out&about Epsom - April/May 2017

FREE ASHTEAD, EPSOM & EWELL

APRIL-MAY 2017

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www.chessingtongardencentre.co.uk www.outandabout.media

50 Years in the Making...

Chessington Garden Centre are celebrating their 50th year of business...

From its founding by Alex & Ruth Martin in 1967, the Chessington Garden Centre story has grown from a young man with a love of growing Roses to a family business dedicated to providing visitors with inspiration and expertise for their home and garden. From plants, pet care and gifts to hard landscaping and garden design, Chessington Garden Centre has grown into an exciting and diverse retail destination.

Alex and Ruth Martin and the family would like to thank everyone who has been a part of the Chessington Garden Centre story over the last 50 years and helped to make it such a growing success. Here’s to the next 50...

FREE ASHTEAD, EPSOM & EWELL

APRIL-MAY 2017

AT THE

Barre

Fusing pilates and dance

GETTING

Crafty At The Stitch Mouse

Spring

INTO ACTION Time to get busy in the garden Easter egg hunts � Ace your exam revision � Explore sights on two wheels Am dram group’s tribute to stars of stage and screen � Wine & Tapas Club Tadworth Art Group exhibition

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26 CONTENTS Regulars

Features

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8

Editor’s Tips Things to do this spring 15 Coffee Break Page 18 Schools Ace your exam revision

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Appetite for learning Pencil & Fork serves up unique courses 9 Pedal power Tour sights on two wheels 10 At the barre Fusing pilates and dance 13 Spring into action Get started in the garden 20 Performing arts New arts academy to open at Ewell Castle School

27 25 Egg hunt Hop along to one of these cracking Easter events 26 We can be heroes Am dram group’s tribute to stars of stage and screen 27 Time to paint Tadworth Art Group’s latest exhibition 28 A knack for crafting Epsom’s Stitch Mouse

10 ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Gerry Devine | gerry@fhwem.com Tel: 0203 858 0084 Mob: 07710 574 479

PUBLISHER

EDITOR

FHW Events & Marketing Ltd 1 Times Square, Sutton, Surrey SM1 1LF www.fhwem.com Tel: 0203 858 0084

Teresa Whitfield | teresa@fhwem.com

Published by: FHW Events & Marketing | Printed by Direct Colour | ©2017 FHW & out&about magazine.

While we endeavour to make sure that all published information is accurate, the publishers cannot be held responsible for mistakes or omissions or any loss resulting from non-publication of an advertisement. While all reasonable care is made to ensure accuracy of information, the publisher accepts no responsibility for the views or claims made by any of the contributors, advertising or editorial content included. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited. The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of ‘out&about’ or the editor. Terms and conditions apply. Please recycle your magazine.

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5

Enjoy our fantastic

5 Course Sunday Carvery in a friendly relaxed atmosphere at Kingswood Golf and Country Club

• Adults: £25.95 • Children under 10: £13.95 • Under 2’s: Free • Everybody Welcome

Book now on

01737 832188

A 10% optional service charge will be added to the bill.

Dress Code: Smart casual.

No Jeans. T-shirts or Trainers.

Prices are subject to change without notice.

Kingswood Golf & Country Club, Sandy Lane Kingswood, Tadworth, Surrey KT20 6NE banqueting@kingswood-golf.co.uk • www.kingswood-golf.co.uk

Cover Image

WELCOME

Easter bunnies: A collection of adorable paper mache rabbits

Spring has finally sprung and after a lacklustre couple of months the landscape is now awash with pops of colour.

Photo by Marianne Mahaffey

If, like me, you have neglected the garden over the winter then now is the time to show it a little love and catch up on some overdue jobs.

EDITOR’S TIPS A huge hole in my life

The Lochnagar Crater is a vast wound on the battlefield in northern France, a lasting symbol of the bloodiest battle of World War One - the Somme Offensive.

The giant crater, which is 30m deep and 100m wide, was created on the first day of the battle, July 1, 1916, when an underground explosive charge was detonated. It was one of 19 mines placed beneath German lines by the Tunnelling Companies of the Royal Engineers.

The crater, near the village of La Boisselle, has never been filled and now stands as a memorial to those who lost their lives in the Great War, with more than 200,000 people visiting each year.

Richard Dunning bought the site in 1978 to preserve its place in history. Hear his fascinating talk on the history of the crater at Bourne Hall on April 5.

Bourne Hall, Spring Street, Ewell, April 5, 7.30pm. Entrance free but donations requested towards the upkeep of the Lochnagar Crater.

Good Friday concert

A selection of arias and duets from Bach’s Passions, along with other works by the composer, will be performed at St Martin of Tours Church, Epsom, on Good Friday.

