ISSUE 4
MARCH 2014
The
WOKING
Journal
LENT
Is it time to give up giving up?
MCL AREN
Can the Woking team step up to the world stage?
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MARCH 2014
CONTENTS
6
MCLAREN
We find out if McLaren have what it takes to turn it around this season
REGUL AR FEATURES 13
NEWS EDIT
News and reviews in our monthly culture flash
16
10
PUZZLES
WHAT’S ON?
Our monthly round-up of the best local events to keep you busy until spring
14
GIVING UP
Our Editors share their thoughts on the perils of Lent
Pens at the ready for this month’s crossword
18
FOOD & DRINK
Local food writer and Cordon Bleu chef Jacqueline Wise serves up her dish of the month
NEXT MONTH...
We take a closer look at local developments as Woking’s 3 future begins to take shape
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www.aurorataxservices.co.uk 4
LETTER FROM THE EDITORS
OUR COVER PHOTO: Joan Collins © Getty Images From the Getty Images Archive of Hollywood Photography at The Lightbox this month!
Walking home last week, I found my heart lifted by the sight of delicate spring flowers along the roadside and filling the flowerbeds of my neighbours. It’s always an uplifting time, as colour peppers the soil with new energy and life, invigorating us all after the monochrome winter.
As you embrace spring, we’re welcoming our fabulous new food writer Jacqueline Wise. She’s Cordon Bleu trained and attended the local Tante Marie cooking school, and we’re delighted to feature her mouth-watering recipes every month. For March, she’s serving up a scrumptious white chocolate cheesecake with rhubarb, orange and cardamom compote. Delicious! With the Formula 1 season just around the corner, we thought it would be apt to do a little digging on McLaren’s prospects in our article on page 6. In our monthly Comment section, we’ve discussed the impending Lent period, and just what it means to give it up all over again. Huge thanks as ever to our lovely local advertisers.
Sophie & Nile We’d love to hear your comments and responses to our issue: editorial@wokingjournal.co.uk
FOR ALL ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES, CALL NILE ON 07507 645757
5
FEATURE
MCLAREN T
he Formula 1 season is upon us and McLaren Mercedes have something to prove. Their 2013 performance left fans deflated, and their failure to reach the podium throughout the entire campaign rendered it their worst performance since 1980. Last year, the main contenders for Woking’s local team were Red Bull. Sebastian Vettel pulled in a total of 13 race victories and a staggering 397 points, reasserting himself as the Golden Boy of Formula 1, unbeatable and smug in equal measure. Meanwhile Jenson Button and Sergio Perez were left subdued on the sidelines, as they helplessly watched McLaren slip further and further behind.
6
But there’s no reason to assume that this year will be a repeat performance. As Mark Webber bows out of Formula 1, following his memorable comment on Top Gear that no, he would not miss his “little boy” teammate, Red Bull will be lacking a key contributor. Despite his long-overlooked performance by Team Principal Christian Horner, Webber was a vital part of Red Bull’s success as Constructor’s Champion, pulling in 199 of Red Bull’s 596 points and ranking him the third-highest point scoring driver overall. With his seat now filled by rookie driver Daniel Ricciardo, who racked up a slightly less impressive 20 points in 2013, it’ll be interesting to see if Red Bull can continue to maintain
FEATURE
THE RACE IS ON such an insurmountable lead without Webber’s invaluable points backing them up. And they’re not the only team to beat. Ferrari also put up a strong fight in 2013, with Fernando Alonso displaying consistent skill and aggression throughout the season. With the acquisition of Kimi Raikonnen, this year looks incredibly promising for the Italian team. Mercedes likewise had solid results, trumping Ferrari by 6 points to take second place in the Constructor’s Championship. As Lewis Hamilton continues his steady climb, backed by teammate Nico Rosberg, Mercedes are the bookie’s favourite this year. Their odds are already stacked at 6/5. But strong competition isn’t the only obstacle facing McLaren, as the new season brings with it an abundance of rule changes to boot. The adjustment
of 2.4 litre engines to 1.6 litre, and the restriction of fuel output for the first time ever, pose major challenges to Race Engineers. Drivers will also face penalties of 1 to 3 points for infractions, and the final race will be worth double points. The medley of stringent alterations are arguably some of the most impactful in the sport’s history, meaning that
7
FEATURE
predictions for the 2014 season could easily be turned on their head once the races begin. So with such stiff competition in the field, and a profusion of regulation changes, what have McLaren done to get themselves into shape? One of their most dramatic steps is the appointment of a new Racing Director Eric Bouiller. Elsewhere, Ron Dennis has replaced Martin Whitmarsh as CEO, marking a serious shake up in management.
