VantagePoint Magazine Guildford & Villages - February 2015 by VantagePoint Magazine

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Guildford & Villages • February 2015

VANTAGEPOINT The local magazine produced by local people for the local community

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TO THE POINT Humphrey writes... It is oﬃcial - I am now a celebrity. I was walking in Godalming with him indoors (he is the one whose picture has been relegated below mine to the right) the week after Christmas and I was cheeringly accosted in the street, having been recognised from this magazine. What fame! As quite the most recognisable person on the team, I have been asked to be the new face of VantagePoint, at least this month. Woof!

Having said that, I am now worried that our ‘Gog’ will pick dogs as his next subject. Except you love us, right? Unlike cyclists it would seem, if the postbag from last month is anything to go by... Humphrey Chairdog

I have suggested to the powers that be that there is not much in the magazine about dogs, or indeed other pets. So look out to see if that Stefan Reynolds gets addressed in future issues, although I’m Editor & Publisher going to have to draw the editorial line at cats. Perhaps you, the reader, would like to send in The local magazine your requests for topics and articles that you’d produced by local like to see covered? If so, you should email people for the local community, editor@vantagepublishing.co.uk and let us know.

The more observant reader might notice that we have moved office - all the way from 6 Chestnut Suite to the rather larger 2 Chestnut Suite. This means that I now have much more space to lounge around and the run of the whole office, which is lovely given the rate I am growing. As an added bonus, I think the new staff also have more room, which I am sure they appreciate. Finally, I have been asked to mention that the answers to the Christmas Quiz are now online at www.vantagepointmag.co.uk together with the winners’ names. Contact the editor: stefan@vantagepublishing.co.uk

VantagePoint is published by Vantage Publishing, a Godalming based local magazine business which was first established in 2009 when we launched our first community magazine. We now publish five community magazines which are delivered monthly by Royal Mail to 107,714 homes across the South East, which gives us the largest local circulation in the local area, all with guaranteed delivery by your postman.

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For more articles and Jottings, visit it us online at

vantagepointmag.co.uk THE VANTAGEPOINT TEAM Marcus Atkins Sales Director marcus@vantagepublishing.co.uk

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Nick and Angie Crisell Jottings jottings@vantagepublishing.co.uk

February 2015

Contributors: Nick Farley, Andy Goundry, Penny Kitchen, Beth Otway, Catherine Williams Print: Buxton Press Cover: The Bicentenary Glasshouse at Wisley

CONTENTS 14

14 th SALE FE BR END UA S RY 20 15

6 Jottings Your local community noticeboard

8 King Potato

LOVE SHUTTERS

Nick Farley on the humble spud

14 Greenhouse Gardening Hints and tips

18 Children’s London for Free Some ideas for February half-term

22 Dennis Brothers The post-war years

26 Education Technology in the classroom

30 Death of a Hero

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Commemorating the 50th anniversary of Churchill’s death

34 Garden

OFF

Some tasks for February

36 Food Pancakes with a difference

40 Walk Albury Downs and St Martha’s Hill

43 Profile Surrey Hills Society

46 Business Cards Small ads for trades and services

47 Win Enter our competitions

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

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Jottings

- YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

The first thing I must mention is that next month Angie and I are handing over the task of writing the jottings to our esteemed editor Stefan. We are off for a holiday to grab some winter sunshine and rather than try to telegraph back our scribblings he has kindly offered to take over the March edition. This can go one of two ways; we’ll either be welcomed back with open arms or he’ll say it’s a doddle and wonder why he hasn’t always done it himself. Watch this space! Polesden Lacey are throwing open the doors of their Edwardian mansion house and inviting visitors to enjoy Glorious Glimpse tours at weekends in February. Many historic houses are closed to visitors during the winter, taking the time to carry out a vigorous cleaning schedule and other vital conservation work. Polesden, however, is encouraging visitors to take advantage of their winter opening times as a chance to see the conservation work in action. The annual cleaning of the magnificent chandelier in the gold room is particularly popular with visitors. This year the chandelier, which boasts 4000 crystals, will be cleaned throughout the week of 13th17th of April. Tours take place every 20 minutes between 11am and 3pm and last for 45 minutes. They’re led by Polesden Lacey volunteers, who convey a wealth of knowledge about the house, its rich collection of art and antiques, and the infamous Mrs Greville who owned the house in the early 20th century. Visitors can choose from a variety of tour themes to discover different aspects of the house in more detail. One tour entitled ‘A Delicious House’ explains Polesden’s history as a party house at the centre of Edwardian society and why it was a hotbed of salacious gossip. There are also interactive family tours, designed to engage younger visitors in the history of the house. On the ‘Terrific Treasures’ tour, younger guests are given magnifying glasses to examine the collection’s most fabulous artefacts in better detail, including a diamond-studded bookmark and a Roman sarcophagus.

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Family tours take place at 11.40am, 1.20pm and 2.20pm. Glorious Glimpse house tours take place at Polesden Lacey on Saturdays and Sunday’s throughout February. For more information call 01372 452048 or visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/polesdenlacey. Guildford Travel Club invites you to join them on alternate Tuesdays at Onslow Village Hall at 8pm for illustrated talks on travel by a range of photographers, travellers, explorers, mountaineers and writers. On Tuesday 3rd February, David Edwards talks about a love affair with Utah and Arizona. He explores the history, beauty and culture of this American landscape that gripped his soul like no other. On Tuesday 17th February, Alexander Koller talks about Bulgaria, a country rich in architectural heritage and historic sites set within the unspoilt scenery of the Balkan Mountains and Black Sea coast. Visitors are welcome and will be charged £7 on the door. Please see www.guildfordtravelclub.org.uk for further details or contact Jenny Allan, membership secretary on 01483 452399. During February 2015 Guildford House Gallery in Guildford is showing specially selected work from the prestigious touring exhibition Caught in the Crossfire, which explores how artists have responded to the brutality of war, and to the desire for peace and reconciliation. The exhibition draws on private collections, and on the important collections of The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum which were developed in response to Coventry’s tragic experience of aerial bombardment during the WWII. The exhibition includes work from internationally renowned artists (including official war artists John Keane and Peter Howson, and street artist Banksy) working in varied media. After opening in Coventry Caught in the Crossfire travelled to Dresden in Germany and now comes to Guildford. The exhibition is on display at Guildford House, 155 High

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

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

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King Potato Nick Farley takes a look at the humble spud There is much talk today about how fruit and vegetables will taste much better if you grow them yourself and, better still, if you grow them ‘organically’, rather than buy them from a supermarket or greengrocer. That’s not really a debate that I wish to get drawn into except to say that I learnt from my father at a very early age that the only thing that matters when it comes to the taste of fruit or vegetables is the variety of the particular fruit or vegetable that you’re eating. The taste and flavour comes from the vegetable’s genes. Some taste better than others and growing them yourself is not going to change their flavour. My father was wise in the ways of fruit and veg. He was the buyer for a very big fruit and veg wholesaler who not only supplied the big London vegetable markets but also every kind of outlet from the best London hotels and restaurants to The Royal Navy at Chatham and hundreds of schools in Kent. A commercial grower’s requirements are different from ours and this was never better illustrated than with the tomato called ‘Moneymaker’, which in the 1960s was practically all you could buy in the shops. The clue to its breeding lies in its unashamedly venal name: it was bred to please the commercial growers who wanted a heavy cropper with a skin like a shoe sole so that it didn’t get damaged in transit, and they wanted it to look good too. Taste was not a requirement and consequently it had no taste. None. It was just a good looking red container for water. Even if it had 8

been grown to perfection by The Angel Gabriel it would still have tasted of absolutely nothing. However, you can certainly make a difference by growing your own, not because you will grow things better than the farmer, because you probably won’t, but because you can choose the varieties you want to grow. You can choose the best varieties, you can avoid the ‘Moneymakers’ of this world and grow theGold Roast Mayan tastiest varieties which are either difficult or impossible to buy in the supermarket. This is particularly true in the wonderful world of the potato. I am an unashamed potato-ist and I get a little peeved when people speak dismissively of the “humble” potato; the potato is far from humble. The potato is the king of vegetables. It is a vegetable of infinite culinary range and possibility. No other vegetable can be successfully cooked in so many different ways. No other vegetable is considered to be an essential component of virtually every main course meal. Indeed, in the clichéd ‘meat and two veg’ the potato is not actually mentioned because it is automatically assumed to be present; it is not one of the two (implicitly lesser) vegetables. Meat and two veg actually means meat and potato and two veg. It simply goes without saying that potatoes will be part of the meal. If you were served meat with just carrots and cabbage you would ask “Where are the potatoes?” The potato is far too important to be thought of as mere ‘veg’. Choosing the right potato for a meal makes a huge difference. When did you ever hear any of those TV chefs name the variety of potato they are using for a particular dish? Do they assume it doesn’t matter? Potatoes are specialists: some, if you like, are batsmen and others are bowlers; some are sopranos and others are basses. They really are that different. Some potatoes are great for mashing, some for roasting or chipping and some for salads. Some have flavour and some don’t. The texture and the tastes vantagepointmag.co.uk

vary hugely. It is true that there are some potatoes that claim to be ‘all-rounders’ and are good for everything but since the characteristics needed for mashing and roasting are rather different I don’t really see how this can be the case. Although I admit that there are one or two utilitarian varieties that make a passable fist of doing several jobs. But why make a passable fist of something when you can do it superbly? Whilst it is, of course, possible to grow your own potatoes it simply isn’t realistic to grow several varieties and, much more importantly, it is definitely impossible to keep them in good condition for any length of time after harvesting. Believe me, I’ve tried. Potatoes need to be kept in the dark and to be stored at the right temperature. Just chucking them in a sack in your shed is not going to do it. Fortunately for me, a potato lovers potato heaven exists just outside Tenterden, Kent in the form of The Potato Shop, a place where the potato is not humble and where it is rightfully lauded. When I first encountered the place I couldn’t believe that there was actually a shop devoted to potatoes. It’s not that long ago when a King Edward was one of the very few named varieties of potato available to us. Many places simply called potatoes ‘reds’ or ‘whites’. Today at The Potato Shop you will find all the usual well-known varieties such as the ubiquitous King Edward, Désirée and Wilja, but it’s their range of the uncommon and unusual varieties like Vitelotte, Mayan Gold and Pink Fir Apple that make the place so attractive to me. It’s not possible here to list and describe every potato they grow, the list is long, but I must mention a couple of my favourites. I had long held the view that far and away the best roasting potato is the old Victorian variety Golden Wonder (the one the crisps were named after) until, that is, Nicki Crawley, at the Shop, introduced me to Mayan Gold. Golden Wonder is unquestionably a roaster par excellence but Mayan Gold pips it I think. You simply must try Mayan Gold, but don’t par-boil for too long – it falls apart very quickly and suddenly. If you want to impress everyone at Sunday lunch with your magnificent roast potatoes this is the potato to do it, but don’t try them for anything other than roasting or chipping. Many years ago in the early 1970s I read about a very old potato called Pink Fir Apple and I tried to track it down. However it was quite impossible to get seed then. It had virtually disappeared from culture because of a virus which had infected all existing stock, but eventually new propagation techniques enabled clean stock to be produced and now this wonderful potato is well known. The Potato Shop has it, of course, and they believe that they are the biggest grower of this special potato in the country and it is their best seller. It’s a knobbly old thing, the Pink Fir Apple, and that is why most people tend not peel it, in fact not peeling potatoes is becoming de rigueur. I am decidedly a peeler. I always peel potatoes, but each to his own I suppose. Anyway, Pink Fir Apple is one of those waxy varieties that make wonderful salad potatoes and as this variety holds well it is also excellent as a simple boiled potato with good texture and great flavour. February 2015

Right - clockwise from top left: Vitelotte; Mayan Gold; La Ratte; Pink Fir Apple

Another potato which I didn’t know until Nicki gave me some to try is a 200 year old French variety called Vitelotte. This has a dark purple skin and unlike some potatoes with coloured skins its flesh is also coloured and retains its colour when cooked. This looks spectacular in a salad and it makes the most wonderful mash too. However, I can understand that not everyone wants purple mash! In any case the reason to try it is not because of its colour but simply because it tastes good, although there will be occasions when you can capitalise on its colour for some culinary visual effect too. Some of these potatoes are not heavy croppers and some are more difficult to grow and to keep than the more commonly grown commercial varieties and this consequently, and understandably, means that they will cost more. But in just the same way that we are prepared to pay a premium for the best cheese, meat or wine so we must expect to pay more for the best potatoes. They are definitely worth it. Gone are the days when potatoes were advertised simply as ‘reds’ or ‘whites’ and I urge you to take advantage of the amazing choice that exists out there. You will find that Edward is not the only Majestic potato. FIND OUT MORE

For more details about The Potato Shop, please visit www.thepotatoshop.com. They do sell by mail order, please call 01580 766866 or email potatoshop@morghew.com for further details.