Soprano Natalie Johnson-Hyde and mezzo Sarah Denbee will be accompanied by an ensemble of baroque instruments.

To help, we have some tips for nurturing your garden back into shape ready for the summer months.

If you are looking for other outlets for your creative talents, or just fancy learning something new, then this edition has plenty of ideas.

If you ever dreamt about learning a new language but were put off by the idea of a traditional classroom, then step into the kitchen with David Sanchez, of Pencil & Fork, where food plays a starring role in each and every lesson.

And with the resurgence of hobbies like knitting and sewing, partly fuelled by TV shows the Great British Sewing Bee and Kirsty Allsop’s Homemade Home, we take a peek inside every crafter's dream shop, The Stitch Mouse, best new business in the 2016 Epsom and Ewell Business Awards.

All this plus we have been hot on the tail of the Easter bunny to track down some of the best egg hunts and trails to try in search of chocolate treats.

Happy Easter!

Teresa teresa@fhwem.com

St Martin of Tours, Church Street, Epsom, April 14, 7.30pm, www.stmartinsepsom.org

Full steam ahead

A must-see for model railway fans, this extensive exhibition features some of the country's finest working layouts, showing steam, diesel and electric trains in action.

The exhibition includes ‘Hornby Junction’, where children of all ages can drive the trains. There will also be a miniature railway providing steam rides in the car park, trade stands and modelling demonstrations.

Epsom and Ewell Model Railway Club annual exhibition, NESCOT, Reigate Road, Ewell, April 22, 10am-5.30pm, April 23, 10am-5pm

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Teresa

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LOCAL BUSINESS - PENCIL & FORK

Cooking Up

NEW SKILLS

Learn, eat, enjoy is the motto at Pencil & Fork where food and learning go hand in hand They say the kitchen is the heart of the home. It is where families swap stories about their day while enjoying a bite to eat and if ever there is a lunch, dinner or party it is the room people gravitate towards.

That idea resonated with David Sanchez when he was looking to set up his own business. With a background in education, having worked in America developing and delivering bilingual programmes for two universities, he wanted to offer something different from a traditional classroom setting to teach languages and steer away from the busy online market.

“When we invite people for lunch and dinner normally they come and they want to be in the kitchen,” he said. “They feel more comfortable there, talking to you and watching you cook.

completed a rebrand to Pencil & Fork.

“Our classes have been designed to be unique,” said David.

“We are not an academy nor a cookery school, we provide a culinary experience as a vehicle to learn a topic.

“Our aim is to offer a learning experience, creating an environment where participants feel comfortable and eager to talk, share and learn.”

To that end you don’t have to be a culinary whizz to take part. Each session focuses on a topic and students prepare two dishes, either tapas, amuse bouche or antipasti, depending on the language, while practising their conversational skills. Instead of simply following a recipe, participants are encouraged to experiment with ingredients and combinations they have never tried before.

“So I thought: let’s offer something that an online course cannot offer yet. Let’s teach Spanish language and culture, providing delicious tapas that our students will learn how to make. And also, let’s change the perception about an ordinary classroom and recreate a friendly kitchen environment.

“If you don’t cook, Pencil & Fork is going to change your mind about how to use a room in your home called the ‘kitchen’ to have fun every day.”

“The kitchen is that magic place where conversations flow, no matter the subject, meanwhile you grab a glass of wine and prepare your favourite dish. So it is the perfect place to learn in a relaxing atmosphere.”

www.pencilandfork.co.uk

Pencil & Fork, Fitzroy House, Suite 12, Lynwood Drive, Worcester Park

In 2013 Cooking Your Spanish was born. Initially, it started with a pilot with five students of different ages. The result was so positive that David took the plunge and rented premises in Worcester Park.

Since then more than 500 students have passed through the ‘kitchen’ and the company has expanded its range of subjects and now runs Spanish, French and Italian classes as well as science, nutrition and molecular gastronomy workshops, in addition to team-building exercises and its annual gastronomy trip to Spain. At the end of last year it

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LOCAL BUSINESS

PEDAL POWER Take a scenic tour around Epsom on two wheels Discover some of Epsom’s most picturesque locations on two wheels in the annual Round the Borough bike ride.

Starting at Horton Country Park, the 20-mile ride follows off-road cycle paths and trails as it weaves its way around Epsom.

WINE AND TAPAS Treat your tastebuds to an explosion of tastes and flavours and discover the art of pairing wine to complement your dishes There is something quite refreshing about eating tapas. Eschewing a sit down, formal-style of dining, tapas is all about dipping in and trying a variety of bite-sized dishes, each with their own unique flavour combinations.

