Surrey Occasions Autumn '14

Welcome

Welcome ...

Wendy Cockrill Editor-in-Chief 01795 530111 editor@surreyoccasions.co.uk Liz Vinson What’s On & Culture Editor admin@surreyoccasions.co.uk Graham Otway Sports Editor otwaygj@aol.com Frances Hinton Interior Design Editor frances@HTdesign.co.uk Contributors Anna Patrick Thomas Jack Mary Conisbee www.surreyoccasions.co.uk

Publisher Barry Bebbington Publications International Ltd 01708 229354 barry@pubint.co.uk Designer Paul Buckley JMP 01484 463340 hello@wearejmp.co.uk Printer & Distributor Bishops Printers 02392 336917 enquiries@bishops.co.uk This publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form in whole or in part without the written consent of the publishers. © Publications International Ltd. 2014 To have your personal copy delivered to your door… for free… go to www.surreyoccasions.co.uk/ subscription and subscribe now

urrey Occasions the lifestyle magazine, is under new ownership and we are rebranding and re-launching this long-established, popular magazine hence our new look front cover utilising the heraldic colours of the county.

I am delighted to take up the appointment of Editorin-Chief working closely with the new publisher, Barry Bebbington of Publications International. Together we aim to position Surrey Occasions as the voice of Surrey…inspiring, influencing and informing on a range of lifestyle choices. We are seeking to entertain and engage with you. But we can only achieve, and excel in, our ambitions if you tell us what you like about the magazine and what you would like to see our journalists covering. Simply email surreypeople@gmail.com with your thoughts and opinions.

Many of you will live and thrive, socialise, play and shop in Surrey and through our features we invite you to discover more about the county you live in, the everyday and celebrity lives who impact on the county and the lifestyle choices available.

We want to give you an insight as to where to source the special and ordinary things in your life without having to go outside the county borders. Successful shops, businesses and individuals in our towns and villages ensure flourishing and prosperous communities.

Use Surrey Occasions to discover your providers of those goods and services you need to live contentedly in this wonderful county.

We intend sharing the achievements and accomplishments of Surrey people with you...we want to celebrate success…and will bring you news of the people who are making a name for themselves or for the county.

In this issue you can discover Cobham whilst getting an insight into what celebrities get up to in the kitchen and celebrating the Surrey medallists at the RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show.

Our writers have been out and about in the county talking to Ryder Cup Captain, Paul McGinley, visiting Chobham and meeting with the team behind the Surrey Country Fair.

We hope you agree that this is exciting times for this much loved magazine and that you will enjoy reading the new look Surrey Occasions.

The journalists, designers, editors and the advertising team welcome you to Surrey Occasions and look forward to hearing from you.

Barry Bebbington

Wendy Cockrill

Publisher barry@pubint.co.uk

Editor-in-Chief editor@surreyoccasions.co.uk

Surrey Occasions

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In ide ...

Autumn 2014

9 Blooming Successful The triumphs of Surrey garden designers at the RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show

10 Paul McGinley talks to Graham Otway, Sports Editor, about his role as the 2014 European Ryder Cup captain

13 A Riot of Colour: 11 Sunningdale

The Best Sunday Lunch!

Where to see beautiful autumn colour in Surrey and around the globe

28 Beauty:

30 Village profile:

Seasonal Gorgeousness

Chobham

36–53 Schools:

54 What’s on: Half Term Hysteria

advice on Bursaries and Scholarships a profile of 30 schools offering some of the best private education in Southern England

The Rat Pack comes to Surrey Your calendar of events The Mane Chance Sanctuary Celebrity Authors at the Guildford Book Festival

12 Restaurant Review:

15 An Ancient and Modern Community: we visit Cobham

24 Fashion: Dramatic Appearances Accessories His Wardrobe

34 Celebrities share their kitchen secrets

64 Interiors: Fireplaces – Woodburners Colour Accents Current Trends in Kitchen Design New bedroom Top Tips You can put a modern bathroom in an old house Lighting your living room

76 Art: Portrait of an Artist – Sheree Valentine Davies

78 Recipes: Soup-a-Licious – 3 scrummy recipes and breads to complement these tasty soup dishes

33 Surrey County Agricultural Society: Surrey Country Fair

60 Travel: Islands in the Sun Canal du Midi with love

80 Drinks: Party time?

Thomas Jack Surrey Occasions own drinks specialist recommends

NEW SPECIALISED RESIDENTIAL DEMENTIA AND NURSING UNIT AT

CHESTNUT VIEW CARE CENTRE St Cloud Care launches new specialised residential dementia and nursing unit at Chestnut View Care Centre in the heart of Haslemere.

Surrey has many charming small towns and villages but Haslemere is unique.

Situated on the borders of Hampshire and West Sussex, this historic market town with its timbered and tile hung houses and cottages, is one of the gems of the Surrey Hills area of outstanding natural beauty.

Located in the heart of Haslemere, Chestnut View is a modern residence commanding a corner position with Lion Green Park only a short distance, providing a popular attraction for their residents.

St Cloud Care are pleased to announce the arrival of their new Home Manager Parveen Alishah at Chestnut View who has a wealth of experience in care of the elderly.

Chestnut View has recently undergone a major refurbishment throughout; incorporating the new Bistro Café for residents and visitors overlooking Lion Green.

There is also a new hairdressing salon that is reminiscent of times gone by. The rooms have been refurbished to a high standard and all have ensuite facilities.

Chestnut View is a specialist home for people with dementia and nursing care, where trained staff provides residents with individual specialised dementia care and support.

Chestnut View has been developed and adapted to the needs of residents with dementia and we offer as much

independence and stimulation as possible incorporating appropriate environmental aspects such as furniture, signage and decor to help people maintain their independence and dignity.

For those people who have health care needs Chestnut View does provide nursing care with medical input 24 hours a day in a comfortable, safe environment. They actively encourage residents, their families and carers to be involved in care planning, their environment and daily activities.

Chestnut View Care Centre offers peace of mind due to the support offered by a combination of Registered Nurses and trained carers. The home is designed for individuals requiring nursing care as well as support with daily living activities.

The expertise of their caring team is to recognise and enable each resident to continue to do the things they enjoy for as long as they are able to do so. Their programme is based on the theories of ‘person centred care’ and all of their care plans are tailored around the residents’ needs and capabilities and are adjusted to provide additional support over time.

Activities are a key part of the daily life at Chestnut View. Their Lifestyle co-ordinators assist in developing individual activity

CHESTNUT VIEW CARE CENTRE

OPEN DAY

THURSDAY 13TH SEPTEMBER 2014 Lion Green, Haslemere, Surrey GU27 1LD • Telephone: 01428 652622 Email: enquiries@stcloudcare.co.uk • www.stcloudcare.co.uk

schedules tailored to the personal lives and interests of residents. With their staff on hand at all times, each activity is designed to not only mentally and physically stimulate their residents, but to enhance their quality of life and wellbeing.

At St Cloud Care they understand that choosing the right care is an extremely important decision, and they’re pleased to be able to help in any way they can. See St Cloud Care website on locations page for contact details for their portfolio of individual homes. Alternatively, complete the enquiry form and they’ll be in touch with you as soon as possible.

A Royal Address.

An elegant terrace of 9 classical townhouses in an enviable position, overlooking Windsor’s Long Walk and Great Park. These traditional style properties are being built to the highest specifications with 4/5 bedrooms, numerous reception and entertaining areas, and private landscaped gardens. With picturesque views towards the iconic Castle and ideally placed for the town centre, each property also benefits from its own rooftop terrace and secure private parking.

Central London is easily accessible whilst Heathrow Airport is less than 10 miles. Windsor and Eton train station provides a 29 minute train service to London Paddington and London Waterloo can be accessed in less than 1 hour.

Prices from £2.75 million - £2.95 million

Show house in Kings Road, SL4 2AH Open daily 10am – 4pm 020 3137 8226 longwalkvillas@octagon.co.uk Selling agent: Hamptons, Windsor: 01753 855 555 Computer Generated Image

www.octagon.co.uk

Long Walk Villas, Windsor, Berks, SL4 2AH Price guide for the remaining five homes is from £2.75m. The show house is open daily 10 a.m.-4p.m. telephone 0203 1378226 Or call Hamptons telephone +44 (0)1753 855 555 for more details and browse the websites www.octagon.co.uk and www.hamptons-int.co.uk

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Surrey Occasions

On the eve of the official launch of Octagon’s first development in Windsor, four of the nine houses have already been snapped up, including the show house during its inaugural opening weekend.

The supersized 4/5 bedroom 4 bathroom family villas are a few minutes’ walk from the High Street and the River Thames, overlook The Long Walk in Windsor Great Park, and their roof terraces have views across to the Castle.

Quintessentially British and steeped in history, Windsor is an idyllic place to live. Located in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead in the heart of the Thames Valley, the town, as well as having a strong Royal presence, is surrounded by miles of beautiful countryside, and yet is still within easy commuting distance of Central London. Both Windsor railway stations are within easy reach of Long Walk Villas. Also the hallowed halls of Eton College are a few minutes’ drive away, just one of the excellent schools in the Windsor area.

The handsome terrace of just nine homes sits behind a pair of secure ornamental gates, and has been traditionally built in mellow brick with lavish stone dressings, surrounded by mature tree-lined landscaping and including spaces for visitor parking.

Each house has its own integral garage, forecourt parking and a private rear garden.

The contemporary lower ground floor kitchens are fitted with top of the range Miele appliances and bespoke handcrafted units, include an informal eating area which extends into a spacious family room, where a pair

“This is a first class location for our top of the range homes, and we are delighted they are receiving so much attention, even before we have taken the hoardings down” Angus McQuhae, Octagon’s Regional Director and also a Windsor resident of twinned glass doors lead onto the private west facing garden.

On the ground floor is a beautifully proportioned drawing room with feature fireplace, opening onto an elevated terrace, and the dining room has a Juliette balcony with views over the historic Long Walk in Windsor Great Park.

On the first floor are two bedrooms, one of which is en suite, plus an additional family bathroom and a study/fifth bedroom , again with the favoured Long Walk views. On the second floor are two more bedroom suites, one being the Master, which has an impressive marble bathroom and access to a charming roof terrace with the very privileged view across to Windsor Castle.

The Ultimate Home The ultimate in luxury living has to be Chartfield House on High Trees Road in Reigate.

Built by Millwood Designer Homes, Chartfield is sister to the equally-impressive Blandford House. Now sold, the home recently won Best Family Home over £1.5m in the Small Housebuilder category at the Evening Standard Awards.

However, Chartfield House gives you one more chance to live in a beautiful home based on awardwinning designs.

This home really does have it all – including a lift to all floors just in case you don’t feel like taking the stairs!

“The town is also well-known for its dining scene, including The Dining Room. Head Chef Tony Tobin, of BBC’s Ready Steady Cook fame, has a very special treat for whoever buys Chartfield House – he has agreed to provide a meal for six, to be cooked in the house’s kitchen. The ultimate treat in the ultimate home!”

Sales Director Philip Brown Light floods through the rooms, thanks to an abundance of bifolds, French doors and Juliet balconies, and its elevated position means you can appreciate panoramic views of the Surrey countryside from the southfacing terrace.

All five bedrooms are en suite, and there’s a butler’s pantry next to the media room.

“High Trees Road is a fantastic location in Reigate. It is just one minute’s walk from Redhill Common yet commuters can be in London Bridge in 39 minutes and Gatwick in half that time.”

When it comes to entertaining guests, you’re spoilt for choice: drawing room, dining room, family room, and a huge kitchen/ breakfast room.

Of course, we mustn’t forget the library and cellar, or the triple garage and plenty of parking for when friends and family visit.

Guide price: £2.65 million. If you have a home to sell then Millwood can assist you. Details are available upon request. www. millwooddesignerhomes.co.uk

SUBSCRIBE TO Surrey Occasions and never miss another word! www.surreyoccasions.co.uk/ subscriptions A CASE OF FRENCH WINE, DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR, could be yours if you subscribe by 1st November 2014. Full terms & conditions online.

Regular readers of surrey occasions will be inspired, informed, moved & motivated FREE TO SUBSCRIBE

chartfield house high trees road, reigate, surrey, rh2 7en Located in an elevated tranquil position with commanding panoramic views of the Surrey countryside, yet only just over 40 minutes to the capital by train Viewing by appointment only, telephone 01737 400073 • Guide Price £2,650,000 EPC = B

For more infomation email sales@mdh.uk.com • www.millwooddesignerhomes.co.uk

A joint venture with

Celebrating Surrey’s Successes

Blooming Successful SILVER

World Vision

GOLD

Surrey Occasions celebrates the successes of the Surrey based garden designers who attained medal status in recognition of their Show Gardens at the RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show.

Here the medal winners shares their thoughts on success with Surrey Occasions readers.

The Stonewall Garden: breaking down the walls of pride.

Surrey based Amanda Miller drew inspiration to create her conceptual garden from her own experiences and the difficulties faced as a young gay person growing up in a small country town in Australia. “The fact that we received a Gold award for the garden is such an incredible honour. We worked so hard to bring this concept to life and we hope that the thousands of visitors enjoyed the work.

We created a powerful message to help promote our favourite charity, Stonewall, through hard and soft landscaping and an unusual combination of plant species.” www.amandamillerdesigns.com

John Warland was motivated in his garden design after hearing of the role that international aid agency World Vision played in bringing the famine in Ethiopian to the attention of the West. “ It is a great news story and an uplifting end to 3 decades of development, showing how long-term charitable giving can truly help those living in some of the world’s harshest environments. We take the silver award gladly, but more importantly enjoy the emotional resonance that the garden has helped to create with the visiting public” www.flemonswarlanddesign.com SILVER

Lust

SILVER and the People’s Choice BEST SHOW GARDEN

Jordans Wildlife Garden Selina Botham hopes that her colourful, and often edible, garden will have encouraged visitors to bring a little bit of the British countryside into their gardens. “Winning the People’s Choice is such an honour and I was delighted with the response that the public had to the garden. The soft curves, grass paths and planting which started with wildflower meadow at the edge and grew in intensity and height as you walked into the garden seemed to really appeal. People really enjoyed the use of natural materials and the nut terrace and thatched benches created a few smiles.” www.designsforallseasons.co.uk

Rachel Parker Sodens garden depicted the sin of lust and even had its own red light district which allowed the visitor to be a voyeur on the sex lives of plants. “Designing and building a show garden has been a great experience. It is a long process from concept to the finished garden, but is all worth it for that moment when you see what has been in your mind for all that time suddenly materialising in reality. I feel very proud of what we have achieved and I am very pleased for that to have been recognised with an RHS medal.” www.rachelparkersoden.co.uk Surrey Occasions

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The Interview : Paul McGinley

Being Ryder Cup Captain is a lot of fun ‌ Paul McGinley talks to Graham Otway, Sports Editor

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Surrey Occasions

The members at Sunningdale Golf Club who for more than a decade have enjoyed playing with Paul McGinley should not fret that for the past 18 months his number of visits to the club have been severely limited.

