these workshops that he also runs courses in practical furniture making.
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The final process involved using a large ungainly-looking wooden frame. I watched as Mervyn stood behind it as he secured the billet horizontally in front of him.
“I only use native hardwood timbers, especially ash and oak. I’ve more recently introduced sweet chestnut, and I use some yew for decorative purposes. In helping manage local woodlands I work with independent specialist woodworkers and those that specialise in tree work and woodland management – and this provides the raw material that I use for my teaching.” I asked Mervyn to lead me through the process of taking a freshly cut log and crafting this into one of his elegant chairs. We started at the splitting log where he skilfully wields a hand axe to prepare the wood for working into a chair leg. “I have a side axe, which is bevelled to one side and not evenly balanced, and with this I’m putting a series of depth cuts into the green unseasoned timber, and shaving off the hard corners,” explained Mervyn, the axe a blur in his hand. “We then move over to the draw horse for the next step.” He stepped over to a long wooden low bench and sitting at one end placed the partly formed leg on to a raised shelf set at an angle in front of him. Before reaching for a double-handed blade, Mervyn pushed his feet forward on to the bench’s treadle securing the wood in to position. “It looks a bit like a horse, some people call it a draw bench, but it is in effect a vice which holds the wood when I use opposing pressure to clamp it up with my feet,” said Mervyn demonstrating how effective this very traditional woodworking tool is. “I then start using the knife to pull through the fibres of the timber, drawing the blade towards me each time – hence this being called a draw knife. Very simple, very effective. Isn’t that brilliant – and isn’t it a wonderful sound?” It was, and in Mervyn’s experienced hands the chair leg very quickly started to take shape. I asked how easy it is for a complete novice to come along to one of his furniture-making courses and get to grips with the tools and methods.
“This is a pole lathe, so-called because the traditional drive mechanism is a springy pole attached to the ground at one end, with the other end popped up in the air and to which is attached a string that works with a foot treadle to bend it up and down. Depressing your foot on the treadle pulls the pole down, releasing it lets the pole spring back up – and in the process it spins the billet backwards and forwards on the lathe.” Mervyn then placed a chisel-shaped wood turning tool against the spinning piece of wood, and started gouging the billet which quickly took the full shape and form of the leg destined for his chair. “It takes me about 20 minutes to fashion a leg from start to finish,” said Mervyn. “For a new student it’ll take longer than that of course. Those that come along are interested in learning the processes, and I hear time and time again their nervousness. ‘I don’t know how to do this.’ And I say: ‘That’s exactly why you are here – let’s begin!’” In the short hour I was with Mervyn he impressed me with his strong commitment for woodland conservation, his undoubted ability in turning locally grown timber into practical items of beauty, and perhaps most of all by his knowledge and infectious enthusiasm that undoubtedly rubs off on his students. If you want to know about local woodland conservation, learn how to make furniture – or have friends and neighbours jealously admire the new set of hand-crafted chairs in your house – then Mervyn Mewis is the man to see. Phil Kemp is a freelance writer and photographer based in Godalming. www.weyriver.co.uk FIND OUT MORE
Please visit the Green Wood Works pages at www.birtleyestate.co.uk. Email: mwmmusic@hotmail.co.uk
“I tell my students when they start working with me that these aren’t complex processes. How do you make a chair? There are three or four different processes, all of which can be picked up by anybody. A certain amount of hand to eye coordination is useful, but you don’t need to be physically strong so long as you have the will to do it.” Mervyn released the wood from the draw horse and held it up for me to examine. “There we have a fashioned billet – ready to go up on the lathe.” 26
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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD
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watch the fun had by all. Growing Up Wild Co-ordinator for Girlguiding Surrey East, Cathy McDonough said: “The Growing Up Wild day was a big success with over 500 Rainbows, Brownies and Guides having lots of fun outdoors and lots of smiley faces all day. I was particularly pleased at how much the Guides all enjoyed their conservation tasks in the woods and I knew the mud kitchen would be popular with Rainbows and Brownies, if not with their Leaders. Thanks must go to Surrey Wildlife Trust for their organisation and for providing so many exciting and varied activities.” Girlguiding is the leading charity for girls and young women in the UK, giving girls and young women a space where they can be themselves, have fun, build brilliant friendships, gain valuable life skills and make a positive difference to their lives and their communities. Visit www.girlguiding.org.uk for more details.
Beare Green and Newdigate Choral Society Wednesday 14th December 7.45pm Beare Green and Newdigate Choral Society (BGN) recently held a very successful social evening when they invited prospective new singers to meet the choir and conductor and see how really relaxed and friendly they all are. They are now settling down to learn their Christmas music for their Christmas Concert on 14th December in Newdigate Village Hall, when free mulled wine and mince pies will be served in the interval. There will be a retiring collection in aid of charity. They would really like to welcome more new singers to join them for this festive period, so if you are interested in joining them please come along on any Wednesday evening at 7.45pm in Newdigate Village Hall. No audition or ability to read music is necessary. Details of all of the above from the choir secretary on 01306 631115.
