Local News What mums really want for
MOTHER’S DAY ...and that’s Sunday, 18th March!
DADS – want to know what mum really wants for Mother’s Day? Here are some ideas to show her how much you care. Warning: This is a page for dads only – mums, look elsewhere (or leave the magazine conveniently open on this page where it might be found by your other half...)
A family gathering Mothering Sunday was originally a day off from Lent, when servants were allowed to travel home to see their mums, and have a slap-up dinner together. Traditional presents were flowers and cakes – and you won’t go too far wrong if you stick to tradition. What mum doesn’t love having the family all around one table, with cake and flowers too? But mum’s not making the feast, or doing the washing up – oh no. Book her favourite restaurant or pub, or make the meal yourself and make sure you wash up afterwards.
Breakfast in bed Again, a traditional but excellent choice. Try making Jamie Oliver’s ridiculously easy American-style pancakes (1 cup each of flour and milk, plus one large egg: jamieoliver.com/recipes/fruit-recipes/applepancakes-with-the-girls) with fruit and maple syrup, add flowers and a pot of tea, and Bob’s your auntie’s live-in lover. Follow up with a family walk – or take the kids off yourself to let her really enjoy that extended lie-in.
Days Out on Mother’s Day GATTON PARK Reigate RH2 0TD Bookings: 01737 649065 gattonpark.com Sun 18 March Special Opening for Mother’s Day. Bring your mum to Gatton and she will get in free! To find out more call 01737 649066.
Time to herself This is one thing we mums often crave more than anything, so organise her some proper “me time”. Book her a spa day or indulge her hobby (yoga/writing/crafts/cookery) with a weekend course. If she doesn’t get to see her closest friends enough, maybe you could secretly liaise with them and organise a weekend away? You’ll be rolling in Brownie points after any of these. (And see Heaven spa offer below.)
Time with you, alone Chances are, since the kids came along, life’s been a little (or a lot) less romantic. Mothers’ Day is the perfect time to put this right, with a hotel reservation slipped inside the card and the grandparents on standby for next weekend. Happy days all round.
Personalised works of art If home is where your woman’s heart is, then a few personal touches to beautify it won’t go far wrong. Book a portrait session for the whole family with a great local photographer, or find a local service that turns an existing photo into a fantastic artwork. What woman could resist a framed print of her wedding day as a romantic gesture?
Something really unique With a little planning ahead, you and the kids can present mum with a truly unique and handmade creation. Take the children’s fingerprints or hand or foot casts, and have them made into pictures, keepsakes or silver jewellery. Alternatively, take the kids to a pottery painting shop and have a great time making a personalised plate, mug or vase that mum will treasure forever.
Wishing every mum a wonderful Mother’s Day! Thanks to Gabrielle Starkey for these lovely ideas.
READER OFFER
HEAVEN at 19 High Street, Nutfield has a special Mother’s Day offer for readers of Families Surrey East. Buy a beauty treatment voucher for Heaven’s Pampering Rooms before 18 March – and get a second beauty treatment (to the same value) FREE! Call 01737 420102 and Quote ‘Families Mother’s Day Offer’
CHARTWELL Westerham Tel: 01732 868381 Mothering Sunday Lunch Sun 18 Mar 12noon - 2.30pm
KENT AND EAST SUSSEX RAILWAY Tenterden Town Station, Station Road, Tenterden, Kent TN30 6HE Tel: 01580 765 155 kesr.org.uk Departs Tenterden Station (1.15pm or 3.30pm)
CLAREMONT Landscape Garden Esher KT10 9JG Tel: 01372 467806 Mothering Sunday 10am – 5pm Free entry for Mums with their children.
Mother’s Day 18 March A two-hour return journey on a steam train, a reserved table for your family and a surprise gift for every Mum to take home. Mothers Day Treat £22.50, includes gift, Adult £15, OAP £14, Child £10. Cream Tea £5.40, Ploughman’s Lunch £6.45. Booking essential. kesr.org.uk Tel: 01580 765155.
A traditonal Sunday lunch. Adult £25, child £19 Bookings: 01732- 861161
WINKWORTH ARBORETUM Hascombe Road, Godalming GU8 4AD Tel: 01483 208477nationaltrust.org.uk/winkwortharboretum Mothering Sunday at Winkworth 11am – 3pm Mothers go free when accompanied by their children, plus make and take home a paper flower bouquet (£1.50 per craft + normal property admission applies). CLANDON PARK West Clandon, Guildford, Tel: 01483 222482 Mothering Sunday Sun 18 March 12 noon-4pm. Make a posy for mum. Suitable for all ages.
Pony Magic pony rides for children - Sun 18 March 11 am-4 pm.
A truly magical experience with beautiful, safe ponies and experienced handlers. 3-5 minute ride. Suitable for 2-11 year olds. £2.50 per ride
4 Families Surrey East March - April 2012
BLUEBELL RAILWAY, Sheffield Park Station, East Sussex TN22 3QL Tel: 01825 720800 bluebell-railway.co.uk Mother’s Day 17 & 18 March
Enjoy a delicious full afternoon tea on board the Lounge Car service for Mother’s Day. Depart Sheffield Park at 3.30pm for the 90-minute return journey taking you through beautiful Sussex countryside, plus a special gift for every mother. Adult £35, Child £30.