Show-stopper All you need to know about this year’s Surrey County Show i n t e rv i e w
Dr Sue Black Surbiton’s latest OBE p ro p e rt y
Lucy Alexander’s Buying at auction s p o rt
Safer cycling in The Surrey Hills t r av e l
The perfect spring break Palma Mallorca weddings
Six stunning venues Home & away
beunveiled.co.uk
historic house & gardens with exceptional food and service Grade I listed building set in 50 acres of gardens & parkland Licensed for both indoor and outdoor ceremonies Caters for up to 180 guests for a seated wedding breakfast
www.greatfosters.co.uk Stroude Road Egham Surrey TW20 9UR t 01784 433 822 e reception@greatfosters.co.uk
hayleybray.com
beunveiled.co.uk
wardphotoart.com
Team of dedicated & experienced wedding co-ordinators to offer guidance & advice
WIN! IN THIS ISSUE
8
Two VIP tickets to the Happy Days Festival in Esher
9
A pair of tickets for Travels With My Aunt at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre Guildford
13
A family ticket for this year’s Surrey County Show
18
A signed copy of Paul Backhouse’s new book Alan Turing: Guildford’s Best Kept Secret
19
A pair of tickets for this year’s DogFest at Windsor Great Park, Berkshire
Inside
this issue
36
Spring 2016
21
24
44 12 The beautiful Highland cow on the cover is just one of the many fantastic breeds you will see at The Surrey County Show.
31
Image provided by Matt Harris Photography
regulars
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7
SO Welcome Introducing your new-look Surrey Occasions magazine SO News News, views and updates from around the county
10 SO What’s on
Theatre, music, talks and exhibitions coming up in Surrey this spring
12 SO Shows
An action-packed day awaits at this year’s Surrey County Show at Stoke Park, Guildford
14 SO Heritage
In his continuing series on Surrey towns and villages, Graham Whyte, takes a look at Farnham’s fascinating past
16 SO Interview
Claire Mahoney speaks to recent OBE recipient, Surbiton resident, and computer scientist, Dr Sue Black OBE about her role in saving Bletchley Park
s p r i n g f e at u r e s
24 SO Travel
Karen Glaser explains why Palma is the perfect place for a food-lover’s short break
27 SO Beauty
Products to prep your skin for the new season ahead
28 SO Wellbeing
Facials: Little or often? Richmondbased facialist Cherry Woods gives us her advice
38 SO Property
TV presenter and property expert Lucy Alexander tells Karen Glaser how to spot a good property investment
40 SO Interiors
Designer Frances Hinton shows us how to create a bit of kitchen sync drama with her top trends for 2016
50 SO Secret Surrey
Ten things you might not know about the village of Thames Ditton
21 SO Sport
42
Cycling expert Rohan Dubash looks at how to make cycling safer in the Surrey Hills and picks three great routes to try out this spring
31 SO Weddings
Travel writer, Amanda Fisher selects six fabulous and inspiring wedding venues, both here and abroad, for the perfect big day
36 SO Motoring
Whether you want charm and quirky styling or performance and luxury, classic cars offer a driving experience unmatched by new motors, writes David McConnell
44 SO Schools
Our guide to some of the best schools in and around the county to help parents make those all important selections for September
columns
34 SO Vintage
Antique eye – Antiques expert and TV presenter, James Braxton, shares his expertise on selling at auction for the first time
42 SO Homes
House proud – Anthea Turner helps us navigate our way through the annual spring clean
surreyoccasions.co.uk 3
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get your tickets happydaysfestival.co.uk
Editor Claire Mahoney T: 07812 106992 E: claire@surreyoccasions.co.uk Designer Paul Buckley T: 01484 660090 E: paul@riasca.co.uk Advertising sales Theresa Hadfield T: 07801 054797 E: marketing@surreyoccasions.co.uk Publisher Paula Winchcombe Surrey Occasions T: 07766 257776 E: paula@surreyoccasions.co.uk Printed and distributed by Bishops Printers T: 02392 336917 E: enquiries@bishops.co.uk Contributors Anthea Turner James Braxton Karen Glaser Rohan Dubash Amanda Fisher Frances Hinton Graham Whyte David McConnell This publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form in whole or in part without written consent of the publishers. © Surrey Occasions 2016. The views expressed in Surrey Occasions magazine are those of its individual authors, not those of Surrey Occasions and its editors and publishers. While precautions have been take to ensure the accuracy of the contents of the magazine, and neither the editors, publishers or its agents can accept responsibility for damages or injury which may arise there from. About Surrey Occasions Surrey Occasions is a courtesy glossy, lifestyle magazine with a circulation of 12,500. The quarterly title is distributed within selected high-quality residential and commercial areas. It is circulated through quality independent newsagents with the Sunday newspapers, to affluent homes, and by hand to readers across Surrey. Areas covered include Weybridge, Walton, Virginia Water, Cobham, Tadworth, Claygate, Oxted, Oxshott, Thames Ditton and Guildford. Golf and country clubs, health clubs and spas, top hotels and other chosen venues receive numerous copies of the magazine to share with guests and visitors.
Welcome Hello! Welcome to the spring edition of Surrey Occasions magazine. You may have noticed that it looks a little different to previous issues? That’s because Surrey Occasions now has a new owner and a new editorial team that intends to take one of Surrey’s longest-serving lifestyle magazines onto a bigger and brighter future.
“Over the winter months, we have been busy talking to our readers, advertisers and supporters about what they wanted to see in a quarterly, lifestyle publication for the county.” And what came through time and time again, is that they wanted a magazine that spoke to them about their lifestyle in Surrey. And that is what we have tried to give you in this, our first issue of the year. We have not only given the magazine a fresh new look, we have introduced new topics that we feel reflect the diverse range of interests for both men and women, living, working and enjoying their leisure time in Surrey. For example, we will now be featuring more articles on outdoor pursuits such as cycling, walking and horseriding. We will be continuing to carry highquality interviews with people that live in Surrey, but the focus will not just be on celebrity. We also want to reflect the diversity of people that live in this county and celebrate the contributions they bring to the county.
We hope that the magazine will find the right balance between exploring Surrey’s unique heritage, while also engaging a younger audience interested in finding out what’s available to them in this fantastic area. We love expert opinion at Surrey Occasions and we are also thrilled to introduce two new regular columns from spring onwards. The queen of clean, Anthea Turner will be bringing us regular tips and ideas for the home in her House Proud column while BBC TV auction and antique expert, James Braxton will be advising our readers on how to buy and sell at auction and how to spot an investment in his Antique Eye column. This issue also carries an interview with Lucy Alexander, presenter of Homes Under the Hammer who talks about buying and renovating a property. We also have fantastic features covering classic cars; fabulous wedding venues and an exclusive interview with Dr Sue Black, Surreybased recipient of an OBE in this year New Year honours list and one of most influential voices in technology today. Last but not least we have some brilliant prizes on offer, including a family ticket to this year’s Surrey County Show. I do hope you enjoy this issue as much as we have putting it together. We’d love to hear your feedback, so do get in touch and let us know what you think by email: editor@surreyoccasions.co.uk or on twitter @surreyoccasions. Happy reading!
Claire Mahoney Editor
surreyoccasions.co.uk 5
FROM LONDON TO GUILDFORD
West End shows this spring at Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre
««««« ««««« ««««« KENNETH ««««« CRANHAM ««««« ««««« ««««« ««««« ««««« ««««« ««««« ««««« ««««« ««««« ««««« ««««« ««««« ««««« THE FATHER ««««« Tue 29 Mar - Sat 2 Apr Kenneth Cranham ««««« stars in the most acclaimed new play of the decade
KENNETH CRANHAM
SUNDAY TIMES
DAILY TELEGRAPH
SUNDAY TIMES
TIMES
DAILY TELEGRAPH
TIMES
GUARDIAN
GUARDIAN
MAIL ON SUNDAY
MAIL ON SUNDAY
OBSERVER
DAILY MAIL
OBSERVER
SUNDAY TELEGRAPH
DAILY MAIL
EVENING STANDARD
FINANCIAL TIMES
TOAST
Mon 21 - Sat 26 Mar Matthew Kelly and Simon Greenall star in Richard Bean’s drama
BAD JEWS
Tue 26 - Sat 30 Apr A “blistering funny” (The Sunday Times) brawl over family and faith
Find out more, join the mailing list or book at
SUNDAY TELEGRAPH
EVENING STANDARD
FINANCIAL TIMES
THE 39 STEPS
Mon 23 - Sat 28 May Four actors play 130 characters in 100 mins of fast-paced fun
www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk
SO News
CLAIRE Sculpture comesSKINNER to Surrey
News
CLAIRE Surrey Hills Sculpture Garden: Birtley Estate SKINNER 30 April – 5 June 2016 The stunning 48-acre Birtley Estate will this spring be the perfect backdrop for the annual Surrey Hills Sculpture Garden exhibition. Featuring more than 170 artworks, this is the largest temporary sculpture exhibition in Surrey and attracts artists from across the UK. It offers the chance to enjoy sculpture in a relaxed and informal setting, from both top names and local up-and-coming sculptors. The exhibition will be open daily from 11am – 5pm with free parking. Entrance fee is £5 for adults and includes a catalogue and unlimited re-entry to the exhibition: no charge for the under16s. All works are for sale and proceeds from commissions go to the Surrey Hills. Trust Fund which supports local community projects and enterprise schemes that benefit the Surrey Hills landscape. Birtley Estate is situated five miles south of Guildford on the A281. surreyhills.org/events/surrey-hills-sculpture-garden/
A flying start! Pupils from the independent school for boys, Kingswood House, experienced the thrill of flying on stage in a recent school production of Peter Pan at the Adrian Mann Theatre, Nescot in Epsom. Appearing on the stage in front of a sell out, several-hundred strong audience, this was the first time Kingswood House School had flown the actors and the first time anyone has ever flown at the theatre. And there was no shortage of support from family and friends, with 200 tickets sold each night to Kingswood House pupils’ families and friends. Aged from eleven to thirteen, the boys had been rehearsing since the start of the academic year. Peter Brooks, headmaster said: “The forty eight boys who took part in this event have been given a real taste of performing on the stage, the memories of which I am sure will stay with them for years.”
New trees for Winkworth
The first 50 trees donated as part of the Friary Centre Guildford’s ‘Giving the Earth’ Christmas campaign have been planted at Winkworth Arboretum, with help from Mayor of Guildford – Councillor Nikki Nelson-Smith. The campaign to raise environmental awareness in Surrey, saw consumers receive their very own Christmas tree sapling to grow at home if they spent £75 or more at the Friary Shopping Centre in Guildford. A total of 421 tree saplings were given as gifts. The campaign also included The Friary’s commitment to plant one tree at Winkworth Arboretum for every 10 saplings given away to customers.
Surrey man to run across Sahara
Bagshot business in bloom
Paul Davies, 38, from West Byfleet is gearing up to run across 250km of the Sahara Desert in five days, carrying his provisions on his back. Paul, who has run no more than 46km before at any one time, will take part in the Marathon Des Sables on 7th April 2016 to raise £8,000 Scope, a charity that helps disabled people to have the same opportunities as everyone else. The Marathon Des Sables is billed by Sky TV’s Discovery Channel as the ‘toughest footrace on earth.’ To sponsor Paul on his adventure text PDPD77 followed by the amount to 70070. Or visit: justgiving.com/ PaulDaviesMDS
Family-owned Longacres Garden Centre, in Bagshot, has been delcared Garden Centre of the Year 2016 by Horticulture Week magazine. “This is a really great beginning to the horticultural year,” said the centre’s managing director, Nigel Long, who runs the centre with his two sisters, Julie and Carol. Longacres was established as a production nursery at its site on the A30 nearly 37 years ago by the siblings’ parents, Peter and Mary Long. In recent years, the trio have expanded the business with another garden centre in Shepperton and a garden shop in Cobham.
surreyoccasions.co.uk 7
SO News
Guildford wants you to sleep rough
Comme il faut
YMCA Guildford, part of YMCA DownsLink Group, is looking for local heroes to sleep under the stars on Friday 18 March and raise vital funds for its work with disadvantaged young people. Pete Brayne, former CEO of YMCA Guildford and Sleep Easy, says: “A single night outside cannot compare with being homeless, but lying awake under the stars at 2am is surprisingly impactful. If you have never done this before I strongly recommend giving it a go. You only live once and you will help raise thousands of pounds in support of the YMCA’s fantastic work with homeless young people.” If you would like to sleep out and raise sponsorship (ideally, a minimum of £100), go to: ymcadlg.org/sleep-easy-2016 and complete an entry form.
