VantagePoint March 17 - Dorking & Leatherhead

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Dorking & Leatherhead • March 2017

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|| YOUR LOCAL TEAM We have a focus on travel this month, something we all love to think about while we grimly endure the British winter. The travel market has changed with the advent of the internet and it is now very easy to find and book holidays without leaving your sofa. That is fine if you know what you want or are happy with an off-the-shelf package, but for those of us who prefer to do something a bit different or who want additional extras, you are better off talking to a specialist travel company.

Many people like the idea of certain trips, like river cruises or a luxury tour to India, but are unsure if the reality of the holiday will actually suit them. This again is where it is important to speak to someone in the

March 2017

know and find the exact package that will work for you or get a tailor-made trip made up for you to take in your requirements and wishes.

Stefan Reynolds Editor & Publisher

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COMMUNITY WWW.VANTAGEPOINTMAG.CO.UK

This is why we have teamed up with Travel Dream, an independent travel company based in Bramley, near Guildford and organised a travel fair on Saturday 1st April at the Wilfrid Noyce Centre in Godalming.

Running from 1pm to 4pm, we will have eleven tour operators there, with whom you can discuss options and opportunities and take advantage of some of the special offers they will have available. Please see page 9 for more information. We hope to see some of you there!

Contact the editor: stefan@vantagepublishing.co.uk

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

Lauren Broughton, Sales 01483 661088 / 07852 041227 lauren@vantagepublishing.co.uk

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

Jesse Boon, Sales 01483 418141 / 07542 710508 jesse@vantagepublishing.co.uk

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Contributors: Andy Church, Olivia Chapman, Beth Otway Print: Buxton Press

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|| CONTENTS The local magazine produced by local people for the local community

RUGMART Surrey’s Biggest Rug Shop www.rugmart.co.uk

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6 Jottings

Your local community noticeboard

9 The Joy of Travel

Our first Travel Fair

14 First-Time Cruising Why, what, where and how?

19 Local

St Catherine’s Hospice

Visit us for a huge range of Modern, Contemporary & Bespoke rugs

28 Gardening

Slugs and snails

30 Recipes

The versatile potato

34 Walk

A walk from Blackheath

36 Profile

PSDS

37 Business Cards

Hand Woven Oriental Rugs Traditional & Antique Rugs Large and Over Size Rugs Persian & Afghan Rugs Handmade Tribal Kilims Hall Runners & Hearth Rugs

Small ads for trades and services

39 Competitions

Win one of three great prizes

Come and visit our showroom: 2-3 Woodbridge Road, Guildford GU1 4PU Be inspired by our treasure trove of rugs over 4 floors and 7000 sq ft!

01483 578874 4

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VANTAGEPOINT YOUR B E S T V I E W OF W H AT ’S G OI N G ON L OC AL LY

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

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|| JOTTINGS YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

JOTTINGS

Jottings is your community noticeboard for local events and information, compiled by Jane Gosden. To feature here, please email us at jottings@vantagepublishing.co.uk by the copy date shown below. Please note that space is limited and inclusion cannot be guaranteed.

March is one of my favourite months - spring is officially here, with the arrival of primroses and daffodils. The clocks go forward (Sunday 26th March), so the evenings become lighter and we celebrate Mother’s Day. A good excuse to spoil our mothers for the day. If you are stuck for ideas, we have a several suggestions for you in this month’s Jottings…

pleased to talk to visitors about their hobby, so pop along for a break from the shopping, enjoy watching the trains and have a cup of tea or coffee and some cake. Admission is £4 for adults and free for children up to 12. Please note that Gauge 1 engines are hot, heavy and expensive so children can only be admitted in the company of an adult and must be supervised at all times.

Dorking Scrabble Club Every Wednesday at 7.30pm For a friendly game of Scrabble, pop along to The Roy Currie Room, United Reformed Church, West Street, Dorking. You will be welcomed whether you are a beginner or an expert.

For more details, ring Priscilla 01737 767072 or David 01306 889308.

Workers’ Education Association (WEA) Courses Various dates throughout the year The WEA have courses running on International Affairs, followed by Grand Houses and Stately Homes, Astronomy - The Modern Universe, An Introduction to Dressmaking, First World Civilisation and the British Empire (Accident or Design?). In addition, for the Summer Term from the 4th May, Europe’s Royal Families. All courses are of 10 weeks duration with the exception of Astronomy, which is for 7 weeks and are either held in the Barn Hall, Bookham or the Leatherhead Institute. For further information contact Joy Tapping on 01306 713355, www. weafetchamandbookham.org.uk or email enquiries@ weafetchamandbookham.org.uk.

Vintage Jive Lessons at North Leatherhead Community Centre Every Thursday Learn to Jive to the music of the era, authentic 40s and 50s style. Everyone is welcome for these fun and friendly lessons. There is also a bar available. Held at North Leatherhead Community Centre, Kingston Road, Leatherhead KT22 7NX. The lessons are £7 per person, payable weekly. For more information please call 07854 621522.

Gauge 1 Model Railway Exhibition Saturday 4th March 10 am-5pm The exhibition of Gauge 1 model railways is at the United Reformed Church Hall, West Street, Dorking last November was such a success that the Surrey Gauge 1 group is repeating it. Gauge 1 model trains are at a scale of 10 mm to the foot, which is more than twice the size of 00 gauge.

Engines are mostly live steam, fired by alcohol or butane gas while some are battery powered. They will be only too

A Talk on Heitor Villa-Lobos: a rapid impression of the whole of Brazil Saturday 4th March 2.30pm A talk with musical extracts by Simon Wright, one of the leading experts on the life and work of Villa-Lobos (Brazil’s greatest composer), organised by the Friends of Surrey Performing Arts Library (FOSPAL). The venue is Denbies Winery, Dorking RH5 6AA. Tickets are free from the FOSPAL Ticket Secretary: 01372 453638 or from the Library.

Walking in Dorking – historic guided walks Group bookings throughout March Take a trip into Dorking’s history with a guided walk of the

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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD town to see hidden Dorking. Your knowledgeable Museum guide will reveal the forces, events and personalities that have shaped the town and its architecture and reveal the secrets that lie behind the streets of modern Dorking. Hear about the medieval town, the markets, the churches, the inns, the great estates and the ancient cottages. Discover the people who have built the town’s reputation – Charles Dickens, William Mullins, Thomas Cubitt, Ralph Vaughan Williams, Laurence Olivier and more. Tours last 90 minutes.

Group tours can be arranged by appointment, £3 per person.

Email admin@dorkingmuseum.org.uk or visit www. dorkingmuseum.org.uk/guided-walks-around-dorking.

Music at Dorking Halls From Sunday 5th March On 5th March The Dorking Concertgoers present the second concert by the Piatti string quartet. Their series of three concerts is featuring all the quartets of Brahms, and in this concert it is the turn of quartet no.2, a light and graceful work.

Also on the programme are a short piece by Webern, Britten’s three divertimenti and an early Haydn quartet. The final concert of the series will follow in April. Tickets are £20 available by calling 01306 740619. On the 12th March the Leith Hill Musical Festival has its first concert this month under its new conductor Jonathan Willcocks - a performance of Bach’s great choral masterpiece, the St Matthew Passion. Held at Dorking Halls.

Tickets from £9 - £15. For bookings please call 01403 240093.

On the 18th March LHMF Youth Choirs Competition, in which some thirty school choirs and other young singers perform and

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compete - a veritable feast of young talent. The main festival competitions and concerts will follow in April. On the 19th and 30th March there will be two live Ballet Screenings: Live from the Bolshoi in Moscow comes a programme of contemporary ballet. And from the Royal Opera House in London comes a live relay of Puccini’s Madame Butterfly, a tragic story of love and self-sacrifice in an exotic Japanese setting. Tickets are £17.50 available by calling 01306 881717.

Dorking Local History Group Monday 6th March 7.30pm This group meet on the first Monday of every month at the Crossways Community Church, Junction Road, Dorking at 7.30pm. Their next speaker on 6th March will be local historian Susannah Horne whose recently published book, “Medieval Dorking’ is the topic of this month’s talk. All are welcome. It’s £2 on the door or an annual membership fee of £8. Please contact John Patterson on 01306 888401 for more information.

Voluntary Action South West Surrey Voluntary Action South West Surrey is a local support and development organisation working with the voluntary sector to provide advice, support and information.

Volunteering not only helps the charities, organisations and community groups who depend on volunteers but it also greatly benefits the person giving their time. The benefits of giving your time as a volunteer can include making new friends, gaining work experience, challenging

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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

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yourself, learning new skills, sharing your existing skills with others and becoming more involved with your local community. If you would like to find out more about what volunteer roles are available and how you can get involved, you can contact their volunteer centres on 01483 565456 or 01252 725961 or email guildfordvc@vasws.org.uk.

in gardening - from beginners to experts. New members and visitors are always welcome. Anyone interested in membership at the modest cost of £5 per annum should contact the Chairman, Roger Lindsay via email: r.lindsay339@ btinternet.com or the Membership Secretary, Terry Lazenby via email: terrylazenby@terrylazenby.plus.com.

Horsley Decorate and Fine Arts Society Horsley DFAS in East Horsley Village Hall, Kingston Avenue, KT24 6QT at 10.30 (coffee available 9.45 - 10.15). Visitors (£5) and new members welcome. For more information and the full programme phone 01372 451015 or visit their website: www.horsleydfas.org.uk

The National Vegetable Society Surrey District Association Meeting Thursday 9th March 8pm They are looking forward to welcoming Award Winning Vegetable Grower Sherie Plumb, who will be joining them for an interesting and informative talk entitled ‘A Year in Our Garden’. If you’d like to go to this meeting, you would be very welcome indeed, they are a small and friendly group. The talk is £3 for Visitors, Affiliated Society members pay £1, and there’s no charge for NVS members. At each of their meetings they hold a raffle, enjoy delicious homemade cake, tea and coffee. There is also a plant and produce sale. For more information on the National Vegetable Society Surrey District Association’s Talks, Meetings, Visits and Events please contact the Secretary, Beth Otway - beth@otway.com 01483 420989.

