Out & About North Surrey Edition, March - April 2019

FREE NORTH SURREY

MARCH-APRIL 2019

AT ONE WITH

Nature Forest bathing

HERALDING

Spring

at Ewell festival

Cracking FUN Easter egg hunts

Plus Epsom Choral Society’s Modern Classics • Birds of prey take flight at Hobbledown Easter holiday activities • Wellness Walks • East Surrey Morris Men • DIY Easter decorations Artist profile: Gillian Lambert, art exhibitions

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Save THE DATE BANSTEAD

FOOD SATURDAY 29TH JUNE 2019 10.30AM - 7.30PM

LADY NEVILLE PARK, BANSTEAD

A foodies paradise

WITH SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE TO ENJOY! FAMILY ORIENTATED ATTRACTIONS, CHILDREN’S AREA, LOCAL PRODUCE, STREET FOOD, DRINK SAMPLING AND MORE! Join us on the day or book in advance: www.bansteadfoodfestival.co.uk @bansteadfoodies

The Banstead food festival is produced by FHW Events & Marketing www.FHWem.com

MARCH - APRIL 2019

Contents 7

9

Ewell festival celebrates tradition

16

INSIDE Regulars

Features

4 Letter from the Editor

6 At one with nature

& Editor’s Tips

Forest bathing

23 Schools

7 Wellness walk

Choosing the best school for your child

24 Looking to the future

Art contest draws on students’ vision of Epsom

GET IN TOUCH ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Gerry Devine gerry@fhwem.com Tel: 020 3940 1819 Mob: 07710 574 479 EDITOR Teresa Whitfield teresa@fhwem.com Tel: 020 3940 1105 PUBLISHER FHW Events & Marketing Ltd 7c West Street, Ewell, Surrey. KT17 1UZ www.fhwem.com Tel: 020 3940 1105

Time to recharge

8 Modern Choral Classics Epsom Choral Society

9 Soaring high

Birds of prey take flight

11 Herald of Spring

12 A journey through art

COVER IMAGE

With artist Gillian Lambert

13 Rich palette of work

Bourne Hall art exhibition

16 Celebration of food

New farmers’ market in Cheam

17 DIY decorations

Wreaths are not just for Christmas

18 Rooted in tradition

Morris dancing

20 Entertaining line-up

What’s on at Epsom Playhouse

22 Easter egg hunts

Cracking family fun

The Carrot Thieves

by Judit Matthews, Tadworth Art Group, see page 13

Published by: FHW Events & Marketing | Printed by Direct Colour | ©2019 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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EDITOR'S LETTER

Welcome ere’s something about Th spring that reawakens our senses and beckons us outdoors.

one are the cold days and G long nights, replaced with the hint of what is to come: brighter skies, warmer temperatures, pops of colour and signs of new life.

This changing season is best experienced up close so pull on some stout shoes, head outside and take a walk in the woods.

While you’re there why not give forest bathing a go? The Japanese practice – known as shinrin-yoku – means to go outside and be among trees to connect with nature. The Surrey Hills offer the perfect escape and there are a number of guided workshops coming up to help you get the most out of a session – pg 6.

Elsewhere the dawn of a new season is being celebrated at Ewell’s popular Herald of Spring festival, a familyorientated day packed with activities to entertain all ages.

If you’re looking to liven up your week nights then look no further than Epsom Playhouse, which this year celebrates 35 years in business. There’s new comedy, music, dance, not to mention magic and drama on the bill.

And on the back of the success of last September’s Cheam Celebration of Food & Drink the organisers are launching a new monthly farmers’ market where you can get your food fix. Find out more on pg 16.

Plus we have got some of the best places to go in search of Easter eggs and activities to keep the kids busy during the school holidays.

Happy reading!

Teresa

teresa@fhwem.com

EDITOR’S TIPS Comedy fundraiser

Piano recital

Comedian and actor Ricky Groves tops the bill at a night of live stand-up in aid of the Princess Alice Hospice on March 9.

With support from four top acts from the comedy circuit, the show at Ashtead Peace Memorial Hall will pack a whole lot of laughs while raising money for a great cause.

Tickets at www.houseofstandup.co.uk/ashtead/

Pianist Ashley Fripp will perform a programme of works by Romantic keyboard masters on March 9 in a fitting finale to Banstead Art Festival Society’s 2018-19 concert season.

The recital places Impromptus by Schubert and Chopin side by side, and contrasted with Schumann’s Fantasiestücke.

Visit www.bansteadarts.co.uk for tickets.

Go quackers

Chocolate delight

Try your luck at backing a winner in one of the more unpredictable races in Epsom’s calendar – the annual Ewell Court Residents’ Association duck race.