Add the social element – tapas is all about sharing, after all – and a glass of wine, as is the custom in Spain, and you have a relaxed, informal dining experience.

Now you can sample a range of tapas, and discover how to pair wine with the food, at a new monthly club.

Run by David Sanchez, of Pencil & Fork, and the team at Organic Wine Club, in Worcester Park, the tasting evenings are all about discovering new dishes and wines that you might not have previously considered.

Each month guests will be able to sample a dozen organic wines and choose from a selection of ingredients to prepare their own tapas — how creative the combination of ingredients will be is down to individual taste.

Tickets are £16.

It will take in sights including Epsom Downs, Epsom Common Local Nature Reserve, Nonsuch Park, the Hogsmill and Horton Country Park, where the ride will also end.

The free bike ride, organised by Epsom and Ewell Borough Council, is at a gentle pace, suitable for cyclists of all ages and abilities.

The route is permanently marked and can be completed at any time of the year, although off-road bicycles are recommended for cycling the course.

Round the Borough bike ride, May 14, 9am, Horton Country Park, Horton Lane, Epsom.

www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk/RBHB

Wine & Tapas Club, Organic Wine Shop, 40 Central Road, Worcester Park, KT4 8HY, 7.30pm-9.30pm on the second Thursday of the month.

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LOCAL BUSINESS

Barre

AT THE

Fusing pilates with dance to sculpt and tone your body

Think of a rugby player and the words poised and graceful may not immediately spring to mind.

Yet the sport is incorporating elements of ballet and pilates into training to improve players’ balance and core stability and to reduce injuries.

But you don’t have to be a professional sportsperson to enjoy the benefits of the latest fitness trend which brings the barre, better known from ballet, into the studio.

Instructor Niamh Bracken’s barre class marries the technique of pilates with the artistry and fluidity of dance to help strengthen core muscles and tone the body.

A professional dancer, Niamh developed an interest in pilates after she suffered a back injury.

“I got a back injury while performing in my first musical in 2009. I had two bulging discs in my back.”

Having been advised to ease back on the number of dance shows she performed, Niamh had physiotherapy and discovered that many of the exercises she was given were from pilates.

As a result, she has been able to continue dancing at the same level, performing on the West End, but also trained as a pilates instructor as she is passionate about helping others overcome postural problems.

Pilates works on many different levels towards helping mind and body, said Niamh. “It’s a great stress reliever. It is really good for postural alignment, core strength and stability. It also helps with everyday well-being and prevents injury.”

Niamh has developed her own barre class, which is held weekly at Selkie Pilates and Fitness Studio, run by Chloe Beazley, at the Ebbisham Centre, Epsom.

“This class all takes place at the barre — it incorporates the principles of pilates using the pelvic floor and core muscles and lengthening through the body but it’s all done standing up so it works different muscles, ones that we generally don’t use much.

“I find it appeals to women because it is quite a feminine thing, it feels quite nice to do a bit of ballet along with the fitness side of it.

“It’s great for any level of fitness and as an instructor I will cater for varying fitness levels in the class.

“It’s not easy, it is a challenge and your legs will feel it the following day, but it’s an hour of escapism to dance to some feel-good music.”

Barre Pilates, Selkie Pilates and Fitness, First Floor, The Ebbisham Centre, Derby Square, Epsom, Wednesdays, 7.45pm, £12, £50 for block booking of six classes.

Niamh also runs pilates classes at venues in Epsom, Ewell and Sutton. For more details visit www.bracken-pilates.pilatesnearyou.co.uk or www.facebook.com/brackenpilates, or call 07783 302915.

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Looking for a new career with hours to suit the school run?

Dirty Cows have exciting career opportunities for talented individuals looking for a better worklife balance.

A career with us means: your choice of set contracted hours and working days, professional training and support, paid holiday, opportunities for promotion and development, a premium starting salary with monthly bonuses, private health care for you and your dependent children, a pension and corporate employee perks and privileges that benefit you and your family and much more.

We are seeking supremely organised and creative people to join our company of exceptional, professional Housekeepers who provide the highest standard housekeeping and cleaning services to our clients throughout the Surrey area. If you are reading this and thinking that you are too talented or over qualified to apply for a housekeeping position then you are exactly who we are looking for and you will be in excellent company. Our employees have many talents and come to us from a wide range of professional, creative and academic backgrounds and did not consider a career in high standard cleaning until they heard about Dirty Cows.