All meetings are held in the Main Hall of East Horsley Village Hall, Kingston Avenue, East Horsley, Leatherhead, KT24 6QT.

Dorking Walkers From Tuesday 7th March How about walking regularly with a friendly local group every Tuesday and Thursday? On the 7th and 9th March they will be at Wotton. 14th and 16th Abinger Downs. 21st and 23rd Box Hill. 28th and 30th Norbury Park with pub lunch.

For more details on the walks please contact Ann on 01306 888745 or visit their website: www.surreycommunity.info/ dorkingwalkers.

Horsley Garden Society Horsley Garden Society and its predecessors have encouraged the gardeners of the Horsleys and surrounding villages since 1924. They hold flower and produce shows, meetings, lectures and visits to bring together those with an interest

Trustee Volunteer Required for The Leatherhead Community Association The Leatherhead Community Association (LCA) has been serving local residents for the past 40 years, providing

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The Joy of Travel

SATURDAY 1ST APRIL | 1PM TO 4PM | WILFRID NOYCE CENTRE, GODALMING

Most of us love to travel, so come along to our new travel fair in Godalming, where experts will share their personal knowledge of destinations around the world, together with a series of free workshops to help you plan your next holiday.

Travelling is a very personal experience and quite rightly you expect not only to get the best service for your money, but also to enjoy exploring exciting new places and meeting interesting people. Of course, you can put your trust in travel providers online or pop in to discuss your travel plans with a travel agent, but you need to be assured that not only are you being given sound advice â&#x20AC;&#x201C; you are also being advised by experts who have first-hand experience of traveling to the destinations you have in mind.

Award-winning independent travel specialist Travel Dream is based in Bramley near Guildford. Owners Jo Wishart and Pam Jackman have over 60 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; experience in the travel industry between them and know just how important it is to not only provide local knowledge of your destinations, but also to be able to discuss these with you in person to ensure that your aspirations are understood and matched in full.

With that in mind Jo and Pam, together with the VantagePoint Travel Club, have created their first travel fair in the Wilfrid Noyce Centre, Godalming on Saturday 1st April.

March 2017

Eleven travel companies will be exhibiting at the free event, enabling you to meet experts providing travel services to a wide range of destinations worldwide. Invited speakers from four well-known UK-based travel companies will also host workshops on the day.

As an added bonus, the travel experts will have special travel fair deals and discounts that will be publicised on the day and will be available for a limited time through Travel Dream after the event.

You will also enjoy a complimentary drink on arrival to the sounds of a live steel band, and could win something special in the travel fair prize draw!

So - what to expect? The event opens at 1pm and runs until 4pm. The following travel companies have experts running the free workshops.

1.30pm - Kirker Kirker Holidays are independent tour operators specialising exclusively in city and short breaks to Europe and North America. They have operated since 1986 and are renowned for providing a very personal tailor-made service which includes using only hotels they have visited and selected, arranging private transfers and tours, and running these to your own personal and well-researched itinerary.

To advertise, please call 01483 420173

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2pm - Africa & Beyond Formed in 2007 by husband and wife team Richard Russell and Charlotte Howell, Africa & Beyond are an independent owner-run tour operator specialising in Africa, the Indian Ocean Islands and the Middle East. Influenced by his father who ran tour operations to Africa for 40 years, Richard specialises in arranging tailor-made safaris in East, Central and Southern Africa.

you already know where you want to go and what you want to do when you get there. Travel Dream are a fully-bonded independent travel agency giving you peace of mind with your bookings, and with their experience of working closely with specialist operators, including those you will meet on the day, you will be assured of the very best advice.

3pm - Insight Vacations Describing the service they offer as ‘the art of touring in style’ you can expect something special from Insight Vacations. They have been providing escorted touring itineraries to worldwide destinations for over 35 years, and are specialists in Europe where they visit 43 countries. They only use hand-picked hotels and expert tour directors to ensure the very best personal experience.

We look forward to welcoming you to The Travel Fair at The Wilfrid Noyce Centre on Saturday 1st April between 1pm and 4pm. The centre is located right next to Godalming’s main car park at Crown Court, The Burys, Godalming GU7 3PU.

3.30pm - Cox & Kings Describing themselves as ‘the world’s longest established travel company’ Cox & Kings, who have been established for over 250 years, not surprisingly have a lot of experience in providing holidays across all continents. They offer small group tours and private tailor-made holidays, and specialise in luxury holidays which range from the lavish to the adventurous, incorporating short breaks and round-the-world discoveries.

We launched the VantagePoint Travel Club last year to provide our readers with the opportunity to benefit from exclusive travel offers. As a community magazine, we are focused on providing news and information locally relevant in five separate editions for our readers across Dorking and Leatherhead, Godalming and Cranleigh, Farnham, Haslemere Midhurst and Guildford.

These and other travel specialists will also be exhibiting at the event, including Lusso, Caribtours, ITC, Tauck, Star Clippers, Prestige and a hotel representation company.

Our Travel Club brings together local independent travel specialists who can provide you with expert advice – and we will be highlighting our exclusive reader offers in association with these partners. We are initially working with Travel Dream and Go Cruise, your local cruise specialist based in Cranleigh.

Travel Dream’s owners Jo and Pam will be on hand at the travel fair to provide you with personal help, guiding you on everything from expert advice on how you could best plan your holiday if you still haven’t made up your mind, or in helping build an itinerary to your travel budget if 10

To advertise, please call 01483 420173

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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

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educational, social and recreational facilities. It is run predominantly by enthusiastic volunteers, guided by a board of Trustees. In order to keep up the good work they require additional Trustees with an interest in the community but especially, in the near future, a Joint Treasurer to replace the current Trustee, who has filled this post diligently for a number of years. He or she would work with their existing Joint Treasurer/Company Secretary, who has a wide knowledge of charity finance and would give lots of support. A financial background and being able to work on the excellent Excel worksheets that record our accounts would be an advantage.

The work of a Trustee carries responsibility but is not too onerous and is highly rewarding. For further information please make contact with their Chairman by email to Mrs June Robinson at LCAchairman@btconnect.com.

RHS Wisley Various dates from 12th March World of Alpines is on 12th March, 10am -4pm: See displays of flowering alpines and bulbs. Meet the experts and pick up expert advice. Plus browse and buy from fantastic range of alpine plants. The Orchid Society of Great Britain Spring Show is on 18th March, 11am-4pm: Discover fabulous displays of orchids, learn about how to care for your orchid and visit our Helpdesk who will help you bring your orchid back to life. The perfect place to get expert advice and buy from a range of top exhibitors. Orchids in the Glasshouse is from 18th March to23 April. The National Vegetable Society Show takes place on 19th March, 10am-4pm: Specialist

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talks, propagation and plant care demonstrations and plants and seeds for sale. Expert growing publications for sale including the new ‘Getting started Cooking with Vegetables’.

From the 24th-26th March is the Spring Plant Fair: Kick start your gardening year at Wisley’s Spring Plant Fair. Pick up quality spring plants from specialist growers and nurseries.

From 25th to 26th March is the Bonsai Suiseki Show:This specialist show will include plant and bonsai equipment sales, displays and care information aimed at beginners through to experienced growers. Bonsai experts will be on hand for advice and a friendly chat. Sutton Bonsai’s Suiseki competition will showcase the timeless beautiful craft of suiseki bonsai. The Wisley Plant Centre will also host their re-potting and styling and advice service. Visitors should bring their bonsai trees to The Plant Centre by 11am on either 25th or 26th March, from £5 per tree. Finally, on 28th and 29th March is the Early Daffodil Competition, Glasshouse Gallery: Celebrate the first daffodils of spring with the chance to admire these miniature treasures close up More at www.rhs.org.uk/wisley.

Dorking Branch of the Embroiderers’ Guild Talk Monday 13th March 10am Join them for a talk by Eliza McLellan ‘To bead or not to bead’ . They are a friendly group with a desire to share our love of all things stitched. We meet on the second Monday of the month at 10am in the Friends’ Meeting House in Dorking. They have a wide variety of speakers and regularly run workshops where tutors teach new techniques. Visitors

Our specialist team of family law solicitors can advise and guide you through: Divorce • Civil Partnership Dissolution • Children-related issues Matrimonial Finances • Co-habitation Agreements/Issues Pre and Post Nuptial Agreements

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Please contact Nicola Conley for an appointment on 01306 502293 or n.conley@downslaw.co.uk *New appointments only. We reserve the right to charge our current normal hourly rate if the initial appointment exceeds 30 minutes. Includes VAT. Please mention Vantage Point.

156 High Street • Dorking • Surrey • RH4 1BQ • 01306 880110 • www.downslaw.co.uk New Ad Nicola Conley.indd 1

March 2017

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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

and new members are welcome. They also run a group for young people (aged 7-18) on the second Saturday of most months in South Holmwood where they explore all aspects of stitch and textile. For more information contact Jo on 01306 876918 or email jofreeborough@hotmail.com.

Surrey County Walkers Surrey County Walkers is a walking group offering walks predominantly in Surrey and neighbouring counties. Walks are usually 6-8 miles long for morning walks and 10-15 miles for all day walks. They have walks every weekend, usually in West Surrey, in the Farnham, Guildford, Woking or Dorking areas. Some walks are held in neighbouring counties, such as Hampshire or Sussex. Most walks are completed in a morning, followed by a visit to a local pub.

Some walks, particularly in summer, last all day. This is often the case for walks along long distance paths, such as the North Downs Way, South Downs Way, Thames Path and the Mid Sussex Border Path. For a full schedule of their walks throughout the year please visit www.surreycommunity. info/surreycountywalkers.

Dine and Bingo evenings in Capel Tuesday 14th March (and second Tuesday of every month) 7.30pm This is a friendly cash prize bingo evening, all ages welcome. Tickets are £10 per person, which includes a two-course supper and eight games of bingo. Please arrive at 7pm for a 7.30pm start. Held in Capel Village Hall, RH5

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5LD. For more details please call 01306 713247 or 01306 712696.