Jottings - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

Street, Guildford. The exhibition opened on 1st January will run until Saturday 28th February and is open from 11am - 4pm Monday to Saturday. Entry is free. The West Surrey Family History Society (WSFHS) meets each month in Guildford in the Friends Meeting House, Ward Street. There is a varied programme of talks and members’ evenings throughout the year. On Wednesday 4th February, there is an afternoon meeting at 2.30pm when Les Mitchinson will talk about ‘The Development of surnames’. He will show the diﬀerent types of surname and how they became corrupted and varied. He will also cover the peculiarities in Irish, Scottish and Welsh naming patterns and surname mapping. Visitors are welcome to attend this meeting to ﬁnd out if they would like to join the WSFHS. Further details from Mrs I Hawkins on 01483 535986. The Guildford Astronomical Society has some interesting talks lined up for the 2015. Join them in the Lecture Theatre block of the University of Surrey for regular insights into some of the greatest questions about the Cosmos. At the centre of the Milky Way there is a black hole, as indeed there is in most or every Galaxy. On Thursday 5th February, Prof. Martin Bureau of Wadham College, University of Oxford will share some of his studies with a talk entitled ‘Weighing Black Holes’. Look at Stonehenge, the Pyramids and the Aztec ruins and you will understand how important astronomy has been to mankind since the beginning of time. On Friday 6th March

Prof. David W Hughes of Sheffield University will present his talk ‘The Influence of Astronomy on Life in Ancient Times’. Details of these and all their meetings and events are available on the web site www.guildfordas.org. Cranleigh Village Club Sports & Social Club kick off their February events on Thursday 5th February at 8pm, with an evening of live dancing. All welcome. There is live music on Saturdays 7th and 14th and 28th at 8.30pm and on Friday 20th February it’s Quiz Night. The quiz comprises teams of 4-6 and all are welcome; members, guests and non-members. There are various categories; questions including general knowledge, sport, TV, music, history, geography, film, food, and drink and books. Bar meals: available from 6.30pm to 8pm and the quiz starts at 8.30pm. On Saturday 21st, it’s ‘Club Music Night’ and on Thursday 26th, it’s the Big Band Sound of John Sanford at 8.30pm. Don’t forget there’s Bingo every Thursday and Sunday at 8pm. Bar meals and Bar snacks are available every Function night. Opening time: Monday Wednesday 6pm to 11 pm: Thursday-Friday 12 noon to 2.30pm. Evenings 6pm to 11pm: Weekend: Saturday 12 noon to 11.30pm: Sunday 12 noon to 11pm. Don’t forget they sell guest ales at the lowest prices in the village! For enquiries call R Wood on 01483 276246. The dates for the Cranleigh Antiques Collectors and Craft Fair are, Thursday 5th and 19th February. They are held in Cranleigh Village Hall GU6 8AT from 7.30am-3pm.Entry is free and refreshments available.

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Jottings - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD Chilworth C of E Infant School, New Road, Chilworth GU4 8NP is holding a jumble sale on Saturday 7th February from 1 to 3pm. Go along and grab yourself a bargain! Dealers entry from 12pm, cost £5. General public entry from 1pm, entry by donation. If you have any jumble to donate, please drop oﬀ at the school from 9am on day of the sale, or previous day between 3pm-4pm. Any queries email chilworthinfants@gmail.com. All proceeds to Chilworth C of E Infant School. Just to let you know that Clandon Park, the beautiful National Trust house in Clandon, near Guildford is open for the weekends of 7th/8th and 14th/15th February, from 11am to 3pm. Did you know that before vacuum cleaners were invented, damp tea leaves were used to collect dust? You can discover how the servants used to look after their country homes and how the National Trust cares for them today. Normal admission applies www. nationaltrust.org.uk/clandon-park. Tel: 01483 222482. Guildford Choral Society would love to welcome participants in its next Singing Day. It takes place at Normandy Village Hall, Manor Fruit Farm, Glaziers Lane, Normandy GU3 2DD. They will be singing, perhaps the greatest choral work ever written, the St Matthew Passion by J.S. Bach. It takes place on Saturday 7th February from 10am to 5.30pm and there may be a few places left. To book a place contact ticket master, Derek Lake, on 01494 675571. More details can be found at: https:// guildfordchoral.org/events/singing-day-st-matthew-

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passion/ . Following this Singing Day, the Society will be performing The St Mathew Passion on Saturday 7th March at 7.30pm. For this performance the choir under Jonathan Willcocks, will be joined by Guildford High School Choir and one of the ﬁnest orchestras in the country, Florilegium. If you only listen to one choral work in your life, I urge you to choose Bach’s Matthew Passion. Tickets are available at £10 to £20 (concessions available) from boxoﬃce@guildfordchoral.org or directly from Derek Lake on 01494 675571. They are also available from the Guildford Tourist Information Centre: 01483 444333. There’s a Wedding Fair at Watts Gallery on Sunday 8th February from 11am to 5pm. Entry is free. Discover a breathtaking venue and meet all the experts whose skills help to organise a perfect day. Photographers, caterers, milliners, bridal wear suppliers and make-up artists will all be there. If you are planning a wedding, this could be just the job! Guildford Rambling Club is meeting at 10am on Sunday 8th February in Worplesdon for a 10 mile walk to Puttenham and back. Visitors are welcome. See www. guildfordramblingclub.org.uk for full details. This year the Historical Association, Surrey Branch, is marking the 800th anniversary of Magna Carta with a talk by Professor Nigel Saul of RHC, University of London, entitled ‘Magna Carta : Why Celebrate?’ The lecture is at 7.30pm on Tuesday 10th February at St Nicolas’ Hall, Bury

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Jottings - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

Street, Guildford, GU2 4AW. Non members are welcome (£3 at the door), students free. Branch Chairman, Chris Mitchenson says: “Nigel Saul is recognised as one of the leading authorities on Medieval England and is an old friend of the branch. He is also an outstanding speaker. The questions raised by an assessment of Magna Carta could hardly be more topical.” Further details from Hon Sec, Rollo Crookshank on 01252 319881 or crookshank@ starkmann.co.uk. Cranfold Job Seekers Club is a registered charity based in Cranleigh. For more information visit them at Cranleigh CAB, Village Way, Cranleigh GU6 8AF or call 01483 272252. They are open on Wednesdays from 9.30am to 5pm and Fridays from 9am to 5pm. Horsley Decorative & Fine Arts Society meets at East Horsley Village Hall on the second Wednesday of the month from October to July for lectures on a wide variety of subjects. The lecture on 11th February 2015 will be Cartier: Jeweller of Genius by Judy Rudoe. Coﬀee 9.45am to 10.15am. Lecture from 10.30am to 11.30am. Visitors (£5) and new members welcome. For more information and the full programme visit their website www. horsleydfas.org.uk or phone Chris on 01483 280021. The Guildford Society’s ﬁrst speaker in 2015 was Amanda Masters who gave an interesting talk about the work of Experience Guildford, an organisation which promotes the retail and business opportunities for the

town. The second event in January was an important Public Meeting about the largest single construction development to be seen in Guildford. This is the proposal by Solum Regeneration to upgrade Guildford Railway Station including building 9 and 15 storey tower blocks to accommodate new apartments, retail and oﬃce space and a multi level car park plus station concourse improvements and a new public square. This is a pretty staggering proposal, I only hope the good citizens of Guildford will have a proper say in the matter! Moving into February, the Society will enjoy a members only visit on Thursday 12th February to Guildford Borough Councils’ Town and Museum Collections Store at the Woking Road Depot. Here you shall see the town’s reserve artworks, historical and archaeological items and other artefacts for which there is currently no display space available at the Guildhall or Museum. The Society welcomes new member enquiries and feedback or simply sign up to their newsletters. Further details can be found on the website www.guildfordsociety.org. uk. Here’s an idea for Valentines night. On Saturday 14th February The Showstoppers are set to return to The Electric Theatre with their award-winning show - Showstopper! The Improvised Musical. Back by popular demand, the group will perform their incredibly successful show (in which they take suggestions from the audience for titles, storylines and musical styles) on Saturday. The entire 90-minute production of Showstopper! The Improvised

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Jottings - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD Musical is just that, 100% improvised, making their second visit to Guildford. It’s your chance to see a performance that has never been seen before and will never be seen again! Tickets are available from The Electric Theatre Box Office on 01483 444789 or are available online at www. electrictheatre.co.uk. ‘Swinging to Victory’ is on Saturday 14th February at 2.30pm at G Live in Guildford. In partnership with The Royal British Legion, this is a celebration of the morale boosting hits performed by the star singers and big bands of the 1939 to 45 period – many of which have become the classics of today. Performed by a full 17 piece Big Band and four singers the performance features over 30 memorable songs including ‘We’ll Meet Again’, ‘I’ll Be Seeing You’, ‘Moonlight Serenade’, ‘Serenade in Blue’, ‘What a Swell Party’, ‘Ma I miss your apple pie’, and ‘I’ve Got Sixpence’. There will be Big Band Classics from Count Basie, Tommy Dorsey, Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman plus many more, as well as hit songs of the period as sung by Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra and Ann Shelton. 50% of the Astor Big Band’s profit, plus a collection at this performance, will be donated to the Royal British Legion, so please do dig deep for this fantastic cause. To book, call 014383 739047 or go to www.GLive.co.uk On Saturday 14th February Farncombe Music Club is holding another Music Fair, only this time at a brand new venue, Godalming Baptist Church. This is now at a far more central location, just off the High Street. There

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will be 20+ stalls, so plenty of choice and an array of vinyl, CDs, DVDs and memorabilia from a wide range of genres including rock, pop, jazz, folk, blues and classical. It runs from 10am to 3pm and entry is free. For more information call 01483 421520 or email julianlewrymusic@aol.com. Don’t go breaking any hearts this Valentine’s Day! Book tickets for Kiki and Carmelo’s spellbinding acoustic live show! It’s on Saturday 14th February at 8pm in The Cranleigh Arts Centre. 2013 marked Kiki’s 50th year in the music industry and has cemented her status as one of the UK’s finest and most revered vocalists. To celebrate, the duo released their critically acclaimed album ‘A Place Where I Can Go’ which features the haunting duet ‘Horses’ with Scottish singer Eddi Reader. Join Kiki and Carmelo for an acoustic journey of stories and song which include covers of songs by artists such as Kate Bush and Frank Sinatra and of course Kiki’s own hits ‘Don’t Go Breaking My Heart’, ‘I Got the Music in Me’ and ‘Amoreuse’ Tickets are £20, or £18 if purchased in advance. Call 01483 278001 or go to www.cranleighartscentre.org. If the children have been stuck indoors this winter, then February half-term, 14th to 22nd, is the perfect opportunity for the family to get outside and have some holiday fun at beautiful National Trust places near you. Join in for some outdoor escapades; pull on your wellies and rush through gardens on an adventure trail, make pancakes around the camp fire, or create crafty artworks in a mansion. You could also try ticking off some of the In home care services Live-in-care Surrey Senior home care Dementia home care 24 hour care at home Elderly respite care Long term care services Short term care services Domiciliary care

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February 2015

Greenhouse Gardening Keen greenhouse gardener Penny Kitchen learned a few tips from Gardeners’ Question Time expert Anne Swithinbank, and offers some advice of her own. I became a ‘real’ gardener the day I got my first greenhouse. Armed with that little 5ft x 7ft structure I soon realised I could dramatically increase both my garden production and enjoyment. Of course, with a greenhouse comes a whole new panoply of problems to contend with: overcrowding, ventilation, insulation, seedlings drying out too fast or damping off, thriving pests... But I haven’t met a greenhouse gardener yet who doesn’t think the advantages outweigh these frustrations.

Above: The Palm House and Parterre at Kew

Below: An attractive, useful addition to any garden

restored walled garden. As visitors to the gardens and their popular Chilli Fiesta know, they are packed full of seasonal fruit and vegetables, as well as exotic ﬂowers. “Any kind of cover can revolutionise your gardening,” said Anne. “You’ll ﬁnd you can steal a march on the season and soil conditions by raising young plants in pots and modules for planting out later.”

While visiting West Dean Gardens near Chichester I had the chance to pick the brains of down-to-earth expert Anne Swithinbank of the long-running Radio 4 programme Gardeners’ Question Time. A Kewtrained horticulturist and former glasshouse supervisor at the RHS Gardens, Wisley, there isn’t much she doesn’t know about gardening under glass.

Anne’s parents bought Anne her first greenhouse when she was 11 years old, but today she is equally a fan of simple cold frames and porches. “Use as wide a range as you can to extend your growing season.” She recommends using greengrocers’ boxes filled with compost to grow salad leaves and parsley which, she had proved would germinate in winter: “I have to take photos for magazine articles in winter, which is how I learned that this can be done.”

West Dean has 16 Victorian glasshouses situated within the

Another suggestion: if your greenhouse roof is high enough,

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use raised bed kits in there to grow everything from carrots to brassicas. Unheated Apart from extending the growing season, a greenhouse is a boon for protecting tender plants in winter, although Anne admitted she no longer heats her Devon greenhouse and uses ﬂeece to protect her really tender plants. This not only saves fuel but, in fact, her plants seem to thrive.

stages, not going from starter pot to large pot in one fell swoop “otherwise the roots will suﬀocate”.

Above: Exotics in a porch

If you are getting on in years and ﬁnding the garden chores too much, Anne recommends a greenhouse for pottering and perhaps inspiring a collection of decorative plants. “Everyone seems to be growing vegetables these days,” she said, “however a greenhouse enables you to extend your passion for beautiful plants.”

Grow your own Start garlic oﬀ under glass, one clove per small pot, along with broad beans, to get a head start. Some annual ﬂowering climbers do better in a greenhouse, so why not train one up the frame where it can provide gentle shading as well?

Buying and setting up “Buy the biggest greenhouse you can aﬀord,” was her advice, “and absolutely don’t buy one without one or more roof vents. Ask for extra louvres for a side wall.” Even in winter you still need ventilation to avoid grey mould.

A cold frame is a very useful stage between greenhouse and garden, enabling seedlings to harden oﬀ before they face the elements. Save money by raising your bedding plants from seed – it’s possible with a greenhouse. Grow tender plants such as chillis, basil and cape gooseberries which require under-glass protection.

Shading paint is the simple and inexpensive way to protect plants from scorching. In the hot weather, also remember to hose down hard surfaces, which will keep humidity-loving pests like red spider mite at bay.