So if you, like us, are anything but run of the mill and consider yourself: talented, fussy about the details, organised and creative with outstanding communication skills and you would like to work for a company that has just been announced as finalist for the Lloyds National Business Award for ‘Employer of Year’ then visit our website and complete a first stage online application form, our recruitment team look forward to hearing from you.

www.dirtycows.co.uk

Sparkle add some

to your next event

Vintage Prosecco Van Available for weddings, parties, corporate events and festivals

For more information visit www.londonprosecco.co.uk 020 3858 0084 @ProseccoVan

ŠThe London Prosecco Company Ltd 2017. Company Registration 10367516. All Rights Reserved E&OE.

GARDENING

Spring

INTO ACTION

As winter gives way to spring now is the perfect time to get busy in the garden April is upon us and there are early signs of spring emerging, which makes it the ideal time to show your garden a little TLC. No matter how big or small your garden plot, a few hours spent weeding and pruning can help nurture it back to health ready for the new season.

Here are some tips for getting your garden in shape.

Spring clean

Just as with household chores, the onset of spring is a good time to have a general clean up in the garden. Remove leaves, branches and debris from flower beds and pots and spend some time weeding. It is also a good time to tidy up the greenhouse ready for any early planting and to give paths and patios a good scrub.

Tend your soil

Wet winter weather washes away nutrients in your soil, leaving it dry and packed. Restoring moisture is the key to improving the health and quality of the soil ready for future planting. Adding organic material will help to feed the soil.

Spring is also a good time to mulch the soil which will help to suppress weeds, protect plant roots and retain moisture.

Sow your veg patch

If you are thinking of growing your own vegetables now is the time to get your patch in order. Rake up any weeds, then fork the soil over, ready to sprinkle on some general fertiliser and sow your crops.

Don’t neglect your lawn

After the cold, wet winter months most lawns will be in need of some care. You should aim to mow the lawn once a week, choosing a dry day. Getting the cutting height right can make a difference to the health of the grass. Spring is also a good time to remove any moss and look at over-seeding any areas where grass is sparse.

Add a splash of colour

Once you have completed the hard work preparing the soil you can turn your attention to planting. Small hanging baskets and pots filled with hardy flowers can bring an immediate dash of colour to the garden. Early spring is also an ideal time to plant summer-flowering bulbs in borders and containers.

Prune plants

Shrubs and plants that have survived the winter now need to be cut back to encourage new growth. Aim to prune blooming plants after they have flowered. Summer plants should be pruned in early spring.

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The Complete Gentlemen’s Outfitters With fine clothes for men specialising in XL sizes We stock quality menswear from regular sizes up to 62” chest and waist, shirts from 15 1/2 “ to 23” and casuals up to 6XL. With a wealth of experience in the classic menswear industry and stocking such a large size range, we can offer a wide selection of extra large mens clothes.

Eterna shirts, Bruhl trousers, Gabicci shirts and knitwear and Barkers shoes are amongst quality brands stocked. Suits, trousers and jackets are available in the relaxing atmosphere on the first floor.

DAVID

FULLER

David Fuller - 7 Church Road, Great Bookham, Surrey, KT23 3PD Tel: 01372 454710 Email: enquiries @davidfuller.co.uk www.davidfuller.co.uk Est over 45 yrs

O O R

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H.R.S

HOWELL • ROOFING • SERVICES Ben Howell

Providing an honest and reliable roofing service!

ALL WRITTEN QUOTATIONS BEATEN! FlatRoofs Roofs • Conservatory Roofs • Tiling • Fascia & Guttering Soffit Guttering • Lead• Repairs work Flat • Conservatory Roofs • Tiling • Fascia & Soffit • Lead work Repairs • Moss Clearance

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79 Stag Leys, Ashtead, Surrey, KT21 2TL

COFFEE BREAK

COFFEE BREAK

Š KEVIN STONE WWW.BRAINBASHERS.COM

Across

Down

1 Slice of bacon (6) 5 Packet (6) 8 Private feud (8) 9 Defence organisation (1,1,1,1) 10 Unfavourably (3) 11 Malady (8) 13 Forgiveness (6) 16 Worn on a necklace (6) 19 Adolescent (8) 23 Quick-fire talk music (3) 24 Increase in size (4) 25 Gesture of approval (6,2) 26 Die from lack of food (6) 27 Make more intense (6)

2 The New World (7) 3 Nestled together (7) 4 Charges (5) 5 Space surrounding an altar (7) 6 Argument (3-2) 7 Vows (5) 12 North American deer (3) 14 Cereal grass (3) 15 Bedtime lingerie (7) 17 Responsive to drugs (7) 18 Marry (7) 20 White heron (5) 21 More recent (5) 22 Circular (5)

Turn to Pg 31 for the answers

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EASTER QUIZ 1. How many days does Lent last for?

2. The term Maundy, describing the Thursday that commemorates the Last Supper and celebrated the day before Good Friday, is derived from the Latin word mandatum. What does it mean?