Learn a New Skill for the New Year at RHS Garden Wisley Various dates throughout the year Choose from more than 110 adult education courses and workshops, including 25 new courses. Learn new skills including garden design, photography, creative crafts and horticulture. Learn how to weave willow bird feeders, identify trees in summer and winter, or develop your photography skills in the beautiful surroundings of the RHS Garden Wisley in Surrey. Many of the courses and workshops offer an opportunity to enhance your experience and understanding of plants and gardens and learn Wisley.

New courses include, Designing Gardens for Dementia, Botany and Beer or you could study Social Media for Gardeners or Understanding Your Soil. Many of the courses involve both classroom and practical outdoor sessions.

Wisley’s Courses and Workshops 2017 brochure can be downloaded from the RHS website or email adultlearning@ rhs.org.uk to request a pdf or posted copy. To book a place on any of the 2017 courses, call 020 3176 5830. All events are subject to normal garden admission; for RHS members, admission is free unless otherwise stated. RHS Garden Wisley, GU23 6QB www.rhs.org.uk/wisley.

Surrey Garden Design Group Tuesday 14th March 7.30pm-10pm The Surrey Garden Design Group meet monthly for either

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First-Time Cruising Why, what, where and how?

Plenty of people know lots of friends and family who have cruised or are considering a cruise and think it might suit them too. But they then do some homework and are bewildered by the choice available. In this article, Andy Church and Olivia Chapman will help you decide if a cruise is for you, which cruise line you should consider, where you could go and how to start the process of making the leap into the exciting world of holidaying on water.

There are many cruise lines, all specialising in different areas of the market, with hundreds of cruise ships and a myriad of destinations. You might be a family looking for multiple activities for the kids, or a couple looking for small luxury ships. You might be looking to sail the oceans or take in the sights during a cruise down a river. Whatever you are thinking of, your starting point should be the same - the budget.

Once the budget is set, decide where you want to go and whether you want to fly to get to the port. Many cruises leave from and return to the UK, particularly during the summer months, meaning that you don’t have the hassle of flying if you don’t want it. Although your choices may be more limited, many would argue that the lower stress levels make it worthwhile. The list of cruise lines that do go from the UK include some of the largest and most popular – P&O, Cunard, Royal Caribbean, Fred Olsen, Cruise and Maritime, Silversea and Oceania amongst others.

This list covers a multitude of styles and suitability, from family friendly to super luxury.

With Celebrity and MSC starting cruises from the UK again in 2018, the choices available are becoming even wider.

As one might expect there are some limitations as to where most cruises sail from the UK ports. The majority cruise down to the Mediterranean, the Canaries or up into Scandinavia.

However, there are those that cross 14

the Atlantic to the US or the Caribbean.

Some return but for others you would need to take a one-way flight. There are many longer trips starting in the UK – going as far as Australia, the Far East, Africa, the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Islands.

Should you choose to fly, the options become almost endless. Most river cruises start with a flight, or maybe a train ride, and can take in the most popular of rivers such as the Danube, Seine, Rhine and Douro. Going further afield there are now many operators cruising in the Mekong, the Yangtze in China, and others in Burma and India. In the US, steamboat tours are becoming increasingly popular down the Mississippi.

Taking an ocean cruise you can go almost anywhere. The Arctic and Antarctic are increasingly popular, and are not just for the adventurous traveller. Some luxury ships are now sailing these routes, taking you to places where there are no other means of transport. The Galapagos Islands are a must-see and South America in general is on many people’s bucket lists.

Cuba is the hottest destination in 2017 and can be combined with cruises to the Caribbean or through the Panama Canal.

Asia is increasingly popular both for ocean and river cruises – with the ability to take in many different locations and experiences on one holiday.

And there lies one of the beauties of cruising, an advantage over a hotel or villa holiday, and that is the ability to wake up somewhere different every day without

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vantagepointmag.co.uk

packing and unpacking.

One morning Singapore, the next Ho Chi Minh, and onto Hong Kong - you get the idea. The other great advantage of a cruise is that you wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just see these places from the water, you get to explore them as well. From organised tours to culinary excursions, to just disembarking and having a wander around, you get a chance to see, smell and taste so many different countries and cultures.

That is of course if you want to disembark.

For some, the whole point of a cruise is the ship itself, and these days many ships have become a destination in their own right. Some of the new resort ships have so many attractions that you could spend your entire holiday just experiencing those and never be bored. Some of the smaller luxury ships offer such amazing service that it can be difficult to drag yourself away. But most people decide on a combination of onboard and land-based activities to make the most of both the ship and the destinations.

For some the opportunity to experience these destinations is vital and often the cruise lines will have experts on hand to either give talks about the places you visit, or to actually lead the tours themselves.

For instance, if you go to the Arctic to photograph polar bears on the Norwegian cruise line Hurtigruten, there will be professional expedition photographers on board to help you get the best pictures.

So once the budget is set and the destination decided, the next decision is the cruise line and the ship itself. Each cruise line is different, offering different levels March 2017

There lies one of the beauties of cruising, an advantage over a hotel or villa holiday, and that is the ability to wake up somewhere different every day of experience and service. Your budget and preferred itinerary will partly determine which cruise line you choose but even then there will still be choices to make. Much will come down to whether you are a family, a couple or a solo traveller. These days the availability of options for the latter is very wide and the cruise companies have woken up to the fact that it is a growing market and are incorporating more single rooms on the newer ships, or are offering good deals for the solo traveller occupying a twin/double cabin.

Each cruise line has its own identity, and that is often the defining selling point between two similar cruises. For the first-time cruiser this is something that you wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really know, which is why an independent cruise specialist is your first port of call. Someone who knows the cruise lines and the ships is in a great position to help you with finding the best cruise to meet your needs at the most competitive price.

What other decisions do you need to make? River versus ocean cruising. For many this will be the easiest decision

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as they are very different holidays.

River cruising is in general much more intimate, with the ships taking between 100 and 200 guests, whereas the newest oceangoing resort ships can carry over 5000 guests. Few of the river vessels cater for children, although some clients who have taken (usually older) children have said that they have loved seeing the world pass slowly by and the opportunity to learn about so many interesting ports of call.

If you want things to do, then a larger ship is for you.

To add to the confusion, there are the ever more popular large sailing ships or clippers. These take anywhere between 150 and 250 guests and, whilst there is little to do apart from soak up the sun and scenery and eat, you can get involved in the actual sailing if you want to. The beauty of such small ships is their ability to go where the larger ships can’t. This means they can drop anchor in some stunning, and often deserted, bays.

You might think that once you’ve decided on your destination and ship that’s everything taken care of, but you’d be wrong. Picking your cabin can be just as daunting, particularly on the largest ships, where the choices can be staggering. Inside cabins are the cheapest and can represent tremendous value whilst still being spacious.

On some newer ships these cabins offer a ‘virtual’ window or balcony and many will show the view from the front of the ship on the cabin TV. There are outside cabins with portholes or windows, balcony cabins and sometimes family cabins or suites. Once you get into the suite market, then both the size and price can rise exponentially. Families might want one cabin offering a double or twin beds with additional beds that come down from the ceiling or even a sofa bed. On the other hand, two connecting cabins might make more sense.

There are also choices to be made with food and drink.

Food is included in all cruises and there’s lots of it. You won’t starve and you don’t have to spend any more money. If 16

you’ve got teenagers, the endless supply of ‘free’ food will be irresistible. There is usually a main restaurant and a buffet restaurant, and generally the quality is excellent. Many ships offer other options, such as speciality restaurants, and whilst these can carry an extra charge, in some cases everything is included. This applies to soft drinks and alcohol. Currently there are many offers whereby drinks are included in the price, and this can offer amazing value. On an increasing number of cruise lines you are able to choose daily when you eat in the evening, but some still have set dining times.

And then there’s the entertainment, from West End shows to magicians to the circus, and from rock bands to jazz to solo performers. On many ships, you know before you travel which shows are going to be performed, whether the Strictly Come Dancing stars will be performing, or if a celebrity chef will be taking cooking classes.

There is so much choice and so many options, but hopefully this has helped with your decision making.

The most important thing is not to be put off by the amount of choice.

If you haven’t cruised before then there is a whole incredible world waiting for you and some oncein-a-lifetime experiences to be had.

Call your local cruise specialist if you need help because that’s what we do. Take the plunge and start planning you first cruise today.

FIND OUT MORE Andy and Olivia run GoCruise, your local cruise specialists. T: 01483 808787 E: achurch@gocruise.co.uk www.gocruise.co.uk

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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

a talk or a garden outing. In March, the SGDG welcomes textile artist Anne Kelly to give a presentation about her inspirational approach to using nature in textile art. At the time of going to press the venue is undecided; it will either be in Leatherhead or Stoke D’abernon (the latter has disabled access and toilet). Please contact Nancy 0771 366 9568 for confirmed details and any other queries. All welcome, £10 visitor fee or join the SGDG for a year for £40.

For more information please go to www.sgdg,org.uk.

Dorking Museum exhibition: ‘Medieval Betchworth’ Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays throughout March The Museum’s spring exhibition, in association with the Betchworth Village Archives team, gives a flavour of life in a medieval village. Drawing from manorial records, the exhibition examines life on a medieval manor: the lords of the manor, working the land, the mill and replacement of the millstone, the role of the church in the community. But it also features the impact on the villagers of events on the wider stage: the experience of the Black Death, which swept Europe in the 14th century and took the lives of half of the villagers; Royal visits to the village (three English kings and, importantly, the French Crown Prince Louis); and the experiences of Thomas Morsted who serves as Henry V’s chief surgeon at the Battle of Agincourt. The exhibition gives a surprising view of this neglected period. 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. For enquiries email admin@ dorkingmuseum.org.uk or phone 01306 876591.