Fun for all ages, there’ll be stalls and food from 12pm, with the big race starting at 2pm on April 27.

More details at www.ewellcourtra.co.uk

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One for the chocoholics, Denbies Chocolate Fair returns on April 7. Discover rich, smooth chocolates from local and national chocolatiers and enjoy wine and chocolate pairings. www.denbies.co.uk

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Chris Grayling MP Advice Surgeries Chris holds surgeries regularly on Fridays at one of four venues across the constituency. These surgeries give Epsom & Ewell constituents the opportunity for a one-to-one meeting to discuss matters which are important to them.

• • • •

Stoneleigh Library.

Tattenham Corner Library.

The Conservative Club in Epsom.

The Conservative Association office in Ashtead.

• If you are a constituent and would like to arrange a 15 minute appointment, please contact the constituency office on 01372 271036 or write to Chris at 212 Barnett Wood Lane, Ashtead • KT21 2DB.

Working hard for Epsom & Ewell, including Ashtead, Nork & Tattenhams

www.chrisgrayling.net

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FOREST BATHING National Trust Images/John Millar

AT ONE WITH

Nature

Take a walk in the woods and try forest bathing – a form of nature therapy Modern life is distracting. Smart phones, social media, emails and work can all be carried out on the move, wherever we are, meaning we never truly switch off.

And the more connected we are technologically, the more disconnected we seem to have become to our surroundings.

Studies have shown that spending as little as 15 minutes surrounded by nature can have health benefits - lowering blood pressure, reducing stress and anxiety, increased ability to focus and improving general wellbeing.

Forest bathing - shinrin-yoku originated in Japan in the 1980s and has become a cornerstone of preventative healthcare in Japanese medicine. In essence it means to go outside and be among trees, to take in the sights, sounds and to connect

with the landscape and nature.

Today the practice is gaining momentum in the UK as more people actively seek ways to escape the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life.

An introductory course to forest bathing is being held this April at the National Trust’s Leith Hill. Run

by Holistic Healing Therapy the three-hour course includes elements of meditation, natural aromatherapy and breathing exercises in the woodland.

Under the canopy of trees, Gary Evans and Olga Terebenina teach simple relaxation techniques before introducing exercises designed to help you connect and learn about your surroundings using your senses - taking in the sights, sounds, aromas and feeling the physical environment, either by touching a leaf or wet ground underfoot.

They then lead a slow-paced silent walk through the woodland allowing people to take in their surroundings, to relax, unwind and free their mind of work and to-do lists.

Gary and Olga started running forest bathing courses in 2016 after their own experiences of the benefits. They had lived in central London and regularly took trips to woodlands and nature to help relieve stress.

They work with charities and organisations including the National Trust, Surrey Wildlife Trust and the RSPB to promote the health and mental health benefits of forest bathing.

So take some time for yourself and leave your phone behind.

Introduction to Forest Bathing, National Trust Leith Hill Place, April 14, 1pm-4pm and at Box Hill, May 12, 1pm-4pm, £20 in advance. Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/leith-hill/whats-on or www.nationaltrust.org.uk/box-hill More information about forest bathing at holistichealingtherapy.co.uk

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WELLNESS WALK

WellnessWALK

Take time to reflect, recharge and appreciate the beauty of the landscapes of Polesden Lacey this spring on a Wellness Walk.

The self-led trail guides walkers to some of the viewpoints around the National Trust property’s estate. The moderately challenging walk takes around two hours to complete and takes in stunning views of Polesden Lacey and the Surrey Hills beyond.

The positive benefits of walking and spending time with nature are widely accepted and a recent scientific study - Urban Mind: Using Smartphone Technologies to Investigate the Impact of Nature

on Mental Well-Being in Real Time - has shown that being outdoors makes you feel happier. The benefits of a long country walk, listening to birdsong, being exposed to the sky can last for as long as seven hours after the experience. The study also shows that people who are prone to suffering from anxiety and depression are likely to benefit more from being outdoors than others.

Inspirational quotes and extracts of poetry have been installed on natural wooden plaques. Each of these has been specially chosen for each viewpoint to help awaken the senses.

The Wellness Walk route is open to the public until April 28. Pick up a map at reception. Normal admission fees apply. No booking required.

At each viewpoint on the trail, stop, sit and take notice.

For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/polesdenlacey

National Trust Images

National Trust Images

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EPSOM CHORAL SOCIETY

Modern

CHORAL CLASSICS Enjoy an evening of musical show-stoppers

Epsom Choral Society is staging a concert with a difference this March – an evening of Modern Choral Classics.

The choir, which clocks up 97 years in 2019, will be performing four outstanding musical works, each a classic in their own right, under the direction of Julian Collings.