Another big advantage to being the owner of a greenhouse is that you can keep uncommon plants such as Gloriosa lily from year to year instead of resigning yourself to their loss over the winter. In fact, if you keep other lilies in pots in the greenhouse they will remain safe from the lily beetle, which can devastate the plant outdoors.

If you have a group of related plants in the same size pots, then capillary matting in a tray is the easy way to keep them watered. Don’t forget to feed “Amateur gardeners never feed plants enough,” said Anne. “After six weeks the compost nutrients are used up and you must provide your plants with more – nitrogen-rich during active growth and high potash in winter to toughen the plants. In commercial glasshouses where the temperature is maintained, they feed the plants throughout the winter.” The other ‘sin’ is failing to pot-on enough. The plants’ roots require repotting in incremental February 2015

Anne’s advice to “inspect your plants with your glasses on!” struck a chord with me! She pointed out that unless you are sharp-eyed, plants in your greenhouse can become host to scale insect, mealy bug and other pests without you realising, until you ﬁnd yourself with a serious infestation. “Try SB Plant Invigorator (an environmentally friendly pesticide, mildewcide and foliar feed) or soft soap solution, but if after a couple of sprays, the problem persists, it is time to try biological controls,” she said.

Below: Anne Swithinbank

Famous nearby glasshouses to visit West Dean The 16 splendid glasshouses were all built between 1890 and 1900 and were completely derelict before their restoration in the early 1990s (see overleaf). They are magniﬁcent 15

examples of Victorian craft and ingenuity, but are very labour intensive. They are repainted on a four-year cycle; the exteriors over summer when the weather is kinder, and the interiors over winter when the houses can be emptied. In addition they are hand scrubbed from top to bottom, inside and out, each winter, a process that takes two gardeners two months to complete. There is always colour on display from the large collection of plants on show, including exotic plants, orchids, strawberry plants, ﬁgs, nectarines and peaches. www.westdean.org.uk/garden/home.aspx

RHS Gardens, Wisley Building on the cathedral-like glass structure of the Bicentenary Glasshouse at Wisley started in 2005. It covers an area equal in size to 10 tennis courts and rises to 140ft in height. It has three climatic zones, recreating tropical, moist temperate and dry temperate habitats. The Glasshouse showcases a world-class plant collection – the RHS’s extensive tender plant collection is housed here, including diﬃcult to grow, rare and endangered species, hundreds of orchid species and old cultivars of Solenostemon (Coleus), among others. Entering The Glasshouse is like walking into a jungle with tree ferns, tall palms, lush-leaved creepers and dazzling ﬂower displays. Visitors to The Glasshouse from 17th February to 8th March will enjoy the colourful added bonus of 16

the annual ‘Butterﬂies in the Glasshouse’ event, something to thrill all ages. www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley

Kew Gardens You are spoiled for choice at Kew Gardens: glasshouses at this world-famous site range from the grand Temperate House (above) down to the more intimate and elegant Waterlily House. Both of these are Victorian masterpieces. The Temperate House is the largest surviving Victorian glasshouse in the world, covering 4,880 square metres and extending to 19 metres high. It was built to house the many species of semi-hardy and temperate plants Victorian plant collectors were bringing back from around the globe. Unfortunately for today’s visitors, but a good thing for future generations, the Temperate House is closed until 2018 for vital restoration. There is a fascinating short video on Kew’s website showing the work involved in moving some 4,000 precious plants and repairing the structure which ﬁrst opened to the public in 1863. Other glasshouses at Kew include the Princess of Wales conservatory (opened in 1987, and containing 10 computer-controlled climatic zones under one roof), the Davies Alpine House and the Bonsai House. www.kew.org

Penny Kitchen is a Farnham based writer and editor. She can be reached by email at penny.kitchen@ btopenworld.com.

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Jottings - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

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Trust’s ‘50 Things to do before you’re 11¾’ challenges such as hunting for bugs, building dens and making mud pies. Visit www.50things.org.uk for lots of ideas to get cracking. More half-term fun at RHS Wisley with Wakey Wakey Wildlife, taking place from 14th-22nd February. Learn about butterflies, their special senses, and how to plant their favourite flowers. Make pipe cleaner dragonflies, flapping butterflies or caterpillar hats. Activities vary daily, so please check our website for details. Events are free once you have entered the garden. Don’t forget that ‘Butterflies in the Glasshouse’ runs until the 8th March, where you can see exotic butterflies take flight among plants in the tropical paradise of the Glasshouse. Marvel at the colours and sizes of the butterflies flying around Wisley’s ‘jungle’, if you’re lucky one might even land on you! Normal garden entry applies. Beat the queues and pre-book a time slot for weekends and half-term on our website. Round off your trip with one of the butterflydecorated cookies and cupcakes that the Taste of Wisley bakers are making. On Sunday 15th February Guildford Rambling Club is meeting at Alfold Crossways at 10am for an 8.5 mile walk to Cranleigh and back. On Thursday 19th February, starting at 10.30am, the club will lead a 5 mile morning walk from Abinger Roughs. Visitors are welcome. See www.guildfordramblingclub.org.uk for more details.

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This February enjoy a fantastic evening’s entertainment right here in Godalming with Gilbert and Sullivan’s very popular operetta “The Mikado” - performed by renowned local group Godalming Operatic Society (GOS). A super night out for all the family, GOS’s lavish productions at the Borough Hall are always accompanied by a full professional orchestra and traditional staging values - featuring accomplished principals, soloists and a large, rousing supporting chorus! Go along and enjoy favourite numbers such as ‘Three Little Maids’, ‘A Wandering Minstrel I’, ‘Brightly Dawns our Wedding Day’ and ‘I’ve got a Little List’ - Tickets on sale £11 - £17 from the GOS Box Oﬃce: 01252 703376. Performances are on Tuesday 17th - Saturday 21st February including a Saturday matinee. (Also at Leatherhead Theatre from Thursday 26th – Saturday 28th February). The Lightbox Gallery and Museum in Woking is organising some terriﬁc workshops for the kids during half-term. Here are some details. On Tuesday 17th February – Animal Masks Family Workshop. Drop in anytime from 1.30pm – 4pm. Free entry, suggested donation £2. Horses, donkeys, dogs and even elephants worked hard during WWI. Join them to make your own animal mask. Which animal will you be? Suitable for children aged 4+ .Also on Tuesday – ‘War Horse’ Interactive Storytelling Children’s Workshop. 12pm – 1pm, 2pm – 3pm and 3.45pm – 4.45pm. £5 per child, accompanying adult goes free. Go and help their storyteller, Sarah Jane Lee from the National

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February 2015

s ’ n e r d l i Ch

London for Free

With London less than an hour by train, why not visit the capital with the children or grandchildren for a half-term or weekend treat. We have picked three good, and free, reasons to visit the West End in February, all extracted from a great book called Little London. There is much to do in London that is free all year round, all you have to do is get there. The good news is that children under 5 travel free at any time on London buses, the tube, Docklands Light Railway (DLR), and London Overground (London trains) when accompanied by an adult with a valid ticket. All children aged 5-10 years can travel for free anywhere at any time without a ticket on buses and up to four children between 5-10 years accompanying an adult who has a valid ticket or Oyster card can travel for free without a ticket or Oyster photocard on the tube, DLR, and London Overground.

Don’t forget that parking is free in many places on a Sunday and no congestion charge will apply, so you might want to consider driving.

Little London: Child-friendly Days Out and Fun Things To Do by Kate Hodges and Sunshine Jackson. Publishing by Virgin Books, £12.99 Illustrations © Nicole Thompson

Dance with dragons Dance dragons at Chinese Newwith Year*

The parades generally start around 10am, with the main ‘Dotting of the Eye’ ceremony at noon in the square. 008_115_Little_London.indd 29

The National Gal family fun on Sundays Visit www.nation ~P Somerset House run f each Saturday afternoC and some sessions www.somerse 29

at Chinese New Year*

Chinese New Year always makes us aware of Chinatown itself is always rammed, but if Chinatown itself is always rammed, but Chinese New Year always makes us aware of the amazing benefits of living in multicultural you’re explore its narrow streets Chinese New Year always makesfeeling us awarebrave, of Chinatown itself is always rammed, but if if you’re feeling brave, explore its(and narrow the amazing benefi ts of living in multi cultural the amazing benefits ofand livingback in multicultural London. The biggest official celebration outside you’reauthentic feeling brave, explore its narrow streets alleys for a more streets and back alleys for a more authenti London. The biggest offi cial celebrati on London. The biggest official celebration outside and back alleys for a more authentic Asia takes place every year in Trafalgar Square. loud) experience. Try some dim sum, hear ear- c (and Asia takes place every year in Trafalgar Square. loud) experience. Try some dim sum, hear ear(and loud) experience. Tryoff some sum, outside Asia takes place year in It’s crammed with the stuffevery that kids love: splitting being let in thedim street and It’s crammed with the stuff that kidsfireworks love: splitting fireworks being let off in the street and dragons and lions,It’s martial arts (with sticks!), get chased by enormous Kung hear earsplitti ng fireworks let off in the Trafalgar Square. crammed with theand stuff dragons lions, martial arts (with sticks!), getdancing chasedbeing by dragons. enormous dancing dragons. Kung magic, firecrackers, noodles, drums and loads of Hei Fat Choi! magic, firecrackers, noodles, drums and loads of Hei Fat Choi! street and get chased by enormous dancing that kids love: dragons and lions, people martihaving al arts fun (if you’ve got really little ones, people fun (if you’ve got really little ones, dragons. Kung Choi! we’d take a backpack or carrier rather than a Hei Fat (with stihaving cks!), magic, firecrackers, noodles, 27 Gerrard Street, W1D 6JN we’d take a backpack or carrier rather than a The parades27generally Gerrard start Street, W1D 6JN chinatownlondon.org pushchair). around drums and loads of people having fun (if Free 10am,around with the main ‘Dotting of the Eye’ chinatownlondon.org pushchair). The parades generally start The main parade is on Sunday 22nd February 2015. ceremony square. you’ve got really litt‘Dotting le ones,ofwe’d take a at noon in theFree 27 Gerrard Street, W1D 6JN 10am, with the main the Eye’ Charing Cross, Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus The main parade is on Sunday 22nd February 2015. backpack carrier rather than a pushchair). chinatownlondon.org ceremonyor at noon in the square. Charing Cross, Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus Free FEBRUARY The main parade is on Sunday 22nd February 2015.

FEBRUARY

14 29/10/2013 07:22

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LIT

CHILDREN FOOD

Let your imagination run Every year, over the spring half-term holiday,

Every year, over the spring half-term Centre holiday, theaSouthbank the Southbank hosts fun-packed series Centre hosts a fun-packed seriesgeared of events geared of events totally aroundtotally kids’ literature and performing performing arts. There areare shows, live around kids’ literature and arts. There shows, bands and lots of viti book-related live bands and lots of book-related acti es (thereactivities are over(there 60 are over 60 separate events taking place over separate events taking place over the week-and-a-bit festival). the week-and-a-bit festival). We especially We especially love the free art free workshops led byled children’s love the art workshops by children’s illustrators (our lot adored the pop-up-bookmaking class they illustrators (our lot adored the pop-up-bookmaking class they attended), the truly groundattended), the truly groundbreaking interacti ve theatre events interactive theatre events and superand superspecial authorbreaking readings. special author readings. As well as paid-for shows and classes,

As well as paid-for shows and classes, there’s tons of free stuﬀ there’s tons of free stuff happening. Maybe happening. Maybe you’ll stumble across a adinosaur-petti ng zoo, zoo,a you’ll stumble across dinosaur-petting a bicycle-powered discobicycle-powered or an opera fordisco babies. it allfor gets too If or anIfopera babies. it all gets too much, 2 there’s a parenting room on much, there’s a parenting room on Level for quiet time and Level for quiet time and breastfeeding. breastfeeding. Tiny bums will2 appreciate the small toilets onTiny the will appreciate the small toilets on the Spirit Level at the Royalbums Festi val Hall. Spirit Level at the Royal Festival Hall. Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX

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at the Imagine Children’s Snuggle Festival* with a cl

at Th

Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX southbankcentre.co.uk southbankcentre.co.uk The Mediatheque at the BFI is a great place to spend a 020 7960 4200 020wintry 7960 4200 afternoon. The room, packed with viewing stations, Free–£££ Free–£££ is where the public can access the BFI’s vast archives Open 9th to 22nd February 2015 Open 9th to 22nd February 2015 of ﬁlms, TV programmes, public information shorts and Waterloo, Embankment, Charing Cross

For more ideas, visit www.golondon.about. com/od/londonforfree

childr place on the (espe The screen visit t you co café’s

adverts, then settle down to watch them. You simply go There’s a great selection of chain cafés around the Southbank in, tellourreception how long you’d like staybut and they’ll complex; kids absolutely adore Wagamama andto Giraffe, you’re alsoyou moreto than welcome to bring food and eat the it show your screen, andyour youown can browse collection at the tables in the foyer spaces. from there. There are themed collections available (retro

Snuggle up with a classic tv show at The Mediatheque 36

LITTLE LONDON

P O P CORN

008_115_Little_London.indd 36

llery offers free s and in the holidays. nalgallery.org.uk. ~P O P free family workshops oon for 6-12 year olds CORN s for under 5s too. ethouse.org.uk