3. Which famous annual festival of classical and opera music takes place in Austria during Easter week?

4. Signed on Good Friday – April 10, 1998 – what other name is the ‘Good Friday Agreement’ know as?

5. In the Easter song, Lord of the Dance, on which day did the ‘world turn black’?

6. In which ocean is Easter Island?

7. In what street in New York does the city’s famous Easter parade take place?

8. Easter day fell on April 6 many times in the 20th century, but what else begins on that date in the UK each year?

9. Which is the only Shakespeare play that mentions Easter?

10. In which year was the word ‘chocolate’ first recorded in English?

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SCHOOLS

ACE YOUR

revision

Exam season is looming. Minimise stress levels in the weeks ahead by following these tips for exam success

May is just around there corner, and for thousands of students across the land it means one thing — exams.

Break up revision into chunks

It can be hard to stay focused and motivated when it comes to revision, especially if you are feeling under pressure.

Here are some strategies for getting the most out of your revision time from the team at Southern Tutors: Make a timetable

Use the exam timetable to help you to make your own revision timetable. Carve up the time available and ensure that there is some free time each day. Successful students often build in physical exercise to the timetable — this relieves stress and improves circulation and brain functioning.

Decide what suits you regarding timing each day. Do you work better when you have breaks every so often?

Image: Research Shutterstock has suggested 40 minutes with breaks in between works well.

Offer support

Parents can help in several ways. Send your child to a revision course if possible. Having a different qualified teacher, with a fresh approach, to explain topics can help make everything fall into place. Parents can also ensure the student has the time needed for study and a quiet space for this and should provide listening support, avoiding too much pressure.

Free time

Southern Tutors prepare children for the 11-plus and SATs and run intensive holiday revision courses at Rosebery School, Epsom. After-school and Saturday classes are also offered. Tutors are also available to help children individually. All staff are experienced teachers and exam results are excellent.

Be prepared

www.southerntutors.co.uk

If time allows, have one day completely free of revision. This allows you to relax properly and come back to your books feeling refreshed.

Make sure you know what is needed for the exam. Check syllabuses online, at school or with your tutors or teachers if you are in any way unsure.

Double check

If something is unclear in your school notes or textbook look it up in another book. Often when something is explained in a different way it all falls into place.

Key words

Make short notes on all material for the exams. Then have key words written near the notes (in the margin is good — some students use sticky notes). Regularly look at the key words to remind yourself of the notes.

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There’s no such thing as the average child (That’s why we outperform the national average)

At Downsend we nurture young minds with an individualised approach to learning.

No two children are the same. Which is why we keep a high ratio of teaching staff to children in order to develop their natural talents.

Open Day Saturday 6 May Pre-Preps 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Prep School 9:15 am - 12 noon (Headmaster’s Talk at 9:30 am) Personal Tours available anytime T: 01372 372311 www.downsend.co.uk

Leatherhead • Ashtead • Epsom

An independent prep school for boys and girls aged 2-13

SCHOOLS

PERFORMING ARTS New arts academy to open in September Ewell Castle School’s approach to education is one which values a holistic approach and focuses on the whole child.

All pupils aged 3 to 18 currently enjoy a strong academic, pastoral, and extra-curricular and trip programme. The family-friendly and welcoming independent co-educational school provides its pupils with a fantastic facilities, a Mindfulness programme and opportunities of responsibility and challenge, which helps produce confident well-rounded young people, prepared for the challenges of the 21st century.

Visit this independent co-educational school on one of its open days throughout the year and you will be greeted by happy pupils who are proud to show you around their school. Ewell Castle School continues its forward trajectory; this summer it will mark the opening of state-of-the-art new music facilities and from September 2017 will be launching its very own Performing Arts Academy which will follow the Trinity College London exams.

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020 8394 3576 admissions@ewellcastle.co.uk www. ewellcastle.co.uk

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INSPIRE | NURTURE | ACHIEVE An independent co-educational day school for pupils aged 3-18

Ewell Castle School With an ethos in which each child’s achievements are acknowledged, valued and celebrated, pupils thrive academically as a result of a varied curriculum, an extensive extra-curricular programme and outstanding pastoral care

Whole School Open Morning Tuesday 25th April 2017 9am - 10.30am

Prep School Open Morning Wednesday 14th June 9am - 10.30am

Senior School Open Evening Wednesday 14th June 6pm - 8pm For further details and to pre-register please visit our website ewellcastle.co.uk 020 8394 3576 admissions@ewellcastle.co.uk

An Outstanding Independent Education for Girls from Nursery to Sixth Form Scholarships available at 11+ and 16+ See our website for new minibus routes

Next Open Events: Junior School: 9am on 16 May Senior School: 6pm on 22 June

Telephone: 020 8642 0594 Email: admissions@sut.gdst.net www.suttonhigh.gdst.net

Junior School - 86 Grove Road Sutton Surrey SM1 2AL Senior School - 55 Cheam Road Sutton Surrey SM1 2AX

SCHOOLS

WEALTH OF OPPORTUNITY Academic and pastoral care excels at Sutton High School Sutton High School is an academically selective day school for girls from nursery to sixth form. We are a special community, and everyone in the school is proud to be part of it. We are small enough to ensure that every student’s learning is tailored for them, but large enough to offer a wealth of opportunities — academic, sporting, musical and social.

