VantagePoint Magazine February 2016 - Dorking & Cranleigh

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Dorking & Villages • February 2016

VANTAGEPOINT Your best view of what’s going on locally

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YOUR LOCAL TEAM I haven’t mentioned Humph for a while and always get told off for not updating readers, so I can confirm that he is very well indeed and much enjoying life. We have twice been to the coast in recent weeks, to Climping near Littlehampton and to Highcliffe near Christchurch. Well, he was in his element. Sand, sea, a tennis ball and other dogs, what else does an 18 month old labrador need, with the exception of food? Much snoring ensued once home.

It is good to see local success. The Guildford Shakespeare Company celebrates its tenth anniversary this year, which is a tremendous achievement for a small community theatre company. They have also just announced that Brian Blessed, who appeared in their production of King Lear last year, is their new Honorary Patron. Great news!

Stefan Reynolds Editor & Publisher

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It is good to see so many events starting to flood into the Jottings in-box. It is a sure sign that local life is returning to normal after Christmas and the New Year, and that the January blues are behind us once again. It won’t be long before spring, let’s just hope there will be a few daffodils left for us to admire.

I have been asked if some of the future walks we feature can be a bit shorter, so from March onwards we will be offering more walks around the 5 mile mark which I hope will suit. We are also busy compiling an online resource which will feature our past walks. If you would like to be able to access and download these walks, please email walks@vantagepublishing.co.uk.

Contact the editor: stefan@vantagepublishing.co.uk

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

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

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

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

February 2016

Contributors: Caroline Boucher, Viv Micklefield, Beth Otway, Kirstie Smillie Print: Buxton Press

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CONTENTS

Rugmart 0315_Layout 1 06/02/2015 14:34 Page 1

The local magazine produced by local people for the local community

15

Rugmart

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"The Place to buy Rugs"

6 Jottings Your local community noticeboard

8 Fashion Fashion at any age

15 Get Golfing Ladies!

The rise of women gathering on the greens

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• Visit our Rug Showroom and be inspired by a Treasure trove of Rugs spread over 4 floors & 7000 sq ft • The Largest Selection Of Handmade, Modern & Contemporary Rugs in the UK

21 New Beginning!

Guildford Shakespeare Company celebrates 10 years

24 Local South Downs Society

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Traditional Rugs

Runners

Contemporary Rugs

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26 Out & About The Cow Parade comes to Surrey

28 Gardening Carnivorous plants

30 Recipes Winter soups

32 Fitness Yoga is for everybody and every age

34 Walks Norbury Park

Underlay provided for all types of flooring

Brighten up your Home this Spring

37 Profile West Horsley Methodist Church

38 Business Cards Small ads for trades and services

40 Competitions Win one of three great prizes

Visit us for a wide choice of Modern & Contemporary Rugs

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

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walk this way Join one of our free and friendly short walks today!

T: 01306 885 001 E: estelle.holmes@molevalley.gov.uk w: www.molevalley.gov.uk/walkforhealth

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February already!

Thank you very much for the comments on the new date order Jottings format. We are delighted to say that our readers are finding them much easier to read and refer to.

The year is now well under way with Valentine’s Day and of course half term approaching and the days are definitely getting longer although the poor confused bulbs in the garden have been up for weeks – let’s hope for a decent spring. Finally, a very happy birthday to all readers born on 29th February!

Horsley Floral Decoration Group The Horsley Floral Decoration Group (affiliated to NAFAS) is a friendly afternoon flower arranging club. They meet at East Horsley Village Hall on the second Tuesday of each month (except August) at 2 pm. They have a varied programme of Demonstrators/Speakers/In-house entertainment, trips, internal competitions (optional), sales table, refreshments, etc. Visitors and new members very welcome (February/AGM members only). Do join them (first visit free) for fun, flowers and friendship. For more details, phone Beryl on 01483 831422 or email bjg317@virginmedia.com.

Squire’s Garden Centres Free Tea! This year Squire’s Garden Centres are celebrating their 80th Anniversary, and to start the celebrations they would like to give everyone a free pot of loose leaf tea (normal price £2 per person) to enjoy in their Café Bar! Readers can go to www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk (from 1st February) to

get the voucher, and then take it into any Squire’s Garden Centre (excluding Chertsey) from Monday 1st February until Friday 12th February.

Dorking Folk Club Wednesday 3rd February 8.30pm and other dates Dorking Folk Club has moved to its new venue at Dorking Golf Club, Deepdene Avenue, Dorking RH5 4BX. February kicks off with a ‘singers’ night’ on Wednesday 3rd, showcasing local, non-professional acoustic performers.

This will be followed by three guest evenings featuring wellknown professional folk and acoustic artists: 10th February, Martyn Wyndham-Read. 17th February, Eddie Walker. 24th February, Allan Taylor. More information and the rest of the club’s spring programme at http://dorkingfolkclub.org.uk.

Dorking Messy Church Each month they enjoy fun fellowship with all the family and finish with Messy Pasta! They start at 3.30pm and at 4pm, explore with 10 activities on a bible theme enjoying time together. After an hour of fun they join in a short celebration and then sit down to share their famous Messy Pasta. Why not make it your New Year’s resolution to go along and join them at the United Reformed Church on West Street on the first Wednesday of every month. (under 12’s need to bring an adult with them to join in the fun). They would love to welcome you there. For further details go to www. dorkingmessy@weebly.com or Twitter @Dorking Messy. www.dorkingurc.org.uk.

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

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

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February 2016

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Fashion at any age Fashion is growing up at last, says Kirstie Smillie.

What’s inspiring about fashion now is that you can really wear whatever you like. Slim, skinny, wide, loose or oversized, in colours that lift your mood and shapes that flatter you. Roll collars may be on trend but I know plenty of women who can’t stand high necks - all too hot. And the wide trouser is a godsend for my pear shape but without height they can often be overpowering on the more petite. Trends come and go and some stay longer than others. Jumpsuits have lasted quite a few seasons and are a favourite of mine to elongate many shapes, whereas fringing on boots, bags and jackets may have a shorter life (unless you idolise Calamity Jane!).

It’s all about choices. Research on-line or in magazines for the garments you need before you go out shopping.

Above: Helen Mirren. Below: Inès de la Fessange Prioritise where you spend your budget on garments that will get the most wear. Simple solutions often mean classic style choices, dotted with fun additions. A mad little whim here or there is great, but the main focus is on lasting quality. This applies if you are buying designer, high street and second hand, just select carefully.

Thankfully, fashion’s age restrictions are becoming blurred too. Women of a certain age are being recognised as stylish in their own right. I love seeing women in their prime (and men) who are still vital and want to make a statement with fashion, and we have some great celebrities paving the way for this new acceptance. Helen Mirren, now an ambassador for L’Oreal and the model and author Inès de La Fressange, 8

with her Uniqlo range, both have classic beautiful styles.

Personally, now sitting past my mid forties, I am loving fashion more than in my thirties. At that point my life was about children, a changing shape, a new career around child care with not enough time to really focus on me. But as I now spend a lot of time researching for clients looking for specific styles, I do see what’s out there on a regular basis.

And our looks will keep changing. My style has changed as I’ve grown up - a bit gothic at art college, sleek and simple studying fashion design, more alternative and creative as a magazine stylist in London, to mainly black as a personal shopper at House of Fraser.

These days, as a personal stylist, I love classic with vintage, and prints are always part of what makes me tick. My shape is curvy, not all in the right places, but I have adjusted to find clothes that move me and fit how I like them. Comfort is hugely important, but I also want to enjoy and be excited by the clothes I wear.

Try not to be persuaded by press images alone just because the model looks amazing - can you carry it off confidently?

To express my love and knowledge of fashion I now write a weekly blog, so if you would like to receive the weekly insights, just subscribe with your email on my website.

And for 2016 I am planning fashion styling courses in Guildford, so please email to signify your interest for Spring dates. Email me at kirstie@kirstiesmillie.com. vantagepointmag.co.uk

FASHION A splash of colour near your face will lift classic colours and your complexion.

Reef print scarf, £18 M&S

Add a few fun additions, fur, waistcoat or funky accessories like eye widening glasses on Linda Rodin for The Kooples (far right).

Waistcoat, £120 Ted Baker

Choose lux fabrics of leather, cashmere and pure cotton shirts, shown here by Vanessa Redgrave (left) and Charlotte Rampling (right).

Leather jacket, £259 Mint Velvet All images found on www.pinterest.com

Kirstie Smillie is a Personal Fashion Stylist. Contact her at kirstie@kirstiesmillie.com, call 07773 234947 or follow her new blog on www.kirstiesmillie.com.

February 2016

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Dorking Museum WWI Home Front Exhibition Throughout February The second in the Museum’s successful series of special exhibitions commemorating the centenary of the Great War with a focus on the Home Front has been extended until Easter.

Dorking 1915 highlights Dorking’s transformation into a garrison town and the impact of the thousands of troops billeted here in Dorking and surrounding villages. It explores the dilemma of patriotism and pacifism – whether or not to serve, and the move towards conscription. It also takes a close look at Dorking’s Quakers, pacifists, and other objectors, and at the suffragette movement and its quest for votes for women. The Museum is open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays 10am to 4pm at 62 West Street, Dorking RH4 1BS. For more details, visit www.dorkingmuseum.org.uk. Enquiries to admin@ dorkingmuseum.org.uk or phone 01306 876591.

La Traviata Thursday 4th February 6.45pm At the Dorking Halls there is a live screening from the Royal Opera House of Verdi’s tragic masterpiece La Traviata, containing some of his finest music. Tickets are £17.50, call 01306 881717.

Watermill Jazz Thursday 4th February 8.30pm There’s jazz every Thursday at the Aviva Social Club. As well

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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as the regular Thursday evening concerts, they also hold monthly jam sessions normally on the first Sunday of every month from 2pm onwards. Entry is free and all musicians welcome. Tickets for jazz nights are £18-£21, call 07415 815784.