Should they turn on their televisions over the last weekend of September his face will be filling their screens on almost an hourly basis.

For the convivial Dubliner who moved over from his native Ireland to the town and course which straddle

the Surrey and Berkshire border in 1997 will be taking centre stage in his role as Europe’s Ryder Cup captain in the biennial contest against America at Gleneagles.

And while for the twelve star players on both sides the trip to Scotland merely involves two or three days of practice and team building, followed by three days of intensive matchplay golf with TV cameras following their every shot, for McGinley it will be the climax of a long journey.

Since he was handed the job by the European Tour’s committee at a meeting in Abu Dhabi in mid January 2013 he has been involved in the meticulous planning for a global sporting event which in terms of TV viewing figures ranks third behind soccer’s World Cup and The Olympics.

However despite having to endure an endless series of meetings discussing issues like the way the course will be laid out, the accommodation and food requirements of his players along with the design of their playing uniforms and the team golf bags, Paul has had no regrets having accepted the offer of the job.

He insists: “Being Ryder Cup captain is a lot of fun because of the interest that everyone else has in the job. I am happy to talk about it because there is as much excitement for everybody else as there is for me and it’s always a topic of conversation with whom ever I meet.

“But being team captain involves a lot more than just being a player for three days. The workload has increased quantifiably over the last decade or so. It is a two-year job now. There a lot of extra media requirements than previously and a huge amount of commercial interest particularly when you are the home captain.”

Typical of the huge Ryder Cup demands upon his time was a week in March when, as part of his continued

playing schedule on the European Tour, Paul entered the Trophee Hassan 11 event in Morocco. Where most of the 126-strong field arrived in Agadir on the Monday for three days of preparation, Paul just got there the day before the first round and not surprisingly missed the halfway cut.

And he is not the first Ryder Cup captain whose playing form has suffered dramatically under the burden of the job. The two-time Masters winning Spaniard Jose Maria Olazabal, who masterminded the dramatic victory over the Americans at Medinah two years ago, slumped to 169th on Europe’s Order of Merit during his first 12 months in charge.

However Paul, who has also not been able to visit his second club, the highly exclusive Queenwood layout in nearby Ottershaw which he uses mainly for practice, accepts there is the downside to the challenge of leading the European Ryder Cup campaign.

“Sunningdale? I haven’t played there as much as I would liked,” he said. “Because it’s a great club. I have

“Being team captain involves a lot more than just being a player for three days. The workload has increased quantifiably over the last decade or so. It is a two-year job now.”

been an honorary pro there since 1997 and I have always tried to get up there as often as I can. I think it’s the members who make it such a great club and the courses are terrific.

“I prefer playing the East course because it’s more of a challenge for the higher standard player. But I always enjoy playing great money games with the members and giving them strokes.”

The big question, however, is whether Paul’s captaincy can inspire the European players to their sixth victory in seven Ryder Cups this century against an American team led by the golfing legend Tom Watson.

Asked whether he would be visiting Sunningdale next month as a winning captain, Paul replied diplomatically “I think Tom will prove to be a very good captain.”

Sunningdale Golf Club

A glorious piece of heathland

Sunningdale is blessed with two championship courses which wind their way through heather, gorse and pine, and each one of which has its own individual charm.

The original course at Sunningdale was designed by Willie Park Jnr. a leading golfer of his time who won the Open in 1887 and 1889. His later career was that of a golf course architect and he was responsible for some of the finest courses, including Sunningdale Old which has been played since 1901. Sunningdale’s New course was designed

by Colt and Morrison in 1923, on heathland including small copses and broom. In 1934, architect Tom Simpson scrapped the hilly holes and created a clockwise loop but this was not popular and in 1939 Colt and Morrison were asked back. Their re-design remains.

Paul McGinley’s favourite hole is the 500 yard, Par 5 6th hole on the Sunningdale new course. This is a long and strongly right dog legged hole with downhill drive and uphill second. The water hazards and a deep heather pit present additional challenges.

The Surrey Golf Union, however, cites the 5th hole of the old course as one of the top 3 in Surrey describing it as a “high tee position which shows off the best features of inland golf on this delightful par 4. Heather, gorse, pine, bunkers and a pond frame the shot-making”.

Some golfers will wonder why Sunningdale, which has a Berkshire postal address is listed in Surrey. The reason is simple, Sunningdale Golf Club is affiliated to the Surrey Golf Union. The Club has hosted many prestigious golf tournaments, including the British Masters, Walker Cup, Women’s British Open, and The Senior Open Championship.

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Surrey Occasions

Restaurant review

In search of a really good Sunday lunch?

The stylish and vibrant Brasserie offers informal yet chic dining and a spectacular Sunday lunchtime buffet with something to suit every palate.

As well as delicious food, diners are entertained by the enthusiastic and talented Jubilee Jazz Trio.

Head Chef Ram Jalasutram, who has previously worked with London restaurants including Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester, Gordon Ramsay in London and Raymond Blanc, has crafted a menu that is a feast of modern British cuisine, using quality ingredients sourced from the British Isles such as beef, lamb, salmon and garden vegetables. The Brasserie Restaurant is the perfect place for families or couples to enjoy a meal in a relaxed and happy atmosphere.

Starters include a generous seafood medley, including king prawns and mussels and a lovely selection of traditional hors d’oeuvres such as asparagus and charcuterie.

Why not indulge in that wonderful British tradition in beautiful surroundings at The Brasserie at the 5 star Pennyhill Park Hotel in Bagshot.

But of course, most diners seek the traditional comfort of a Sunday roast. There’s a choice of roast beef with Yorkshire puddings, roast pork with apple sauce or roast lamb with mint sauce and each dish is accompanied by a choice of seasonal vegetables and always, golden roast potatoes. The menu changes each week and there is a fish dish and a vegetarian option for those who want something a little different to the traditional Sunday roast.

For those who still have room, the sweets included a delicious cinnamon and apple crumble with custard, chocolate mousse topped with grated almonds and a comprehensive selection of British and Continental cheeses. Of course, as you might expect from a renowned five star hotel, there is a quality wine list to meet all tastes.

This was the best Sunday lunch I have ever had. Absolutely mouth-watering and all for only £37 per head (children in highchairs eat for free). Be sure to pre-book to avoid disappointment as the Brasserie Sunday lunch, served from 1pm to 3pm, is very popular. Simply call 01276 471774. You’ll find Pennyhill Park Hotel on London Road, Bagshot GU19 5EU.

Autumn Walks

A riot of colour When blessed with a dry summer followed by ever shortening, sunny days and slowly cooling nights the colours of autumn can be truly awesome. There are many places in the world noted for their kalidescope of autumn colours including Tuscany in Italy, New England, USA and the Yamanashi prefecture of Japan but here in Surrey we have no need to travel beyond the county border to surround ourselves with a feast of autumn colour. Here we consider just 3 such places.

Winkworth Arboretum Affectionately referred to by the national Trust as an unfinished masterpiece, Winkworth Arboretum in Godalming has a collection of more than 1,000 different shrubs and trees.

Take a stroll through the personal plant collection of one man, who was passionate about shrubs and trees and marvel at the colour of the foliage and the richly coloured reflections in the glassy surfaces of the lakes. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ winkworth-arboretum

Hatchlands Park

The Savill Garden

This 400 acres of parkland just outside of Guildford is a marvellous place for children to explore whilst parents take in the feast of autumn colour which greets them along every step of the 5 way-marked walks. The 400 year old oaks are magnificent at this time of year and although primarily a summer� garden, a visit to Hatchlands would not be complete without a walk around the parterre designed by Gertrude Jekyll.

These acres of classically designed gardens and exotic woodlands never fail to please. Awash with colour all year round the Autumn Wood is aptly named coming into its own as the days draw shorter. The varied planting of deciduous trees such native oak, beech and sweet chestnut provide a tapestry of oranges, yellows and browns amongst the reliably dark green Scots pine.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ hatchlands-park 14

Surrey Occasions

http://www.windsor.gov.uk/things-to-do/ the-savill-garden-p276241

Cooper Cobham

The Ultimate Driving Machine

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From the aesthetics of the long bonnet, short overhangs and flowing roofline to the raw power of the magnificent engine, the 6 Series is an unmistakable and elegant option for those who like their car to turn heads whenever they turn a corner.

BMW Select representative example: BMW 640d M Sport Coupé.

Term of agreement

48 Months

Dealer deposit contribution

£6,780.99

Option to purchase fee**

£10.00

47 monthly payments of

£599.00

BMW UK deposit contribution

£10,000.00

Optional final payment**

£19,237.50

On the road cash price*

£67,795.00

Total deposit

£26,279.99

Total amount payable

£73,680.49

Customer deposit

£9,499.00

Total amount of credit

£41,515.01

Rate of interest

4.89% Fixed

Representative 4.9% APR

For more information or to arrange a test drive^, call Cooper Cobham today on 01932 282 614.

Cooper Cobham 8-22 Portsmouth Road, Cobham, Surrey KT11 1JA www.coopercobhambmw.co.uk Fuel economy figures for the BMW 6 Series Coupé range: Extra Urban 42.8- 58.9 mpg. Urban 23.7 - 42.8 mpg. Combined 32.8 - 52.3 mpg.

CO2 emissions 145-206 g/km. Figures may vary depending on driving style and conditions. Figures dependent of driving style and conditions.

Finance and advertised APR available on a BMW Select agreement for the BMW model shown; a BMW 640d M Sport Coupé with a contract mileage of 40,000 and a contract mileage charge of 14.4p per mile. Ordered at participating Cooper BMW dealers between 1 July and 30 September 2014 and registered by 31 December 2014 (subject to availability). Retail customers only. *On the road cash price is based on manufacturer’s recommended retail price and includes 3 year BMW Dealer Warranty, BMW Emergency Service, 12 months’ road fund licence, vehicle first registration fee, delivery, number plates and VAT. **Optional final payment and option to purchase fee not payable if you opt to return the vehicle at the end of the agreement (vehicle condition, excess mileage and other charges may be payable). Finance available subject to credit acceptance to UK residents aged 18 or over. Guarantees and indemnities may be required. Terms and conditions apply. Offer may be varied, withdrawn or extended at any time. ‘BMW Select’ is a form of hire-purchase agreement provided by BMW Financial Services (GB) Limited, Bartley Way, Hook, Hampshire RG27 9UF. Inchcape Retail is not an independent financial advisor. We work with a panel of selected lenders when arranging funding for your purchase and these lenders may pay us for introducing you to them. BMW EfficientDynamics reduces BMW emissions without compromising performance developments and is standard across the model range. ^Test drive subject to applicant status and availability.

Cobham Feature

Cobham – an ancient and modern community Cobham has four times been named the best place to live in the country, and walking through the High Street you get the feeling its residents would agree.

The current town of Cobham can trace its ancestory back to Roman times. In the early 20th century during excavations for a new road, circular rubbish-pits were found containing fragments of Roman wheel-made pottery. Also found, were loom weights and potboilers probably from the Iron Age but the modern community grew around the 12th century St. Andrew’s Church, which still boasts a Norman tower and stunning medieval stained glass windows.

Royalty has had some influence on the development of the village. In the late 10th century it is recorded that a wooden bridge was built on the Portsmouth road across the Mole 16

Surrey Occasions

at the instruction of Maud, queen of Henry I. It was to be used in flood time only but in 1782 a new brick bridge was built to be accessible at all times as a county bridge. In gratitude to Elizabeth Wyndham who had assisted the escape of Charles 11, after the battle of Worcester, a fishery at Cobham Bridge was granted by the king to Thomas Wyndham.

This original village grew rapidly after the arrival of the railway in the late 1880s and over the next hundred years, the High Street developed into a busy and appealing town shopping centre with an array of quality independent, high-end shops and local restaurants nestling amongst high street brands.

Cobham Feature

Notable Figures Private estates have sprung up in Cobham providing exclusive housing for Chelsea’s football stars who train at their team’s ground nearby but, several notable figures in history have also chosen to make Cobham their home including Lord Charles Sopwith the world famous aviation pioneer;

Fred Stedman, Surrey county cricketer in the early 1900s, and Sir Noel Campbell Macklinand, British car maker and boat designer. Poet Matthew Arnold also lived there during his retirement. His link with Cobham is commemorated by ‘Matthew Arnold Close’ - a road near Painshill Park.

‘the country is more beautiful than the Chilterns, because it has heather and pines, while the trees of other kinds in the valley of the Mole, where we are, are really magnificent.’ Arnold

154 PORTSMOUTH ROAD COBHAM, SURREY KT11 1HX

01932 590358 sales@ritehandles.co.uk

Expert Interior Design Service Cobham Interior Design are excited to announce that Curtain Call, The Curtain Agency in Cobham is expanding to provide an interior design service. Under the expert guidance of Deirdre Jordan and Alicia Wall, with over 30 years experience, they can offer clients a comprehensive design service to incorporate all areas of Interior Design, which include; curtains and blinds, poles and tracks, upholstery and cushions, furniture and carpets, lamps and accessories. Please call 01932 860919 to make an appointment or for further information.

Back On The Road With A BMW Within easy reach of the M25 motorway, on Portsmouth Road, is the Cooper BMW Cobham showroom, showcasing a wide range of New BMW models, as well as displaying over 50 Approved Used BMW’s. Their Parts department remains well-stocked at all times and the 10-bay workshop ensures any repairs or maintenance you may need will be dealt with swiftly to get you back on the road as soon as possible.