New dimension at Dunsford
Local surveyors and drafters Cadmap (cadmap. co.uk) are creating a 3D laser scan of Dunsford Park’s very own 747. The resulting 3D visualisation will certainly add a new dimension to the 747 tours at Wings & Wheels at the park.
review
The Grantley Arms, Wornesh, Guildford Gourmet gastropub The Grantley Arms, in the postcard-pretty village of Wonersh, is enjoying an exciting makeover following its takeover by locals Richard Cryer and Chris Frederkick. The 15th century bakery of the Grade II listed building, featuring original beams and open fireplaces, has been converted into a striking dining room, the perfect place to sup on hay-smoked venison with blackberries and pan-fried Cornish halibut with braised lentils and carrot puree: just two of the mouthwatering dishes on award-winning head chef Matt Edmond’s menu. Meanwhile, over at the bar, diners can chow on hearty fare such as Saddleback pork belly on a bed of creamed savoy cabbage, mashed potato and gravy. And wash their meal down with a bottle or two of the pub’s excellent wines, a good proportion of which are local. Small wonder The Grantley Arms’ flavorous victuals have earned it a place in Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs 2016’s One to Watch category. thegrantleyarms.co.uk
competition
Win two VIP tickets for the Happy Days Festival
A touch of French flair has been brought to Ripley with the opening of new wine shop and deli, Cellar Magneval Boutique de Vins & Épicerie Fine. Housed in one of Ripley’s 15th century buildings, the shop has its own wine cellar so produce can be stored in perfect conditions. The business is owned by Surrey couple Jo and Thierry de Magneval, who certainly know their oignons when it comes to wine: Thierry was manager at a number of the Roux family restaurants and sommelier to Pierre Koffmann. The couple moved to Woking seven years ago and opened their first wine bar there in 2013, followed by a second in Fleet. Their newest outlet is an interesting take on le style Français “Once we started looking around at wine shops, we quickly realised they all seem to follow the same pattern in design and layout. Although many look lovely, we didn’t find them overly inspiring and knew from the outset that we wanted to put our personal stamp on our premises,” said Jo. To this end, the Ripley outlet, which is available for corporate and private hire, has been fitted with vintage French furniture including wardrobes, dressers and even trunk suitcases. The shop will feature a constantly extending wine bin list and range of finger-licking meats, cheeses, olives and chutneys in the épicerie section. Wine-tasting evenings and pop-up restaurants will also be on the menu in coming months.
Mane Chance Golf Classic Mane Chance Sanctuary will hold its 3rd annual fundraising Golf Classic at Puttenham Golf Club on Tuesday 17 May. The day will be a fourball tournament followed by dinner and is open to golfers of all standards. The day will include prizes for the winners and runners-up as well as novelty prizes such as nearest the pin, longest drive etc. You will also have the opportunity to win a car or a holiday for a hole in one on the day. The cost of a team of four is £240, which includes golf and the dinner. Further details and entry forms are available from golf@manechancesanctuary.org or by calling 01483 351526.
WIN!
28–29 May The festival is giving away two tickets worth £80.00 each (accompanying children under 12 go free) for either day of the festival. Artists confirmed include: The Human League, Marc Almond, Heaven 17, The Sugar Hill Gang plus Melle Mel & Scorpio, Incognito, Jocelyn Brown + many more ... VIPs will have access to the gold circle in front of the stage, be able to enjoy champagne in the cocktail bar and free parking. www.happydays.co.uk To enter, visit our competitions page at surreyoccasions.co.uk. Closing date 22 April. 8
@SurreyOccasions
competition
WIN!
Four actors will take on over 20 characters in this hilarious mad cap dash around the world with Henry Pulling. He is a retired suburban bank manager with a penchant for dahlias. He meets his eccentric Aunt Augusta at what he supposes to be his mother’s funeral. She persuades him to abandon his dahlias and travel with her to Brighton, Paris, Istanbul and across the world to Paraguay. Through Aunt Augusta, a veteran of hotel bedrooms and shady associates, Henry joins a shifty twilight society of pot smoking hippies, war criminals, men from the CIA and hard core art smugglers. To his aunt’s great delight, he finds himself coming alive as he puts his former dull and predictable life behind him. Travels with My Aunt not only gives us intoxicating entertainment, but also confronts us with some of the most perplexing of human dilemmas.
This is an opportunity to raise money for charity; promote your business or organisation; pledge your support for your community and get involved in the biggest creative project this county has ever seen.
www.cowparadesurreyhills.com
Win a pair of tickets for Travels with My Aunt Main Stage – Stalls seats Thur 19 Apr – 7:45pm y vo n n e a r nau d t h e at r e g u i l d f o r d, s u r r e y
To enter visit: surreyoccasions.co.uk and click on the link to the competitions page Entries close on 25th March 2016
Supported by:
SO What’s On
March
DON ’ T MISS !
21-26 March Toast starring Matthew Kelly
t h e at r e
12–19 March Our House: The Madness Musical Guildford School of Acting third year musical theatre performers bring Madness’ hit songs to the stage. Yvonne Arnaud Theatre Guildford Prices: £15.00 – £23.50 To book: Tel: 01483 44 00 00 yvonne-arnaud.co.uk 15–19 March Get Carter Set in a hard and uncompromising world of 1960s Newcastle, this adaptation tells the story made famous in Mike Hodge’s seminal film starring Michael Caine. Richmond Theatre Prices: From £12.50 Performances: 7.30pm, Wed & Sat matinee: 2.30pm Tickets from £12.50-£30.00 To book: Tel: 0844 871 7615 atgtickets.com 15–19 March Sister Act The multi-award-winning musical tells the same story as the popular 1992 film starring Whoopi Goldberg. Haslemere Hall Haslemere Tickets: £8.50-£15.00 To book: Tel: 01428 642161 haslemerehall.co.uk c o m e dy
19 March Guildford Gag House Joe Bor is joined by Kelly Kingham, George Lewis and Ben Norris The Back Room, The Star Inn Guildford Tickets £12.50 Tel: 0333 666 3366 GuildfordFringe.com 20 March Ed Byrne Outside, Looking In Comedian Ed Byrne is on tour with a hilarious new show for one night only at Richmond. Richmond Theatre Performance: 8pm Tickets from £20.25 Booking: Tel: 0844 871 7615 atgtickets.com gardens
18–20 March Spring Plant Fair RHS Wisley Kick start your gardening year at Wisley’s Spring Plant Fair. Pick up quality spring plants from specialist growers and nurseries. Tel: 0845 260 9000 rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley 10 surreyoccasions.co.uk
Yvonne Arnaud Theatre Guildford Another Sunday night shift. The smell of bread baking. The industrial thump, thump, thump of the machines that never stop. The ovens are cranked up to full blast, the factory is humming, and everyone wants to be somewhere else. But this shift is going to be different. Because when a crisis hits the factory, the men have more to lose than just their wages. From the writer of the international hit One Man, Two Guvnors, Richard Bean’s brilliantly observed drama Toast stars the Olivier Award-winning actor Matthew Kelly and Simon Greenall (Alan Partridge) and comes to the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre Guildford in March for one week only. The show is sponsored by Stevens & Bolton. Tickets: £23.00 – £34.50. To book: Tel: 01483 44 00 00. Web: yvonne-arnaud.co.uk
What’s On We highlight some of the exciting events that are coming up in the county over the coming season easter fun
19 March–10 April Easter Garden Detectives and the Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt RHS Wisley Hop through the garden on the trail of the Lindt gold bunny. Bring your family along for a full day of Easter fun every day and join in with arts & craft sessions. Follow the clues to lead you to a delicious treat for your best Easter ever! Tel: 0845 260 9000 rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley 25 March–10 April Easter Eggstravaganza Bocketts Farm Fetcham There’s Eggstra fun to be had at Bocketts Farm this spring. The lambing season will be in full swing, with over 300 newborn lambs due in the Big Animal Barn and lambing marquee. Daily ‘Meet the Shepherd’ sessions will be running and don’t forget to complete the Easter trail too, with a yummy chocolate treat for each child. Times: 10.00am -5.30pm Prices: Adult, £9.50, child £9.95 (317), £8.20 (2yrs), under 2yrs free bockettsfarm.co.uk 30 March Meet the Millers Meet the Millers from Ibhams Farm Granary and mill your own muffins Shalford Mill
Shalford Time: 11am to 4pm Price: Normal admission plus £5 for baking workshop Tel: 01483 561389 ibhamsfarmgranary.com exhibitions
5 March–16 April Rising Stars 2016 The national showcase of the new craft and design talent in the UK New Ashgate Gallery Farnham Times: Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 5pm Tel: 01252 713208 newashgate.org.uk 26 March Dorking 1915: WW1 Home Front exhibition Dorking Museum & Heritage Centre Dorking Times: 10am – 4pm Price: £2 / £1 / £4.50 Tel: 01306 876591 dorkingmuseum.org.uk au c t i o n s
12 March Classic Car Auction Brooklands Museum Weybridge Time: 10am to 5pm Price: £30 Tel: 01932 857381 brooklandsmuseum.com
nat u r e
1–30 March Explore Hunt Nature Park and visit the viewing platform to see signs of spring. Hunt Nature Park Shalford, Time: 10am to 5pm Price: Free 01483 505566
April ta l k s
1 April Gordon Buchanan Acclaimed wildlife cameraman and television presenter offers audiences an insight into his experiences with some of the world’s most fearsome and majestic animals. Dorking Halls Dorking Tickets: Tel: 01306 881717 dorkinghalls.co.uk
SO What’s On
t h e at r e
nat u r e
11–16 April The Father Direct from the success from London’s West End, The Father heads to Richmond Theatre for one week only. The Richmond Theatre Times: Mon – Sat eves 7.30pm, Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm Tickets from £12.50 Tel: 0844 871 7615 atgtickets.com
9–10 April Birds of Prey Weekend RHS Wisley Bring the whole family to discover all about birds of prey. See the magnificent birds up close, with agility displays at 11am and 2pm.
11–16 April Rehearsal for Murder This classic thriller stars Robert Daws, Amy Robins, Robert Duncan, Susan Penhaligon, Steven Pinder, Lucy Dixon and Ben Nealon. Yvonne Arnaud Theatre Guildford Prices: £23.00 – £34.50 To book: Tel: 01483 44 00 00 yvonne-arnaud.co.uk 19–23 April An Inspector Calls Multi award-winning West End production of J.B. Priestley’s classic thriller Richmond Theatre Times: Tue – Sat eves 7.30pm, Wed, Thu & Sat mats 2.30pm Tickets: from £12.50 Tel: 0844 871 7615 atgtickets.com
DON ’ T MISS !
music
23 April Queen’s 90th birthday concert Holy Trinity Church Guildford In celebration of Queen Elizabeth’s 90th birthday, Epworth Choir will be holding a concert featuring music for choir, brass and organ on. The programme will feature many wellknown pieces such as Zadok the Priest, I Was Glad and Coronation Anthems. Times: 7.30pm Tickets: £15-£20 for adults and £6 for children under 12, To book: Tel 01483 768136 epworthchoir.org 30 April The Bohemians The Bohemians re-enact the glory days of Queen including the Craziness of the 70’s and the Magic of the 80’s The Harlequin Redhill Times:19.30 Tickets: From £19.50 To book: 01737 276500 harlequintheatre.co.uk
May 2 May Haslemere Charter Fair Haslemere Times: 1pm – 5pm Price: Free haslemere.com/diary
Fascinating new exhibition which tells how Hindhead became known as the ‘English Switzerland’ in the mid-1880s. Preview and talk by Dr Marion Dell 1st April at 7.30pm. Tickets £5 include refreshments. Exhibition is free. Tel: 01428 642112 haslemeremuseum.co.uk
17–21 May Tom Richmond Theatre Step back in time to the dance halls, working men’s clubs and recording studios of the ‘60s where the legend of Tom Jones was born. A valleys boy with a heart-stopping voice who dreamed of making the big time, no matter what it took. This inspirational story of self-belief and determination is performed live on stage by a phenomenal cast of actors and musicians, celebrating an ordinary man with an extraordinary talent who became a superstar on a world stage. Featuring hits of the era including Ghost Riders in the Sky, Spanish Harlem and Lucille, we track Tom’s climb to stardom. Ending with some the hits that made him one of the most charismatic stars of the day: It’s Not Unusual, Delilah, Green, Green, Grass of Home, What’s New Pussycat and more. Times: 19.30, matinee 14.30 Tickets: £15.00 – £42.50 Tel: 0844 871 7615 Web: atgtickets.com
is the largest temporary sculpture exhibition in Surrey and attracts sculptors from across the UK. Enjoy sculpture displayed in a relaxed and informal setting, from both local upand-coming sculptors to top names in the world of sculpture. Times:11am – 5pm with free parking. Entrance is £5 for adults (under 16s are free). The Birtley Estate is situated just 5 miles south of Guildford on the A281. surreyhills.org/events/surrey-hillssculpture-garden t h e at r e
fa i r s
2–23 April The Rise and Fall of the English Switzerland: An Exhibition at Haslemere Museum
DON ’ T MISS !
a rt s + c r a f t s
5 May Pinocchio Harlequin Theatre Redhill Ballet Theatre UK tell the tale of a wooden puppet carved from pine with but only one wish...to become a real boy. Times: 7.30pm Tickets: £14.00 – £18.50 To book: Tel: 01737 276500 harlequintheatre.co.uk
28 April–2 May Spring Craft Fair Over 160 exhibitors will offer the chance to buy direct from the best artists and craftmakers in the UK and enjoy the beautiful and inspiring setting of the garden in spring. RHS Wisley Woking Times: 9am -6pm Normal admission charges apply. rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley
2–7 May Rocky Horror Show Featuring all of its famous musical classics, including Science Fiction/ Double Feature, Sweet Transvestite, Dammit Janet and of course, the classic floor filler The Time Warp. Richmond Theatre Times: Thu eves 8pm, Fri & Sat 5:30pm & 8:30pm Tickets from £14 Tel: 0844 871 7615 atgtickets.com
30 April–5 June Surrey Hills Sculpture Garden Birtley Estate Featuring over 170 sculptures, this
10–14 May The Merry Wives If you like your Shakespeare light, funny and wickedly entertaining
then look no further for verbal fun, physical comedy and a bevy of cunningly colourful characters. Yvonne Arnaud Theatre Guildford To book: Tel: 01483 44 00 00 yvonne-arnaud.co.uk music
5 May Clare Teal performs a programme drawing from the Great American and British Songbooks including Ella Fitzgerald, Doris Day and Peggy Lee Denbies Wine Estate Dorking Time: 8pm Tickets: Adults: £25.00, 7-21 years: £5.00 To book: 01483 444334 visitguildford.com 19 May John Mills – Guitar Camberley Theatre Camberley Time: 19:30 Tickets: £14.50, Theatre Club £12.50 To book: 01276 707600 camberleytheatre.biz nat u r e
12 May Bat Walk Discover the secret world of bats at sunset, on a walk organised by the Surrey Bat Group. RHS Wisley Woking rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley @SurreyOccasions 11
SO What’s On
Heart
in the country The Surrey County Show, at Stoke Park in Guildford, has been an annual fixture in the Surrey calender since the 1950’s and continues to be an action-packed, rural day out for the whole family
12
With up 40,000 visitors every year, the Surrey County Show is now the largest one-day county show in the UK. This year’s event, to be held on Spring Bank Holiday Monday 30th May is set to be as exciting as ever with spectacular Grand Arena entertainment, lots of activities for young and old, acres of shopping and the return of all the show favourites. The Grand Arena will showcase top class entertainment throughout the day. This includes a first visit from James Dylan’s Stuntworld, the most sensational and experienced motorcycle stunt team in the country. James and his team perform all over the world and will thrill the crowds with ramp jumps, wheelies, stoppies and many more remarkable stunts that need to be seen to be believed. Exciting competition is provided by the Grand Prix show jumping, with huge fences tackled by the some of the country’s most successful horse and rider combinations. With a prize fund of over £6000 competition will be fierce!