Connect Thursdays 4th and 18th February 10.30am to 12 noon A new group ‘Connect’ under the auspices of Churches Together in Effingham and Little Bookham was formed in June. It is for couples, carers and their partners living with dementia and includes couples from Leatherhead, Bookham, Effingham and Horsley. It runs fortnightly on Thursday mornings from 10.30am-12 noon at St Lawrence Church Hall in Effingham and aims to provide support for the carers as well as a wide range of stimulating activities for their partners with dementia. In fact usually everyone joins in and everyone has fun! A splendid team of volunteers have been recruited and each morning starts with coffee and cake for everyone. Mornings may include a walk, a game of dominoes, a musical sing song, puzzles, a quiz, bowls, snooker or New Age Kurling – to name a few of the range of activities. They would welcome more couples in the general area who would like to meet together for mutual support and activities. Next meetings are on Thursday 4th and 18th February. For more information, call Gill on 01372 457987 or Kim on 01372 01932.

Recruiting Hom in your local Recruiting Home Carers Recruiting Home Carers ar

in your local in area your local area Family Film Club at St Martin’s Church East Horsley “Based in West Clandon, Gu Friday 5th February 5pm “Based in West Clandon, Guildford we are a Guildford family runwewe “Based ininWest areare a family ru “Based WestClandon, Clandon, Guildford This take splace in Canterbury Rooms behind the church. business that is committed to providing people with business that is committed to providing people with a family run business that isiscommitted to Pizza at 5pm screening at 5.30pm. Free admission but business that committed friendly & people reliable Carers who genuinely friendly & reliable who genuinely care” donations welcome to cover costs. More info 01483 282038. Carers providing with friendly & reliablecare” Lucinda Kalupka, Nurse & Registered Manager Carers who genuinely care” Recruiting Home Carers Carers w friendly & reliable Dorking Chamber Orchestra Lucinda Kalupka, Nurse & Registered Manager

Saturday 6th February 5pm Lucinda Kalupka,local Nurse & Registered Manager inhour your just an hour a day area to 24 hour support From just an hour a day toFrom 24 support The Dorking Chamber Orchestra, playing at St Nicolas Lucinda Kalupka, Nurse & Registered Church in Great Bookham, has a concert entitled ‘Basically “ Based in West Clandon, Guildford wehour are a family runrates + paid ho Good hourly Rewarding career From just an hour a day to 24 support Good hourly rates + paid holiday Baroque’ and includes music by JS Bach,Rewarding CPE Bach, career business that is committed to providing people with Paid mileage Flexible hours Albinoni, Corelli and Vanhal. JS Bach’s Brandenburg friendly &Paid reliable Carers who genuinely care” mileage Flexible hours • Rewarding career Work in your local commun Comprehensive support Lucinda Kalupka, Nurse & Registered Manager Concerto no.4 is very well known, as is Corelli’s Christmas Work • Flexible hoursin your local community Comprehensive & training Concerto, and the other items will introduce you to further support From just an hour a day tosupport 24 hour support training • Comprehensive & training glories of the baroque period. Tickets are&£12, (£10 over hourly rates + paid holiday Rewarding career 60’s, £7 students, accompanied children free) call 01306 • Goodholiday • Good • hourly rates + paid Paid mileage Flexible hours 877176.

• • • Paid mileage

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• • • • • • • From • just an hour• a day to 24 hou

• Rewarding career Flexible hours • Call us today on 01483 224 985 Call us today on 01483 224 985 support • &Comprehensive training Work in call your local community Comprehensive support For• further information Matthew.

•please Work incall your local community & training For further information• please Matthew.

St Martin’s Church Saturday 6th February 12 noon This month’s lunchtime concert at St Martin’s is given by For further information please call Matthew.

Richard Buck’s brass trio. It’s free; just turn up! Any queries, info@homecountiescarers.co.uk Call us today on 01483 224 call 01306 884229. www.homecountiescarers.co.uk info@homecountiescarers.co.uk

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info@homecountiescarers.co.uk www.homecountiescarers.co.uk Surrey Hills Society www.homecountiescarers.co.uk Sunday 7th February The Society offers a wide ranging programme of exclusive

February 2016

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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. This month on Sunday 7th you can enjoy a winter ramble on the Wey Navigation from Guildford, learning about the once thriving commercial barge trade and exploring some WW2 history.

Then head off towards Shalford and Wonersh to discover more interesting stories about the area. Free guided walk.

There are further walks on Wednesday 10th February, Saturday 13th February and Wednesday 24th February.

Booking is essential to all their events. Further detail and more information on the Society can be found on www. surreyhillssociety.org or 07530 949302.

West Horsley Parish Council Tuesday 9th February West Horsley Parish Council’s monthly Parish Council meeting takes place on Tuesday 9th February 2016 at 8pm at West Horsley Village Hall. Everyone welcome. For more information please see www.westhorsley.info or contact clerk@westhorsley.info.

Dorking University of the 3rd Age Wednesday 10th February at 2.30pm Discover more about Villains, Victims and Investigators at their next monthly meeting. Expert graphologist Adam

Brand will show how handwriting can reveal more than you ever thought possible. Free admission to the Christian Centre, near St Martin’s Church, Dorking; do try and get there early. The U3A welcomes anyone no longer in full-time employment aged over or around 55 and monthly meetings are a splendid chance to find out more. Check their website www.dorkingu3a.co.uk.

Horsley Decorative & Fine Arts Society Wednesday 10th February HDFAS meets at East Horsley Village Hall for lectures at 10.30am (coffee from 9.45am) on the second Wednesday of each month except August and September. The lecture on 10th February will be The Art of Cuisine and the Cuisine of Art! by Ghislaine Howard. Visitors (£5) and new members welcome. For more information and the full programme phone Alma 01372 451015 or visit their website: www. horsleydfas.org.uk.

Dorking Friends of Cancer Research UK Wednesday 10th February 9.30-11.30am Join Dorking Friends of Cancer Research UK at the first event in their 40th anniversary year for a Celebration Coffee Morning at Betchworth Park Golf Club on Wednesday 10th February in support of Cancer Research UK. Join them for coffee and Danish and a raffle with fabulous prizes. There will be local artisan stalls selling handmade gifts and cards.

Our specialist team of private client solicitors can help you with:

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Please contact Joanna Pashley for an appointment on 01306 502959 or j.pashley@downslaw.co.uk 156 High Street • Dorking • Surrey • RH4 1BQ • 01306 880110 • www.downslaw.co.uk

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Tickets are £10. Betchworth Park Golf Club is situated in Reigate Road, Dorking RH4 1NZ. For tickets call 01306 711688 or 01737 842084 or email dfcancerresearchuk@ btinternet.com.

East Horsley Parish Church St Martin’s Friday 12th February 5pm It’s the Family Film Club; arrive for Pizza at 5pm and the film starts at 5.30pm. All welcome. It takes place in the Canterbury Rooms behind the church. Free admission donations, welcome to cover costs. More information at www.easthorsleychurch.org.uk.

RHS Garden Wisley Saturday 13th - Sunday 21st February ‘Secret life of Insects’ during February Half Term. Delve into the world of the butterfly, with guided activities every day.

Get up close to see their intricate wings and plant seeds to grow their favourite flowers. Paint your own butterfly, design a leaf and butterfly hat or create a wiggly caterpillar - free activities vary daily. Book timed tickets to visit Butterflies in the Glasshouse at no extra cost on the website to beat the queues at peak times. Price: Free with normal Garden admission. Activities from 10.30am -12.30pm and 1.30pm - 3.30pm daily. Drop in activities during garden opening hours. RHS Garden Wisley is situated in Woking GU23 6QB. Tel 08452 609000 or email: wisley@rhs.org.uk More information at www.rhs.org.uk/wisley.

Puccini Concert Saturday 13th February 2.30pm There is a screening of a concert given by the great tenor Jonas Kaufmann in Milan last year. Kaufmann sings the music of Puccini, some of the greatest and most deeply emotional music in Italian opera, and also talks about Puccini the man and musician. This concert caused a sensation in Italy at the time and is now being broadcast more widely; it promises to be both informative and enjoyable. Tickets are £16.50, call 01306 881717.

Hatchlands Park Saturday 13th - Sunday 21st February 10am-4pm Explore the parkland during winter with a fun half-term trail. Normal admission applies. The Parkland is open daily, call 01483 222482 or go to www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ hatchlands-park. Hatchlands Park is open daily for park walks, as is the Kitchen café and shop. The house will reopen on Sunday 27th March.

Dorking Scrabble Club Every Thursday at 7.30pm Are you ‘Spellbound’? If so, do you play the spelling game Scrabble? The Dorking Scrabblers are a friendly group and will make you welcome whether you are a beginner or an expert. Play is in the Roy Currie Room in the United Reformed Church, West Street, Dorking. For February 2016

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details ring Priscilla on 01737 767072 or David on 01306 889308.

National Garden Scheme Sunday 14th February If you’re looking for a breath of spring or romantic day out, why not visit Timber Hill in Chobham? This lovely woodland garden will be opening for the National Garden Scheme on Valentine’s Day. Stroll through carpets of snowdrops and crocuses and admire the views through mature trees and scented shrubs. You’ll love the cosy Surrey barn with tables for two (or more!) and Valentine’s Day surprises!

Entrance £4.50 for adults, children free. Children’s activities include a garden quiz and plant/bulb sales. Light lunches and tea/coffee and cake will be available. Please book for lunch if possible by telephoning Nick or Lavinia on 01932 873635/873875. All entrance money will go to the NGS for their charities – Macmillan, Marie Curie, Queens Nursing Institute, Carers Trust, hospice UK and PERENNIAL. Takings for refreshments will go to Valley End Church tower repairs.

