vantagepointmag.co.uk
Farnham & Villages • December 2016
VANTAGEPOINT YO U R B E ST V IEW OF W H AT ’S GO ING O N LO C ALLY
Merry Christmas! Inside: CHRISTMAS IN FARNHAM A GREAT LOCAL CHOCOLATIER FROM PANTOMIMES TO SANTA - FESTIVE THINGS TO DO LOCALLY WIN A BREAD MAKING DEMONSTRATION IN YOUR OWN HOME
The local magazine produced by local people for the local community, delivered by your local postman
di
rs de ry ea ua tr n in Ja Po nd ge a ta er an mb r V ce fo De in
% nt 10scou
Fitted furniture is our forte
& visit...
Come
...our contemporary showroom which boasts a wide range of stunning displays of bathroom suites and accessories from designer to traditional bathrooms. Choose from our new range of wet-room designs and fitted furniture applications with the added benefit of our full inhouse, bespoke installation and design service.
Free home survey Design Service In-House Installation team
We partner some of the best known manufacturers from highend to contract ranges and with our excellent product knowledge, you can rest assured your bathroom design and installation is in good hands.
01252 320987 Contemporary Studio Showroom
sales@grosvenormerchants.co.uk www.grosvenormerchants.co.uk 19B Holder Road, Aldershot, Hampshire GU12 4RH
YOUR LOCAL
SUPPLIER
We supply: Laufen | Roca | Impey | Crosswater | Simpsons | Bauhaus | Aqualisa | Zamori | Matki | Roper Rhodes | Hansgrohe | Kudos | Geberit | Kaldewi | Stuart Turner | Adamsez | Eastbrook
YOUR LOCAL MAGAZINE Vantage Publishing Limited 9 Chestnut Suite, Guardian House, Borough Road, Godalming, Surrey GU7 2AE.
Sales: 01252 415142 Editorial: 01483 421601 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 publish five magazines which are delivered monthly by Royal Mail to over 117,500 homes across the Hampshire, Surrey and West Sussex, giving us the largest local circulation in the areas we cover. Each of our magazines is specifically localised and tailored to its geographical area and hand-delivered by your postman. Please visit www.vantagepointmag.co.uk or contact any of us below if you need any more information. CONNECTSURREY
M e d i a supporter of:
Surrey and Sussex
YOUR LOCAL TEAM I recently had a very enjoyable lunch with our very own GOG (Grumpy Old Git) who was actually not at all grumpy and perfect company, lubricated as you might imagine by a glass of wine or two. He is very grateful to those readers who often write in to (mostly) agree with him on the challenges of modern life. As you can imagine, he has plenty more articles up his sleeve for readers to look forward to in the New Year. A reminder that we are starting the VantagePoint Wine Festivals in 2017 and have three events lined up, one in Farnham in April, Guildford in May and Dorking in September. Advance tickets are just ÂŁ10 per person for entry and ÂŁ25 per person for entry together with discounted wine
Stefan Reynolds Editor & Publisher
THE ONLY ROYAL MAIL DELIVERED
MAGAZINE PRODUCED by
LOCAL PEOPLE
for
THE LOCAL
COMMUNITY WWW.VANTAGEPOINTMAG.CO.UK
tokens, so you may like to consider buying some as Christmas presents for any wine lover you know. There will be over 100 wines available alongside some from our great, local producers. There will also be music and entertainment, and we will be supporting two local charities at each event. Please visit our website www.vantagepointevents.co.uk for more details. Finally, we wish all our advertisers and readers a very merry and peaceful Christmas and a very happy and prosperous New Year. It is a great time to catch up with family and I am much looking forward to spending Christmas at home with French relatives coming over from Paris - in spite of Brexit! Contact the editor: stefan@vantagepublishing.co.uk
Marcus Atkins, Sales Director 01483 420173 / 07702 132157 marcus@vantagepublishing.co.uk
Lauren Broughton, Sales 01483 661088 / 07852 041227 lauren@vantagepublishing.co.uk
Contributors: Phil Kemp, Beth Otway, Kirstie Smillie
Liz Godfrey, Sales 01483 661089 / 07788 748826 liz@vantagepublishing.co.uk
Jesse Boon, Sales 01483 418141 / 07542 710508 jesse@vantagepublishing.co.uk
Cover: Mince pies by Nadia Mackenzie (NT)
December 2016
To advertise, please call 01483 420173
Print: Buxton Press
3
CONTENTS The local magazine produced by local people for the local community
rhw Solicitors LLP
Wills, Probate and Trusts Specialist www.rhw.co.uk
14
38
6 Jottings Your local community noticeboard
Special offers extended into December!
Single Will from £195.00 plus VAT Mirror Wills from £275.00 plus VAT PLUS Free Health & Welfare LPA when making a Property & Financial Affairs LPA!
Wills that protect & reflect your wishes! Wills, Probate and Trusts
9 Our local chocolatier Phil Kemp visits Noble & Stace
14 Festive Things to Do Local pantos, markets and meet Santa
20 Fashion Sheer Delight Decadence
25 Farnham Town Council Christmas in Farnham
Divorce & Family Law Specialists Employment Law
31 Green Wood Works Woodland conservation hand-in-hand with furniture
35 Gardening Christmas at Kew and Christmas gift ideas
Business
38 Recipes
Conveyancing
Chocolate delights
42 Walk
Dispute Resolution
Two National Trust walks
call: 01483 302000 email: guildford@rhw.co.uk
45 Business Cards Small ads for trades and services
47 Competitions Win one of three great prizes
Planning for later life - A FREE event. 26th Jan 2017 - Mandolay Hotel Guildford. See the events page on our website for full details! 4
VANTAGEPOINT YOUR B E S T V I E W OF W H AT ’S G OI N G ON L OC AL LY
The contents of this magazine are protected by copyright and nothing can be reprinted without prior permission of the publisher. The publisher has tried to ensure that all information is accurate but does not take any responsibility for any mistakes or omissions. We take no responsibility for advertisments printed in the magazine or loose inserts that might be delivered alongside it. © Vantage Publishing Limited.
To advertise, please call 01483 420173
vantagepointmag.co.uk
ASK ABOUT OUR TWO WEEK TRIAL
Stagecoach Theatre Arts Schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals. Stagecoach is a registered trademark of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Ltd.
BE GOOD AT BEING YOURSELF
Unlock your child’s potential with Stagecoach Performing Arts Singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 - 18 year olds, where students learn to embrace life with creativity and courage
stagecoach.co.uk/farnham farnham@stagecoach.co.uk 01252 216277
™
Creative Courage For Life
®
Make sure your little one is reception-ready with our new Reception Readiness programme. Weekly in-school familiarisation sessions Sessions run from after February half term to end of Summer term Completely free of charge for registered children Themed sessions
To register your place, or to find out more, please call the school on 01428 643734, or email hayley.dibb@stiveshaslemere.com
Is your little one reception-ready? December 2016
Three Gates Lane, Haslemere, Surrey, GU27 2ES
01428 643734 www.stiveshaslemere.com
To advertise, please call 01483 420173
St Ives School is a part of
Charity Reg No 312080 Company Reg No 724728
5
JOTTINGS YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD
JOTTINGS
8>
Jottings is your community noticeboard for local events and information, compiled by Nick and Angie Crisell. To feature here, please email us at jottings@vantagepublishing.co.uk by the copy date shown below. Please note that space is limited and inclusion cannot be guaranteed.
Plenty going on in the run-up to Christmas and beyond, with a great behind-the-scenes tour at Petworth House in January which will be worth the trip. You can do the walk featured in this edition at the same time if you do decide to pay a visit so do keep your magazine! Whatever you do, we wish our readers a very peaceful break and a Merry Christmas. GOG gets published! I hope you will forgive me but I am going to start off this month’s Jottings giving a bit of a plug to my dear old cousin Andrew, who in conjunction with a very old pal of his, Gordon Mott, have just published their first novel. You may have read in VantagePoint some of Andrew’s somewhat tongue in cheek rantings under the name of GOG (Grumpy Old Git). I think the last one was on mobile phones. Anyway, I have just finished reading the novel and I do have to say it was a highly amusing read that sent me to sleep chuckling. It is called ‘Higher ; The Tale of a University’, by Gordon Mott and Andrew Crisell. Here is the blurb: It’s a dark day for the failing University of Mixton when vice chancellor Dr Turpin gets an ultimatum from Whitehall: improve massively or face closure. Enter Ed Prendergast, an enforcer bent on axing old degrees and launching trendy new ones in non-academic subjects. But Ed is faced with members of staff who are each pursuing their own, very dodgy, agenda. The ensuing imbroglio of student sit-ins, sex, spying, and sudden death gives rise to some gripping questions. How does the university’s finest building get burned to the ground? What are green gorillas? Why are so many of Mixton’s residents being burgled? And who is dealing drugs to both students and townsfolk, not to mention the vice chancellor? Will snowballing disaster spell the end of Mixton University? Or will it survive all challenges to show us the future of British higher education? It occurs to me that the book might make a rather good Christmas stocking filler, especially for anyone who has had something to do with university life. It’s available from Amazon, price £11.99 or you can download to Kindle for just £3.
Maltings Christmas Fair Wednesday 30th November(3pm-9.30pm) and Thursday 1st December (10am-8pm) The hugely popular 2 day Christmas Fair is back with over 150 stalls stocked full of gifts, treats stocking fillers, hand crafted items, a delicious food emporium, drop-in workshops, choirs and festive food and drinks. Bring a friend, there is something for everyone! £1 (members & under 15s free). Grayshott Decorative and Fine Arts Society Thursday 1st December 2pm In ‘The Christmas Story in Renaissance Art’ Paula Nuttall will tell the Christmas Story through a selection of well-loved paintings and illuminated manuscripts. Thursday 5th January brings the first meeting of 2017 when, in ‘For the Inspection of the Public’, Helen Hillyard will explore the origins of the incredible collection at the Dulwich Picture Gallery. This will be an invaluable preliminary to their visit there in the spring. On Friday 18th January, they will visit The National Portrait Gallery for the Picasso’s Portraits Exhibition. For more information about these events and the society, contact Caroline on 01428714276 or visit the website www.grayshottdfas.org.uk. RHS Garden Wisley Thursday 1st to Saturday 31st December Throughout December, the Garden, Shop and Plant Centre will be open until 8pm. Last entry to the Garden will be at 7pm. Enjoy the Christmas Glow lights in the Garden, the festive gifts, food and books in the Wisley shop as well as the famous Wisley Christmas Shop (closed after 24th Dec) in the Plant Centre. Normal Garden entry applies with reduced entry price after 3pm (£9.90 per adult and £3.60 for 5-16 year olds). On 24th December the site closes at 5 pm and remains closed over Christmas Day. Enjoy a Boxing Day stroll as the Garden reopens. Also, visit Santa and Mrs Claus for stories, songs and a present at Wisley Plant Centre. Prices from £10 per child, children of any age, must be accompanied by a parent, prices from £2 for
FARNHAM & VILLAGES
DELIVERED TO 22,122 LOCAL HOMES Like us on Facebook at Vantage Point Magazine
@VantageLocalMag
For more articles, please visit it us online at
www.vantagepointmag.co.uk Next Copy Date: 5th December 2016 6
To advertise, please call 01483 420173
vantagepointmag.co.uk
For your
10%
VantagePoint discount Quote Ref: FA5
JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD
<6
adults. Check the dates and book online at www.rhs.org.uk/ wisley. Julian Lewry Music From Friday 2nd December They have some excellent gigs in December. On Friday 2nd December they present Sally Barker at St. John’s Church in Farncombe. Sally was The Voice UK finalist 2014. “She changes the atmosphere in a room when she sings” (BBC Radio 2’s Chris Evans). Tickets £16 adv / £19 door. Then on Saturday 3rd December, China Crisis will be at St. John’s Church. Formed in 1979 in Kirkby on Merseyside with a core band of vocalist/ keyboardist Garry Daly and guitarist Eddie Lundon, China Crisis charted in the 80’s with distinctive AOR-fuelled pop songs like African & White, Christian Wishful Thinking, Black Man Ray, King In A Catholic Style and Best Kept Secret. Tickets £18 adv / £22 door. Finally, on Friday 9th December, Glenn Tilbrook will be at St. John’s Church. Squeeze frontman Glenn Tilbrook is one of Britain’s most cherished singers, guitarists and songwriters. There is no denying Glenn has been pretty busy over the last couple of years - such is the continuing work ethic of a fellow who’s never been far from the action since Squeeze made their recording bow with the Packet Of Three EP in 1977. Tickets £18 adv / £22 door. For full details / links on these and the many other fabulous shows coming in 2017, see the website and/ or the respective Facebook pages where you can catch all the latest news about the shows. www.julianlewrymusic.com. www.facebook.com/farncombemusicclub. You can also call Julian Lewry on 01483 421520 / 07769 592452.
12>
Surrey Border Movie Makers Friday 2nd December They meet on the first Friday of each month and are a film making club whose members consist of retired professionals, experienced film makers and complete beginners. They share a love of making films which they do to the best of their ability including holiday films, drama and documentary. They always welcome new members. If you are interested in seeing what they do, visit their website www.surreyborder.org.uk. They meet at the St Joan’s Centre, 19 Tilford Road, Farnham GU9 8DJ. There is plenty of parking and your first visit is free. Contact secretary@surreyborder.org.uk. They are also on Facebook www.facebook.com/SurreyBorderMovieMakers/ timeline. Fleet Choral Society Saturday 3rd December 7.30pm They present a Concert of Bach’s’ Magnificat’ and Traditional Festive Carols at the Church on the Heath, Elvetham Heath, Fleet GU51 1HA.The choir will be supported by West Forest Sinfonia and Soprano Ellen Williams who has sung at Washington DC, the Edinburgh Fringe and in the ‘Dr Who’ Symphonic Spectacular! The Alto soloist is Thalie Knights, the winner of the Britten-Pears Young Artist Award 2016.The second half of the concert is devoted to traditional festive carols for all the family to enjoy with the children of All Saints School Chamber Choir. Mince-pies and drinks will be served at the interval. Tickets are available online from tickets@fleetchoralsociety.org or from ‘Serendipity’ 295, Fleet Road GU51 3BT. Cost £12 Adult; Children and Students in Further Education £6.
LIVE-IN CARE
For adults of all ages to remain in the comfort of their own homes.