CUT OUT & KEEP RACE SCHEDULE March 16 March 30 April 6 April 20 May 11 May 25 June 8 June 22 July 6 July 20 July 27 August 24 September 7 September 21 October 5 October 12 November 2 November 9 November 23
AUSTRALIA MALAYSIA BAHRAIN CHINA SPAIN MONACO CANADA AUSTRIA BRITAIN GERMANY HUNGARY BELGIUM ITALY SINGAPORE JAPAN RUSSIA UNITED STATES BRAZIL ABU DHABI
With all that in mind, results are harder to predict than ever. Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull are still forces to be reckoned with, and McLaren undoubtedly have their work cut out. But I would argue that at this point, focusing simply on victory shouldn’t be their sole objective. McLaren still need to focus on the longevity and reputation of their team, and to do that they must reassert themselves as main contenders in a sustainable way. Button is a notoriously steady driver, and new boy Kevin Magnusson is reportedly settling into the team well. Their steadfast nature and persistence will be what carry McLaren through this season; but it remains to be seen if they can shrug off last year’s disappointment and square their shoulders with the power players once more. Does McLaren have what it takes to succeed this season? Send us your thoughts: editorial@wokingjournal.co.uk
CF
Ben Allison
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9
EVENTS
DERREN BROWN: INFAMOUS NEW VICTORIA THEATRE
MARCH
Witness the master of mesmerism and magic in person with his new one-man show at the New Victoria Theatre this spring. Featuring his trademark combination of psychological stage trickery, illusion and mind control, this is one not to be missed! www.atgtickets.com
LE GAMIN AU VÉLO (THE KID WITH THE BIKE)
WOKING NEW CINEMA CLUB
W
13 MARCH
inning big at 2012’s Cannes Film Festival, the most recent offering from the Dardenne Brothers is a warm, heartrending tale that follows a troubled 11-year-old and his obsessive search for his bicycle after being abandoned by his father. 8:00 PM - 10:30 PM, Mayford Village Hall, non-members arrange entry at wncc.org.uk
© Christine Plenus
© Seamus Ryan
We present our pick of the best in local events this month
3 MARCH – 8 MARCH
BYFLEET ART GROUP - SEEKING NEW MEMBERS EVERY TUESDAY 19:00 - 21:30 ALSO THIS MONTH
Meeting on Tuesday evenings during term-time, the Byfleet Art Group is a great place to paint for fun and learn new skills. This March, they are looking for new members to join this dynamic group of artists. Contact Julia on 01483 768483, or email byfleetartgroup@gmail.com; www.byfleetartgroup.moonfruit.com
OUT & ABOUT
WOKING SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA H.G. WELLS CENTRE 15 MARCH
On The Set of Giant © Getty Images
Featuring stirring renditions of three classical compositions by Beethoven and Tchaikovsky, The Woking Symphony Orchestra invite you to the latest performance in their season of evening concerts, lead by Pete Marsden and conductor Roy Stratford. wokingso.co.uk, 7.30pm, H.G. Wells Centre, GU21 6HJ
1913: ‘THE WORLD BEFORE THE GREAT WAR’ WOKING LIBRARY 17 MARCH
The first in a series of events being held in Surrey’s Libraries commemorating the outbreak of The Great War in 1914, author and historian Charles Emmerson gives a talk exploring what the world looked like on the eve of the conflict, before the horrors to come. 7.30 PM, Woking Library, for tickets call 01483 543599 or visit surreycc.gov.uk.
THE GETTY IMAGES ARCHIVE: HOLLYWOOD PHOTOGRAPHS THE LIGHTBOX
F
22 MARCH — 22 JUNE
or lovers of film and photography, this exhibition collects a dazzling array of photographic portraits from the Golden Age of Hollywood. Featuring some of the most iconic stars of the silver screen in beautiful, classic portraiture, the three-month display also includes a number of unique behind-the-scenes images of famous faces away from the studio set. Free Admission, The Lightbox, Chobham Road, GU21 4AA, thelightbox.org.uk 11
COMMUNITY
THE WOKING JOURNAL From washing machine repairs to wedding planning, whatever your trade or business, The Woking Journal is teeming with advertising possibilities. It’s the very best way to get your independent business through the doors of local residents. THE ADVERTISING COPY DEADLINE FOR THE APRIL ISSUE IS...
March 20th
LOST & FOUND A collection of family photos were recently found on Monument Road near the canal bridge, in the woods opposite the Muslim Burial Ground. If you recognise these images or know of a family who has recently lost some old photographs, please contact us at: editorial@wokingjournal.co.uk.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 12
FURTHER AHEAD . . .