For more information visit: www.ngs.org.uk/gardens/finda-garden/Garden.aspx?id=19504.

Half-term with the National Trust Monday 15th - Friday 19th February Half-term is fast approaching and there are lots of activities to get kids outdoors and having fun with the National Trust.

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If you’ve been stuck indoors this winter, then February half-term is the perfect opportunity for the whole family to get outside and make the most of places springing back to life after the colder and wetter months. Take a walk on the wild side, enjoy winter crafts, or try exciting challenges and quiz packed trails indoors and out. Along the way you’ll be able to tick off a few of the ‘50 things to do before you’re 11 ¾’ challenges by flying kites next to lighthouses and in parklands, building hotels for bugs and making wild art. For more information and ideas for great value family days out go to: www.nationaltrust.org.uk.

Rotary Club Bookham-Horsley The Club raised over £3,500 benefiting local charities and those locally in need over the Christmas holiday period, a great effort. The Club’s most significant news of recent months has been the very successful launch of their Satellite Group, for those wanting to engage with and contribute to Rotary but are time-poor and prefer their meetings online. A first project, to overhaul Daniel’s Garden at the Dawnay School in Bookham (in memory to local schoolboy Daniel Strong), has been successfully completed and many other practical initiatives are in the pipeline.

Coming up, there’s a Bridge Night on Friday 19th February and a Gala Music Evening on Friday 8th April. Both evening events are at the Barn Hall, Bookham. The Club welcomes new member interest in either their main section or their

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of emotional support and practical help at home. Practical tal for treatment can sometimes be hard to manage, and rust offers a volunteer who will visit weekly and build up a If you are a car driver with just e, company and time to listen to many of the feelings and

Sadly, many of us are touched by cancer - it can be a family member, a friend or business colleague a four hours each week to spare The Brigitte Trust needs more male and the news can be devastating. female volunteers to make a real difference to the lives of families affected by cancer, MND or any lifeCrawley. Volunteers, who should be car drivers, are a free volunteer The Brigitte Trust offers serviceand of emotional support andemotional practical help at home. threatening condition.

Volunteers are fully trained supported to offer vital support and Prac ocal visits. practical helpdriving, alongside the careand of the medical teams. for treatment can sometimes be hard to manage, a issues like shopping getting to hospital website our volunteers can make a real difference. The Trust offers a volunteer who will visit weekly and build Come and joinwith onepatient of our new introductory volunteer trainers andtovolunteers andfeelings relationship and carer, offering respite,sessions, companymeet andour time to listen many of the find out more. concerns serious illness can bring.

Our next free Sharon training on courses in Dorking and Crawley. Volunteers, who should be car drivers, are Please phone 01306run 881816. www.brigittetrust.org asked for a commitment of four hours weekly to local visits.

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Call Sharon today on 01306 881816 or visit our website

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The fourth hole at Hankley Golf Club

Get golfing ladies!

Once a ‘gentlemen only’ sport, golf is going through something of a revolution as more and more women gather on the greens. Viv Micklefield talks to some of those locally, for whom it’s become a game-changer Maybe you’ve come across ‘Chicks with Stix’ (the field hockey not the knitting version), or perhaps ‘Shoot like a Girl’ (archery being just one of the skills that’s included)? Well now it’s time to take up your clubs for ‘This Girl Golfs’. Inspired by Sport England’s #thisgirlcan campaign, the idea is to break through the stereotypes and show that golf is a game for all, accessible for all and, importantly, within reach of any budget.

While the plaids and Pringle jumpers might prevail on some fairways, even the most traditional of golfers will agree that whether you’re eight or eighty, unlike many other sports, the game’s unique handicap system allows both the experienced and inexperienced player to enjoy a game together.

“There are around 7,000 female players in Surrey,” says Anita Fairley, from the Surrey

Dame Laura Davies at the Surrey Juniors event in November

February 2016

Ladies County Golf Association, based at Sutton Green Golf Club. “But we’re always looking to raise awareness of ladies golf and across the spectrum of abilities.

“A tremendous amount of junior golf is played, particularly in west Surrey. It’s through this that we get most participation and at the top level golfers often come through junior scholarships.”

Having role models in any sport is vital to encourage young talent and, says Anita, the SLCGA is fully aware of this. “One of the sport’s greatest ever golfers, Dame Laura Davies – World Golf Hall of Fame and a Surrey resident, comes every year to our Surrey Juniors event where she gives individual lessons to 10 talented girls. Then there’s 19-year-old Inci Mehmet who is one of our county champions. She came 10th in last year’s World Girl’s Championships held in Canada and has been selected to travel with Great Britain’s 2016 Curtis Cup squad.”

Add to this list Surrey’s Lauren Horsfield who’s currently on the women’s tour, and Martha Lewis who has already represented England at under-16 level and, the future is beginning to look bright.

Starting to play at a young age certainly lit the spark for mum of two Jenny Justice, who admits to having been a fan of golf for over 30 years. “I’ve got pretty good hand, eye coordination and played other sports when I was at school,” says Jenny who goes on to describe how a family holiday in Cornwall first set the ball in motion. “My dad always played golf down there and I thought, what’s all this about? So I started doing roll-up coaching which was very casual and always good fun. After finishing my education I joined a golf club and never left it. I’ve since played for Surrey at county level and currently play off two, my lowest ever handicap.”

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Hindhead Golf Club

And it seems Jenny’s six-year-old daughter Holly is now showing signs of following in her mum’s footsteps. “Surrey has really good sessions for children who want to get into golf. At Hoebridge Golf Centre they have all sorts of different courses, including FootGolf which is really motivating. Many boys learn golf and we should definitely encourage girls to do so too.”

Yet, I hear you say, what happens when we have to start juggling the work-life balance? Is it that easy to find a club that offers the flexibility to fit around busy lives? Facilities are important – we might need somewhere for younger children to be supervised; on course toilets and our own changing rooms are a must; and if it’s not too much to ask for, perhaps a decent cup of coffee too?

“I would certainly give it a go and buy yourself some lessons,” says Jenny. “Although golf can be off-putting to some women because it takes up a chunk of time, you can usually find the time to play a few holes in the evening. I know of quite a lot of the mums at school who do so. And on holiday, just as you might play tennis together as a family, so it’s fun to play golf with everyone; we’ve taken our clubs with us all over the world, including to Africa, Turkey and the United States.”

“

I absolutely love golf because it’s great exercise in beautiful surroundings. It always presents a challenge but most importantly it’s a social sport.

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Erica Pickard admits that she first became interested in golf after getting married. “I thought that it was a sport that my husband and I could play together on weekends. First of all, I took group lessons and from there made friends and practised with others who were starting-out.

When I felt that I was just about good enough I joined a club, got my handicap and started to play in club competitions.”

She continues: “I absolutely love golf because it’s great exercise in beautiful surroundings. It always presents a challenge but most importantly it’s a social sport. Having moved to west Surrey last summer, we immediately joined Hindhead Golf

Club and although we didn’t know anyone there to begin with, have already made some very good friends.”

For those tempted to give golf a go, or who are perhaps returning to the sport after a break, coaching academies often provide an opportunity to sample it (with the equipment usually supplied) before taking out a full club membership. Using hi-tech software the typical headaches for the casual golfer – driving accuracy and escaping consistently from bunkers, can become mastered, enabling you to get ahead of the game when it comes to improving strokes and lowering your score out on the course.

Hindhead Golf Club

Need more motivation?

• Catch some of the local stars of the game tee-off when Hankley Common Golf Club, near Farnham, hosts this year’s Ladies County Championship on 23th and 24th April. Spectators are welcome; www.hankley.co.uk • Get more tips on starting out with #ThisGirlGolfs; watch the video at www.pga.org

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“At Hindhead we have an active Academy Ladies Section where newcomers of all ages can learn to play golf with expert tuition,” says ladies captain Jean Coombes. “I first learned to play golf many years ago and through it I’ve met lovely new friends not only to play a challenging sport with but also to enjoy many a happy hour at the 19th hole.”

Fiona Brown is a member of the Professional Golf Association and a regional development officer for Surrey and West Sussex. “England Golf and the PGA have done a huge amount to encourage more women to participate but this is still work in progress,” observes Fiona.

“Quite a few women like to play the shorter game or perhaps to play on a shorter course.

Like men, they do want to set themselves goals, but these more often than not are about having some more ‘me’ time.” She adds: “And

remember, there aren’t many other sports where you can burn up to 900 calories and, if you want to, you can talk all the way round!”

In fact, if any extra incentive might be needed to walk between five and six miles during a full 18-hole game, then according to research carried out at Sweden’s Karonlinska Institute, the anti-stress relaxation induced can only be good for the heart. This, combined with the social interaction, is capable of increasing life expectancy by up to five years and can, potentially, ward off dementia.

“

And remember, there aren’t many other sports where you can burn up to 900 calories and, if you want to, you can talk all the way round!

While the UK still has some catching-up to do with the rest of Europe when it comes to the percentage of women playing golf (and that goes for other sports too), Fiona remains confident that with the PGA also funding more female coaches, times are changing.

”

And, at whatever level of golf we might one day aspire to play, perhaps it’s worth listening to four times Women’s World Player of the Year, and mum of three, Nancy Lopez who famously said: “Do your best, one shot at a time and then move on. Remember that golf is just a game.”

Viv Micklefield is a freelance writer who contributes to both lifestyle and to sport and fitness magazines: www.vivmicklefield.com Hindhead Golf Club

Take 6 clubs Here’s what some of Surrey’s golf clubs have to offer new players. For a full list of contact details visit the Surrey Ladies County Golf Association at www.slcga.org’ • Hindhead Golf Club: With its Academy offering a chance to sample the game; roll-up play and competition golf is available to members of the ladies’ section. 01428 604458 / www.hindheadgolfclub.co.uk • Hoebridge Golf Centre (Woking): Individual or group lessons with the club pro, no membership required.