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’Kingfisher’

Farm Shop info@kingfisherfarmshop.com Fabulous Flowers 01306 730703 Watercress beds,Fabulous Abinger Hammer, Dorking, Surrey. RH5 6QX for your Mum

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Horsley Floral Decoration Group Tuesday 14th March 2pm Demonstrator Gaenor Circus “Ancient & Modern”. The Horsley Floral Decoration Group (affiliated to NAFAS) is a friendly afternoon flower arranging club. They meet at East Horsley Village Hall on the 2nd Tuesday of each month (except August) at 2 pm. They have a varied programme of Demonstrators, Speakers, In-house entertainment, trips, internal competitions, sales table and refreshments.. Visitors and New Members are very welcome to join them (first session is free) for fun, flowers and friendship. For more details please phone Beryl on 01483 831422 or email bjg317@virginmedia.com.

A Big Thank You from Dorking Friends of Cancer Research Thanks to the amazing generosity of local people, Dorking Friends of Cancer Research UK was able to send over £35,000 to the charity last year. The year saw a shift in fundraising efforts, with the local community increasingly taking the initiative to fundraise for Dorking Friends – volunteers, individual donations, local businesses, schools, scouts, cubs, churches, all helped. Donating the funds to Cancer Research UK via our group means that the generosity of the Dorking community is officially recognised by the charity. Thank you for helping to Beat Cancer Sooner in Dorking.

‘Growing Watercress since 1854’ VAT No: 209/625071

R.Coe & Sons

Dorking Folk Club Meeting weekly on Wednesday nights from 8.30pm The weekly program roughly alternates between booked March 2017

To advertise, please call 01483 420173

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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

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guests and ‘Singers’ Nights’. The club’s singers’ nights showcase local non-professional musicians and performers who get together and perform in an informal, friendly and supportive atmosphere. These evenings are open to all types of performance and acoustic music styles; musicians, singers, poems and monologues are all welcome. If you are not a performer please come along, join the audience and enjoy the evening. On the 15th March, Judy Cook will be joining them.

Judy is respected on both sides of the Atlantic as a singer and interpreter of traditional songs. Her vast and varied repertoire is enthusiastically received wherever she goes. See www. judycook.net. On 22nd March it will be Singers’ Night. On the 29th March, Bram Taylor, fine voiced collector and interpreter of songs who enthrals audiences with his entertaining sense of humour, performing a selection of both traditional and contemporary material on guitar, duet concertina and baritone ukulele. www.bramtaylor.com . For further details please check out their website www.dorkingfolkclub.org.uk. You don’t have to be a member of the club to come along or perform but members do get a reduced price for entry on Guest Nights.

Entrance is usually £9 for Guest Nights and £3 for Singers Nights. Dorking Golf Club, Deepdene Avenue, Dorking, RH5 4BX.

at some of Surrey’s scarcer species. The final talk of their winter programme is on Thursday 30th March when Lucy Quinnell talks about Teazle Wood, a 50 acre wood near Leatherhead, which was saved from development by the community in 2012 and is now a nature reserve. The talks are held at the Guildford Institute in Ward Street and are free for members of the Society. Non-members are always welcome although they do ask for a small donation. For further details from Bridget Hopkins call 01483 275826.

Although there are no talks during the summer they have plenty of other activities planned. For details call Vanessa McClure on 01483 303417.

Guildford Natural History Society Thursday 16th March and 30th March 2.45pm-4.15pm They have two interesting talks to look forward to: On Thursday 16th March Gail Jeffcoate will talk about butterflies of downland and woodland in Surrey, with some general background on butterflies and then a look in detail

Brockham Choral Society Concert featuring Opera Choruses and Puccini’s Messa di Gloria Saturday 18th March at 7.30pm The choir will be accompanied by soloists and orchestra conducted by Musical Director Patrick Barrett. This concert will be taking place at St Martin’s Church, Dorking. Tickets are £15 (£12 in advance) and £5 for under 25s in full time education. Call Pauline Whitehead 01306 881821 or Maria Chadwick on 01306 882728. Book online at www. brockhamchoral.org/tickets.

Adam Aaronson Glass Studio

Glassblowing for Beginners

Half-day course introducing novices to the wonders of hot glass

Gift vouchers available

www.adamaaronson.com

adam@adamaaronson.com T: 01483 375035 Gallery open Mon-Sun 10am-5pm Foxbury Barn (next to Squires), Epsom Road, West Horsley, Surrey, KT24 6AR

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Affinité the Surrey based social club formature singles The Club concluded the festive season with a New Year dinner at the Onslow Arms, West Clandon and will be continuing with the club’s usual programme of lunches, Saturday night dinners and informal club nights. Plus visits to the theatre, cinema, concerts and places of interest. If you would like to get yourself a social life and a bunch of new friends, contact the club through their recently relaunched website www.club-affinite.co.uk.

Dorking & District Talking Newspaper (DDTN) win Aviva Community Fund Award Great News! The DDTN are delighted to have won an Aviva Community Fund Award of £1,000 to support their service to blind and partially-sighted Dorking residents. The DDTN provides a weekly audio recording of the Dorking Advertiser, together with a monthly talking magazine “Dorking Talking”, containing interviews, reports and readings on subjects of interest to local people, particularly those with limited sight. Committee member Linda Thyer applied for one of the £1,000 prizes to help them to continue their service. Their largest outgoing is the cost of the studio used for making recordings. The £1000 will enable them to pay for the room for almost a year leaving funds available to provide a further 12 or 15 listeners with the memory sticks, players and special postal pouches they need to hear their weekly recordings. On 10th January they received confirmation that Dorking & District Talking Newspaper is a winner and will receive £1000. Their thanks go to Aviva and to their voting supporters without whom it would not have been possible. If you, or someone you know, has difficulty reading the paper but still want to keep in touch with what’s going on locally, please contact the Dorking & District Talking Newspaper on 01306 712044 or email: enquiries@ dorkingtalkingnewspaper.org.uk They’ll be happy to help. vantagepointmag.co.uk

St Catherine’s Hospice: Working with Dorking care homes During the past year, St Catherine’s Hospice has provided expert care and support for more than 150 people in Dorking. The hospice aims to proactively respond to the changing needs of local people in the communities it serves; and thanks to a grant from St James’s Place Foundation, St Catherine’s has appointed its first ever specialist Dementia Nurse, Sheena Wyllie.

Sheena is working with Dorking care homes to help them provide the best living experience for people with dementia facing the end of their life.

Sheena said: “In our community, the extent of the expert services we offer isn’t always well known but the Dorking care homes I’ve been speaking to are all appreciative of St Catherine’s and the help we give them whenever they need it. These care homes have really valued the input and care they’ve received from us when they’ve called on our expertise, and for some of them, it’s made a real difference to how they provide best care for people. For me, it’s been really exciting to discover how many Dorking services have a thirst

for providing high quality end of life care, it’s a really positive thing.”

This exciting, new role is another example of how St Catherine’s is committed to helping more people in Dorking and beyond when life comes full circle. To find out more about how you can support St Catherine’s please visit: www.stch.org.uk

Sheena Wyllie

Care for the next generation

To find out more: 01293 447333

andyperry@stch.org.uk www.stch.org.uk

Registered charity no: 281362

March 2017

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ADVERTORIAL

Please remember St Catherine’s in your will.

It costs nothing today, to provide care tomorrow.

We’ll be there, when life comes full circle.

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Designing your perfect kitchen Ockley-based Park House Kitchens has been designing and installing beautiful kitchens in the local area since 1991. What makes them so successful? First class customer service and a product that stands the test of time. who is excellent, and we always recommend using him if you wish to tie in an extension or other building work with your new kitchen.”

With so much choice out there, it’s difficult to know where to start when it comes to new kitchens, but with Park House Kitchens you can be assured you’ll receive the first rate service you’d expect and a high quality, stylish kitchen perfect for your home.

Established in 1991 by Trish Rowland, the idea was to create and build a kitchen design business that would offer a customer service that was second to none.

Twenty five years later the business is still going strong with Emily, Trish’s daughter, now at the helm, designing beautiful kitchens in the Surrey and West Sussex areas.

“Being a small, family business we’re able to offer our clients our full attention. From start to finish they will be working with my mum or me, who will have designed their kitchen using a CAD planning software.”

Explains Emily. “And we also share with our clients a day-by-day schedule so that they know exactly what’s happening and when, so they can feel confident that the completion date will be adhered to.”

When undertaking substantial building work to your home, whether it’s a new kitchen or an extension, it’s important to know who exactly will be working in your home and whether their skills really are up to the job.

“Our expert team of trusted tradesmen have been working for us for over 15 years. They work to the high standard that we promise and ensure that your home is treated with respect. We also have our own builder,

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There is a large range of beautiful styles to choose from at Park House Kitchens, from classic shaker units to the contemporary German look, or anything in between.

All the units are built to measure and can be hand painted to the colour you desire. So in years to come you can freshen up the look with a new colour if you so wish. And with their finger on the pulse of the latest trends and styles, you can be rest assured that Emily and Trish will deliver you a kitchen with a look that has been intelligently designed for your home and lifestyle.

“At Park House Kitchens we are able to offer a more personal touch.” Says Emily. “You won’t be dealing with a kitchen sales person, it will be either my mum or me, and we’re passionate about what we do and we want to deliver the service we promise and you expect.”

Eighty percent of their business comes through recommendations from past customers, which is testament to the level of service Emily, Trish and their team offer.

To book an appointment with Emily or Trish at their Ockley showroom call 01403 790 812 or email info@ phk.co.uk VantagePoint reader offer – Receive a free set of 4 Miele ‘ittala’ Induction Pans worth over £255 when you order your new kitchen by April 30th, 2017.

Park House Kitchens Unit 3 Ockley Court Farm. Coles Lane, Ockley, Surrey RH5 5LS Tel: 01403 790 812 Email: info@phk.co.uk www.phk.co.uk facebook.com/parkhousekitchens

To advertise, please call 01483 420173

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I or ndu Rec Exc de cti ei lu r o v Qu yo n P e a siv ot ur an fre e e V ne s e r an w wo se ea ta ki rt t o d ge tc h f e Po he ov 4 M r o in n b er ie ff tw y £ l e he Ap 25 e ‘i r! n ri 5 w tta yo l 3 h la u 0 e ’ en th n qu , 2 yo ire 01 u .