The level of pastoral support we provide is outstanding and complements teaching that is engaging and fun. In the words of our Head Girl, “they inspire you to want to know everything about a subject”.

When your daughter leaves us at the end of the sixth form, she will not only have the qualifications she needs to pursue any career she chooses, but also the self-confidence to become a leader in her field. Sutton High School girls go on to university and the workplace without fear, facing the challenges of an ever-changing world bravely and successfully.

The girls really are tremendously friendly, everyone comments on their thoughtfulness and, perhaps most strikingly, they genuinely want each other to succeed.

We are located on a surprisingly green and spacious site in central Sutton, a few minutes’ walk from the station, other transport links and conveniently sited for the town centre.

Come along to one of our open events or arrange a personal tour of the school to find out more.

For more details please contact admissions@sut.gdst.net

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23

TUTORING

ON FOUNDATIONS Building

Millie Whizz offers tailored tutoring to help pupils succeed

When we think about education, one thing is clear: We get one chance and one chance only at education, and teachers get one chance with us, so it is important to get it right.

Millie Govekar of Millie Whizz has a proven track record of helping children, irrespective of their background, secure a place at the best school for them. Just being bright does not guarantee entry into a particular school. This ability needs to be developed, guided and moulded, to win a place.

currently in year 5. Year on year, this has proved to be a very effective way of consolidating the previous year’s knowledge and go beyond, in preparation for the selective schools’ tests in the autumn. For more details:

Email hello@milliewhizz.com or call 07824 643184

Having had more than 22 years’ experience as a classroom teacher holding various positions of responsibility, in both the maintained and independent sector, Millie’s passion for teaching has been further developed in recent years working with children individually and in small groups.

“Tutoring is not just for those who struggle, and it works phenomenally well for those who need to be stretched in their thinking so that they reach their full potential and peak at the appropriate time.”

What Millie offers is a carefully tailored tutoring service that explains the whys and hows, and develops the skills children will need to acquire that extra ‘polish’. Millie builds on the foundations that teachers have laid so that her pupils succeed in every way.

Millie is currently planning her Summer Intensive Course, which runs over three weeks in the holidays, for those

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EASTER EVENTS

EGG HUNT Hop down to one of these cracking Easter events The Easter bunny has been busy hiding his chocolate treats.

Will you be able to track them down? Put your detective skills to the test at one of these great trails.

Hobbledown

Rumpletump is in need of some help tracking down the Easter eggs hidden around the ‘mysterical’ world of Hobbledown.

Egg hunts will be taking place at the adventure farm throughout the Easter weekend. Puppet shows, character meet and greets, and birds of prey displays will also be taking place, and there are plenty of places to run around to work off all that chocolate. www.hobbledown.com

Ewell Village

There’s plenty of exciting activities planned as Ewell Village stages its Easter egg hunt on April 13.

The fun kicks off at Bourne Hall at 10am with craft activities, stalls and facepainting. Head out on to the Easter egg trail in search of clues, which will be dotted around Bourne Hall gardens, the village and shops.

Once you have completed the route, take your stars to the Famous Green Man pub from 2pm to collect a chocolate prize, along with judging of the Easter bonnet and best dressed bunny competitions, musical games and a disco.

All children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Cost £2 per child.

Children’s Trust Tadworth

The Children’s Trust Easter fair has activities galore for all the family.

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Little ones can take part in the Easter egg hunt around the grounds of Tadworth Court. Find the special golden egg and win an extra prize.

There will also be fairground rides, a spring farm and stalls selling a range of jewellery, gifts and books. And after all that, relax and enjoy some refreshments.

Tadworth Court, Tadworth, KT20 5RU, April 15, 12pm-4pm, entry adults £3, children free. Easter egg hunt £3. www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk

Box Hill

Take a stroll through the spring woodland at Box Hill in search of clues. Collect all the clues to pick up a delicious chocolate treat.

The National Trust has once again teamed up with Cadbury to run its annual Easter egg hunt, with 250 trails taking place at its estates and parks.