Leonard Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms, written 50 years ago, takes its text from the Book of Psalms in the original Hebrew. The composition is in three movements, with each movement based on the text of a complete Psalm.

The solo of Psalm 23 will be sung by 12-year-old treble Alexander Gillan, a chorister at Guildford Cathedral.

The choir will also perform Morten Lauridsen’s Nocturnes, a choral work of radiant beauty.

Also playing are the Regent Chamber Ensemble, and the choir will be accompanied by Marion Lea on the piano and Benedict Lewis-Smith on the organ. The conductor is Epsom Choral Society’s Musical Director, Julian Collings.

2018 WINNERS

Tickets £15, students and under 18s £7.50, available online at www.epsomchoral.org.uk or on the door on the night from 7pm.

Bob Chilcott’s Songs and Cries of London Town will provide the perfect show-stopping finale to the concert at St Martin’s Parish Church, in Church Street, Epsom, on March 16.

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THE RAPTOR CENTRE

Soaring High Magnificent birds of prey take flight at Hobbledown

There’s a new arrival at Epsom’s Hobbledown.

The Raptor Centre sanctuary for birds of prey has landed at the children’s farm and adventure park.

Run by husband and wife Eddie and Veronica Hare, the Raptor Centre is home to 17 majestic birds of prey including eagles, hawks, owls and falcons and an African Pygmy Falcon, which weighing in at 2oz is the smallest bird of prey in the world.

Founded in 1977, the sanctuary aims to promote understanding and care for these beautiful birds in the wild.

Live talks and flying demonstrations are an important way of teaching about the birds’ way of life both in captivity and in the wild. There is also a chance to get up

close and discover more about these incredible creatures as part of a handling and flying experience day.

The sanctuary also plays a role in the conservation of birds of prey through its involvement in Project Lugger.

Over the past 30 years the Lugger Falcon has experienced a serious decline in population due to illegal trapping, expansion in human population and an absence of key food supplies that help these birds to breed. Hobbledown is lucky to have a young male lugger falcon, but it is estimated that there are only 15,000 individual birds left in the wild.

The Raptor Centre is involved in Project Lugger, helping to build a viable gene pool and produce youngsters that can be involved in a strong breeding programme that will give these beautiful birds a chance to survive.

Meet the birds, daily from 11am to 2pm (weather permitting). Excludes Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Between April and October there will be two daily flying displays (excluding Wednesday) at 12.30pm and 3.30pm, weather permitting.

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HERALD OF SPRING

A NEW

Season Dawns

Pics credit: What’s On In Epsom

Ewell’s popular Herald of Spring festival returns on March 9 with an explosion of colour to celebrate the arrival of the season.

This year’s festival has the theme of superheroes and younger visitors are encouraged to don their costumes and come dressed as their favourite superhero.

There will be entertainment throughout the day with Morris dancing by Ewell St Mary’s Morris Men – find out more about the origins and traditions of Morris dancing on page 20 – a spectacular puppet show by Hobbledown children’s farm as well as magicians performing tricks and sleights of hand.

Let the children take part in themed games and activities or delve into history with Bourne Hall Museum’s kids club as it looks at the way the Vikings ruled.

Bourne Hall will once again be transformed with a show garden and spring floral displays from Ashtead Park

Garden Centre and Mayday Flower Club decorating the building.

There will also be traditional crafts and displays from countryside groups, including beekeepers, and a chance to browse stalls selling arts, crafts and homemade produce at the Spring Market, run by What’s On In Epsom.

New this year is a fancy dress competition with prizes to be won for the most inventive costumes inspired by the superhero theme. So get your thinking caps on!

The competition will be judged by the Mayor of Epsom and Ewell on the day of the festival, which celebrates the arrival of spring.

Herald of Spring, Bourne Hall, Ewell, March 9, 9.30am to 5pm.

Email dbrooks@epsom-ewell.gov.uk for further details of the competition.

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ART EXHIBITIONS

A Journey THROUGH ART Experimenting with new techniques and materials has led Gillian Lambert down a new artistic path

We all have a vestige of artistic talent but most of us are quite daunted by the prospect of actually creating that masterpiece lurking within. Where to start?

Artist Gillian Lambert has embraced the idea of experimenting and adapting new techniques into her work and says taking the plunge to try something new is not as scary as it seems.

“I started sketching from an early age, illustrating letters and postcards and filling sketch books with Cornish landscapes. It's a great way to get started and nobody is going to judge you,” she confides.

Moving to a small Kent village, surrounded by iconic oast houses, medieval barns, charming towns, beautiful lanes snow-white with cow parsley and more cows and sheep than you can shake a paintbrush at, gave Gillian the impetus she needed to experiment with painting.

“I still continued to draw and paint country scenes, but I began to specialise in painting flowers in watercolour.