FootGolf is also available everyday for adults and juniors. 01483 722611 / www.hoebridgegc.co.uk • Merrist Wood Golf Club (Worplesdon): Temporary membership allows you to book lessons to suit your skills level. 01483 238890 / www.merristwood-golfclub.co.uk • Milford Golf Club: Club pro Simon Bell runs Learn Golf in 4 Weeks; this is available at three levels and costs £39.99, with a free club included. 01483 419200 / www.milfordgolf.co.uk • Pachesham Park Golf Centre (Mole Valley): Golf4Ladies has been running for the past five years. On offer are weekly roll-up sessions, plus courses for beginners and improvers (4x1hr over 4 weeks £40). 01372 843453 / www.pacheshamgolf.co.uk • Sutton Green Golf Club: 40 minutes individual coaching is available for £25. 01483 747898 / www. suttongreengc.co.uk February 2016

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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

recently launched online ‘Community MAD’ group (which requires less in-person involvement). You can meet them for a trial evening or have a telephone discussion. For information visit www.bookhamandhorsley.rotaryweb. org or call Paul Simons, secretary, on 01483 284193.

For their CommunityMAD Satellite Group call Michelle Howes on 07743 430889 and see www.facebook.com/ CommunityMAD. Godalming Operatic Society Tuesday 16th February The society present ‘The Grand Duke’ by Gilbert & Sullivan.

This is one of their lesser known operettas and their final collaboration. Rarely performed, this is a ‘once in decade’ chance to see this particular production and certainly not one for G&S Buffs to miss. GOS are putting on a 10 performance run, starting at Godalming Borough Hall on 16th February and moving to The Leatherhead Theatre on 25th February. Tickets start from £12 (Child, Senior Citizen and Group Booking discounts available) and can obtained by calling the box office on 01252 703376. Tickets are selling fast for all performances, so don’t miss out on your chance to see it performed with a full orchestra, an un-amplified chorus and talented Principal cast, not to mention lavish costumes and set! Find out more about Godalming Operatic Society at www.godalmingoperatic. org.uk.

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Age UK’s Call in Time Programme This is a national telephone befriending service. 800 friendship calls are made every week by corporate volunteers to lonely and isolated older people. Each volunteer makes just one 20-30 minute call a week, which changes the lives of the elderly by reducing isolation and loneliness, building and improving their confidence, mental and physical well-being, and allowing them to remain independent in their own homes for longer. By sponsoring their staff to fund this activity, Godalming based Watco, who are the UK’s leading manufacturer of industrial strength flooring products, will be helping to improve the lives of a vulnerable sector of the community. Starting in January, a minimum of ten Watco staff will take part in this initiative, with training provided by Age UK, who will pair staff up with suitable elderly partners based on shared interests. Many of the staff already spend a great deal of time on the phone as part of their day to day roles, so this telephone befriending service will integrate easily into their working day.

Scrub Bash at Mickelham Gallops Wednesday 17th February 10am The National Trust ranger team at Box Hill will be holding their annual Scrub Bash at Mickelham Gallops. This is a great opportunity for people to come together and contribute to the vital conservation work on the gallops. Jobs are available for all, from chopping down trees to brewing tea.

Tools are provided, but please bring your own lunch and wear suitable clothing. For more information email david. benjamins@nationaltrust.org.uk Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice Unwanted Christmas Gifts Were you given a DVD which you aren’t too keen on, or a book you’ve already read? Perhaps that snowman jumper isn’t quite to your taste, or you’ve already got quite enough bubble bath. Phyllis Tuckwell is appealing for anyone who has been given an unwanted Christmas gift to donate it to one of their shops, where it can be sold to raise money to help fund Hospice Care. Unwanted books, DVDs, toiletries, clothing and accessories are always welcome, as are donations of larger furniture items, which the charity can sell at its Home and Furniture shops. If you would like to donate any unwanted items, please take them to your local Phyllis Tuckwell shop between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Saturday. Items left outside the charity’s shops when they are closed often get damaged and cannot be sold, instead incurring the charity costs to take them to the local tip, so please make your visit during opening hours. If you have any larger items which you would like the charity to collect, text STOCK to 70500 or call 01252 710679.

Phyllis Tuckwell would also like to say a big thank you to all those who donated items to its shops during 2015.

As the NHS/Government only covers 20% of its costs, it has to raise over £15,000 a day to be able to offer all its

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“It was a true eye-opener to see the difference we’re making together in taking away the fear of cancer. My legacy gift will be a way to protect my children, grandchildren, and even their children.” Patricia, legacy event attendee, pictured.

It is a great opportunity to meet the inspiring people behind our work – from like-minded supporters to our dedicated volunteers and even one of the brilliant scientists who make it all possible.

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Brian Blessed in King Lear by Steve Porter

New beginning!

In the 400th year after William Shakespeare passed away, Guildford’s own Shakespeare company will be celebrating its tenth anniversary of producing home-grown theatre.

The award-winning Guildford Shakespeare Company (GSC) has been re-igniting peoples’ passion for live theatre and Shakespeare since 2006. Over the last 10 years, some 62,000 people have seen GSC’s 27 home-grown, theatre productions, three of which have been original adaptations. Founded by two actors, Sarah Gobran and Matt Pinches, the company has always maintained a strong ethos of ensuring the audience is the centre of the theatre experience.

According to Sarah: “Live theatre has the power to bring communities together, not only to experience great performances, but also for participants to share each other’s stories, lives and thoughts. When that collective experience is made locally and staged in fabulous, unusual non-theatre venues, at the heart of our communities, an added layer of pride is infused, which further promotes continued engagement.”

The co-founders have never lost sight of their original vision for the company to stage dynamic and inspiring productions that are accessible to the widest possible audience.

As a site-responsive theatre company, GSC’s use of found spaces, local landmarks, heritage sites and vacant buildings has helped to develop and nurture community interest in these sites, both culturally and economically.

“Our activity in these amazing spaces invites individuals to be more explorative of their town whilst encouraging pride in their community.

February 2016

GSC’s presence also supports improvements to venues through continued, varied use, helping to sustain our cultural heritage” added Sarah.

In the last 12 months alone, GSC has staged 140 live performances and created 87 jobs for artists; has staged King Lear with the mighty Brian Blessed; commissioned three original adaptations (The Canterbury Tales, The Wind in the Willow, Alice in Wonderland); and has attracted thousands of new visitors to venues such as St Mary’s Church, Watts Gallery, Guildford Museum, and the Castle Keep. 2015 was the company’s busiest and most popular year to date.

This milestone year has been given the theme of ‘New Beginnings”. Matt explains why: “2016 carries a dual purpose for us; a chance to reflect as well as consider our future goals.

We have come a long way in 10 years and this year is about celebrating just that. There have been so many highlights along the way and we have been blessed to have worked with so many wonderfully talented and generous people, so this year is about acknowledging and enjoying that journey. The opportunity for reflection is also the perfect time to consider the future and where we want to go next with GSC. We want GSC to be one of the most recognised theatre companies in the South East, whose creative output is a reputable standard for artistic excellence. So a theme of ‘New Beginnings’ felt very apt, and the plays and events we have chosen for this year we hope reflect that feeling.”

Never wanting to sit on their laurels, Matt and Sarah have planned an exhaustive programme for 2016, which sees the company return to some of the most popular venues and play titles, whilst introducing new ones.

The company will open its 2016 programme at the newly restored Holy Trinity Church on Guildford High Street in

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February, with Shakespeare’s great late play The Winter’s Tale.

A beautiful and captivating fable, The Winter’s Tale covers 16 years and takes the audience from dark tragedy to new hope, and features one of the most truly magical moments in theatre, and possibly the most famous of stage directions: “Exit pursued by a bear”.

When Leontes, King of Sicilia, accuses his wife of being unfaithful with his childhood friend, the King of Bohemia, he sets in motion a chain of terrible events that destroys everything he holds dear. It is only the tender actions of an old man, and the redemptive power of Time, which afford any hope that all may not be completely lost.

GSC’s production, directed and designed by GSC-stalwarts Caroline Devlin and Neil Irish, will take audiences from the power and majesty of Victorian England to the vibrancy and colour of India, on an enchanting journey of rediscovery and redemption.

In April, the company will be staging its annual ‘Birthday Bash’ to celebrate Shakespeare’s birthday, given extra poignancy this year as the playwright also passed away on his birthday in 1616. The Bash will include a staged reading of Cymbeline, a special talk on Shakespeare’s Will delivered in the presence of the Cobbe Portrait at Hatchlands Park National Trust, whilst the company’s ever-popular Sonnet Walk Weekend will take to the streets for the fifth time.

For the annual open-air double bill in June and July, GSC is going back to its roots using the first venue they performed in with the first play produced. “We really wanted to mark our 10 years by returning to where it all began, and by using the Castle Gardens and producing Much Ado About Nothing. It was an obvious choice” said Sarah.

“However we still want to give our audiences something new, so the riotous roller-coaster farce The Comedy of Errors will be staged at the Castle, whilst Much Ado will take up residency at the beautiful Brabouef Manor Gardens at the University of Law. Much Ado will also be our 30th production.”

Following the open-air season, July and August will see an exhibition of the company at Guildford House Gallery with costumes, props, posters, photographs and films on display, charting the company’s story to date.

A big part of 2016 is about looking to the future and throughout 2016 the company will be running a major fundraising campaign to invest in their own combined-use operating base.

Matt explains the details behind this: “Our ultimate goal is to promote Guildford as a desired theatre destination and for GSC to become a model of performance and production excellence, recognised within our industry”.

Integral to accomplishing this will be the establishing of a permanent home for the company; an ‘artistic foundry’ that has rehearsal and performance spaces, workshops, offices and stores. We envisage this building, and its work, will be part of the fabric of the town, a place where current artists want to work, and where we can inspire the artists of the future.”