SO What’s On p l a n y o u r day
The ever popular scurry driving returns with the tiny, yet tough ponies always pleasing the crowds. The Red Devil parachute team will provide the spectacular finale (weather permitting) to an action packed day.
Animal magic Animals are the heart of the Surrey County Show. Visitors will be able to get close to hundreds of cows, sheep, pigs, goats, horses and small animals. Enter the cattle tents and meet distinguished Highlands, delicate Jerseys and the placid Sussex. Spot the black Zwartbles sheep, the striking Jacob and the crinkled Texel. With almost 40 classes for goats and pygmy goats and pigs battling for honours such as ‘Pig most like its handler’ and ‘Grumpiest pig’, animal lovers will be in heaven. The show is known for its top-class equine competition. Hunters, cobs, children’s ponies and donkeys all feature and this year we are celebrating Britain’s own native ponies with more classes for these wonderful breeds. 2016 also sees the return of coloured horses and ponies – sure to be a crowd pleaser. But you don’t need a horse, or a cow or a pig to compete at the show. Bring your dog and you could earn a rosette in the family dog show. All breeds, types and sizes welcome!
Falconry to fly-fishing The Countryside Arena will feature falconry, sheepdogs, fly-fishing, gundogs and hounds and visitors will have the rare opportunity to see a real milking parlour – with real cows! The bees and honey tent is always packed – with a live release every hour of these most valuable creatures. And don’t forget the floristry tent, this year with flower arranging demonstrations as well as the competition.
The Surrey County Show is a great family day out with ticket prices starting as low as £5.50 for a child, and under 5’s entering free. Advance tickets are available online at: surreycountyshow. co.uk or visit the Guildford Tourist Information Centre, 155 High Street, Guildford, GU1 3AJ (01483 444339). Full price tickets are available on the gate on show day. The show opens at 8am and parking is free on the showground and at surrounding sites a short walk away. There is also a free Park and Ride from Merrow, Surrey University and Guildford Business Park.
Stoke Park is predominantly on grass so please dress appropriately – sensible shoes and warm clothes if it rains and a hat and sun cream if it’s warm. The Surrey County Show is organised and run by the Surrey County Agricultural Society, a small charity that exists to promote agriculture and good farming. If you join in before the show you will enjoy complimentary admission to both the Surrey County Show and the Surrey Game and Country Fair at Loselely Park in September, with use of the members’ facilities and other benefits. Visit: surreycountyshow.co.uk or call 01483 890810.
Food, glorious food Always on the agenda is the ever expanding Food Hall and Food Theatre, with back to back demonstrations and food and drink from all over the world. And if you prefer local fayre, call in at the Surrey Farmers’ Market where everything is locally grown, caught, reared, brewed, pickled, baked or smoked by the stallholder. Once you’ve satisfied your taste buds you can shop till you drop. There are acres of trade stands and a craft marquee selling everything from unique pieces of jewellery to luxury cars.
competition
WIN!
Win free family tickets! The Surrey County Show has teamed up with Surrey Occasions to offer our readers four family tickets (two adults/two children) to this fantastic event on the 30th May 2016. All you have to do is visit: surreyoccassions.co.uk and click on the competitions page, fill in the form, providing your name, address and contact details. Winners will be chosen at random and the competition will close on 22 April.
surreyoccasions.co.uk 13
SO Heritage Farnham
Fascinating Farnham Continuing his regular series on Surrey towns and villages, historian and journalist, Graham Whyte focuses on the town of Farnham
F
rom the earliest days, it was inevitable that Farnham would prosper. Before the Romans arrived, the town already straddled the routes of several ancient trackways, and the legionnaires added yet another by aligning their road from Silchester to Chichester slightly west of the town. Already on the map, as it were, and conveniently located midway between Winchester and London, Farnham attracted the attention of Henri de Blois, grandson of William the Conqueror, who built a castle on the hill above the town to accommodate Bishops of Winchester on their frequent trips between their cathedral and the capital. It soon became their official residence, and was to remain so until the 1930s – some 55 bishops and 900 years later. The Bishop of Winchester was considered a powerful and influential figure at the English court, and a number of plots and intrigues were associated with the castle; so it is perhaps fitting that one of its
Inventor John Henry Knight’s steampowered hop-digging machine, designed and built in Farnham
14 surreyoccasions.co.uk
Moor Park as it is today. It was the home of Sir William Temple and for a while, Jonathan Swift.
last official roles was during WW2 when it housed the Camouflage Development and Training Centre. As well as the castle’s playing host to monarchs and nobility, the town itself has been home to a number of celebrated characters, including John Henry Knight, a pioneer of early motoring, who would go down in history as the first-ever recipient of a summons for a motoring offence. In 1895, Mr Knight appeared before the local magistrates for allowing his assistant, James Pullinger, to drive a motor vehicle – a home-made Knight Trusty – on Castle Street without the obligatory red-flag escort required at the time. Each was fined 2/6 (12.5p) and Knight was restricted to using his car on private farm roads until the Locomotives on the Highway Act of 1896 removed the need for an escort. The passing of the 1896 Act was, of course, faithfully recorded in Hansard, which was a successor to Cobbett’s Parliamentary Debates, a digest of House of Commons’ affairs first published in 1802 by William Cobbett, the Farnham-born political activist. But Cobbett is perhaps best-known for his book Rural Rides, in which he related in some detail a series of horse-back rides across the length and breadth of south-east England. Cobbett is not alone in lending a literary air to Farnham’s history and character.
In the late 17th Century, Jonathan Swift, the author of Gulliver’s Travels, lived at Moor Park, where he worked as a secretary to Sir William Temple, a Whig statesman and grandee responsible for negotiating the marriage of William and Mary, who together assumed the throne of England, Scotland and Ireland after the so-called Glorious Revolution of 1688. In comparison to such places as Swift’s Glubbdubdrib and Brobdingnad, Neverland sounds like a place you wouldn’t mind visiting. And were you to do so, you might well encounter the boy who never grew up, a boy who first came to life near Farnham more than 100 years’ ago, when J M Barrie created Peter Pan and Neverland whilst living at Black Lake Cottage on the road to Tilford. Notwithstanding Farnham’s enduring literary connections, perhaps the last word should go to one of Victorian Britain’s most widely-read authors. An author who wrote not a word of fiction but was renowned throughout the country for facts. I refer to George Bradshaw, whose pocket-book railway guides were essential traveling companions for anyone intent on exploring the thousands of towns and villages reached by the country’s vast network of local and national railway lines. In 1863, he told would-be visitors to Farnham that the town’s population numbered 3,926, that markets were held on a Thursday, that the hotel of choice was The Bush, and that the station was half-a-mile distant from the town centre. Most importantly, in describing the town he informed readers that ‘…Farnham is an elegant, small town, with much of historical interest’. Farnham’s population may have increased ten-fold since Bradshaw’s day but most would agree that his description has stood the test of time.
William Cobbett was born in the public house that now bears his name. It was formerly the Jolly Farmer
SO Advertorial
waverley abbey house Tucked away in a beautiful corner of Surrey countryside, two miles from Farnham, is Waverley Abbey House, a Grade II* listed Georgian mansion. The house sits across a picturesque lake from the impressive Waverley Abbey ruins – the first Cistercian monastery in England.
Waverley Abbey House, built in 1723 has played host to Florence Nightingale – whose uncle owned the property in the 19th Century – served as a military hospital during WWI and is now home to the charity CWR. After four years of restoration and refurbishment CWR opened the doors of Waverley Abbey House to the public in 1987. Since then the doors have remained firmly open welcoming a host of different charities, local businesses, private parties and students. With its historic character, peaceful atmosphere and excellent facilities Waverley Abbey House is the ideal location for conferences, meetings, training and special occasions. Ranging from small, intimate meetings rooms to the more spacious ones, accommodating up to 100 people, all of the rooms have their own distinctive character and atmosphere. With natural light, flexible layouts and AV system hire available there is a space for every occasion. The attractive and extensive grounds can be hired for larger events, outdoor team building exercises and marquee functions. An on-site catering team are fully equipped to provide delicious food, whether for a lunchtime meeting, company BBQ or special occasion dinner. For more information or to book an event at Waverley Abbey House, please contact us: 01252 784733 • info@waverleyabbeyhouse.org.uk www.waverleyabbeyhouse.org.uk
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SO Interview
Geek odyssey Claire Mahoney speaks to Surrey resident Dr Sue Black OBE, about her incredible journey from struggling single-mum to becoming one of Europe’s most influential voices in computer science
16 surreyoccasions.co.uk
If any Year Six girls at Surbiton High School harboured any doubts about what they can achieve in life, they were surely cast aside when the one-woman whirlwind that is Dr Sue Black OBE paid them a recent visit. Surbiton resident, Dr Black, was awarded the OBE in this year’s New Year’s Honours list for her services to technology. The award-winning computer scientist is regarded as one of the top 50 most influential women in technology in Europe. A senior research associate in the Department of Computer Science at University College London, she founded BCSWomen, the UK’s first online network for women working in technology and techmums, a social enterprise aimed at empowering families through the use of technology. If that wasn’t impressive enough, she was also responsible for starting the successful campaign to save the site of the WWII code breakers – Bletchley Park and has since written a book about it. The Surbiton students will be paying a visit to Bletchley Park as part of their studies. So who better to help them understand the historical significance of the site than someone who found herself dumbstruck by the fact that the place where thousands worked tirelessly to decrypt German code was, a few years back, threatened with closure.
SO Interview
Black decided that something must be done. She soon discovered that campaigners had been working tirelessly for the last 20 years to prevent Bletchley from being bulldozed. But this was 2009 and now there was a new tool in the campaigner’s arsenal – Twitter. Dr Black set about putting it to good use. The first person she contacted was fellow Twitter enthusiast Sir Stephen Fry, who at the time had just posted a picture of himself stuck in a lift on the social media site. Dr Black seized her moment and posted: “Does Stephen Fry care about Bletchley Park? Turns out that he did – passionately. He retweeted the link to her campaign to his 220,000 followers and the campaign took off from there. By 2011 the site was saved. It’s a fascinating story and one that Sue tells with characteristic humour in her book Saving Bletchley Park, which is available on Amazon from March, not only tells the story of how the site was saved, but also about the extraodinary people that essentially helped Britain win the war. “One of the great bonuses for me working as part of the Bletchley Park campaign was meeting quite a few of the codebreakers. They were really incredible people and it was an absolute honour to get to know them and find out what they did. In fact, the first person to get in touch with me was Captain Jerry Roberts who sadly died a couple of years ago. But he become a family friend.” Captain Roberts was the last survivor of the nine cryptologists who worked on the German High Command’s Tunny Code. He worked alongside Alan Turing who broke the German Naval Enigma code. Turing, a Guildford man, is widely regarded as the founder of modern computer science. After the war he worked in Hampton
Bletchley Park
“One of the great bonuses for me working as part of the Bletchley Park campaign was meeting quite a few of the code breakers. They were really incredible people and it was an absolute honour to get to know them.” at the National Physical Library where he designed the Automatic Computing Engine (ACE). Through the Bletchley campaign, Black got to know his nephew, Sir John Dermot Turing and recently attended a speech with him at Google HQ where they spoke about their respective Turing-related books. All this is of course a world away from Black’s humble beginnings. Today, she is one of the UK’s leading academics. But in fact she came to education late in life and didn’t do her Maths A level until her early 20s. By that time she had already been married and had three children. But then she had to grow up fast. Her mother tragically died of a brain hemmorhage when she was 12 and with that family life as she knew it ended. Her father re-married and unfortunately emotional and physical abuse with in the family became common. By 17 she had left home and moved to London on her own. Her marriage was also short-lived. Her husband didn’t like her studying and became violent. So she bravely left and went to a women’s refuge. But she never let these setbacks come between her and her education. “There is something inside of me that makes me want to make the most of my life. You often find that high achieving people have lost a parent at a young age or something like that. It does bring home to you at a very young age that we are not immortal.”
@SurreyOccasions 17
SO Interview
As her new life began in Brixton she threw herself into study in the hours she had left over from bringing up her children. She completed her Maths A Level and then applied to London South Bank University where she completed a degree in Computer Science. Once she gained her BSc she offered a place to study a PhD which she was awarded at aged 39. The university then offered her a job as a full-time lecturer and she was able to earn a decent salary for the first time in her life at 40. To celebrate she threw all the families’ old clothes away and went out and bought everyone new outfits. Technology and education clearly provided her with a route our of poverty. “The great thing about technology is that it gives you options,” she says. She has therefore made sure that throughout her career she has given something back. She set up techmums – which offers free online support and also workshops for mums who want to learn more about technology so that it can help them in their careers and so they can support their children’s learning online. (visit: techmums.co.) She knows first hand how support like this can transform lives. While studying computer science, she also found herself feeling quite isolated as a woman in a very male dominated environment. She therefore set about creating an all-women branch of the British Computer Society called BCSWomen.