Not easy! You start with a very accurate drawing and then comes the tricky bit — flooding it with loose colour.

Sounds simple, but as watercolour is transparent, you only get one chance at it.”

But Gillian's perseverance paid off and several of her paintings were exhibited at shows mounted by the Society of Women Artists and the Society of Botanical Artists.

And more was to follow. “I was later accepted for membership by Tadworth Art Group, a really instructive,

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friendly and inspiring art club that encourages members to branch out and work outside their comfort zone.”

It was at a demonstration in the technique of using pastels by professional artist David Napp, that Gillian was inspired to do just that.

“I was so impressed by the immediacy of the bright, vibrant colours that I signed up for one of David’s painting courses in the South of France,” she enthuses.

Cast into the middle of a busy French market and trying to ignore the muttered comments from passers-by, Gillian conquered one of her bêtes noires.

“I discovered I was no longer intimidated by painting ‘en plein air' and David’s French course set me off on years of pastel painting, a medium I now love and have had most success with.”

So much so that Gillian now has a little house in Roquebrun in France.

“The countryside consists of vineyards, olive groves, chestnut woods and mountains, and I use all this stunning scenery in my paintings, some of which I have exhibited locally. But we are all still learning and recently I started using oils and acrylics, especially exciting when applied with a palette knife.”

You can view Gillian's latest work at Tadworth Art Group’s next exhibition from May 10 to 12.

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ART EXHIBITIONS

A Rich palette OF WORK Artists John Whurr and Hilary Jones will be staging a joint exhibition showcasing more than 60 original art works at Bourne Hall this March.

JOHN WHURR

HILARY JONES

A former draughtsman, John Whurr’s love of travel provides much of the material for his wide-ranging art work. His first love is architectural and coastal subjects, but an interest in landscape will also see him reaching for his paint palette.

Hilary Jones put aside her paintbrushes to pursue a career as a dispensing optician, but has returned to her first love – art and painting – now that she has more time to devote to her craft.

A member of the Society of All Artists and Molesey Art Society, John has had considerable success with solo exhibitions with many of his drawings and paintings going overseas.

A member of both Molesey Art Society and Oxshott Art and Crafts Society, she regularly exhibits her paintings, which include both abstract and semi-abstract works.

Exhibition by John Whurr and Hilary Jones at Bourne Hall, Ewell, March 18 to 30.

Tadworth Art Group Summer Exhibition Tadworth Art Group’s 35 artists have been hard at work creating a new and exciting range of more than 250 original paintings including traditional landscapes, breathtaking seascapes, atmospheric still life, stunning portraits, gorgeous animals and much more.

Voted national runners-up in the Leisure Painter magazine 2018 Art Group of the Year, the original work on display at the Tadworth exhibition will appeal to all tastes - and may even be your next purchase.

Meet and chat to the artists at the preview evening from 6.30pm-10pm on May 10 or visit the exhibition at Peter Aubertin Hall, Elmore Road, Chipstead, on May 11 or 12.

For more details visit www.tadworthartgroup.org.uk

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ADVERTORIAL

SLICE

OF

Italian LIFE

AT 2 BEECHES AVENUE GASTROVINARIA

Vinoteca Italiana has been a staple in Carshalton Beeches for more than six years, offering authentic Italian cooking in a home from home setting.

Now husband and wife team Gianni and Hana Quartulli are taking their recipe for success and applying it to their latest business venture – 2 Beeches Avenue, an Italian Gastrovinaria.

They have taken over the adjoining premises to the restaurant and opened the Gastrovinaria, which is also the perfect spot for coffee and a pastry – when we say coffee, we mean only the best Italian coffee, rich and

intense, made with Napoli’s finest coffee beans – and to while away time enjoying the company of family and friends.

Brunch is served from 10am and includes classics such as Egg Benedict and Egg Florentine, there is also a lunchtime menu featuring fresh, colourful salads, sandwiches, delectable Arancini – homemade stuffed rice balls filled with beef ragu – as well as heartier dishes.

Come early evening visitors can feast on a platter of antipasto, a selection of Italian cured meats and cheeses, olives and rustic bread, which goes perfectly with a glass of wine.

The deli hosts regular events.

Look out for details on their Facebook page www.facebook.com/2beechesavenue

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ADVERTORIAL

Gianni and Hana embrace the philosophy that Italians live to eat, not eat to live, so the Gastrovinaria is a place of discovery with new and tasty treats to savour on the premises or to take away to enjoy at home.

From the divine Sicilian pastries packed with pistachio, hazelnut or chocolate, to the cheese counter brimming with choices.