Our Services Loga Care provides a wide range of general as well as highly specialist live-in care services for adults of all ages, including but not restricted to: • Long term live-in care • Companionship and Domestic Support
• Respite care • Physical disability
• Reablement • Palliative care
• Dementia • Personal care
Loga Care has the ability to arrange live-in care in a very short time span and all our carers are fully trained with appropriate specialist training according to CQC guidelines. For more information please call our friendly team for advice, 24/7, 7 days a week 01252
852100
Loga Care The Hopkiln, Bury Court, Bentley, Hampshire GU10 5LZ. Email: care@logacare.com www.logacare.com
8
To advertise, please call 01483 420173
vantagepointmag.co.uk
Thoroughly intriguing chocolate from a
local chocolatier Phil Kemp pays a visit to Noble & Stace Everyone loves chocolate don’t they? Whether it’s as a ‘thank you for inviting me’ gift, a present for a special person - or just sheer selfindulgence. But there’s chocolate and there’s very special chocolate, and the handcrafted chocolate produced in rural Sussex by Noble & Stace Chocolatiers is simply mouth-wateringly special. Mike Noble practices his magical art at their chocolate kitchen nestled in the South Downs National Park, and for a very good reason. Much of their chocolate uses flavoursome ingredients sourced locally from wineries, a gin distillery, coffee roasters, a mint farm, a craft brewer and intriguingly even a natural mineral water producer. “The first chocolates we produced eighteen months ago were the result of a collaboration with a small craft brewery a few miles away,” said Mike. “I started working with Langham Brewery by exploring the different flavours of their ales to find one that best complemented our chocolate, and produced a tablette that was very well received - once people got the idea that ale and chocolate makes a tasty combination. Their award winning hoppy ale was blended with a rich dark chocolate ganache in place of cream and butter.” Mike Noble
December 2016
As an occasional chocolate binger I knew it wouldn’t take much to tease my palate, but in my conversation with Mike I was quickly becoming intrigued. Chocolate and craft ale? Well, sure, why not? But what he said next literally took my breath away. “I then went to completely the opposite end of the scale, and got in touch with the South Downs Water Company. Instead of the traditional truffle
combination of chocolate, cream, and butter I took out the cream and the butter - and replaced it with a mineral water.” said Mike, smiling at my bemused expression. “I knew that would surprise you. It surprises many people. Water and chocolate don’t normally mix that well, but it does if you get it in the right quantity - and it gives a quite different texture. In a traditional truffle cream and butter is quite indulgent, and it’s creamy and quite rich. But unlike the mineral water one it doesn’t have an instant melt in the mouth. The best way I can describe our Pure Mineral Water Truffles is that they’re a bit like a sorbet – which has a very clean kind of melt and a rich taste - and nobody would think that it didn’t have the cream and the butter. And of course it’s a dairy-free option that increasingly customers are looking for.” Chocolate and ale? Chocolate and mineral water? Surely Mike’s chocolate ingredients cupboard had run out of surprises? “Our customer research revealed, perhaps not surprisingly, a love of Champagne truffles. We are surrounded by vineyards around here, and so I soon produced my equivalent of a Champagne truffle using
To advertise, please call 01483 420173
9
recommend without hesitation given the tantalising and surprisingly original flavours I tasted in their chocolate kitchen.
a local English sparkling wine. That really captured people’s imagination so I do a lot now with different vineyards in Sussex and Hampshire. It’s not a massively powerful alcoholic taste, but the fruitiness of the wine really comes through making a really nice smooth truffle.” Mike paused for effect, and of course he had the advantage of knowing what was coming next. ”Just two weeks ago we launched our new Chilgrove Gin Truffle range! We worked closely with the Chichesterbased distillery’s husband and wife team to develop some recipes – and we now have a very zesty gin and lime truffle, which is quite subtle on the gin. And we also have our gin and lemon, which is stronger on the gin and with a little less on the lemon. And of course, as you’d expect there is a gin and tonic truffle too - with a little bit of orange in it giving it a lovely citrus mix.” Noble & Stace Chocolatiers make everything by hand – melting and moulding and creating in their spotless food hygiene five-rated chocolate kitchen. There are no automated industrial-scale production machines. All the equipment used is typical of any domestic kitchen. And it is their hands-on approach that makes their chocolate so distinctive.
“We mostly stock through local suppliers like farm shops, delis and cafes – and farmers’ markets. My first stockist was the farm shop and café at Cowdray Park in Midhurst. Increasingly we’re being approached to make special orders for restaurants, hotels and events like weddings. We did a wedding recently where they wanted gifts for their guests, and being autumn we created little gift boxes inside which nestled chocolate acorns and oak leaves. But word is spreading and we’re getting enquiries from stockists much farther afield. And of course, you can place your own personal order on our website. We can make up special orders just for you – for example a pick and mix of six sparkling wine truffles and six peppermint creams.” Mike Noble has certainly introduced my taste buds to some surprising flavour combinations and unfettered delight enjoyed when a freshly hand crafted chocolate from his kitchen melts away in your mouth. Chocolatier extraordinaire! Phil Kemp is a freelance writer and photographer based in Godalming. www.weyriver.co.uk
10% DISCOUNT for VantagePoint readers Show this article to Noble & Stace at any one of the markets or fairs they will be at before Christmas and get a 10% discount on their fabulous chocolates. Visit their website to see where they will be at www. nobleandstace.co.uk or look on their social media: Facebook.com/nobleandstacechocolatiers Twitter @noble_and_stace
FIND OUT MORE Noble & Stace Chocolatiers. Website: www.nobleandstace.co.uk, phone: 01730 814886 or email: mike@nobleandstace.co.uk.
“The problem with mass-produced chocolate is that the big manufacturers have to provide for a very long shelflife - and in so doing they need to add extra ingredients to achieve this, which does make the flavour different,” explained Mike. “We produce chocolate mostly to order which means that our chocolate is freshly produced and in small volumes. We all also eat with our eyes so we are presenting something that is unique looking, and looks more appealing as it hasn’t been run off a machine. I’m piping it by hand, I’m adding something to it, all the truffles are dipped by hand. It is a labourintensive way of doing it, but that’s what makes it special.” I asked Mike where we can go to enjoy the Noble & Stace chocolate experience – something I’d personally
10
To advertise, please call 01483 420173
vantagepointmag.co.uk
Abbeyfield Wey Valley Society
Enabling older people to live their chosen lifestyle
Our residents enjoy: • Sheltered residential and nursing care
At Abbeyfield Wey Valley Society we have over 30 years’ experience as one of Surrey’s leading providers of sheltered, residential and nursing care for older people.
Maintaining homes on four sites, we pride ourselves on alleviating loneliness and providing friendly, relaxed, homely environments, while offering appropriate levels of care and support to preserve the privacy, dignity and independence of every person we look after.
• • • • • •
Single occupation en-suite bedrooms ‘Home-from-home’ relaxation lounges Nutritious meals cooked on site Beautifully landscaped gardens and patios Wheelchair-friendly and lift access Fees reflective of our charitable status
To see our facilities for yourself, we invite you to look around any of our homes without obligation.
Wey Valley Society
01252 735507 admin@abbeyfieldweyvalley.co.uk
Find out more at abbeyfieldweyvalley.co.uk
/Abbeyfield-Wey-Valley-Society
All homes fully CQC compliant. Fees reflect charitable status.
Farnham Stoves Farnham Stoves would like to wish all their customers a Cosy Christmas and Toasty Warm New Year! The Workshop, 71A Upper Hale Road, Farnham, GU9 0PA www.farnhamstoves.com 01252 717772 December 2016
To advertise, please call 01483 420173
11
<8 JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD A Christmas Fantasia Saturday 3rd December 7.30pm A Christmas Fantasia with The Waynflete Singers and English Chamber Orchestra in Winchester Cathedral directed by Andrew Lumsden. Vaughan Williams: Fantasia on Christmas Carols; Poulenc: GLORIA; Finzi: In Terra Pax; Carols for choir and audience. Soloists: Nadine Benjamin – soprano, Marcus Farnsworth – Baritone. Tickets £9 - £39 (2 FOR 1 offer available on some seats) from The Cathedral Box Office 01962 857275 / www.tickets.winchester-cathedral.org.uk / www. waynfletesingers.org.uk. Crondall Christmas Cracker Saturday 3rd December 6pm Taking place in All Saints Church, Crondall GU10 5QF, there’s a Christmas concert with singing, music and festive readings. Tickets in advance are £8, U16’s £5, Family 2 adults + 2 children £23. On the door £10, £7 and £25 (limited availability). The ticket includes a drink and canapés + lucky ticket draw. Call 01252 850379/850272 or call in at Village Shop. Guildford Rambling Club From Sunday 4th December Their walks programme can be found at www. guildfordramblingclub.org.uk. Unless otherwise stated visitors are welcome on all their walks which normally start at 10am. They will be meeting on Sunday 4th December near Dunsfold for a 9.5 mile circular walk to Loxwood. Details from David L on 07580 914207. There will be a 5 mile circular morning walk near Tilford on Sunday 11th December. Call Sally on 01306
17>
885976 for that one. There will be another circular morning walk, 4.5 miles this time, from Friday Street on Thursday 15th December. Details from Maria on 01306 644836. Finally, on Sunday 18th December, there will be a figure of 8 walk around Shere, with a 6 mile and a 4 mile loop. Bob is the leader for this one, on 07745 572494. Christmas Fair Sunday 4th December from 2pm-4pm Ewshot will be holding its annual Xmas Fair in the Village Hall. In addition to mulled wine, tombola and a raffle, there will be a variety of stalls and Santa will be in his grotto from 2pm until 3pm. If you are interested in having a stall please contact Caryll Martin on 01252 850613. Allen Gallery and Curtis Museum The Allen Gallery at 10-12 Church Street, Alton GU34 2BW, is home to one of the greatest collections of ceramics in the South of England. It also offers regularly changing exhibitions and programme of events. From 2nd to 17th December, there’s a children’s art competition, an open exhibition of artwork by 5 to 11 year olds, See website for details. www. hampshireculturaltrust.org.uk. The Curtis Museum (High Street, Alton GU34 1BA, contains a fine collection exploring 100 million years of local history. Displays include prehistoric tools, Roman pottery, Saxon burial goods, the 1643 Battle of Alton, the notorious tale of Sweet Fanny Adams and hop picking and brewing. Wenceslas rides again For the fifth year Farnham Lions are inviting those senior
CREATING STUNNING KITCHENS WITH BEAUTY & PRACTICALITY
QUALITY BUILT BRITISH & GERMAN KITCHENS | NEW SHOWROOM | COMPLETE PROJECT MANAGEMENT (WITH 5 WORKING KITCHENS)
To book a no obligation consultation visit: www.innerpeaceinteriors.co.uk Call: 01252 879 904 Visit our showroom: 32-36 Bell Lane, Blackwater GU17 0NW 12
To advertise, please call 01483 420173
vantagepointmag.co.uk
CALL
ART CLASS STARTS SOON
N
NOW EW YEAR FOR I NFOR COURSE MATI ON
NEW C O
URSE! We are enquirie now taking next A s for our rt This fu Classes. n cour se is a great w new fr ay to meet iends a develo nd p Please new skills. for a call now chat.
ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS TO IMPROVERS WILL LOVE THIS COURSE! GREAT NEWS for all our readers looking for something fun to do over the next few months! Our current class is full but we are now taking enquiries for our next part-time Art Class, which starts soon. The classes are held once a week for three hours.
interesting. Over the course we will explore four different media; pencil drawing & sketching, oil pastel painting and techniques, painting and blending with water colours and acrylics. Step by step tuition in the basic techniques and secrets needed to create beautiful pieces of art.
ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS TO IMPROVERS - JUST LIKE YOU! STILL LIFE TO LANDSCAPES The course is designed to be fun for absolute beginners who have never picked up a brush before through to Improvers.
STEP-BY-STEP GUIDANCE
We adapt to each student’s needs and give them all the guidance and help they need to develop their artistic skills. The curriculum is fun, comprehensive and
SA0358 16
S NEW LAS C ART
By the end of the course, students have created a minimum of 8 pieces of their very own original art they can enjoy forever, from simple still life and flower studies to beautiful countryside landscape scenes.
YOUNG AT HEART
This course is a brilliant way to learn new skills you will be able to enjoy forever. It is also a great
way of meeting new friends and to have a fun experience you will always remember and cherish! It is open to adults of all ages.
MEET NEW FRIENDS, LEARN NEW SKILLS
This part time course is over 3 months, so will give you plenty of time to master your new hobby.
LIMITED PLACES
To maintain a high standard to our classes and the tuition you will receive, classes are kept to small numbers – so places available are limited! We recommend that if you are interested you call us now for details. For information on dates, course fees and bookings, call now on
01252 447 815
Bring out your inner artist BEGINNERS TO INTERMEDIATES
01252 447 815
Rowledge Club, near Farnham Limited Spaces - Call now for details
Festive things to do Christmas means lots of things to many different people. Here we round up some of the pantomimes being shown, places where you can visit Santa and a few fabulous markets, both local and further afield.
Pantomimes...
Dick Whittington Dorking Halls, Reigate Road, Dorking RH4 1SJ 17th December to 28th December Dick Whittington tells the rags-to-riches tale of our hero and his hilarious cat, on their fun-packed journey to find fame and fortune in London. This year’s Dorking Halls pantomime will be packed full of laugh-out-loud comedy routines, stunning dances, show-stopping songs and heaps of audience participation… Oh yes it will! www.dorkinghalls.co.uk Aladdin Yvonne Arnaud Theatre Millbrook, Guildford GU1 3UX 9th December to 8th January Ultimate Panto villain Kit Hesketh-Harvey returns to Guildford as Abanazar. Following her captivating performance in the West End production of War Horse, Emma Thornett will play the title role of Aladdin this Christmas (left). www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk Peter Pan Haslemere Hall Bridge Road, Haslemere GU27 2AS 13th January to 21st January 2017 It’s panto time again (oh no it isn’t, oh yes it is!) and 2017 brings a swashbuckling spectacle of a pantomime - Peter Pan. Join Peter, Wendy and the Lost Boys as they take on the villainous Captain Hook and his band of pirates. www.haslemerehall.co.uk Beauty and the Beast Leatherhead Theatre Church Street, Leatherhead KT22 8DN 20th to 30th December Join them for exciting adventure this 14
year...an adventure that will transport us to the French village of ‘Marsh de Mello’, where a love story is waiting to unfold that will tickle your French Fancy! www.theleatherheadtheatre.org
Further afield Sleeping Beauty Princes Hall Princes Way, Aldershot GU12 4RR 8th December to 31st December Starring favourites Robert Hopkins, Donovan Christian Cary, James Franklin, Rachel LeaGray and Tom Capper. As well as everyone’s favourite routine from Peter Pan and Snow White - The Twelve Days of Christmas! www.princeshall.com Sleeping Beauty The Anvil Churchill Way, Basingstoke RG21 7QR 8th December to 2nd January Starring Sue Holderness (Only Fools and Horses, right), Katrina Bryan (CBeebies) and Sarah-Jane Buckley (Hollyoaks). www.anvilarts.org.uk Cinderella Camberley Theatre Knoll Road, Camberley GU15 3SY 6th December to 31st December The most magical fairy-tale of them all will be brought to life through stunning costumes, hilarious Ugly Sisters, unforgettable songs and dances, a script bursting with jokes plus a ton of magic and audience interaction! www.camberleytheatre.biz Peter Pan Chichester Festival Theatre Chichester PO19 6AP 17th to 31st December Night after night, Peter Pan stares in through
To advertise, please call 01483 420173
vantagepointmag.co.uk
Wendy, John and Michael Darling’s bedroom window, longing to hear the stories told by their mother. One thrilling evening the brave, wistful, maverick boy who refuses to grow up, teaches the Darling children how to fly, whisking them off to the magical world of Never Land - a deliciously frightening place. www.cft.org.uk Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs The Harlington 236 Fleet Rd, Fleet GU51 4BY 14th December to 24th December Award-winning Starburst Foundation will be producing this year’s Fleet panto with a cast of local talent. look forward to a traditional pantomime with modern songs & dances to get feet tapping & audiences firmly into the festive spirit! www.theharlington.co.uk Santa Claus - The Musical New Theatre Royal Guildhall Walk, Portsmouth PO1 2DD 9th December to 31st December Filled with your favourite Christmas tunes such as Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Santa Claus is coming to Town and Frosty the Snowman, Santa Claus - The Musical is a jampacked Christmas treat for everyone. www.newtheatreroyal.com Cinderella The Harlequin Warwick Quadrant, Redhill RH1 1NN 9th December to 31st December With pop legend Chesney Hawkes playing Prince Charming and Redhill favourites Abigail Welford, Neil Wheatley and Simon Bashford back as Cinderella, Buttons and the Fairy Godmother. www.harlequintheatre.co.uk Jack & The Beanstalk King’s Theatre Albert Road, Southsea PO5 2QJ 6th December to 1st January Starring Vicki Michelle (‘Allo ‘Allo) Anne Hegerty (The Chase) and Marcus Patric (Hollyoaks). www.kings-southsea.com December 2016
Snow White New Victoria Theatre The Ambassadors, Peacocks Centre, Woking GU21 6GQ 10th December to 8th January The job of head dwarf Prof is a tall order but nothing that TV and film star Warwick Davis can’t measure up to. Joining him is comedy favourite Andy Ford as the Henchman. www.atgtickets.com/venues/new-victoria-theatre
Meet Santa...