Dorking Scrabble Club Every Wednesday at 7.30pm For a friendly game of Scrabble, come to The Roy Currie Room, United Reformed Church, West Street, Dorking. You will be welcome whether you are a beginner or an expert. For more details ring Priscilla (01737 767072) or David (01306 889308).
The Woodies bring Alice to Ashtead Thursday 15th to Saturday 17th December Local amdram group, the Woodfield Entertainers, return this December with the fun filled pantomime Alice in Wonderland. Written by Andrew O’Leary, by arrangement with Lazy Bee scripts, this is a classic tale of good versus evil. Alice helps the good people of Wonderland to defeat the evil queen, so they can all live happily ever after, including Alice herself
Is your home ready for winter? With the winter months looming, making sure your plumbing and heating is in good shape can save you £100’s AND help you avoid the hassle of burst or frozen pipes and central heating problems. There are certain things you can do yourself to reduce potential risk of damage, or times without heating or hot water. • Make sure any exposed pipes are properly lagged • Check water storage tanks have lids and insulation jackets • Ensure your heating and hot water switch on when they’re supposed to • Look for signs of leaks from overflow pipes outside the property
So, you might like to know that Sutton and East Surrey Water Services offers a host of heating and plumbing services, including insurance to protect your plumbing, heating and drainage. They’ve also got a selection of great, fixed price, £50 repairs and services should you need to call upon them over the winter months, including: • Boiler servicing • Dripping tap fixes • Leaking/seized stopcock repairs • Dripping ball valve resolved • Fixes for any leaking kitchen sink waste Whether you want to be prepared for every eventuality with emergency cover or have a plumbing, heating or drainage emergency, they’re the professional and reliable local experts. Get in touch with them on 0203 627 3891 or visit h2oservices.com/pickandfix to find out more.
However, for some of the other items that need to be checked, it pays to call the specialists in, especially for things like your boiler and plumbing. December 2016
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ADVERTORIAL 27
Chocolate delights So who does not love chocolate? It is one of those magical things - in small doses of course. My step-father used to swear by Cadbury’s, something my French mother never really understood. So convinced was she that French or Belgian chocolate was vastly superior, a few years ago she organised a grand chocolate tasting amongst their friends in South Africa where they lived but she failed to get much support! Happily palates have changed and there is now a much better appreciation of top quality chocolate alongside the traditional old family favourites. As you will see in our interview with Mike Noble from Noble & Stace on page 9, excellent chocolates are now even being made here in the south-east of England. From wines to chocolates, who would have thought it? Here are a few recipes for Christmas. Some of these would make great gifts as well... if you don’t end up eating them all. SR
Ginger Caramel Crunch
caramel and cream mixture onto the chocolate, let it sit for a couple of minutes and then combine. Once the mixture has cooled to 35d C stir in 20g salted butter, the crunch from step 1 and ground ginger to taste – start with just a pinch!
From Mike Noble www.nobleandstace.co.uk
3. Cut the ganache – pour the ganache into a lined tin so it’s approximately 1cm thick and leave somewhere cool to set. Once it’s firm, cut into small cubes and separate out on a piece of greaseproof paper, leaving overnight at room temperature to dry. 4.Dip – Temper approximately 500g of good quality dark chocolate then using a dipping fork, coat each ganache square before placing on a greaseproof sheet to cool. Decorate each with a piece of crystallised ginger if you wish!
Cherry Surprise Chocolates From Lakeland www.lakeland.co.uk
Ingredients 120g sugar, 27g glucose syrup, 610g good quality dark chocolate, 110g white chocolate, 160g double cream, 20g salted butter, crystallised ginger (optional). Makes approximately 40 chocolates Method: 1. Make the caramel crunch – put 50g of sugar and 20g of glucose syrup into a heavy based saucepan over a medium heat. Cook until it’s amber in colour and then immediately pour onto an oven safe silicon mat that’s on a heat resistant surface. Leave to cool and then break up into fine pieces in a processor. 2. Make the ganache – put 110g of good quality dark chocolate and 110g of white chocolate into a bowl and set aside. Measure out 160g of double cream and 7g of glucose syrup into a microwave-safe bowl and bring to the boil – set aside. Now put 28g of water and 70g of sugar into a heavy based saucepan, stir and heat gently until it turns a rich amber in colour. Take off the heat and very carefully pour in the warm cream, a little at a time and stirring continously. It will spit and steam a lot at this stage so take extra care! Then pour the 28
Ingredients 225g icing sugar, sifted, 1 tbsp liquid glucose, 1 tsp cherry liqueur, small jar of maraschino cherries (you will need 20 cherries and some of the liquid), 400g white or milk chocolate, roughly chopped. Makes 20 chocolates Method: 1. Place a chocolate mould in the fridge 20 minutes before starting. 2. Make a fondant filling; mix together the icing sugar,
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RECIPES liquid glucose, cherry liqueur and 3 tsp of the liquid from the maraschino cherry jar, reserve. 3. Place 50g of the chocolate into a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water. Melt the chocolate very slowly, stirring all the time. Remove the chocolate from the heat. 4. Take the mould from the refrigerator and fill a third of each shape with chocolate; using a small paint brush, spread the chocolate up the sides of the shapes until all covered. Return the mould to the fridge for about 10 minutes. Once set, check to see if there are any gaps in the chocolate; if so, fill them in with melted chocolate and chill again to set. 5. Add a cherry to each chocolate and top with cherry filling, leaving space for a layer of chocolate. Refrigerate until the filling is firmer; when firm to touch, melt the remaining chocolate and pour on top of the filling, so that it comes level with the sides of each shape and completes the chocolate. 6. Return to the fridge for about 30 minutes until completely hardened. When ready, gently flex the moulds to release the chocolates and store in a cool dry place.