Head to the Donkey Green, opposite the Visitor Centre, to pick up a clue sheet.

April 14-17, 10am until 2pm (last trail at 1pm), £3 per child.

Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/box-hill for details of all Easter events at Box Hill, including the age-old custom of egg rolling.

www.outandabout.media

25

LOCAL EVENT

WE CAN BE

Heroes

Am dram group’s tribute to galaxy of stars lost in 2016

If there is one thing 2016 will be remembered for, aside from Brexit and the election of Donald Trump, it was the year we lost a string of greats from the world of music, film and broadcasting.

“Tickets are only £10 and with that you get a glass of wine, a light supper and an awesome show — what’s not to love? I hope to see lots of new faces at the show even if it’s ‘just for one day’…”

From singer David Bowie and broadcaster Sir Terry Wogan to comedian Victoria Wood and Star Wars actress Carrie Fisher, all had touched our everyday lives in some way.

The show runs from May 11 to 13 at Ashtead Peace Memorial Hall, with performances starting at 7.30pm.

While they may no longer be with us, their work lives on, and has inspired the Woodfield Entertainers’ forthcoming production, Heroes!

A mix of songs and sketches, the show, which is produced and directed by Woodies member Georgina Margetts, will pay tribute to sporting icons and the stars of stage and screen through music and comedy.

Georgina said: “This is my second time directing but first time doing a May show. I’ve had to choose the material myself this time, but with the theme of the show, it really wasn’t that hard.

“Some of the sketches came together quite easily. The Victoria Wood sketch instantly came to mind. Others were more tricky. For Muhammad Ali we have used a boxing comedy sketch as an ode to him.

26

For more information, or to book tickets, visit www.woodfieldentertainers.co.uk or call the box office on 07941 105612.

Fancy your time in the limelight or are you more handy back stage? The Woodfield Entertainers have been performing since 1990 and stage a May show and a traditional pantomime in December.

The group, which ranges in age from 12 to 60-plus, is always looking for new members.

Call 07941 105612 to find out more.

L@outandabout_mag

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LOCAL ARTIST

TIME TO PAINT Artist and mum-of-two Jacqueline Wilson is on a quest to find the elusive work-life balance with a spot of painting thrown in Moving house prompted a change of career for Jacqueline Wilson and the chance to rediscover her love of painting.

The mum-of-two worked as an actuarial analyst, juggling work around family life, and painting had been very much on the back burner.

But after moving house last year, Jacqueline has rediscovered her love of painting, having taken a career break.

“With my two children being two and five years old and in school, wraparound school care is possible, but finding cover for school holidays is very difficult, especially while the children are so young.

“I stopped work recently to look after the children and to see if I could pursue a more flexible career that would allow me to choose my own work-life balance. Up until recently, painting had been a very infrequent hobby but with a house move to the beautiful Surrey countryside, the search for a new career spurred me on to try and make painting more than just a hobby.

“I currently paint in acrylics and I undertook my first commission at the end of last year. My aim is to paint local landscapes and to sell them locally. But I decided I needed a broader base so I joined Tadworth Art Group last year.

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“This has given me a huge boost, with the chance to exhibit at their very high quality art exhibitions twice yearly and to meet their 30-odd artists with all their vast talent and experience that I’m sure I will learn a lot from. I’m convinced that will now help me enormously on my quest for the elusive work-life balance that I am searching for.”

As well as painting Jacqueline is also a keen photographer, winning the Polesdon Lacey photography competition in 2016 and finishing as a runner-up in the annual Mayfield Lavender photography contest the same year.

“I find that photography helps me hugely with my painting and I jog, of course for exercise, but also to take pictures for painting inspiration.”

Tadworth Art Group’s next exhibition runs from May 12 to 14 at Peter Aubertin Hall, Elmore Road, Chipstead, CR5 3SG.

www.tadworthartgroup.org.uk

www.outandabout.media

27

LOCAL BUSINESS - THE STITCH MOUSE

A KNACK FOR

crafting

It seems our love of all things craft has been rekindled and nowhere is it more evident than at The Stitch Mouse in Epsom

There was a time when haberdashers and wool shops were the staples of high streets across the land, but with changing shopping habits and the growth of the internet they fell out of favour, and many businesses disappeared.

Now, it seems, we are in the midst of a crafting revival, with TV shows like the Great British Sewing Bee and Kirsty Allsop’s Homemade Home inspiring people to take up sewing or knitting or try their hand at a craft project.

“We decided that we would open not just a shop but what would become a crafting hub," said Lyn. “If you knit or sew it can be quite a solitary thing to do. We thought it would be good to have a place where people can do things together, so that is what we wanted to provide, a social place.”