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Top: Wind in the Willows. Above left: Alice in Wonderland. Above right: King Lear. All by Steve Porter

The company, a registered charity, has never run a major fundraising campaign before, and nor has it received any core funding or local government subsidy. The centrepiece of the campaign will be a 146 mile sponsored walk which will see Matt follow in the (hypothetical) footsteps of Shakespeare from Stratford-uponAvon to Shakespeare’s Globe. It is planned to have the walk filmed to create a documentary for use by the company’s expanding education department.

The Autumn season will seek to continue the new writing vein the company richly tapped into in 2015 with The Wind in the Willows and Alice in Wonderland with a production of Grimms’ Fairy Tales. The 10th Anniversary Year will come to a close at a special gala event in December.

In February last year Brian Blessed described the company as “a beacon for the Arts”. 2016 will be about celebrating GSC’s achievements since 2006 whilst laying vital foundations to ensure that audiences continue to receive visceral, stimulating and, above all, unique theatre experiences.

FIND OUT MORE

More details about The Winter’s Tale and the rest of GSC’s 2016 10th anniversary programme are on the website. The Winter’s Tale runs for 3 weeks and has 23 performances: 8th-27th February. Tickets start from £18 and are available online or by callvantagepointmag.co.uk

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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

services, free of charge, to its patients and their families, and the money raised through selling these items is hugely important. To find out more about Phyllis Tuckwell’s local shops please visit www.pth.org.uk.

Vintage Jive Every Thursday 8pm to 10pm Here’s a chance to learn original Jive. They teach authentic 50’s rock and roll and American 40s / 50s style. (Not Lindy Hop or modern jive). Lessons are on Thursdays 8pm-10pm at Forty Foot Hall (Mencap), Forty Foot Road, Leatherhead KT22 8RS. Learn to the music of the era. Lessons, practice time and free tea and coffee, all welcome. The cost is only £6 on the door, no course fees to pay upfront. For more information call 07854 621522 or email vintagejive@ hotmail.co.uk.

Dorking Decorative and Fine Arts Society Thursday 18th February DDFA are holding a ‘Lectures with Lunch’ day in Mickleham Village Hall. The topic is Making and Understanding Medieval Imagery, with examples from local Churches. The lecturer is Roger Rosewell, and he’ll be concentrating on why medieval people filled their churches with spectacular stained glass windows, and painted the walls with decorative and figurative imagery. This will be a fascinating talk on our cultural history, with reference to local buildings. Tickets are £25 including lunch. If you would be interested in going along, phone Sue Bax on 01306 742301.

Heath String Quartet at Dorking Halls Sunday 21st February 3pm The concert season seems a little quieter than usual in February; however there is still some good music to be enjoyed. There is the first of a series of three concerts by the Heath string quartet, one of the most exciting young string quartets around who have performed widely throughout the UK and Europe to great acclaim. Performing at Dorking Halls, Their series features all three string quartets of Tchaikovsky and this concert begins with his first quartet. We know Tchaikovsky better for his orchestral music and his ballets, but his three string quartets are fine works and this is an excellent opportunity to hear all three of them. This first concert also features quartets by Mozart and Beethoven.

The remaining two concerts will follow in March. Tickets are £20, call 01306 740619.

East Horsley Parish Church St. Martin’s Sunday 21st February 6pm ‘Spiritual Cinema’ is an opportunity to come together to watch a film, and then over a light supper, discuss what meaning it has on our lives. Films will range from recently released movies, to classics. All welcome. Takes place in the Canterbury Rooms behind the church. Details from Renos on 01483 283713. www.easthorsleychurch.org.uk.

February 2016

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The Horsley & Clandon Society of Arts Wednesday 24th February 8pm The Society has arranged a demonstration by the esteemed and popular artist, Paul Simmons in The East Horsley Village Hall. The title of the demonstration is ‘A Cafe scene in Oils’.

Guests are always welcome at £4. Refreshments are available and there is ample parking. Members do not have to be painters - they all share an interest in the various elements of art. However, if you do paint, you would no doubt enjoy their meetings with talks/demonstrations. They meet on the fourth Wednesday of every month at 8pm in the East Horsley Village Hall. For further information about the Society, contact the secretary, Mrs Robyn Cormack on 01483 224063.

Horsley Garden Society Wednesday 24th February 8pm Mr Geoff Peach will be giving a talk at the West Horsley Village Hall on “Moving and Starting again”. Visitors welcome. Horsley Garden Society holds flower and produce shows, meetings, lectures and visits that bring together those with an interest in gardening. In their three shows members compete for awards and trophies with their flowers, fruit and vegetables, homecrafts and handicrafts.

Anyone interested in membership at the modest cost of £5 per annum should contact the Chairman, Roger Lindsay, email r.lindsay339@btinternet.com or the membership secretary, Terry Lazenby, email terrylazenby@terrylazenby. plus.com.

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LOCAL South Downs Society The society exists to ensure this beautiful countryside, also a valued haven for wildlife, can be peacefully enjoyed by all. Previously known as the Sussex Downsmen, they have been conserving the landscape for over 90 years and have ambitious plans to do even more in the future. They are an entirely independent charity, not funded by the Government, and so the interest of their members is their priority, which is retaining the beauty of the Downs.

Based in Pulborough, every year they organise over 200 walks, strolls and bike rides in both Hampshire and Sussex as well as events, talks and focused workshops so do consider joining the South Downs Society.

The South Downs Society is the National Park Society for the South Downs, the only charity dedicated to protecting the whole of the National Park and its heritage.

They are guardians of this landscape; from Winchester and the steep hanger country of Hampshire, embracing the heaths of the Western Weald, across Sussex to Beachy Head.

At only £23 for the year as an individual or £32 for a couple, membership bought for yourself, or as a gift, will help to ensure the work of the Society continues and the Downs are protected for generations to come.

Why not consider a life membership option at £230 for one person or £320 for two? They have a growing local discount scheme for their members and the quarterly Society journal keeps all members up to date with South Downs issues and news.

Independent and member led, they were founded in 1923 as a response to a threat of housing development which would have stretched across the cliff tops of the famous Seven Sisters. They are as passionate today, as were their founders, that the South Downs should be available for the enjoyment of all as well as future generations.

Why not join them on one of their taster walks or strolls?

Shaped by nature and man over thousands of years, the National Park is a source of inspiration, recreation and relaxation for millions of people. However, the pressures faced by our countryside are greater than ever. Creeping urbanisation, road building, housing demand, mineral extractions and climate change all put a strain on land and threaten to ruin the beauty of our landscapes.

Thursday 25th February 10am-1pm: 6.75 miles Meet at public CP next to the Red Lion, Chalton PO8 0BG 120 / SU731160. Ditcham Park-Coulters Dean-Head Down Plantation-Newbarn Hanger. Pub: Red Lion at end.

The prime concern of the South Downs Society is the protection of the unique landscape and the cultural heritage of the South Downs National Park.

• They fight campaigns against inappropriate development and fund conservation projects • They take an active role in safeguarding and improving the rights of way network and extending areas of open access land across the National Park • They encourage the public to learn more about the National Park • As the National Park Society they watch over the activities of the National Park Authority as a challenging friend including suggesting things they might do to enhance the National Park.

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Saturday 20th February 10am-12.45pm: 6 miles Meet at Kidmore Lane CP, Denmead 119 / SU659121 Circular walk from Denmead via Hambledon and Wayfarers’ Walk. Can be muddy. Some stiles and one short, but steep hill (will be taken slowly). Tea room and pub at end.

Saturday 12th March 11am-1pm: Up to 4 miles Limited on-road parking along Westgate near Bushop Luffa School, Chichester PO19 3HR 120 / SU848047 Easy access stroll - Centurian Way. Return trip following the disused Chichester towards Lavant railway. Tarmac surface provides relatively easy and interesting walk into the countryside suitable for all including wheelchair and pushchair users, families and less mobile people. Distance dependent on needs of strollers.

Thursday 7th April 9.30am-4pm: 16 miles Meet at Cheesefoot Head CP 119 / SU529278 Hampage Farm, Itchen Stoke, Ovington, Tichbourne, Cheriton (Pub – The Flowerpots) Lane End, Longwood House.

FIND OUT MORE

Please visit www.southdownssociety.org.uk or call them on 01798 875073. vantagepointmag.co.uk

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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

The Young Whips Friday 26th and Saturday 27th February 7pm The next production from the Whips, the West Horsley amateur dramatic group will be staged by The Young Whips who are a group of 14-15 year olds. They are doing 2 short plays ‘The Nightly News’ by Gerald P. Murphy and ‘Frankenstein’s Last Chance ‘ by Geoff Bamber They will be shown at 2 supper evenings at the West Horsley Village Hall. Tickets are available from www.horsleyamdram. ticketsource.co.uk. Coming up, on 17th -19th March The Whippets (7-12 yr olds) are staging Peter Pan, also at West Horsley Village Hall. The next Whips production will run from 21st to 23rd April and is the ever popular ’Absurd Person Singular’ by Alan Aykbourn. Watch out for further details of these last 2 productions in the next VantagePoint.

Nomad Theatre East Horsley Saturday 27th 7.30pm Sunday 28th February 2.30pm The Nomads present ‘You’re the Top’ - a tribute to Cole Porter with Andrew D Brewis. Enjoy an evening of wit and sophistication featuring the music and lyrics of one of the world’s best loved songwriters. Songs including Night and Day, I Get a Kick out of You and Let’s Do It are accompanied by an insight into what made this genius tick. Tickets are adults £12, children/students £10. Go to www.ticketsource. co.uk/nomadtheatre. Coming up, the Nomads are putting on Hayfever by Noel Coward and it will run from Tuesday 22nd to Saturday 26th March. It is one of Cowards funniest plays and will undoubtedly be a fun evening out. Tickets are available now from the above website.