TTLE LONDON

February 2015

The M wintr is wh of ﬁlm adver in, tel show from t

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children’s telly treasure trove The Kids Are Alright is a great (especially at weekends), book in advance The Mediatheque at the BFI is a great place to start), or create your own playlist. You can turn up 14 LITTLE LONDON telephone. placeon tothe spend a wintry afternoon. day, but to be absolutely sureThe of a viewingby station room,(especially packed with viewingbook statiin ons, is by telephone. at weekends), advance BFIcan auditorium has family-friendly The main BFI auditorium often has familywhere The the main public access often the BFI’s 008_115_Little_London.indd 14 screeningsofonfiSunday so you could combine friendlyascreenings on Sunday lunchtimes, vast archives lms, TVlunchtimes, programmes, to a film with a trip to the Mediatheque. Afterwards so you could combine a visit to a film with publicvisit informati on shorts and adverts, you could even treat yourselves to one of The Riverfront a trip to the Mediatheque. Afterwards you then café’s settlebrilliant down burgers. to watch them. You could even treat yourselves to one of The simply go in, tell reception how long Riverfront café’s brilliant burgers. you’dBelvedere like toRoad, staySouth andBank, they’ll show you SE1 8XT bfi.org.uk/archive-collections/introduction-bfi-collections/bfi-mediatheques to your screen, and you can browse the 020 7815 1346 collecti on from there. There are themed Belvedere Road, South Bank, SE1 8XT Free collecti ons available children’s telly Open Tuesday 1pm–8pm,(retro Wednesday–Friday 12am–8pm, bfi.org.uk/archive-collections/introduction-bfi-colweekends 12.30pm–8pm treasure trove The Kids Are Alright is a lections/bfi-mediatheques Waterloo, Embankment, Charing Cross great place to start), or create your own 020 7815 1346 Free playlist. You can turn up on the day, but to be absolutely sure of a viewing station

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Jottings - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

Theatre, bring to life Michael Morpurgo’s story of Joey. Aimed at children under 9 years old. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Wednesday 18th February – Puppet Making Children’s Workshop. 1pm – 2.30pm (4-8 year olds), 3pm – 4.30pm (8-16 year olds). £6.50 per child/young person. Make your own horse puppet using card, string, paint and other household materials. Then have fun creating your own horse play! Thursday 19th February – Mini Rocking Horses Family Workshop. Drop in anytime from 1.30pm – 4pm. Free entry, suggested donation £2. Make a delightful mini rocking horse using cork, plastic and other recycled materials. Suitable for children aged 4+ Friday 20th February – How to Draw Horses and Other Animals. 1pm – 2.30pm (4-8 year olds), 3pm – 4.30pm (8-16 year olds). £6.50 per child/ young person. Join artist Jan Rubin and learn how to draw horses and other animals. Add some colour and take home a ﬁnished picture to display with pride. Apart from the ‘drop In’ workshops the other ones need to be booked in advance by visiting www.thelightbox.org.uk or calling 01483 737800. Guildford Natural History Society is holding their next talk on Thursday 19th February. Dr Nikki Gammans will talk about ‘The Plight of the Bumblebee’. She will introduce the three types of bee, their decline and reasons why; how we can conserve bumblebees, and the reintroduction project to the UK. The venue is the Guildford Institute in Ward Street and talks start at 2.45pm, usually ending around 4.15pm. Free to members. They welcome visitors

but ask for a small donation. Further details from Bridget Hopkins on 01483 275826. Live! is at the Crane Room on Thursday 19th February at 7.30pm. Local musical talent will be on display in Cranleigh Arts Centre’s refurbished Crane Room! Cranleigh Arts Centre is working in association with Godalming’s DK Music Academy to provide a platform for local musicians. Go along and listen to a variety of artists in a relaxed and supportive environment. Who knows, the next Taylor Swift or Ed Sheeran could be in our midst! If you are interested in a performance slot, email naomi@ cranleighartscentre.org . Tickets £5. G Live presents not one, but two stalwarts of comedy as Jasper Carrott and Alistair McGowan split the bill for an evening of laughter on Thursday 19th February at 7.30pm. Jasper Carrott has been a staple of the British comedy circuit with a career spanning more than 40 years. His numerous TV credits include ‘An Audience with Jasper Carrott ’, ‘Carrott ’s Commercial Breakdown’, ‘The Detectives’, and the hugely popular game show ‘Golden Balls’. In 2008 he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the British Comedy Awards. Sharing the microphone, will be master impressionist, stand-up comic, actor and writer, Alistair McGowan. He is best known to audiences for ‘The Big Impression’, one of BBC1’s top-rated comedy programmes and a BAFTA award winner for Best Comedy Programme. Tickets are £26, a £2 per ticket booking fee applies, capped at six per

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Jottings - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD order. Fee-free booking for Friends of G Live; Groups of 8+ please call 0844 7701 797 to buy fee-free. Alternatively go to www.GLive.co.uk or call the Box Office on 0844 7701 797 (10am-6pm, Mon-Sat.) The next Monthly Tea Dance at The U.R.C .Church Hall, Portsmouth Road, Guildford is on Thursday 19th February at 2.30pm. Enjoy a dance, Ballroom and Latin, or just enjoy the ambience and nostalgia. The cost is just £2.50 to include tea and biscuits. For more information, call 01483 538515. Wey Valley Decorative and Fine Art Society‘s next lecture, by Miss Judy Rudoe, is entitled ‘The Power of Jewellery: Adornment and Ritual from Prehistory to the Present.’ Why not join them at Shalford Village Hall on Thursday 19th February for a fascinating look at the purpose, meaning and symbolism of jewellery across the centuries? Refreshments are available from 9.45am and the lecture starts at 10.45am. The Society offers a monthly programme of varied and fascinating talks by first class speakers. There are also special interest days, visits and an annual tour for members. New members and visitors are warmly welcomed. Annual membership is £40 and visitors pay £6 per talk. If you are interested, contact the Membership Secretary on 01932 355113 or visit their website at www.theweyvalleydfas.org.uk. Farncombe Music Club’s next gig is on Friday 20th February when Jo Harman and Company will be playing

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at St. John’s Church, Farncombe. Winner of ‘Female Vocalist 2014’ in the British Blues Awards, Jo Harman is an original British singer-songwriter and band leader whose work is broadly influenced by blues, gospel, soul, country, rock and other ‘roots’ sensibilities. A fantastic performer, the press have hailed her “the finest female soul blues singer in the UK”. I’m told it’s not to be missed! (www. joharman.com) Tickets: £14 advance / £17 door. Show starts at 7.45pm, doors open at 7pm. Ticket link: www. wegottickets.com/event/281507. Phone 01483 421520 for tickets and information. Email: julianlewrymusic@ aol.com. Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre Guildford (RASASC) holds a number of seminars for professional people working in the field. On Saturday 21st February there is one such event; ‘Sexual Abuse - what every professional should know’. With professional speakers, it’s a day of information, sharing and learning. It runs from 10am to 4pm and registration and coffee is from 9.15am. If you would like to attend, contact Maria at RASASC to reserve your free place at email: maria@rasasc-guildford. org or ring 07712 200059. Numbers are limited and you need to book by Saturday 7th February. The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford has announced a vibrant and varied new season programme of events both on the Main Stage and in the Mill Studio. They will be opening the national tours of both Alan Ayckbourn’s ‘Roundelay’ and William Gaminara’s hilarious new

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Dennis Brothers - the post war years Britain’s oldest vehicle manufacturer company was established in Guildford. In the second in a series, Andy Goundry tells the story. The end of the Great War brought a sudden and dramatic change to the fortunes of the Dennis company. From working almost flat-out producing trucks for the War Department, the order book vanished almost overnight as the vast fleet of vehicles which Dennis had toiled so hard to produce began to find their way back to Britain, to be sold off for civilian use, thereby reducing dramatically the opportunities for new vehicle sales. This left Dennis with an almost insurmountable problem: they had one of the biggest truckmaking factories in Europe, capable of building around 2,500 trucks per year, and a very limited market. Lesser companies might have thrown in the towel there and then, however the Dennis brothers picked themselves up and set out to develop both new markets and new models. The latter was an inspired move, for if the Great War had done nothing else, it had firmly established the superiority of trucks rather than horses to move goods. Whilst the market was saturated with large numbers of ex-military trucks, they were limited to a 3-ton payload. Dennis realised that higher capacity models would generate sales, and so introduced both 4 and 5 tonne versions of the original army truck, which were successful in recovering some of the lost sales; then, as now, the concept of one man, or truck, being able to do more than his competitors, was attractive to customers. Raymond Dennis also set out on a marathon 60,000 mile world tour to promote Dennis products, highlighting the reliability of the military vehicles, to say nothing of the fire engines whose performance was becoming legendary. Indeed, in 1917 a Dennis fire engine had pumped water continuously for 17 days in a huge fire in Salonika (now Thessaloniki) in Greece. In seeking new markets, Dennis astutely investigated opportunities to offer innovative products into markets where the Dennis brand was already well understood and respected, 22

This lovely old Dennis Dart belongs to the company, and can often be seen around Guildford. Shown here on wedding transport duty with the author in the front seat.

and which could make use of some of their existing technology, thus avoiding too much of a leap into the dark. Two interesting new ventures sought to strengthen the Dennis relationship with local authorities, quickly becoming successful businesses in their own right. Firstly, drawing on their experience with fire pumps, they launched an innovative vacuum cesspool emptier which was quickly taken up by their target local authority market, and indeed laid the foundations for the municipal vehicle market for which Dennis subsequently became a by-word. The other new venture was into the manufacture of motor mowers, and specifically large machines which enabled the local authorities to keep their many hectares of parkland in trim. Again, Dennis were quick to promote the efficiency benefits of their product, proudly proclaiming that one man with a Dennis mower could cut in a day as much as two men and a horse could cut in two days. Dennis mowers went on to carve out a successful business for over 50 years, indeed they are still manufactured, although no longer part of the original Dennis empire, having been sold off in 1976. Despite these brave efforts to regenerate the business, orders for Dennis trucks remained in the doldrums until the mid-1920’s, when the company launched a successful new 30cwt (1.5 tonne) payload truck, set apart from its competitors by the use of robust truck components compared to the lighter and shorter-lived car components used by others. This approach was, interestingly, mirrored by the company almost sixty years later when the Dennis Dart midibus took the bus market by storm. vantagepointmag.co.uk

Images from left: A 1933 Dennis Mower. These are still widely used today (photo: Dennis Mowers); Development of a lowered chassis frame meant that double deckers could at last have a solid upper deck roof to protect the passengers from the elements (photo: Showbus); This superbly restored Dennis Ace fuel tanker is locally owned by Joe Devanny, and can regularly be seen at the Goodwood Revival. Photo: J Devanny

The latter half of the 1920’s saw the Dennis market for buses and coaches grow significantly, with new models championing the latest technology appearing regularly. The first bus to be equipped with pneumatic tyres, for example, was a Dennis, as was the first bus fitted with four-wheel brakes. Development of specific models aimed at carrying passengers rather than goods also meant that floor levels were lowered, meaning fewer steps for the passengers to climb. 1927 saw the introduction of another first for Dennis – their first purpose designed double decker. Although double deckers had been around for some time before this, in both horse drawn and later motorised form, they were invariable based on goods vehicle chassis, thus were comparatively tall, making a solid roof impractical. The Dennis H Type of 1927, in contrast, had a low frame, enabling a solid roof to be fitted, setting the scene for the widespread adoption of double deckers in years to come. As the 1930’s dawned, a relentless introduction of new and enhanced models continued apace, all promoting the traditional Dennis virtues of quality, performance, and reliability, benefits which came, of course, at a price, making Dennis products amongst the more expensive in the market. By this time, however, the world was sliding headlong into the Great Depression, and in those times of austerity, the expensive Dennis products, however good, were finding fewer customers. Once again, Dennis were forced to rethink their product strategy, and rapidly introduced the Lancet, a low-cost single deck bus, which sold for £595 against their previous single decker, which was massively more, at £1,095. Unsurprisingly, the Lancet became a great success, doing much to see the Dennis business through the gloomy days of the depression, particularly with the truck-making arm of the business struggling due to the economy. Indeed, throughout the history of Dennis, the bus business proved to be surprisingly resistant to economic depression, and this was not the only occasion where it kept the company afloat. Other noteworthy Dennis models of the Thirties included the Dart bus, of which one survives today in the hands of the company, and which can often be seen at rallies. On the truck side, Dennis produced a rather unusual-looking, but very successful range called the Ace. Key to the Ace was that February 2015

Above: The 3 ton model which played a major part in the Great War but later returned to the UK in large numbers to flood the market. The fine example shown here was restored over a 10 year period by Tim & Steve Gosling. Photo: M Sutcliffe

the front axle was set well back, giving excellent manoeuvrability, but meaning that the engine and radiator were positioned well forward like a snout. Small wonder that the Ace soon became unoﬃcially named the ‘Flying Pig’. In 1934, Dennis acquired land around the Woodbridge factory on which to build homes for their increasing number of workers. The resulting estate, Dennisville, has most of the roads named after senior Dennis people, notably Raymond Crescent & St John’s Road. Overall, Dennis had coped well since the First World War, rising well to the challenges of the lack of new vehicle orders, the years of recession and fending oﬀ the growing number of competitors such as Leyland & Bedford. Sadly, however, in May 1938 Sir Raymond Dennis passed away at the early age of 59, followed only 3 months later by his brother John, precipitating the company into major changes at the top, even as the gathering storm clouds of World War II were about to force Dennis into yet more major upheaval. ABOUT THE AUTHOR About the author: Andy Goundry spent his working career in vehicle design and development, with almost twenty years in senior engineering and management roles at Dennis. Since retirement he has continued a close involvement with vehicles, writing for specialist magazines and websites, as well as producing his own motoring website www.autonews. uk.com. © Andy Goundry December 2014