3. In a souffle dish or individual ramekins, arrange a layer of macaroons, soaked in a little rum or brandy; over these pour a layer of the chocolate cream, then put another layer of macaroons and so on until the dish is full, finishing with macaroons. Leave the dish in a cold place for at least 12 hours.
Cinnamon and chocolate stars From Jessica Haggerty’s Brighton Bakes (The Book Guild)
St Emilion au Chocolat From Elizabeth David’s French Country Cooking (Penguin) Pinterest
Sprinkled prettily over your tablecloth, these make the perfect pick-up-and-munch treat. They’re also very useful as Christmas tree decorations. An all-purpose, buttery, crumbly biscuit then - simple, but all the better for it. Ingredients 150g self-raising flour, 150g plain flour, 2tsp ground cinnamon, 125g butter, 100g sugar, 1 egg, beaten, 100g chocolate. Makes 24 biscuits
Ingredients 125g butter, 125g sugar 125g, 1 teacup milk, 1 egg, 250g dark chocolate,12-16 macaroons, a tot of rum or brandy. Serves 4-6 Method: 1. Cream the butter and the sugar until they are well amalgamated. Scald the milk and let it cool, then mix it with the yolk of the egg. 2. Melt the chocolate in a bain marie with a very little water, then stir in the milk and egg mixture, then the butter and sugar. Stir this cream carefully until it is absolutely smooth. December 2016
Method: 1. Preheat the oven to 160C, gas mark 3. 2. Sift the flours and cinnamon together in a large bowl. 3. In a separate bowl, mix the butter and sugar with a wooden spoon until smooth. Add the egg and mix well. 4. Combine both the dry and wet ingredients and mix into a firm dough. 5. Lightly flour the work surface, turn out the dough and knead it lightly until smooth, making sure not to overwork it or your biscuits will be tough. Roll to a 5mm thickness. 6. Use a star cutter (or indeed any that take your fancy) to cut into shapes and place on a greased oven tray. Bake for 10-15 minutes until light golden. Cool on a rack. 7. Melt your chocolate in a bowl set over a pan of gently bubbling water. Dip your stars in the chocolate or drizzle it over them decoratively. Place back on the rack to harden.
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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD
who falls in love with loveable rogue Jack. This years panto is directed by long time member and first time director, Cara Turner. Cara said of her directing debut: “I have been in the Woodies for quite a few years now and have decided to try my hand at directing! I have had so much support and encouragement so far from everyone it’s making my time as director a thoroughly enjoyable experience with lots of laughs! I can’t wait to see it all come together.” The show will take place at the Woodfield Entertainers’ home hall, the Ashtead Peace Memorial Hall, on December 15th to 17th. They are also pleased to announce their new Saturday evening time of 6.30pm, perfect for the kids! Go along and support your local amdram group. Tickets sell fast, so don’t miss out on a fun time guaranteed! Tickets are £10 for adults, £5 for children (under 16). New members are always welcome! For more information or to book tickets visit www. woodfieldentertainers.co.uk or call the Box Office on 07941 105612. Tony Hadley to light up Shooting Star Chase and Surrey Life Carol Concert Thursday 15th December 7pm (doors open at 6.30pm) Singer-songwriter Tony Hadley is set to light up Christmas for children with life-limiting conditions and their families, with an exclusive performance at the 10th Shooting Star Chase and Surrey Life carol concert. The children’s hospice charity’s Vice President will perform songs from his Christmas album at the event, which will be held at St George’s College Chapel in Weybridge. The evening will also include carols,
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performances from the 140 strong Elmbridge Mixed Voice Choir and Shooting Star Chase’s Family Choir. There will be readings from supported family members and a special Christmas video starring some of our supported children. The concert will be followed by a wine and canape reception and a raffle, offering prizes including tickets to see the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at G Live; an opportunity to eat at Surrey Life’s restaurant of the year, Emlyn in Dorking and a Silent Pool gin gift pack. The Shooting Star Chase and Surrey Life carol concert will raise vital funds to give children with life limiting condition and their families a Christmas to remember. The charity provides vital short breaks and care at home throughout the festive season and helps families build special memories with activities including wheelchair accessible ice skating, trips to see Santa and Christmas parties at the hospices for different ages and abilities. Emma Watson, Community Fundraiser at Shooting Star Chase, said: “The Shooting Star Chase and Surrey Life carol concert, now in its 10th year, is always a wonderful evening that’s bound to get even the biggest Scrooge in the mood for Christmas. We are thrilled to welcome our amazing Vice