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Inspire

<18 JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD Brockham Green Horticultural Society Monday 20th March 7.30pm Brockham Green Horticultural Society’s March talk, ‘The Modern Kitchen Garden’, will be given by Barry Newman.

Barry is a well-known grower, exhibitor, lecturer and NVS and Britain in Bloom judge. His illustrated talk will cover the traditional approach to growing vegetables, container growing for those with limited space and raised bed cultivation. The talk will take place at The Recreation Ground Pavilion, Middle Street, Brockham, RH3 7JT. All are very welcome; the entry fee is £3 and refreshments will be served.

Art Exhibition by The Grange, Bookham From Tuesday 21st March to Sunday 26th March Denbies Wine Estates are kindly hosting an exhibition of high-quality artworks by artists with learning or physical disabilities who attend sessions at The Grange in Bookham.

Beautiful drawings, paintings and prints plus hand-crafted items made in our Creative Arts & Textiles studio will on display, many for sale. Artists will be on hand for you to chat to. Why not combine with a visit to Denbies coffee shop? Opening times 9.30am to 5.30pm. More info www. grangecentre.org.uk/news. Tel: 01372 452608.

West Horsley Parish Council’s monthly Meeting Tuesday 21st March at 8pm This will takes place on at West Horsley Village Hall.

Everyone welcome. For more information please see www. westhorsley.info or contact clerk@westhorsley.info.

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The Whippets perform Suessical Jr Thursday 23rd to Saturday 25th March The Whippets (the youngest branch of the Whips - West Horsley Independent Players) are staging ‘Seussical Jr’. All your favourite Dr Seuss characters spring to life on stage in an unforgettable musical by Lynn Ahrens & Stephen Flaherty.

Directed by Nathan Farrell. Held at West Horsley Village Hall.

Book your tickets at www.horleyamdram.co.uk.

Free Tasting at Albury Vineyard for Mother’s Day Saturday 25th March 11am and 4pm To celebrate Mother’s Day and the release of their new sparkling rosé, Albury Vineyard are offering free tastings for Mums. Pop in to taste Albury’s award-winning sparkling wines and take a stroll around the vineyard to enjoy beautiful views of the Surrey Hills. Families and children are welcome too and the vineyard runs a toy trail, which is fun way for kids and adults to explore the vineyard. This is a chance to taste local wine in a relaxed and informal environment, and all the sparkling wines are for sale by the glass too so why not stay a bit longer once you’ve decided on your favourite! No need to book, Mums can taste for free, other tastings are charged at £5 per person (redeemable against purchases of sparkling wine).

English Tourism Week at Dorking Museum Saturday 25th March to Sunday 2nd April English Tourism Week, organised by the English Board, showcases places to revisit or new places to visit and enjoy.

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“Thankisyou “Mum veryfor fond of for herdad” carer” caring Melody Care are always there

NINE steps to ensure only the best Live-In Carers look after our clients by Simon Carter, Owner of Melody Care

Melody Care are very thorough in of ourusapproach to findingThose the best possible Good health is something many take for granted. whocarers have to care forfor a each client. are 9 rigorous stepsonly thattoo wewell insist our Live in effects Carers go loved one There with failing health know thealldevastating thisthrough has on before they areofassigned to a client: their quality life. So often people’s worlds are turned upside down when a parent or spouse become seriously ill or lose the ability to care for themselves. It is when this hap-

1. On line application viahelp our web siteneeded. confirming name, address and other details. for pens that professional is often Melody Care has an enviable reputation Live-In Care Assistants to help share the burden.

Whatever the circumstances 2. providing Submission of a detailed CV listing all previous work experience and qualifi cations. be, Melody Care will designed be there when the help isTest, needed most.

3. might Completion of a specially Psychometric which helps us to determine character, integrity and attitude towards vulnerable people.

Recommended 4. Highly A telephone interview typically lasting 15 minutes.

Melody Care areinterview increasingly being recommended by health professionals and grateful clients 5. A face to face typically lasting 90 minutes. whoof have at first hand the wonderful care provided by the Melody Care 6. alike Copies theexperienced carers passport, driving licence, utility bill, bank statement andteam. any “Each of your carers I have met are lovely! We all really appreciate the care package you have relevant training certifi catesshort are taken partone of the process to Another confirmwrote: their “Melody identity set up so efficiently at such notice”as wrote client recently. and status.

Care have done a wonderful job of looking after mum and I know she is very fond of her carer. would also like say how accommodating haveplaces all been andhave the care mum has5 7. ICompletion of atoregistration form listing you all the they livedthat in the last received been really is excellent.” years.

Thishas information then used to apply to the “Disclosure and Barring Service” to check there is no criminal record (previously known as CRB check). Melody Care also Attitude apply to theLive-In Independent to ensure carer is not Providing care takesSafeguarding a very special Authority kind of person.

Melodythe Care select theirregistered carers for understanding, as well as their abilitywith to run a house and care in all regards ontheir any patience list that and would preclude them from working vulnerable adults. our clients.

We also the provide extensive trainingand using our own reference in-house training depart8. for Melody Care contact previous employer a personal to verify that ment. This is to ensure each carer is up to date and fully conversant with current rules and they have provided these and that the information given is genuine and complete. regulations. Before the service begins we would always meet with our clients and their family 9. to Finally, Melody Care arrange for any additional training that needs to be done toand be determine exactly what their needs and desires might be. We then produce a detailed undertaken.

Sometimes “refresher” course is required and Melody Care provide this. personal care plan so thatathe Live-In Care Assistant knows exactly what is expected of them.

For more information, call For more information 01252 220207 call

or 220080 visit 01252 www.melodycare.co.uk or visit

www.melodycare.co.uk

Melody Care – Farnham The Enterprise Centre, Coxbridge Business Park, Farnham, Surrey, GU10 5EH

A typical day for aMelody Melody Some of the things Care Live-In Care Assistant Care can do for any client: w Arise and prepare the house for the day

(draw curtains, open windows, etc) • Personal Care & Support w Feed and walk any pets • Toileting, bathing, washing w Deliver morning tea or breakfast, and dressing newspaper and post in bed or to desired location • Help with getting up in the w morning Prompt or assist any medication andwith going to bed requirements at night w Prepare bathroom for washing • Overnight sleep-over or w Assist with all aspects of personal care waking if necessarynight (including toileting, bathing, etc) • Meal preparation w Assist with dressing and hair care etc • Overseeing Medication Perform household duties •w Shopping, collecting (cleaning, laundry, etc) •w Prescriptions orshops/dentist/ pensions Accompany Client to doctor/hairdresser/ • Dementia Carefriends or family Prepare and serve lunch •w Rehabilitation aftercare at w home Break 14.00-17.00hrs Perform household •w Respite Care duties (cleaning, laundry, etc) •w Palliative Care Prepare and serve dinner •w Help with learning, physical Close down the house for the night (drawsensory curtains, turn on night lights, lock and disabilities doors and windows etc) • Escorted outings w Run a bath and prepare bedroom • General housework and w Assist with all aspects of personal care domestic chores and undressing, ready for bed.

JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

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If you haven’t been recently, take an opportunity to visit or revisit Dorking Museum. But we also have Open Days for three of our increasingly popular outside attractions and encourage early booking. Individual bookings are being taken for Guided Walks around historic Dorking (Saturday 1st April, 11am), Tours of Dorking’s South Street Caves (Saturday 1st April, 10am, 11am, 1pm, 2pm) and Guided Walks on the Deepdene Trail, including entry to the 19th century Hope family mausoleum (Sunday 2nd April, 2pm).

Walks take 90 minutes and Cave tours 45 minutes. See the website for details and bookings (Dorking walks £3, Deepdene Trail £4, Caves tours £6 per person). For details and booking, visit www.dorkingmuseum.org.uk.

Mother’s Day Sunday at RHS Wisley Sunday 26th March Treat mum to a two-course lunch or afternoon tea in The Restaurant, then spend a relaxing afternoon looking around the beautiful gardens and enjoying the Spring Plant Fair and the Bonsai Show. Each mum will receive a free gift, so please let us know how many mothers will be in attendance at time of booking. Booking is essential and can be done online at www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley/Food-Drink/ The-Restaurant. Two-course lunch, including tea or coffee: £25.00, Afternoon Tea: £25.00.

The Unattached Group (TUG) Spring Activities TUG are now looking forward to a Spring of new activities.

The Unattached Group (TUG) is a Surrey based group of

10/01/2017 11:42:47

reg.charity 288923

Volunteers needed Emotional support and practical help at home Life-threatening illness can strike out of the blue and can be devastating for the family. It’s often hard to cope – not just with the routine of hospital visits and treatment but with the emotional strain and worry. Our trained volunteers can make a real difference. reg.charity 288923

Brigitte Trust volunteers offer respite for a carer and the chance to share some of the many feelings and concerns serious illness brings. Volunteers visit weekly, helping people facing any life-threatening condition when it’s increasingly hard to cope at home. Sitting and listening can be the most valuable help of all.

Join our next volunteer “taster session” and training course.

You’ll gain the skills to support local people at a time of real need.

Call 01306 881816 today 24

www.brigittetrust.org

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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD about 70 single professional people aged 49 - 69 who enjoy times together including informal weekly pub meets as well as meals out, theatre and cinema trips, walks, quizzes, bridge, opera and book clubs and the occasional leisure weekend away. New members welcome. For information visit www.theunattachedgroup.co.uk or call Maggie on 07855 008897.

Simply Scones Cream Teas at The Grange, Bookham Tuesday afternoons 2.15pm-3.30pm Simply Scones cream teas are back in the Victorian Conservatory of The Grange Centre for People with Disabilities. They have been closed for building work, but are back with delicious (not to mention huge) scones made and served by people they support as part of a mini catering business. To book call 01372 452608. Tickets are £3.50 per person.