Passionate about all things Italian cuisine, Gianni and Hana have sourced produce from across Italy. Their range of wines from around the world includes many small, regional producers not normally found on supermarket shelves, so 2 Beeches Avenue is worth a visit just to pore over the bottles lining the wall.

2 Beeches Avenue, Carshalton Beeches 020 8669 3627 Open 10am-7pm Monday to Saturday

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CHEAM CELEBRATION FARMERS’ MARKET

Celebration OF FOOD

New farmers’ market launches in Cheam

Food lovers rejoice – there’s a new monthly farmers’ market in town.

Launching on March 10, Cheam Celebration Farmers’ Market will showcase local producers as well as street food vendors. There will also be live music and free children’s arts and craft activities taking place at Cheam Park Cafe.

It’s all down to Michael Quinton and comes on the back of the success of last September’s Cheam Celebration of Food & Drink, a free one-day festival promoting the best artisan food and drink producers from Surrey and the neighbouring counties.

His vision for the festival was twofold: to showcase the quality and diversity of independent food and drink producers and encourage people to find out about the provenance of their food, how it is made and the ingredients used.

So far traders including The French Comte, Nonsuch Shrooms and Hunts Hill Farm have signed up for the first market alongside Silent Pool’s Gin Bar, cocktails from Wonder-Bar and craft beer from Burgers “n” Booze.

There will also be live sets by The Shakeups, a six-piece band who play a mix of 50s and 60s rock n roll classics.

Cheam Celebration Farmers’ Market, March 10, 9am-3pm, Cheam Park, Tudor Close, Cheam.

Visit www.agreatcelebration.co.uk or follow Cheam Celebration Farmers’ Market on Facebook www.facebook.com/cheamcelebrationfarmersmarket for the latest news.

The monthly farmers’ market in Cheam Park will build on those objectives and aims to bring the community together through food and drink.

Michael said: “We had 8,500 people attend the first food festival, which was amazing. The community said that they would like to have something as a regular event which led to the idea for the market.”

Money raised from the market will support this year’s food festival, which takes place on September 15.

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DIY DECORATIONS

DIY DECORATIONS

Wreath

MAKING WORKSHOPS Not just for Christmas, wreaths now reflect the changing seasons Traditionally seen adorning doors during the festive season, there is a growing trend to welcome guests to your home and dress up your front door with a wreath, whatever the time of year.

Celebrate the arrival of spring and the long Easter weekend by decorating your home with a wreath that encompasses new spring blooms and foliage as well as a pop of colour from extras such as eggs or sugar-coated treats.

Pick up a new skill and let your creativity take over at one of these wreath-making workshops.

April 16th

April 8th

Mad Lilies, Banstead

Leith Hill Place

April 16, 7pm

April 8, 11am-1pm

Learn how to make a spring bulb door wreath just in time for Easter, using natural and foraged materials, including willow, moss, bark, blossom and seasonal plants and flowers.

Create an Easter wreath from hay or straw with fresh seasonal flowers.

The floristry team at Mad Lilies will show you how to incorporate spring bulbs such as tete a te-te to create a real living floral door wreath to hang on your own front door with pride.

Price ÂŁ75, book online at www.madlilies.co.uk

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With step-by-step instructions from florist Vickie Edwards from The Surrey Hills Florist you will be able to create the perfect seasonal wreath.

All materials will be included, plus a cream tea.

Participants will need to bring their own scissors or secateurs and choice of Easter decorations.

Adults only. ÂŁ30, book by calling 0344 249 1895.

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EAST SURREY MORRIS MEN

Rooted IN

TRADITION

Andy Brown of East Surrey Morris Men delves into the origins of Morris dancing and what makes it uniquely ‘English’ The history of Morris Dancing is shrouded in Old Albion’s mystical past; which is a fancy way of saying that you can make up any story you like about it. But what cannot be denied is that it is unquestionably English; and has been for more than 500 years.

East Surrey Morris Men have been dancing in this area since 1926, the time between wars when the world depicted in Downton Abbey vapourised and modernity emerged through the mist. Coincidentally, it was also the year our beloved monarch Queen Elizabeth II was born. We are therefore already looking forward to 2026 when we are keen to celebrate the centenary of both.

In order for us to get there we are keen to recruit new members because, like any tradition, Morris depends on a continual supply of enthusiasm, commitment and creativity. For the other we cry with every loyal Englishman, “God save the Queen”.

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Different things motivate men to become Morris dancers. For some it’s all about preserving the old traditions, for others it’s an escape from the machinery of modern life; or as the Eagles succinctly said “Some dance to remember, some dance to forget.” At least, I presume they were talking about Morris.