President, Tony Hadley, to the event and we can’t wait for the all the performances that are planned. “Christmas can be a difficult time of year for the children and families we support, and the money raised at this event will ensure they receive firstclass care and have a much-needed break over the festive season – as well as the opportunity to build special memories together.” Tickets are already selling fast, so to avoid disappointment please visit www.shootingstarchase.org. uk/carolconcert or call 01932 823115 to make a booking. Tickets are £20. Hiring Walliswood Village Hall The hall is ideal for holding younger children’s birthday parties, family gatherings or business meetings. It is surrounded by a securely gated large playing field that can accommodate bouncy castles, five-a-side football or similar entertainments. The hall’s usage includes art classes, keep fit, yoga and meditation classes. It is also used for village quizzes, training days for various organisations, PCC meetings and as a drop-in centre for various groups. Walliswood Village Hall (RH5 5RJ) lies on the corner of Froggetts Lane and Horsham Road (Walliswood Green Road), 2.7 miles south west of Ockley and 2.3 miles east of Ewhurst. The Hall is adjacent to a public car park that also serves The Scarlett Arms on Walliswood Green Road. There is disabled access and they have a fully equipped kitchen with sufficient china and cutlery for in excess of 80 people. There are 12 x 6-seater tables together with stacking chairs and the hall can hold around 72 people for a seated meal and more for a buffet. There is also a meeting room adjacent to the kitchen with a hatch access to both the main hall and the kitchen. This meeting room can accommodate a smaller group of up to 12 people. The Village Hall has full gas central heating. For further information please contact Valerie Miles: 01306 627248 or email: valerie@fivemiles.co.uk or visit the website www.walliswood.org.
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GARDENING
With Beth Otway
in 1762 by Princess Augusta at Kew gardens. Ginkgos, a favourite of herbal medicine, are a prehistoric tree species that grew during the time of the dinosaurs. Often referred to as a living fossil, it’s amazing that the Gingko has survived to give us an insight into the plants that grew on our planet one hundred million years ago.
Christmas
at Kew
With the shorter daylight hours that winter brings, every moment outdoors feels like a gift. Spending your time outside in beautiful surroundings, with friends or family, can make the moment even more precious. If you’re looking to find some winter inspiration, there’s nowhere better to visit than the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew. Kew offers so much to its visitors at every time of year. During winter you might enjoy walking amongst the trees or you may wish to quietly recharge your batteries by the lake. You can also visit the Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art, the Marianne North Gallery, and the sculptures created by Henry Moore and Eduardo Paolozzi, that reside in the gardens. With 132 hectares of landscaped gardens, Kew is a great place to explore. If you’re interested in bees, you might want to visit The Hive, an immersive multi-sensory experience, which was installed at Kew earlier this year. The Hive was designed by Wolfgang Buttress, who was inspired by scientific research into the health of bees. The Hive has been designed to reflect the real time energy of a colony of bees residing in a beehive, located behind the scenes at Kew. Each moment you experience inside The Hive will be filled with the collective energy of the bees within Kew’s beehive.
Kew’s Holly Walk offers seasonal inspiration; if the weather’s chilly, warm up inside the Palm House, where you’ll find a wonderland of plants from the Americas, Africa, Asia, Australasia, and other exotic locations, growing together inside this iconic glasshouse, the basement of which houses the Marine Aquarium. The Princess of Wales Conservatory is home to real life water dragons, rare and diverse plant collections, including carnivorous, tropical and sub tropical plants. The lower level features viewing windows, showing the depths of the glasshouses’ pond, and the fish that reside there. The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew is a magical place to visit at any time of year, but from the 23rd November until the 2nd January 2017, Christmas at Kew offers visitors the chance to experience Kew after dark, where you’ll find the gardens lit up by a vast array of illuminations created by renowned lighting artists from across Europe. Along the mile long path that sparkles with light, you’ll find botanically inspired installations, alongside fire garden displays, and interactive experiences, which make Christmas at Kew very special indeed. Christmas at Kew also features vintage rides, festive food and drinks, as well as Santa and his elves. Tickets are available in advance; please visit www.kew.org for all the details.
See over for Beth’s Christmas gift ideas...