Catering for the needs of novices and more experienced crafters alike is the team at The Stitch Mouse, best new business winner at the 2016 Epsom and Ewell Business Excellence Awards.

Founded by Lyn French and business partner Gill Catcheside, along with their friend, they had a clear vision when they opened the shop last May.

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LOCAL BUSINESS - THE STITCH MOUSE She added: “Without doubt it is the best job I have ever had in my life - you are surrounded by beautiful things and crafters are beautiful people anyway.”

The Stitch Mouse, 22 High Street, Epsom, KT18 7PF, 01372 579384 www.thestitchmouse.co.uk

WHAT’S ON Aside from the studio being a social hub it also doubles up as a teaching space for the Stitch Mouse’s monthly workshops, with new courses being added to the current programme.

Lyn admits she has been surprised by the interest and response to the classes, with the monthly beginners’ mosaic workshop so popular that it is fully booked until June.

“We are always open to new ideas and things that people want to learn. It is lovely to be able to offer people the chance to learn new skills.”

And if you ever get stuck with a project or simply need some advice, the five-strong team are always there to help.

“You don’t get any advice online or help,” Lyn said. “Most people come through the shop door with a question. We always look to come up with an answer and we do like a challenge!

“A lady had bought a pair of leather boots with loose leather ties that kept slipping and coming undone. The cobbler could not help her so in desperation she came to us. We solved her problem with a haberdashery item that wasn’t made for that use but did the job.”

“Our customers are just the most supportive people," said Lyn, “it kind of warms your heart.”

L@outandabout_mag

Sewing Alterations workshop April 22, 1.30pm-4pm, £40

Have you ever thrown away a garment because the zip was broken, or it was too big or small? This workshop will teach you how to alter garments to fit, and how to repair or replace a broken zip. Basic sewing skills required. You can bring your own sewing machine or use one at the shop, which will be booked on a first come, first served basis.

If you have your own garments that need any of the above alterations bring them to the workshop together with new zips, etc.

Intermediate Crochet half-day workshop April 28, 10am-2pm, £50

Perfect for anyone who has mastered crochet basics and now wants to learn new stitches and reading from a pattern.

Get to know your sewing machine May 6, £35

Learn how to set up, thread and use a sewing machine, load the bobbin, then learn how to sew straight lines, with plenty of opportunity to practise your newly-acquired skills.

How to Make a Cushion May 12, 10am-12.30pm, £45

Learn how to make a cushion cover with a piped edge.

Suitable for children aged 14 plus.

www.outandabout.media

29

Mount Works, r/o 1 Brighton Road, Lower Kingswood, KT20 6SY

MOUNT GARAGE Kingswood cattery is a small family run business which opened in September 2009.

We are fully insured and licensed by Reigate and Banstead Borough Council.

The cattery has been totally refurbished to the Feline Advisory Bureau standards. It has very generous size pens, including a double pen which can accommodate a larger family group.

• Each pen has a window with a shelf for your cat to sit on and look out into the garden • Heated pens to keep them comfortable and cosy • Bed and scratch post and for our younger guests activity centres and toys • We provide all bedding • Individual diets catered for • Indoor accommodation perfect for older or nervous cats

01737 833 840 f o r a n y m a ke o r m o d e l

VOTED EPSOM GUARDIAN GARAGE OF THE YEAR 2012, 2013 & 2015 MOT FACILITY, GENERAL VEHICLE MECHANICS. Honda Specialists – and for MOT, MOT failure work Servicing, General Mechanical Repairs, Air Con Re-gas or Repair, Cam Belt Replacement, Engine or Gearbox rebuilding or replacing, Sportscars, Race Preparation, Suspension works - generally whatever you need just give us a call On the London bound carriageway at Lower Kingswood just past the Speed Camera and the BP Petrol Station. Access is sharp left immediately at the exit of the BP garage and beside the Shops.

• Current vaccination certificate required

office@mountgarage.co.uk www.mountgarage.co.uk

Tel: 01737 212297

PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS IN OUT&ABOUT Untitled-1 1

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out&about is the local community magazine for Epsom, Ashtead and Ewell. It is distributed to 8,000 homes and businesses. Promote your business throughout 2017 by advertising in out&about at affordable rates.

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S CALL U

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COFFEE BREAK ANSWERS

Preparation for grammar and independent schools’ tests at 11+.

EASTER QUIZ Š KEVIN STONE WWW.BRAINBASHERS.COM

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1. 40 days.

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Selected subjects to GCSE Small group sessions, providing a caring learning environment with a focus on individual needs and aspirations.

M 07824 643 184 T 020 8642 8047 E hello@milliewhizz.com Based in Cheam, Surrey

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