Banff Mountain Film Festival Thursday 3rd March Wednesday 6th April The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour will be returning to Dorking, with the Tour being held at Dorking Halls. The Festival is an amazing opportunity for audiences to be part of a fantastic event screening a selection of the best films from the global mountain and sports community, as well as great prize giveaways. Each film features incredible characters and stories; they work as fantastic editorials and also have incredible accompanying photographs. Have a look at the link to give you a taste of what it’s all about. www.dropbox.com/ sh/e1ekw3pfg17bwfk/AABum3C7aLPpo9InJEkkTyIfa?dl=0.

You can order tickets at www.Banff-uk.com.

Women’s World Day of Prayer Friday 4th March 11am This is a day led by the women of Cuba. All are welcome to the service in Crossways Community Baptist Church, Junction Road, Dorking. If you’re interested in hearing more about Cuba there is a slide show and talk at 10.30am on Monday 15th February at the Christian Centre, Dorking.

Wey & Arun Canal Sunday 6th March Special cruises will be running on the Wey & Arun Canal, February 2016

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Loxwood on Mothering Sunday. A ‘Coffee & Danish Pastry Cruise’ will depart at 11am and Cream Tea Cruises will depart at 2.30pm and 4.30pm. Black tie service will enhance the relaxing treat for Mums! The trips take 1½ hours. Tickets cost £14 for adults and £10 for children and must be booked in advance. The boat departs from the wharf beside the Onslow Arms on the B2133 in Loxwood and travels along the decorated canal and through a restored lock. If you would like to book seats on one of the Mothering Sunday or Easter cruises (more about those next month) call The Wey & Arun Canal Trust Office on 01403 752403 or email office@weyandarun.co.uk. You can find out more at www.weyandarun.co.uk.

David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation Here is a good news story. Supporters of this Shalford based wildlife charity have played a key part in conservation first by helping to fund the rescue, rehabilitation and release of a rare Amur (also known as Siberian) tiger that has now become a mother. Orphaned in 2012, the then 5-month old tigress named Zolushka (Russian for Cinderella) was found malnourished and with severe frostbite. Her chances of survival looked slim. With as few as 450 Amur tigers left in the wild, every tiger is vital to the continuation of this subspecies, the largest of all the big cats. The David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation has a long history of supporting Amur tigers and was part of an international coalition that worked to bring the species back from the brink of extinction in the

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OUT & ABOUT CowParade is coming to Surrey!

CowParade Leader Tim Metson comments: “Cow Parade provides a unique opportunity to raise awareness of the Surrey Hills and in particular farming. My family have been farming at Coverwood Farm in Ewhurst since the 1950s, and we have seen many changes. Cow Parade coming to the Surrey Hills allows us to shine a light on what an important role farmers play as custodians of the landscape”.

Have you ‘herd’ about CowParade? The world’s largest public art event is coming to Surrey from May to August 2016. The idea of CowParade is that individuals, companies and schools sponsor a life-size cow and either decorate it themselves or bring in an artist to do it. The cows will then be displayed around Surrey from May to August before being herded to the inaugural Surrey Hills Food, Drink and Music Festival on 3rd September at Coverwood Farm in Ewhurst, where they will be auctioned off for charity. Those judged to be extra special will be auctioned at a glittering ceremony held at a unique London location later in the year. In a novel move, while the models are being decorated and moved around, their location can be tracked via a specially-created app.

CowParade Surrey was officially launched by leading National Hunt jockeys Richard Johnson and Sam Twiston-Davies at Sandown Park in November 2015. The jockeys unveiled the Surrey Hills Cow, a chrome painted cow, named ‘Mirror Moo’. The concept behind the chrome cow, painted by metal work specialists Spray Chrome UK, is that it reflects the landscape of the Surrey Hills.

CowParade was born in Switzerland in 1998 and has been staged in more than 80 cities and towns worldwide. Over the years 3,000 cows have been decorated by more than 5,000 artists. CowParade New York had 450 cows and was seen worldwide by 45 million people.

The highest-grossing cow was created by designer John Rocha for CowParade Dublin in 2003. It was studded with thousands of pieces of Waterford Crystal and was auctioned for $146,000 – quite a lot of ‘moo-lah’ indeed!

Cow Sponsors We are currently on the lookout for Cow sponsors to sponsor a life-size cow and either decorate it themselves, or bring in an artist to do it. Organisations can choose their own charity and the auction proceeds will be split between that and the Surrey Hills Trust Fund, a charity established to conserve and protect the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, leaving a legacy for generations to come.

CowParade Project Manager Carol Hornsby-Smith comments: “CowParade 2016 will give sponsors the chance to connect with millions of people. It offers a huge, unique PR and marketing opportunity that should generate even international interest. Various levels of sponsorship are available from a single cow to a whole herd. The trick is to create a cow that will raise lots of money at auction”.

The initiative has already secured offers of support from key players including the National Trust, schools and Surrey businesses such as Sandown Park Racecourse.

Artists The aim is to fill Surrey with bold, interesting, well executed cows throughout the summer before being auctioned in September for charity. This provides a great opportunity for local artists to promote their work and contribute to their local community. Artists may submit up to five designs. If you are a local artist and are interested in participating in this project, please complete the online form at www.cowparadesurreyhills.com/artists.

Internationally renowned artist Alexander Creswell is patron of CowParade Surrey Hills. He comments: “CowParade is a brilliant platform for generating creativity and for bringing together businesses, schools and individuals across Surrey, it will also be a huge amount of fun! Together we will be creating a massive art installation with the potential to raise lots of money for good causes and for the Surrey Hills Trust Fund in particular.”

FIND OUT MORE

Left: A display of some of the undecorated cows. Right: Richard Johnson and Sam Twiston-Davies at the launch at Sandown Park in November.

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For more information on how to take part call the CowParade Surrey Hills team on 01483 661150 or visit the website at www.cowparadesurreyhills.com. vantagepointmag.co.uk

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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

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1990s when numbers crashed to around 100. Today, they continue to fund key tiger conservation projects in Russia, India and Thailand to protect wild tigers. You can find out more and donate at www.davidshepherd.org or www. tigertime.info.

Dorking University of the 3rd Age Sunday 13th March from 3-5pm.

The University celebrates its 25th anniversary this year and will celebrate the actual day when it started 25 years ago with a grand afternoon tea and celebration cake at Denbies.

Tickets and more details from Judy: judyyates@btinternet. com . The U3A welcomes anyone no longer in full-time employment aged over or around 55 and is dedicated to lifelong learning. Their motto is ‘Learn, Laugh, Live!’ Check their website: www.dorkingu3a.co.uk.

Denbies Wine Estate, Dorking - Cancer Research UK Legacy Event Tuesday 15th March This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about Cancer Research UK’s most recent breakthroughs, meet the inspiring people behind the work, from like-minded supporters to dedicated volunteers and perhaps even one of the brilliant scientists who make it all possible. Hear about the amazing progress that has been made with the help of the vital support of gifts in wills, and how you can help write an end to cancer.

The event also includes a complimentary wine tour where guests can view the winery and sample one of Denbies own wines. Numbers are limited so to secure your place, contact Kerensa Haxby, South East Legacy Manager on 01273 204110 or Kerensa.haxby@cancer.org.uk.

Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity Spring Ball Saturday 19th March Why not celebrate in the new year by booking yourselves a special and unique night out at the Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity Spring Ball on the 19th March. By booking a ticket for this fun filled night you will be guaranteed a great evening and helping a worthy charity at the same time. Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity supports babies and children with Cerebral Palsy and receives no statutory funding. As our special guest you will enjoy a drinks reception followed by a delicious three course meal and musical entertainment by top band, Fever, singing sensations, the Swingtime Sweethearts. Plus win amazing prizes at the raffle and auction. All in the beautiful surrounds of the Felbridge Hotel and Spa in East Grinstead. Tickets are selling now so don’t miss out. £75 per person - to book your ticket simply go to www.dvlcc.org.uk or contact Catherine Bristow at the Trust office on 01403 780444 or email Catherine.bristow@dvlcc.org.uk.

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GARDENING

With Beth Otway

Carnivorous plants wheelchairs, allowing all visitors close up views of the rare plants and wildlife that find sanctuary at this precious place.

If you would like to grow your own carnivorous plants, consider hardy varieties of Sarracenia that can be grown outside without protection. Always select the hardiest varieties, such as Sarracenia purpurea subs. purpurea.

There’s something quite thrilling about carnivorous plants. Ever since I spotted a Venus Fly Trap at a nursery as a young child, I have found carnivorous plants to be intriguing.

The excitement of watching a Venus Fly Trap snapping shut its trap has never ceased to fascinate me.

Carnivorous plants have evolved from growing in peat bogs. The peat is formed from sphagnum moss and, as a consequence, the plants require specially formulated compost, which will vary depending on which genus of carnivorous plant is grown. Peat is an environmentally precious resource which is formed very slowly at a rate of just 1mm a year in ideal conditions. I am passionate about protecting and saving peat bogs and the flora and fauna that depend on these threatened areas for their survival.

If you would like to see carnivorous plants growing in their native environment, you should visit Thursley Common National Nature Reserve in Surrey, where from June you can see our native species of Drosera, more commonly known as sundews.

You’ll find lots more fascinating plants at Thursley, where you can also spot lizards, dragonflies, butterflies, birds and many of other interesting and beautiful wildlife. It is a super place to visit and at its best from May to September. Thursley Common has a specially constructed wooden boardwalk, which extends 3/4 mile over the wetter areas of the reserve. It offers access for all, even

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February to April is the ideal time to plant Sarracenia, which grows best in a position where they will receive the maximum light. Sarracenia, like all carnivorous plants, should be grown in specially mixed compost. Sarracenia require acidic conditions, so avoid adding any lime containing materials at planting time and whilst caring for your plants. Use only rainwater to water your carnivorous plants and don’t add water to the trumpets of your Sarracenia, the plant will do this naturally by itself. Keep your plants dryer over wintertime to avoid rotting.