Autumn and winter unclothe the leaves of deciduous trees, revealing the beauty of the trees’ architecture and displaying their bark and stature. There are around 14,000 trees at Kew, making this a great place to reconnect with nature, and relax in the serene, quiet, refined beauty that’s found at the start of winter. If you or your children are interested in the Jurassic period, you might enjoy visiting the first ever Ginkgo biloba to be grown in Britain, this specimen was planted December 2016
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GARDENING GIFTS
With Beth Otway
Books are wonderful presents. This year my book recommendation is Botanicum from Big Picture Press, a wonderful and truly beautiful book that’s certain to delight the whole family. This autumn, I received a very special gift of a standard holly from some dear friends. I am thrilled with the tree - Ilex ‘Nellie R. Stevens’, a lovely female holly with glossy leaves and orange-red berries, purchased from Squire’s Garden Centre in Milford. Over the past couple of years, I have bought some beautiful hand-made Christmas decorations from Sarah Beevers at the Loseley Christmas Fair. Sarah also makes botanical themed jewellery and pieces inspired by nature, for more information visit www. etsy.com/shop/sarahbeeversdesign I feel such an uplifting, happy sensation when I find the perfect gift. I have been busy testing out products, searching for special gifts for gardeners. Here are my recommendations: Membership of a horticultural society would make a super present. There are many friendly gardening societies who meet regularly across Surrey, where you can learn about gardening and make new friends. If you’re looking for a society near you, or a friend or relation, visit www.surreyhorticulturalfederation.org I love growing Sweet Peas. For many years now I have used Deep Rootrainers, from Haxnicks, to sow my Sweet Pea seeds, with great results. The Rootrainers Racking Station is a super space saver; it holds eight of the Rootrainers seed trays over two levels. The Rootrainers Racking Station lifts the trays up, making the plants easier to tend. If you or a friend would like to make your own Sweet Pea wigwam, why not book onto a course with Nicki from Willow and Yoga. Nicki’s workshop is nestled in a small woodland, near Dorking in Surrey, where Nicki offers courses using a selection of different willows to make traditionally woven baskets, bird feeders, Willow balls, hearts, sculptures, Christmas decorations, wreaths and gifts. Living willow courses are available during February and March. Full day courses include materials, tea, cake, and home-made soup with bread and cheese. Gluten free and vegetarian diets are catered for. If you’re looking for a gift for someone who enjoys traditional crafts, membership of the South of England Hedge Laying Society might be the perfect present. The society holds regular training events in coppicing and hedge laying, with an annual Hedge Laying Competition.
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A wonderful gift at Christmas, or at any time of year, is the gift of garden membership. The recipient of your gift will enjoy unlimited visits during opening times, with many gardens offering other exclusive, member-only benefits. We are fortunate to have so many glorious gardens open to us; it’s important to support gardens and charitable organisations, to ensure we protect these beautiful spaces of historical and horticultural importance, their plant collections, horticultural knowledge and training opportunities, for future generations. Many gardens offer gift membership. You’ll find details of gardens in Surrey, Hampshire and West Sussex offering garden membership on my website. I’ve used hundreds of pairs of secateurs; the only secateurs I recommend are Felco secateurs. Felco offer full servicing for their secateurs, replacing any parts, and posting the secateurs back as good as new a wonderful surprise present! Reusable Velcro plant ties are a great stocking filler, ideal for very young, or older hands that struggle with knots. Christmas is the season of goodwill. Why not volunteer to help in a friend or relation’s garden. Gardening is uplifting; it’s heartwarming to share the experience and the joy. Happy Christmas! FIND OUT MORE For gardening advice for the month ahead, ideas and inspiration for indoor gardening, details and reviews of these gifts, more super ideas for Christmas gifts, and much more besides, visit my website www.pumpkinbeth.com. All images by Beth Otway.
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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD
Christmas Carol Concert Saturday 17th December 8pm Bookham Choral Society’s Christmas Carol Concert will take place at St Nicolas Church, Bookham on Saturday 17th December at 8pm. Tickets are £10 (under 18s are £5) and are available from Cascade. High Street, Bookham, BCS Box Office on 01372 375644 or on bcsboxoffice@gmail.com. There will be plenty of opportunity for audience participation and drinks and mince pies are included in the ticket price. A Vintage New Year’s Party! G Live Saturday 31st December 7pm-1am It’s that time of year again when the panic of planning New Year’s Eve is starting to sink in...You want to have friends over, but the cooking is a hassle; you could go out but where caters for the whole evening? You start to tell everyone you just fancy ‘a quiet one in’, but you know you’re kidding yourself...G live can take care of your whole evening, from welcome drinks, to dinner, to entertainment, to dancing. A Vintage New Year Party is an unmissable evening of classic glamour with a delightful twist. Get your glad rags on as they go back in time and transform G Live into a glamorous, vintage club. You’ll be greeted with a complimentary glass of champagne, treated to a freshly prepared three-course meal courtesy of their in-house chefs and entertained by the fabulous retro girl band the Tootsie Rollers - who are ready to bring vintage bang up to date. After dinner, put on your dancing shoes as their DJ and live band take over the stage. As you approach the New Year, the London fireworks will be streamed live in the auditorium with a delicious survivor’s breakfast to follow. So forget the stress, your New Year is sorted! Book today for a gorgeous, vintage evening that’s a lot more fun than your ordinary, formal gala. Dress code: Black tie or your most glamorous vintage ensemble. Ticket Desk: 01483 369350. G Live, London Road, Guildford GU1 2AA. Petworth’s winter secrets From 3rd January This winter for the first time visitors will be able to see aspects of the mansion in a whole new light as the House and Collections team carry out vital conservation work to the interiors and collection. Over the winter months when the days are darker the team carry out important checks to the interiors of Petworth and follow up on any conservation work in a season of lower natural light. The temperature within the mansion is also kept to a minimum to protect the art collection from any damage from fluctuating heating levels. ‘In a mansion as large as Petworth, deep cleaning often involves using scaffolding to reach the highest corners, or even to just change a light bulb. Some of our statues take on the look of ghosts as we cover them in white sheeting for the winter to protect them from dust. Carpets are rolled away and the fragile and heavy historic curtain drapes are ‘rested‘ by lowering them once a year so that we can inspect for any unwelcome visitors! As you can imagine, there will be plenty for visitors to see,’ said Janet Sinclair, House and Collections Manager. Spotlight on Conservation: Also this winter, in contrast to the grandeur December 2016
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WALK - Two National Trust walks This month we have a couple of short walks. The first takes in panoramic views from Leith Hill tower and the countryside surrounding Leith Hill Place, composer Ralph Vaughan Williamsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; former childhood home. The woods are stunning in autumn as the leaves on the trees change colour. The second takes in the beautiful landscape immortalised in Turnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s paintings at Petworth Park. Both are dog friendly.