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EDUCATION

Technology in the classroom Technology has changed the way we communicate, the way we work and almost every aspect of our lives. Now it’s taking over in the classroom too. Catherine Williams, the Head of IT at St Nicholas’ School, Church Crookham explains why. Once upon a time every classroom had a large dusty blackboard and a teacher with chalky hands. Although very familiar to generations of parents and grandparents, some time in the not too distant future this image will be something for the history books, old photographs and the movies. Education is changing. Classrooms, from pre-school to infants, right through to sixth form and universities, are evolving rapidly with new technology. Teachers now have ever more advanced tools to deliver highly targeted learning for every individual child. It is starting to deliver excellent outcomes too and right across all age ranges, with the result that an increasing number of independent and maintained schools are re-thinking the way

they work. Paper and pencils are being replaced in some classes by iPad/tablet computers and Apple TV, made possible thanks to the availability of high quality internet bandwidth and Wi-Fi. Of course parents of even young toddlers will appreciate just how easily today’s children are able to pick up and use technology. These days there are literally hundreds of apps, many of them educational, specifically designed for children aged between three and seven. There are even ‘child friendly’ tablets specifically designed for little ones too - something that would have been unthinkable even five years ago. In the classroom we’ve found that tablets are also incredibly versatile – they’re excellent with junior pupils and in a variety of teaching situations too. In art they can be used for drawing for instance and in maths children can do a class test on the iPad Beth Otway with the results, all marked, for the teacher at the end of the session. Maybe the most obvious benefit to the pupils is it allows them to use their chosen learning style. Traditionally, classrooms were very much a one-style-fits-all experience based around reading and writing. While these skills remain central to the teaching and learning experience, what we’ve discovered is that some pupils are auditory learners and they’d rather listen and speak. Other people are kinesthetic/

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tactile learners and they benefit from being able to move things about. Tablet devices allow them to do this. Of course using this knowledge and the technology can have enormous benefits too for young people with learning difficulties like dyslexia and dyspraxia. There are excellent specialist applications available that are already being used by curriculum support teachers across the country and to great effect. As children progress through their school career, tablet technology can be particularly useful with homework. The pupil can take his/her tablet home and if it’s easier they can even create their essay or coursework by talking into it and printing it out rather than typing it on a keyboard or writing it out in longhand. At the same time they can make use of their iTextbooks, stored within the device and any materials from class that their teacher may have created too. It also allows pupils to learn at their own speed and the benefit is that they and their teachers get instant feedback.

This means that if the class has not grasped a concept the teacher can add an extra lesson if necessary. Alternatively, if one child is struggling the teacher can offer additional oneto-one support through the device. There’s also the opportunity to share work – with a teacher using his/her iPad to guide the class by connecting a pupil’s device up to Apple TV. This can be of real benefit to the class. However the real beauty of it is that for this and future generations technology is going to dictate their lives. They will be using computers at home and in the workplace and in ways that right now we can’t even imagine. It’s just as versatile when children move through to senior school too as it allows staff to create their own iBooks to guide pupils through lessons. For some this might seem like a vision of the future – investment in technology is expensive - but schools that have already made this step are already seeing the benefits. Catherine Williams is the Head of IT at St Nicholas’ School, Church Crookham (pictured left). www.st-nicholas.hants.sch.uk

‘‘Bringing out the best in boys’’

A day in the life of Aldro... come and see for yourself OPEN MORNING •Saturday 28 February 2015 •11:00am–12:30pm If you would like to attend an Open Morning, to request a prospectus, or to arrange an individual tour, please contact the Admissions Office on 01483 409019 or email: admissions@aldro.org Aldro, Lombard Street, Shackleford, Godalming, Surrey GU8 6AS www.aldro.org

February 2015

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Jottings - YOUR LOCAL C

comedy ‘The Three Lions’, and Ray Cooney’s ‘Move Over Mrs Markham’ will open in Guildford prior to its London transfer. The season also features Tom Conti in ‘Twelve Angry Men’ which comes direct from its record-breaking West End run and Wendi Peters in Joan Littlewood’s fabulous musical ‘Oh What a Lovely War’. Do have a look at their new brochure; you can view it online at http://asp-gb.secure-zone.net/v2/index. jsp?id=1223/1555/9490&lng=en.

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Writers’ Retreat! Just can’t ﬁnd the time to write? Join write time’s next Writers’ Retreat on Saturday, 21st February from 10am to 5pm. Hide away in the charming upper rooms of Guildford’s Bar des Arts café for a full day and make headway on your work-in-progress or get started on that burning idea. £45 includes lunch and refreshments, your own workspace and support to focus on your writing without distraction or obligation. For details, visit write time at www.write-time.co.uk, email info@write-time.co.uk or ring 07989 038143.

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The Troggs are playing live on Saturday 21st February at 8.30pm in Cranleigh Arts Centre. They have always been remembered for ’60s anthem ‘Wild Thing’, but it is just one of their many UK hits, including ‘With A Girl Like You’, ‘I Can’t Control Myself’, ‘Anyway That You Want Me’ and ‘Give It To Me’. And of course ‘Love is All Around’ which was famously covered by Wet Wet Wet. The Troggs still features founder member and guitarist Chris Britton and bassist Peter Lucas (who ﬁrst joined the band in 1974) and drummer Dave Maggs, who has been with the band over 25 years. Singer Reg Presley sadly passed away in 2013, but the band now features guest vocalist Chris Allen, formerly of the Denny Laine band, the Commitments and The Animals. Tickets £20 advance £25 (on the day) £25 (balcony seats). Call 01483 278001 or go to www. cranleighartscentre.org.

I watched a hugely entertaining game at Guildford Rugby Club last Saturday 10th January. Sadly G’s suffered a narrow defeat against league leaders Wimbledon (3026) in spite of a spirited 14 points scored in the final 10 minutes. I was delighted to discover that a couple standing next to us on the balcony had come down to watch Guildford for the first time having read about the club in Vantage Point. If you enjoy your rugby, do come down to Broadwater; there really is a great atmosphere and some excellent rugby to be watched, not to mention a decent pint to be quaffed! The next home games are: 21st February v Brighton, 7th March v Charlton Park and 28th March v Havant. Guildford Walking for Health has a number of groups offering all sorts of walks starting at various locations. The Boxgrove Walk Group offers free walks from the Boxgrove Park shops car-park in Collingwood Crescent at 10am every Monday morning. Meet at 9.45am. Routes include: Week 1 (1st Monday of the month): The Riverside Park. 70 - 90 minutes. Week 2: Towards Newlands Corner. 60 minutes. Week 3: To Pewley Down. 70 - 90 minutes. Week

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COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

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4: To Guildford town. An easy ½ hour walk to town for coffee on every last Monday of the month. The Fairlands Walk Group offers free walks from the Farmhouse Café at Rokers every Wednesday morning. Meet at 9.45am for an hour walk starting at 11am, or at 10.15 am for a shorter, easier walk starting at 10.30 am. The Guildford St Luke’s Fountain Centre offers free walks to visitors to the hospital on Mondays and Fridays at 11am. Meet at the entrance to the Fountain Centre garden for a short walk across the Surrey Research Park. (Self-guided walks can be undertaken at anytime -- leaflets detailing a walk route from the St Luke’s Centre can be found at the Fountain Centre). Finally, The Whitmoor Walk Group offers free walks on Friday mornings at 11.30am. Meet at 11.15am usually at The Jolly Farmer car-park on Burdenshott Road or The Lockwood Centre, Westfield Road, Slyfield Estate. You can get full details at www.walkingforhealth.org.uk/ walkfinder/south-east/Guildford. The Guildford International Concert Season resumes on Sunday 22nd February when G Live in Guildford will be welcoming the St Petersburg Symphony Orchestra. They will perform a trilogy of Tchaikovsky pieces, which includes the highly charged Romeo & Juliet and sublime Violin Concerto. The evening concludes with the composer’s great final work, Symphony No. 6, known as the ‘Pathétique’, perhaps the most popular of all Russian symphonies. There will be a talk with the soloist, Alexander Sitkovestsky in the G Live Bellerby Studio prior to the concert. This event is free, but must be booked with a ticket to the concert. Tickets are £22.50 to £37.50, Students £10 and U16’s free (one child free per full price adult ticket.) There are discounts for group bookings. Go to www.GLive.co.uk or call the ticket desk on 0844 7701 797. RASASC (Rape and Sexual Abuse Support CentreGuildford) offers listening and support for women and men who have experienced childhood or adult rape and/ or sexual abuse. They are a hugely important local charity and are in need of recruiting more helpline volunteers. They are holding a telephone helpline volunteers training course starting on Thursday 22nd February. Limited number of spaces – female only. The course runs on seven Thursday evenings (7.30pm to 9.30pm) from 26th February to 9th April plus there are three Sundays (10am to 4pm). On completion of the course, you would need to be free two evenings a month from 7.15 to 9.45pm for the helpline plus the second Tuesday evening of every month for clinical supervision. Volunteers are offered a friendly and supportive environment, with supervision and ongoing training and no previous experience is necessary. Details and application form on www.rasascguildford.org or email vivcien@rasasc-guildford.org. This does qualify as an informal placement, but they need a commitment from you of at least 18 months. The extraordinarily rich hoard of Anglo-Saxon treasure found in ancient burial mounds at Sutton Hoo is the subject of the February lecture of West Surrey Decorative February 2015

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Offering small matwork classes in Guildford, Normandy, Worplesdon, West Horsley and Bookham. Ideal for those wishing to tone up, build strength, increase mobility and reduce lower back, neck and shoulder pain. NEW! matwork classes now running in Chiddingfold and Dunsfold. Spaces limited in all classes so contact Jess Curnier on 07789 176416 or email jess@jessicapilates.co.uk to book your place today. First taster session FREE so why not join Jessica Pilates and make 2015 the year you recondition your body! www.jessicapilates.co.uk

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Churchill 2015 Sir Winston Churchill, arguably one of the most admired and recognised ﬁgures in history, was once asked “Are you ready to meet your Maker?” In a typically amusing response he uttered “I am ready to meet my Maker. Whether he is ready for the ordeal of meeting me is another matter entirely”. This ever present combination of wit and wisdom perfectly illustrates the man behind the statesman, which is something that visitors to Chartwell are able to gain a unique insight into. Chartwell was Churchill’s much-loved home in Kent and was so dear to his heart that he once said “A day away from Chartwell is a day wasted”. For 40 years, between 1924 and 1964, Chartwell was his place of comfort, escape and relaxation. From his passion for painting and building brick walls to feeding the ﬁsh and enjoying the beautiful landscape, Chartwell proved a welcome tonic to counter the stresses and strains of political life. It was however also a living and working household, with Churchill himself often based in his study where he was known to pace up and down, dictating to one of his army of secretaries and contributing to the 30 million words he wrote across his lifetime. It is in the context of his home that the National Trust are delighted to announce the opening of ‘Death of a Hero’, an exhibition to mark the 50th anniversary since Churchill’s passing and the spectacular state funeral that followed. For the generation who remember the horrors and ever present fear during the years 193930

Above: Churchill’s study at Chartwell (Andreas von Einsiedel)

1945, Churchill is a hero whose courage, tenacity, resilience and perseverance allowed him to lead Britain and its Commonwealth through the darkest days of the WWII. The pride and gratitude felt for his bravery and leadership continued through the remaining years of his life and upon his death in January 1965, the sense of loss reverberated around the world. The lying-in-state which followed drew more than 300,000 people, who had queued for up to eight hours in the bitter January cold, to pay their respects. When the day of his state funeral came, well-wishers from across the globe descended on London and stood in silence on the streets, watching the procession and remembering the man who saved their country from the horrors of the Nazi regime. Chartwell’s ‘Death of a Hero’ considers his ﬁnal hours, the momentous occasion that was his state funeral, the impact his death had on DID YOU KNOW?