Then there are those who dance in the spirit of Major Peter Labilliere, who is buried upside down on Box Hill: in a topsy-turvy world a little madness can sometimes help us to see things the right way up. But whether it’s a love of deftness or daftness that drives you the one thing you need as a Morris dancer is an awareness that fun is a serious business. Well, a sense of rhythm helps, of course.

Oh, and a willingness to try new things… OK, The things you need are fun, independence, and a fanatical devotion to old Monty Python Jokes.

It should be said that although Morris dancing is inseparable from Englishness, we are glad that modern

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EAST SURREY MORRIS MEN

England is a kaleidoscope of ethnicity, culture and race.

The England we wish to celebrate is not exclusive and the only supremacy we tolerate is in the quality of dancing.

We would therefore especially love to introduce the fun of Morris to those for whom it is most foreign.

demi-Lord of the Dance, who founded the English Folk Dance Society. And then, every Christmas, we perform the legendary Mummers Play depicting the great battle between St George and he who cannot be named, chiefly because he’s only ever called the Dragon.

We practise every Monday night from Michaelmas to St George’s Day at Christ Church, Christchurch Park, Sutton, and during the summer can be found at pubs, fetes, weddings and even the occasional funeral. We perform dances exclusively from the Cotswold traditions and strive to replicate the unique style of each village, drawing on the extensive notes of Cecil Sharp, the

For me personally, since joining I have learned new skills, made new friends and seen new lands, corners (see what I did there….?) and secrets of the Surrey Hills I would never have discovered alone.

Not bad for engaging in something so steeped in the past.

We’d love you to be part of this. To find out more check out our website www.esmm.org.uk where you will also find our contact details.

In the meantime, remember the Strictly mantra: keep dancing!

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EPSOM PLAYHOUSE

Entertaining LINE-UP

Liven up your week nights with an eclectic line-up of entertainment at Epsom Playhouse this spring featuring music, dance, drama and top-class comedy.

Swipe right

Lucy Porter – Pass It On

Steeleye Span

Meet Shaz, Maz and Kaz – or Sharon, Marion and Karen Anne. Best pals since they met on the first day of school, and 30 years later they’re still thick as thieves, having the time of their lives every time they get together. Well, sort of.

Always thought-provoking, Lucy Porter’s new stand-up show ponders the question what do we receive from our ancestors? Dodgy knees and global warming, just two of the things on Porter’s list, but can she leave a better legacy for her children?

With their 50th anniversary fast approaching and a work rate to put many younger artists to shame, folk rock pioneers Steeleye Span are as inspired now as they were at the start of their career.

Kaz is finally getting married to Tony, which means Shaz and Maz need dates for the wedding – proper dates. Swipe right for the perfect match as Shaz and Kaz attempt to get their friend online via the dating app, Tinder.

Lucy Porter, March 16, 8pm, tickets from £15.

But between the karaoke and Tropical Reef of Kaz’s hen party – and the usual dramas and revelations – Shaz and Maz spot Kaz’s husband-to-be on Tinder.

Crammed with songs like Shout Out to My Ex, All the Single Ladies and Angels, Tinder promises to be the perfect antidote to any midweek blues.

Tinder (The Comedy), March 15, 7.30pm, tickets £25.

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9 to 5 Based on the hit 1980s film starring Jane Fonda and Dolly Parton, 9 to 5 the musical is brought to the stage by the Epsom Players.

Pushed to boiling point, three female co-workers concoct a plan to get even with their sexist, egotistical boss, with hilarious results.

Their UK tour stops off in Epsom in April and will see the band perform songs from their new album alongside tracks from their back catalogue, all delivered with a burning passion and unrivalled experience.

Steeleye Span, April 16, 8pm, £22.50.

www.epsomplayhouse.co.uk

9 to 5, March 19-23, 7.30pm, tickets from £18.

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F

O O R

I N G

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

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

WORLD AS A CANVAS

MOUNT GARAGE

Kingswood cattery is a small family run business

which opened Artists’ work inonSeptember display 2009.

We are fully insured and licensed by Reigate and A Banstead collection Borough of originalCouncil. paintings and works will go on display at Bourne Hall this October. Featuring contemporary The cattery has been totally refurbished to the and classical works, painted in oils, watercolours and acrylics, Advisory Bureau standards. has very theFeline exhibition will showcase the creativeIttalents of members generous size pens, including a double pen which of Epsom and Ewell Art Group. can accommodate a larger family group.

The is one the highlights group’s • autumn Each penexhibition has a window withof a shelf for your catof to the sit on and annual calendar look out into of theevents gardenand this year will include works by Richard Seymour, Kyriakides and Barbara • Heated pens to Edna keep them comfortable and cosy Stevens.