Sarracenia grow well in containers.

They are not deep-rooted plants so a shallow trough style of container is ideal. Don’t choose a larger container than you need, as these are slow growing plants which do not require a deep container or an excess of compost. Horticultural grit can be used to provide extra drainage or to fill out the base of your container if it’s deeper than required.

Horsham Stone and Reclamation sell attractive reclaimed antique troughs, which would suit this style of planting (www.horshamstone.co.uk).

Carnivorous plants grow best planted as a group with other carnivorous plants, so avoid any temptation to mix more invasive plants into your display, as this would be detrimental to your carnivorous plants.

Hampshire Carnivorous Plants (www.hantsflytrap.com), based in Horton Heath in Hampshire, have been growing carnivorous plants for over thirty-five years. Specialist growers of Sarracenia, Drosera, Dionaea (also known as Venus Fly Traps), they can supply you with everything you need to grow these exciting plants, from books, compost, to the plants themselves. Purchasing from a specialist grower provides the opportunity to select top quality plants and receive advice from an expert grower.

Images from top left: Venus Fly Trap. Above: Sarracenia. Both by Beth Otway.

Left: Oblong-leaved Sundew Drosera intermedia.

FIND OUT MORE

For tips and advice of other lovely tasks you could do now, either in your garden or at your allotment, and much more besides, please visit my website www.pumpkinbeth.com. vantagepointmag.co.uk

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Winter soups by Caroline Boucher Soups are wonderful and so easy to make. All those featured below can be made in no time at all and cost very little. It pays to shop around for your ingredients. A butternut squash that cost just ÂŁ1 at the market was priced at more than twice that in the supermarket. Some of the best soups are made by using leftovers from the fridge or whatever is on offer at your greengrocer, in the market or reduced in price in the supermarket. Cheap, nourishing and unbeatable!

Spiced Butternut Squash Ingredients

1 tbsp vegetable oil, 1 onion, ďŹ nely chopped, 1 garlic clove, chopped, a lump of fresh ginger, grated, 1 red chilli, deseeded and ďŹ nely chopped, 1 tsp medium curry powder, approx 1 kg butternut squash, peeled, deseeded and chopped into chunks, 2 lemongrass stalks, 400g coconut milk, 700 ml vegetable stock, 2 tsp orange juice. Serves 4.

Method

Heat the oil in a large pan and cook the onion, garlic, ginger and chilli until soft. Stir in the curry powder and butternut squash. Bash the lemongrass stalks and add. Cover with lid and simmer for ten minutes, then add coconut milk and vegetable stock, bring to the boil and simmer until the squash is cooked through. Remove the lemongrass and blend in food processor. Add the orange juice and serve.

Pea and Ham Ingredients

1 tbsp vegetable oil, 1 medium onion, diced, 1 litre of stock (chicken, vegetable or a cube), 1 large potato, peeled and diced, 500g frozen peas, 300g thick, cooked ham, cut into chunks.

Serves 4.

Method

Warm the oil in a deep saucepan. Add the onion and cook until translucent. Add potato and coat with oil. Add stock, bring to the boil and cook until the potato is tender. Add peas and bring back to the boil. Remove from the heat and blend. Return to saucepan add the ham, bring to simmering point and serve.

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vantagepointmag.co.uk

RECIPES Winter Vegetable Ingredients

1 large tbsp vegetable oil, 1 leek, trimmed and diced, 1 onion, chopped, 1 celery stalk, chopped, 1 small potato, peeled and diced, 1 carrot, diced, 2 garlic cloves crushed, 1.5 litres stock - chicken or vegetable or a cube, 200g spinach, shredded, handful of chives, chopped finely.

Serves 4.

Method

Heat oil in the pan, add leek and cook until softened. Add onion, celery, potato, carrot and garlic, and cook for about ten minutes. Warm the stock, add it to the pan and bring to the boil and simmer for 25 minutes. Add spinach and cook until it wilts. Add chives and serve.

Soup hints and tips • Keep a bag of frozen mixed vegetables in the freezer. Quickly cook these in stock, blend them, add cream, season and serve.

• Keep vegetable trimmings including broccoli stalks, cauliflower leaves and stalk, celery leaves etc as these can all be used for soup.

• Adding courgettes makes a soup really creamy without the need for cream, perfect for dieters.

French Onion Ingredients

40g butter, 1 tbs sunflower oil, 1 kg onions, sliced finely, 2 tsp caster sugar, 30g plain flour, 1.5 litres vegetable, chicken or beef stock or cube, large handful strongly flavoured cheddar cheese, grated.

Serves 4 Method

Melt the butter and oil in a pan, add the sugar and slowly cook the onions until they are caramelised and brown (around 20 minutes). Add flour and stir constantly to prevent sticking. Warm the stock and add it slowly. Bring to the boil and simmer for 20 minutes. Pour into bowls, sprinkle cheese on top and serve while piping hot.

February 2016

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FITNESS Yoga is for everybody and every age Yoga is a wonderful way to reduce stress and anxiety, improve flexibility and balance and increase energy levels. As a yoga teacher, comments I often hear include: “I can’t do yoga because I’m not flexible enough” or “I’m too old” or “I am totally unfit”!

On the contrary, yoga can be performed at any age and with any level of fitness or flexibility. I started practising yoga 25 years ago whilst living in Los Angeles. I was feeling frazzled despite many hours working out at the gym and so decided to give yoga a try. I turned up for my first class to be greeted by the most vivacious and beautiful yoga teacher, who also happened to be 86! She maintained that the secret to her youthfulness was in practising a few gentle yoga exercises every day.

As the population ages, yoga classes across the UK are catering more and more for the changing needs and abilities of the more senior yoga practitioners.

Classes tend to be more gentle, whilst still giving the numerous benefits of a more vigorous class.

For some groups, classes are performed sitting in a chair or maybe using a chair for support in standing or balancing postures. Yoga acknowledges that everybody is different and so everyone is encouraged to work within their own limits and comfort levels. Yoga is not necessarily about twisting and turning your body into complicated positions but instead gently easing your body into postures that allow your muscles to relax and lengthen. Focusing on the breath as we practise yoga lets us relax into the poses and achieve a calming effect on the body and mind.

In addition, recent studies have shown yoga to be beneficial in improving memory and balance, aiding symptoms of some arthritic conditions, lowering blood pressure and generally increasing feelings of well being - plenty of reasons to give yoga a try!

A class would normally last 60 minutes and would include a variety of postures focusing on breathing, balance, strength and flexibility. Classes generally finish with a period of complete relaxation which is a lovely way to feel calm and at ease.

Classes are held at a variety of venues including community centres, village halls and health clubs.

Some teachers are able to offer private classes in the comfort of your own home which can also work well if 3 or 4 friends would like to have private lessons together. Just as everybody is different, so every teacher is different so if the shoe doesn’t fit do persevere. You will find a class and teacher that understands and caters for your needs.

If you would like to find out more about gentle yoga classes in the area, then please call Angela on 01428 685813 or email angela@capelthompson.co.uk or contact your local health club or community centre who may well run classes. Many teachers have websites so it may be a case of searching online for teachers in your area. It may also be worth checking local notice boards or health food shops who often advertise classes.

Some of the research findings: “Yoga has potential utility as a complementary and alternative therapy for chronic diseases and can help older adults to maintain their health.“ Eda (2014), Journal of Clinical Research & Bioethics “The results of this pilot study provide promising evidence that group Yoga classes can reduce pain and stiffness among seniors with arthritis.”

Hansen (2010), International Journal of Yoga Therapy “Preliminary evidence suggests yoga may help sedentary individuals with arthritis safely increase physical activity and improve physical and physiological health”.

Bartlett(2015), The Journal of Rheumatology

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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

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unmissable evening! The awards will be taking social media by storm this year to spread the word about the amazing achievements of Mole Valley’s young people. They can be followed via Facebook: www.facebook.com/youthvoice .

wonderful organisation so please read on. Every March, thousands of people take to the streets to collect donations for Marie Curie’s Great Daffodil Appeal. Marie Curie is calling for more volunteers to help them in 2016 by signing up to collect at one of the 100 collections across Surrey. Most shifts are for 2 hours and it’s a great thing to do with a friend or family member as most places allow two people to collect at a time, dogs are also welcome! The money raised will go to Marie Curie’s Nursing Service, providing hands on care and emotional support to people with any terminal illness in the comfort and privacy of their own homes. Marie Curie provides this care free of charge, allowing people to spend their final days at home surrounded by the people and things they love the most. It comes at a cost of £20 per hour to the charity. If you can help with collections please get in touch with Emily Akeroyd on 01883 832642, email emily. akeroyd@mariecurie.org.uk or visit www.mariecurie.org. uk/daffodil.