Leith Hill woodland walk 1. From either of the Windy Gap car parks, head south using the track adjacent to the cottage, following the orange waymarkers. 2. This track leads you down through the woodland where, in the autumn, you can hear roving flocks of woodland birds including nuthatches, coal tits and treecreepers. The Woodland Trail offers a lovely walk at all times of year with autumn being particularly stunning due to the the turning colours of the trees. 3. At the junction of tracks take the second left through the Lime Avenue, planted as part of the original estate landscape. The path takes you past the walled garden on the right and to the road where you should turn left carefully heading down the road for 55yd (50m) before heading right into the farmland over the stile. 4. Follow straight ahead in front of Leith Hill Place on your right and admire the stunning views across the parkland and southwards over the Weald onto the ridge of the South Downs. Pass through the kissing gate and cross the second field to the gate
just below the pond. Once through the gate you will pass through woodland. Bear right and follow the straight track ahead of you. 5. Follow this track which bends right and heads uphill. Bear right, following the signs which lead you through the rhododendron wood and up through the car park to the road. 6. Turn right from the car park and then left up a couple of steps, being careful when crossing the road. Once across the road follow the path heading left up alongside the sandstone wall. This path will lead you all the way up through woodland to the tower. This fortified folly marks the highest point in south-east England and was built in 1765 by Richard Hull of Leith Hill Place. Crowning the summit of the hill and standing 965ft (317m) above sea level, it has impressive 360 degree views from the top, north to London and south to the English Channel. Amazingly, on a clear day up to 13 counties can be seen. 7. Reward yourself with some light refreshments from the servery whilst enjoying the stunning views of inner London looking north and the English Channel to the south, through Shoreham Gap some 25 miles (40km) away. To learn more about the area, and enjoy the spectacular panoramic view from the top battlements, why not enter the tower. To return to the car park head down from the tower, turning left with your back to the noticeboard following the rail around to the top of the steps. Carefully take the steps back to the car park.
DISTANCE: 2.5 miles OS MAPS: MapLandranger 187; Explorer 146 STARTING POINT: Windy Gap car park, grid ref: TQ139429 34
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WALK SPONSORED BY Leith Hill
Petworth House & Park
Petworth Park... through Turner’s eyes 1. To start the trail turn right as you enter the Pleasure Ground and follow the path through the gate to the park, past the kennels (on your right) and towards Lower Pond. 2. After an early morning sketch Turner would go fishing at Lower Pond. While the 3rd Earl of Egremont was used to this daily routine, it landed him in trouble at Tabley House in Cheshire. When commissioned by Sir John Leicester in 1809 for an oil painting of the lake there, he would often be found fishing mid-morning instead, and when pressed he responded that the sketch had already been completed! The finished painting was bought by the 3rd Earl on the death of Sir John, and can be found in the North Gallery in the House. You will still often find fishermen at Lower Pond where there are healthy pike, tench and carp populations. This modern view of Upper Pond, as seen from Petworth House, inspired Turner (1775-1851) time and time again. Petworth House is home to 20 Turner oil paintings, the largest collection outside of the Tate. 3. From the top end of Lower Pond any of the three paths towards Arbour Hill will lead you to Upper Pond. Follow the path to the right of Upper Pond, and stop shortly after the gate. You should have the two spring-fed Stew Ponds ahead of you and a lumpy grass hill on your right. Look across Upper Pond towards the House to see the scene from Turner’s oil painting entitled ‘Dewy Morning’, one of a set of four exhibited in the White Library in the House - this room is open occasionally to visitors, by kind permission of Lord and Lady Egremont. The paintings took over four years to complete due to Turner testing different subjects and compositions. 4. Walk across Mansion Lawn until you are roughly half way between Upper Pond and the House, and then turn around to look back across the lake - this
was the inspiration for ‘Sunset, Fighting Bucks’, which is currently located in the Carved Room in the House. If you visit in late September or October the deer are often seen rutting very close to the House. 5. Petworth House is home to many more Turner oil paintings - 13 in the North Gallery, four in the Carved Room and two in the Red Room. From Mansion Lawn take the gate to the left of the House through to the Pleasure Grounds. Take a right turn to visit the House or a left turn to return to the visitor centre and car park. Open from 7th January to 10th March 2017 at Petworth House, Turner and the Age of British Watercolour offers a rare opportunity to see a major dimension of British art not normally encountered at Petworth and to consider it alongside their renowned collection of oil paintings and sculpture from the same golden period, 1780-1850. Please look out for the feature in the January issue of VantagePoint.