Below: Churchill seated at his study at Chartwell

In 1915, Churchill leased Hoe Farm House in Hascombe, nr Godalming, Surrey for the summer months. One Sunday at Hoe Farm, Churchill noticed his sister-in-law, Gwendeline, painting in watercolours. She encouraged him to try his hand but dissatisﬁed with the medium he decided on oils. Four pictures of Hoe Farm by Churchill remain. Churchill found oil painting to be the most complete physical and mental relaxation and he took his paints and canvases everywhere. By the end of his life he had painted more than 500 pictures - landscapes, interiors, still life and portraits. vantagepointmag.co.uk

Then there’s the unique and moving pieces which depict the reaction to Churchill’s passing. These include the ﬂag that ﬂew over the United States Capitol in Washington on the day he died, which was lowered to half mast and then posted to Lady Churchill after the funeral as a symbol of remembrance from the American people. The pieces that depict the day of Churchill’s state funeral itself are arguably the most emotive, ranging from family invitations to the event and the gift given by Lady Churchill to the man responsible for organising the funeral, the Duke of Norfolk. That gift was a set of gleaming gold spurs which are kindly on loan from Arundel Castle especially for this exhibition. Above: Chartwell from the garden (Robert Miller)

the world and the legacy he has left us today. Perhaps most excitingly, it includes a number of never seen before items; condolence gifts sent to Lady Churchill; the working documents of those organising the funeral; a number of beautiful commemorative pieces and newlyrestored works of art. Some have been hidden for half a century and are on public display for the first time in Chartwell’s history. So what does ‘Death of a Hero’ consist of? The first thing that is most noticeable is the glorious technicolour that the organisers have used to depict Churchill’s funeral. And why not? Churchill loved pomp, pageantry, regalia and ceremony, all of which were encapsulated on 30th January 1965 and are remembered through poignant photographs and original colour footage. Alongside this stirring imagery are over 60 objects, the vast majority of which have never been seen before. These are made up of archive collections from Chartwell, personal mementoes from the Churchill family and objects kindly loaned from those directly involved in the proceedings of January 1965. If you are lucky enough to go and see ‘Death of a Hero’, which is open until 1st November 2015, there are a few particular gems that you should keep your eyes peeled for. There’s the last ever photograph taken of Churchill, which Lady Churchill selected of all the photographs of her late husband, to be displayed forevermore on her desk at Chartwell. For collectors of porcelain there is a newly-created Crown Derby figurine of Chartwell’s newest tenant, a marmalade cat called Jock VI. He earned his residence thanks to a stipulation from the Churchill family themselves that a cat looking like Churchill’s own beloved pet, was to be in situ at Chartwell for as long as it was in the hands of the National Trust. It has been said that Churchill was so close to the original Jock that he sat at the foot of his master’s bed for the final hours of his life. February 2015

Also on loan from Arundel Castle is the Duke’s original working copy of Operation Hope Not, the aptly-named codename for the planning of Churchill’s funeral. This appears as a folder containing unique and fascinating documents outlining all aspects of the logistics for the day. Beyond the pieces focussing on Churchill’s passing and state funeral are a number which have been speciﬁcally chosen to represent his achievements, his continuing legacy, and how we remember him today. These range from examples of his artistic and literary accomplishments, acknowledgement of his keen interest in scientiﬁc and technological development, and various depictions of one of the most recognisable men in history. One of the most moving of these depictions is a signed photograph of Sir Winston Churchill alongside King George VI, Queen Elizabeth, Princess Elizabeth (later HM Queen Elizabeth II) and her sister Princess Margaret on the balcony at Buckingham Palace on 8th May 1945. The photograph was so dear to Churchill that during his time at Chartwell, it hung on his bedroom wall. It was in that moment that his status as a hero was cemented in history, and it is for everything that that moment represents, that he should never be forgotten. There was a superb quote from Churchill’s widow, Lady Clementine Churchill, that the team at Chartwell kept very close to their hearts throughout the preparations for the new exhibition. After the funeral and just before she retired to bed, she turned to her youngest daughter and said “You know, Mary, it wasn’t a funeral – it was a triumph”. These words frame Chartwell’s commemorative exhibition wonderfully, and are the words that Chartwell hopes visitors to ‘Death of a Hero’ will keep in the forefront of their minds when considering the loss of one of the most loved statesmen in history.

FIND OUT MORE

‘Death of a Hero’ is part of Churchill 2015, a commemoration of the great man’s life which sees a number of exhibitions and special events in museums and locations close to the Churchill family across the country. ‘Death of a Hero’ runs until 1st November 2015, 11am-3pm. Gift Aid Admission prices £6.90 per adult, £3.45 per child and £17.25 per family. The house will be open from 28 February 2015. For more information on Chartwell visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chartwell. Follow the conversation on Twitter @ChartwellNT #Churchill2015

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Minis Rugby at Guildford As part of the Guildford Rugby Club oﬀering in the local community, ‘minis rugby’ provides local children and their parents with the opportunity to be part of a local rugby club. The ‘minis’ section at Guildford covers children from U6s to U12s and is a great way of getting your children into rugby. We also have a well-attended ‘micros’ section for those children who are too young to play for the U6s!

Harlequins. In 2013, 46 Guildford Mini children had the opportunity to play at half-time during Big Games 6 in front of 75,000 spectators at Twickenham. On Saturday, 10th February 2015 Guildford U8s and U9s will be performing the Guard of Honour duties at the Stoop for the Harlequins vs Leicester Tigers game.

The emphasis of the club is to provide training in a fun and safe environment. We have a large number of RFU trained coaches, some of whom either play for our senior or ‘vets’ team or who have played at a high level outside of the club. Teamwork and discipline are important and play a key part in what is expected of the children. We play ‘tag’ rugby up until the U8s and then move to full contact in the U9s, slowly introducing new skills in each new year.

If you would like your child to attend training with the Guildford ‘minis’ then please visit the club on Sunday mornings or contact the clubhouse for more details. Training typically starts between 10am-10.30am depending upon the year group.

Guildford 1st XV are trained by current premiership players .This means that the children have regular contact with some of their rugby heroes and get to attend some joint training sessions with Bourne Buildings May 14_Layout 1 13/08/2014 12:49 Page 1

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and Fine Arts Society on 24th February. The lecture, ‘The Ship Burial at Sutton Hoo’, to be given by Imogen Corrigan, uses images of the breathtaking treasures as well as Old English poetry to discuss kingship and power in AngloSaxon England. The Society meets in Shalford Village Hall on the fourth Tuesday in the month at 9.45am for coffee. Lectures start at 10.30am. New members and visitors are very welcome and details of their programme of lectures, visits and holidays for 2015 can be found on their website www.nadfas-westsurrey.co.uk. For more information ring 01483 811671. Cranleigh Decorative and Fine Arts Society invite you to join them for a special lecture by Peter Warwick entitled ‘The Art of Waterloo’ to commemorate the bicentenary in 2015. It offers an artistic and cultural appreciation of one of the most famous battles of all time, illustrated by the contemporary artists, who still influence our understanding. It takes place at Cranleigh Arts Centre on Wednesday February 25th at 2pm and 7.30pm. Cranleigh DFAS meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month, except August and December, at Cranleigh Arts Centre to hear nationally accredited lecturers on themes in art, architecture and culture. Information about membership is available on their website: www.cranleighdfas.org. The AGM will precede the afternoon lecture. Guests are very welcome. £5 voluntary admission donation suggested.

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February. They will meet at Shalford Village Hall at 1.15pm for a 1.45pm start. This will be their Annual General Meeting and will be followed by a talk and demonstration by Jacqueline Aviolet who will be bringing in plants to illustrate her talk Unfortunately this is a members only meeting. There is a service oﬀered by Age UK Surrey which might be very handy at this time of year. If your New Year’s resolution was to get to grips with email or the internet or you are lucky enough to have been given an iPad or tablet for Christmas and need a little support in setting it up, they can help you! There is a team of friendly volunteers who oﬀer help with technology to anyone over 50. The service runs every weekday morning from 10am to 12noon, at Dray Court in Guildford on the corner of Madrid Road and The Chase. The service is free but does depend upon donations to keep going. No need to book, just go along and take your laptop or tablet if you have one. Otherwise use the computers and internet provided. The no 5 bus from the bus station stops right outside.

The David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation Gallery at Saba House, Kings Road, Shalford GU4 8JU, has a new exhibition ‘Atmosphere in Light’. An exhibition of wildlife by wildlife, equestrian, canine and local plein air impressionist artist Heather Irvine, it will run from Monday 2nd March to 31st March. The gallery is open Milford WindowFlower Company Oct 13_Layout P Monday to Friday from 9am - 5 pm. Free entry. Browse St. Catherine’s Arrangement Club 1is 12/09/2013 back to the 12:36 programme for the year which begins on Thursday 26th and buy from this stunning selection of original paintings

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February

With Beth Otway

I enjoy the quiet romance of February in the garden; here are some jobs you can be getting on with. To enjoy the best flowering display from your Wisteria you need to prune it; you’ll enjoy more flowers of better quality, and it will look tidier. At this time of year the structure of the plant is clear of foliage so it’s easy to see where to prune. Using secateurs, cut back each sideshoot to two or three buds, don’t worry about which direction the bud faces, just count two to three buds and make a cut. It’s worth checking any ties you have supporting your Wisteria and replacing any that are too tight or damaged it’s far easier to do this now before the plant gets growing. Sweet peas are wonderfully cheery flowers to have. They are beautiful as cut flowers with a heavenly scent; I can’t be without them. You can get away with sowing Sweet peas in March, but you’ll have better plants, with longer flowering stems if you sow now. I have never found any need to chip or soak Sweet pea seeds to aid their germination. If you have trouble with mice, you can pre-soak your seeds for up to 24 hours in liquid paraffin to deter the rodents. This works a treat! Sweet peas should be started off in tall containers which allow for their long roots; root trainers, the cardboard tubes from toilet rolls or deep plastic pots all work well. I enjoy sowing a mix of colours; I always include ‘Gwendoline’ a beautiful rose pink, ‘Jilly’ a rich cream and ‘Naomi Nazareth’ a pretty pale lilac-blue. These varieties are all highly scented with long stems and large, frilly flowers, which make them ideal for cutting. If you would like to grow plants beneficial to bees and other pollinating insects, now is a good time to sow Ageratum houstonianum, Calendula officinalis, Nigella damascena, Cosmos bipinnatus, Machaeranthera tanacetifolia, Verbena bonariensis and Papaver rhoeas. Ornamental grasses and roses need pruning this month. Remove any old dead leaves from your rose plants, as well as any lurking around in the soil, and then feed your roses with a specially designed rose feed and 34

Beth Otway

mulch with compost or well-rotted manure. Now is also a good time to divide congested clumps of snowdrops and replant. If you’re looking to buy Snowdrops in ‘the green’ please only buy from reputable growers to avoid purchasing bulbs that have been stolen or dug up from the wild. A number of other plants can be divided now: Achillea millefolium and Achillea ﬁlipendulina, Eranthis hyemalis (winter aconites), Solidago canadensis (Golden rod), Lily of the Valley, Echinops ritro (Globe thistle), Michaelmas daisies and Sedums. Provide food and fresh water for garden birds. Put up bird boxes, taking care not to position the nest boxes close to feeding stations, as the competition will usually prevent a nest box being successful. In the greenhouse: sow aubergines, tomatoes, chilli, celery, celeriac, cabbage, leeks and onions. Outside: sow cabbages, peas, parsnips – sow radish in the same row as parsnips: the radish seed will germinate and grow quickly, before the parsnips, which germinate very slowly. Sowing them together in the same row makes the best use of the space. Plant sea kale, shallots, onion sets, Jerusalem artichokes and rhubarb. If your garden lacks interest at this time of year, why not plan a trip to your local nursery or garden centre and treat yourself to a new plant or two? To help insects, look out for the ‘Perfect for Pollinators’ logo when making your selections. FIND OUT MORE

For more gardening ideas and updates, please visit Beth’s website at www.pumpkinbeth.com.

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Pancakes with a difference Soufflé pancakes Arnold Bennett Gordon Ramsay celebrates Pancake Day in his own inimitable style – with some very posh pancakes which are absolutely delicious. Recipe from Good Food magazine, February 2004 1. Tip the flour and ½ tsp salt into a blender, add the eggs and milk and whizz to a smooth batter. There’s no need to let the batter stand as it only has a little flour in it – you can use it straight away. 2. Put a non-stick 16-18cm omelette or crêpe pan over a high heat and wait until you feel a good heat rising. Brush the pan lightly with oil then pour in about 2 tbsp of the batter, using a small ladle, and quicky swirl it around the pan to coat. Cook for 30-60 seconds, then loosen the edges with a small palette knife and check underneath. It should be a mid golden-brown colour. Carefully flip the pancake over and cook the other side for 20-30 seconds. Slide the pancake out onto a paper towel. Repeat with the remaining batter, oiling the pan in between and stacking the pancakes on top of each other, then leave to cool. 3. Lay the haddock, skin-side down, on a board and hold it at the tail end. Using a serrated knife, make a nick between the skin and flesh at this end. Pulling the skin hard towards you, slide the knife away from you in a sawing motion – the skin will come away easily in one piece. Put the fish, milk, onion and bay leaf in a shallow pan. Top with the butter wrapper, butterside down, and bring up to the boil. Remove from the heat and leave for about 7 minutes, until the flesh is firm. 4. Lift the fish out of the pan and put it on a plate. Strain the milk into a jug. Press down on the fish with your finger, and watch the fish separate into perfect flakes. Check for any stray bones and discard them. 5. Melt the butter in a medium pan and stir in half of the flour with a wooden spoon. Remove from the heat, stir vigorously, then cook for 3060 seconds over a gentle heat, stirring. Repeat with the remaining flour. Now stir in the hot milk, in stages. 36

6. Scrape the sauce into a bowl and whisk in the egg yolks – the warmth of the sauce makes it absorb the yolks better. Now whisk in two-thirds of the Gruyère, which will melt into the sauce. Switch back to using the wooden spoon and gently fold in the fish to retain the whole flakes. Now’s the time to taste it as everything’s in except the egg whites, which are neutral. Grind over salt and black pepper and fold in. 7. Whisk the egg whites in a metal bowl with a balloon whisk until they form stiff peaks, then fold into the warm sauce with a rubber spatula until evenly incorporated. Liberally butter 4 or 6 small gratin dishes (measuring 20 x 11.5cm across the top). Lay a pancake in each dish so that half lines the base and the other half overhangs. Divide the soufflé between the pancakes and flip over the overhanging halves to loosely enclose. Preheat the oven to fan 170C/conventional 190C/gas 5. 8. Bring the cream to the boil in a pan, then remove from the heat. Whisk in the remaining Gruyère and season. Ladle the sauce over the pancakes and top with the Parmesan. Stand the dishes on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, or until the mixture has risen and the top is browned.