There will also be a chance to see artist Dominika Klimczak’s • Bed and scratch post and for our younger guests activity fantasy and and science centres toys fiction art works. Dominika was honoured in 2012 by the British National Science Fiction • We provide all bedding Society for excellence in her fantasy art work Bazuka.

• Individual diets catered for The exhibition runs from October 20 to 31 at Bourne Hall, • Indoor accommodation perfect Ewell, between 9.30am and 5pm. Admission is free so pop for older or nervous cats along and be inspired.

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 Bev Lourenco Servicing, General Mechanical Repairs, Air Con Re-gas or Repair, Cam Belt Replacement, Engine or Gearbox rebuilding or replacing, Sportscars, Autumn exhibition:Suspension Epsom and Ewell Art Race Preparation, works - generally whateverHall, you need justStreet, give us aEwell call Group, Bourne Spring

www.epsomandewellartgroup.co.uk 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

6

Tel: 01737 212297

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

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www.outandabout.media 02/03/2016 16:26

EASTER EGG HUNTS National Trust/Megan Taylor

CRACKING

Easter egg HUNTS

Get outside, follow the clues and be rewarded with some chocolate treats On the hunt for things to do this Easter?

Why not put your detective skills to the test in search of some chocolate treats on one of these cracking Easter egg hunts.

Box Hill

Hobbledown

Tadworth Court

Easter is a special time at Box Hill with the landscape welcoming the change in seasons and nature awakening.

Adventure awaits at Hobbledown where you can hunt for Easter eggs around the fantasy world. There’ll also be puppet shows, a chance to get up close to the farm’s animals and afterwards let the kids work off all that chocolate in the three play areas. April 19-22, normal admission charges apply. www. hobbledown.com

The Children’s Trust’s Easter Fair is back with ‘eggciting’ activities for the whole family.

Grab your coat and wellies and explore the top of this iconic hill on a nature-themed Easter egg hunt.

Trail guides available from the visitor centre.

April 6-22, 10am to 3pm, £3 per trail. www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Leith Hill Place Pick up a garden themed trail and explore the grounds of composer Ralph Vaughan Williams’ former home in search of clues and win a chocolate prize at the end.

April 19-22, 11am to 4.30pm, trail £3. www.nationaltrust.org.uk

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Polesden Lacey

Find the clues hidden around the grounds to win a chocolate egg, take part in games and activities, meet the trust’s mascots and browse the stalls in the Easter market.

April 20, 11am-3pm, Tadworth Court, Tadworth. Entry £3, under threes free.

Easter egg hunt, £4.50. www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk

The animals of Polesden are spring cleaning and one creature’s trash is another one’s treasure! Work out what is recycled and what is upcycled in the woodland, to win a chocolate prize.

April 6-22, 10am to 3pm. Normal admission applies plus £3 per child taking part in the trail. www.nationaltrust.org.uk

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SCHOOLS

Millie_Whizz

• • • • WINNER

Preparation for grammar and independent schools’ tests at 11+ Common Entrance at 11+ and 13+ Summer Intensive Course Selected subjects to GCSE Small group sessions, providing a caring learning environment with a focus on individual needs and aspirations.

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Based in Cheam, Surrey

w w w. m i l l i e w h i z z . c o m

WHAT’S THE

Best school?

Parents often ask me, ‘What’s the best school?’ and ‘How can I get my child into the best school?’

The answer is simple: there is no such thing as ‘The Best School’. However, there is definitely such a thing as ‘The Best School for your child’. At this time of the year there is a buzz in the air from parents, who will have received offers of places from senior schools for their 11+ children. Some will be delighted, others disappointed.

But is this disappointment sometimes misplaced?

So how do you choose the Best School for your Child?

This rather depends on where your child’s skills, talents and passions lie. There is nothing worse than trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. I would suggest that parents begin their research of schools well before their son or daughter is in his/her final year of junior school, ideally when their children are in year 4. Not all the ‘Best schools’ are going to be right for every child, and choosing the right school is so important because making the wrong choice could mean the difference between having a happy teenager and a troubled one.

Most senior schools are enormous places when compared

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to a primary or preparatory school. The sheer vastness of some schools and the numbers of teeming pupils can be quite daunting for a child who is quiet and introverted.

They may feel completely overwhelmed and need an environment where they feel safe, comfortable and one that has a nurturing approach to pastoral care.

Do we, as parents, place an inordinate amount of pressure on our children at such a young age? (Most of those children who recently sat the 11+ tests to grammar schools and independent schools would have been 10 years old.) Many people think we do pressurise children from too early an age in the UK, but if we approach it in a gentler, caring way to encourage, rather than pressurise, we will have happier students all round.

Every child has something unique to offer and something unique at which they excel. Let’s face it, if we were all good at the same things, the world would be a very boring place.