Off The Peg Or Bespoke Men’s Fashion The highest level of service awaits your visit at George Whitehead, Between Streets. This emporium was originally established in Ewell in September 1954 and subsequently opened in Cobham in 1958 and is now celebrating 60 years of trading.

For elegant contemporary Italian Menswear one can find a selection of much coveted labels which include suiting from Brioni and Pal Zileri who also both offer a made to measure option for that very special occasion. Complementing the clothing are formal shirts from Eton, casual wear by Paul Shark followed by Jacob Cohen Jeans with shoes from Church’s and Stemar. Your shopping experience will be further enhanced by the cleverly co-ordinated merchandising in store. Call 01932 863841 or visit www.georgewhitehead.co.uk for further information. For further information call 01932 589400.

Exclusive Fashion in a Welcoming Atmosphere When it comes to fashion, Cobham has a lot to offer. At Suzanne Boutique in the heart of the high street, the philosophy is simple – to provide the most exclusive and beautiful high fashion brands in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, enabling you to select your new season’s wardrobe effortlessly. You’ll discover that colour is back this season particularly cerise pink, purple and a touch of amber and of course winter white, black, grey, camel and navy. This independently owned ladies boutique offers fabulous collections from Moschino, Versace, Armani, Escada and more. For further information telephone 01932 865135.

SUZANNE

32–34 HIGH STREET COBHAM KT11 3EB 01932 865135

Come and be inspired ...

Adaptations 53-57 High Street, Cobham, Surrey KT11 3DP T +44 1932 584940 W www.adaptations.uk.com

Cobham Feature

Unique Conservation Area

Quality Menswear & Formal Hire Service When it comes to Men’s Fashion in Cobham, Jeremy Hobbs is a friendly independent men’s clothes shop in the heart of the High Street (opposite Farrants).

Owner Andrew Hobbs and his team specialise in quality menswear brands such as Gant, Hackett, Tommy Hilfiger, Henri Lloyd and Timberland. To compliment these brands they stock a large choice of accessories including ties, cufflinks, belts, bags, wallets, caps, socks and much more.

They also have a comprehensive hire department from which dinner, morning and lounge suits can be hired. For further information please phone 01932 865700 or visit www.jeremyhobbs.co.uk.

Perfect Destination For A Celebration For a truly unforgettable Christmas and New Year, The Hilton Cobham is delighted to offer the perfect destination, a choice of tempting cuisine plus sparkling entertainment. Their Christmas Coordinator can take care of all those important details that guarantee your private party is a memorable event. Also enjoy their Christmas themed party nights and the magic of Winter Wonderland in the Mediterranean Grill. Perfect for smaller groups, 20

Surrey Occasions

A unique part of Cobham is the Church Cobham Conservation Area, which includes fourteen statutory listed buildings including one of the most picturesque and oldest buildings in the town, Church Stile House and two mansion houses overlooking the River Mole: Ham Manor and the National Trust’s Cedar House.

At the other end of the town, in the late 20th century a restoration project transformed an overgrown and neglected park into the fine example of 18th century landscape that is Painshill Park. Whilst over on the banks of the River Mole sits a lovingly restored red brick water mill. Constructed in 1822, it is the only surviving fully working watermill in Surrey.

you will be welcomed by a champagne cocktail to get you into the festive mood.

Follow this with a traditional Christmas party with turkey, hats, crackers and a disco to dance the night away. To request their Christmas brochure phone +44 (0)1932 864 471 or visit their website on www.cobham.hilton.com

school for children aged 3-13 years.

The school is situated on a stunning 25 acre site of woodland, games fields and landscaped play areas. High quality teaching and excellent pastoral care underpin the unique family atmosphere at Feltonfleet. They are proud of their recent ISI Inspection report, their excellent academic results and the increasing number of senior school scholarships awarded to their pupils. Telephone 01932 862 264, email admissions@feltonfleet.co.uk or visit www.feltonfleet.co.uk

Create Your Ideal Bathroom When it comes to luxury bathrooms look no further than TJ Bathrooms. They are a family run business established in 1972 specialising in the installation of bespoke bathrooms. Their service includes free estimates, design and planning. 3D drawings on request, project management with an experienced team including carpenters, electricians, tilers, decorators and of course plumbers. They are able to supply all the latest equipment from leading manufacturers at competitive prices.

You will be amazed at how easy it is to create your ideal bathroom/wet room or just remodel your existing. Visit www. tjbathrooms.com or phone 01932 868523 for further information.

Excellent Pastoral & Academic Record Feltonfleet School is a co-educational independent day, weekly and flexi boarding

A Winter Wonderland Awaits You Visit the winter wonderland at Garsons, just a stone’s throw away from Cobham off the Fairmile Road at Winterdown Road, Esher. The award-winning Garden Centre and Farm Shop are ready to welcome you with gifts ideas, home inspiration and Christmas treats for food lovers. Why not order your farm fresh turkey? You can count on Garsons for the best quality plants, gifts and homeware, along with local and speciality food. For further information and details of free events, including real reindeer visit www.garsons.co.uk or phone 01372 460181.

Cobham Feature A Piano Is A Work Of Art Pianos aren’t just instruments anymore; they are works of art and encourage a certain lifestyle. If you haven’t got a piano in your home or your life, you should ask yourself “why not?” Visit the showroom and experience the wonderful World of music. For nearly 150 years Sheargolds have been providing quality pianos to families, schools and businesses throughout

the UK. Customers visit their showroom in Anyards Road, Cobham from far and wide to select the right piano for their needs. Phone 01932 866577 or visit www. sheargoldmusic.co.uk for more information.

Treat Your Garden To A Make-Over Challenge Fencing has been established over 25 years, offering wide ranges of fence

panels, decking, sleepers, gates, garden furniture and much more. Their garden products are designed to look good but also to stand the test of time. They are manufactured in the UK, using timber sourced from approved suppliers and sustainable sources. Most timber products are ‘Tanalised E’ pressure treated with the latest generation wood preservatives to protect against decay and fungal attack, ensuring long life and

C INTERIOR DESIGNERS ALICIA WALL AND DEIRDRE JORDAN CAN OFFER CLIENTS A COMPREHENSIVE INTERIOR DESIGN SERVICE INCLUDING; CURTAINS AND BLINDS, POLES AND TRACKS, UPHOLSTERY AND CUSHIONS, FURNITURE AND CARPETS, LAMPS AND ACCESSORIES

C 3 CHURCH STREET COBHAM SURREY KT11 3EG

1 Holly Parade, High Street, Cobham, Surrey KT11 3EE Tel: 01932 865700 • info@jeremyhobbs.co.uk www.jeremyhobbs.co.uk

low maintenance. See their Ad, go to www.challengefencing.com, visit their Cobham branch or phone 01932 953 656

Unmissable Menus & Entertainment It’s never too early to start thinking about your Christmas social calendar, and Silvermere has an unmissable line up of entertainment and mouth watering menus. With a modern refurbished bar & restaurant area and multiple function suites, Silvermere can accommodate small and large groups for Christmas celebrations.

Join in with one of the sell-out festive parties which include a sparkling wine reception, 4 course menu, entertainment and DJ. This year themes include Casino Royale & Winter Wonderland. Plus don’t miss the New Year’s Eve party! Call 01932 584316 or visit www.silvermere-golf.co.uk for further information.

Up To The Minute Kitchens Ian Cross, founder of Adaptations has been designing and installing high quality, bespoke and German kitchens in South

West London and Surrey for fifteen years.

An unrivalled personal service, combined with experience, knowledge of the latest trends, and access to the best products, ensure their kitchens are upto-the-minute in design, and accurately fulfil the criteria and budget of each client.

Adaptations work closely with developers and contractors on extensions and new builds and also offer a full installation service including; tiling, electrical and plumbing, plastering for people looking for a complete service. All enquiries please visit their Cobham showroom or phone 01932 584940.

Beautiful & Authentic Handles Rite Handles offers you the best and largest range of architectural quality ironmongery to complete your home project with style. Look no further for period or contemporary ranges in doors, door knobs, knockers, locks, handles, hinges, bathroom fittings, mirrors, electrical switches and dimmers, post boxes, lighting, and stone or engraved signs. They now offer a supply and fit solution for all their

products, and a re-finishing service (subject to quantity) for many products.

A selected range of products, can be made in any of their beautiful and authentic finishes. Prices are on application and the full range is currently only available to view from their showroom. For further information, please call 01932 590358 or visit www.ritehandles.co.uk

Specialist Legal Advice Mundays LLP, Cobham provide specialist legal advice to corporate and private clients. Mundays offers business clients advice about corporate and commercial, employment and commercial property matters across a variety of industry sectors including retail, logistics, franchising, healthcare, technology and communications. For the individual, Mundays has a widely respected reputation for family work (especially high-value cases), as well as in private clients, including wills and tax planning. Dispute resolution and property expertise is provided to both business client and the individual. For further information telephone 01932 590 500 or visit www.mundays.co.uk

a la mode Occasions

Dramatic appearances Arresting colours and prominent patterns, especially checks and animal prints, dominate the Autumn rails with reds taking centre stage and blues as the understudy.

Red Cowl Neck Zip Dress £149 jameslakeland.net

Wild Thing Hoxton Dress £60 bettyandclaude.co.uk

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Surrey Occasions

Michaela Louisa £135 melita.com

£130 melita.com

d

tren 65.00 • ol jumper £1 £250.00 • Wo trousers Wool blazer 90.00 • Wool £1 r pe jum ll-neck Cashmere ro • tommy.com .00 70 £1 s ot ather bo £125.00 • Le

Step out on

Michaela Louisa top red £55 • trousers £95 • melita.com

Great Plains Check It Out Skirt £50 • Ma Jewelled Jump isie er £75 • Maisie Long Jaquard Cardigan £75 • bettyandclau de.co.uk

By Ti Mo Botanical silk blouse £110 hengeloshop.com

Key item on this seas The turtleneck We like the Cashmere Gena Turtleneck in Red, Black & other essential colours £265 ralphlauren.co.uk

Check Wool Blazer £295 gant.co.uk

Accessories

St Tropez £189 roseandrose.com

Must ! have this

Lagom Watercolours Pashmina £50.00 independentboutique.com

Sybila Saffiano Patent Platform Court £180 lkbennettt.com

Mauve Suede Kitten Heel £170 lkbennett.com

Accessories ... icing on the cake? o!

s k n i h t t ’ n o d We

T Cross-Over bag £95 uk.tommy.com

Roamer Ceraline Saphira £320.00 ernestjones.co.uk

Hanowa Guardian Lady Watch £159 watchshop.com

Mini Boxy CrossBody Bag £420 laael.com

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HIS WARDROBE After a summer in the office, the garden or offshore it’s time to step out in modern adaptations of old favourites.

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1

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4

Relax!

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It’s the weekend and time to relax … in style, Silk scarf £85, Wool peacoat £375.00, Denim jacket £175.00, Cotton shirt £95.00, Cotton sweatpants £95.00, Leather brogues £200.00, Tommy.com

1. Textured Shetland Wool Blazer, Beautifully tailored, very masculine and red, £345 Paul Smith • 2. Countryside Blazer, So handsome in either Cobalt Blue or Chino Green, £375 Gant • 3. Millerton Rough Oxford Fitted Button Down Shirt, Blazer or no blazer, this shirt will last the test of time, £95 Gant • 4. Estate Ew Messenger, Perfectly portable and made to hold a laptop, tablet plus all travel necessities, £219 Fossil • 5. Estate Casual Rucksack, Expertly placed pockets this is ideal for carting your tech and travel accessories, £129 Fossil • 6. Dalton Boot, A timeless, rich cognac brown boot, £140 Tommy Hilfiger • 7. Hiking Boot, Nothing better for striding out in, £125 Tommy Hilfiger • 8. Grasse Scarf, This cotton and silk plaid scarf allows you to show either side of your personality, £86 Rose and Rose

Surrey Occasions

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Beauty

Full of promise For a classic look which creates the appearance of wider, fuller lips.

CHARLOTTE TILBURY Matte Revolution Lipstick £23

Cupid or Devil!

Whether ultra feminine or earthy, red lipstick is a must this autumn and there is a multitude of reds to choose from.

A perfect match Clever range of reds which will compliment your hair colour.

L’OREAL Colour Riche Lipstick £8.69

Light-reflecting particles illuminate every skin tone with a healthy glow producing an all-over matte radiance.

TERRY Terrybly Rose de Rose £72

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Surrey Occasions

The secret of this foundation is the gel based formula which merges with the skin for a look which takes you to another level of perfection.

MAYBELLINE Fit Me Foundation £7

Lasting perfection

Skin harmony

Autumn radiance

For an all-day flawless appearance, this foundation guarantees a shine-free and retouch-free complexion.

LANCOME Teinte Idole Ultra 24hr £28.50

Extending or creating a healthy glow is easy with the clever, luminous foundations on offer this season plus a warm blusher applied lightly to the cheeks.

Ultra fine powder blusher, with fantastic lasting coverage and an intense colour result.

LANCOME Blush Subtil £27

An eye shade trio full of warm, smouldering colour. Three wildlife charities will benefit from sales of this luscious trio.

CHANTECAILLE 15th Anniversary Eye Shade Trio Fall Pallette £63

This extraordinary swan-neck brush solves the problem we all have when applying mascara to the “other” eye.

The eyes have it

LANCOME Grandiose £24.50

Lined and defined, eyes are back in focus. Smokey browns and blues are surrounded by sharp, carefully applied lines.

Expertly defined Similar to a graceful calligraphy pen, this liner is perfectly calibrated tip allows for easy application with astonishing control and precision.

This mega volumising mascara in amazing blue completes the look.

CHANTECAILLE Le Stylo Ultra Slim £28

L’OREAL Mega Volume Miss Manga Turquoise £8.99

A ribbon of velvet Gemstone colours which will make your eyes sparkle.

Unleash your inner desert princess with this Kohl eyeliner which will line your lashes in a ribbon of velvet or flick out over the lower lid.

L’OREAL Midnight Quad £7.99

TERRY Eye Powder-Kajal £29

Village View

v i l l ag e v i e w

Chobham surrey Originally called Chabenham, Chobham has existed since Saxon times and the focal point of the village is an ancient church which dates from 1080 and is dedicated to St Lawrence who was martyred for his faith in Rome in 257.