Ingredients For the pancakes 50g plain flour 2 large free-range eggs 175ml milk Mild olive oil (not extra virgin), for frying Salt For the souffle 300g undyed smoked haddock fillet 300ml milk 1 small onion, sliced 1 bay leaf 40g unsalted butter, plus butter wrapper 40g plain flour 2 large free-range egg yolks 100g Gruyère, Emmental or Cheddar, grated 3 large free-range egg whites A little softened butter, for greasing 284ml carton double cream (plus a 142ml carton if serving 6) 50g Parmesan, freshly grated (use 85g/3oz if serving 6) Serves 4 as a lunch or supper dish, 6 as a dinner party

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FOOD Jamie Oliver’s Pancake Cake Pancakes, chocolate, cream... this pancake cake has got the lot, and you don’t even need an oven. Recipe from www.jamieoliver.com. This is no normal cake – it’s all the things people love parcelled up in one big, beautiful bundle. Pancakes, chocolate, cream... delicious! It’s quite unusual, but I say embrace it and you won’t be sorry. You don’t even need an oven, so it’s great if you get caught out and have to rustle up something quickly. Best of all, it’s forgiving – you can cover any lumps and bumps with the topping and it’ll still look amazing. 1. Place the ﬂour, milk, eggs and a pinch of salt in a bowl and whisk to a smooth batter. Add a small splash of oil to a small nonstick pan over a medium heat then wipe with kitchen paper. When the pan’s hot, add a ladleful of batter, tilting the pan to spread, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes each side, until lightly golden. Set aside. Repeat until you’ve used all the batter, stacking the pancakes to one side. 2. Melt the smashed chocolate, butter and a pinch of salt in a heatproof bowl over a pan of gently simmering water (don’t let the bowl touch the water), stirring occasionally. 3. Meanwhile, smash the toasted nuts in a pestle and mortar, or in a clean tea towel with a rolling pin, until ﬁne. By now your chocolate should be melted, remove from the heat, stir through 200ml of cream and a handful of bashed nuts. Whisk the remaining cream with the vanilla and sugar until thick. 4. To build your cake, spread a blob of cream over a serving plate or board, pop a pancake on top and press gently. Spread some chocolate over the pancake and top with another pancake. Keep doing this, alternating between cream and chocolate, until you’ve used all the pancakes, remembering to keep some cream back for the top. 5. Smooth the sides with a spatula February 2015

or palette knife to tidy up the edges, then pour the remaining cream on top. Let it drip down the sides and spread to cover the cake. Press the remaining nuts around the sides, then scrape over a few gratings of dark chocolate. 6. Decorate the base with some lovely fresh raspberries, if you like, then serve.

Ingredients 3 cups self-raising ﬂour 3 cups milk 3 large free-range eggs Sea salt Olive oil 150g good quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa solids), smashed, plus extra to serve 50 g unsalted butter, cubed 180 g hazelnuts and brazil nuts, toasted 600 ml double cream 1 tbsp vanilla extract 1½ tbsps golden caster sugar 1 punnet raspberries, to serve Serves 12

INTRODUCING – GOFEST! 10th-12th July 2015 at Surrey Sports Park, Guildford. A new national event is coming to Surrey which promises to keep the whole family entertained this summer - the UK’s first family festival of sport, fitness, dance and health. With over 75 activities to try, coaching sessions with sporting legends and live music, GoFest is a truly unique, three day festival. Taking place 10th-12th July at Surrey Sports Park, the festival promises to offer an action-packed weekend. With numerous specialist zones including GoBike, GoCompete, GoSplash, GoChill, GoFuel and GoStrut there will be plenty of activities and entertainment for everyone and you never know, you might just find you have a hidden talent for some of them. Stars from the sporting world are already backing the festival including football legend, Kevin Keegan and Olympic swimmer, Sharron Davies, who both officially launched the event recently. Commenting on the range of sports and activities on offer, Kevin Keegan, OBE said: “At a time when we really need to encourage people to get more active, GoFest provides a brilliant opportunity for families to come together and try something new in a fun environment full of enthusiastic experts.” Olympic Silver Medallist, Sharron Davies MBE is looking forward to spending time with her family at GoFest. “As a mother of three I’m incredibly keen on finding sports and activities that the whole family can enjoy. That’s why GoFest is the perfect choice for my family - we can get competitive in the races but also just give activities a go that we wouldn’t usually have the chance to try. ” It is hoped that 15,000 people will visit GoFest, with camping and free shuttle busses available nearby to give the weekend a true festival feel. The brain child of local entrepreneur Paul Farris, the festival was created to encourage families to spend quality time together whilst getting active and trying new sports. Farris said: “We’re thrilled to launch our first festival in Surrey and encourage families from across the region to ‘have a go’ at as many sports and activities as possible at GoFest 2015.” Also backed by local father Roger Black, GoFest has teamed up with charity partners, Macmillan and SportsAid, donating a significant proportion of ticket sales to each charity. So don’t miss out, secure your tickets now at www.gofest.co.uk/tickets. VantagePoint is delighted to be a media partner for GoFest 2015. We have one family ticket up for grabs, please see this month’s competition page. 38

What’s on offer at GoFest? GoBike - BMX displays, spinning classes, cycling Sportiv, mountain bike course, it’s cycling heaven! GoKids - A specialist zone for 5 to 11 year olds and the perfect opportunity for kids to let off steam. GoCompete – The place to become a GoFest champion at a variety of sports. Tournaments, races plus Kevin Keegan with his fantastic SOKKA games. GoFit - Get sweaty and improve your fitness, or try a new exercise class. Over 25 different types of classes to try over the weekend. GoFuel – Our food and nutrition zone, packed with top tips on eating well, live cookery demonstrations and kids workshops. GoSplash - Swimming lessons, Sub Aqua and a very wide array of watery pursuits. GoStrut - Dance classes for all ages and professional exhibition dances . GoTry - With the Rugby Union World Cup coming soon, what better way to learn the basics or brush up on your skills? Featuring Harlequins stars and coaches. GoTumble – Gymnastics and trampoline coaching with UK Flair, plus badminton action with Surrey Smashers pro team. GoSpike – Volleyball all the way with professional coaching, tournaments and challenges. GoToddle – For 2 to 4 year olds with a wide variety of games and activities. Includes a crèche facility. GoChill – Massage, physio, Wimbledon big screen coverage and even outdoor spa baths. GoTeens - Laid back sports and chill-out spaces as well as a skateboard half pipe.

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Jottings - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

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and limited edition prints. All sales support endangered wildlife. For more information see www.davidshepherd. org. I mentioned a while back that we now had a local distillery. Well apparently Silent Pool Distillery has come up with a gin that has flown off the shelves since going on sale locally just before Christmas. The Albury Limited Release has a distinctive aromatic blend of Kaffir Lime, Bergamot, Linden and Elderflower complementing the Juniper and the numbered bottles proved an instant hit. Director Ian McCulloch was thrilled. “It tastes fantastic with a very full and interesting flavour because it contains a large botanical mix,” he said, “Gin fans and even people new to gin would taste a massive contrast between this and mass produced supermarket gins.” The half bottles with an ABV of 40.2% are available via www.silentpooldistillers.com or local stockists including Kingfisher Farm Shop in Abinger, Quaich in East Horsley, The Drummond Arms in Albury and Bertram Bees in Westcott. Ian McCulloch and James Shelbourne began working on the distillery project in 2013, converting redundant farm buildings at Sherbourne Farm on the Albury Estate next to the Silent Pool. The first spirit distilled at the Silent Pool in November was an apple brandy made from cider from Birtley House, Bramley. Looks as if they may be on to a winner here! For more information contact Ian McCulloch at ian@ silentpooldistillers.com. The editor is so excited he’s just bought a bottle of the gin to give it a try with his friend

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Janey, who I am reliably told is known as ‘Auntie Gin’ to her family! On Saturday 7th March, The Vivace Chorus will be welcoming Tasmin Little to G Live in Guildford. She has performed in some of the most prestigious venues in the world and it is a great opportunity to see one of the UK’s best known musicians in action. She will be playing Mendelssohn’s violin concerto, often considered to be the ﬁrst romantic violin concerto, and will be accompanied by the superb Brandenburg Sinfonia. Other items on the programme follow a nautical theme: Delius’s sad and beautiful ‘Sea Drift ’, the lusty and patriotic ‘Songs of the Fleet ‘by C.V. Stanford and the intense and rolling melodies of Mendelssohn’s ‘Fingal’s Cave’. There will also be another Mendelssohn favourite, ‘Hear My Prayer’, which contains the much loved treble solo ‘O for the Wings of a Dove’. Tickets are from £10 - £32 and are available online at www.GLive.co.uk or by phone on 0844 7701 797. Further details at www.vivacechorus.org.

I have already mentioned The Surrey Half which takes place on 8th March starting and finishing at Woking Leisure Centre. Over 6,000 runners complete the 13.1 mile closed-road flat route and a further 200 children will take part in the Kids’ Race. Runners will be chip timed, pass four water stations, receive instant results via the race phone app, be entertained by local bands as they Window Quarter 1 05/12/2014 10:00 Pag run, and Wizard now receive a 0115_Layout Bounce Ball when they finish! Guildford-based company Bounce are partnering with

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February 2015

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Albury Downs and St Martha’s Hill From the starting point on the Albury Downs near Guildford – part of the North Downs and one of its ﬁnest viewpoints – this walk twice descends below the crest of the downs and twice climbs to regain it. Open downland interspersed with frequent, attractive wooded stretches makes for a good, varied walk, especially when allied with superb and extensive views from the highest points at Newlands Corner and St Martha’s Church. Of the two climbs the ﬁrst one that ascends St Martha’s Hill is quite steep and strenuous; the second that returns you to the start is more gradual. The shorter version includes only the latter, easier ascent.

The walk Starting with your back to the refreshment kiosk, turn half-right, head downhill across the grass to pick up a stony path and bear right along it, soon passing a yellow waymarker post, indicating that this is part of the North Downs Way. Now follow a splendidly scenic path, below the edge of woodland on the right and with extensive views over the downs to the left. At a fork take the left-hand path and do the same at the next fork, keeping along the right-hand edge of woodland. Soon the path enters the trees, bends to the left and heads down to a lane A.

At this point those who wish to do the shorter version of the walk should turn left to rejoin the main route after 200 yards at J below. Turn right here, leaving the North Downs Way, along a path that keeps by the left-hand edge of woodland; later this path broadens into a track. Continue, passing through a farmyard to reach a lane C. Cross over, take the enclosed track ahead at a public bridleway sign, and at a crossing of tracks by a Pewley Down information board, keep ahead into woodland. The track curves left to a T-junction where you turn right, rejoining the North Downs Way along a track between wire fences. Over to the right, houses on the edge of Guildford can be seen. The track keeps along the right-hand edge of Chantry Wood – along this section the North Downs Way coincides with the Pilgrims’ Way – ﬁnally going to the right of a cottage to a crossing of tracks D. Turn left along an enclosed path beside Chantry Lodge, still keeping along the right-hand edge of Chantry Wood, and on reaching a road bear left.

Cross over, go up some steps and turn left, at a North Downs Way sign, along an enclosed, wooded path that heads downhill, parallel to the lane on the left, to a T-junction of paths in front of a house B.

START

A C B D

F G

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WALK

After 50 yards turn left E over a stile at a public footpath sign and walk across the middle of a ﬁeld, later continuing by a hedge on the right. Turn right through a hedge gap near a farm, turn left to continue in the same direction, now along an undulating track, eventually going through a gate onto a lane F. Turn right and almost immediately right again, at a public footpath sign, to continue along an enclosed path which descends to a lane. Turn left here and where the lane bends sharply to the left keep ahead, passing to the left of a lodge. Continue along a gravel track through the grounds of Chilworth Manor. The track curves left, keeping to the right of the manor house. At a fork turn right and go along a rough track between fences. After 50 yards turn left G, at a public footpath sign, along an enclosed path which heads steeply up St Martha’s Hill, the most strenuous part of the walk but leading to one of the ﬁnest views in Surrey. On the upper slopes of the hill the path crosses a sandy track and continues up to St Martha’s Church H, 573ft high and a superb viewpoint looking out over the North Downs, Guildford, along the greensand ridge and across the Weald to the distant South Downs. This isolated hilltop church (the parish church of Chilworth) was rebuilt in 1850, partly from the stones of the original Norman church that stood on the site. It is one of the major landmarks on the North Downs Way. At the church, turn right along a broad, sandy track that heads downhill, with grand views along the greensand ridge ahead, DISTANCE: 7 miles. Shorter version 2¼ miles OS MAPS: Landranger 186 (Aldershot & Guildford), Explorer 145 (Guildford & Farnham) STARTING POINT: Newlands Corner START GPS WAYPOINT: TQ 043 492

continuing through woodland to reach a junction. Keep straight ahead, passing to the right of a ruined wartime pillbox, and at a junction of three tracks take the left-hand one that leads through a car park to a lane J. Here you rejoin the shorter route. Turn right and after 50 yards bear left along a straight, fence-lined path which runs below the crest of the Albury Downs on the left, later continuing along the left-hand edge of woodland. Once more this is part of the supposed line of the Pilgrims’ Way. At a public bridleway sign turn left, along another enclosed bridleway. Pass to the left of a farmhouse and at a yellow waymarked post beside the barn head up across the ﬁeld towards Albury Downs. At the top go through a gate and continue uphill, bearing right across grass to rejoin the stony path, which will take you back to Newlands Corner.

REFRESHMENTS: None directly on the route, but the Percy Arms in Chilworth is a short detour between points F and G. The Drummond Arms in Albury is also recommended but a short drive from the start/ﬁnish point Image above: Newlands Corner – one of the ﬁnest viewpoints on the North Downs Way

Neither the publisher nor the author can accept any responsibility for any changes, errors or omissions in this route. Diversion orders can be made and permissions withdrawn at any time.