DISTANCE: 2.5 miles OS MAPS: Explorer 121 STARTING POINT: Petworth House car park, grid ref: SU974224
Neither the publisher nor the author can accept any responsibility for any changes, errors or omissions in this route. Diversion orders can be made and permissions withdrawn at any time.
December 2016
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<33 JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD of the mansion, the Historic Kitchen will be open for the first time for visitors to discover information about the care that goes on behind the scenes for the Petworth collection, cleaning techniques past and present, and on selected dates visitors will be able to see conservation in action with the House Team. The Winter Mansion Tours, led by a knowledgeable guide, highlight aspects of the art collection, will reveal ‘behind the scenes’ secrets, and the work that goes into conserving the mansion and collection of nearly 6,000 treasures. Petworth has been home to the same family for 800 years, and the internationally important art collection includes the finest collection of paintings and sculptures within the care of the National Trust. The tours run from 3rd January to 17th March 2017. Please check the website for timings, www.nationaltrust. org.uk. Workers’ Education Association (WEA) COURSES From January 2017 The WEA begin their Winter to Spring Term Courses from the 9th January with Current & International Affairs, followed by Grand Houses and Stately Homes, Astronomy - The Modern Universe, An Introduction to Dressmaking, First World Civilisation and the British Empire (Accident or Design?). In addition, for Summer Term from the 4th of May Europe’s Royal Families. All courses are of 10 weeks duration with the exception of Astronomy, which is for 7 weeks and are either held in the Barn Hall Bookham or the Leatherhead Institute. For further information contact Joy Tapping on 01306 713355 or visit www.weafetchamandbookham.org. uk or email enquiries@weafetchamandbookham.org.uk. Dorking Walkers Tuesdays and Thursdays from the 10th January 2017 Looking for a New Year’s Resolution? How about walking regularly with a friendly local group. For more details on the walks please contact Ann on 01306 888745 or visit their website: www.surreycommunity.info/dorkingwalkers. Watermill Jazz at Betchworth Park Golf Club Tuesday 10th January 8.30pm-11pm After the Christmas break, Jazz is back with Derek Nash’s Picante - Derek Nash is baritone, tenor/alto and soprano
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sax. Dominic Ashworth on guitar, Neil Angilley on piano, Andy Staples on double bass, Marc Cecil on drums and Robin Jones on percussion. Arrive at 7pm and have a delicious hot buffet before the concert for only £9! Tickets for the concert are £22. Betchworth Park Golf Club, Reigate Road, Dorking RH4 1NZ. For more information visit www.watermilljazz.co.uk. Les Petits Theatre Company Presents The First Hippo on The Moon Tuesday 17th - Thursday 19th January at Glive, Guildford The stage adaptation of David Walliams’ The First Hippo on the Moon will begin a major UK Tour in December 2016. Based on David Walliams’ original children’s book with illustrations by Tony Ross, The First Hippo on the Moon is an explosively funny space adventure, which sees the enormously rich Hercules Waldorf-Franklin III and ingenious Shelia compete to be the first hippo to make it to the moon. Suitable for children aged three and up. Tickets are £15.50, groups of 8 plus £12.00. School groups, 1 free teacher ticket per 10 pupils. For bookings please go to www.glive. co.uk or call 01483 369350 (10am-6pm, Mon-Sat). Simply Scones Cream Teas are back at The Grange, Bookham From January 2017 on Tuesday afternoons 2.15pm3.30pm Simply Scones cream teas are back in the Victorian Conservatory of The Grange Centre for People with Disabilities. They have been closed for building work but are back in January 2017 with delicious (not to mention huge) scones made and served by people they support as part of a mini catering business. To book call 01372 452608, £3.50 per person. The Whips Amateur Theatre Panto ‘Treasure Island’ at West Horsley Village Hall Various dates in January 2017 The Whips are staging the Panto ‘Treasure island ‘ by Bob Heather and Cheryl Barrett. Come along and join in the rollicking fun with Long Joan Silver, Molly Malone, Blind Pew, Ben Gunn and of course the parrot Cap’n Flint. Sing along with the Citizens of Bristol, Pirates and crew and visit the Isle of Fright! The Panto will run from 11th to 14th and 19th to 21st January 2017, with a supper night on 12th January and a charity night in aid of 1st Fetcham Scouts on the 19th January. All productions are at West Horsley Village Hall and tickets can be booked online via the WHIPS website at www. horsleyamdram.org.