“I like solving problems. I see an issue and I try and do something about it. BCSWomen came about because as a female PhD student I was quite shy going to conferences and had some really difficult experiences trying to network in such a male-dominated environment. Then I went to a Women in Science conference in Brussels, where it was all women and I just felt completely relaxed and felt I could go up to anyone and have a conversation. That’s why I set up the online network – Women in Computing – so that women could get in touch with other women working in the same field.” These days she divides her time between her job enjoying life in Surrey. She has now lived in Surbiton for 11 years. “I adore Surbiton – I really love it here. For me its got everything. I think I got too old to live in Brixton,” she laughs. She discovered the village through visits to her daughter who was at Kingston College and then went onto Kingston University and now she can’t imagine being anywhere else. “I used to come over and visit her from Brixton in the summer and walk along the Thames and have a picnic by the river and go to Hampton Court and I just thought I need to live here.” Her book: Saving Bletchley Park: How #social media saved the home of the WW11 code-breakers is available on Amazon from this month. You can also follow Dr Black on twitter:
@Dr_Black
To find out about techmums visit: techmums.co
18 surreyoccasions.co.uk
Follow in the steps of Alan Turing Guildford walking tours on famous codebreaker turned into book Last year Guildford resident and town guide, Paul Backhouse, launched a walking tour around the town based on the life of Alan Turing. Following extensive research and numerous interviews with the Turing family he decided he had enough information to publish a book which is published this month. Alan Turing: Guildford’s Best Kept Secret tells the stories and highlights the locations associated with Alan Turing and his time in Guildford and why Guildford was such an important part of his relatively short life. Alan Turing is renowned as the father of modern computing and for his code breaking achievements during WWII. Perhaps less known is that Guildford was his family home. He lived at 22 Ennismore Avenue Guildford as a boy and continued to visit family members, particularly his mother, throughout his life. Author Paul Backhouse has lived in Guildford for 25 years and is one of the Guildford Town Guides. He says his research produced so much more material about Turing than could be fitted into the walking tours that he decided to produce a book. “The first Alan Turing walks held last summer proved extremely popular. We actually had to turn a few people away as the numbers were so large. The feedback from those who joined our walks was tremendous.” The book will be available to purchase from the Museum and the Tourist Information Centre – and at the end of the Town Guides walks from May to September. During the 2016 Guildford Summer Festival, there will be several Turing related events around 23 June (Turing’s birthday) to celebrate his Guildford connections. These events will include the new Town Guides Walk, talks, a film and a play – details will be released in April, along with other Guildford Summer Festival events later in the year through the Tourist Information Centre. Full details of the May-September free guided walks will be posted on guildfordwalks.org.uk
WIN!
We have a signed copy of Paul Backhouse’s book – Alan Turing: Guildford’s Best Kept Secret up for grabs. To win a copy just go to our competitions page and fill in your details on our website: surreyoccasions.co.uk. Closing date 22 April 2016.
competition
WIN!
DogFest offers dogs and their owners the ultimate fun-filled weekend. Taking place at the prestigious Windsor Great Park, Berkshire on 25–26th June. The action-packed line-up includes Flyball, agility sessions, dog diving and training, plus grooming sessions for pampered pooches and gifts and treats galore. Don’t miss the wonderful Eukanuba Supervet Live Tour, where Noel Fitzpatrick will share heart-warming success stories from his popular TV show. Take your dog to join in the training workshops at Hill’s School for Dogs. While your dog enjoys an action packed day out, you can watch entertaining displays of agility and doggy dancing in the Nerf Activity Ring, treat yourself to a delicious variety of food and drink, listen to live music and shop ‘til you drop! If you are not a lucky winner, you can book tickets by visiting: dog-fest.co.uk or calling 0844 581 4917.
Win a pair of tickets to the ultimate dog’s day out Tickets to DogFest are at the top of every dog’s wish-list, and you could be in with a chance of winning a pair (seven winners, one pair per winner)
To enter visit: surreyoccasions.co.uk and click on the link to the competitions page Entries close on 29th April 2016
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13/04/2015 10:56:52
SO Cycling
On your bike Cycling has become more popular than ever, not least in Surrey. So we asked local cycling expert, Rohan Dubash, for insider advice on safe riding on the county’s roads and for new routes for the more experienced rider
Surrey has a lot going for it as any resident will tell you, and it certainly has some of the finest countryside in the UK. Tranquil spots and sweeping vistas can easily be found, many within a proverbial stone’s throw of our own doorsteps. No surprise then that, more and more of us are keen to take the opportunity to get out and explore what Surrey has to offer in the car, on foot, on horse-back or of course on a bike.
I have lived and cycled in Surrey since the late 80s and I’m well aware that in recent years sharing the road has become something of an issue for many in this beautiful county. Surrey is recognised as one of the most densely populated county’s in the country and inevitably it gets a little crowded out on the roads, especially at the weekends. When I arrived here in 1989 the county was notably busier than in the Peak District where I used to ride a lot, but nothing like the congested highways we see today. More and more of us are performing this low-impact activity which burns fat, tones muscles and and gets the cardiovascular system into proper gear. We might not be able to do much about the problem of growing road congestion, but there are things we can do to make said roads safer and more pleasant for us all. Time was when virtually everyone that rode a bicycle started at an early age and benefited from the mentoring element that the local cycling club or CTC offered, learning their road-craft as they gained experience. I am deliberately avoiding the use of terminology such as ‘Cyclist’ and ‘Motorist’ as I pen this article. It very unlikely that you will ever meet a person that transports themselves from a) to b) using a singular mode of transport. Nearly everyone I know that rides a bike owns (and uses) a car and many people that I know that own a car regularly ride a bike. These very same people, catch buses and trains and also use the pavements to walk to places.
@SurreyOccasions 21
SO Cycling
Where to ride? Despite the recent obsession with cycling up one of the jewels in Surrey’s crown, Box Hill, there are harder climbs to test the more athletic amongst you and less congested roads to enjoy, particularly at weekends and on public holidays. Box Hill has its appeal, but there’s a whole county out there to explore and enjoy. A good friend of mine passed away a few years ago. He was an ex-professional racing cyclist hailing from Surrey and in his memory we formed a trust fund that aimed to financially assist a couple of lucky riders each year to relocate to Northern France to follow their dreams of becoming professional racing cyclists. We ran the fund for 10 years and also made donations to CRY a charity for undetected heart disease in the young and as part of our fundraising activities put on an organised ride each year with several routes of differing severity, to test the participant as much as they liked, raise a few quid and work up an appetite for some serious cake eating at the end.
Below are links to the routes we used. Ride safely and considerately and most of all enjoy all that Surrey has to offer. Easy(ish) mapmyride.com/gb/tadworth-eng/ john-ibbotson-fund-jaffacake-ride-route-52229096 A bit harder mapmyride.com/gb/dorking-eng/ john-ibbotson-fund-carrot-cake-ride-route-52229128 My legs hurt! mapmyride.com/so/ceeldheer-galguduud/johnibbotson-fund-fruit-cake-ride-route-11125315 Rohan Dubash is passionate about bikes and cycling. He has written for specialist cycling magazines including: Cycling Weekly and Rouleur Magazine. His Doctor D (Intensive Care for Bikes) servicing centre is based in Sutton. For more info visit: doctord.co.uk
People on bikes:
People in other vehicles:
1 Make sure your machine is in a safe, roadworthy condition.
1 Approach a person or group of people on bikes with caution.
2 Carry basic supplies like a spare inner tube (suitable for the
bike you are riding!), a pump, a puncture repair kit and a mini tool (the latter can be a life saver even if you personally don’t know how to carry out small roadside repairs).
3 Dress appropriately for the weather conditions. 4 Wear some element of bright clothing and consider
using a small rear LED light at the very least to improve your visibility to other road users. This can be especially useful if the weather closes in or you enter areas that are shady with reduced visibility.
5 Avoid riding in large groups unless participating in an
organised event. Smaller, well disciplined groups are safer to ride in and easier to negotiate by other road users.
6 Look behind you regularly to see if there is a build-up of
traffic able to move at greater speed than you. If there is, perhaps consider pulling in somewhere safe for a second or two or simply assisting traffic to pass you safely and without aggravation. Riding along for miles ignoring other road users is sure to aggravate all parties.
7 Call out defects in the road to your fellow riders. I even point
out some of the larger potholes I encounter to vehicles that may be behind me to reduce risk of them damaging their vehicle.
8 Thanking the driver of a vehicle that has overtaken you
safely or shown you consideration with a cheery wave is a good idea in my book and shows courtesy. This point actually applies to everyone!
9 If you see someone at the side of the road, it’s a nice idea to
check if they are OK and whether they need any assistance.
22 surreyoccasions.co.uk
Wind noise in the ears when cycling can often mean they can’t hear you as you approach.
2 Adjust your speed and be prepared to stop. Slowing down and
selecting a lower gear means you will be able to overtake more easily when the opportunity presents itself.
3 Avoid overtaking groups or riders on blind bends or at high
speed. Obvious? Apparently not.
4 When overtaking, avoid the regular mistake
of coming back over to your side of the carriageway too early. It pays to remember that the person or persons on the bike/s are not stationary and in many cases moving almost as quickly as you are, so you need to get well clear of them first.
5 If you come up behind a person or group on bikes and you
want to turn left (or right for that matter) consider dropping your speed and allowing them to go on ahead without impeding their progress. Overtaking and turning immediately left can cause serious injury or death to the more vulnerable road user. Both are to be avoided at all costs.
6 Take your time. I know it’s hard to believe,
but it’s unlikely that you will be stuck behind someone on a bike (or a horse) for more than a handful of seconds. I know it may seem like an age but in reality it rarely is and if truth be told you are quite likely to be held up by another car or a set of traffic lights a few hundred metres down the road.
Cellar Magneval Boutique de Vins & Épicerie Fine, Ripley Cellar Magneval Boutique de Vins & Épicerie Fine opened in December 2015 in one of Ripley’s 15th century buildings on the high street, ‘The Old Cellar’, complete with its own wine cellar. The owners, Thierry and Jo de Magneval, are local to Surrey. With successful wine bars already open in Woking and Fleet, when the opportunity arose to open a new wine store and deli, they jumped at the challenge for their next business venture. The shop has been fitted out in an eclectic style, using old French furniture, wardrobes, dressers and even trunk suitcases! They hope it will make the whole shopping experience enjoyable, encouraging customers to browse the shelves and discover new wine and epicurean delicacies.
Ripley is a beautiful Surrey village, steeped in history and dating back to the 12th century. It is buzzing with top-quality events all year round, from the ‘Ripley Rocks’ concert every July, to the huge fireworks display, Christmas Fair and an awardwinning Farmer’s Market every fortnight on a Saturday morning. With countryside all around and RHS Wisley just down the road, it’s a must visit.
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The shop is full of high quality wines, a constantly extending wine bin list and an ever-developing range of delicious meats, cheeses, olives and chutneys in the épicerie fine foods section.
Wine tasting events and a pop-up restaurant are available, as well as corporate and private events.