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Dorking Museum: The Deepdene Trail Group tours by appointment throughout March and virtual reality tour The MVDC Hope Springs Eternal project brought the revitalised landscape of the Deepdene alive, and the Dorking Museum walks team runs guided walks on the Deepdene Trail. Tours last for an hour and a half and take in the grotto, woodland walks, parterre and temples, featuring spectacular views across the Weald. The walks also allow exclusive access to the grade II* listed family mausoleum, constructed by Thomas Hope on the death of his young

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<25 JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD son in 1817. Group tours can be arranged by appointment through the Museum website, £4 per person, and look out for tours for individual bookings. For details and booking, visit www.dorkingmuseum.org.uk/the-deepdene-trail/ or email admin@dorkingmuseum.org.uk. Visitors to the Museum itself (Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 10am-4pm) can also take a Virtual Tour of the Deepdene estate in 1825, from the lodges to the mansion and out around the gardens and Betchworth Castle, controlling the screen by means of a games controller.

Epsom Rotary Associates’ Spring Quiz Saturday 1st April 6.30pm The Epsom Rotary Associates would like to invite you to our Spring Quiz. All profits will go towards the purchase of dementia blankets. Tickets are £12, which includes a fish and chip supper. Doors open at 6pm and the quiz will start at 6.30pm. Teams of up to 8 players are permitted. There will be a bar available and a raffle. For tickets, please email quiz@anthonymiles.co.uk. This is taking place at the Leatherhead Parish Church Hall.

Capel Choral Society - Singing in the Spring!

Thursday 6th, Friday 7th and Saturday 8th April With the Leith Hill Musical Festival not much more than a month away Capel Choral Society are looking forward to singing at the first Leith Hill Festival under the new Festival conductor Jonathan Willcocks. Since the beginning of 2017 the Choir has already sung under Jonathan’s baton at two

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of the Combined Rehearsals with the other Division 1 choirs, Buckland & Betchworth, Holmbury St Mary, and Oxshott. Capel will join with these choirs for the evening performance of Elijah on Friday 7th April. Capel Choral Society looks forward to singing to a full Dorking Halls on this day, Mendelsson’s great work will be a big draw, so get your tickets now. On the other two days of the Festival the Division 3 choirs will perform Parry’s Blest pair of sirens and Vaughan Williams’ Dona nobis pacem on 6th April, while on the 8th the Division 2 choirs will sing Haydn’s Little organ mass and Carter’s Benedicite, the latter with choruses for a children’s choir.

You can order tickets through Capel Choral Society’s Ticket Secretary, Yvonne Allmond – contact her on 01403 269884, or email yvonneallmond@aol.com. Tickets are also available via the Leith Hill Musical Festival website. Please email the secretary: sec@capelchoralsociety.com if you would like to know more about Capel Choral Society and how to join or visit their website: www.capelchoralsociety.com.

Leatherhead District Museum Thursday 6th April The Museum reopens at the 17th century Hampton Cottage in Church Street with a brand new theme celebrating the Local History Society’s 70th anniversary. Local artist Cathy Brett is creating stunning new visuals for the exhibition and will host a formal re-opening ceremony at 10am on Saturday 8th April.

This exhibition will focus on all that the Society has witnessed and recorded over the last 70 years, from flood to drought, Shackleton’s food tasting, pop stars, the Olympics and much

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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

more. The display will feature a time-line in the form of the River Mole. The Museum’s Victorian kitchen area has been redecorated over the winter, its artefacts cleaned, re-displayed and labelled and new items added from the stored collection.

The World War 2 room based on the cottage’s last residents, Frank and Hilda Hollis, is still evolving with new items including a wireless set more in keeping with their family budget. A book on life at Hampton Cottage from 1910 to 1948 is expected for publication later in the year. Cathy Brett’s innovative work includes permitting visitors to curate their own museum using an easily assembled cut and fold model with drawings for use as they choose. A new photo booth is being created, allowing visitors a chance to be photographed wearing historical costumes. A new sound system will enable them to hear the recorded voices of local figures who lived in the area up to a century or more ago. Among these are Britain’s last surviving cavalryman from World War One who lived in Ashtead and the daughter of a mainstay of the Leatherhead Brass Band in Edwardian days. Hampton Cottage will be open from April until December on Thursdays and Fridays between 1pm and 4pm and Saturdays between 10am and 4pm. Call 01372 386348 to leave a voicemail message or email staff@lheadmuseum.plus.com.

Surrey Youth Games (SYG) Registration closes on Friday 7th April Looking to build on Team Mole Valley’s success in 2016, young people are invited to take part in free training sessions ahead of this year’s Surrey Youth Games competition, taking place on 17th and 18th June at the Surrey Sports Park. The free sports sessions are open to 7 - 16 year olds of all abilities who either live or go to school the district. Everyone who takes part in the sessions is in with a chance of representing Team Mole Valley at this year’s Surrey Youth Games, sponsored

by Specsavers. The Games offer the opportunity for young people across the district to develop and show off their talent on a countywide stage. Participants are given the chance to try something new, make new friends and build confidence.

Young people interested in getting involved need to visit www.molevalley.gov.uk/sgy for the complete list of sports available. Students at schools across the district are being encouraged to sign up to the annual competition. The school with the highest number of pupils participating in the training sessions, run by local community sports clubs and led by qualified DBS-checked coaches, can look forward to receiving £150 of sports equipment.

Local History Society Monthly Meetings Third Friday of each month 8pm The society has a full programme of lectures held at the Leatherhead Institute’s Dixon Hall. Hot on the heels of Professor Patricia Wiltshire’s How Science Can Tell Us About the Use of Land in January and Professor Richard Selley’s The Birth, Life and Death of the River Mole in February, comes the Society’s own Archaeological Secretary, Nigel Bond, discussing digs in the region. Every talk starts at 8pm, with coffee served from 7.30pm. Admission costs just £2. Guests are always welcome but why not join March 2017

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the Society itself? You will receive your own copy of the quarterly Newsletter, packed full of news and fascinating articles, as well as the annual Proceedings, the Society’s local history studies with fully referenced details of historical research projects. For more information please go to www. leatherheadlocalhistory.org.uk.

Discovering Donkeys at Tanhouse Farm shop, Newdigate Saturday 8th April noon-4pm For anyone who owns or is simply interested in donkeys, there will be an opportunity for you to meet donkeys and experienced donkey owners at Tanhouse Farm Shop and Tea Room, Rusper Road, Newdigate, RH5 5BX, from noon till 4pm. Donkey Breed Society members will be available to answer your questions whether a casual enquiry or a problem you are having with your own donkey. There will be donkeys to meet, practical demonstrations and children’s activities, but sorry, no donkey rides. Admission is free and visitors to the farm shop are most welcome too. For more information contact Barbara on barbara24@fastmail.fm.

Beare Green and Newdigate Choral Society at Leith Hill Musical Festival Saturday 8th April The choir are now about halfway through rehearsals in preparation for their day at this year’s Leith Hill Musical Festival. They would be really pleased if you would come and support them. Please book through the LHMF booking office: boxoffice@lhmf.co.uk or 01403 240093 where there

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|| GARDENING

With Beth Otway

Slugs and Snails For many gardeners, the slug and snail population seemed to explode in 2016, with many fraught and distressed gardeners asking for my advice on the best way to protect their plants from slugs and snails. I am strongly opposed to slug pellets. I wouldn't wish to kill any of the slugs or snails in my garden as I believe a healthy eco system is important.

I decided to trial a number of natural remedies, none of which would kill the slugs or snails they encountered, but instead would hopefully deter the molluscs from eating the plant they were protecting. I ran my trial for a number of weeks at a time, repeating the same trial every few weeks throughout the spring and summer. I trialled the following natural remedies: ash, garlic granules, garlic wash, eggshells, human hair, sawdust, sharp grit, sand, and soot, with lettuces as my trial plant. I also included a 'control' plant in each trial, which received no protection whatsoever from slugs or snails.

The remedies were used as a barrier around the plant they were protecting. I sprinkled a circular band of each remedy onto the soil around each plant, except in the case of the garlic wash, which was watered onto the lettuces it was protecting.

Three of my slug and snail deterrents provided a 100% secure plant protection, with not one plant grown within their barrier receiving as much as a nibble throughout the spring and summer, these fantastic slug and snail deterrents were ash, sawdust, and soot.

In second place were the barriers created with human hair and sand, where 75% of the lettuce plants survived intact. Eggshells were slightly less effective with 67% of the lettuce plants surviving. Garlic granules were in fourth place, protecting 58% of their lettuce plants. In fifth place, was the 'control' lettuce, which received no protection, 50% of these lettuces survived.

In sixth place were sharp grit and garlic wash, 42% of the lettuce plants they were protecting survived.

I hope these results will help you to protect any special plants or seedlings from slugs and snails this year. I simply sprinkled a barrier of the ash, sawdust, and soot onto the soil around each of my plants. Naturally the barrier will need to be reapplied every week or two, or more frequently in adverse weather conditions, but happily I can report that the ash, sawdust and soot lasted the longest before a repeat application was required, as well as being the most effective plant protectors in my trial.

In the garden - March Here's some ideas of what you could do in the garden this month: If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got an old, and maybe rather neglected, Buddleja davidii specimen then rejuvenate it now by removing any old dead wood and cutting it back hard. If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t prune, the Buddleja will still flower but it will just be taller and tattier. So get your loppers out and maybe a saw as well!

Ornamental grasses and roses also need pruning this month. Remove any old dead leaves from your rose plants, as well as any leaves that are lurking around in the soil, then feed your roses with a specially-designed rose feed and mulch with compost or well-rotted manure.

Prune group three clematis now; these clematis flower in late summer on this seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s growth. Cut back the old stems to the lowest healthy pair of buds about 15-30cm (6in-1ft) above soil level.

FIND OUT MORE For more gardening advice for the month ahead, visit my website www.pumpkinbeth.com where you'll also find information about daffodil gardens, shows, and events, a calendar of specialist plant fairs, and much more besides.

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Holidaying closer to home could mean more time spent enjoying your own garden too. Why not add a special feature to make those moments spent outdoors really memorable?