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Riding for the Disabled
PROFILE
Horsley and Bookham branch lead it and in many cases “side walkers” who are there to give support where necessary and prevent mishaps.
Horsley and Bookham RDA is a registered charity which provides riding lessons and regular contact with horses to disabled children and adults from a wide area of West Surrey. It’s weekly rides at the Wyvenhoe Equestrian Club in Great Bookham include groups from schools which provide for special needs as well as private individuals. All rides are supervised by a specially qualified instructor supported by a team of volunteer helpers. Riding provides mental stimulus and improves muscle tone, co-ordination and balance for almost anyone but especially for those with disabilities. More importantly it is fun. As well as teaching children to ride, something many of their able bodied contemporaries cannot do, the rides often include games and hacks in the countryside. Grooming, tacking up and generally learning to handle and respect a large animal are also part of the program. The whole experience can give a huge confidence boost to children who cannot take part in other physical activities and who are often quite conscious of their limitations in other areas. Disabilities include learning difficulties, autism, impaired sight and hearing, cerebral palsy and others. If an example of the therapeutic effect is needed one little boy had never spoken before and his very first word was the name of his pony. Needless to say a lot of work has to go on behind the scenes to ensure that everything runs smoothly. Everyone involved is a volunteer including the instructors. Each session has a group leader who recruits helpers, keeps records and generally makes sure that everything runs smoothly. Depending on the ability and experience of the rider up to three helpers may be needed for each pony including someone to December 2016
Helpers do not have to have previous experience with horses but are trained and checked with the Criminal Records Bureau before they can join the team. Most are adults (if possible fit enough to run with a trotting horse!) but some can be as young as 12 years old and teenagers doing charity work as part of a Duke of Edinburgh Award make a valuable contribution. New volunteer helpers are almost always needed. Instructors must of course not only have extensive experience with horses. They must also be trained to teach children with a wide range of physical and mental disabilities and, to ensure that standards are maintained, their knowledge and teaching skills are reassessed every few years. Last but not least the ponies themselves are chosen to be as calm and safe as they can possibly be and are only allowed to carry disabled riders after extensive assessment. Fortunately accidents are very rare indeed but as a precaution every ride is attended by at least one volunteer with a first aid qualification. Not surprisingly all this costs money. Horses need feeding, shoeing, stabling and sometimes veterinary treatment and are notoriously expensive to keep. Occasionally new horses are needed and suitable animals are hard to find and expensive. Tack has to be maintained and replaced and insurance premiums paid. Fundraising is on-going and there is always scope for one or more new volunteers to get involved. Several events are held during the year such as a quiz, a bridge tea and a video race night as well as collections in local high streets, at a local garden centre and occasionally at other venues such as race courses. A good proportion of the money needed also comes from sponsorship and donations by private individuals, charitable trusts, or clubs and associations which support good works.
FIND OUT MORE If you are interested in becoming involved in any capacity or in supporting Horsley and Bookam RDA call Gemma on 01372-458949 or email galexanderwatson@hotmail.com.
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COMPETITIONS
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WIN A DENBIES SURREY HILLS COLLECTION GIFT PACK
Denbies Surrey Hills Collection comprises four of Denbies best-known English still wines, all produced from grapes grown on Denbies 265 acre wine estate in Dorking. From Denbies Classic Collection, bestselling classic Surrey Gold is a fruity and rich white wine with notes of ripe peach and a hint of ginger. Flint Valley white has a lively lime zest nose with a vibrant citrus and mineral palate, whilst Rose Hill rosé offers fresh red fruits and a delicate and off-dry flavour. From the Vineyard Select collection, Ranmore Hill 2014 is a complex and full-bodied white wine with buttery tones, a fresh aromatic palate and long finish. This collection provides an excellent selection of wines to match a variety of savoury, spicy and sweet dishes. For more information, please visit the website at www.denbies.co.uk To win, please answer the following question: Q: How many acres is the Denbies wine estate? Please enter online at www.vantagepointmag.co.uk by 31st December 2016.
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WIN A SILENT POOL GIN AND GLASS GIFT BOX Silent Pool Distillers is based in the Surrey Hills, in an area of outstanding natural beauty. It’s highly skilled team hand-craft an impressive range of gins including Navy Strength, English Rose, a limited-release gin as well as strawberry and blackberry gin cordials, an English rye vodka and Eau de Vies, so you can stock your entire drinks cabinet. They even do the glasses too! Silent Pool Gin is a classic gin at heart. It is full-bodied and fresh, with depth, clarity, and above all else flavour. Produced with 24 unique botanicals, Silent Pool Gin is a rich and clean juniper-driven spirit with floral layers of lavender and chamomile. We have a presentation box to give away containing a bottle of Silent Pool Gin and a wonderful Silent Pool glass worth £55. For stockists please visit www. silentpooldistillers.com. To win, please answer the following question: Q: How many botanicals are there in Silent Pool Gin? Please enter online at www.vantagepointmag.co.uk by 31st December 2016. This competition is only open to readers aged 18 and over. Proof of age may be required.
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