February 2015

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Jottings - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

the Surrey Half Marathon to provide nutrition balls for all the half marathon runners. Bounce Energy Balls are great-tasting, energizing and nutrient-dense foods. They are a tasty way to nourish your body and will provide much-needed nutrition for runners following their half marathon. If you haven’t already done so, there may still be time to enter; go to www.surreyhalfmarathon.co.uk. I can’t really believe that I’m already talking about Mother’s Day but hey, it’s coming up fast. If you would like to treat your Mum, then you might like to consider a special cruise on The Wey & Arun Canal, Loxwood. They have been really popular in past years. These special cruises will be running on the canal on Mothering Sunday, 15th March. A ‘Coffee & Danish Pastry Cruise’ will depart at 11am and Cream Tea Cruises will depart at 2.30pm and 4.30pm. Black tie service will enhance the relaxing treat for Mums! The trips take 1½ hours. Tickets cost £13 for adults and £9 for children. Incidentally, themed Easter Cruises will be running on all four days of the Easter weekend from Good Friday, 3rd April to Monday 6th April. The boat departs from the wharf beside the Onslow Arms on the B2133 in Loxwood and travels along the decorated canal and through a restored lock. If you would like to book seats for one of the Mothering Sunday or Easter cruises or enquire about private charters call The Wey & Arun Canal Trust office on 01403 752403 or email office@ weyandarun.co.uk. There’s going to be a Mad Hatters Tea Party on Saturday 21st March at The Arbuthnot Hall, The Green, Shamley Green GU5 0UA. There will be a delicious tea, family fun and games and Robbie the Magician! There’s also a maddest Easter Bunny or Bonnet contest, a raffle and drinks for grown-ups in the pay bar. Book your tickets now! £6 each or £20 for a family of four. You do need to book in advance by calling 01483 890719 or 01483 893016. All children must be accompanied by a parent(s) and the organisers cannot assume responsibility for anyone with an allergy (Health & Safety!) All proceeds will go towards hall improvements. The Surrey Police Band, formally known as the Police Unity Memorial Band, is heading for a great new year during 2015 and they’d like you to come and play with

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them! They are looking for wind, brass and percussion players to join their fun and friendly band which rehearses each Thursday in Guildford, and perform various gigs and concerts throughout the year. If you are grade five or equivalent, and would like to go along to a rehearsal for a free taster session then please get in touch with them at publicity@surreypoliceband.org.uk – no scary audition and lots of friendly fellow musicians who look forward to welcoming you! This year they will be raising money for the Children’s Trust, the UK’s leading charity for children with brain injury. The specialist services provided by the Children’s Trust come at a cost which is not fully met by statutory sources, so the charity relies on voluntary donations from supporters. By supporting the Surrey Police Band this year, you will be helping to fund building works, key members of staff, new equipment, leisure and play activities and much, much more! If you don’t play an instrument but would like to get involved, why not go along and support them at one (or more!) of their concerts during 2015? You can keep in touch by checking online at www.surreypoliceband.org. uk, by becoming a ‘fan’ on Facebook at www.facebook. com/SurreyPoliceBand or by following them on Twitter at https://twitter.com/PoliceBand1. The Unattached Group (TUG) recently enjoyed a splendid Christmas dinner dance at the Drift Golf Club, East Horsley. 45 members were wined and dined in a great Christmas atmosphere and then danced away the calories to a live band playing a variety of music including the old Christmas favourites; by all accounts a great evening. 16 members also returned to the Isle of Wight for a winter bash (they went there in August and it was such a great success that they returned for a pre-Christmas helping). Meals, theatre trips, walks, quizzes etc are all planned for early 2015 and another leisure weekend away in Somerset in February is being looked forward to by 30 members. TUG is a Surrey/ Hampshire based group of about 80 single people who enjoy times together including a weekly pub meet and chat night. New members would be most welcome and information can be obtained at www. theunattachedgroup.co.uk or Maggie on 07855 008897. In case you haven’t yet heard, I thought I would let you know about a new night bus service that has been launched by The University of Surrey and Students Union in association with Arriva. It runs on Thursday mornings leaving The Friary Bus Station at 1.04am and 2.04am. There is also a service on Saturday mornings leaving at 1.04am, 2.04am and 3.04am. After stopping at Stag Hill, Surrey Sports Park and the Manor Park campus, it continues to Royal Surrey County Hospital, Park Barn, Rydes Hill, Queen Elizabeth Park and Stoughton before returning to the bus station- a 40 minute trip. Existing Aviva travel cards will be valid and University Travelcard holders can travel free. You can pay a cash fee of £2 on board. Should be a big help after a night out in Guildford. Are you looking to get fit or simply looking for a New Year challenge? Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance

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PROFILE

Surrey Hills Society

Devil’s Punchbowl, Hindhead

The Surrey Hills Society has been going for six years and has close to 1,000 members. Not only does this membership charity take an active role in protecting the unique landscape and character of the Surrey Hills, it also gives its members an opportunity to explore and enjoy the area with like-minded people. We offer a wide range of activities to suit all age groups, and opportunities to visit many to places that are not normally open to the public. Members are kept informed either through our website or with a newsletter delivered to them three times a year, filled with stories about the Surrey Hills, the events we’ve run and those that are planned. The Surrey Hills stretch across the chalk North Downs that run broadly across the centre of Surrey, from Farnham in the west, above Guildford, Dorking and Reigate, to Oxted in the east. The grandeur and beauty of these hills embrace an amazing variety of landscapes from rolling chalk downs and flower rich grasslands, to acid heaths and woodlands. They cover more than a third of the county so it’s quite likely that you’re probably never far away from discovering your own special spot of local beauty. Or come out with us and explore! Our members are a diverse bunch, some more active than others, some happy to volunteer

to help or run events that interest them, others happy to come along and support but not wanting to be involved in the organisatrion of activities. We’re proud that we manage to achieve a great deal considering we only have one paid staff member. What members do all have in common though is a real interest in the conservation and preservation of the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) for future generations. As we develop, we’re starting to be able to support small-scale conservation projects. For example, we have raised funds to install a water-drinking fountain on Leith Hill, which will benefit walkers, horse-riders and cyclists. With ‘future generations’ in mind, the Society’s events team has recently started organising events for different age groups. These include a guided walk ending with a visit to a local hostelry for those in their 20s and 30s, and other events aimed at family groups, such as craft-making or private visits to local farms that are educational as well as fun. One of our aims is to encourage and educate these younger age groups as they are the future custodians of this beautiful county in which we are lucky enough to live. We already run a full and varied events programme for our core members, but we’re happy to encourage non-members along to events so that they can see what we’re all about. The kind of events we’ve run in the past year include: a private visit to a sculpture garden; a day discovering all the local foodie delights around the Reigate area (from production to menu); a visit to Gatton Community Theatre at Reigate Fort and a day exploring the Wotton Estate, near Dorking. Each year, we’re very involved in running the Surrey Hills Wood Fair in Bramley, a firm favourite with our members and also attracting larger family groups. We also support the Ride London cycle event and see this as a fundraiser for the Society. FIND OUT MORE

Learn more about us by taking a look at our website www.surreyhillssociety.org and discover the varied range of events we’ve got planned for this spring and summer. Best of all, come and join the Society this year! An annual family membership is £25, or £15 for a single membership – pretty good value we hope you’ll agree.

February 2015

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Jottings - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

is appealing for runners and cyclists to sign up to a number of challenge and ﬁtness events in 2015 as the charity celebrates its 25th anniversary. The charity has places available for the Brighton Marathon on April 12th and the London 10k on July 12th. All entrants will be supported and given sponsor forms, a fundraising pack, training guides, an air ambulance running vest and a chance to see the helicopter and meet the crew. Riders are also needed for the charity’s Double 100 Cycle Challenge on September 27th, a 100-mile or 100km bike ride which will this year include a 25-mile route. Other events in the fundraising calendar include the GS Avanti Kentish Killer on February 15th, Hastings Half Marathon (March 22nd), Paddock Wood Half Marathon (March 29th), Brighton 10k (April 12th), Warrior Run (April 19th), Tonbridge Triathlon (May 4th), London to Brighton 100k Challenge (May 23rd/24th), BUPA London 10k (May 25th), Reigate Half Marathon (September 20th), Bexhill Triathlon and Duathlon (September 27th), and Barns Green Half Marathon (also September 27th). For more details about the air ambulance’s challenge and ﬁtness events go to www.kssairambulance.org.uk/ involved/challenge. Ewhurst Stoolball Club are looking for new members. Pre-season training started in January in preparation for their breakthrough season in the Surrey Ladies A League. New comers will be welcomed to learn the game in a friendly but competitive environment.

Contact ewhurststoolball@gmail.com information.

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Another event for which I should give plenty of notice is the 2015 Rustic Sunday at the Rural Life Centre in Tilford. It’s on 26th July so mark the date in your calendar - you could be demonstrating your craft, and selling your creations, to the many hundreds of visitors attending. This is the biggest event in the museum’s busy summer programme and showcasing traditional crafts is just one of the many attractions on offer to visitors. The stand for anyone demonstrating a craft is free and the museum is offering stallholders and activity organisers a free weekend museum pass for Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th (the day of the event) together with free camping from Saturday until Monday morning, and the opportunity to purchase visitor tickets at discounted prices. Besides traditional crafts and creative trades, there is music and dancing, the Old Kiln Light Railway, heavy horse drawn wagon rides, a working forge and steam roller, a chain-saw sculptor plus locally grown produce and baked goods. There will be a traditional fairground carousel for the little ones and real ale from a local micro-brewery. All the museum’s buildings, exhibits and facilities will be open along with the cafe. All proceeds will go towards supporting the Old Kiln Museum and Rural Life Centre. Further information on Rustic Sunday and how to request an application form to participate can be obtained by contacting rusticsunday@rural-life.org.uk or calling organiser Rod Dengate on 01483 423699. The nation’s favourite choirmaster, Gareth Malone, brings his choir Voices to G Live on Wed 16 December 2015, in a brand new show. Last year, Gareth began a hunt to find the UK’s most talented young singers to form a new youth choir that embodied the future of choral music. The result was Gareth Malone’s ‘Voices’, who went on to release an album featuring covers of contemporary hits from artists including Keane and Alicia Keys. Lots of notice in case it sells out! Finally, Fernhurst Films sent us a lovely email. “Great success! The last time we had a full house at Fernhurst was when we showed our very first film eight years ago, and on Saturday we did it again with The 100 Year Old Man... It really was a mini triumph and we have you to thank for that because there were so many people there for the first time from all over who told us they’d read about it in VantagePoint, your ears should have been burning!”. This just goes to show how widely VantagePoint is read, so keep sending in those Jottings and if you run a business, why not advertise with us? FIND OUT MORE

Visit www.vantagepointmag.co.uk to see more Jottings from our other areas online. To send in an entry, go online or email us at jottings@vantagepublishing.co.uk. 44

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WIN WIN A PAIR OF VIP TICKETS TO THE GENIUS OF MOZART

Join Southern Pro Musica and solo pianist Lucy Parham at Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre on Sunday 22nd March at 7.30pm for an evening celebrating The Genius of Mozart. We have two VIP packages to give away, including two top price tickets, interval drinks, complimentary programmes and the opportunity to meet the soloist and players after the concert (subject to agreement on the day of performance). The programme includes the sparkling brilliance of the overture to Mozart’s opera Don Giovanni, the magnificent Symphony No. 41 (Jupiter) and presents Guildford favourite Lucy Parham as the piano soloist in the mighty Piano Concerto in C minor. To enter, please answer the following question: Q:Tell us either of Mozart’s first names Please enter online at www.vantagepointmag.co.uk by 28th February 2015.

WIN A FREE ADVERT IN VANTAGEPOINT MAGAZINE

VantagePoint is offering local businesses a free quarter page advert in the edition of their choice in March. We publish five magazines in the wider local area and with guaranteed delivery by the Royal Mail, we offer the very best way of advertising to the widest possible local audience. This competition is open to all local businesses and if you do not have a suitable advert, we will design one for you free of charge. All you need to do is answer the following question and send us the answer, together with your name, company name, full contact details and the edition in which you would like to appear (Dorking, Farnham, Godalming & Cranleigh, Guildford or Haslemere, Midhurst & Petworth). Q: What is the total circualtion of all our editions? We will contact the winner by the 9th February to sort out the quarter page advert prior to insertion in the March issue, which VANTAGEPOINT goes to press on the 13th February for distribution week commencing Greenhouse Gardening 2nd March - so please ensure you will be available to supply or approve an advert at short notice. Only one entry per business. Please enter online at www.vantagepointmag.co.uk by 8th February 2015. vantagepointmag.co.uk

Godalming & Cranleigh • February 2015

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Inside: CHILDREN’S LONDON - FOR FREE PANCAKES WITH A DIFFERENCE SURREY HILLS SOCIETY WIN A FAMILY TICKET TO GOFEST2015

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GoFest is the UK’s first family festival of sport, fitness, Please enter online at www.vantagepointmag. dance and health. Taking place on 10th-12th July 2015 co.uk by 28th February 2015. at Surrey Sports Park. This unique festival provides the For more information, please visit www.gofest.co.uk. perfect opportunity for families to enjoy sport and exercise together. Whether it’s trying something new, competing in your favourite sport or relaxing to some music – there promises to be something for all of the family. We’re giving away one full weekend ticket to one lucky family. To be in with a chance of winning just answer the question below. Q: Where is GoFest 2015 taking place? a) Madejski stadium b) Surrey Sports Park c) Wembley

Please enter online at www.vantagepointmag.co.uk unless otherwise stated. Postal entries can be sent to us at the address given on page three. TERMS & CONDITIONS OF ENTRY: By entering these competitions you agree to receive periodic emails from VantagePoint Magazine,Vantage Publishing Ltd and the originator of the competition you are entering.You can opt out of receiving these at any time and your data will never be passed on for use by third parties.The prizes are non-transferable and have no cash alternative. Only one entry per person per competition and prizes will only be sent to homes with a GU, KT and RH postcode.

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