Pancake Day Women’s Day Earth Hour Mother’s Day Horsell Garden Safari
March 4 DON’T March 8 FORGET! March 29 March 30 June 14 & 15
NEWS EDIT
Every month we take a peek at what’s climbing the ranks and who’s taking a tumble, in our essential guide of what’s hot and what’s not...
LORDE
A recent Brit Award haul cements the success of this feisty 17-year old New Zealander.
PANCAKES Maple Syrup. Bananas. Lemons. Endless possibilities.
GAY PRIDE
UP GOING
WINTER
GOING DOWN
Sochi. Ellen Page. Cara Delevigne. Coming out has never been so in.
The arrival of crocuses means winter is well and truly over for another year.
NEK-NOMINATE 5 deaths in and we don’t want to play anymore.
POLITICIANS IN WELLIES
Pointing, paddling and posing at every opportunity.
TOP TWEETS
@ ArtMattersfaf We’re excited to be bringing #FreeArt to Surrey & running a workshop at World Book Night in Woking. surreycc.gov.uk/events/woking
@JespaMusic The fantastic people behind the Phoenix Cultural Centre are petitioning Woking Council for a permanent Arts Centre petitions.woking.gov.uk/PhoenixCultural @SW_Trains #Woking Cycle Storage Improvement starts Monday 3 March.
COMMENT
T
LENT
he concept of “giving up” is usually somewhat frowned upon. It implies an innate laziness, a sense of je m’en foutisme. It suggests that the giver-uper simply doesn’t care enough to plough on with the task; be it a tedious job, a tiring relationship, or an eternal round of squat-thrusts, it’s often simply easier to say “I give up” than to plough doggedly on with a physical or emotional challenge. The decision to quit is frequently stained with guilt, whilst the reactions of others are similarly marred with judgment. No matter how good the spiel, it’s often impossible to justify the action of ‘giving up’ without a lingering sense of shame. But every year, we are given the opportunity to embrace the art of quitting without feeling a tinge of embarrassment. On the contrary, Lent encourages restraint. Instead of receiving disapproving looks for abandoning your latest venture, giving up is celebrated with fervour. Indeed, the more you give up, the more you are championed as a strongwilled, self-controlled hero of resignation.
So why do we squander the one opportunity to guiltlessly abandon what we hate? Instead, we offer up our most treasured offerings to the Lent Gods. Chocolate, alcohol, television, pizza… our daily treats are suddenly tantalisingly off-limit. Martyrs everywhere 14
boast laboriously of their chosen purge, affecting a faux modesty at the mention of their seemingly insurmountable task. For some, the motivation is religious. For others, myself included, it’s a test of will. There are so many elements of daily life that we tell ourselves we don’t need, be them complex carbohydrates or reality television, that giving them up can be reduced to simply proving a point. But I would argue that this is as much about proving something to our peers as to ourselves. Outwardly, it’s a testimony to our self-control. But more than that, it’s an opportunity to prove that we consider the fripperies of 21st century living as superfluous; that we are aware of their frivolity and can choose to rebuff them at a moment’s notice. From junk-food to Facebook, we quit to prove we can. This year will doubtless be no different. As we square our shoulders to the challenge of Lent, do-gooders everywhere will dig deeply into themselves and reveal that this year, the chosen foible, the single evil facing the chop is… cheese. Or potatoes. Or something else equally scintillating. While friends and family coo over the impressive displays or martyrdom, and immodest heroes bask in the praise, I myself will be giving up squatthrusts.
COMMENT
Is it time to give up giving up?
I suppose life is lot like that. The feeling of guilt that propels us through each week is a great motivator. We surrender our desires daily, committing ourselves to things we don’t want to do so that we may never be accused of being selfish hedonists. Because what kind of world would it be if everybody did what they wanted to all the time? Surrendering your favourite things for six weeks is hardly a victory – at least not in a traditional sense. Abstinence is essentially masochistic. It is always self-conscious. And it’s never fun. But what would be the point if it were easy? Lent would be a nonentity were it not for the bragging rights and bluster that accompany fleeting and conspicuous displays of self-discipline. Secretly, we despise the practitioners for their complacency in victory over cravings conquered. And occasionally, with their demons defeated, we are inspired to confront our own. There’s a reason that ex-smokers
are the most fervent zealots in opposition to the habit. The only redeeming thing about kicking the behaviours we once loved is the ability to kick other people who still do. Yet there’s something inescapably virtuous about stripping down life to the bare bones. In the Hindu religion, the notion of the “sadhu”, one who renounces all their material possessions and worldly attachments to live a life of asceticism, is regarded with holy reverence. They roam unanchored through the streets of India and Nepal, meditate in mountains, caves and temples, reliant on the kindness of strangers.