During the period of great redevelopment which swept south east England in the 16th century, many fine farmhouses were built in Chobham, a large number of which survive today. Consequently, a wealth of beautiful old houses and cottages may be seen whichever road or lane is explored.

Notably, Chobham House, Pennypot Cottage on the significantly long local lane - Pennypot Lane – and Brook Place also called Malt House.

01276 855585 40–42 THE HIGH STREET CHOBHAM, SURREY GU24 8AA www.chobhamhairstudio.com

When the railways were developed in 19th century, the main lines went north and south of the village, passing through the nearby then smaller villages of Sunningdale and Woking thus isolating Chobham and allowing it to remain largely undeveloped whilst villages like Woking evolved into a large town. The community is proud of its village atmosphere and much of Chobham is protected from development, thanks to a conservation order.

chobham common

chobham cannon

Two small rivers flow through the village - the Mill Bourne and the Bourne - towards their confluence about a mile to the east and are flanked by pleasant wide water meadows. Innumerable footpaths, bridleways and curiously named lanes meander through the surrounding countryside. The wide open heaths have been particularly favoured by horse riders and Chobham has become a well known equestrian centre. One of the oldest forms of British landscape, Chobham Common has been the subject of an on-going series of photographic works by Fergus Heron entitled “Common”. Chobham common is an extensive nature reserve, recreational resource and lowland heath with a military past and has been used as a location for many films, thus it is layered with social, political and cultural histories.

Few visitors to Chobham fail to notice the cannon displayed so prominently opposite the Leat which is a waterway which originally served as an overflow for the watermill.

Chobham’s original cannon was presented by the War Office to the village in 1901, after the death of Queen Victoria. It commemorated her visit to Chobham Common in 1853. For the ensuing 41 years it stood on its plinth at Cannon Corner.

In 1942 it was sent, after some hesitation, for scrap to help the war effort. During the ‘70s the Chobham Society discovered that the gun and its carriage had indeed been broken up and their next task was to seek an identical replacement or a historically appropriate ‘piece’. This proved impossible and an appropriate barrel bearing the date 1788 which had lain for decades under Thames mud and

had recently been dredged thence was acquired on permanent loan along with a replica cast-iron garrison gun carriage whch was built by locals the gun was installed, with due ceremony, on its waiting plinth on 1st May 1979.

BODYTALK Exclusive and Designer Lingerie and Swimwear

Re-opened in June under new management, this is a lifestyle boutique offering a wide range of luxury gifts including jewellery, beautiful handcrafted clocks, high quality mens gifts, handmade Italian leather handbags and designer clutches and stunning homeware gifts for every occasion, also wedding and christening gifts mostly handmade in Surrey.

Deborah Marie also offers a complimentary wrapping service and a personal shopping experience, please ask for Freida’s assistance.

70 High St, Chobham, GU24 8LZ, United Kingdom Telephone: +44 1276 855509

77 High Street, Chobham, Surrey GU24 8AF Telephone 01276 855101 www.deborahmarie.co.uk

Village View

a p e r f e c t p l ac e to s h o p Chobham retains a charming village atmosphere and has a small but prosperous high street area with a choice of places to eat and drink and several picturesque shops.

A day out in Chobham could solve several shopping challenges. As a future mother of the bride (or groom) the first stop must be at Melita where so many ladies have found the outfit of their dreams along with everything for the complete look for any day.

With such a really special occasion on the horizon, one needs to be well-dressed in underwear as well as outerwear and there could be no better place to visit than Bodytalk, the Mecca for women who desire exclusive lingerie and leisure garments.

There is nothing more satisfying than treating a loved one and, in Deborah Marie, a host of luxury gifts and pure treats await. “I spend time searching for unique and divine products and only purchase what is excellent,” says owner Deborah.

Owner of Whitedown Interiors Melanie Manzi had dreamt of offering the public beautiful furniture and accessories and stepping into her establishment one discovers everything from beautiful rustic Italian furniture and other gorgeous home accessories.

There comes a moment in a day out when a bit of “me” time is essential and at the Chobham Hair Studio the team’s professionalism and creativity will inspire and make anyone feel and look special for the rest of the day and longer. And no away day shopping would be complete without some new clothes.

The Betty & Claude Boutique brings together an eclectic collection of clothing offering a handpicked mix of contemporary and vintage items from suppliers who care about quality and style and which are rarely found on a High Street.

But then Chobham High Street is a rarity too.

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Surrey Occasions

Surrey’s leading boutique for day, evening and special occasion wear

www.melitaboutique.co.uk 57 High Street, Chobham, Surrey Mon–Sat 9.30–5.00 Tel: 01276 856308

The Surrey County Agricultural Society was formed in 1829 to promote the best in Surrey Agriculture. Today, this continues with a strong membership and several annual and hugely successful events, including the Surrey County Show in May and the Country Fair in September. SCAS has a vision – to engage with the people of Surrey and bring them and the farmers of Surrey together.

Surrey Occasions, with its readership and reach will be a valuable partner during this journey and we look forward to a long and successful partnership.

As the glorious summer rolls on, there is a buzz of excitement as the Surrey Farm and Food Week, Ploughing Match and Country Fair approaches. The week long event, running from the 20th to the 28th September is an outstanding showcase of farming and countryside living. With many family inspired activities and events there is an abundance of activities for all.

The Surrey Farm and Food Week encompasses a variety of events, providing the whole field to plate experience and giving visitors a deeper appreciation of how Surrey’s farmers continue to shape our countryside, keeping it productive, rich in wildlife and beautiful to the eye.

Between the 20th and the 27th, visitors can enjoy Farm Walks and Open Days, many of them free to attend with the chance to purchase local produce. These range from a brewery or vineyard tour with beer, wine and spirits tastings for the adults, to getting close up and personal with pigs, cows, goats and ducks for the children.

Surrey farmers will be showcasing their crops, from fruit to salad crops to flowers and visitors can take a tour of the watercress beds in Abinger Hammer. Cattle, calves and milking can all be enjoyed and visitors can take a step back in time on a medieval farm walk.

The Surrey County Ploughing Match and Country Fair is the grand finale to the week and is held on Sunday 28th September within the stunning grounds of Loseley Park. A genuine rural day out for the whole family there is lots to see and do.

The main arena will welcome a variety of entertainment including the inaugural visit from the famous Lamb National – a

Rural Affairs

The best in Surrey agriculture

bunch of woolly sheep tackling their own Grand National course. They are joined

by World of Wings, a range of interactive displays that educate and inform spectators about birds of prey and their heritage.

Gundogs will be demonstrating their hunting, tracking and retrieving skills and dog lovers can also enjoy the excitement of the Dog Agility competition, Terrier Racing and visits from local packs of Fox Hounds and Beagles. If fishing or shooting is more for you, or you want to have a go at either, both fly fishing and clay pigeon shooting are on offer along with expert demonstrations.

If all that activity wears you out, sit back and enjoy a classic car and Landrover display, watch Spinners and Weavers at work and be amazed at the annual lift off of hot air balloons. And don’t forget the Food Hall, Farmer’s Market and Craft Marquee where you can indulge in the self created and homemade and enjoy browsing a treasure trove of goodies. A perfect opportunity to stock up on Christmas presents for friends and family.

Last, but certainly not least is the annual Surrey County Ploughing Match with National Qualifiers for modern, horticultural and horse-drawn ploughing classes.

With so much going on, the Surrey Farm and Food Week and the Ploughing Match and County Fair are unmissable dates for your diary. To find out more or book your tickets (children under 5 go free) visit www.surreycountyshow.co.uk.

The Surrey County Agricultural Society is a registered charity (293515).

Surrey Occasions

33

Celebrity kitchen

Celebrities share their kitchen secrets A quick peek at the contents page, and we discover some fascinating insights into the kitchen habits of some popular household names. Interestingly Simon Cowell’s offering is that of the humble Cottage Pie and Louis Walsh shares his recipe for Tiramisu whilst Mary Berry suggests a scrumptious Ginger and Treacle Spiced Tray Bake.

Other superstars of the kitchen have also contributed, including recipes from both Michel Roux Jr and Michel Roux MBE as well as Marcus Wareing and Marco Pierre White. Downton Abbey star Hugh Bonneville shows that, off screen, he doesn’t need staff to prepare his favourite pasta dish.

Other highlights of Food with Heart, include David Cameron’s very own Italian pasta dish, which he likes to

m the ipes fro e, The rec vonshir e D f o Duchess le, and il v e n n o be Hugh B ey can th Hurl at Elizabe lusively xc e ll fu found in co.uk s. n o si a cc surreyo

cook for Samantha and the children at No.10, Joanna Lumley’s Green Soup and Lord Coe’s spicy Arrabiata sauce.

Celebrated British artist David Hockney donated the book’s eyecatching cover image featuring cherries and inside, the recipes have been brought to life with drawings by distinctive, contemporary illustrator Louise Morgan.

Andy Martin, Senior Partner, Strutt & Parker, said: “Having already raised £160,000 for Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity last year, this book marks the final part of our challenge for the charity. It started as a simple idea but gained a life of its own, as a host of very generous celebrities contributed their own special recipes.

Tim Johnson, Chief Executive, Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity, said: “We would not be able to turn this vision into a reality without the wonderful support we received from companies such as Strutt & Parker. Money raised will make a real difference to the lives of seriously ill children and their families.”

Food with Heart is available to buy at all Strutt & Parker’s 50 offices across the country.

Alternatively, please visit struttandparker.com for more details. The minimum donation per book is £10.

Surrey Occasions

35

UNITED KINGDOM INDEPENDENT SCHOOL OF THE YEAR 2013-14 Independent School of the Year 2011-12

Headmaster of the Year 2012-13

England’s top co-educational school

UK Independent School of the Year 2013-14

SUNDAY TIMES

TATLER

SUNDAY TIMES 2013

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS AWARDS

‘The school everyone’s talking about’ TATLER

OPEN MORNINGS College (11+, 13+) 20th September Pre-Prep and Prep (3+ to 10+) 4th October Sixth Form 11th October

01273 258127

registrar@brightoncollege.net

www.brightoncollege.net

Giving your child the best education possible doesn’t always have to come at a price explains Merry Arnold of the Independent Schools Council

Independent schools in the UK offer some of the best teachers, facilities and co-curricular activities, as well as being the most academically successful schools.

And you might be surprised to hear that over a third of the pupils at independent schools receive bursaries or scholarships to help with fees, with over 5,300 pupils paying no fees at all. That’s over £660 million of assistance given to broaden the access in to schools, by offering parents financial support towards school fees.

“Our schools are sympathetic to the financial challenges facing many parents and the amount of fee assistance available has grown to reflect this,” says Barnaby Lenon, Chairman of the Independent Schools Council (ISC).

While most scholarships are dependent on academic abilities or sporting or musical talents, there are bursaries on offer for families who might not be able to pay the full costs of an independent education.

“Scholarships to attract talented people have been reduced in value and the money released into bursaries. The 75% scholarship from the past is very rare now. Most are

for 10%. It is absolutely sensible and far better to give a means tested bursary to a bright child who needs it, than to one whose parents could pay anyway,” says Mike Lower, General Secretary of the Independent Schools’ Bursars Association.

Many schools are committed to widening access and actively canvas for pupils to apply for bursaries.

At the Royal Grammar School (RGS) for boys, in Guildford, providing financial assistance to boys entering the RGS whose parents could not otherwise afford the full tuition fees is a philosophy which has been with the school since 1552. The School continues to take genuine pride in its inclusive policy and strives to make the education offered as widely accessible as possible. The RGS Bursar, Bob Ukiah, said: “Entry is competitive; however, any parent who would like their son to come to the RGS should not be deterred from applying for financial reasons. The School aims to offer a place to any boy with the academic ability to benefit from all the RGS has to offer, irrespective of his family’s financial circumstances.”

The bursaries range in value from 5% to 100% remission of fees; Entrance and Foundation Bursaries are awards for those applying to join the School at 11 and 13 while School Bursaries are awards for those boys currently studying at the RGS. There is no set number of bursary awards that may be made; the funds available will determine the number of awards granted. In addition, academic, art, music and sport scholarships are awarded on merit.

Schools Feature

Scholarships and bursaries in independent schools

So, if you’d like to find out how to benefit from a bursary or scholarship, here are some tips to begin the process: 1. Use the Independent Schools Council ‘Personalised School Search’ feature on their website: isc.co.uk. Here you are able to narrow down the schools in your area that provide fee assistance with academic or talent scholarships; HM Forces discounts; sibling discounts or bursaries for new entrants, to name but a few.

2. When you’ve found a school that may suitable, visit their website to find out more. They should have lots of information available on their fee assistance schemes to help you.

3. If you think this is something your child and family may be able to take advantage of, call the school and speak with the Admissions team.

4. If you like what you hear, book a visit with the school and take some time to speak with the Bursar while you’re there.

Remember, an independent education is by no means exclusive, schools are offering the best teaching to every child, regardless of background, so why not find out more. You might be pleasantly surprised…

Surrey Occasions

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Schools Feature

Amesbury is the only co-educational Prep school in the Hindhead/Haslemere area. Founded in 1870 they pride themselves on sending children to the best senior schools in the country at both 11+ and 13+.

They are a family school, keen for siblings to study together and to feel equally valued. Pre-Nursery and Nursery operate 47 weeks a year with early morning drop-offs and evening pickups. There is no Saturday school. Open Mornings: 9th October 2014, 5th February 2015. Early Years Stay & Play: 4 Nov 2014.

For further information please contact Liz Wright l.wright@amesburyschool.co.uk 01428 604322 www.amesburyschool.co.uk Barrow Hills School is a co-educational Independent Catholic Day School for children aged 3 to 13 years, warmly welcoming children of all denominations. Set on the outskirts of Haslemere it boasts 40 acres of attractive gardens and playing fields alongside superb teaching facilities including two computer suites; an art & design centre; a covered, heated swimming pool; Astroturf pitch; music suite and the recently refurbished St Albertus Magnus Science Laboratories comprising specialist science facilities for both Junior and Upper Prep departments.

