Local News
Local Food in Surrey Tracy Carroll is a devotee of good, local food and Director of The Market Place in Godstone. Following years of helping to promote local food and venues such as Priory Farm in Nutfield, Tracy has now masterminded a hub for all local independent food and drink producers. Localfoodsurrey.com is Tracy’s new website, just launched, that brings together producers, suppliers and consumers of great local produce. Tracy helps new bakeries such as Chalk Hills in Nutfield and makers of local artisan cheese such as Norbury Blue from Mickleham, near Dorking, to find their way to a wider market – so pushing good food to the top of the local agenda. LocalFoodSurrey.com is an informative, online food and drink magazine with a directory at its core, allowing visitors to search for products and services that contribute to the county’s food scene: including butchers, bakers, growers, retailers, tea shops, pubs and restaurants. Business owners who would like to find out more can contact Tracy or her colleague Maggie on 01883 744653 or email her at tracy@marketplace.uk.com To celebrate the new website initiative, Tracy is presenting Local Food Fortnight, from 28 April to 13 May, with talks, demos and tastings and more. Producers and event organisers can benefit from her website publicity and readers can sign up to keep up with Tracy’s growing band of foodie friends. localfoodfortnight.com
Dorking improvements South Street Gardens will soon see new seating installed, resurfaced ground and new lighting as well as a plane tree to replace the aging birch. Renowned artist -blacksmith Robert Kranenborg, director of Forging Matters Artist -blacksmith in Hampshire, is creating Robert Kranenborg the seating, using oak and steel, with inspiration from nearby architectural features and the site’s history as a bandstand. More improvements in Dorking – this time on the opposite side of the Dorking triangle, in West Street – have been taking place at Dorking Museum – so it will soon be time to take a visit! dorkingmuseum.co.uk
Surrey Shetland pony is TV star Shetland pony Rodney of Pony Magic made his TV debut on Channel 5’s Celebrity Big Brother on their first live eviction night. Owner of Pony Magic, Surrey Branch, Gemma Serdet says “He was an absolute star, he was very calm throughout the whole evening – he seemed to take it all in his stride.”The next morning This Morning, Daybreak,The Mirror online and The Sun all featured Rodney! Rodney’s ‘full-time job’ is giving pony rides to children from 2 years old and attending children’s parties with his friends Dexter, Dolly and Molly. Pony Magic introduces children to the joys of riding and also attends private parties where children get the chance to pet, groom and ride the ponies. The Pony Magic Shetlands are also available for pantomime, photo-shoots and TV!
EXCLUSIVE TO READERS OF FAMILIES SURREY EAST To celebrate Rodney the Shetland pony’s fame, Gemma is offering introductory 20-minute rides on her Shetland ponies at her Effingham base. Normally costing £15, Gemma is offering this treat on Wednesday and Friday afternoons or Saturday mornings during March to children aged 2+yrs for just £10. Just mention Families Surrey East to book your child’s ride for £10 in March. Book early to avoid disappointment! call Gemma on 07762 640703 ponymagic.co.uk
Babysitting agency launches Mother of 4, Theresa Jauregui, knows how important it is to find good babysitters. Having run a babysitting agency since 2001, she has recently set up Scallywags, with the aim of providing mature, reliable babysitters to parents in the East Surrey area. Scallywags babysitters are over 21, experienced in childcare, either as mums themselves or through working as a nanny, teacher, etc. They all have enhanced CRB checks & are interviewed in person. Parents can register with the agency for six months or a year and book babysitters whenever the need arises. Scallywags also offers bookings on a one-off basis, a service that may be particularly useful for those staying temporarily in the area. Scallywags Babysitting service is based in Reigate. You can contact Theresa on 01737 218499. scallywagsbabysitting.co.uk
Confidence, Communication and Concentration Book your FREE Drama Class today Watch your child’s self-esteem soar with Perform’s unique drama, dance and singing classes. Our weekly workshops will do wonders for their social, linguistic and physical development as well as being the best fun they’ll have all week.
perform.org.uk
Classes for 4 – 8s and 8 – Visit perform 12s. .org.uk to find your nearest venue.
0845 400 1279 Families Surrey East March - April 2012 3