Santa’s Cellar Grotto at Denbies Wine Estate London Road, Dorking RH5 6AA 3rd, 4th,10th, 11th, 17th, 18th, 21st to 24th December Enjoy a warm welcome from Santa`s elves, outdoor train ride followed by a visit to see Father Christmas in his Cellar Grotto and tell him your Christmas wishes. £7.50 per child which includes a gift from Santa, train ride, Santa`s sticker book and Christmas crafts in Santa`s cellar (please note that the gifts are suitable from birth and up, therefore all children are required to have a ticket). £2 per adult which includes the train ride and mince pie in the cellar. www.denbies.co.uk/events/family-events Christmas Winter Wonderland at Birdworld Holt Pound, Farnham GU10 4LD 3rd December to 24th December Come to Birdworld, located in Alice Holt Forest, to meet Santa’s reindeer and some friendly farm animals before you enter a magical world full of animated characters in winter wonderland settings. As you walk through the different scenes, you can enjoy the friendly banter with the impish elves before the children meet Santa to receive their present. For those too old for a present, a mince pie and a hot fruit punch awaits! Santa will be in his Winter Wonderland with his elves and reindeers on selected dates throughout December. www.birdworld.co.uk Meet Father Christmas at Hatchlands Park Hatchlands Park, East Clandon, Guildford GU4 7RT 3rd, 4th, 10th, 11th, 17th, 18th and 22nd December Father Christmas is visiting Hatchlands again this year. You can come along and meet him in his cosy festive sitting room in the courtyard, have a quick chat and receive a small present. Free entry to NT Members or entry fee to property of £6. Child: Entry fee to property of £3 (NT members free), £5 to meet Father Christmas. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/christmas
To advertise, please call 01483 420173
15
Meet Santa... Further afield Santa on the VC10 at Brooklands Brooklands Road, Weybridge KT13 0QN 3rd, 4th, 10th, 11th, 17th and 18th December Once again Santa will be giving his reindeer a rest for a while and borrowing our VC10 aircraft so that he can meet his young fans. For children aged 5-7, normal museum admission of £6 is payable + £5 for a visit to Santa (includes a small present). Accompanying adults and seniors pay normal museum admission. For children under 5, admission to the museum is free and they can also visit Santa for £5. Santa must be booked in advance. www.brooklandsmuseum.com Stories and Songs with Santa Wisley Plant Centre, RHS Wisley, Woking GU23 6QB 1st, 2nd, 8th, 9th, 15th and 16th December Visit Santa and Mrs Claus for stories, songs and a present at Wisley Plant Centre. Prices from £10 per child, children of any age, must be accompanied by a parent, prices from £2 for adults. Book online at rhs.org.uk/wisely. Eight sessions per day, ½ hour activity. www.rhs.org.uk/wisleychristmas
Markets...
Farnham Christmas Market Castle Street, Farnham GU9 7PZ Sunday 11th December 10am-4pm Find the perfect Christmas gift; hundreds of stalls offering gifts, decorations and treats plus more in the Mercure Bush hotel and Santa’s Grotto. www.farnham.gov.uk German Christmas Market in the Guildford Guildhall High Street, Guildford Sunday 4th December 11am-4pm To celebrate Guildford’s twinning with the German city of Freiburg a ‘Mini’ Christmas Market is being held in the Guildhall in the High Street on Sunday 4th December from 11am to 4pm. Wooden toys, candles and Christmas confectionery from Freiburg will be on sale, there will be a tasting of wines from the Freiburg area, Glühwein (mulled wine) will be available and there will be a tombola. Literature about Freiburg will also be on display. Haslemere Christmas Market High Street, Haslemere GU27 2LA Sunday 4th December 10am-4pm Christmas Market: Christmas gifts for all the family. Stalls selling a variety of goods, from baby clothing to unique crafts. Also street entertainment and Santa’s Grotto. Free shuttle bus from Lion Green, Wey Hill and the station. www.haslemere.com/christmasmarket 16
Further afield Chichester Christmas Market North Street and East Street, Chichester Saturday 3rd December to Sunday 11th December A fantastic array of festive stands, in Chichester’s North Street and East Street for nine days in December. This is a fabulous opportunity to find a spectacular range of top quality crafts, unusual and individual gifts for all your friends and family. www.woodlandcrafts.co.uk/chichesterchristmas-market-2016 Southbank Centre Winter Market Southbank, London SE1 8XX 11th November to 8th January Southbank Centre’s popular Winter Market (above) returns this year to the banks of the river Thames, within a short walk of Waterloo station. Browse the twinkling wooden cabins that line the riverside for affordable gifts, quirky crafts and handmade pieces, alongside festive snacks and drinks. Continue your shopping at the Charity Shop Emporium, part of Southbank Centre’s weekend of charity and giving on the 10th and 11th December, where you can pick up original gifts and party outfits from the pop-up stalls of high street charity shops, independent retailers and smaller charitable organisations. www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whatson Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market The Close, Winchester SO23 9LS Friday 18th November to Tuesday 20th December Founded in 2006, the Christmas Market celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. Now recognised as one of the best in Europe with its unique location, high quality exhibitors and bustling atmosphere. Wonderful Christmas gifts, decorations and festive foods can be found in abundance. www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk/home/ christmas-at-the-cathedral/christmas-market
To advertise, please call 01483 420173
vantagepointmag.co.uk
JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD
<12
citizens who feel they do not need all, or part, of their Winter Fuel Allowance to donate it to the Club to help local people in serious fuel debt or chronic fuel poverty. Thanks to the generosity of the donors, last winter the Lions distributed £17,631 in Farnham and Haslemere. They were able to clear all the fuel debt cases referred to them by the Citizens Advice Bureaux in the two towns and also to make a large number of discretionary grants to needy families identified to them by local Sure-Start centres, Home-School link workers and other agencies thus allowing the families to stay warm over the period. Every payment is made to the fuel utility companies on behalf of their clients thus ensuring that all monies received were spent on fuel. Donations for 2016/17 are invited to www. justgiving.com/lions-wenceslas or by cheque (payable to the Lions Club of Farnham and endorsed WFP on the back) sent to Lion Treasurer, 15 Abbots Ride, Farnham GU9 8HY. Winter Exhibition at the New Ashgate Gallery To Saturday 7th January The top destination for handcrafted, unique and affordable art and craft Christmas ideas – made in the UK. The Christmas season brings together more than 50 artists and makers. You will find craft-led gifts and unique ideas as well as inspiration from bespoke home decorations and wall art to great jewellery. Craft, including ceramics, jewellery, photography, textiles, wood, glass and basketry. Support the excellence in arts and crafts by the UK artists and makers in this special season. They are a charity and all funds raised are invested in cultivating arts and crafts through exhibition opportunities, professional practice programmes, mentoring and partnership projects. Gift cards are
18>
available. Ask about Own Art, the scheme that makes buying art affordable by letting you spread the cost of your purchase over 10 months with an interest free loan, representative 0% APR. Aldershot Floral Design Club Saturday 3rd (1pm-5pm) Sunday 4th December (10am-4pm) The club is holding its Christmas Show ‘All Kinds of Everything’ at Normandy Village Hall, Glaziers Lane, Normandy GU3 2DD. Entry £4.There will also be sales tables, raffle, refreshments and a popular vote for visitors to choose their favourite exhibit, also large free car park adjoining the hall. Visit the club Facebook page www.facebook.com/Aldershot-Floral-DesignClub-394503847273165/ or for further club details www. surreynafas.org.uk/aldershot-floral-design-club. Scottish Country Dancing Saturday 3rd December 7.30pm-11pm A warm welcome to all Scottish Country Dancers! There will be an ‘Apprentices’ Dance’ at Courtmoor School in Fleet , at which all the dances will be walked through or recapped, so it is especially suitable for less experienced dancers. There will be a supper interval and raffle. Bring soft shoes and a plate of food to add to the supper table. Full details from Fleet Scottish Country Dance Society’s webpage http://fleet.rscds-bhs. org.uk or from Shirley Ferguson on 01276 501952; email fergusonshirley7@gmail.com. Christmas Market Saturday 3rd December 10am-12.30pm There’s an exciting Christmas Market for Phyllis Tuckwell
Leading the way in providing an AFFORDABLE PROFESSIONAL service
Westminster Wills Tax & Estate Planning If you are over 65 it will only cost you £75* to make or update your Will. We are also Lasting Power of Attorney Specialists - only £85* each LPA if instructed during the Will appointment. FREE home visits, so no travelling! Call us now for a no obligation chat on: 01428 769281 www.westminster-wills.co.uk email: info@westminster-wills.co.uk Westminster Wills, Hindhead, Surrey, GU26 6UG
*OUR PRICES INCLUDE VAT. These very special rates are only available if you are over 65 years old. Our normal low price for a standard single Will is £125, £195 for two. Mag half page landscape Roundabout 180815.indd 1
December 2016
To advertise, please call 01483 420173
18/08/2015 09:53:47
17
<17 JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD
RUGMART Surrey’s Biggest Rug Shop www.rugmart.co.uk
Visit us for a huge range of Modern, Contemporary & Bespoke rugs
Frensham Christmas Tree Festival Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th December Get into the Christmas spirit by visiting St Mary’s church in Frensham to take part in the Christmas Tree Festival. There you will find a splendid display of decorated Christmas Trees! But these are not your normal ‘bauble and tinsel’ trees, and they may not be normal Christmas Trees at all! Thanks to the imagination of the decorators, you will be in for a surprise. There are three classes for the decorators to choose from when they are deciding how to decorate a tree; a tree to reflect your club, business, charity or organisation; ‘Christmas round the World’ or, the ever popular Play on Words, such as a ‘Compliment –tree’ or a ‘Solitree.’ Visitors vote for their 3 favourite trees and the winner in each class will receive a share of half the proceeds to donate to a charity of their choice. The other half goes to the Church. The opening hours are 11am – 6pm on Saturday and 11am – 5.30pm on Sunday. An entrance fee of £3 for adults and £1 for children up to 16 includes a guide to the trees and a voting form. Children under 5 are free. Refreshments are available. Vivaldi Singers Saturday 3rd December 7.30pm The singers present A Victorian Christmas with a beautiful selection of seasonal music. Do go and join them for a great start to the festive season. It takes place at St John’s Church, Churt. Tickets at £15, under 16/students £5, under 5s free and are available from www.vivaldisingers.com or email vivaldisingers@gmail.com. Farnham Amnesty International Group Saturday 3rd December 7.30pm They present Candles of Hope at St Andrew’s Church, Farnham. It will be an uplifting evening of readings and music, with Jay Parrack’s Voices Choir, acapella group Wildflowers and other local musicians, along with inspiring words from around the world. Drinks and nibbles served. Free entry and everyone welcome.
Hand Woven Oriental Rugs Traditional & Antique Rugs Large and Over Size Rugs Persian & Afghan Rugs Handmade Tribal Kilims Hall Runners & Hearth Rugs
Come and visit our showroom: 2-3 Woodbridge Road, Guildford GU1 4PU Be inspired by our treasure trove of rugs over 4 floors and 7000 sq ft!
01483 578874 18
Hospice Care at St Thomas-on-The Bourne church (opposite the Bourne Club) Frensham Road, Farnham. Lots of stalls with unusual Christmas gifts, decorations, stocking fillers, garden stall, homemade preserves, cakes and savouries, toys, books, raffle, tombola, silent auction and much more. Entrance donation £3 includes refreshments (Children free). Do go along and support Phyllis Tuckwell; all proceeds to the Hospice.
Christmas Fayre Saturday 3rd December 9.30am-1.30pm Still trying to select that elusive Christmas gift? Go along to the Christmas Fayre at Farnham United Reformed Church, South Street (just opposite Sainsbury’s).There will be stalls offering Christmas decorations, gold and silver goods and heaps of other stalls, including amaryllis plants and other attractive items. Farnham Weyside Rotary Club From Saturday 3rd December Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without the Weyside Rotary Club’s hot chestnut stall in Farnham’s Lion and Lamb Yard. For three Saturdays in December, the 3rd, 10th and 17th, a cheery crowd of Rotarians will be roasting chestnuts to help enhance the Christmas atmosphere in the town. The money raised will go to Rotary charities to help local organisations.