Contact

01428 683639

www.barrowhills.org.uk

Brighton College - UK Independent School of the Year 2013-14 and the top co-educational school in England according to the Sunday Times - offers girls and boys aged 13 years and above, both full and weekly boarding. Described by Country Life as “an accepting school with happy pupils”, Brighton College now has more boarders than ever before and is the choice of many Surrey families; with Brighton just an hour from London, the ‘best of both worlds’ weekly option is particularly popular.

Contact registrar@brightoncollege.net 01273 258127 www.brightoncollege.net

Cranmore’s outstanding inspection report highlights its strengths across every aspect of school life including academic, sport, music, extracurricular activities and, of course, pastoral care: “The pupils’ personal development is supported by excellent pastoral care, based on the teachers’ good knowledge of individuals, and caring relationships.

Relationships are positive both between staff and pupils and among the pupils themselves.”

There is very little that Cranmore does not offer: from Mandarin to Greek or rowing to skiing, it is truly a learning environment! Next Open Days: 19 September & 4 October.

Contact Shelagh Connolly 01483- 280351 www.cranmoreprep.co.uk

“Learn as though you would never be able to master it; hold it as though you would be in fear of losing it.”

Confucius, Chinese Philosopher

Danes Hill School is widely recognised as one of the leading co-educational day preparatory schools in the country. Situated in the village of Oxshott, Danes Hill provides boys and girls aged 3 to 13 with an unusually broad and balanced curriculum. Pupils are encouraged to realise their full potential, this year a school record of 55 Senior School scholarship awards were achieved. Danes Hill believes that every child possesses talents, and it is their job to unlock and nurture them and put them to greatest use. Contact Carolyn Ward the school registrar registrar@daneshillschool.co.uk www.daneshillschool.co.uk Individuals are the key at Denmead and the breadth of involvement in school life is supremely important for each child in their preparation for the future. Whether this be in the classroom, on the games field, on stage or in any one of the many House Competitions held throughout the year, the pupils have the opportunity to expand their talents and gain in self-confidence. To get a genuine feel for the unique homely atmosphere, do come to our Open Morning and let the children themselves explain Denmead life to you..

Contact secretary@denmeadschool.org.uk; 020 8979 1844 / 020 8979 1844 www.denmeadschool.org.uk

01737 761945

www.dunottarschool.com.

The aim at Farnborough Hill is to find and nurture in each student that which is unique in her and to permit her to excel in every way she can. The school aspires to academic excellence, giving girls a sense of fun and enjoyment in their learning. Visitors to Farnborough Hill often comment on the happy faces that they see and the polite, kind and self confident students that they encounter at the school.

Contact Clare Duffin 01252 529811. www.farnborough-hill.org.uk

“It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.�

Albert Einstein, German-Swiss-US Scientist

Schools

Dunottar School is a growing co-educational school in Reigate, which provides an outstanding education that is tailored to individual needs. There is a wide range of subject options and an even wider range of extra-curricular activities.

With inspired teaching, Dunottar develops every pupil to achieve their maximum and become confident and articulate young people ready to face any challenge in life. As part of United Learning, Dunottar School is now welcoming boys.

Feltonfleet School is a co-educational independent day, weekly and flexi boarding school for children aged 3-13 years. The school is situated on a stunning 25 acre site of woodland, games fields and landscaped play areas. High quality teaching and excellent pastoral care underpin the unique family atmosphere at Feltonfleet. They are proud of their recent ISI Inspection report, their excellent academic results and the increasing number of senior school scholarships awarded to their pupils.

01932 862 264, admissions@feltonfleet.co.uk www.feltonfleet.co.uk Frensham Heights is a highly distinctive school day and boarding school for students aged three to 18 years. Founded in 1925, Frensham has been co-educational from the start and today boasts a thriving community built on respect and tolerance.

The Good Schools Guide’s verdict (November 2013) was that Frensham is “A place to grow up. Every kind of opportunity to become the person you are meant to be and to learn about others while you’re at it.

Civilised, liberal values with wraparound care and support. We loved it.”

01252 792561

www.frensham.org

Glenesk is a unique Pre-Preparatory School preparing children for entry to all Surrey Preparatory Schools. They have a fine record of academic success with a curriculum covering both the Early Years Foundation stage and KS1. At their last SIS Inspection in March 2014 they were delighted to receive ‘Outstanding in all Areas’. They also offer a full Creative Arts & Sports programme, Early Morning and After School Clubs. Life at Glenesk is fun! They are very proud of their school and you are most welcome to come and visit them.

Please Judith Kadhim, their Registrar on 01483 282329 for an appointment.

No-one could have predicted that the introduction of hockey at Greenacre School for Girls in 2010 would generate such enthusiasm and commitment. Today though the game is played competitively throughout the Senior school. The new All-Weather Hockey Pitch has been an exciting addition to the school, opened in May 2014 by Team GB Hockey Players Sarah Haycroft and Sophie Bray, the new facility has allowed Greenacre’s to extend the game to the Junior School.

01737 352114

www.greenacre.surrey.sch.uk

Halliford School is a small independent day school for boys aged 11-18 and girls aged 16-18. The administrative centre of Halliford is a fine Georgian House set in six acres beside the River Thames. The facilities are good, the teaching is excellent and the atmosphere friendly. Emerging from this secure community, the Halliford student goes out into the adult world equipped with self-confidence, a sound education and often with examination results exceeding his or her expectations.

01932 223593 www.hallifordschool.co.uk Hampton Court House is an independent school for boys and girls from 3 to 18 years set in its own private parkland. With outstanding success, pupils are prepared for 13+ Common Entrance and scholarship examinations and 16+ entrance to the leading boys’ and girls’ schools. A ‘lead school’ in computer science and a reputation for languages (French/Spanish/Mandarin), their teachers are chosen for their charisma, linguistic abilities, intellectual pursuits and love of music and the arts.

020 8614 0857 www.hamptoncourthouse.co.uk

Plato Greek Philosopher

Hampton provides an outstanding boys only education combining academic excellence with exceptional pastoral care. Academically selective, results are consistently high and virtually all boys going on to elite universities. One of only a few All-Steinway Schools in the UK, creative life is exceptional and a new Performing Arts centre supports an impressive programme of music and drama. The School also has an enviable reputation for sport and boys benefit from superb playing fields and a state-of-the-art 3G sports ground.

020 8979 9273 admissions@hamptonschool.org.uk www.hamptonschool.org.uk

Haslemere Preparatory School is a thriving and friendly independent boys’ day school set in the heart of Haslemere. Within a caring, family atmosphere, boys are encouraged to embrace every learning opportunity. The broad and varied curriculum provides an ‘all round’ education which will ensure that the boys develop the skills required to prepare them for life as well as their next stage of education. Happy, confident boys is what it is all about.

For further information 01428 642350 www.haslemereprep.co.uk

Schools Feature

“Do not train a child to learn by force or harshness; but direct them to it by what amuses their minds, so that you may be better able to discover with accuracy the peculiar bent of the genius of each.”

King Edward’s School Witley is an independent boarding and day school for boys and girls aged 11-18 with a difference. An early adopter of the prestigious IB (100% pass rate in 2014), King Edward’s will celebrate 10 years of the IB this September. The School acknowledges the need for alternative routes to university and from 2015, will also offer the new A-level course. Focus on academic achievement is never overshadowed by a commitment to providing pupils with a rounded education which includes access to a wide choice of sports / creative activities, as well as instilling a positive value system.

01428 686700

www.kesw.org.

Set within extensive playing fields and blessed with outstanding facilities, The Lady Eleanor Holles School in Hampton provides an environment that is both inspirational and supportive. In the 2013 inspection report, the ISI judged that “pupils’ achievements are exceptional” and commented that “by the time they leave the school, pupils have reached an excellent standard of personal development, and are poised to make their mark in the wider world.”

020 89791601

www.lehs.org.uk

Lanesborough is Guildford’s very popular prep school for boys aged 3-13 years. Boys regularly achieve scholarships to their chosen senior schools and it is the first prep school to be nationally accredited for their gifted and talented provision receiving an outstanding inspection report. This is complemented by a superb music tradition, an incredible range of sporting, creative clubs and activities. Next Open Morning is on Saturday 11 October, 9.30-11.30am 2014 Contact Mrs Gordon for details of their or for an individual tour with the Head 01483 880652 www.lanesborough.surrey.sch.uk

“Let us think of education as the means of developing our greatest abilities, because in each of us there is a private hope and dream which, fulfilled, can be translated into benefit for everyone and greater strength for our nation.”

John F Kennedy 35th President of the USA

Manor House School is proud of their strong academic results and believe that, as a through school from 2 to 16 years and a community of girls, their nurturing ethos is at the core of their success.

They have consistently out-performed other girls’ schools in Mole Valley for the last 5 years or more.

Due to their academic calibre, all of their girls go on to achieve the sixth form provision of their choice. They know all their girls individually and are therefore able to recognise and develop each girl’s talents from Nursery right through to Seniors. Next Open Morning Saturday 18th October at 10.00am.

01372 457077 admissions@manorhouseschool.org www.manorhouseschool.org Notre Dame is set in 17 acres of idyllic grounds alongside the River Mole in Cobham. Numerous coach routes connect all the local areas on the A3 corridor including Guildford, Esher, Weybridge, Thames Ditton, Wimbledon and Putney, offering flexible single or return journeys. The School has embarked on a multi-million pound investment programme including a professionally equipped 380-seat Theatre, fully equipped six-lab Science Block, 25m heated indoor Swimming Pool and a superb Adventure Tree House. A new all-weather

DENMEAD SCHOOL (Part of the Hampton School Trust) Independent Preparatory School Boys 3 - 11, Girls 3 - 7

Before/After School care Excellent 7+ and 11+ results Ongoing Assessment for Assured Places to Hampton School

activities Broad curriculum Small class sizes School Coach Service

Open mornings: Friday 10th October 2014, Friday 6th February 2015

Please call for further information or to arrange a visit.

Tel: 020 8979 1844 Email: admissions@denmeadschool.org.uk Web: denmeadschool.org.uk

facility including a Hockey/Football pitch and six Netball/Tennis courts is planned for 2014.

Contact 01932 869990 registrar@notredame.co.uk www.notredame.co.uk @NotreDameCobham Parkside is a traditional Prep school with thoroughly modern facilities and thinking, for boys aged 4 to 13 years, with an on-site co-educational nursery. Sitting in 45 acres of its own gardens and playing fields on the outskirts of Cobham, Parkside has an enviable reputation for academic rigour and sporting prowess, wrapped up in a framework of dedicated teaching and excellent pastoral care, and with a 100% success rate at Common Entrance.

01932 862749 office@parkside-school.co.uk www.parkside-school.co.uk

01483 887145 www.rgs-guildford.co.uk

Schools Feature

Located in the centre of Guildford, the RGS is an independent day school for boys aged 11 to 18.

The School dates its foundation from 1509 and as a flagship for boys’ education has a national reputation for academic excellence, but prides itself on its traditional values of decency and respect, supported by very strong pastoral care. As a closeknit community, each individual has the opportunity to flourish and fulfil his natural ability in the widest range of enriching activities.

Schools Feature

Sir William Perkins’s School - As well as their usual outstanding exam results, they embark on the 2014/15 academic year with a great deal to celebrate: the building itself is 100 years old this year and they welcome a new Head - Mr Chris Muller - who leads the school into its exciting next phase, including the commencement of a fantastic building development which will provide a state-of-the-art glass atrium café, new Drama Studio, Careers Centre and glass-walled Sixth Form Centre complete with wrap-around terrace.

01932 574900 www.swps.org.uk

St. Andrew’s School is a respected, thriving coeducational prep school for children aged 3-13, set in beautiful grounds on the outskirts of Woking.

With excellent on-site facilities including a new Pre-Prep playground and an all weather sports surface, together with a broad curriculum, St. Andrew’s seeks to create a nurturing and happy environment of trust and support where all pupils are encouraged to develop to their full potential.

For further information 01483 760943 admin@st-andrews.woking.sch.uk www.st-andrews.woking.sch.uk

St Catherine’s, Bramley, is one of the most successful independent schools in the country, welcoming day girls from 4+ and full/weekly boarders from 11+.

Girls benefit from inspirational teaching in a happy environment whilst enjoying exceptional facilities.

Examination results are always outstanding. From September 2014 there will be a morning and evening bus service between Guildford Station and the School making St Catherine’s even more accessible.

St Catherine’s allows girls to develop at their own pace, not one dictated by others and will provide your daughter with an unforgettable education.

01483 899609 www.stcatherines.info

“You cannot teach a man anything; you can only help him find it within himself.”

Galileo Galilei Italian Astronomer and Mathematician

Schools Feature

St George’s Weybridge is a leading independent coeducational Roman Catholic day schools in Surrey offering a values-led education for all. St George’s Junior School (3-11 years) and St George’s College (11-18 years) aim to develop perfectly balanced individuals by educating minds, expanding hearts and empowering lives. Inspirational teaching inspires a love of learning and fulfils aspirations and potential.

Their distinctive Josephite ethos instils mutual respect and compassion with a strong sense of one family encompassing the wider world.

01932 839300

www.stgeorgesweybridge.com

St Hilary’s in Godalming is an independent preparatory day school for girls aged 2-11 and boys aged 2-7. It prides itself in providing an outstanding

all round education, equipping pupils not only with strong academic standards but also the essential qualities and skills required beyond their time at school. Ultimately St Hilary’s strives to ensure that all pupils develop a real thirst for learning. the Registrar 01483 416551 www.sthilarysschool.com

“Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere.”

Chinese proverb

William Shakespeare

Happy children make the best learners and at St Ives School Haslemere they aim to foster a love of learning, nurture curiosity and help girls see the world from a wider perspective.

Small class sizes, specialist teachers, including dedicated SENCO support, ensure that every child is able to reach their full potential. St Ives is a truly independent, non-selective preparatory school and prides itself on the broad range of senior schools it feeds locally and beyond.

01428 643734 www.stiveshaslemere.com St Nicholas’ School Church Crookham educates girls from 3-16 years and boys from 3-7 years and is consistently at the top of the GCSE league tables. It is situated in an extensive rural campus with superb facilities for science, sport, art, music and the performing arts. The school runs an optional extended day from 8am to 6 pm with an exciting co-curricular programme. School buses run from Farnham, Basingstoke, Fleet, Alton, and Farnborough areas.