Fine Wines, Ports & Spirits Boutique Delicatessen & Fine Foods Wine, Port, Spirits & Champagne Tasting Sommelier & Cellar Stocking Service Private & Corporate Events CM Wine Club
Own Wine Cellar & Bond Wholesale & Trade Local Delivery Gift Service Specialist Cigars Free Glass and Decanter Loan Service
Tuesday - Saturday 11am - 8pm The Old Cellar, High Street, Ripley, Surrey. GU23 6BB. UK +44 (0)1483 610610 • ripley@cellarmagneval.com www.cellarmagneval.com/ripley
SO Travel
Balearic beauty The Sunday Times has declared Palma the best place in the world to live. It’s also a pretty good place for a spring short break, as Karen Glaser discovers when she takes in a gastronomic tour of the beautiful Mallorcan capital
The boutique hotel Calatrava is perched right on the Old Town’s walls with long views over the bay
24 surreyoccasions.co.uk
As this magazine goes to press, polar gales and arctic frost are sweeping across the country bringing fears of yet more disruption and travel chaos. But shivering in winter chill is not obligatory at this time of year. Or at least not every weekend. The year-round sunny town of Palma is a two-hour hop from Gatwick, 10 minutes’ drive from Mallorca airport and worlds away in vibe, if not kilometres, from Magaluf. Yes, worlds. Party resort Magaluf and cosmopolitan Palma may be on the same Balearic island, but that’s about all the two Mallorcan towns have in common. In fact, earlier this year the Sunday Times gave Palma the ultimate accolade and declared it nothing less than the best place in the world in which to live. With its peerless climate, upmarket shopping and fine dining Mallorca’s capital was described as “a pocket-sized city that has it all.” And what makes this upmarket seaside city great for the long haul, makes it great for a year-round foodie weekend, too. No wonder it is increasingly becoming a favourite as a ‘commuter destination.’ The city’s gourmet food market San Juan (gastronomicosanjuan.es) is a great place to start supping and quaffing your way around the pocket-sized city. Originally the city’s slaughterhouse, it was unveiled last summer with 17 stalls showcasing both old-style bites like cocas, Spain’s thinner, flakier answer to pizza, and newcomers to the local cuisine such as Indo-Hispanic fusion croquettes
SO Travel
La Rosa Vermutería
stuffed with curried Mallorcan mushrooms. Though the city hopes the market, open every day of the year, will become a gastronomic destination for tourists, so far its beautiful Moorish tiles are largely trodden by locals. The elderly behatted gents washing down oysters with Cava on a sunny January afternoon certainly looked rooted in place. Although he hails from the home counties, chef Marc Fosh could fairly be described as rooted here too. He came to the island 20 years ago and is now the owner of the Michelin-starred restaurant, Simply Fosh (simplyfosh.com/en/) located within the 17th century Convent de la Mission Hotel. Venison with pumpkin, orange blossom, anise and yoghurt is an example of the fresh, clean yet unexpected combination of flavour and texture which have earned the culinary hotspot its coveted star. Unsurprisingly, given Mallorca’s pristine seas, there’s plenty of fish on the menu at Simply Fosh, too, a goodly chunk of it bought, no doubt, at the Pere Garau market. It’s worth a stroll here just to gawp at the gleaming rows of yellow fin mackerel, wild blue lobster and crimson Soller prawns, among other locally landed fish. Plus the stall holders are incredibly knowledgeable. How, for example, can you tell if the slightly stirring lobster in front of you was caught that morning or yesterday? Answer: peer into the crustacea’s tiny eyes. If you’re more of a carb than a piscine foodie, take a bakery tour with Mallorca Rutes (i-mallorca.net) around Palma’s slow-
paced, picturesque Old Town, the skyline of which is dominated by Palma’s huge cathedral, a dramatic sandstone edifice with one of Europe’s largest rose windows. All of the city’s bakeries sell einsaimada, the ancient Mallorcan pastry made of flour, sugar, eggs and pork lard, but in Forn des Threatre they serve the coiled cake with sobrasada, a raw, cured Balearic sausage made from pork, paprika and other spices. The salty-sweet combination is divine. If you really want to emulate the locals, accompany your doughy delight with Tunel, a herb liquor. And if you want to make like the locals in Palma’s happy hour, head for Rosa Vermuteria (facebook.com/ larosavermuteria/) where, in time-honoured Mallorcan style, you can wash down a helping of razor clams or mussel croquettes with a glass of Vermouth. It is not just Palma’s gastronomic offerings which are exceptional. In recent years, its hotels have been following suit, and nowhere more so than at Can Cera (cancerahotel. com), a beautifully restored 13th building combining 17th century furniture and rich fabrics with striking contemporary art. All 14 rooms feature enormous beds with monogrammed bed linen, and breakfast is served on a traditional Mallorcan courtyard within the building. The boutique hotel Calatrava (boutiquehotelcalatrava.com) perched right on the Old Town’s walls and with long views over the bay of Palma, is another perfectly
placed palacio. Its 16 rooms combine cool minimalist design with 19th century architecture, and are utterly stunning. Hotel guests can enjoy the Finnish sauna and jacuzzi in the intimate basement spa for free. But if you really want to spoil yourself, book the whole spa for massages, cocoa-butter treatments and rose facials that will prep and prime you for the sun. British Airways flies year-round from London City Airport with four flights during the winter and up to two flights a day during the summer. Rates start from £55 each way.
@SurreyOccasions 25
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Under the Rose is offering Surrey Occasions readers a 20% discount. Enter the discount code ‘SOSPRING16’ at checkout of any item at www.undertherose.co.uk
Some sentiments are so intimate they can be hard to put into words. Be it a message, a word or a name. Something to celebrate, inspire, encourage, or simply because… Under the Rose is a unique new collection of fine silver necklaces, bracelets, and tiny photo charms created to treasure, to evoke emotion and memories.
Each item is inscribed or coded with a word or message or with a photo that has a special meaning for the two of you, whether it’s a family member, a loved one or a close friend. You can choose one of our messages or personalise with a message of your own. But whichever you decide, you’ll be giving a distinctive piece of personalised jewellery that’s a constant reminder of the two of you.
Dynamic duo Tackling break-outs and blemishes can be drying for mature skin. Luckily, Murad has now added a serum and moisturiser to its anti-ageing blemish control range. Both have gentle formulas boosted with Kombucha Collagen Defence – an anti-oxident rich in fermented black tea and Black Cohosh to combat hormonal breakouts. Available from leading department stores and online. The moisturiser also has an SPF30. Price: £45.00 for the serum, £42.00 for the moisturisers. Available from leading department stores and online. murad.co.uk
Dead clean
Spring
SO Beauty
to life
It’s time to prep your skin for the new season and add a pop of colour. Here’s how
Give skin a deep cleanse with this multitasking face mask from Sabon which exfoliates, conditions and moisturises the skin, with natural exfoliating beads and Dead Sea salts. Part of their new Dead Sea Treasures collection of bath and body products which contains Rose of Jericho & Feverfew and micro-algae only found in the Dead Sea. Price: £34.00 Available in store and online from March. sabonuk.co.uk
Ice Ice baby Add a few drops of this lightweight, omega-rich facial oil from Skyn Iceland to your moisturiser to give your skin a hydration hit. Arctic Face Oil contains 99.9% Camelina Oil and has a unique composition of nine Essential Fatty Acids which enables it to survive in harsh weather – perfect for winter-parched skin. You can even add it to your foundation for a dewy finish. Available from Marks & Spencer. Price: £30.00.
True blue Overhaul your eyes with a pop of this beautiful denim-coloured duo from cult brand Delilah. The compact crème eyeshadow can be worn alone for a sultry and sophisticated look. Or, pair it with a slick of Delilah Gel Liner in a lovely inky blue shade for a more intense look. Top off with lots of mascara. Available from SpaceNK and online. Prices: Delilah Eyeshadow – £20 Delilah Gel Liner – £22 SpaceNK and online. delilahcosmetics.com
Hands down Give your hands a bit of seasonal pampering with the new Spring Skin Rejuvenating Hand Therapy cream from Salcura. This spring hydrator is rich in Soya Bean Oil, Safflower, Coconut Oil and Basil Oil to nourish your hands, and intensely moisturising with a light spring allegen-free fragrance. Available in Boots, Holland & Barrett and independent pharmacies, as well was Feel Unique, Love Lula online. Price: £12.99 salcuraskincare.com surreyoccasions.co.uk 27
SO Wellbeing
Let’s face it Not everyone can indulge in the skincare routines of celebrities. So we asked Richmondbased facialist, Cherry Woods, to tell us how often we really should have facials and how to get the most from them when we do We often forget that the skin is our largest organ. Every day, it’s exposed to free radicals, UV rays, pollution, harsh weather, chemicals and of course stress: so we put it through an awful lot. Facials can improve the condition, function and appearance of your skin, with the added benefit of being a relaxing and enjoyable experience. How often you should have a facial can vary depending on skin-type and condition. I would usually suggest having a facial once a month. However if you suffer from breakouts or are heavily congested it might be an idea to have an intensive peel or have a mini steam clean in between your monthly facials to ‘break the back’ of the problem. If you have problematic skin, a regular facial can also help restore balance and prevent breakouts. If you are concerned with ageing, a regular facial can also increase cell turnover and coax the skin in to performing and regenerating at a higher or faster rate. A good skincare expert will always try to identify and educate you on skin conditions to help give you the best chance of healthy skin. If you do have skin issues (sun damage, acne scaring, pigmentation etc) then I would possibly recommend a course of treatments closer together, even on a weekly basis, to help kick start efforts to combat problems, returning to once a month facials when the condition has improved. At the other end of the scale, clients with sensitive, reddened or rosacea skin-types should perhaps come
28 surreyoccasions.co.uk
every other month to avoid over stimulating the skin and have a home care routine to make up for the less frequent visits. A good facialist will always tailor every treatment to your individual needs. My signature Bloom Facials combine high tech equipment, a selection of ‘cherry-picked’ professional products and holistic massage, but every facial is totally unique. I like to have a 30 minute consultation with each new client before the treatment begins, to help me understand their requirements and allow me to best support them.
Treatment trends Forget the X Factor, in 2016 it’s all about the growth factor when it comes to skincare. Companies will be using a variation of low PH, low % home peels and masks which through repetitive use will stimulate growth within your skin. This goes on to stimulate your collagen production and hey presto, three to six months later your skin will be transformed. Though harnessing the skin’s own regeneration mechanisms is not a new idea for in-salon treatments however facialists like myself are now pushing clients to take charge and carry out these treatments at home as well. Cherry Woods is a luxury facialist and founder of the Cherry Woods Skin Clinic in Richmond. cherrywoodsclinic.com
Our top three regenerating treatments from Surrey Spas Diamond Energy Facial The treatment: A triple ‘A’ treatment; antiageing, anti-stress and antioxidant rich, this gorgeous pampering facial gets skin glowing with products that contain the finest Damask rose extract sourced from Morocco. The skin is significantly brightened with deep exfoliation, followed by a diamond nectar serum with a sculpting massage to lift sagging skin. Finally, while a cooling algae mask firms the skin, hands are massaged with divine rose oil. Location: Pennyhill Park Duration: 60 minutes Price £100 (Mon-Thurs) £110 (Fri-Sun) To book: Tel: 01276 486150. pennyhillpark.co.uk
ESPA Cellular Renewal Enzyme Facial The treatment: A deep cleanse incorporating skin brushing is followed by an intense enzyme peel containing botanical extracts and pumpkin enzymes, which deeply exfoliates and removes dead skin cells. To finish, a mask containing concentrated seaweed extracts, Argan oil and menthol is smoothed onto the skin to give a plumped and firmer appearance. Location: The Spa Guildford Duration: 60 minutes–90 minutes Price: £75–£95 To book: Tel: 01438 792 304 theguildfordspa.com
Polyphenol C15 Detox Facial The treatment: The Polyphenol facial is anti-oxidant & anti-wrinkle. A burst of vitamins and energy for the skin! Created for clients who need rescuing from pollution, this facial features products with two star ingredients: grape seed Polyphenols and Vitamin C. It will shield skin from free radicals and prevent future damage. After a thorough cleansing and a deep exfoliation, a detoxifying mask with pink clay, coffee and grape marc eliminates impurities and toxins. Caudalie’s Polyphenol C15 will leave your skin soft, refreshed and radiant. The treatment uses the Caudalie range of products which are brand new to Bspa. Location: Bspa at Brooklands Hotel Duration: 50 minutes Price: £69.00 To book: Tel: 01932 335 710 brooklandshotelsurrey.com
SO Advertorial How long have you been making hats? A: It all started in 2013. I took redundancy, which gave me the opportunity to explore new avenues. I was invited to a race meet back in 2013 at Royal Ascot. When looking for the perfect headpiece, I couldn’t find anything that I loved and would make me stand out of the crowd, so I created my own. Since the beginning of this new journey, I have been self taught and have been on various courses to refine my millenary skills by the talented milliner, Justine Bradley-Hill. What advice would you give to someone who says that they don’t look good in hats? A: For those clients who believe headwear does not suit them, I start with minimalistic pieces, which seem to build confidence, before moving onto a variety shapes/sizes. I also like to get a feel of their personality, which helps me decide which direction to take.