To advertise, please call 01483 420173
vantagepointmag.co.uk
JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD
20>
For more information about Farnham Weyside Rotary Club, see the website, www.farnhamweyside.org.uk, or contact the Secretary, John Cattell, on 01252 715048, or email farnhamweyside.sec@gmail.com. Christmas Fair Sunday 4th December 12 noon-3pm The Friends of Potters Gate School are busy organising yet another fun-packed family Christmas Fair. You will be able to visit Santa in his Grotto at this ‘Lapland’ themed event. There will be lots of games for the children at pocket money prices as well as free activities to keep them busy. While the kids are occupied, you can browse the local business stalls for Christmas presents and decorations. A reliable source has told us that if you are outside the main entrance to Potters Gate School at 11.45am, you are likely to see Santa arriving on a Fire Engine and apparently he loves to give out sweets before meeting children in the Grotto! All money raised will be going straight back into the school to fund special Learn Pads which can be used in the classrooms as well as helping to fund a Sensory Room. So pop along to Potters Gate School, Potters Gate, Farnham GU9 7BB for a little Lapland magic for Christmas. Farnham ASSIST Monday 5th December 3pm They are holding a Christmas Carol Service at Farnham Baptist Church, The Hart. All over 60’s are welcome to join them for this traditional service followed by tea, coffee and mince pies. Please contact 01252 717710 for more details. Farnham Afternoon Bridge Club Wednesday 7th December 1.45pm They meet at Farnham Maltings every Wednesday afternoon except the first Wednesday in the month. Bridge (Rubber) starts at 1.45pm and they have a short tea break mid afternoon and finish at 4.30pm. The members, quite a few who are now on their own, all enjoy their bridge and find it a great way to meet together in a nice friendly atmosphere. New members are very welcome and can obtain further information from the Membership Secretary, Rosemary Ostime on 01252 721312 or Trevor Lawson on 01252 543372. Hale Village Hall – Coach trips They have planned two new Coach Trips. The first is on Wednesday 7th December when they will be going to the Kew Gardens Christmas Spectacular; leaving Hale War Memorial at 3.45pm.The cost is £28 per person which includes coach travel, timed entry tickets and gratuities. The second trip is still some way ahead, in fact not until Wednesday 5th April, but you might like to make a note of the date. They have planned a trip to the West End to see the brilliant new Musical ‘An American in Paris’ at the Dominium Theatre. Leaving Hale War Memorial at 11am, it will give time to have lunch before the 2pm matinee. The cost is £45 per person which includes coach travel, theatre tickets (circle) and gratuities. You are advised to book early to avoid disappointment. Call Geoff on 01252 711993 or Lorraine on 01252 722848. Santa Claus and the Christmas Adventure Thursday 8th to Saturday 24th December The producers of the Santa Adventures are delighted to return to G Live in Guildford this Christmas for the fourth year December 2016
We believe our clients deserve a quality lifestyle that respects their dignity and independence; their loved ones expect assurance and peace of mind. We provide these within a friendly, professional, caring and secure environment.
Ashton Manor Farnham
Nursing Care for Alzheimer’s & Dementia
Beales Lane, Wrecclesham, Farnham GU10 4PY
01252 722967
info@ashtonmanor.co.uk www.ashtonmanor.co.uk
Robertson NH Godalming Nursing Care
Priorsfield Road, Hurtmore, Godalming GU7 2RF
01483 421033
robertsonnh@beritazcare.co.uk www.robertsonnursinghome.co.uk
Springkell House Hindhead
Residential Care for Alzheimer’s & Dementia
Wood Road, Hindhead GU26 6PT
01428 605509
info@springkellcare.co.uk www.springkellcare.co.uk We’re always looking for amazing people to join our team. Do you want a career, not just a job? If you’re an RGN, Care Assistant, Domestic Assistant etc. and want to enjoy your work every day with an employer that really stands out from the crowd. Please contact us for further details on 01428 604414.
To advertise, please call 01483 420173
19
Sheer Delight Decadence Celebrating 15 years in Godalming, drum roll please, lingerie boutique Sheer Delight, by Kirstie Smillie How often do we roll up to the bulging rails of a department store to buy our lingerie and not really know where to start? So, a few years ago after a little trepidation, I crossed the threshold of Sheer Delight to experience a more enjoyable approach, and met owner Julie Drummond. Entering into the calming uncluttered interior, the delicate displays on show are a small percentage of what Julie has on offer. The experience develops from within tidy storage cupboards in the fitting rooms where many more styles and sizes are brought out to try on.
Complete with all year round cupsized one-pieces, bikinis and coverups, November also saw the arrival of new styles from Sunflair.
Above: Owner Julie Drummond
The team, who has recently been joined by Sandra, are very aware that customers have to bare themselves during a fitting but with years of experience and tact they will put you at ease. I found the curtained changing rooms offered plenty of space to undress while allowing the experts to check the fit and offer new styles to try on. I now repeat on my Marie Jo Avero, from £60, it’s a winner for me, and I’m hinting to my husband to purchase a gift voucher, which they bag and beribbon, for a perfect Christmas present.
Stocking cup sizes from A-J and in Below: Sheer Delight’s shop in Godalming back measurements 30-44, Julie and her team can focus on a fantastic fit whatever your figure requires, from fuller bosoms to neatly formed. Popular brands like Marie Personal customer service is top Jo, PrimaDonna and Empreinte of the list and Julie will often send complement newer designs in the repeat bras to customers living speciality market including HotMilk further away. Out of stock sizes can nursing bras from New Zealand and be specially ordered and presents reversible young teen bras from are beautifully gift boxed free of Taylor + Rani, from £19.50. Hanro and Wolford offer sleek under layers charge. A finalist in the Underlines and perfect tights, with Anita Active Stars Awards for Best Shop Personal for the physical and Anita Care Touch, we were waiting to hear if the for post-operative comfort. Julie team were victors as this article went and long standing employee, Helen both went to to press. Visit the website www.sheer-delight.co.uk or Germany to become expert fitters in the niche area of mastectomy bras, with first hand understanding of take a stroll down the historical Church Street for a the emotions attached and Sheer Delight is now an visit and you will find out if they are worthy winners. Anita Care Centre of Excellence.
“ ”
If a bra doesn’t work, we won’t sell it - it has to function, And look good Leaving school at seventeen, Leeds born Julie got stuck in with numbers and worked in admin for an insurance brokers and other private companies before becoming a civil servant. She has been involved in the transpose from paper to computer processes so is totally comfortable with figures and bookkeeping, balancing profits and stock. Husband Paul, when not working, turns his hand to the store’s accountancy and helps Julie with upgrades including the newly decorated Beach Lounge on the first floor. 20
Sheer Delight
26 Church Street, Godalming GU71EW Telephone: 01483 427022 Email: enquiries@sheer-delight.co.uk Opening Hours Mon-Sat 10-5pm
FIND OUT MORE Kirstie Smillie is a Personal Fashion Stylist. Follow her style blog www.kirstiesmillie.com. For appointments contact kirstie@kirstiesmillie.com or call 07773 234947.
To advertise, please call 01483 420173
vantagepointmag.co.uk
Photo: jamesharris1231
FASHION Julie’s inspirational words from on her website...
“Delight in... being a real woman”.
Above: Empreinte Melody T-shirt bra and matching briefs
Above: Marie Jo embroidered Lily collection
Julie reveals all: • Wear red under a white shirt, it won’t show through. • Buy colour every now and then, it’s good for the soul. • If your bra fits properly, your whole confidence will grow. • Your newly fitted bra, should feel like a firm ‘hug’ around your back. • Don’t wash bras too frequently; use a mild soap and always dry naturally. Above from top: Anita Active bra from £55 and PrimaDonna ‘By Night’ from £108
December 2016
Above: Sunflair one-pieces from £72
21
<19 JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD running with this must see interactive show. The adventure takes place at Santa’s HQ in the North Pole; The Reindeer Sat Nav is programmed and the toys are piled high on the sleigh, then… chaos strikes! Rudolph is missing and the Elves are misbehaving… will Santa ever deliver the presents to all the boys and girls? Filled with songs, nursery rhymes and magic, Santa Claus and the Christmas Adventure promises to be a truly unforgettable experience, including the magical moment when snowflakes fall over the audience – a guaranteed white Christmas at every performance! Performances take place at 10am, 11.30am, 2pm and 4pm (see website for daily schedule). Tickets: Children £12.50/14.50, Adults £13.50/15.50, Family of 4 £46/54. Call the Box Office on 01483 369350 or go to www.glive.co.uk. Running time: 70 minutes with no interval (including a meet and greet with Santa Claus). Suitable for children aged 2+.
Cape Town Cruise Safari 14 nights aboard Boudicca Departing: 11th January 2018 Visiting: • Cape Town • Port Elizabeth (Overnight) • Richards Bay (Overnight) • Durban (Overnight) • Mossel Bay • Cape Town (x3 Overnight) Ocean view room From
£2,949pp
Including flights
T&Cs. All bookings are subject to Fred. Olsen's standard terms & conditions available on www.fredolsencruises.com. Prices are for an Ocean View room and are pp based on two people sharing unless otherwise stated. Booking conditions of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines apply & is subject to availability. Intermediate days are at sea. Credit card charge applies 2%. Prices are correct at time of advertisement. E&OE.
Olivia Chapman & Andy Church
for your peace of mind 0944
01483 808 787
ABTA No. J5035
oanda@gocruise.co.uk www.gocruise.co.uk/oandacruises
Before
O&
AC
rui
ses
Farnham & District Museum Society Thursday 8th December 7.30pm The next talk will be about The Aldershot & District Traction Company, in which Phil has a great interest. Affectionately known as the ‘Tracco’, this was a major bus company operating in the area between 1912 and 1972 and its buses, in the company’s distinctive livery of two-tone green with a cream band, were a familiar sight on our streets. Go along and take a trip down memory lane; there’s no need to book. Meetings are held at the United Reformed Church in South Street, Farnham at 7.30pm for 7.45pm (please use side entrance). Nonmembers are very welcome - £3 per visitor. For full details of the Society’s programme for this season visit the website www. farnhammuseumsociety.org.uk.
Refresh Your Tired Kitchen!
Why replace when you can reface? • Trusted reputation • Installed quickly and cleanly by our own local, professional fitters • Huge choice of worktops, doors & appliances
Call us NOW for a FREE estimate:
01252 759010 www.dreamdoors.co.uk
22
®
EST.
1999
Visit our Showroom: 56 Westfield Road, Westfield, Woking GU22 9NG
To advertise, please call 01483 420173
www.dreamdoors.co.uk vantagepointmag.co.uk
Oxenford 2012_Layout 1 07/11/2014 15:36 Page 1
JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD Les Amitiés Francaises Thursday 8th December 7pm Amitiés Francaises’ December lecture will be given by Cédric Cabanne and is entitled Le Féminisme en France. It will be a fascinating talk on a subject where so much has been written and where controversy has brought people into the street to demonstrate. Cédric Cabanne is a serious researcher and a great lecturer. He also brings effective visuals so if your French is a little rusty, you will not miss very much! As usual, the meeting will take place in Godalming at The Baptist Church Hall, Queen Street; (off the High Street almost opposite the King’s Arms).There is good parking and a lovely atmosphere with people who like to know more about France. The full annual programme is available in brochures in libraries and at www. amitiesfrancaises.com and on Facebook. For membership enquiries, contact john.petty@which.net. Visitors are very welcome.
28>
CHRISTMAS TREES Member of the British Christmas Tree Growers Association
BUY DIRECT FROM THE GROWER LOCATED ON THE B3001 BETWEEN MILFORD AND ELSTEAD
Christmas Wreath at Squire’s Garden Centre, Milford Friday 9th December 10am and 2pm Create a beautiful fresh Christmas Wreath for your front door, or a stunning Candle Centrepiece (includes a candle) at Squire’s Christmas Gardening Workshop. Using a fresh noble fir ring as the perfect base, you’ll get to decorate it with cones, petite baubles, snow spay and dried flowers. You can also bring your own foliage from home if you wish. The workshop lasts just under an hour and costs £25. You’ll get tuition, and a complimentary tea or coffee in the Squire’s Café Bar. In the evening sessions you can enjoy a complimentary glass of wine and mince pie, plus there’ll be local entertainment and exclusive
BRING THE CHILDREN TO SEE THE REINDEER AND FARM ANIMALS
Open Every Day from 26th November, 9am to 6pm
OXENFORD FARM, ELSTEAD Tel 01252 702109 e-mail: xt@oxenford.go-plus.net www.oxenfordfarm.com
SOLICITORS
✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Wills Power of Attorney Fixed-Fee Probate Inheritance Tax Care Fees
•Godalming •Farnham •Cranleigh
FREE HOME VISITS THROUGHOUT WAVERLEY
✔ Conveyancing ✔ Family Law
Carl Ingram, Partner & STEP qualified solicitor
FREE 1/2 hour of advice
POWER OF ATTORNEY £195+vat each £350+vatfor two
up to
£100 OFF
WILLS IN DECEMBER
T AC T CON
01252 471211 01483 494122
carl@goodlawsolicitors.co.uk Eastgate House, Dogflud Way, Farnham £129+vat single/£199+vat couples*
*Straight-forward wills completed in one appointment(normally £199/299). GoodLaw are authorised & regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Court fees apply to register powers of attorney
December 2016
23
The perfect Christmas gift for wine lovers... Farnham Maltings - 7th & 8th April Guildford Cathedral - 12th & 13th May Dorking Halls - 22nd & 23rd September The three VantagePoint Wine Festivals will feature over 100 international wines including champagnes, premium wines and local wines, alongside wine experts and producers. There will also be a charity blind wine tasting, music, entertainment, concessions, food, money off wine vouchers and more. There will be three sessions per weekend, Friday from 7pm-11pm, Saturday from 12pm-4pm and 7pm-11pm. Entry is just ÂŁ10 per session if booked in advance, with wine tokens also available at a reduced price when booked together.
To book or for more information, please visit
www.vantagepointevents.co.uk
Christmas 2016
Christmas in Farnham Shop local
The results showed that: • 44% of the businesses achieved an ‘excellent’ rating and 46% achieved ‘good’ • Thirteen businesses received special recognition for their service excellence Preferred Travel scored a fantastic 100%. The mystery shopper said: ‘There was nothing negative about my visit; both staff members were really helpful and friendly. I would definitely return’. The exercise was sponsored by Farnham Town Council, Waverley Borough Council and Specsavers and was open to all businesses in Farnham town centre.
There’s no need to go any further than Farnham for this year’s Christmas shopping. The town prides itself on the wide variety of independent traders including a department store, clothes shops, lingerie store, outdoor clothing and travel shop as well as gift shops, a cycle store, a traditional sweet shop, record store and specialist guitar shop.
Civic Christmas Carol Concert
To see a directory of shops in Farnham visit our website at www.farnham.gov.uk and click on the Shopping button.
Free Parking Saturday 3 December is Small Business Saturday and in support of the initiative, Waverley Borough Council will be offering free parking in all its car parks from 10am. Enjoy a festive atmosphere with live music around town and don’t miss the activities in the Lion and Lamb Yard. Make the most of this great incentive to shop locally this Christmas.
First for customer service In October, 59 Farnham businesses volunteered to take part in an anonymous customer service review. Service experts carried out the survey and the results were excellent, giving another good reason to shop in Farnham this Christmas! December 2016
There will be an opportunity to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas at this year’s Civic Christmas carol concert on Thursday 8 December. The traditional service will include carols, five lessons and performances by the highly acclaimed Farnham Youth Choir. Half the tickets for this popular Farnham Town Council event are allocated via a ballot that is held in partnership with the Farnham Herald. The remaining half is allocated to volunteers from local organisations. A pre-service reception will be hosted by the Mayor of Farnham, Councillor John Ward. All guests will be offered complimentary refreshments.
To advertise, please call 01483 420173
25
Winter celebration
2016 has been a marvellous year for Farnham in Bloom with the community scooping up a total of 12 awards at Britain in Bloom and South and South East in Bloom. To close the most successful Farnham in Bloom year to date, a Winter Celebration will be held on Sunday 18 December at Gostrey Meadow between 2.30pm and 3.30pm. Farnham Brass Band will play a variety of popular Christmas carols; song sheets will be provided for those who want to sing along. To keep away the winter chill, warming mulled wine and tasty mince pies will be on sale. Containers of spring flowering bulbs planted by children that attended the autumn gardening workshops will be available and will make a lovely gift. All proceeds from the winter celebration will go to the Mayor’s Charity, which is the Friends of Ridgeway School.