Next Open Morning Saturday 8th November 2014 10am – 1pm.

01252 850121 www.st-nicholas.hants.sch.uk

Schools Feature

“Ignorance is the curse of God; knowledge is the wing wherewith we fly to heaven”

a i r e t s y H Struggling to keep the kids entertained this half term? We have listed below a few Half Term Activities which will be sure to keep them from the Xbox or Cartoon Network!

Walton on Thames: Just So Stories, Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre. Using live music, puppetry and just a little bit of magic, Apollo Theatre Company tackles Rudyard Kipling’s best beloved tales that take us on a journey back to where it all began.

4 + years www.riverhousebarn.co.uk 01932 253354

25 OCT

East Moseley: The Royal Wee, Hampton Court Palace. Take a look at the smellier and murkier underside of life in the Georgian royal court. www.hrp.org.uk 0844 482 7777

25 OCT

01

NOV

Woking: October Half Term Family Fun, RHS Garden Wisley. Join us for a week of repulsive plants and frightening food. Activities vary daily see website. www.rhs.org.uk/ wisley 0845 260 9000

25 OCT

02 NOV

Walton on Thames: Half Term Halloween Workshops, Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre. Spooky cake decorating, creepy creature decoration, pumpkin carving.

4-11 years www.riverhousebarn.co.uk 01932 253 354

25 OCT

31

OCT

Reigate: Gatton Ghost Stories, Gatton Park. A guide OCT will lead you around the Ghostly Gatton Park to hear some spooky stories to scare your socks off!

All children must be accompanied by an adult. Tours start at 5pm for younger children – it will get spookier the later you come! Families and 7 +years www.gattonpark.com 01737 649066

26

Farnham: Half Term, Halloween OCT OCT Birdworld.

2-10 years www.birdworld.co.uk 01420 22992

27

31

Godalming: Ben Payne - Art Workshops, The Wey Gallery.Learn colour and acrylic techniques with Ben Payne, local Surrey artist. 7-11 years & 12-16 years www. theweygallery.com 01483 418 013

27

OCT

31

OCT

Compton: Creepy Clay!, The Watts OCT OCT Gallery. Make some creepy clay creatures for Halloween. 5+ all children must be accompanied www.wattsgallery.org.uk 01483 810235

27

Weybridge: Torchlight Tour – Halloween Special, Brooklands Museum. Join us for a behind-the-scenes tour round the Museum after dark on Halloween.

30 OCT

Halloween Specials, Brooklands Courtesy of Douglas Kurn

54

Surrey Occasions

31

Your guide will show you the darker side of the Museum and unearth some of its eerie past by torchlight! Ticket price includes include a 2 course meal. Adults and 12+ years www. brooklandsmuseum.com 01932 857381 Guildford: Learn the Thriller Dance in a Day, Glive. Learn to dance in the style of the famous Michael Jackson Thriller video, just in time for Halloween! Bring along some old clothes to make into a costume, get your face painted and show us your new moves in an informal sharing for friends and family. 8-14 years www.glive.co.uk 0844 770 1797

31

OCT

Guildford: Halloween Make Up Masterclass, Glive. Join OCT expert makeup artist Rose Perry to create some horrifyingly brilliant stage makeup effects this Halloween. After practising techniques in the morning you will have the opportunity to apply your skills on real people from our Thriller Dance workshop during the afternoon. 12-17 years www.glive.co.uk 0844 770 1797

31

Please contact the venues for price guide and booking information.

The Rat Pack comes to Surrey

The Rat Pack comes to Surrey A unique chapter of musical history is superbly recreated by the incredible Rat Pack live concert show. The lavish production has played to capacity crowds throughout the UK. Rat Pack Live swaggers into town possessing all the panache and attitude of Sammy Davis Jnr, Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra during their Vegas heyday.

Prepare to experience the definition of cool when they perform on the stage in Woking at the New Victoria Theatre on Sunday September 28th Featuring the sound of big band swing, it boasts an incredible, all-star cast.

The evening’s Dino, Mark Halliday, has performed as Dean Martin to critical

acclaim both in the West End of London and in international touring productions.

Spirit glass in one hand, microphone in the other, he captures Martin’s polished irreverence on beautifully-performed songs like Ain’t That a Kick in the Head, Mambo Italiano and That’s Amore.

The evening’s Frank Sinatra, Stephen Rashbrook, has played Ol’ Blue Eyes at the Strand, Savoy and Adelphi Theatres in the West End of London and on UK, European and US tours.

And Jim Whitley as Sammy Davis Jnr has toured extensively as both Sammy and Nat King Cole. The former Manchester City international footballer has previously performed alongside Judy Carmichael at New York’s famous Rainbow Rooms.

Song highlights include New York, New York; That’s Amore; My Way; Mr Bojangles; That’s Life; Ain’t That a Kick in the Head; I’ve Got You Under My Skin; Mambo Italiano; Little Old Wine Drinker M; Luck be a Lady Together they combine ‘swingsationally’ in Rat Pack Live.

Win tickets to see Rat Pack Live Enjoy all the patter and razzamatazz of this infamous live stage show We’ve teamed up with the producers of the concert show Rat Pack Live to give one lucky reader the chance of winning 4 tickets to see this spectacular production at the New Victoria Theatre on Sunday 28th September.

To enter simply go to www.surreyoccasions.co.uk, click on the Rat Pack Live button and answer the following questions.

1) Rat Pack Live features tributes to Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jnr and which other famous Fifties and Sixties crooner?

2) Complete the title of this famous song Luck be a …….

The prize will go to the first entry drawn on 20th September. There is no cash alternative. Tickets will be available at the Box Office on 28th September. Editor’s decision is final.

A rebel rousing legend The name “The Rat Pack” was first used to refer to a group of friends in New York. Several explanations have been offered for the famous name over the years.

According to one version, Lauren Bacall, after seeing her husband, Humphrey Bogart, and his friends return from a night in Las Vegas, said words to the effect of “You look like a goddamn rat pack”.

Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jnr. were regarded as the group’s lead members and often, when one of them was on stage, the others would turn up for an impromptu show. People poured into Las Vegas, sometimes sleeping in their cars, just to be part of the Rat Pack entertainment experience.

The trio of Sammy Davis Jnr, Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra were the definition of cool and backed by the “big band” sound, they had attitude to spare. The rebel rousing legend remains unmatched to this day.

Continuing fascination in the “Rat Pack” musical phenomenon has created a massive revival of interest in the sound of big band swing.

Autumn 2014 A Art

M Music

B Ballet

MT

C Concert

O Opera

CR

Craft

P Pantomime

CS

Children’s Show

R Horse Racing

CT

Comedy Theatre

E Event

September A now–1 February 2015. Richmond.

Autumn of Arts at Kew Gardens. Kew Gardens. www.kew.org 0208 332 5655 A now–22 October. Farnham.

Richard White. Life the Gallery. www. lifethegallery.com 07774 924 643 A now–28 September. Woking.

Surrey Sculpture Society Trail.

RHS Garden Wisley. www.rhs.org.uk 0845 612 1253 T 3–13 September. Guildford. Lottys War. Yvonne Arnaud Theatre. www. yvonne-arnaud.co.uk. 01483 440077 A 6–23 September. Godalming.

Peter Morgan: Hidden Gems.

McAllister Thomas Fine Art. www. mcallisterthomasfineart.co.uk.

01483 860 591 A 6–23 September.Godalming.

Matthew Snowden: Celtic Coasts.

McAllister Thomas Fine Art. Art. www.mcallisterthomasfineart.co.uk.

01483 860 591 A 6 September–10 October.

Compton. Emma-Leone Palmer: Faces of Compton. Watts Gallery. www. wattsgallery.org.uk. 01483 810235 T 8–13 September. Woking.

Dreamboats & Miniskirts. New Victoria Theatre. www.atgtickets.com/venues/ new-victoria-theatre. 0844 871 7645 R 12 September. Esher. Ladies who Lunch. Sandown Park Racecourse. www.sandown.co.uk. 01372 464 348 C 14 September. East Molesey.

Handel’s Fireworks Music and Illuminations. Hampton Court Palace. www.hrp.org.uk. 0844 482 7777 T 15–20 September. Richmond.

Hayfever. Richmond Theatre. www.atgtickets.com/Richmond.

0844 871 7561

56

Surrey Occasions

Musical Theatre

T Theatre W Workshop

CR Now–9 November.

Farnham. Autumn Craft Collection.

New Ashgate Gallery. www. newashgate.org.uk. 01252 713 208

T 25 September–11 October.

Kingston. Single Spies. The Rose Theatre. www.rosetheatrekingston.org.

0208 174 0090

T 6–7 October. Guildford. Eric and Little Ern. Yvonne Arnaud Theatre. www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk.

01483 440 077

R 17 September. Esher.

Retirement Day. Sandown Park. www.sandown.co.uk. 01372 464 348

A 27 September–16 November.

Farnham. Janine Partington: Maker in Focus. New Ashgate Gallery. www. newashgate.org.uk. 01252 713208

M 7 October. Guildford. Curtis Stigers. G Live. www.glive.co.uk.

0844 770 1797

O 19 September. Guildford. La traviata. G Live. www.glive.co.uk.

0844 770 1797 T 19–20 September. Guildford.

Not About Heroes. Yvonne Arnaud Theatre. www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk.

01483 440077 A 20 September. Guildford. Meet the Artist Doug Hyde. Whitewall Galleries. www.whitewallgalleries.com.

01483 578 200 E 20 September–12 October.

Richmond. Mind Altering Plants and Fungi. Kew Gardens. www.kew.org. 0208 332 5655 T 20 September. Guildford. Michael Palin: Travelling to Work. G Live. www.glive.co.uk. 0844 770 1797 E 21 September. Weybridge.

Classic American Car Day. Brooklands Museum. www. brooklandsmuseum.com.

01932 857381 T 22 September. Richmond. An Evening with Sir Roger Moore.

Richmond Theatre. www.atgtickets. com/Richmond. 0844 871 7561 B 23–27 September. Woking. The Great Gatsby. New Victoria Theatre. www.atgtickets.com/venues/ new-victoria-theatre. 0844 871 7645 CT 24 September. Dorking. Ruby Wax: Sane New World. Dorking Halls. www.dorkinghalls.co.uk. 01306 881 717

T 24 September–4 October.

Guildford. Jeeves and Wooster in Perfect Nonsense. Yvonne Arnaud Theatre. www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk.

01483 440077

A 27 September–11 October.

Godalming. Jean Haines: Colour Fusions. The Wey Gallery. www. theweygallery.com. 01483 418 013 MT

27 September. Walton on Thames.

An Evening of Flanders & Swann.

Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre. www.riverhousebarn.co.uk.

01932 253354 R 28 September. Epsom. Season Finale. Epsom Downs Racecourse. www.epsomdowns.co.uk. 01372 726311 M 28 September. Woking. Rat Pack Live. New Victoria Theatre. www.atgtickets.com. 0844 871 7645 T 29 September–4 October.

Richmond. Dangerous Corner.

Richmond Theatre. www. atgtickets.com/Richmond.

0844 871 7561 T 30 September–4 October.

Leatherhead. A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Nomad Theatre. www. nomadtheatre.com. 01483 284 747

October T 2 October. Camberley. One Man Lord of the Rings. Camberley.Theatre. www.camberleytheatre.biz. 01276 707600 M 2 October. Redhill. Toyah: Up Close and Personal. The Harlequin Theatre & Cinema. www. harlequintheatre.co.uk. 01737 276 500

T 7 October. Richmond. Stones in his Pockets. Richmond Theatre. www.atgtickets.com/Richmond.

0844 871 7561 T 7–11 October. Woking.To Kill a Mocking Bird. New Victoria Theatre. www.atgtickets.com/venues/ new-victoria-theatre. 0844 871 7645 T 9–11 October. Guildford. The Man Jesus. Yvonne Arnaud Theatre. www. yvonne-arnaud.co.uk. 01483 440 077 CT 10 October. Richmond. Alan Davies: Little Victories. Richmond Theatre. www.atgtickets.com/ Richmond. 0844 871 7561

A 11 October. Guildford. Meet the Artist: Todd White. Whitewall Galleries. www.whitewallgalleries.com.

01483 578 200 E 11 October. Weybridge.

Concorde Champagne Day. Brooklands Museum. flyconcorde@ brooklandsmuseum.com. 01932 857381 E 11 October. East Molesey.

Really Useful Guide to Georgian Naughtiness.Hampton Court Palace. www.hrp.org.uk. 0844 482 7777 T 12 October. Guildford.

Sheila Hancock: Miss Carter’s War. Yvonne Arnaud Theatre. www. yvonne-arnaud.co.uk. 01483 440 077 E 12 October. Weybridge. Autumn Motorsport Day. Brooklands Museum. www.brooklandsmuseum.com.

01932 857381

T 13–18 October. Richmond.

The Importance of Being Earnest.

Richmond Theatre. www.atgtickets.com/Richmond.

0844 871 7561 T 13–18 October. Kingston.

Black Coffee. Rose Theatre. www.rosetheatrekingston.org.

0208 174 0090 E 12–19 October. Guildford.

Guildford Book Festival.

Venues across Guildford. www. guildfordbookfestival.co.uk.

01483 444 334 M 15 October. Guildford. Russian State Philharmonic Orchestra. G Live. www.glive.co.uk. 0844 770 1797 T 15 October. Camberley. Tony Jacklin. Camberley Theatre. www. camberleytheatre.biz. 01276 707600 MT 15–16 October. Woking.Eva Cassidy: Over the Rainbow. New Victoria Theatre. www.atgtickets.com/ venues/new-victoria-theatre.

0844 871 7645

MT 4–8 November. Woking.

Calamity Jane. New Victoria Theatre. www.atgtickets.com/venues/ new-victoria-theatre. 0844 871 7645

M 17 November. Woking. The Syd Lawrence Orchestra. New Victoria Theatre. www.atgtickets.com/venues/ new-victoria-theatre. 0844 871 7645

T 4–8 November.Richmond. Our Country’s Good. Richmond Theatre. www.atgtickets.com/Richmond.

0844 871 7561

A 18 November–8 February.

Compton. A Russian Fairytale: The Art and Craft of Elena Polenova.

Watts Gallery. www.wattsgallery.org.uk.