We asked Surrey-based milliner, Victoria Potterton, about what inspires her creations
Can you tell me a little bit about some of the key lines that you stock? A: LoveHats by Victoria has been created for those people who want to stand out from the crowd and those who love fashion. All headpieces are bespoke and made to order. However, I am currently building a collection of ‘ready to wear’ headpieces which will be available for hire. As an additional twist to this service, I will reinvent or adapt pieces from this range to meet client’s specific requirements. M: 07713 243993 E: LoveHatsbyVictoria@yahoo.com 12 Adelphi Rd, Epsom, Surrey KT17 1JB
Image courtesy of David Christopher Photography
LoveHats by Victoria
Wedding Packages from
£99
per person (based on 60 guests)
15%
off weddings taking place before 1st August 2016 bespoke packages are available upon request
maidenhead
•
berkshire
www.fredricks-hotel.co.uk contact Alix Matania for more information amatania@fredricks-hotel.co.uk 01628 581 000
Silvermere Weddings ...Lakeside Elegance... Let us take care of your day! Silvermere is a unique and well-established wedding venue, with picturesque views across Silvermere Lake. A Silvermere wedding is a Bespoke Representation of your dreams – each small detail and request delivered at the drop of a tiara. To book your dream venue contact us now! T: 01932 584316 E: weddings@silvermere-golf.co.uk Weddings at Silvermere
SO Weddings
l u x u r i o u s a n d l av i s h
Farnham Castle, Farnham Farnham Castle is in a league of its own when it comes to weekend wedding venues. Considered one of the most magical and memorable places to marry in England, this beautiful building provides a stunning setting that combines 21st century sophistication and style with 800 years of history, religion and romance. The Gatehouse has been transformed into five rooms and a comfortable lounge that provide a peaceful place for the bridal party to prepare for the big day. The castle hosts civic and religious ceremonies in atmospheric locations that include: the Lantern Hall, Norman Chapel and Bishop’s Chapel, while lavish receptions are held in the lofty Great Hall and Stone Hall, opening onto a broad terrace overlooking five acres of lawns and formal gardens. There’s nothing sombre about these ancient rooms, where brilliant stained glass, gilded paintings, sparkling chandeliers and opulent furnishings bring a wealth of colour and luxury that hark back to the days when royal visitors enjoyed the rich hospitality of Farnham Castle. Modern day newly-weds can retire to a sumptuous honeymoon suite snug within the castle walls, alongside 32 elegant en-suite bedrooms for their guests. Available all year round. farnhamcastle-weddings.co.uk
Anassa Hotel, Western Cyprus
Location, Location, Location Travel journalist, Amanda Fisher, selects six fabulous wedding venues: three in Surrey and three in Europe, that would make any big day perfect, regardless of wedding party size
This beautiful wild region of Cyprus will capture the hearts of couples when they make their vows close to Aphrodite’s Rock – the birthplace of the mythical Greek goddess of love and beauty. The peninsula is famous for its lush natural setting among protected forests and mountains. It’s a paradise pitted with coves and unspoilt beaches, where endangered sea turtles return each year to lay their eggs before heading back to the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean. A wedding coordinator is on hand to ensure every aspect of the special event runs smoothly, leaving you and your guests all the time in the world to relax in one of the pools, before indulging body and soul in the Thalassa Spa, or take advantage of the many sports facilities on land and sea. The hotel’s classical crescent of 166 low-rise designer rooms, suites and residences (many with private pools) are in the style of an elegant Byzantine village, (complete with a tiny white-washed church, four restaurants and two bars) that winds its way through terraces overflowing with vibrant flowers and groves of aromatic pines to one of the finest beaches in Cyprus. Marriage services can be held on the beach, in the banqueting suite or hotel gardens, where the view over the Mediterranean – especially at sunset – is one of the best in Europe. Weddings available March to November. anassa.com/en-gb
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SO Weddings
u n i q u e a n d u n u s ua l
Horsley Park, South Horsley
s m a l l a n d i n t i m at e
Ravens Ait Island, Kingston upon Thames
Couples in love with all things gothic will fall for this extraordinary mansion, boasting a long and fascinating history dating back to Domesday. In 1820, the heart of the building was designed by Charles Barry, creator of the Houses of Parliament. The estate became the ancestral home of the Lovelace family – including the poet Lord Byron’s daughter Ada – a leading mathematician of her day – before ownership passed to Sir Thomas Sopwith, inventor of the Sopwith Camel aeroplane. This is a spectacular hidden gem set in 70 acres of rolling wooded parkland, deep in the Surrey countryside. It provides a backdrop that is definitely dramatic and different: French chateau meets English stately home with a hint of Scottish baronial on the side. The hotel offers a variety of ceremonial settings of all sizes, followed by a candlelit feast in the Great Hall or a traditional reception in the Sopwith restaurant. There are 180 bedrooms – 28 located in the towers – plus a choice of two bridal suites and two four-poster rooms. deverevenues.co.uk/en/venues/horsley-park/
When planning an intimate wedding it can prove difficult to find a venue guaranteed to be completely private – so an island retreat could provide the perfect solution. Ravens Ait is a thin green lozenge that parts the waters of a quiet reach of the River Thames above Teddington Lock, near Kingston Upon Thames. For many years the two-acre ait (old English for a tiny island) was the preserve of the prestigious Kingston Rowing Club. Ringed by trees, it’s a hidden delight, ideal for off-the-beaten-track marriage ceremonies and celebrations. There’s even an Edwardian launch to collect the bridal party and guests from the Queen’s Promenade and ferry them safely across to the island. At its centre, landscaped lawns and gardens, a marquee and decked boardwalk surround a substantial weather-boarded building housing a wide variety of rooms, suites and bar facilities. There’s also a ballroom with superb veranda views along the Thames and over the extensive grounds of Hampton Court Palace. Available all year round. ravensait.co.uk
Jukkasjärvi, Sweden If you prefer an intimate winter wedding in a weirdly wonderful setting, then look no further than the tiny Swedish town of Jukkasjärvi. During the coldest months of the year this remote place, 200 km north of the Arctic Circle, plays host to the hottest pop-up venue around – the original Icehotel. Every November for 25 years, Jukkasjärvi has invited teams of international artists and designers to sculpt an architectural jewel from more than 1,000 tonnes of ice in mammoth-sized blocks cut from the frozen waters of the Torne River. During the coldest winter months, the Icehotel offers around 16 Art Suites, two Luxury Suites, 23 Ice rooms and 18 Northern Light rooms, alongside an Ice Hall, Ice Bar and first-class Restaurant. Weddings are held in an exquisite shimmering Ice Church seating up to 40 guests. There’s plenty to do during your stay: guided Northern Lights tours, ice sculpting and ice fishing, husky sleighing, moose watching and Lapland snowmobile safaris. Starry-eyed honeymoon couples can gaze at far galaxies from the nearby Esrange spacecentre in Kiruna. Available mid December till April. But a word of warning – if you want to get married here, you’ll have to you book your stay at the Icehotel up to a year in advance! icehotel.com/activities/weddings/
32 surreyoccasions.co.uk
Lake Bled, Slovenia If you yearn for a secluded and stunning location for your wedding, look no further than picturesque Lake Bled in Slovenia’s alpine north west region. At the heart of a velvet-blue glacial lake is a tiny island occupied by the beautiful Baroque Church of The Virgin Mary. Legend has it that a temple once stood here dedicated to Živa, the Slavonic goddess of love. With a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, and overlooked by Bled Castle perched high above the town, it’s a breathtaking all-season setting. Marrying in Bled is guaranteed to be a magical experience, whether you choose to exchange vows in the medieval castle with its panoramic views over unspoilt countryside to the Julian Alps, or opt for a church blessing on the islet. Start and end your day with a traditional carriage ride around Lake Bled. Bridal parties access the island by wooden Pletna boats, before making their way up a stone staircase of 99 steps to the church where the bride and groom must ring the wedding bell three times to ensure that all their wishes come true. Wake every morning of your stay to the best views of the island church, a stone’s throw from your lakeside suite in Hotel Vila Bled, once the residence of Marshal Tito, president of the former Yugoslavia. Weddings available all year round. bled.si/EN and slovenia.info/
The best day of your life
Beautiful, historic surroundings Extensive grounds Professional catering, tailored to your requirements For further details on how to make your wedding day simply perfect, please email wedding@parkside-school.co.uk The Manor, Stoke d’Abernon, Cobham, Surrey KT11 3PX Tel: 01932 862749 www.parkside-school.co.uk
SO Vintage
Antique
eye
with James Braxton
In the first of a new series on making the most of our antiques, collectables and vintage curios, antiques expert, James Braxton advises on selling at auction for the first time
The first piece of advice I’d give is: go to an auction house you know, and preferably one you have bought from before. If you have enjoyed buying at a particular auction room, you will probably enjoy selling there, too. And if you don’t know of any auction houses, ask your solicitor or estate agent: that’s advice they’ll give freely!
job to jolly them to the final bid and the fall of the hammer. And remember: a miserable auctioneer never gets the last bid. I remember well, an auctioneer in St James’s, selling pictures. I’ve never seen an auctioneer smile so much; he really led his bidders on a merry journey.
Verbal valuations
The auctioneer is one thing: but what can you do to improve the price of your items? First, clean them properly: polish the wood, buff the brass and wash the china and glass. You wouldn’t buy dirty goods from a shop, so why should an auction be any different? Put another way, if you want the last couple of bids, do the work that your buyers will see as a cost. Communicate that your items have been cherished.
Give the auction house a call, and explain you have things to sell. If the items in question are large – on which note, don’t forget things such as garden benches and urns – they’ll come to you. They will also give you the times of valuation days and, most important, verbal valuations without charge: you only pay commission, a percentage of the sale price, after auction. If you like what the auctioneer recommends, agree sale estimates and protective reserves, generally only placed on items with lower estimates.
The right auctioneer
These days, a lot of sales are made over the internet, but the truth is, that busy auction rooms generate the highest prices. Rather like a crowded restaurant, an auction room will have an energy all of its own, full of excitement, awaiting the auctioneer’s lead. Talking of auctioneers, beware the descending variety, whose patter goes something like this: “Who will give me £100? All right, £80? Surely £50? And, this is a bargain at £30!” You want a showman who begins at £30 knowing the item is worth is £100. Bargains bring bids and once bidders raise their hands it’s the auctioneer’s
34 surreyoccasions.co.uk
Extra polish
Sell your story
Second, tell the story: or what the trade terms ‘the provenance’. Was your mother’s mother, a ‘Mrs Patmore’ to a stately home who on her retirement was given a Faberge cigarette case by a grateful family? A famous former owner or home can improve the price no end. I remember selling a Windsor ash-and-elm seated chair with a brass plaque engraved: ‘Charles Dickens sat on this chair 22nd October 1851.” The plaque was polished and looked as if it too had been around since 1851. Result? Instead of the chair fetching £200, it made over £1,000!
Keep watch
Once your items are sparkling and are accompanied by stories, all that remains is
the actual auction. It might sound obvious, but be sure to attend the event, and, before, make a point of asking the auctioneer how he thinks your lots will do. Then sit down in his sight line: an auctioneer will always try a little harder when he knows he is being watched. Some items exceed financial expectations, but after sales, it’s also likely there’ll be some unsold lots. You can either re-enter them in the next sale, or take your items home. You might well plump for the latter. When I report unsold lots to sellers, I expect disappointment, but there is always a proportion of people who will say: “I’m delighted, I can now keep it.”
Sales summary
The admin bit of the proceedings comes next. You will receive a sales summary of your items, and the action to be taken: either re-entry in the next sale with a new lower reserve, or with no reserve at all. Then around two weeks later, you get some post in the form of a sales statement showing the money raised less sales commission (around 15%) insurance and photography charges. Since they are services, these deductions are subject to VAT, but remember you don’t pay VAT on the hammer prices. From chipped Royal Doulton jugs to Van Gogh paintings, all antiques are classified as secondhand goods. James Braxton is an auctioneer and expert on TV’s Bargain Hunt and Flog It. Follow him @jameswbraxton
Sandown Park 23 February 2016
Sandown Park 06 April 2016
Sandown Park 30 April 2016
Sandown Park 04 June 2016
Burghley House, Stamford, Lincolnshire 25 June 2016 Tattersalls at Newmarket 12 July 2016
Sandown Park 14 August 2016
Kempton Park
17 September 2016
Sandown Park 25 October 2016
Sandown Park 13 December 2016
Classic Winter Warmer Spring Classic International Ford Show British Heritage, Classic and Sports Cars Rolls Royce Enthusiasts Club Barons Connoisseurs Classic Car Collection Buster Lang Classic American Jaguar Heritage and Classic Cars Classic, Collectors and Sports Cars Christmas Classic Collectors and Sports Cars
SO Motoring Classic Cars
Drive time Whether you want charm and quirky styling or performance and luxury, classic cars offer a driving experience unmatched by new motors. And the good news is there has never been a better time to buy one, writes automobile pundit David McConnell.
The svelte lines of the Citroen SM
36
One of my prevailing childhood memories is sitting in the vast, black leather front seat of a 1970s Citroen SM. The car belonged to the father of one of my school friends and it looked like a gargantuan four-wheeled space ship – with a dashboard that resembled the bridge of the Starship Enterprise. I guess that’s where my lifelong love affair with the classic automobile began. If you too hold the candle for classic cars, you’ll be pleased to know that there has never been a better time to buy one. In fact, prices have either risen or remained stable every year since 1998. Fuelled by the now middle-aged folk who were born of the 1960s and 1970s, many of whom now have more disposable income to play with, the market is very buoyant indeed. But where do you start? As I can testify, a classic car is an emotional purchase. And it’s absolutely right to follow your heart: if you know what you like, and have a few models already in mind, that’s great. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t also do your homework. In other words, investigate prices online and learn about the car’s strengths and foibles. Some models are complex and expensive to maintain, others more straightforward. Consider it all. It is important, too, to consider the price you want to pay. It hardly needs stating that expensive models will be better maintained and come with extensive paperwork, such as invoices for previous work. Whatever your budget, always look for a full service history. If you fancy something from the 1960s and 1970s, think carefully about how that
SO Motoring Classic Cars
The Surrey Classic Vehicle Club Chris Bass – Mercedes Benz Club
A classic owners club is a great place for support from fellow enthusiasts. “There is a vast difference between the glamour and the reality of owning an old car,” says Lindsay Armstrong, chairman of the Surrey Classic Vehicle Club. Lindsay loves his 1966 Shelby Mustang, bought nearly 40 years ago after seeing Steve McQueen race one through San Francisco in the film Bullit. That said, he readily admits driving it can be hard work. “It’s a big, fast car with no power steering and heavy gear change.” All of which will be familiar to owners of 1970s’ Porsche 911s. Most weekends between May and September, the 70-strong club, almost half of whose members are women, will be out and about in Surrey and its surrounds, showing off their glorious collection of mostly 1950s and 1960s classic Rovers, Jaguars, Fords, Bentleys, Austins and Triumphs at county shows and stately homes, such as Loseley Park and Polesden Lacey. You can also occasionally spot one of the cars on television: a club member’s 1950s Hillman Minx recently hosted a back-seat birth in the BBC1’s Call The Midwife. Members meet once a month for a cheery dinner and business at the Fairmile Arms Pub, Cobham. As well as local events, members occasionally drive to France for the weekend, and actively support local charities including Shooting Star Chase, the children’s hospice to which it has historical ties. “The beauty of our club is that we have so many different cars, we are not a single marque club,”says Lindsay. “That’s why we get a lot of invitations to bring our cars to local events. People like to see different cars. Who wants to see 20 identical Porsche 911s lined up? Once you’ve seen one, you’ve pretty much seen them all. The highlight of the club’s calendar takes place on 18th September at the Rural Life Centre, Farnham, when 400 cars will gather to offer the public a unique chance to see different classics of all types and ages and meet their equally delightful owners. This year’s event will support the local Alzheimer’s Society. If you are organising an event and would like to see the cars there, contact Lindsay via the website: surreyclassicvehicleclub.com
The 1970s/80s Mercedes SL
For timeless British luxury and performance, a 1990s Jaguar (XJ6 or XK8) offers great value. But prices will rise, so act now or you could miss the boat – and car! How about a 1990s Porsche Boxster? Maligned by purists for not being a 911 (much like the 1980s 924s/944s which are now, please note, going through the roof) it has looks, fantastic handling and is very affordable. By the end of the decade, you could pay twice as much for one as now. Classic car dealers will generally have the best cars and with the lowest mileage. You’ll pay more but get greater peace of mind. Be prepared to travel for the car you want but staying local makes sense too as Surrey offers plenty of choice. Hurst Park in East Moseley, family-owned and trading since 1938, has, for example, a marvellous array of Jaguars. You could also try a classic car auction. You’ll be up against dealers but you’ll have a story to tell and the excitement of bidding is an experience that will live long! Barons are hosting five auctions at Sandown Park this year, with cars fetching between £2,000 and £50,000. Check Barons’ catalogue online to see what’s coming up. (barons-auctions.com) Publications such as Classic Car Weekly are also a great source of information, and the web has plenty of forums and classifieds to bone up and whet your appetite. So, plan your budget, choose carefully and with a bit of care and maintenance you’ll fall back in love with driving, bring a smile wherever you go – and have a nice little investment to boot!