Farnham’s fantastic Christmas market For unusual gifts that cannot be found in large town High Streets, come to Farnham’s Christmas market on Sunday 11 December between 10am and 4pm.
Some of the presents you will be able to tick off your loved ones’ Christmas lists include: • Hand-printed clothing • Organic and ethical scented candles and bath bombs • Novelty felt slippers with an Eastern feel • Handcrafted jewellery • Italian cashmere ponchos • Jewellery boxes • Moroccan leather goods • Applique handmade cushions • A bread-making course • Hand-decorated mirrors with beads and jewels • Handmade dog biscuits • Fairtrade knitwear • Stationery Food gift ideas • Locally produced gin • Christmas hampers • Chutney, pickle and jam • Craft beers • Turkish delight • 50 flavours of fudge • Speciality teas and artisan coffee • Mini hampers There will also be plenty of food items to grace your Christmas table or to enjoy at the market.
The free al fresco shopping event is organised by Farnham Town Council and will see over 100 stalls in the convenient town centre locations of Castle Street, Central car park and the Bush Hotel. 26
To advertise, please call 01483 420173
vantagepointmag.co.uk
Christmas 2016
Deck the halls
Hunt the camel If your home still needs a few festive touches, why not treat yourself to a Christmas wreath, some hand sewn felt decorations or a centre piece for your table. You could also pick up a Christmas tree! For details about what’s on in Farnham this Christmas, visit: www.farnham.gov.uk/events
Can you spot the camels that are hiding in the shop windows around Farnham? Our Christmas window competition for children aged 5 to 11 will be launched on Sunday 11 December. To take part, download an entry form from our website at www.farnham.gov.uk/christmas and make a note of where you see a camel. The children that find the most camels will be entered into a free prize draw. Entry forms should be submitted by Friday 23 December.
Visit Father Christmas
Christmas Farmers’ Market
Throughout the day, Father Christmas will be in his grotto at the Bush Hotel.
Avoid the supermarket queues by buying your fresh, seasonal produce from the Farmers’ Market on Sunday 11 December.
He is looking forward to meeting the good boys and girls of Farnham so why not take them along to deliver their letter in person! Between 10am and 4pm there will be a live nativity in the Bush Hotel car park.
Visit many of your familiar stallholders for delicious festive treats and tasty food for the Christmas Day table. The market takes place between 10am and 1.30pm in Central car park.
Photos courtesy of Vaidas Gerikas,David Fisher, Terry Habgood and Farnham Town Council.
Farnham Town Council
Town Council Office, South Street, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 7RN Telephone: 01252 712667 Email: customer.services@farnham.gov.uk Web: www.farnham.gov.uk Twitter: @farnhamOfficial Facebook: Farnham Town Council Town Clerk: Iain Lynch. Farnham Town Mayor: Cllr John Ward December 2016
To advertise, please call 01483 420173
27
<23 JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD discounts until 8.30pm. Advanced booking is required, either in person at Squire’s or by calling your local centre. www. squiresgardencentres.co.uk.
Get fit the fun way with Surrey Swing! Learn to dance every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Please visit our website www.surreyswing.com for dates and venues or call Surrey Swing on Sweetman May 13_Layout 1 11/04/2013 17:30 Page 1 01483 901197 or email info@surreyswing.com
DIANE & JOHN SWEETMAN Airport and Long Distance Private Hire Airports & Docks Fixed Rates London & Longer Distances Business & Social Occasions Reliable & Friendly Service
Tel: 01252 659524 Email: john.sweetman@ntlworld.com www.tonghamtaxis.co.uk.
24 Newton Way, Tongham, Farnham, Surrey GU10 1BY
The Nutcracker Friday 9th December 7.15pm There can be few better ways to get you in the Christmas spirit than watching Tchaikovsky’s wonderful ballet. The Royal Ballet’s glorious production of The Nutcracker, created by Peter Wright in 1984, is being screened live at Farnham Maltings. The glittering score, the festive stage designs and the Royal Ballet’s captivating dancing make this the quintessential Christmas experience. A year ago we went and saw a live screening of Swan Lake and I have to say I was truly impressed. It did feel as if we were watching live and indeed the audience were so impressed that they all stood and applauded at the end! Tickets are £15 or £23 if you fancy the preshow dining ticket. Call the box office on 01252 745444 or go online to www.farnhammaltings.com. Advent Concert Saturday 10th December 7.30pm There’s a concert in The Abbey Church of Our Lady & St John, Alton Abbey. Tickets are £5 which includes mulled wine and nibbles after the concert. For Tickets contact Br John OSB at Alton Abbey, Beech, Alton GU34 4AP, email guesthouse@ altonabbey.com or call 01420 562145. Christian Aid Farnham Saturday 10th December 2pm to 3.30pm Christian Aid Farnham will be singing carols and collecting for
For all family law matters: • Specialist legal advice • Collaborative law • Mediation FREE initial hour
Lynn Henderson
e: lynn@hendersonsfamilylaw.co.uk
Simon Clark
01483 901060
e: simon@hendersonsfamilylaw.co.uk
28
The White House, 2a Meadrow, Godalming, Surrey GU7 3HN
info@hendersonsfamilylaw.co.uk www.hendersonsfamilylaw.co.uk
To advertise, please call 01483 420173
vantagepointmag.co.uk
JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD Christian Aid outside United Reformed Church, South Street, Farnham. The Spire Cafe at URC will be open from 10am-2pm serving food including homemade soup and all profits will go to Christian Aid. If you love to sing do go and join them and help raise money for the work of Christian Aid in Haiti and other disaster and war ravaged areas around the world. Contact Karen on 07977 56167. Christmas Tree Festival Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th December This takes place at St Peter’s Church, Wrecclesham on Saturday and Sunday 10th and 11th December from 2pm-6pm each day. A lovely Christmas spectacle with refreshments, seasonal gifts, a family quiz and ‘treasure’ hunt for the children. Admission free. Carols on Sunday at 5.30pm. Do go along and join them and get in the Christmas spirit. The Rural Life Centre Saturday 10th Sunday 11th, Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th December The Centre is holding two Santa Special weekends. One of the most popular events in the Tilford based museum’s busy calendar, the four days of festive excitement are a big attraction to the Christmas cognoscenti, young and old. Visitors get a chance to ride on the Old Kiln Light Railway’s train, lend a helping hand in the gnomes’ workshop and see a selection of animals, before entering the magical world of Santa’s grotto, where youngsters will receive a present from the man with the timeless gift of making dreams come true. Santa Specials bring a lot of happiness to many people, not least the tireless
30>
help with your TAX RETURNS? Need
FREE Initial Consultation
PRIVATE INDIVIDUALS SOLE TRADERS PARTNERSHIPS
Accountancy bills too high?
Looking for a complete service for taxation and accountancy?
I offer a friendly, professional service, at a great price and.......VAT FREE! 15% discount for seniors Contact: margaret@m3taxation.co.uk 01252 821066 07850 023571
LIGHTING
BE INSPIRED... Open 9:00am - 5:30pm Monday - Saturday Elstead House, Mill Lane, Alton Hampshire, GU34 2QJ Tel: 01420 590510
www.elsteadlighting.com
VISIT OUR SHOWROOM FOR QUALITY DESIGNER LIGHTING December 2016
To advertise, please call 01483 420173
29
<29
JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD
33>
group of volunteers whose efforts ensure this end of year favourite retains its warmth, welcome and popularity. Seasonal refreshments will be available, and there will be plenty of other attractions to enjoy, including a toy workshop and a model railway display. Tickets are £11.50 for children and £7 for adults. To book, call 01252 79557. Further information at www.rural-life.org.uk .Booking is essential. The Centre is on Reeds Road between Tilford and Frensham, three miles south of Farnham, off the A287. The Museum itself will not be open during Santa Specials.
will include many well-known songs, Christmas classics and audience carols. Tickets for Saturday are Adults £10 and Children (under 16) £4. The second concert is performed by the award-winning Surrey Hills adult choirs only, the Singers and Chamber Choir, and will be held on Sunday at 8pm at St Nicolas Church, Guildford. This stunning candlelit concert will include highlights from Handel’s Messiah, as well as many Christmas songs and carols. Tickets for Sunday are Adults £12 and Children £5 (under 16). For further information and tickets visit www.surreyhills-choirs.co.uk.
Christmas with Home & Vintage Saturday 10th December 10am-3pm Pop along to a beautiful winter fair at Grayswood Village Hall in the lovely village of Grayswood. Shop to the sounds of Christmas carols with the aromas of cinnamon spice whilst surrounded by lots of treasures including Christmas decorations, fresh flowers wreaths and beautiful gifts for that someone special. The candle lit tea room will be serving mulled wine and mince pies alongside traditional tea and cake. Dogs on leads welcome with a treat on the door. £1 entry under 14’s free.
Festive Cruises on The Wey & Arun Canal 11th, 18th, 21st, 22nd and 23rd December Bookings are already being taken for the extremely popular Santa Cruises which will be running in December. Trips depart at 11am, 12 noon and 2pm and cost £10 per person to include festive refreshments and a gift from Santa for all children under 12 years of age. New for 2016 is a Santa Cruise for the Grownups on Friday 16th December, 7.30 – 9pm. Santa tells us that Christmas is not just for the children and invites adults to join him for a 90 minute trip along the canal whilst enjoying a glass of mulled wine with snacks, and seasonal sing-along music. Santa will also have a small gift for everyone! Tickets cost £15 per person. On Boxing Day and New Year’s Day festive trips depart at 11am, 12 noon and 2pm. Tickets: £5 for adults; £2.50 for children. Booking in advance is essential for all the trips. Full details are available on the website and bookings can be made online. Alternatively call The Wey & Arun Canal Trust Office on 01403 752403 or email office@weyandarun.co.uk. Also www. weyandarun.co.uk.
Surrey Hills Christmas Concerts Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th December 6.30pm Due to popular demand, the Surrey Hills choirs will again be holding two Christmas concerts this year, both with their own individual atmosphere. The Family concert, on Saturday, featuring all four Surrey Hills Choirs - Training Choir, Young Voices, Singing and Chamber Choir - is a concert for all the family and will be held at Cranleigh Village Hall. The programme
“Friendly and caring private dental practice”
Make this Christmas sparkle!
Tooth whitening for just £195 –vouchers available Elstead Dental Surgery, The Green, Elstead, GU8 6HA Tel. 01252 702477 www.elsteaddentalsurgery.co.uk 30
To advertise, please call 01483 420173
vantagepointmag.co.uk
Woodland conservation and hand-crafted furniture go hand-in-hand with Mervyn Mewis, says Phil Kemp Furniture is all around us, and although we take it for granted our homes simply wouldn’t be homes without it. We also live in the most heavily wooded county in the country, and again we take all that living wood for granted. Don’t we? But it’s here that the magic starts – especially if your name is Mervyn Mewis of Green Wood Works, who seamlessly has melded together the management of local woodlands and the crafting of hand-made furniture, and in the process has actively contributed to the conservation of our natural spaces. “I got involved in woodland conservation 20 years ago and at the time posed the question as to what we make from our local woodlands,” explained Mervyn, standing by a crackling brazier adorned with a pot of steaming fresh coffee. “The answers to my question included making firewood, charcoal and hurdles. And after that there was a lot of head-scratching. So that got me thinking and I started looking around to see what we could actually make from our woodlands, and at the same time promote their management and get people interested and as fascinated as I am in this historic process of using timber.” Now, given that the brazier we were standing next to was made from the drum of an old washing machine Mervyn had salvaged, I very quickly had the feeling that my visit to his rural workshops in the grounds of The Birtley Estate in Bramley was going to be educational all the way! I wasn’t wrong. “I was doing volunteer conservation work and trees started following me home, dead wood everywhere, with bits of trees on the patio. That’s where I started making smallscale furniture, and chairs in particular. For me there’s a lot of interpretation coming direct from the tree. You can use natural December 2016
shape and form, and you can fashion timber to your needs.” We were now standing close to a collection of beautifully crafted chairs lined up by the tools that Mervyn uses at his open-fronted workshops, and which of course were also handbuilt from local timber. It is at these workshops that he also runs courses in practical furniture making.
To advertise, please call 01483 420173
31
The final process involved using a large ungainly-looking wooden frame. I watched as Mervyn stood behind it as he secured the billet horizontally in front of him.
“I only use native hardwood timbers, especially ash and oak. I’ve more recently introduced sweet chestnut, and I use some yew for decorative purposes. In helping manage local woodlands I work with independent specialist woodworkers and those that specialise in tree work and woodland management – and this provides the raw material that I use for my teaching.” I asked Mervyn to lead me through the process of taking a freshly cut log and crafting this into one of his elegant chairs. We started at the splitting log where he skilfully wields a hand axe to prepare the wood for working into a chair leg. “I have a side axe, which is bevelled to one side and not evenly balanced, and with this I’m putting a series of depth cuts into the green unseasoned timber, and shaving off the hard corners,” explained Mervyn, the axe a blur in his hand. “We then move over to the draw horse for the next step.” He stepped over to a long wooden low bench and sitting at one end placed the partly formed leg on to a raised shelf set at an angle in front of him. Before reaching for a double-handed blade, Mervyn pushed his feet forward on to the bench’s treadle securing the wood in to position. “It looks a bit like a horse, some people call it a draw bench, but it is in effect a vice which holds the wood when I use opposing pressure to clamp it up with my feet,” said Mervyn demonstrating how effective this very traditional woodworking tool is. “I then start using the knife to pull through the fibres of the timber, drawing the blade towards me each time – hence this being called a draw knife. Very simple, very effective. Isn’t that brilliant – and isn’t it a wonderful sound?” It was, and in Mervyn’s experienced hands the chair leg very quickly started to take shape. I asked how easy it is for a complete novice to come along to one of his furniture-making courses and get to grips with the tools and methods.