© Vee O
S
o there’s a joke about a man who makes a promise to his wife to give up procrastination for Lent. A week later, his wife asks him how it’s going. ‘Not bad,’ he replies, ‘I’ll start as soon as I begin my New Year’s Resolution.’
But it’s a full time job – one from which there’s no going back after 40 days. And that’s what makes it so scary. It’s far easier to quit something if you know it will still be there when you decide to have it back – when you know it’s not really gone. For those who carry on as normal, perhaps the greatest thing about Lent is the sense of satisfaction that nothing changes. It’s the knowledge that those around us deny themselves common luxuries that makes us even more steadfast in the enjoyment of our own. Because life is short. And if you don’t live it, there’ll always be someone else who will.
Should we give up giving up? Send us your thoughts: editorial@wokingjournal.co.uk
WJ
PUZZLES
e l z z Pu Page
Check our
website for February’s solutions!
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ACROSS
1. Elated, rejoicing (8) 5. Affianced (7) 9. Male title (3) 10. Reimburse (10) 11. Reward (5) 12. Entice (5) 14. Speck (3) 16. Hurry (4) 17. Poet Cummings, acronym (2) 18. Information Technology, acronym (2) 19. Male sheep (3) 20. Colouring from sun exposure (3) 21. Affecting shyness (3)
22. Flutter, beat (4) 24. Burn the surface (4) 26. @ (2) 27. Flat (5) 28. Sharp, bitter (4) 30. Terror, fright (4) 32. Ghost (11) 34. An idealistic place (5) 36. Overlay with a layer of plastic (8) 38. Slang for hello, colloquial (2) 39. Age (3) 41. Unwell (3) 42. Tall, deciduous tree (3) 43. Geeks (5)
DOWN 1. Professional joker (6) 2. Anniversary (8) 3. Expression of sorrow (6) 4. Active at night (9) 5. Understand another’s feelings (9) 6. Organism’s hereditary information, DNA (6) 7. Award, bursary (5) 8. Visualised, imagined (6) 13. Scared stiff (9) 15. Meditation sound (2)
18. Immediately (9) 19. Decay (3) 21. Fling, launch (8) 22. Pro, in support of (3) 23. Persist, continue (9) 25. Pixie, imp (3) 29. Thick, dark liquid (3) 31. Regard (6) 33. Case, lawsuit (5) 34. Middle-Eastern country (4) 35. Misplacement (4) 37. Question (3) 40. Arizona acronym (2) 17
FOOD & DRINK
WHITE CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE WITH RHUBARB, ORANGE AND CARDAMOM COMPOTE JACQUELINE WISE
“ D
1. Crush biscuits to a fine crumb,
“
Local Cordon Bleu chef and events caterer shares her recipe of the month...
ue to the recent abysmal weather I have been finding myself far more inclined to cook hearty dishes of comforting food. However, spring is only just around the corner so I would like to share something satisfying yet still zingy and fresh with you...
INGREDIENTS
For the Cheesecake: 300g Full fat cream cheese 250g mascarpone cheese 300ml double cream 600g white chocolate 500g Ginger biscuits 60g Butter
18
For the compote: 4 Stalks rhubarb
5 Cardamom pods, seeds removed and crushed 1 Juice large orange Sugar to taste (approx. 2 tablespoons)
melt butter, add to crumbs, mix evenly and press firmly into base of a10 inch cake tin. Set in the fridge for 30 minutes.
2. Melt the chocolate. Then,
using electric mixer, whisk cream cheese and mascarpone, then whisk in double cream, and finally whisk in melted chocolate until smooth.
3. Spoon mixture over cooled
biscuit base, use a hot metal spoon to smooth the surface and compact. Chill for at least 8 hours before serving, or overnight.
4. Cut with a hot knife to ensure neat portions.
TOP TIP!
5. To make the compote, chop
rhubarb into 2cm pieces, add to pan with cardamom, orange juice, sugar and a splash of water. Simmer gently for 20-30 minutes until fruit is soft. Serve with the cheesecake as it is or whizz it in a blender for a puree if you prefer.
Follow Jacqueline on Twitter: @Jacquelinewise1, Facebook: ‘Jacqueline Wise Chef’ Or get in touch via her website for any catering or food related queries. WWW.JACQUELINEWISECHEF.CO.UK
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