01483 810235

A 4–9 November. Walton on Thames. Strangeface Mask Exhibition.Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre. www.riverhousebarn.co.uk.

01932 253 354 T 6 November. Guildford.Watching the Living. Yvonne Arnaud Theatre. www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk.

01483 440077 A 7 November. Guildford. Meet the Artist Sherree Valentine Daines.

Whitewall Galleries. www. whitewallgalleries.com. 01483 578 200 M 7 November. Guildford. Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. G Live. www.glive.co.uk. 0844 770 1797

CT

M 8 November. Guildford. Bond and Beyond. G Live. www.glive.co.uk.

0844 770 1797

CT

CT 8 November. Camberley.

Jenny Eclair: Eclairious. Camberley Theatre. www.camberleytheatre.biz.

01276 707 600

16 October. Dorking. Omid Djalili Iranalamadingdong. Dorking Halls. www.dorkinghalls.co.uk.

01306 881 717 19 October. Guildford. Only When I Laugh: An Evening with Paul Merton. Yvonne Arnaud Theatre. www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk.

01483 440 077 O 19 October. Kingston.

Madame Butterfly. Rose Theatre. www.rosetheatrekingston.org.

0208 174 0090 M 22 October. Guildford. Level 42. G Live.www.glive.co.uk. 0844 770 1797 M 22 October. Dorking. Clannad.

Dorking Halls. www.dorkinghalls.co.uk.

01306 881 717 CT

22–25 October. Oxted. The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. The Barn Theatre. www. barntheatreoxted.co.uk. 01959 561811 O 28 October–1 November. Woking.

La traviata, La Finta Giardineira, Turn of the Screw. New Victoria Theatre. www.atgtickets.com/venues/ new-victoria-theatre. 0844 871 7645 CT 29–30 October. Guildford. Dawn French. G Live. www.glive.co.uk.

0844 770 1797

November O 1 November. Kingston. Le Nozze di Figaro. The Rose Theatre. www.rosetheatrekingston.org.

0208 174 0090 T 4–5 November. Guildford. A Doll’s House. Yvonne Arnaud Theatre. www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk.

01483 440077

R 8 November. Esher. The Share Centre Gentlemans Day 2014.

Sandown Park. www.sandown.co.uk.

01372 464 348 W 9 November. Walton on Thames.

Strangeface Mask Workshop.

Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre. www. riverhousebarn.co.uk. 01932 253 354 B 11–13 November. Guildford. The Nutcracker, Giselle, Swan Lake.

Yvonne Arnaud Theatre. www. yvonne-arnaud.co.uk. 01483 440077 T 11–15 November. Leatherhead.

Private Lives. Nomad Theatre. www. nomadtheatre.com. 01483 284 747 M 12 November. Guildford. Joan Armatrading. G Live. www.glive.co.uk.

0844 770 1797 M 14 November. Guildford. Classics

by Candlelight. G Live. www.glive.co.uk.

0844 770 1797 C 14 November. Dorking. Pam Ayres. Dorking Halls. www. dorkinghalls.co.uk. 01306 881 717 B 14–15 November. Woking. Swan Lake. New Victoria Theatre. www. atgtickets.com/venues/new-victoriatheatre. 0844 871 7645 T 14–15 November. Guildford.

The Dinosaur Zoo. Yvonne Arnaud Theatre. www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk.

01483 440077 M 16 November. Guildford.

Erasure.G Live. www.glive.co.uk.

0844 770 1797

T 18–22 November. Richmond.

Twelfth Night. Richmond Theatre. www.atgtickets.com/Richmond.

0844 871 7561 CT

20 November. Guildford.Dave Gorman. G Live. www.glive.co.uk.

0844 770 1797 CT 21–29 November. Guildford.Peter Pan Goes Wrong. Yvonne Arnaud Theatre. www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk.

01483 440077

T 24–29 November. Richmond.

The Hypochondriac.Richmond Theatre. www.atgtickets.com/ Richmond. 0844 871 7561 CT 27 November. Redhill.Jasper Carrot’s Stand up and Rock. The Harlequin Theatre & Cinema. www. harlequintheatre.co.uk. 01737 276 500

T 30 November–4 January.

Kingston. The Lion The Witch & The Wardrobe. Rose Theatre. www.rosetheatrekingston.org.

0208 174 0090 E 26 November–3 January.

Richmond. Christmas at Kew. Kew Gardens. www.kew.org.

020 8332 5655.

December M 3 December. Guildford. Imelda May. G Live. www.glive.co.uk.

0844 770 1797 P 5 December–4 January.

Guildford. Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs. Yvonne Arnaud.www. yvonne-arnaud.co.uk .01483 44 00 00 P 5 December–10 January. Woking.

Aladdin. New Victoria Theatre. www. atgtickets.com/venues/new-victoria-theatre.

0844 871 7645 P 5 December–11 January.

Richmond. Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs. Richmond Theatre. www.atgtickets/Richmond.

0844 871 7651

E 6–7 December. Weybridge. Santa on the Sultan of Oman’s VC10.

Brooklands Museum. www.brooklandsmuseum.com.

01932 857381 M 8 December. Guildford. Gregory Porter. G Live. www.glive.co.uk.

0844 770 1797 P 8 December–4 January.

Camberley. Beauty & the Beast.

The Camberley Theatre. www. camberleytheatre.biz. 01207 707 600 M 10 December. Dorking. The Rat Pack at Christmas. Dorking Halls. www.dorkinghalls.co.uk. 01306 881 717 CS 10–24 December. Guildford.Santa Claus and the Magical Christmas Journey. G Live. www.glive.co.uk.

0844 770 1797

C 11–December. Kingston. Rose Christmas Concert 2014. Rose Theatre. www.rosetheatrekingston.org.

0208 174 0090 P 12 December–4 January. Redhill.

Beauty & the Beast. The Harlequin Theatre. www.harlequintheatre.co.uk . 01737 276 500 CS 14–28 December.Guildford. The Night Before Christmas. Yvonne Arnaud Mill Studio Theatre. www. yvonne-arnaud.co.uk. 01483 44 00 00

M 20 December. Guildford. Only Men Aloud. G Live. www.glive.co.uk.

0844 770 1797 P 20–28 December. Dorking. Jack and the Beanstallk. Dorking Halls. www.dorkinghalls.co.uk. 01306 881 717 T 22–27 December. Guildford.

A Christmas Carol. Yvonne Arnaud Mill Studio Theatre. www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk.

01483 44 00 00 B 26–28 December. Guildford.

Moscow City Ballet presents The Nutcracker. G Live. www.glive.co.uk.

0844 770 1797

Charity

Mane Chance Sanctuary will host two fun fundraisers this December.

So get in to the Christmas spirit while raising money for the horses.

Out of crisis comes triumph at the Mane Chance Sanctuary which really is the main chance for abused & neglected horses

een ent betw . ng mom orly child A touchi and a po animals e bl ra vune Newbold dy An edit: Image Cr

In 2011 actress Jenny Seagrove responded to the plight of a friend who had 60 rescued horses in her care and no funds. With the help of close friends, land and immediate funding was acquired and Jenny became responsible for the 60 horses. In order to secure a future for the horses Jenny raised funds through the sale of her flat and with input from friends, purchased a 47 acre site in Compton which is now home to the Mane Chance Sanctuary.

Horses and ponies which have been beaten, abused, starved and left with open wounds survive and thrive in the vast oasis of peace and tranquillity which is the Sanctuary and where they can live a wonderfully free and safe life, loved and fed in equal measure.

‘Horse whisperer’ James French is working his magic on all of the current 25 residents using the Trust Technique.

The Sanctuary is a meditative place and it is not uncommon for the fields to be filled with horses lying down asleep as James reaches out to them.

The rescued and rehabilitated horses repay society by helping children who are suffering. Very ill children from the local hospice come and visit and it is not unheard of for the smaller ponies to approach the vulnerable youngsters and simply lay their head in their hands. “It is always a hair on the back of the neck moment” says Jenny. For those children who are too poorly to travel, the Shetlands make special trips to visit them and bring obvious joy into their lives.

For Jenny her commitment to the Sanctuary led her to overcome a lifelong terror of singing and record a fundraising single The Main Chance, teaming up with Geoff Morrow, songwriter, and Peter Howarth – lead singer of The Hollies.

Jenny decided that if this song could give her such

The Mane Chance Sanctuary is always looking for volunteers www.manechancesanctuary.org 58

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Lunch at the Radisson Blu Edwardian hotel, Guildford on Wednesday 3rd December. Guests will enjoy a glass of something sparkling on arrival and before their three course lunch.

A celebrity speaker will add to the enjoyment of all. This event is a firm favourite in the Mane Chance calendar and a chance for old and new friends of the charity to get together.

The Mane Chance carol service, evening of December 14th at the church of St Peter & St Paul, Godalming. The Sanctuary’s rescued Shetland ponies start the service by walking down the aisle to Once in Royal David’s city. Celebrities including Martin Shaw, Jenny Seagrove and Sara Crowe will read and carols sung by local school choirs. The evening will draw to a cheery close with mulled wine and homemade mince pies in the Octagon room.

confidence, maybe it would do the same for some of the Everton Free School students many of whom have lost their way in mainstream education.

Having recorded the song they filmed at the sanctuary during which time, in an extraordinary moment, the most cruelly abused and troubled horse at the sanctuary tentatively approached the students. When they were told her terrible story, one of the boys turned to a girl and said “It sounds like your life”.

In the future the Sanctuary also hopes to work Jenny Seagro with service ve with two of the sanctuary ’s Shetlands. veterans and Image Credit: Jill Shaw people with mental health issues.

Book corner

Guildford’s Literary Delight Established in 1989, the Guildford Book Festival is staged annually over 7 days across venues within the town and an inspiring programme is promised for the 2014 Guildford Book Festival (12-19 October), as the premier literary event in the South of England celebrates its 25th anniversary.

Organisers have announced the initial list of names for the event, which includes best-selling authors John Boyne, Louise Doughty, Sophie Hannah and Freya North, TV presenter and book club champion Richard Madeley, crime writer Isabelle Grey and actress Sheila Hancock with her debut novel, Miss Carter’s War. Penny Junor will divulge the stories behind the headlines in her new biography of Prince Harry which tells the story of how the troubled teenager grew into a leader of men, a soldier, a pilot, an adventurer and a passionate champion of those who are in danger of being destroyed or forgotten.

Written with the help of many of the most important people in his life, this is the first authoritative biography of this most delightful, charismatic and dangerous of the Queen’s grandsons.

A literary lunch with Victoria Hislop is bound to prove popular following the release of her latest novel “The Sunrise” in which she again recreates a Lunch with Victoria Hislop

Book Club champion, Richard Madeley

little known piece of European history and crafts a poignant and sometimes brutal tale.

Sunday Times reporter Christina Lamb, who will tell the inspirational story of Malala, whose courage in the face of the Taliban and determination that girls should have the right to education has made her a heroine throughout the world.

The First World War will be commemorated in a series of sessions which explore the experiences of those engaged in battle, as well as the challenges faced by those left behind at home. Kate Adie examines the social turbulence and changes in attitude which helped transform the role of women in Britain in Fighting on the Home Front, while Esther Freud, Anna Hope and Adele Parkseach give their own insights into how they have responded to the Great War in their novels.

The session entitled ‘Spying and Seduction’should prove appropriately intrguing with James Bond fans enjoying Matthew Parker’s story of Ian Fleming’s time in Jamaica, and Matthew Pritchard, grandson of Agatha Christie, will join Sophie Hannah to discuss the international best-selling author’s new Hercule Poirot novel.

Lovers of literature regardless of genre are guaranteed to enjoy the Guildford Book Festival and whilst booklovers can share their enthusiasm for the written word with authors on

”Book lovers will once again be entertained, challenged, stimulated and inspired “ Readers’ Day, interactive events include a workshop on how to get published, by the editor of the Writers’ and Artists’ Year Book, Alysoun Owen.

Commenting, Jim Parks, Guildford Book Festival Creative Director, said: “I am very excited to tease a few fabulous highlights from the 25thAnniversary of Guildford Book Festival line-up.

Shiela Hancock with her debut novel

WHSmith are the official bookseller at the 2014 Guildford Book Festival and Advance tickets for select events are now on sale at www.guildfordbookfestival.co.uk or from box offices at Guildford’s Tourist Information Centre and Electric Theatre.

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Travel: Isla Palenque

A secret treasure

Wendy Cockrill recalls her time in paradise known only by a few as Isla Palenque, an island in the Pacific off the west coast of Panama.

Exchanging travelling boots for flip flops I stepped onto the little motor boat which would take my husband and I to Isla Pelanque in the Gulf of Chiriqui off the west coast of Panama.

Such a secret destination that even our Panamanian friends had yet to discover it.

Technically an isthmus rather than an island this 400 acre sea bound jungle is privately owned and only truly accessible by boat.

With 7 bedrooms and 5 “glamping” tents, 12 beaches and 37 staff, only very few people could not imagine this was their own private island. A brief

“On Isla Palenque, sustainable tourism doesn’t mean roughing it – it means that your tropical fantasy is fulfilled in sophisticated style, at a luxury eco-resort that has been designed for unparalleled immersion in the wilderness. Every aspect of our Panama island has a story: the ancient history of our nature reserve; the myths and traditions of our local staff; timehonoured recipes infused with fresh produce from our on-site organic farm.”

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look at the map in our comfortable and cool room showed us the way to a couple of remote beaches where we spent two days in glorious silence apart from when we giggled at the brown pelicans diving for fish or expressed awe at the various raptors soaring and screeching in the clear blue skies above. With so few guests it was a rarity to share any of the well designed, eclectic spaces.

All of our meals were served in one of the two thatched restaurants.

Friendly expert service coupled with fresh fusion food and a good choice of wines and spirits meant all our meals were a pleasure and a delight to the palate and fabulously enhanced if we timed eating with the sunset. Not an easy place to get to but well worth the effort. The professional and helpful team at Amble offer a complete transport service to and from Panama City.

On the way up country and before we flew home we stayed in Daniel Craig’s choice of hotels whilst filming Quantum of Solace, The Old Canal House, which is in the heart of old Panama city, sadly is no longer available for an overnight stay.