“This is a pole lathe, so-called because the traditional drive mechanism is a springy pole attached to the ground at one end, with the other end popped up in the air and to which is attached a string that works with a foot treadle to bend it up and down. Depressing your foot on the treadle pulls the pole down, releasing it lets the pole spring back up – and in the process it spins the billet backwards and forwards on the lathe.” Mervyn then placed a chisel-shaped wood turning tool against the spinning piece of wood, and started gouging the billet which quickly took the full shape and form of the leg destined for his chair. “It takes me about 20 minutes to fashion a leg from start to finish,” said Mervyn. “For a new student it’ll take longer than that of course. Those that come along are interested in learning the processes, and I hear time and time again their nervousness. ‘I don’t know how to do this.’ And I say: ‘That’s exactly why you are here – let’s begin!’” In the short hour I was with Mervyn he impressed me with his strong commitment for woodland conservation, his undoubted ability in turning locally grown timber into practical items of beauty, and perhaps most of all by his knowledge and infectious enthusiasm that undoubtedly rubs off on his students. If you want to know about local woodland conservation, learn how to make furniture – or have friends and neighbours jealously admire the new set of hand-crafted chairs in your house – then Mervyn Mewis is the man to see. Phil Kemp is a freelance writer and photographer based in Godalming. www.weyriver.co.uk
FIND OUT MORE Please visit the Green Wood Works pages at www.birtleyestate.co.uk. Email: mwmmusic@hotmail.co.uk
“I tell my students when they start working with me that these aren’t complex processes. How do you make a chair? There are three or four different processes, all of which can be picked up by anybody. A certain amount of hand to eye coordination is useful, but you don’t need to be physically strong so long as you have the will to do it.” Mervyn released the wood from the draw horse and held it up for me to examine. “There we have a fashioned billet – ready to go up on the lathe.” 32
To advertise, please call 01483 420173
vantagepointmag.co.uk
<30 JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD Farnham Chamber Music Club Sunday 11th December The club is looking for singers and instrumentalists to join them in friendly small group music-making sessions, with opportunities, for those who wish to do so, to perform at the monthly informal concerts. These are held at Quinnettes, in Churt, on a Sunday evening. The next concert will be on 11th December and visitors will be made very welcome. Afterwards, there will be an opportunity to meet members and partake of some festive refreshments. See www.fcmc.org.uk for further information. Farnham Christmas Market Sunday 11th December 10.30am Share a celebration of the real meaning of Christmas during the Christmas Market! As Farnham town centre is filled with people enjoying the market, Farnham United Reformed Church will be stepping outdoors on to their forecourt to share the Christmas story with people around them in a very special outdoor service celebrating the birth of Jesus. It takes place at Farnham URC, South Street, just opposite Sainsbury’s. St Thomas-on-The Bourne – Christmas Music Starting Sunday 11th December There will be a feast of Christmas Music at St Thomas-on-The Bourne in Farnham for regular church-goers and visitors alike. There’s a Christingle service for children on 11th December; the traditional Nine Lessons and Carols in the evening of 18th December; Crib services and Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve; ending up with a final celebration on Christmas Day morning. A
December 2016
34>
Christmas CD, recorded by the choir in 2013, is available. “I can promise you some great Christmas music at all of these services, sung really well, for all to listen to, join in and be inspired by” said Robert Lewis, the Director of Music. “You might enjoy it so much that you want to join us permanently!” Further details of services and music can be found at the parish website www.thebourne. org.uk . Anyone interested in joining the choir is invited to contact Robert Lewis at director@stthomaschoir.co.uk. The West Surrey Wine Society Monday 12th December The December meeting will take place on Monday 12th at The Conservative Club, Ivy Lane, Farnham, GU9 7PQ. Please note that this is the second Monday of the month and not the usual third Monday. Also, to make it a seasonal social occasion, the ‘Welcome Wines’, and canapés, will be available from 7pm. As usual the meeting proper will start at 8 pm when Helen Evans, from the Enjoy Discovering Wine Team, will give a presentation entitled ‘Pairing Food and Wine’. Helen has worked since March 2011 with ‘Enjoy Discovering Wine’, which was the Wine & Spirit Education Trust’s ‘Wine Educators of the Year’ in 2013. She is qualified to WSET Level 3 and teaches WSET Level 1 & 2 courses. The West Surrey Wine Society is a wine appreciation society that meets on the third Monday of the month in central Farnham. Many, if not most, of the 60 or so members joined with little or no knowledge of wines - just a liking for the product! The meetings start at 7.30pm with a glass of ‘Welcome Wine’ and the meeting proper starts at 8pm, generally taking the form of a tutored tasting. For further information on the Society contact Gerald Hackemer on 01252 793684.
To advertise, please call 01483 420173
33
<33 JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD The Meath Epilepsy Charity Concert Monday 12th December 7pm This year, their Carol Concert, held at the beautiful St. Clement Danes in The Strand, will be heralding in the Charity’s 125th anniversary - a really important milestone in their history. To help celebrate, they are once again looking forward to welcoming the wonderful Band of the Honourable Artillery Company, alongside their special guest soloist, the up and coming young mezzo soprano Anna Huntley. The Choir of King Edward’s School from Witley are also returning, with of course, the beautiful voices of St Clement Danes’ own Choir to lead the carolling. Voices from their own ‘Backstage’ Expressive Arts Group will be joining members from the Godalming Jazz Choir in their very own tribute to the festive season, and they invite you to join them for a glass of bubbles and homemade mince pies from their own Café Meath at the close of the Concert. Tickets at £15 each are available through the website www.meath.org. uk or by contacting anns@meath.org.uk. Farnham Afternoon Townswomen’s Guild Tuesday 13th December 1.30pm The Christmas meeting of F.A.T.G. is in the Methodist Church Hall, South Street. Please note it will start at 1.30pm which is earlier than usual so that there is plenty of time for drawing the bumper raffle and chatting whilst nibbling mince pies, etc. There will be a special bring and buy table to raise money for national ‘TG does Comic Relief’ appeal, and entertainment from Geoff Hiscott. To find out more about Townswomen’s Guild visit the national website at www.the-tg.com or for more information about the local guild, phone 01252 726015 or 712503, email zelbob@aol. com or just go along to a meeting. By the way, we at Vantage Point are most grateful for your kind comments and Christmas wishes which are very much reciprocated. Voices Together Community Choir Tuesday 13th December 7.30pm You are invited to their annual Christmas Concert at St. Andrew’s Church Farnham. This year they welcome The Jazz Band of Farnham Music and Drama as their special guests. Their programme of well known Christmas and winter tunes will surely get you into the swing for Christmas. There will be a retiring collection in aid of a local charity (no tickets). More information can be found on www.farnhamvoicestogether.uk. Cobbett’s Wey Decorative and Fine Arts Society Wednesday 14th December 7.30pm This month’s talk by David Phillips is entitled ‘Is Christmas in The LOCAL Independent Choice for ALL Your WINDOWS, DOORS & CONSERVATORIES Giving a Family Service Since 1992 to Our Private and Trade Customers
• PVCu - Timber - Aluminium Tel: 01483 894489 • Bespoke Conservatories www.bramleywindows.co.uk • Soffits & Fascias The Tannery, Tannery Lane, Gosden Common, • Guttering & Cladding Bramley, Guildford GU5 0AB • Highest Quality of Workmanship • Full 10 Year Insurance Backed Guarantee • Genuine Customer Care with a Relaxed Approach
34
37>
Good Taste?’ David will review some wonderful and some awful historic and modern Christmas imagery to explore the extent to which Christmas is in good taste. The talk is held at Farnham College, Morley Road, Farnham GU9 8LU. Visitors (£7) are most welcome and refreshments will be served after the talk. For more information contact Kay on 01252 793811 or email farnhameveningdfas@gmail.com. Grayshott Gardeners Wednesday 14th December 8pm Andy McIndoe is known to many as a Director of Hillier Garden Centres, where he has been responsible for 25 consecutive Gold Medal winning gardens at Chelsea. He is also an author and TV personality and will be giving a talk entitled ‘Beautiful English Gardens’ at Grayshott Village Hall. Doors open at 7pm with refreshments available and the talk will start at 8pm. Visitors and new members are always welcome to join this active club with its programme of talks, visits, Spring and Sumer Shows and a very popular Annual Plant Sale. For further information on Grayshott Gardeners have a look at their website www. grayshottgardeners.net, email info@grayshottgardeners.net or call 01428 604449. United Quilters Wednesday 14th December 2pm-4pm They meet usually on the second Wednesday afternoon of each month at The United Reformed Church, South Street, Farnham GU9 7QU. Their full programme of events includes speakers, workshops, master classes and charity projects. All ages and abilities are most welcome as indeed are visitors. For further details contact the Secretary at janerothery@hotmail.com. The Bourne WI Thursday 15th December Francis Fry is going to entertain and amuse everyone with an evening of ‘Christmas Stories and Music’ followed by mince pies, coffee and chat. Do go and join them as they embrace the start of the festive season. All new members and visitors are most welcome. For more information contact Gail on 01252 735751 or email thebournewi@gmail.com. The Wey & Arun Canal Trust As you know, we take a big interest in developments on the canal so we were fascinated to learn how a recent problem with choking weed was resolved. Apparently, part of the canal was becoming choked with a water fern called Azolla Filliculoides, considered one of the most invasive plants in the country. The solution to the problem was found with the introduction of twelve thousand two millimetre-long North American weevils that nibbled away at a carpet of vegetation on the canal, clearing the non-native water fern in just a few weeks. There is now no sign of the weed! Individually, the weevils consume a small amount of Azolla, but they breed to produce large populations which feed extensively on the weed. Across the UK, entire infected lakes and canals have been cleared using this form of biological control. FarnhamLoveYoga You can develop your own Yoga practice by dropping in to open sessions and making a donation. Donations from members of FarnhamLoveYoga attending the open sessions cover the costs for yoga classes for vulnerable adults. Fiona, who runs
To advertise, please call 01483 420173
vantagepointmag.co.uk
GARDENING
With Beth Otway
in 1762 by Princess Augusta at Kew gardens. Ginkgos, a favourite of herbal medicine, are a prehistoric tree species that grew during the time of the dinosaurs. Often referred to as a living fossil, it’s amazing that the Gingko has survived to give us an insight into the plants that grew on our planet one hundred million years ago.
Christmas
at Kew
With the shorter daylight hours that winter brings, every moment outdoors feels like a gift. Spending your time outside in beautiful surroundings, with friends or family, can make the moment even more precious. If you’re looking to find some winter inspiration, there’s nowhere better to visit than the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew. Kew offers so much to its visitors at every time of year. During winter you might enjoy walking amongst the trees or you may wish to quietly recharge your batteries by the lake. You can also visit the Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art, the Marianne North Gallery, and the sculptures created by Henry Moore and Eduardo Paolozzi, that reside in the gardens. With 132 hectares of landscaped gardens, Kew is a great place to explore. If you’re interested in bees, you might want to visit The Hive, an immersive multi-sensory experience, which was installed at Kew earlier this year. The Hive was designed by Wolfgang Buttress, who was inspired by scientific research into the health of bees. The Hive has been designed to reflect the real time energy of a colony of bees residing in a beehive, located behind the scenes at Kew. Each moment you experience inside The Hive will be filled with the collective energy of the bees within Kew’s beehive.
Kew’s Holly Walk offers seasonal inspiration; if the weather’s chilly, warm up inside the Palm House, where you’ll find a wonderland of plants from the Americas, Africa, Asia, Australasia, and other exotic locations, growing together inside this iconic glasshouse, the basement of which houses the Marine Aquarium. The Princess of Wales Conservatory is home to real life water dragons, rare and diverse plant collections, including carnivorous, tropical and sub tropical plants. The lower level features viewing windows, showing the depths of the glasshouses’ pond, and the fish that reside there. The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew is a magical place to visit at any time of year, but from the 23rd November until the 2nd January 2017, Christmas at Kew offers visitors the chance to experience Kew after dark, where you’ll find the gardens lit up by a vast array of illuminations created by renowned lighting artists from across Europe. Along the mile long path that sparkles with light, you’ll find botanically inspired installations, alongside fire garden displays, and interactive experiences, which make Christmas at Kew very special indeed. Christmas at Kew also features vintage rides, festive food and drinks, as well as Santa and his elves. Tickets are available in advance; please visit www.kew.org for all the details.
See over for Beth’s Christmas gift ideas...
Autumn and winter unclothe the leaves of deciduous trees, revealing the beauty of the trees’ architecture and displaying their bark and stature. There are around 14,000 trees at Kew, making this a great place to reconnect with nature, and relax in the serene, quiet, refined beauty that’s found at the start of winter. If you or your children are interested in the Jurassic period, you might enjoy visiting the first ever Ginkgo biloba to be grown in Britain, this specimen was planted December 2016
Clockwise from above: Ginko tree; a Water Dragon; the Palm House. All by Beth Otway
To advertise, please call 01483 420173
35
GARDENING GIFTS
With Beth Otway
Books are wonderful presents. This year my book recommendation is Botanicum from Big Picture Press, a wonderful and truly beautiful book that’s certain to delight the whole family. This autumn, I received a very special gift of a standard holly from some dear friends. I am thrilled with the tree - Ilex ‘Nellie R. Stevens’, a lovely female holly with glossy leaves and orange-red berries, purchased from Squire’s Garden Centre in Milford. Over the past couple of years, I have bought some beautiful hand-made Christmas decorations from Sarah Beevers at the Loseley Christmas Fair. Sarah also makes botanical themed jewellery and pieces inspired by nature, for more information visit www. etsy.com/shop/sarahbeeversdesign I feel such an uplifting, happy sensation when I find the perfect gift. I have been busy testing out products, searching for special gifts for gardeners. Here are my recommendations: Membership of a horticultural society would make a super present. There are many friendly gardening societies who meet regularly across Surrey, where you can learn about gardening and make new friends. If you’re looking for a society near you, or a friend or relation, visit www.surreyhorticulturalfederation.org I love growing Sweet Peas. For many years now I have used Deep Rootrainers, from Haxnicks, to sow my Sweet Pea seeds, with great results. The Rootrainers Racking Station is a super space saver; it holds eight of the Rootrainers seed trays over two levels. The Rootrainers Racking Station lifts the trays up, making the plants easier to tend. If you or a friend would like to make your own Sweet Pea wigwam, why not book onto a course with Nicki from Willow and Yoga. Nicki’s workshop is nestled in a small woodland, near Dorking in Surrey, where Nicki offers courses using a selection of different willows to make traditionally woven baskets, bird feeders, Willow balls, hearts, sculptures, Christmas decorations, wreaths and gifts. Living willow courses are available during February and March. Full day courses include materials, tea, cake, and home-made soup with bread and cheese. Gluten free and vegetarian diets are catered for. If you’re looking for a gift for someone who enjoys traditional crafts, membership of the South of England Hedge Laying Society might be the perfect present. The society holds regular training events in coppicing and hedge laying, with an annual Hedge Laying Competition.
36
A wonderful gift at Christmas, or at any time of year, is the gift of garden membership. The recipient of your gift will enjoy unlimited visits during opening times, with many gardens offering other exclusive, member-only benefits. We are fortunate to have so many glorious gardens open to us; it’s important to support gardens and charitable organisations, to ensure we protect these beautiful spaces of historical and horticultural importance, their plant collections, horticultural knowledge and training opportunities, for future generations. Many gardens offer gift membership. You’ll find details of gardens in Surrey, Hampshire and West Sussex offering garden membership on my website. I’ve used hundreds of pairs of secateurs; the only secateurs I recommend are Felco secateurs. Felco offer full servicing for their secateurs, replacing any parts, and posting the secateurs back as good as new a wonderful surprise present! Reusable Velcro plant ties are a great stocking filler, ideal for very young, or older hands that struggle with knots. Christmas is the season of goodwill. Why not volunteer to help in a friend or relation’s garden. Gardening is uplifting; it’s heartwarming to share the experience and the joy. Happy Christmas!