Lindsay Armstrong
translates into the mod cons you probably now take for granted. Electric windows? You’ll be lucky. Consider, too, that a classic car won’t be as reliable as a new one, so budget for around £1,000 a year for parts and servicing. On older cars, exhausts rot and buttons will stop working. And rust: that is virtually always an issue in vintage models, even though, you’ll be pleased to know, it’s usually treatable. That said, it’s certainly a good idea to have a garage in which to protect your new gas guzzler from the elements. If the 1960s and 1970s sounds a bit too vintage, move forward a decade or two. Cars from the 1980s and 1990s are becoming rare and prices are slowly rising. Better built than their predecessors, these modern classics are more likely to offer power steering, electric windows and even heated seats. This was the time when Mercedes, BMW, Porsche and Volkswagen gave us that legendary German- build quality. And by the 1990s even Jaguar had cracked its reliability issues. So if you’ve got £20,000 or more to spend, check out a 1980s convertible Mercedes SL. With its luxury, performance and timeless styling, prices are strong but it’ll always be desirable, so it’s a sound investment. In 1989, Mercedes introduced a new SL that was better built and equipped – and now yours for less than £10,000. Its muscular 1990s’ looks are ageing well and I’ll wager that its value will have doubled in five year’s time.
SO Property Interview
Micaela Cianci
Home Values
TV presenter and property expert Lucy Alexander tells journalist Karen Glaser about creating her dream home in Thames Ditton and why bungalows are brilliant Say ‘bungalow’ and images of net curtains, pebbledash and garden gnomes spring to mind. In fact, it’s fair to say that for most people, this humble single-storey home has been the epitome of uncool ever since it was built in large numbers in the 1960s. But Lucy Alexander is not most people. “The bungalow is an undervalued building type,” says TV’s Homes Under the Hammer presenter. “Having everything on one level is a very sensible way to live. And a bungalow is easy to extend and convert, which gives it great development potential.”
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Put another way, the dowdy bungalow is a building to which you can add instant value. And if you are looking to make money from bricks and mortar, as opposed to creating your dream home, this is the only prism through which you should see any property purchase. In short, if you can add value to a property, you can make money from it. Not surprisingly, Lucy thinks the best place to start looking for such a property is at an auction. This, after all, is the premise of the daytime programme she has so successfully presented since its
SO Property Interview
“She fizzes with excitement when she walks into buildings that most of us would condemn”
inception 14 years ago. The formula is wonderfully simple: buy an old wreck at auction, get stuck in and do some DIY, and then rake in the profits. “Prices at auction are usually below market value, so if you have ready funds, it’s an obvious place to start looking for property,” says Lucy. There are other ‘obvious’ things you should look out for when buying the property which, if all goes according to plan, will earn you more in six months than you could from your day job in a decade. “Any property where you can easily increase the square footage is going to be a good buy,” she says. “So, if you can extend a house backwards, ping! And if you can go into the loft, ping again!” Not that adding extensions is the only way to make money out of real estate. “If a house is on a big plot, you can sell that land Homes Under the Hammer, of course, demonstrates this premise separately, or, build another house on the land and then sell it. Or every day of the working week. During her 14 years presenting sell the existing property, and live in the new-build, mortgage-free,” BBC1’s highest rated mid-morning programme, Lucy has seen a toilet advises Lucy. block, in Canterbury, turned into a sandwich bar, a derelict warehouse “In one Homes programme, I met a fabulous couple who did just in Dartford become a dance studio, and a former repeater station in that. They bought a beautiful old chapel in Kent and turned it into a the middle of a field, in Dover, transformed into practice room for a stunning glass-and-steel themed home. But instead of living in it, they local band. sold it and used the money to build another house next door. And that On screen, Lucy’s enthusiasm for these unlikely acts of urban and became their home.” rural regeneration never wanes: dead pigeons underfoot, rats scuttling Other good business ideas include buying a premises with flats across the floor, she fizzes with excitement when she walks into above which you can let, or, indeed, a commercial property with buildings that most of us would condemn. flats stacked above. “One guy on Homes bought a place with a shop And off screen, her passion for property is every bit as strong: at street level and residential space above “I just love the challenge of turning an ugly which he then converted into several rental duckling into a swan.” apartments. He turned the shop into a pooch It’s a challenge she has now relished for 36 parlour. So, he basically bought the property years. Lucy took out her first mortgage, for to develop the flats, and got the business for a flat in Clapham, when she was just 18 and free, as it were.” still at drama school. She’d saved a £10,000 Meanwhile, if you have bought a deposit from the TV adverts she’d been doing commercial property, pooch parlour or since the age of nine, and her dad was her otherwise, and don’t want the responsibility of guarantor. running a business, turn it into a residential Since then, she and Stewart have bought premises, advises Lucy. and sold 14 more properties, several of them The money-making possibilities of bricks in Surrey. In fact, it was property that first and mortar seem endless. What, conversely, brought the couple together. “We met in a does Lucy caution against buying? Are there bar in 1999. At the time I lived in Clapham, properties to which you cannot add value? but I wanted to move to either Teddington or “Well, bad sightlines and noisy neighbours Barnes. Stewart telephoned and, by way of such as car mechanics are not a good idea. a date, offered his property-viewing services, But that’s about it. If you have the money, saying he knew the areas well as he lived most properties have development potential in Teddington. In the end, I didn’t buy a because most properties can be changed for property in either Teddington or Barnes. the better.” We were engaged shortly after our viewing As Lucy knows better than most. She and date and I ended up moving into his house her husband, ex-Premier League footballer in Teddington.” Stewart Castledine, recently bought a Meanwhile, she hopes to move into the Thirties house in Thames Ditton – and are Thames Ditton property the couple is renovating busy transforming it into a building that looks at some point this year. With its slate roof, wideras if it has been standing for 200-plus years. than-average doorways and charcoal-coloured “We are copying the Georgian kitchen with white marble worktops, Lucy period. We have deepened the floors, describes the house as her “dream home.” extended the ceiling – stretched the place, It is probably safe to assume the dream basically! The Thirties windows have gone abode will feature neither pebbledash nor and will be replaced with sash ones, and we garden gnomes. are going to put in deep skirting and deep cornicing. All you need is the bare bones Lucy Alexander presents Homes Under of a building, and then everything else can the Hammer on BBC One at 10am daily. be changed.” Lucy and her husband Stewart @LucyAlexanderTV
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SO Interiors
4
Tap trends Invest in well designed ergonomic taps. This may seem an unnecessary expense, but when you consider how many times a day you use your taps it puts the cost into perspective. If the tap causes splashing or is too low to comfortably fill up pans or kettles it very quickly becomes a source of irritation. One of this year’s must-haves is the instant steaming hot water tap. This eliminates the need for a kettle and provides a full range of temperatures up to 98 degrees centigrade.
Kitchen Sync Designer Frances Hinton tells us what is on-trend in 2016 for the busiest room in the house
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All white now It may never go out of fashion, but this year high gloss white cupboards with white counter tops make for a clean stylish look. If you’re worried that it might look a little clinical and sterile introduce some warmth and texture with wood, granite or stone effect on some of the cupboard fronts. This will make a striking contrast to the sleek white background.
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Appliance of science Build a bank of appliances into a wall of cupboards. This year’s musthaves includes steam ovens, coffee machines, and wine chillers all at eye level. Combine these with chiller drawers for the all important high-tech feel.
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Pop of colour
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Add some colour with bright glass or ceramic splash-backs in orange, reds or greens. Or for a more subtle effect use cream or grey. 2 Images 1, 3 & 5 courtesy of Dickinson Woodworks by FT2 Design
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SO Interiors
5
Cupboard Love
6
To complete the new sleek minimalist look, cupboards should either have the simplest of handles or be completely handleless. This also makes cleaning a whole lot easier.
In the zone Add contrasting or complimentary surfaces to help define zones for cooking, eating, washing, working or entertainment. Try combining a thick chunky bar made from natural material with a thin surface. These may be cantilevered out from the kitchen surface to create interesting sculptural-like shapes.
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Work it 2016 sees a move away from thick worktops to thin work surfaces made from glass or a tough composite material. Some workshops have chamfered edges which give a finer, more minimalist appearance.
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Light up Led lights set in plinths and under cupboards can look very effective. And ceiling lights in groups, or in a line with large shades in either complimentary or matching hues, can add drama and style.
Images 2, 6, 7 & 8 courtesy of Moore By Design Ltd
@SurreyOccasions 41
SO Homes Mark Francis at BlueFlamingo
House
proud
with Anthea Turner
In the first of her regular homes column for Surrey Occasions, Anthea Turner gives us her top tips on navigating your way through the annual spring clean The daffodils are blooming and the cobwebs are thriving, so it can only mean one thing: spring has sprung. Unfortunately, it sprang too early – two months too early! So, it’s time to dust off those dusters and prepare to embark on the annual spring clean. Make notes Start by listing every room of the house, including those places you might otherwise try to avoid, such as the dreaded cupboard under the stairs, or the utility/storage room. Break the list down further by making a note of all the tasks that need to be done in each room. Keep in mind that this is a spring clean, so you are going beyond the typical dust and vacuum – think about skirting boards and walls, windows and frames. Then you can simply revel in the satisfaction of watching the list get shorter and shorter. Sell, ditch, donate One of the most significant aspects of a spring clean is getting rid of clutter. If it’s not useful, beautiful or seriously sentimental, get rid of it. There are plenty of options when it comes to de-cluttering; donate to charity, sell at a local car boot sale or via a sale page such as eBay or Gumtree. Or simply take it to the tip.
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It’s a good idea to create piles of items you want to keep. Then create further piles labelled ‘sell’, ‘bin’ or ‘donate’, to help you sift through the clutter. You can then deal with each pile accordingly. For anything you decide to keep, consider useful storage solutions, so they don’t just sit gathering dust. My NEAT range of storage might throw up a few ideas. Check and chuck When it comes to de-cluttering, the kitchen cupboards can often be forgotten. Don’t be fooled that pulling things out, cleaning the cupboards and then putting things back, is enough. Check sell and use-by dates. Whilst you think the icing could be useful for your next big bake, it could have expired soon after the last! Remember, if in doubt, throw it out. If you don’t know how long it’s been there, it’s probably been too long. When you put things back, put a system in place so that those with short sell-by dates are at the front. That way you’ll find there is much less waste when you come to do it again. The same applies for bathroom and medicine cabinets. Consider donating those toiletries from Xmas 2010, and dispose of the half-used bottle of cough mixture from last winter!
Room by room Always tackle one room at a time to avoid unfinished jobs. If you flit from room to room, you will never find yourself satisfied and will find yourself chasing your tail. Equally, work from top to bottom where possible. There is no point dusting the skirting if you are then going to coat it in cobwebs from the ceiling, or washing curtains to then cover them in grime from the windows. Remember that a spring clean means reaching those places that you might choose to ignore such as light fittings and curtain poles. Empty the contents of your drawers, pull things from under beds and dare to lift the sofa cushions – you never know, you could end up with some loose change to boot. Get kitted out Lastly, be prepared! There is nothing more frustrating than embarking on your spring clean only to find you don’t have all the necessary cleaning products. Whilst you may have the basics, think about items such as window cleaner, oven cleaner, or those specialist items such as bicarb and white vinegar for those tough areas that shopbought products just can’t beat. With all these tips in mind, the time-honoured spring clean will be done and dusted in no time!
8 0 T H Y E A R
Classes are offered for: Children from 8 years upwards who are looking for a focussed and caring environment in which to learn whilst having fun. Students 16 years+ who want to gain an insight into the demands of full-time training regardless of previous experience. Adults who want to make a career change or would like to hone skills already acquired. For younger children we offer Introduction to Musical Theatre age 5 - 7 years. MANY SATURDAY SCHOOL TUTORS ARE MEMBERS OF THE FULL-TIME GSA FACULTY
SUMMER SCHOOL
SATURDAY SCHOOL For an application form/further details contact: T: +44 (0)1483 684040 F: +44 (0)1483 684070 E: gsasaturdayschool@gsa. surrey.ac.uk W: www.gsauk.org Guildford School of Acting Stag Hill Campus, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7XH, UK
8 0 T H Y E A R
2016
FOR FULL COURSE DETAILS AND TO DOWNLOAD A BOOKING FORM GSAUK.ORG t: +44 (0)1483 684040 f: +44 (0)1483 684070 e: gsasummerschool@gsa.surrey.ac.uk w: www.gsauk.org
NOW BOOKING!