Leith Hill Musical Festival Spring 2016 marks the end of an era at Leith Hill Musical Festival as Festival Conductor Brian Kay conducts his final concerts in his 21st year at the community choral series held annually at Dorking Halls. Says Brian “It’s never easy to find the right moment to hand over to someone else, but I am delighted that such an old friend and distinguished musician as Jonathan Willcocks will take my place. Looking at the programme we’ve selected for this year, it should be clear that I intend to go out with a bang - bring it on!” The music for 2016, as always, covers a wide variety of periods and styles. The annual March concert, which includes singers who do not belong to Festival Choirs, is Bach’s St John Passion. Vaughan Williams, the Festival’s founding conductor is there of course, in his ravishingly beautiful Serenade to Music in heady combination with Haydn’s last and finest setting of the Mass. There is also music by Schubert, Purcell and Verdi. You can book via the LHMF box office: Download a booking form for full details at www. lhmf.org.uk. Email: boxoffice@lhmf.org.uk or phone 01403 240093. You can also book via the Dorking Halls, www. dorkinghalls.org.uk, or call 01306 881717. Tickets are £9 -

Youth Showcase Awards Friday 18th March This year’s awards, organised by Mole Valley District Council and Youth Voice (Mole Valley’s Youth Council), are on 18th March. The event will be celebrating the outstanding achievements of Mole Valley’s young people as well as witnessing some young local talented performers. With over 70 nominations received for entry, it promises to be an

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WALK - Norbury Park Allow about two hours for this undulating and at times hilly walk. The walk follows public footpaths and bridleways which cross private land, so please respect people’s privacy.

The walk Leave the station car park by steps then turn left up road. Cross road at railway bridge and take footpath on right alongside the railway. Go through gate to enter the Norbury Park Estate and continue ahead with fence on right to reach footbridge across the River Mole.The London, Brighton and South Coast Railway Company opened the Dorking to Leatherhead line in 1867 and Boxhill and Westhumble Station has been popular with walkers throughout the years. Notice the corkscrew brickwork that was used to build the arches of the railway bridge to the right of the footbridge.

Cross the footbridge, go along path and through kissing gate into field. Continue ahead for 50m then bear left across field toward kissing gate in front of cottage. Go through gate and bear right to follow track to junction near a farmyard. Turn left and follow surfaced track to bridge over the River Mole.

The River Mole flows north-westwards through Surrey to join the River Thames opposite Hampton Court

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Palace in London. There is a wide range of wildlife along this stretch of the Mole and you may catch a glimpse or a heron of kingfisher.

Continue along track towards Lodge Farm. Before the farm buildings turn left then right to follow track between fences, keeping buildings on right, to reach gate at picnic site. Pass through gate and continue ahead, crossing gate to reach track. Bear right and follow track to reach T-Junction. The area in front of you is a long-established arboretum, which contains some majestic Cedar of Lebanon.

Turn left and, ignoring track on right, take steep track up hill with trees on left. Proceed to top of slope to reach fence on left. For an excellent view of Box Hill, the North Downs and the Mole Gap, take track on left to the viewpoint, then return.

Continue ahead with fence on left, past gates to reach surfaced drive. Turn left along track to pass Norbury Park House on left. Norbury Park is situated on the north side of Mickleham and it is believed to have existed since before the Domesday survey.

William Lock bought Norbury in 1774 and had the mansion built in the crest of the hill commanding beautiful scenery. The mansion was added to in 1820. Norbury Park estate was the first open space to be purchased by Surrey County Council in 1930.

It is managed by Surrey Wildlife Trust Countryside Services Ltd and has an area designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Particular features of the estate are the very old yew trees.

Continue ahead along drive to junction. Bear left, still with fence on left passing Norbury Park Sawmill on your right and follow surfaced drive for 1km to junction with track at bend. Bear right along track to reach road at parking area. (For a shorter walk turn left down Crabtree Lane to return to Box Hill and Westhumble Station.)

Turn right along road for 200m to stile on left.

Cross stile and bear left across field, crossing stile into wood. Follow path to cattle barrier. Cross barrier and continue ahead down field edge, with fence on left, through gateway to road. Turn left and walk along verge to reach track on right. Cross road and follow track with ruined building on left. vantagepointmag.co.uk

WALK SPONSORED BY

The ruins are the Wets wall and gable and part of the east wall of Westhumble Chapel. The small, rectangular chapel was built of flint in the late 12th or 13th century for the use of the villagers of West Humble, but was desecrated some 3 centuries later. The remains were handed over to the care of the National Trust in 1937 and the chapel is now a scheduled Ancient monument.

After 120m go through small gate on left and follow path between fences through gate to road. Turn right and follow road to junction, then bear right along Adlers Lane. Go straight ahead at crossroads, then after 80m turn left along narrow path with house called Milton on right and continue ahead to reach road. Turn right and follow the path parallel to road. When the path rejoins the road there is an archway to the left.

of a group of French monarchists who were living in Mickleham having fled from the French Revolution.

Later the Locks leased them a small plot of land on the Norbury Park estate and the couple decided to build a permanent house. Fanny’s third novel, ‘Camilla’ brought in enough money to pay for the building which was called ‘Camilla Cottage’.

Next to the archway is Westhumble’s present chapel, dedicated to St Michael. It is now a short walk back to the car park.

The archway was built in 1923 over Camilla Drive and has a plaque on it commemorating the novelist Fanny Burney. She was a family friend of the Locks and spent many days at their home, Norbury Park House, drinking in “the contentment which Norbury Park seems to have gathered from all corners of the world”. In 1793 Fanny married General Alexandre d’Arblay at nearby Mickleham church. He was one

DISTANCE: 4.5 miles OS MAPS: Explorer 146 Dorking, Box Hill & Reigate STARTING POINT: Box Hill & Westhumble railway station, Westhumble Street (off the A24).

REFRESHMENTS: Stepping Stones Public House, Westhumble St, Westhumble. T: 01306 889932 www.steppingstonesdorking.com Image: Chapel Lane, Westhumble © Copyright Colin Smith

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.

February 2016

35

JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

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£22. Three and four concert season tickets are available via the LHMF Box Office only.

Ride London-Surrey 100 Sunday 31st July Oakleaf Enterprise is a great Guildford-based mental health charity and has a limited number of charity places called Golden Bonds for this special event. The 100 mile route offers a perfect, traffic-free ride for a range of cycling abilities. Everyone can enjoy a challenging day in the saddle pedalling through the roads of London and Surrey. There is a minimum fundraising target of £600 + Gift Aid for a Golden Bond. Oakleaf will also offer tips and support in your training and fundraising, an invitation to ‘Super Supper’ where you will meet other participants and enjoy a delicious meal, a personalised Oakleaf cycling vest and support on the day! Register your interest at: www.oakleaf-enterprise.org/ridelondon.

For more information, email deeptiparmar@oakleafenterprise.org or call 01483 303649.

The Unattached Group (T-U-G) T-U-G is a Guildford based group of 70-80 single people between 49-69 years who enjoy times together including a weekly pub meet and chat night, one lunchtime pub meet a month, regular meals, theatre trips, walks,

quizzes, etc. They also have bridge, opera and book clubs. Events are currently being planned forsSpring and the early summer months. New members would be most welcome and information can be obtained at www. theunattachedgroup.co.uk or Maggie on 07855 008897.

GUTS Motor Tour 2016 Sunday 4th September Advance notice of this year’s GUTS Motor Tour which raises money for Guildford Undetected Tumour Screening at the Royal Surrey County Hospital. Last year over 50 veteran, vintage and classic cars travelled in blazing sunshine from Passfield to the Weald & Downland Museum for a picnic lunch via Cowdray Park. They raised over £3,000 for the charity and everyone had a brilliant day. If you have a classic car and would like to take part in a most convivial day, please email gutsmotortour@ gmail.com to receive further details.

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Visit www.vantagepointmag.co.uk to see Jottings from our other areas online. To send in an entry, go online or email us at jottings@vantagepublishing.co.uk.

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PROFILE West Horsley Methodist Church coffee, luncheons are served and enjoyed by many local residents and are seen as a way of outreach into the community.

The Wesley Room has a variety of users including the local care scheme called ‘Wheel of Care’ which runs a Scrabble Club and Film Club. Other users are community groups like U3A who meet for music rehearsals and lectures.

The acoustics of the chapel are excellent and an annual ‘Songs of Praise’ evening is usually held in the spring and ‘Carol Praise’ at the beginning of Advent. They are very popular events.

This small chapel is in the heart of West Horsley village next to the Village Hall. All its members past and present have fond memories of it. In April this year it will celebrate its 140th birthday.

A brief history of the church The church was built in 1876 and opened on 28th June. It is one of the Guildford Circuit of Methodist churches but in years past it was in the Cobham circuit and also Woking. Services have been held every Sunday since, despite the fluctuating membership and regular worshippers varying in number. Over the years it has been modernised.

Changes have inevitably been made, from the original oil lamps to now having full central heating. Thankfully several problems have been addressed and the building is now bright and comfortable and fit for present day needs. There was a separate, rather gloomy, wooden room at the back, which was thankfully demolished in 2008, being replaced by a link room and a very attractive hall, which is now called the Wesley Room.

At the same time solar panels were fitted on the roof bringing the building up to modern standards.

The church is a member of the Churches Together in Horsley and Ockham so takes part in an annual Unity service, an open- air service outside Horsley shops on Good Friday and joins in ecumenical discussion groups during Lent.

The future The present congregation looks forward to continuing the example of the past members of church in worshipping God and carrying out His message of serving, evangelising and caring for the world and its people.

A warm welcome awaits any visitor.

Nowadays The church has never lost sight of its purpose. It is definitely a place of worship and many find its simplicity helpful for prayer.

The present minister in charge is Rev’d Claire Hargreaves, but in true Methodist tradition local preachers also take services.

This leads to a variety of styles of worship which is appreciated by its members.

There is a Bible Study held fortnightly on a Monday afternoon.

Other activities include a regular coffee morning held in the Wesley Room every Thursday from 10.30am-12 noon, when the church is open for prayer. Occasionally, following the Thursday February 2016

FIND OUT MORE

For more information on services and other activities go to www.westhorsleymethodistchurch.org.uk

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WIN TWO TICKETS TO SEE JAY RAYNER’S ‘A NIGHT OF FOOD AND AGONY’ A Night Of Food and Agony is a new show from restaurant critic Jay Rayner.

Coming to The Rose Theatre in Kingston on 23rd February, the show combines Jay’s flair for storytelling and acerbic wit with his hidden talent as a jazz musician.

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