FIND OUT MORE For gardening advice for the month ahead, ideas and inspiration for indoor gardening, details and reviews of these gifts, more super ideas for Christmas gifts, and much more besides, visit my website www.pumpkinbeth.com. All images by Beth Otway.
To advertise, please call 01483 420173
vantagepointmag.co.uk
<34 JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD FarnhamLoveYoga is passionate about the therapeutic benefits of Yoga and wants to give the many vulnerable adults locally, access to what can enormously improve their quality of life. For a variety of reasons those who could get most out of Yoga often think it isn’t for them or have mobility, financial or other issues that prevent them from discovering it. Fiona teaches 10 Yoga classes a week voluntarily within the community. Organisations like the CAB and local care homes can book her for classes and consultations. If you are interested there are two ‘open sessions’ per week in the beautiful underfloor heated studio at 58 Greenhill Way, Farnham GU9 8SZ: Yoga Practice - Thursday 6pm-8pm, where Fiona will be on hand to guide and to share ideas. Meditation Practice - Sunday 6pm-8pm, after some gentle movement, there will be chanting to help bring us to silence and stillness. In both sessions you can leave a donation in the basket. You can come and go at any time during the session, but are asked to do so quietly. For more information, check out www.farnhamloveyoga.com or call Fiona on 07735 296420.
40>
Transform your garden into an amazing outdoor space
Gardening for Vitality this Christmas Thursday 15th December 10am Join other people living with dementia and their carers on Thursday 15th and create your own festive centrepiece for your table. You will gather leaves, cones and berries from the garden at the Woodlarks Centre and then head inside for coffee and creativity! A friendly, relaxed group led by Right at Home GF. Call 01252 783426 or visit goo.gl/p3fO34. For more information. Christmas Cookery with Stu Henshall, 2015 Great British Bake Off Friday 16th December, 3.30pm-5.30pm Stu Henshall was a contestant on 2015’s Great British Bake Off and has since been giving demos and talks on his move from touring musician to food and is currently in pre-production for his own series for The Alternative Kitchen. Join in with the cookery demonstrations, the whole family welcome. Limited availability - book your place now. Sandy Hill Community Bungalow, 130 Upper Hale Road, Farnham, GU9 0LR. Call 01252 722362 or email sandyhillbungalow@gmail.com. Grayshott Folk Club Christmas Special Friday 16th December 7.30pm The Churchfitters will be returning to perform their ‘Christmas Cracker’ at Grayshott Folk Club. Last time they visited, in December 2014, they were trialling their very special and unique Christmas show, which has now evolved into a full blown and brilliant seasonal celebration. You know it will be fun and will feature the brilliant musicianship of Rosie Short; if anyone was born to perform, it was her. She will be accompanied on Fiddle by her brother Chris and the slightly wacky but hugely lovable French connection that is Boris - Expect the unexpected! Tickets to this event are strictly limited to allow the audience members to sit at large tables together and they invite you to bring along your own food and table decorations. They will supply complimentary mince pies and crackers and as usual they will have a fully licensed pay bar including mulled wine. Tickets are £15 each and will be available from their local Box Offices (Grayshott Post Office, Grayshott Wine Centre and Haslemere Bookshop), but if you want to secure your ticket in plenty of time, call Des O’Byrne on 01428 607096. December 2016
We plan, design & construct stunning garden landscapes & outdoor areas. Let us create something special for you & your family to enjoy. Our fresh approach & our expertise from creating award-winning gardens gives you access to showstopping designs, whatever the scale of your project. • Landscaping
• Decking & Steel Work
• Planting
• Water Features
• Patios & Stone Work
• Outdoor Play Areas
Contact us for a free, no obligation estimate: 01306 611 231 email: info@boardman-gelly.co.uk
Award Winning Garden Design & Construction
www.boardman-gelly.co.uk Festive Greetings and a Happy New Garden
To advertise, please call 01483 420173
37
Chocolate delights So who does not love chocolate? It is one of those magical things - in small doses of course. My step-father used to swear by Cadbury’s, something my French mother never really understood. So convinced was she that French or Belgian chocolate was vastly superior, a few years ago she organised a grand chocolate tasting amongst their friends in South Africa where they lived but she failed to get much support! Happily palates have changed and there is now a much better appreciation of top quality chocolate alongside the traditional old family favourites. As you will see in our interview with Mike Noble from Noble & Stace on page 9, excellent chocolates are now even being made here in the south-east of England. From wines to chocolates, who would have thought it? Here are a few recipes for Christmas. Some of these would make great gifts as well... if you don’t end up eating them all. SR
Ginger Caramel Crunch
caramel and cream mixture onto the chocolate, let it sit for a couple of minutes and then combine. Once the mixture has cooled to 35d C stir in 20g salted butter, the crunch from step 1 and ground ginger to taste – start with just a pinch!
From Mike Noble www.nobleandstace.co.uk
3. Cut the ganache – pour the ganache into a lined tin so it’s approximately 1cm thick and leave somewhere cool to set. Once it’s firm, cut into small cubes and separate out on a piece of greaseproof paper, leaving overnight at room temperature to dry. 4.Dip – Temper approximately 500g of good quality dark chocolate then using a dipping fork, coat each ganache square before placing on a greaseproof sheet to cool. Decorate each with a piece of crystallised ginger if you wish!
Cherry Surprise Chocolates From Lakeland www.lakeland.co.uk
Ingredients 120g sugar, 27g glucose syrup, 610g good quality dark chocolate, 110g white chocolate, 160g double cream, 20g salted butter, crystallised ginger (optional). Makes approximately 40 chocolates Method: 1. Make the caramel crunch – put 50g of sugar and 20g of glucose syrup into a heavy based saucepan over a medium heat. Cook until it’s amber in colour and then immediately pour onto an oven safe silicon mat that’s on a heat resistant surface. Leave to cool and then break up into fine pieces in a processor. 2. Make the ganache – put 110g of good quality dark chocolate and 110g of white chocolate into a bowl and set aside. Measure out 160g of double cream and 7g of glucose syrup into a microwave-safe bowl and bring to the boil – set aside. Now put 28g of water and 70g of sugar into a heavy based saucepan, stir and heat gently until it turns a rich amber in colour. Take off the heat and very carefully pour in the warm cream, a little at a time and stirring continously. It will spit and steam a lot at this stage so take extra care! Then pour the 38
Ingredients 225g icing sugar, sifted, 1 tbsp liquid glucose, 1 tsp cherry liqueur, small jar of maraschino cherries (you will need 20 cherries and some of the liquid), 400g white or milk chocolate, roughly chopped. Makes 20 chocolates Method: 1. Place a chocolate mould in the fridge 20 minutes before starting. 2. Make a fondant filling; mix together the icing sugar,
To advertise, please call 01483 420173
vantagepointmag.co.uk
RECIPES liquid glucose, cherry liqueur and 3 tsp of the liquid from the maraschino cherry jar, reserve. 3. Place 50g of the chocolate into a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water. Melt the chocolate very slowly, stirring all the time. Remove the chocolate from the heat. 4. Take the mould from the refrigerator and fill a third of each shape with chocolate; using a small paint brush, spread the chocolate up the sides of the shapes until all covered. Return the mould to the fridge for about 10 minutes. Once set, check to see if there are any gaps in the chocolate; if so, fill them in with melted chocolate and chill again to set. 5. Add a cherry to each chocolate and top with cherry filling, leaving space for a layer of chocolate. Refrigerate until the filling is firmer; when firm to touch, melt the remaining chocolate and pour on top of the filling, so that it comes level with the sides of each shape and completes the chocolate. 6. Return to the fridge for about 30 minutes until completely hardened. When ready, gently flex the moulds to release the chocolates and store in a cool dry place.
3. In a souffle dish or individual ramekins, arrange a layer of macaroons, soaked in a little rum or brandy; over these pour a layer of the chocolate cream, then put another layer of macaroons and so on until the dish is full, finishing with macaroons. Leave the dish in a cold place for at least 12 hours.
Cinnamon and chocolate stars From Jessica Haggertyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Brighton Bakes (The Book Guild)
St Emilion au Chocolat From Elizabeth Davidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s French Country Cooking (Penguin) Pinterest
Sprinkled prettily over your tablecloth, these make the perfect pick-up-and-munch treat. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re also very useful as Christmas tree decorations. An all-purpose, buttery, crumbly biscuit then - simple, but all the better for it. Ingredients 150g self-raising flour, 150g plain flour, 2tsp ground cinnamon, 125g butter, 100g sugar, 1 egg, beaten, 100g chocolate. Makes 24 biscuits
Ingredients 125g butter, 125g sugar 125g, 1 teacup milk, 1 egg, 250g dark chocolate,12-16 macaroons, a tot of rum or brandy. Serves 4-6 Method: 1. Cream the butter and the sugar until they are well amalgamated. Scald the milk and let it cool, then mix it with the yolk of the egg. 2. Melt the chocolate in a bain marie with a very little water, then stir in the milk and egg mixture, then the butter and sugar. Stir this cream carefully until it is absolutely smooth. December 2016
Method: 1. Preheat the oven to 160C, gas mark 3. 2. Sift the flours and cinnamon together in a large bowl. 3. In a separate bowl, mix the butter and sugar with a wooden spoon until smooth. Add the egg and mix well. 4. Combine both the dry and wet ingredients and mix into a firm dough. 5. Lightly flour the work surface, turn out the dough and knead it lightly until smooth, making sure not to overwork it or your biscuits will be tough. Roll to a 5mm thickness. 6. Use a star cutter (or indeed any that take your fancy) to cut into shapes and place on a greased oven tray. Bake for 10-15 minutes until light golden. Cool on a rack. 7. Melt your chocolate in a bowl set over a pan of gently bubbling water. Dip your stars in the chocolate or drizzle it over them decoratively. Place back on the rack to harden.
To advertise, please call 01483 420173
39
Bumper Scuff Repairs Dent Removal Paintwork Scratches & Chips Alloy Wheel Scuffs
T: 01252 560780 / 07967 778232 or www.smart-pro.co.uk Have you ever returned to your car and found it to be damaged? Maybe a small, but annoying dent, caused by a door being opened against it? A scrape from another driver’s parking error? A vandal scratch on the paint work? Or maybe you have misjudged a gateway, brushed a kerb with an alloy wheel, or scuffed a bumper corner? Smart Pro offers a mobile dent removal and paint repair service, specialising in small to medium area repairs, to body shop standard, at your home or place of work. Most repairs take only a few hours to complete and cost less than your insurance excess! The customer of this Honda Jazz was facing an insurance claim, which would have resulted in the bumper being replaced and the loss of their £250 excess. Smart Pro was able to repair the damage for much less than the excess and with no insurance claim on their record!
<37 JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD Make a Festive Bauble Saturday 17th December 10am to 12.30pm Here’s is a rather nice thing for the little ones to do pre Christmas. They can design and create their own special decorative bauble using tissue paper collage and embellishments to hang on your tree year after year. All materials are included in the cost of £18. Apparently it’s ideal for children from 7 to 12 years. You can find out more by emailing info@aliceandginny.co.uk and I assume you can book by calling Farnham Maltings at 01252 745444 or going to www.farnhammaltings.com. The Waverley Singers Saturday 17th December 7.30pm They are giving a concert of Christmas songs and Carols in St Andrew’s Church Farnham. This annual celebration of carols for both choir and audience and readings has become well known for the wonderful Christmas atmosphere it brings to the people of Farnham and surrounding areas. The retiring collection is being donated to Arthritis Research UK - Farnham Branch. Contact the Waverley Singers for tickets at www.ticketsource.co.uk or see their website for further details. They look forward to seeing you. Incidentally, the choir is launching a new Scholarship Scheme for choral singers aged 18-26. Initial applications are welcomed by 19th December to start in January 2017. Further information about this exciting opportunity can be found on the choir’s website www. waverleysingers.com/scholarships.htm.
December 2016
44>
Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Navigators We received a letter recently and thought it best to publish it in full. “This week I met with some of Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Navigators and I wanted to share with your readers the importance of post-diagnostic support for people affect by dementia – not just the person with dementia, but their carers, family and friends. Receiving a diagnosis of dementia can be a difficult and emotional time. It can be hard to come to terms with it and know what to do next. The charity’s Dementia Navigators act as a guide to help people to find the best support for them. They provide accurate, accessible information to help people with dementia and their carers make informed decisions. To find out more about Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Navigators in Surrey, call the charity on 01932 855582”. Jeremy Hunt MP South West Surrey Coffee and mince pies at the Sunflower Café Monday 19th December The Sunflower Cafe is a great place to meet other family carers who care for someone living with dementia. If you haven’t been yet, why not pop in on Monday 19th when there will be coffee and mince pies as well as the usual dementia-friendly activities. Call 01252 783426 for more details or visit goo. gl/5xVBCv. Farnham DFAS Tuesday 20th December 10.30am Their next lecture at Farnham Maltings is ‘Singe We Yule’ by Sarah Deere-Jones. Go along and hear Sarah’s hauntingly beautiful voice in conjunction with her medieval harps, the
To advertise, please call 01483 420173
41
WALK - Two National Trust walks This month we have a couple of short walks. The first takes in panoramic views from Leith Hill tower and the countryside surrounding Leith Hill Place, composer Ralph Vaughan Williamsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; former childhood home. The woods are stunning in autumn as the leaves on the trees change colour. The second takes in the beautiful landscape immortalised in Turnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s paintings at Petworth Park. Both are dog friendly.
Leith Hill woodland walk 1. From either of the Windy Gap car parks, head south using the track adjacent to the cottage, following the orange waymarkers. 2. This track leads you down through the woodland where, in the autumn, you can hear roving flocks of woodland birds including nuthatches, coal tits and treecreepers. The Woodland Trail offers a lovely walk at all times of year with autumn being particularly stunning due to the the turning colours of the trees. 3. At the junction of tracks take the second left through the Lime Avenue, planted as part of the original estate landscape. The path takes you past the walled garden on the right and to the road where you should turn left carefully heading down the road for 55yd (50m) before heading right into the farmland over the stile. 4. Follow straight ahead in front of Leith Hill Place on your right and admire the stunning views across the parkland and southwards over the Weald onto the ridge of the South Downs. Pass through the kissing gate and cross the second field to the gate
just below the pond. Once through the gate you will pass through woodland. Bear right and follow the straight track ahead of you. 5. Follow this track which bends right and heads uphill. Bear right, following the signs which lead you through the rhododendron wood and up through the car park to the road. 6. Turn right from the car park and then left up a couple of steps, being careful when crossing the road. Once across the road follow the path heading left up alongside the sandstone wall. This path will lead you all the way up through woodland to the tower. This fortified folly marks the highest point in south-east England and was built in 1765 by Richard Hull of Leith Hill Place. Crowning the summit of the hill and standing 965ft (317m) above sea level, it has impressive 360 degree views from the top, north to London and south to the English Channel. Amazingly, on a clear day up to 13 counties can be seen. 7. Reward yourself with some light refreshments from the servery whilst enjoying the stunning views of inner London looking north and the English Channel to the south, through Shoreham Gap some 25 miles (40km) away. To learn more about the area, and enjoy the spectacular panoramic view from the top battlements, why not enter the tower. To return to the car park head down from the tower, turning left with your back to the noticeboard following the rail around to the top of the steps. Carefully take the steps back to the car park.