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The Versatile Potato We rather take the humble potato for granted but there are good reasons why it is our most popular and well-used vegetable - they are cheap, plentiful and delicious! Here are a few lovely and easy dishes to bring out the best in this tuber. SR

Mary Cadogan's Tartiflette

Potato and Leek Soup

A creamy and comforting oven bake of potatoes, cream and bacon – originating from France's Haute-Savoie region. This recipe is taken from Good Food Magazine, January 2002.

This soup sounds a little plain but is a real classic and is very satisfying. In France it is known as Vichyssoise and traditionally served cold.

Ingredients:

Ingredients:

750g potato; 1 onion; 6 rashers smoked back bacon; 250g reblochon cheese or pont l’évêque cheese; 150ml tub single cream.

50g (2 oz) butter; 1 clove garlic, chopped; 1 small onion, chopped; 3 large leeks, chopped; 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced; 900ml (1 1/2 pints) chicken stock; small handful chopped fresh parsley or chives; 1 bouquet garni, salt and freshly ground black pepper; a touch of double cream (optional).

Serves 4 Method: 1. Preheat the oven to 220C/Gas 7/fan oven 200C. Peel and thickly slice the potatoes, then boil in salted water for 8-10 minutes, until just tender. Drain.

2. Chop onion finely and fry in 25g/1oz butter and a drizzle of olive oil for 5 minutes. Snip bacon into pieces with scissors and add to the pan; stir well and cook for a further 5 minutes, until the onion and bacon are lightly coloured.

3. Chop cheese into chunks, rind and all. Layer half the potatoes in a 1.5 litre/2¾ pint buttered ovenproof dish and scatter over half the onion, bacon and cheese. Lightly season with salt and pepper. Repeat layers, then pour cream evenly over the top and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden.

4. Rest for 5 minutes and then serve with a salad.

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Serves 4 Method: 1. Melt the butter in a large saucepan on medium heat, and sauté garlic and onions for a few minutes stirring frequently.

2. Add the leeks, potatoes, stock and the bouquet garni and bring to the boil. Simmer for 30 minutes.

3. Remove the bouquet garni and purée soup with a hand blender. You can add a little cornflour to thicken the soup if it is too thin.

4. Season, and add a little cream to add extra richness. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives.

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RECIPES || Aloo Gobi

Hassleback Potatoes

This is a lovely and inexpensive dish with potatoes and cauliďŹ&#x201A;ower.

At the time of writing, both in plentiful sup-ply in the shops!

These originate from Sweden and are named after Hasselbacken, the Stockholm restaurant where they were first served. There are several variations - you can add grated parmesan cheese (add after 20 minutes and cook for a further 20 minutes) or whole garlic cloves as in the image below.

Ingredients: 60 ml vegetable oil; 1 large onion, peeled and cut into small pieces; 1 bunch fresh coriander, separated into stalks and leaves and roughly chopped; 1 small green chilli, chopped into small pieces (or one teaspoon chili powder); 1 large cauliflower, leaves removed and cut evenly into eighths; 3 large potatoes, peeled and cut into even pieces; 2 cans diced tomatoes; 1 inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated; 2 cloves garlic, chopped; 1 tsp cumin seed; 2 tsp turmeric; 1 tsp salt; 2 tsp garam masala.

Serves 8

Method: 1. Heat vegetable oil in a large saucepan. Add the chopped onion and one teaspoon of cumin seeds to the oil. Stir together and cook until onions become creamy, golden, and translucent.

2. Add chopped coriander stalks, two teaspoons of turmeric, and one teaspoon of salt. Add chopped chillis (according to taste). Stir tomatoes into onion mixture and add ginger and garlic; mix thoroughly.

3. Add potatoes and cauliflower to the sauce plus a few tablespoons of water (ensuring that the mixture doesn't stick to the saucepan). Ensure that the potatoes and cauliflower are coated with the curry sauce.

4. Cover and allow to simmer for twenty minutes (or until potatoes are cooked).

5. Add two teaspoons of garam masala and stir.

Sprinkle chopped coriander leaves on top of the curry.

6. Turn off the heat, cover, and leave for as long as possible before serving.

March 2017

Ingredients: 400g new potatoes, washed; 40g unsalted butter; 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 2 tbsp fresh herbs (rosemary, oregano, thyme); maldon salt.

Serves 4

Method: 1. Put the potatoes, one at a time, in the bowl of a wooden spoon and cut at 3mm intervals with a sharp knife.

2. Once all the potatoes are prepped, heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Put the butter and oil in a roasting tin over a medium heat to melt the butter.

3. Add the potatoes cut side down, then turn them and spoon the fat over them. Add the chopped herbs, give them a good toss so theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re coated.

4. Add some maldon salt and and then roast on the bottom shelf of the oven for 40 minutes or so until golden and tender.

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is no booking fee and more of the profit is directed to the festival fund. This year their main works will be Haydn’s ‘Little Organ Mass and Andrew Carter’s Benedicite. Plans are now progressing towards the choir’s big concert in October, which will take place in St. Pauls’ Church, Dorking. This will be in celebration of BGN’s 80th anniversary and Jamie Cordell’s 20th anniversary as the choir’s conductor.

A Celebration of Weddings in Words and Music Saturday 22nd April 7.30pm This concert will consist of familiar music played at weddings together with some poems and readings suitable for weddings. There will also be some choir items. So if you are planning a wedding or would like to hear again the music that might have been played at your wedding and to hear some old, some new and some humorous readings.

Then this is the evening for you. Held in St. Michael’s Church Betchworth. Tickets are £12.00 to include a glass of wine. For full details call please 01737 832806.

Forever Jackson Stage Show hits the Harlequin Theatre Thursday 24th April Saluting 30 years of Michael Jackson’s platinum-selling Bad album – award-winning, critically-acclaimed stage show Forever Jackson is coming to town. Forever Jackson producer Pete Tobit, of GRT Entertainments, says “Forever Jackson captures the moment with superb musicianship, electrifying choreography, stunning audio visual projections and jaw-dropping special effects.” Pete promises that, thanks to incredible attention to detail, fans of the King of Pop are in for a jaw-dropping, ultimately authentic experience. “Featuring a superbly-talented live band, special effects and unique projections, Forever Jackson is a visual and audio treat. Its lavish, brand-new Legacy of a Legend tour sees the production destined to become 2016’s stage show of the year.” All the million-selling hits feature including: Thriller, Beat It, Billie Jean, Can You Feel It, Blame it on the Boogie, I Want You Back, Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough and Rock With You. Having accrued a staggering 900 performances at prestigious venues as far and wide as India to South America and all points in between, Forever Jackson is finally heading this way, and tickets are available from the theatre box office now.Harlequin Theatre, Warwick Quadrant, Redhill, RH1 1NN. Grange Park Opera Various dates throughout the summer The inaugural season at the Theatre in the Woods opens 8th June 2017 but that first night is sold out. With productions of Tosca, featuring Joseph Calleja, Die Walküre and Jenufa, plus an evening with Bryn Terfel and Zenaida Yanowsky, Principal Artist with the Royal Ballet, it will be a very special summer.

Booking are now open and you can see the 2017 Season Brochure, which includes a booking form, for dates, ticket prices and a seating plan at www.grangeparkopera.co.uk.

Dorking Bowling Club Open Day Saturday 29th April from 10.30am-12.30pm and 2pm-4pm Have a go at playing lawn bowls - all ages and abilities March 2017

Farnham Wine Festival Friday 7th and Saturday 8th April 2017

Farnham Maltings, Bridge Square, Farnham GU9 7QR

Guildford Wine Festival Friday 12th and Saturday 13th May 2017

Guildford Cathedral, Stag Hill, Guildford GU2 7UP

Dorking Wine Festival

Friday 22nd and Saturday 23rd September 2017 Dorking Halls, Reigate Rd, Dorking RH4 1SG

Book now at: www.vantagepointevents.co.uk Follow us @vpwinefestival and www.facebook.com/vpfestivals • Over 120 international wines • Champagnes and premium wines • Wine experts on hand • Local wine producers with their wines • Charity blind wine tasting and raffle Plus live music, entertainment, concessions, food, money-off wine vouchers and more.

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A walk from Blackheath A shorter walk this month, but another fine view. The walk takes you through woods and fields with some ups and downs. The walk was submitted by Guildford Rambling Club (www.guildfordramblingclub.org.uk).

The walk 1. With your back to the pub, inside the car park, go left on the signed path, heading north. Keep on along this path in trees for a couple of hundred yards then edge left onto a road. Continue forward, following the road to its end and then straight on, downhill on a narrow path. Follow this until eventually crossing a small railway bridge and, immediately afterward, reaching the Albury/Chilworth road.

2. Cross to continue forward along the track on the other side until, just after you have crossed the Tillingbourne in a narrow wooded strip, going up a short slope. At the top of this slope take the footpath off to the right. Follow this up, soon swinging right and along the flank of the North Downs, then back north again. (At this point note the view back over the valley to your right).

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3. Also at this point a small unsigned path clambers up the bank to your left and tracks up the slope towards the top of the hill and St Martha’s Church. (St Martha-on-the-Hill dates back to the 12th century, although it was rebuilt much more recently). In the churchyard, with your back to the valley and facing the church, go around its left-hand end and out of the churchyard through the gate in the corner. Follow the wide sandy track heading gradually down.

4. Reach a road, Halfpenny Lane. Go left for a few yards then turn right and quickly left to take the path that runs downhill, roughly parallel to the road (i.e. do not continue forward into Chantry Woods). The path emerges at the edge of a field and runs down along its edge. Go out of the gate on the left at the bottom and onto the road.

5. Immediately take the footpath angling off right and down. Follow this until it emerges in Blacksmith Lane. Go right (note the angling lake to the left and the ‘waterfall’ over the wall on the

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WALK ||

right). Walk on down the lane to its T junction with the A248 in Chilworth. Turn right and walk along the pavement until, about 100 yards after a level crossing, taking a footpath heading off left to pass Chilworth FC’s ground.