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EASTER ACTIVITIES

Easter HOLIDAYS

Get set for some family fun this Easter holiday… best of all it doesn’t all involve eating chocolate Stuck for ideas on how to entertain the children over the Easter holidays? We’ve rounded up a selection of some of the best things to see and do, from theatre to hands-on activities.

The Amazing Adventures of Pinocchio Based on the fantastical children’s book, this magical story leaps off the page and on to the stage in this high energy re-telling of Pinocchio’s extraordinary adventures.

Packed with comedy, audience interaction, and a host of new songs, this charming musical adaptation of the story of the animated puppet, promises to be the perfect Easter treat for the whole family, no strings attached!

April 15, 2pm, tickets from £10.

Tickets cannot be exchanged or refunded. www.epsomplayhouse.co.uk

The Bubbleman From square bubbles to rocket bubbles, tornado bubbles to flying saucer bubbles, the Amazing Bubble Man can conjure it all.

12 years. He’ll be bringing his spellbinding show, combining comedy, artistry and plenty of audience participation, to Epsom this Easter.

April 17, 2pm, tickets from £10. www.epsomplayhouse.co.uk

Room on the Broom Julia Donaldson’s much-loved children’s tale Room on the Broom is brought to life as a new attraction at Chessington World of Adventures.

Enter the enchanted library and embark on a spellbinding adventure.

As the stormy wind blows, sending the Witch’s hat, bow and wand tumbling to the ground, parents and children will have to search high and low in trees, fields and reeds helping Dog, Bird and Frog to find the lost belongings. But beware of the Dragon, who likes to eat “Witch and chips” for his dinner!

Louis Pearl has been thrilling audiences worldwide for more than 30 years with the art, magic, science and fun of bubbles.

Opens March 10. www.chessington.com

An Edinburgh Fringe favourite, he has sold out there for the last

Learn the skills of Stone Age craftsmen and shape flints. Under the tuition of expert flint knapper

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Flint knapping

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James Dilley, children aged 10 and over will be shown the skills to create an authentic stone age tool to take home. There will also be a chance to hear about some of the ancient survival skills needed to live in such a hostile environment.

April 16, 11am-12.30pm and 2-3.30pm, Bourne Hall, Ewell, £15 per child. Places limited, email dbrooks@epsom-ewell.gov.uk to book.

Pottery painting Get creative with your little ones and create your own designs on a piece of ceramic ware.

Happy Glaze Ceramics in Epsom has studio sessions that can be booked in advance as well as running one-off workshops during the school holidays.

Short on time? Why not hire one of their Take Away Boxes complete with all the kit you need to paint at home. www.happyglazeceramics.co.uk

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Independent co-educational day school for pupils aged 3-18 years

OPEN EVENTS Thursday 7th March 9am-10.30am Senior School only Tuesday 30th April 9am–10.30am Whole School including Sixth Form www.ewellcastle.co.uk

SCHOOLS

LOOKING TO THE

Future

Art contest draws on students’ vision of how Epsom will look 40 years from now How will Epsom and Ewell look in the future?

School pupils are being encouraged to draw on their imagination and create a ‘scene from the future’ for an art competition.

Open to students aged between 5 and 18, the Future40 art competition run by Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, is part of a wider consultation which aims to bring together the views of people of all ages and backgrounds to help shape a long-term vision for the future of the borough.

Based on the theme, ‘Proud of our past, preparing for our future’, students can use any artistic method they like – from painting or drawing to a collage, sculpture or even a piece of music to imagine what their local area could look like in the future. The closing date for the art competition is Friday, April 5.

The winning entries from each age category will have

their work displayed at the Town Hall at a special exhibition and receive both a book voucher prize for themselves and their school library.

The most creative ‘scenes’ will be included in the draft Future40 vision plan for the borough, which will be presented in the summer.

Councillor Eber Kington, chairman of the council’s strategy and resources committee, said: “The art competition, forms part of the wider Future40 campaign and is designed to encourage children and young adults in Epsom and Ewell to start thinking about the future of their local area.

“We hope that schools, youth groups and parents will help us ensure the younger generation start thinking about the physical world and communities they will be growing up in by encouraging them to take part in this future focussed art competition.”

The competition is open to pupils that either attend school or live in the borough.

For more details on the art competition and how to enter visit www.future40.org/competition

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events

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We can work together with your existing team or independently to deliver your marketing strategies both online and offline.

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7c West Street, Ewell, Surrey KT17 1UZ

Join us FOR SOME

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Prosecco, Nibbles, DJ & Dancing tickets from ÂŁ10

book now! www.londonprosecco.co.uk

21st September

12th October

3.30-6.30pm | 7-11pm

3.30-6.30pm | 7-11pm

banstead community hall

bourne hall, ewell