DISTANCE: 2.5 miles OS MAPS: MapLandranger 187; Explorer 146 STARTING POINT: Windy Gap car park, grid ref: TQ139429 42
To advertise, please call 01483 420173
vantagepointmag.co.uk
WALK SPONSORED BY Leith Hill
Petworth House & Park
Petworth Park... through Turner’s eyes 1. To start the trail turn right as you enter the Pleasure Ground and follow the path through the gate to the park, past the kennels (on your right) and towards Lower Pond. 2. After an early morning sketch Turner would go fishing at Lower Pond. While the 3rd Earl of Egremont was used to this daily routine, it landed him in trouble at Tabley House in Cheshire. When commissioned by Sir John Leicester in 1809 for an oil painting of the lake there, he would often be found fishing mid-morning instead, and when pressed he responded that the sketch had already been completed! The finished painting was bought by the 3rd Earl on the death of Sir John, and can be found in the North Gallery in the House. You will still often find fishermen at Lower Pond where there are healthy pike, tench and carp populations. This modern view of Upper Pond, as seen from Petworth House, inspired Turner (1775-1851) time and time again. Petworth House is home to 20 Turner oil paintings, the largest collection outside of the Tate. 3. From the top end of Lower Pond any of the three paths towards Arbour Hill will lead you to Upper Pond. Follow the path to the right of Upper Pond, and stop shortly after the gate. You should have the two spring-fed Stew Ponds ahead of you and a lumpy grass hill on your right. Look across Upper Pond towards the House to see the scene from Turner’s oil painting entitled ‘Dewy Morning’, one of a set of four exhibited in the White Library in the House - this room is open occasionally to visitors, by kind permission of Lord and Lady Egremont. The paintings took over four years to complete due to Turner testing different subjects and compositions. 4. Walk across Mansion Lawn until you are roughly half way between Upper Pond and the House, and then turn around to look back across the lake - this
was the inspiration for ‘Sunset, Fighting Bucks’, which is currently located in the Carved Room in the House. If you visit in late September or October the deer are often seen rutting very close to the House. 5. Petworth House is home to many more Turner oil paintings - 13 in the North Gallery, four in the Carved Room and two in the Red Room. From Mansion Lawn take the gate to the left of the House through to the Pleasure Grounds. Take a right turn to visit the House or a left turn to return to the visitor centre and car park. Open from 7th January to 10th March 2017 at Petworth House, Turner and the Age of British Watercolour offers a rare opportunity to see a major dimension of British art not normally encountered at Petworth and to consider it alongside their renowned collection of oil paintings and sculpture from the same golden period, 1780-1850. Please look out for the feature in the January issue of VantagePoint.
DISTANCE: 2.5 miles OS MAPS: Explorer 121 STARTING POINT: Petworth House car park, grid ref: SU974224
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.
December 2016
To advertise, please call 01483 420173
43
<41 JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD plucked psaltery, hurdy-gurdy, hammered dulcimer and gemshorn, when she presents her life in a medieval manor house at Yuletide. Included are illustrated manuscripts, readings from literature, songs and dance tunes. Then as now, Yuletide was a celebration for some, hardship for others! Non members are very welcome to attend for £5. Contact the membership secretary on 07918 883515. Maltings Marvellous Christmas Club Thursday 22nd and Friday 23rd December 10am to 12.30pm This is suitable for 7 to 13 year olds and is two days of mixed Maltings activities including dance, drama and willow weaving. Dance and Drama: Imagine the perfect winter wonderland and then bring it to life with their professional theatre maker Rebecca, and then learn the latest dance moves ready for all the festive parties! Willow Weaving and Christmas Crafts : have fun making rustic Christmas trees, stars and even reindeer using natural willow, then learn to make your own snow globes and Christmas biscuits on this day of crafty fun. To book, purchase a ticket for the day/s you want and then download, complete and return the Christmas Club information sheet, available from the Box Office. See www.farmhammaltings. com. You can also call 01252 745444. You can pick up a ‘Christmas at the Maltings’ guide which gives information on the full programme of events or go to the website. Saint Petersburg Classic Ballet Monday 26th to Wednesday 28th December On the back of a hugely successful premiere tour last year, the
PLANNING & DESIGN SERVICE Architectural drawings for Extensions, Alterations & New Build Free No Obligation Quotations
Tel: 01483 417555 Mob: 07818 014357
www.architecturesurrey.co.uk www.architecturesurrey.co.uk simonplanning.design@btinternet.com
44
Saint Petersburg Classic Ballet returns to G Live for Christmas. This exciting, youthful and talented company will showcase a spectacular new version of The Nutcracker, with stunning baroque designs, along with the beautiful classic Swan Lake. The company, which was founded by Marina Medvetskaya in 1996, has dancers who have trained at the finest schools under some of Russia’s most esteemed teachers. The company has already garnered magnificent reviews worldwide for performances of its popular repertoire, but the UK press were equally impressed with their interpretation of The Nutcracker and Swan Lake. They will perform The Nutcracker on Monday and Tuesday and Swan Lake on Wednesday. Performances start at 7.30pm with an additional matinee on Tuesday at 2.30pm. Tickets at £32, £37.50 and £42, Unwaged, Students & Over 60’s: £29, £34.50 and £39.Under 16’s: Save £10. Group discounts available. Call 01483 369350 (Monday – Saturday, 10am-6pm) or go to www.GLive.co.uk . Waverley Dowsers Dowsing has all sorts of applications, in the garden, in households where there is unexplained energies that can make people ill and of course in archaeology. They meet in Godalming and non members are welcome. For more information about what they do and the courses they arrange, call Michael Haxletine on 01252 541639 or Geoff Mitchell on 01271 472977. Adult Pottery courses Starting in January These new courses will take place at 318 Ceramics, Farnham Pottery. Get in touch now to register for more information about their January adult pottery courses. They run both day and evening classes in the historic and unique surroundings of Farnham Pottery. Small and supportive classes, suitable for all levels of ability, term time only. Guaranteed to get you hooked! For further information please see their website www.318ceramics.co.uk or call Fiona Knight on 07468 696620. You can also email them at info@318ceramics.co.uk. Petworth’s winter secrets From 3rd January This winter for the first time visitors will be able to see aspects of the mansion in a whole new light as the House and Collections team carry out vital conservation work to the interiors and collection. The Winter Mansion Tours, led by a knowledgeable guide, highlight aspects of the art collection, will reveal ‘behind the scenes’ secrets, and the work that goes into conserving the mansion and collection of nearly 6,000 treasures. Petworth has been home to the same family for 800 years, and the internationally important art collection includes the finest collection of paintings and sculptures within the care of the National Trust. The tours run from 3rd January to 17th March 2017. Please check the website for timings, www. nationaltrust.org.uk. GET IN TOUCH
To send in an entry for Jottings, please email us at jottings@vantagepublishing.co.uk or go online to www.vantagepointmag.co.uk.
To advertise, please call 01483 420173
vantagepointmag.co.uk
BUSINESS CARDS
Aspire Sixteenth_Layout 1 14/01/2013 16:23 Page 1
To advertise here from just £25 per month, please call 01483 661088 or email lauren@vantagepublishing.co.uk. Accounts Book-keeping Tax Returns Payroll VAT
Personal Service, Competitive Pricing, flexible office hours and no VAT to pay ! Tel: John Gardiner FFA FTA on 07795-276426 / 01252-723269 e-mail: jgardiner@aspireaccounting.co.uk
CALLING ALL TRADESMEN! Adver�se here from just £25 per month. Call 01483 418141 for more details.
J E Carpentry
City & Guilds Qualified Carpenter
AQUEOUS
Do your carpets & upholstery need cleaning? • Carpets • Upholstery
• Curtains • Rugs
Professional Carpet & Upholstery Cleaners Call us free on 0800 022 3122 or Mobile 07557 341914
www.aqueousone.co.uk - info@aqueousone.co.uk
BroadbandFix would like to wish all customers past and present a very happy Christmas and look forward to being of further service in 2017
All aspects of Carpentry & Joinery undertaken including Kitchen Fitting, Wardrobes, Space saving cupboards. Tiling, Painting & Decorating. Free Estimates.
Phone, Broadband and WiFi Solu�ons Get your home ready for modern technology! Free es�mates, No call out charge, no job too small by local Ex BT Engineer.
Contact Jack Edmonds on 01276 506838 or email jack.edmonds@virginmedia.com
Call Adrian on 01428 288868 or 07799 105008 www.broadbandfix.co.uk
Fast expert repair of Broadband Speed, Wi-Fi issues and Phone Line faults Solu�ons to stop ‘buffering’ on TVs and mobile devices
Creating the WOW effect
Ovens & More
For the cleaning of Domestic Ovens, Ranges, Hobs & Extractors, AGA/Rayburn & much more……. Ovens from £38, Hobs & Extractors from £15. Also I can clean Showers, Microwaves. Defrost Freezers. Why not get the BBQ, Patio or Garden Furniture cleaned
Fully Insured 14 Years Experience Interior & Exterior
So why not call or e-mail Darren
Tel: 01252 724039 Mob: 07737 664201 email: ljdevaneydecorating@gmail.com
01252 265465
bookings@ovensandmore.co.uk.
Farnham signs Van writing Shop front & 3D Letters Exhibition General signs Illuminated signs Graphic design & Print
Tel: 01428 608153
Mob: 07876 230634
www.jamesgraytreesurgery.co.uk FREE LOGS AVAILABLE
December 2016
Open 6 days a week/ Sat 10-4pm 01252 727306 I 07766 625269 farnhamsigns@gmail.com
www.farnhamsigns.com
To advertise, please call 01483 420173
45
BUSINESS CARDS To advertise here from just £25 per month, please call 01483 661088 or email lauren@vantagepublishing.co.uk.
vens Landscapes e t S & mini Digger Hire
FENCING - DECKING - TURFING RESIN DRIVEWAYS - DRIVEWAYS RUBBISH CLEARANCE
Office: 01252 308592
Mobile: 07769 321087
Windows & Conservatories Gutter Clearing • Patios & Driveways Black spot & Lichen removal Quality assured local service • 100% No Risk Guarantee
01252 408504
GEI Ltd_Layout 1 14/06/2013 09:44 Page 1 www.windowcleaningfarnham.co.uk
Find us on Facebook, Google and Twitter
GEi (UK) Ltd 07988 494922 We provide a fast, efficient, professional, commercial and domestic pest control service in the local area. Rats, Mice, Moles, Wasps, Bees, Squirrels, insects and all other pests destroyed or removed. Call us now: Milford: 01483 429105 Woking: 01483 822204 www.thecountypestcontrol.co.uk
Simon Baynard Landscaping and Gardening Services Experienced and professional Merrist Wood qualified landscape gardener. • Garden maintenance - regular visits or one offs • Hard and soft landscaping • Turfing specialist •Fencing and paving References available
Tel: 07733 330192 Email: sbaines35@hotmail.com
“
HETAS Approved
Chimney Sweeping Services also Provided
01428 643484 07563 618415
www.gei-chimney-sweeps.co.uk
John D Bickley
Fine Cabinet Maker & Joiner 30 years experience, fully qualified, free quotation and references available. • All interior kitchen, bedroom, flooring and household joinery • Exterior garden buildings, fencing and decking • Tiling and painting
Mobile: 07549 910187 Email: johnfeoo@gmail.com www.bespokegardenretreat.com Flat roofing specialist since 1971
My business card advert in VantagePoint magazine generates me around £25,000 worth of business every year... JP Orrin Decorating
”
46
Fully Independent Stove Installers
Family run business
Free Site Survey & Written Quotation High Performance Felt Roofing Single Ply & Seamless Liquid Plastic Mastic Asphalt Roofing, Flooring & Tanking Call 01252 220220 - 01483 651181 - 01730 220006 Email: emma@jonesbrosroofing.co.uk
www.flatroofing.eu
To advertise, please call 01483 420173
vantagepointmag.co.uk
Enter at www.vantagepointmag.co.uk
COMPETITIONS
Please enter online unless otherwise stated. Postal entries can be sent to us at the address given on page three.
WIN A BREAD MAKING DEMONSTRATION AND TASTING IN YOUR OWN HOME
Jack Sturgess from Bake with Jack is offering our readers a bread making demonstration and tasting at your home for up to 6 adults. He will personally come to your kitchen and host a bread making demonstration for you and your friends at your house within the VantagePoint circulation area. Your demonstration will last around 2 hours. He’ll share with you his top tips for baking success, and you’ll have the opportunity to really see what it should look like step-by-step. He will make two of his favourite and most tasty breads, and you’ll finish with a tasting. You’ll be left with a spick and span kitchen and the recipes for you to recreate as you wish. More information at www.bakewithjack.co.uk.
To win, please answer the following: Q: What is the name of Jack’s business? Please enter online at www.vantagepointmag.co.uk by 31st December 2016.
WIN A MEAL FOR TWO AT A RED MIST PUB OF YOUR CHOICE
Red Mist Leisure is a family of outstanding pubs in Surrey and Hampshire, passionate about offering that authentic experience that makes a British pub so great. From field to fork, their attention to detail ensures you will leave wanting to return, whether it’s for a well-earned pint after work or a Sunday roast with the family. Visit www.redmistleisure.co.uk to discover more about the Red Mist world of proper pubs, fantastic food, great beer and happy, smiley people. To win, please answer this question: Q: How many pubs are currently in the Red Mist family?
Please enter online at www.vantagepointmag.co.uk by 31st December 2016. Terms and conditions apply. Winner will receive £50 of vouchers to redeem at a Red Mist pub of their choice. See website for details.
WIN A SILENT POOL GIN AND GLASS GIFT BOX Silent Pool Distillers is based in the Surrey Hills, in an area of outstanding natural beauty. It’s highly skilled team hand-craft an impressive range of gins including Navy Strength, English Rose, a limited-release gin as well as strawberry and blackberry gin cordials, an English rye vodka and Eau de Vies, so you can stock your entire drinks cabinet. They even do the glasses too! Silent Pool Gin is a classic gin at heart. It is full-bodied and fresh, with depth, clarity, and above all else flavour. Produced with 24 unique botanicals, Silent Pool Gin is a rich and clean juniper-driven spirit with floral layers of lavender and chamomile. We have a presentation box to give away containing a bottle of Silent Pool Gin and a wonderful Silent Pool glass worth £55. For stockists please visit www. silentpooldistillers.com. To win, please answer the following question: Q: How many botanicals are there in Silent Pool Gin? Please enter online at www.vantagepointmag.co.uk by 31st December 2016. 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 nontransferable 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.
As part of a national network with 76 carefully selected independent Estate Agents within the capital, we can ensure your property is automatically connected to the lucrative London market.
Connected to London...
28 Downing Street, Farnham,Surrey GU9 7PD T: 01252 717705 E: info@andrewlodge.co.uk andrewlodge.net