6. Follow this track, ignoring the first right turn, up through fields then steeply up through woods until reaching a crossing path. Turn left. After passing a large house next to the path, reach a blue-topped posted path angling away right.

Follow this to reach and cross the Chilworth/ Blackheath road (just above, down to the right, the ‘This Way/That Way/Somewhere Else’ sign post). Follow the path through to the Villagers pub and on to the starting car park.

DISTANCE: 4½ miles OS MAPS: Explorer 145 (Guildford) STARTING POINT: Blackheath car parking area, just beyond the defunct Villagers pub (GU4 8RB).

Images: Lefdt: Blackheath by N Chadwick. Above: St Martha’s Church by David Hillas 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.

March 2017

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PROFILE ||

PSDS

Dorking resident, Helen Shiers, tells VantagePoint magazine about a local charity that is as close to her heart as it is to her home... parents and at the first gathering in a house in Redhill seven families attended. From that small beginning, PSDS was born.

The charity has come a long way since those early chats over coffee and so have the children supported

by PSDS. An extensive range of services and support is now on offer to families living in Surrey and West Sussex who have a child with Down Syndrome, including:

Image: Thea, Emily & Sam - three great friends and the inspiration behind PSDS

PSDS - Providing Support for children with Down Syndrome and their families - is a Surrey-based charity that does just what its name implies. Originally founded by three local families who met within a few months of their babies receiving a diagnosis of Down Syndrome, the charity, which last year celebrated its 10th anniversay, now provides support for over 80 children and their families.

Helen’s youngest daughter, Thea, was diagnosed with Down Syndrome the day after her birth in July 2005 - news that came as a shock to Thea’s family, as the presence of an extra 21st chromosome had not been detected in the standard pregnancy screening.

The first few months were a mixture of emotions for Helen and her husband Andrew - immense joy at having a beautiful new daughter, mixed with anxiety about what Thea’s diagnosis would mean. Helen vividly remembers feeling frightened about what the future might hold for Thea and worrying about whether they were doing enough as a family to help support Thea in her early development.

Meeting two other mums also coming to terms with their son and daughter’s diagnosis of Down Syndrome was a major turning point for Helen. The three mums started bumping into each other at hospital appointments and swapped phone numbers so they could share information and offer each other advice and support whenever it might be needed. A few weeks later, they decided to hold a coffee morning for other

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• •

• • • • •

weekly pre-school early development groups access to specialist therapies, including speech therapy and occupational therapy a school support and training programme after-school activities including a weekly drama club education days covering a number of valuable topics social events for the whole family to enjoy and of course the monthly coffee mornings, which are still very popular!

Providing such an extensive range of services is a costly endeavour. PSDS receives no local authority funding and is completely reliant upon funds raised by its members, as well as grants from charitable trusts and the support of local businesses. With an annual budget of £80,000 the charity has its work cut out and is understandably very grateful for any support it receives - either of the voluntary or financial kind.

Looking ahead to the future, Helen and her fellow trustees are currently making plans to introduce additional services as the age group of children supported by the charity widens. At present, PSDS members stretch from babies a few months old to teenagers. What’s on offer to help the children reach their full potential not only needs to cover this age range but also needs to look ahead to the next stages - working towards further education, adulthood, work placements and supported or independent living.

“We are really excited about the future and immensely grateful to everyone who has supported us on our journey so far,” explains Helen. “But most importantly we’re grateful to the wonderful children who make PSDS what it is and are an inspiration to us all.”

VantagePoint Events will be supporting PSDS at the Dorking Wine Festival on 22nd and 23rd September at Dorking Halls.

FIND OUT MORE To find out more about PSDS, please visit www.psds.info or contact Helen on 07940 432053 (email helen@psds.info).

To advertise, please call 01483 420173

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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

are very welcome. The club have a lovely green and a comfortable clubhouse. They will supply all the equipment and provide free, friendly coaching. Just bring flat shoes!

And to reward your bowling efforts, have a drink on them!

They are situated in Drill Hall Road, Dorking, RH4 1GL. Please call Peter 01306 640553 or Lynne 01306 883689 for further details or check on www.dorkingbowlingclub.co.uk.

Downs Solicitors Charity Support As part of Downs Solicitors’ Corporate Social Responsibility programme, each year they nominate a Charity of the Year and during 2016 they were proud to partner with Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. The Royal Marsden Hospital is a world-leading cancer centre who pioneer new treatments that save lives. They use their research to provide the very best in diagnosis, treatment and patient care, treating around 50,000 people every year. The revolutionary way they treat people in their hospitals has a far-reaching impact, both nationally and internationally. Chris Millar said “Our original fundraising target for the Royal Marsden was £5,000 but we exceeded this figure by raising an incredible £11,868.15 for the charity. This figure will increase to over £12K as we still have one cow to auction from Cow Parade Surrey. This is testament to our employees’ commitment and enthusiasm to raise funds for such a worthwhile charity.

They have worked incredibly hard to achieve this target.”

The money was raised through a combination of challenging and imaginative events, including; participation in Cow Parade Surrey, a 30 mile walk along the South Downs Way, participation in the Great South Run, an abseil down the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth, a Rugby Match and Family Fun Day which Downs co-hosted with Dorking Rugby Club, coffee mornings, cake sales, dress down days and donations for providing one-off legal advice. Joanne Bell, Community Fundraising Events Manager for the Royal Marsden said “We are absolutely delighted with the amazing sum raised by all the staff at Downs Solicitors and would like to thank each of them for all their hard work over the last year. It

is truly thanks to the support of companies like Downs Solicitors that The Royal Marsden can continue to provide the very latest cancer diagnosis, treatment and care for our patients.” During 2017, Downs staff have voted to support St Catherine’s Hospice and the Dorking & District Talking Newspaper.

Leatherhead Rotary Club Appeal to Collect Sainsbury’s ‘Active Kids’ Vouchers From now to Tuesday 2nd May As in previous years, Leatherhead Rotary Club is appealing to Mole Valley residents to help them support West Hill School in North Leatherhead by collecting vouchers for schools from Sainsbury’s supermarkets. For every £10 spent in a Sainsbury’s store or online, customers can claim an ‘Active Kids’ voucher, which can subsequently be converted by the school into vital sports and healthy lifestyle equipment. Over the past nine years, thanks entirely to the generosity of Mole Valley residents, Leatherhead Rotary Club has been able to present almost 60,000 supermarket vouchers to the school, enabling them to ‘buy’ hundreds of pounds worth of equipment to support their pupils!

Please send your vouchers to Leatherhead Rotary Club, c/o Donovan Hewitt, The Leatherhead Theatre, 7 Church Street, Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 8DN. Leatherhead Rotary Club meet at 7pm most Wednesday evenings at the Police Federation Headquarters in Highbury Drive, Leatherhead.

For further information about the club and its wide range of community, fundraising and social activities please visit www.leatherheadrotary.org.uk or contact Simon Edmands on 07753 821964 or leatherheadrotary@gmail.com.

GET IN TOUCH

To send in an entry for Jottings, please email us at jottings@vantagepublishing.co.uk or go online to www.vantagepointmag.co.uk.

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COMPETITIONS & OFFERS ||

Please enter online unless otherwise stated. Postal entries can be sent to us at the address given on page three.

WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS FOR A SPARKLING OUTDOOR VINEYARD TRAIN TOUR Enjoy a vineyard train tour with a glass of the specially selected Denbies award-winning Sparkling Cuvée!

The 50-minute vineyard tour takes visitors at a leisurely pace to some of the most beautiful viewing points in the vineyard. A recorded commentary enhances your trip making this an informative and comfortable way to experience the magnificent panoramic views of the Denbies Estate and the North Downs. Cameras recommended.

Tours take place from March to November. For more information, please visit www.denbies.co.uk.

For your chance to win one of four pairs of tickets, simply answer this simple question: Q: How long does the tour take?

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WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS TO THE BANFF MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour is returning to the UK in 2017, with an unforgettable evening of adventure films coming to Dorking Halls on 28th March and 26th April.

Viewers can expect incredible cinematography, epic scenery, mind-blowing journeys and some hair-raising moments in the last wild corners of the planet. Plus there’s a free prize draw as well. The Banff Tour is more than a series of exhilarating film nights. Each screening offers a real sense of community, bringing together people with a wide range of outdoor passions. And we guarantee that viewers will leave with new enthusiasm and inspiration for their own adventures too!

The short films, starring the world’s top adventurers on exciting journeys in mind-blowing destinations, are selected from hundreds of films entered into the prestigious Banff Mountain Film Festival held every year in the Canadian Rockies. For more information or to book tickets: www.banff-uk.com.

For your chance to win a pair of tickets, simply answer this simple question: Q: Where is the Banff Mountain Film Festival held?

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WIN A FAMILY TICKET TO SEE CHILDREN’S TV PRESENTER NAOMI WILKINSON Children’s TV presenter Naomi Wilkinson heads to G Live in Guildford with her brand new tour Wild & Scary!

The show will be packed full of fun and surprises as Naomi is joined on stage by Animal Mark, and some of his scariest creatures. Join Naomi as she recalls some of her most exciting wildlife experiences from the far-flung corners of the world and even introduces the audience to some of the most fierce and frightening animals she met along the way!

The show is suitable for kids of all ages and guarantees a great time for the whole family and will be on April 13th at 2pm for more details or to book please visit glive.co.uk or call 01483 369350 For your chance to win a family ticket, simply answer this simple question: Q: Who is joining Naomi on stage at G Live?

Please enter online at www.vantagepointmag.co.uk by 31st March 2017.

TERMS & CONDITIONS OF ENTRY: By entering these competitions you agree to receive periodic emails from VantagePoint Magazine, Vantage Publishing Ltd and the originator of the competition you are entering. You can opt out of receiving these at any time and your data will never be passed on for use by third parties. The prizes are nonToper advertise, call 01483 420173 transferable and have no cash alternative. Only one entry person perplease competition and prizes will only be sent to homes with a GU, KT and RH postcode.

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