SO Schools
Schools in focus Image: Students from Mayfield school
Choosing the right school for your child is one of the biggest decisions a parent will have to make. Fortunately Surrey and the surrounding areas is home to some of the best schools in the country. Here are just a selection
Mayfield, East Sussex Finding the right school for your children is a priority for every parent. Mayfield is a leading independent boarding and day school for girls aged 11 to 18, with excellent academic results, prolific extra-curricular activities underpinned by exemplary pastoral care. For the past 150 years, Mayfield has nurtured generations of confident, enterprising and creative young women who are resilient and prepared to take their place on the modern, global stage. Girls learn to enjoy study for its own sake, the importance of cultural and spiritual values, not to mention a healthy attitude to food and sport. As a result, Mayfield girls are well-informed individuals, ready to make a difference – whether as scientist, mathematician, linguist or artist and, most importantly, supported by a network of likeminded, lifelong friends. Mayfield – an independent Catholic boarding and day school for girls aged 11 to 18 years old. 01435 874642 registrar@mayfieldgirls.org mayfieldgirls.org
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St Hilary’s School, Godalming At St Hilary’s School in Godalming, we pride ourselves on being a friendly and nurturing school for boys aged two to seven years and girls aged two to eleven years. Although we are not academically selective, we are proud to achieve a range of scholarships and first-choice schools for our pupils when they leave. Every child leaves us having experienced music, drama, competitive sport, Forest School and educational trips; all provided in small class sizes. In addition, we operate a morning minibus service and breakfast and after school care as well as clubs such as chess, singing, dance, judo and golf. 01483 416551 registrar@sthilarysschool.com sthilarysschool.com
Hawthorn School, Bletchingley In a wonderfully diverse friendly, family setting, girls and boys from two to 13 years are nurtured and educated so that they may discover their talents. As one parent put it: “The Hawthorns has the unique
SO Schools ability to recognise potential in a child…to reach aspirations that go much further than exams.” Dynamic and energetic leadership together with an open parental partnership makes The Hawthorns a vibrant, exciting and forward looking community. Set in 35 beautiful acres with fabulous facilities, the school blends all roundedness with excellence ensuring Hawthornian children thrive in life. 01883 743048 hawthorns.com
Newland House, Twickenham Newland House is an experienced prep school for girls and boys from four to 13 years which offers a broad curriculum that helps pupils reach their full potential and encourages learning at a comfortable and appropriate pace. Pupils have excellent academic outcomes, gaining scholarships and awards at top senior schools. Traditional standards are important and the school’s excellent pastoral provision nurtures individual development and a strong sense of community. The school is currently developing a new sustainable and ergonomically designed school for its pre-prep next door to the main school. Following the opening of the new school, additional places will be available in reception from September 2016 onwards. 020 8865 1305 admissions@newlandhouse.net newlandhouse.net
St Ives, Haslemere We are a non-selective school with an outstanding record of academic excellence enabling our pupils to achieve entry into their first choice of senior school, many with scholarships awarded.
We provide small class sizes and subject specialist teachers; individuality is cherished and celebrated. Our varied curriculum allows plenty of opportunity to discover and develop each girl’s ability and talents. The calibre of the education the children receive here, from early years all the way through to Year 6, has always been known to be strong. This year’s Independent Schools Inspectorate report provides external validation to what people locally know to be true. 01428 643734 stiveshaslemere.com
Steyning Grammar School, Steyning, West Sussex Steyning Grammar School is a successful high achieving school nestled below the South Downs, in the small historic market town of Steyning, West Sussex. We are the first Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ State Boarding School in England.We provide very affordable boarding opportunities with no tuition fee and modest boarding rates for both weekly and full-time students. There is a real sense of family amongst the boarders across the age ranges and nationalities. A committed team of house-parents live in each boarding house providing a strong support network. With excellent links to Brighton, Gatwick and London, we offer an ideal destination for students from the surrounding areas and beyond. 01903 817601 sgs.uk.net
King Edward’s, Witley King Edward’s Witley, is a leading Surrey independent boarding and day school for boys and girls aged 11-18 and a centre of academic excellence renowned for its ability to nurture pupils so they excel in every sphere of life. In December 2015 the school was delighted to receive an “excellent” rating (equivalent to Ofsted “outstanding”) in all nine inspection areas from the Independent Schools Inspectorate. The school is proud to offer a community which reflects the real world, by admitting pupils from a broad range of academic, social, economic and cultural backgrounds. King Edward’s Witley is an early adopter of the prestigious IB, ranking as one of the UK’s top 25 co-educational day and boarding schools offering the IB. In 2015, the school acknowledged the need for alternative routes to university and now offers the a wide choice of the new A-level courses across a wide choice of subjects.alongside the IB. Director of Admission: Justin Benson 01428 686735 admissions@kesw.org kesw.org
@SurreyOccasions 45
Newland House School Independent Preparatory Day School
Building confidence, integrity and excellence
for Girls and Boys from 4 to 13 years
PUPIL INFORMATION MORNINGS 17 March, 29 April
PARENTS’ INFORMATION MORNINGS 11 March, 22 April
GRANDPARENTS’ INFORMATION MORNING 10 June
OPEN EVENING 29 June
Please call to confirm your place or to arrange an individual tour of the Pre-Prep or Prep School
Additional places available in Reception from 2016 onwards Regsiter now for entry up to 2020
• Outstanding academic results with excellent extracurricular opportunities • State of the art facilities • Scholarships – Academic, Music and Art (Year 7 and 6th Form), Sports (6th Form) and means-tested bursaries (up to 100%) available
.uk
Providing an inpsirational, sustainable and innovative learning environment
A highly successful independent day school for girls aged 11-18 years, situated in Surrey greenbelt, with easy road/rail access and school coach services.
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26 February 18 March 29 April
New Pre-Prep Development Opens September 2016
Please contact the Admissions Department to reserve a place at our information events, for further details or a prospectus. t 01932 574900 | e reg@swps.org.uk Guildford Road | Chertsey | Surrey KT16 9BN
t: 020 8865 1305 e: admissions@newlandhouse.net www.newlandhouse.net Newland House School, Waldegrave Park, Twickenham TW1 4TQ
St Hilary’s School
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IAPS Preparatory Day School and Nursery in Godalming
Steyning Grammar School
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Day and Boarding school in the UK
“The inclusive SGS Boarding community is a model for the world on how we can live in peace and harmony with each other” Ofsted Outstanding Sept 2015
Boys 2—7 • Girls 2—11 SPRING OPEN MORNINGS 2016 Thursday 25th February 10.30am—12pm Friday 29 April 10.30am—12pm
NO TUITION FEES BOARDING FEES PER TERM: FULL BOARDING - £3575 YEAR 9 (13 yrs) & YEAR 12 (16 yrs) PLACES AVAILABLE FOR SEPTEMBER 2016
Tel: 01483 416551 • @StHilarysSchool Email: registrar@sthilarysschool.com www.sthilarysschool.com
There is a real sense of family amongst the boarders across the age ranges and nationalities. A committed team of house-parents live in each boarding house providing a strong support network. For further details on the school, curriculum and prospectus visit our website at www.sgs.uk.net or call +44 (0)1903 817601 to arrange a visit.
Educating mind, body, heart & soul
St Ives girls are going places...
Excellent. ISI Inspection 2015
Come and talk to us, our door is always open. Three Gates Lane, Haslemere, Surrey, GU27 2ES
Open Mornings Friday 22nd & Saturday 23rd April 2016 9.30am-12pm • Nurturing • Encouraging • Inspiring • Challenging • Creative • Fun
01428 643734
Pre-prep & prep for girls 4-11 yrs. Co-ed nursery from 2 yrs.
www.stiveshaslemere.com
St Ives School for Girls Charity Registration Number: 312080
Open Mornings: Thurs 10 March, Tues 19 April, Fri 16 September 2016 • New Sixth Form Centre • Oxbridge Success • Full & Weekly Boarding • Creative Thinking 01435 874642 registrar@mayeldgirls.org The Old Palace, Mayeld East Sussex TN20 6PH www.mayeldgirls.org
An independent Catholic boarding and day school for girls aged 11 to 18
‘LOVE GOD, LOVE THY NEIGHBOUR’
Becoming a Hawthornian means… …a happy child mastering new skills and talents
An outstanding independent school for girls & boys aged 2-13 years in Bletchingley, Surrey
Admissions 01883 743048 www.hawthorns.com
Visitors’ Afternoons 2016
All begin at 2.30pm and finish at 4.30pm, by appointment
(see website for dates)
Entry at 11,13 and 16 • 22 route coach service • An outstanding education in a 27 acre campus
020 8979 9273 www.hamptonschool.org.uk admissions@hamptonschool.org.uk Independent day school for boys aged 11-18 years. Hampton School, Hanworth Road, Hampton, Middlesex, TW12 3HD
Hampton Pre-Prep & Prep School
PART OF THE HAMPTON SCHOOL TRUST IAPS INDEPENDENT DAY SCHOOL FOR BOYS AGED 3 – 11 & GIRLS AGED 3 – 7 YEARS
Open Morning Friday 20 May 2016: 15C 20M 55Y 15K
0C 0M 0Y 100K
0C 17M 84Y 0K
Pre-Prep School: 9.15am - 11.00am Prep School: 10.00am - 12.00 noon
Our Impressive State Of The Art New Prep Building Is Now Open Tel: 020 8979 1844
Our innovative Prep School facilities will provide pupils with an outstanding learning environment that utilises the latest technology. Hampton Prep School has very close links with Hampton School providing the opportunity for Assured Places to Hampton.
www.hamptonprep.org.uk
admissions@hamptonprep.org.uk
Formerly Denmead Pre-Prep School & Prep School, Gloucester Road, Hampton, TW12 2UQ
Co-ed day and boarding school for 11-18 year olds
l Excellent in all categories -
ISI Inspection December 2015 l 75% International Baccalaureate
grades awarded at A*-B 2015 (A-level equivalent) l 93% 5+ GCSE grades at A*-C l wide range of scholarships available l occasional boarding and flexible day
OPEN mOrNiNgs Thursday 10 March Thursday 21 April Saturday 14 May 9:45am
W
e warmly invite you to
one of our Open Mornings.
To book your place, please call Jacky or Melissa on 01428 686735. We very
for day pupils l 100 acres of beautiful parkland l easy rail links - 5 mins, on mainline
from Waterloo to Portsmouth
much look forward to meeting you.
email admissions@kesw.org visit www.kesw.org
St Nicholas’ School FLEET
•
HAMPSHIRE
An independent day school for boys and girls aged 3 - 7 and girls aged 3 - 16
Open Morning “Childhood is cherished and each child's uniqueness is celebrated.” • Small class sizes • Inspiring teachers • First rate facilities • Outstanding results
st-nicholas.hants.sch.uk
01252 850121 For more information please contact the Registrar: registrar@st-nicholas.hants.sch.uk
St Nicholas’ School, Redfields House, Redfields Lane, Fleet, Hampshire GU52 ORF Registered in England Reg. No. 872200 Reg. Charity No. 307341
Sat 5th March 2016 10am - 1pm
Open Evening Thurs 12th May 2016 6 - 8pm
Open Morning Sat 8th October 2016 10am - 1pm
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SO Secret Surrey
10 T H I N G S YO U MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT
Thames Ditton 1 2 4
The village was the site of one of the oldest independent car makers in Britain – AC Cars. The company was well-known for its sports cars, but it also produced blue, three-wheeled mobility vehicles for the UK government for many years.
Thames Ditton is home to a thriving property market. Amy Claydon, branch manager at Leaders in Surbiton, says: “House prices rose by almost 8% in the last year. This is as much as 5% more than in neighbouring areas such as Esher and Surbiton, making it a great place to sell or let. With further capital growth expected, it is also a shrewd place to buy in 2016.”
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Thames Ditton is a triangularshaped suburban village which nestles to the south of the River Thames in the district of Elmbridge, Surrey and is just 30 minutes from London Waterloo by train
You can hire a boat to travel up the river to Hampton Court Palace, which is just five minutes over the river. Local events include the Hampton Court Flower Show; the Imber Court Happy Days Festival and racing at Sandown Park – which are all a short walk or cycle away.
The village has numerous good pubs and eateries including Ye Olde Swan (oldeenglishinns. co.uk) and The Albany on Queens Road (the-albany.co.uk), which are both on the river’s edge and are popular in summer for their outdoor eating areas. Good food can also be had at independent pub, the Red Lion on the High Street, The Greyhound on Weston Green (greyhoundwestongreen.co.uk) and Maisie – a Thai restaurant (maisie-thai.com).
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Famous residents of Thames Ditton include: comedian, Dick Emery, singer Ronan Keating and actor Trevor Bannister, most famous for playing Mr Lucas in the 70s comedy series: Are You Being Served. The Only Fools And Horses actor Buster Merryfield was also the manager of the village bank prior to becoming Uncle Albert.
The Thames Ditton Farmers Market takes place on the 4th Saturday of every month and was recently named by Time Out as one of the best farmer’s markets in and around London. It is held in the George & Dragon car park on the High Street. The BBC TV series, Little Britain, featured sketches shot in and around Thames Ditton’s Library. Also, the exterior scenes for the 1980s sitcom After Henry were shot on the High Street.
Image thanks to Craig Williams at About Thames Ditton
The High Street has a fine selection of independent shops including: delis; a pet grooming business; a beauty spa; a funeral directors; a newsagents; a hairdressers; a gift shop; estate agents; a dressmakers; and a chemist. The shops are represented by the Thames Ditton High Street Retailers Association: thamesdittonhighstreet.com
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Thames Ditton is very popular with families due to its excellent local schools and rail links. The two schools within the village are Thames Ditton Infants and Thames Ditton Juniors. Both have been rated as ‘outstanding’ by OFSTED.
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Thames Ditton has its own island which is 350 yards long and has 47 homes on it, each with moorings. The majority of the houses are built on stilts to protect them from flooding.
EASTER FAMILY FUN MARCH 19 – APRIL 10
Find the Magic. Find the Lindt Gold Bunny. he vercastle.co.uk