Colourful restaurants and bars abound in this quaint historic place and along the street is the architecturally stunning, boutique American Trade Hotel which was highly recommended to us as an alternative and altogether more luxurious hotel.

“No luxury could ever overshadow the grandeur of a pristine jungle island adorned with private beaches and hidden coves, utterly yours for the discovering. Our attentive personalised service ensures you experience indulgent, immersed-innature relaxation and poignant exploration opportunities that suit your natural inclinations and passions. We believe in a select set of creature comforts focused on high-end quality over needless extravagance that elevates our island experience from eyeopening to mind-blowing – no more, no less.”

Getting there ...

KLM from Amsterdam direct to Panama Isla Palenque www.amble.com/IslaPalenque American Trade Hotel www.acehotel.com/panama KLM www.klm.com

Islands in the Sun As the days draw shorter and cooler on this island of ours, islands around the world can offer us glorious weather, sun-baked sand and warm blue seas. Here are just a few ideas to tempt you: Lanzarote Escape from the dark and the drizzle and head to the scenic and unusual beaches of Lanzarote with its year round sunshine and a brilliantly mild winter climate, this island is the perfect place to treat yourself in the winter months. Its enigmatic lunarscape mountains and lava fields provides visitors with a contrast to the coast with its old fishing villages and clear waters for diving and snorkelling and a variety of beaches for sun worshippers www.princesayaiza.com Borneo Home to the world’s oldest rainforest and the third largest island in the world, Borneo is an ecological haven and a veritable paradise for those with a keen interest in nature offering the undeniably special opportunity to interact with the Orang-utans of Sepilok. Outstanding diving may tempt the sunseeker off of the exotically beautiful beaches and the even more adventurous, might choose to conquer Mount Kinabalu… a 4,000m, high mountain www.ytlhotels.com Hong Kong Hong Kong, is one of the most iconic urban island destinations on the planet. As well as the glossy skyscrapers and the famous harbour front that the city has become synonymous with, this buzzing metropolis is undergoing a transformation.

Areas such as East and West Kowloon, has a burgeoning arts, design and culture scene and with its eclectic mixture of old and new buildings, local tea houses and Michelinstarred restaurants, this area is an exciting place to visit. Best avoided during the typhoon season between December and February though www.dorsetthotels.com Corfu The best known and second largest Ionian island, Corfu is covered with slender cypress trees and three million olive trees and its coastline stretches for more than 200km with fabulous sweeping bays, secluded coves, and beautiful beaches leading to crystal clear azure waters. One of the loveliest towns in Greece is Corfu Town, set between two Venetian fortresses with numerous ancient landmarks and sites to explore. There’s also fashionable shopping in the new part of town along with cosmopolitan restaurants, bars and a vibrant nightlife around the port area. www.classic-collection.co.uk The Maldives Sprinkled against the navy cloak of the Indian Ocean, the Maldives consists of just under 1200 islands separated into a series of coral atolls though only 109 have resorts on them. With its pockets of emerald isles, ringed by ivory-hued sands it is the perfect place to sit on a beach and watch a sunset with a cocktail balanced on your hand, marvelling in the knowledge that there are thousands of fish swimming around the vivid corals just a few feet away from where you sit. Certainly one of the most romantic island destinations www.travelbag.co.uk

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Travel

From Canal du Midi with love Why not take to the water? Escape the pace and stresses of your daily life by joining, if only temporarily, the ancient, peaceful way of life on the canals of France. We joined the canal barge Anjodi, operated by European Waterways which offers luxurious five star canal barge holidays, cruising a variety of canals throughout Europe and loved it, writes Mary Conisbee.

Anjodi achieved film star status and has never been more popular since Rick Stein brought her to the attention of the world in his successful TV series ‘French Odyssey’ when she carried the world famous chef on a 400 mile voyage of culinary discovery through the south of France.

Our six day voyage took us from Marseillan on the French Mediterranean coast, west of Montpellier to Le Somail, close to Narbonne which is further west and close to the world heritage city of Carcassonne, travelling at a stately pace through miles of wonderful scenery on the Canal du Midi.

Anjodi accommodates a maximum of eight passengers with four crew who respond to your every need. Refined luxury was the order of the day, teamed with ample space, cuisine which would give any Michelin star restaurant a serious run for their money, fine French wines and courteous and friendly English speaking staff who could not do enough to cater to our every whim and wish. All this plus the enjoyment of the stunningly beautiful countryside made for a wonderfully relaxing holiday.

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We travelled from London Gatwick to Montpellier where we spent some hours loving the cosmopolitan atmosphere of this authentic Mediterranean city, with its typically gentle southern French lifestyle. Key attractions include the historical centre and medieval streets, the Fabre Museum, La Panacee cultural centre, beautiful gardens and vineyards.

We were met late afternoon by a member of Anjodi’s crew at Montpellier station, who drove us westwards to the lakeside fishing village of Marseillan whilst we enjoyed the view over the oyster beds. Once on board we were greeted with a champagne welcome by the captain and crew.

When shown to our cabin we were pleasantly surprised to find it had a large double bed and attractive bed linen and it also had compact fitted wardrobes, air-conditioning, and an en-suite bathroom with shower, WC and heated towel rail.

The enclosed pretty lounge/dining area was comfortably fitted with quality sofas, a very well stocked bar and a large table sufficient for all eight of us and each evening it was beautifully decorated. The lounge was attractively furnished, enhanced with fresh flowers and for those who enjoy music a CD player and an ipod dock was available. For star gazing enthusiasts an excellent telescope was available to observe the clear south of France night skies.

On the top deck we found a spacious sun area, surrounded with troughs of flowers, and complete with umbrellas, sun loungers and a heated spa pool. For the more energetic amongst us, eight touring bikes for tow path cycling.

Life on board was extremely relaxed and very comfortable - one can easily understand how addictive barging becomes even after twenty-four hours. One of the greatest pleasures for me was the quality of ingredients most of which were bought daily by Chef wherever we moored up. The lovely

fresh local produce was first class as was Chef’s presentation.

He created imaginative French cuisine which was beautiful but not fussy and matched by a knowledge of etiquette one would expect to find in an esteemed French Michelin star restaurant. We were thoroughly spoilt on both the wine and cuisine fronts which impressed us as everything is included in the original booking fee.

As passengers we could easily have spent the whole cruise on board enjoying the wonderful food and wine and the beautiful scenery. However European Waterways also provide an excellent excursion itinerary and our voyage included visits to the world famous medieval walled city of Carcassonne which dates back to the Gallo Roman era. This is the most complete medieval fortified city in existence today. With its 52 watchtowers, portcullis and extraordinary repertoire of defenses it is stunning. We also went to Narbonne, a Roman Mediterranean capital where the Visigoth monarchs once lived and Minerve, the ancient capital of Minervois, which boasts a 12th century Cathar fort surrounded by deep limestone gorges. At Chateau de Perdiguier we marvelled at the 15th century frescoes and learn a little about the Chateau’s world famous Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay wines. We also enjoyed a great wine tasting in the quaint village of Pezenas.

European Waterways offer a variety of different types of cruises and there’s sure to be something to interest every type of traveller. From Artisan cruises through the rolling green landscapes of Ireland, exploring the best of handcrafted cuisine; to Art cruises through the region of Provence that inspired so many Impressionist painters like Van Gogh and Cezanne; to the Antiques cruises on the River Thames, not to mention the wonderfully romantic Honeymoon cruises through the fairy tale setting of the Loire Valley or the dramatic landscapes of the Scottish Highlands.

There’s a cruise and a barge to suit everyone.

European Waterways prices for a 6 night cruise aboard the 8-passenger hotel barge ‘Anjodi’ are from £2,850pp in a twin/double ensuite cabin suite, including all meals, wines, an open bar, excursions and local transfers. Full boat charters are also available. Call European Waterways: +44 (0) 1753 598555 Website: www.gobarging.com

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VISIT OUR SHOWROOM TO SEE THE WIDE RANGE OF FIRES AND FIREPLACES WE HAVE TO OFFER Classic to contemporary designs • Gas fire and wood burning stoves • Full range of accessories Full installation service for gas, electric and solid fuel • Home surveys undertaken • Service and reliability second to none

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Interiors

Install a woodburner ... ... reduce your heating bills, help the environment and glow in its beauty We are all constantly looking at ways to enhance the quality, ambience and ultimately value of our homes.

There are a plethora of television programmes, Sunday Supplements and glossy magazines offering inspiration for improving our homes, from investing in loft conversions to kitchen make-overs or adding a conservatory, we all love to improve our castles!

People often opt to improve rather than move and one improvement gaining momentum is the number of home owners choosing to add value by installing a real fire.

The National Association of Chimney Sweeps has seen a 20% increase in homeowners’ choosing a real fire over the past couple of years, with Hetas, the industry regulatory body recently announcing that

175,000 householders are installing a woodburner each year, five times more than in 2007.

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Interiors

Woodburning stoves are increasingly popular, primarily as a result of the innovative and stylish designs available. Homeowners who want to add value to their homes and create a powerful statement have so many options when it comes to a stove. There’s literally something for everyone’s taste, and type of property; from freestanding, inset into a wall, corner stoves or the more traditional.

It’s a fantastic and cost-effective way of creating a centre piece for a home which will also add value and differentiate a home from others on the market when it comes to selling.”

Although clean-air regulations have prevented the use of wood burning stoves in the past, today’s designs burn cleanly and can be exempt from the rules that apply to ordinary stoves.

With oil and gas prices rocketing and an increasing awareness of the impact on the environment, many look for alternative ways of heating their homes and wood-burning stoves are possibly one of the most environmentally friendly and efficient forms of heating available for our homes. Modern wood burning stoves

are over 85% fuel efficient, compared to about 25% for an ordinary wood burning fireplace.

Wood fuel is carbon lean. As a tree grows it gradually captures CO2 from the atmosphere and when it rots or is burned the same amount of CO2 is released. The carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere by burning wood will be locked up again and stored by the new trees grown for the next crop. Trees planted for wood fuel can provide a never-ending supply of wood – as long as trees are replanted as they are felled, the whole process is renewable. There are some carbon emissions caused by the cultivation, manufacture and transportation of the fuel, but as long as the fuel is sourced locally, these are much lower than the emissions from fossil fuels.

A wood burning stove can be a stunning addition to a home with the wide range of types and designs able to be installed into most interiors.

Cast iron offers a range of traditional antique designs but it also allows for streamlined, 21st century shapes and filigree that are only limited by the designer’s imagination. Colour co-ordination is also possible with enamelled finishes in a myriad of colours.

A woodburning stove can provide an elegant focal point of warmth and light in your home.

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Interiors: Colour Accents

s t n e c c A r u o l Co The interior design colour trends for 2015 are starting to emerge and the old rigid colour rules are out of the window. Frances Hinton explores the options.

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The emphasis is on combining an eclectic mix of colours and textures into a harmonious and colour coordinated interior. Next year’s colours are going to be all about deep purples, violets and crushed grapes, through to pale washed out blues, combined with a warm pallet of taupes, beiges, almonds and hazelnuts, set off against a background of cool greys and soft whites.

To create a dramatic interplay of colours, combine violets, mahoganies and purples as feature walls and soft furnishings, against a classic background of off whites, greys

and taupes. Finish off with a subtle sprinkling of frosted almond and champagne.

Or, if your taste runs to a more organic botanical palette, combine succulent shades of greens and grapes counterbalanced with dusky smokey tones of blues and pinks. Be inspired by the magical complexity of flora and foliage.

For contrast there is also a bit of a sixties theme going on with oranges, bamboos and blues and yellows.

Set these warm tones against the modernity of blues and greens plus stark black and white. The result

should be more sleek urban living rather than city jungle.

But overall, a slightly subdued pallet that contrasts strong colours with stonewashed shades and pale, smokey, dusty hues. The effect should be dramatic but calm, a combination of traditional colours and imaginative flair.

Texture is also in, in a big way, with lots of plaiting, knotting and fringes with brightly coloured yarns and chunky weaves. Bamboo and rattan as well as animal prints, shells and stones can be used to create a themed coordinated interior.

These colours and fabrics can be incorporated into a room or overall design in a minimalist way.

Use as an accent of colour or as a light textile touch.

For example use luscious textiles in taupes and hazelnuts set against an accent wall painted in one of the rich purples or violets. This way you don’t need a complete make-over every time to stay on trend.

Interior design, like fashion, should about your personal tastes and likes, so never be afraid to do what you want, and don’t forget anything goes.

Interiors Miscellanea www.miscellanea.co.uk

The style of your kitchen Like any other industry, kitchens have their fashions – in recent years there has been a shift from traditional detailing towards a more modern, clean look says Ruth Ward, Sales & Marketing Director of the Kbsa. www.kbsa.org.uk

In fact, our Kbsa members are telling us that the latest most popular look is painted slab doors, which are available in many colour options and can offer a very simple, clean look in both gloss and matt finishes.

A recent trend is to combine several colours in a single kitchen design.

White and ivory are the most popular colours but increasingly designers are using a variety of earth tone and grey palettes.

Grainy woods have also been a recent trend and structured synchronised laminates which are manmade but give the appearance Mereway Kitchens www.mereway kitchens.co.uk

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Saffron Interiors www.saffroninteriors.co.uk

of real wood are rising in sales along with a variety of traditional oakstained finishes!

Simple stainless steel handles enhance the effect and make a compact kitchen look larger, and there are even drawers available now that open with a simple push, so handles are no longer needed! In addition, completely ‘handleless’ style kitchens that incorporate a stylish grip rail, are gaining ground.

Solid surface composites and granite have also become much more popular as a worktop material and an increasing number of kitchens are utilising laminate worktops with PP (polypropylene) edging and panels that match the finish on the doors.

If you’re thinking of buying a new kitchen, make sure it’s one which will be a real showstopper – try to get an idea of what you like before you visit your kitchen retailer by looking for inspiration in magazines or on the web.

David Moore www.moorebydesign.co.uk

Adaptations www.adaptations.uk.com

Interiors

Bedroom, playroom or den?

When planning bedroom space it is important to consider to what other use the room will be put. Is it also to be a playroom, teenage den with space to do homework or an oasis of calm and tranquillity? Bear this in mind when planning colours, fabrics and furniture.

Top 5 tips for bedroom bliss are: 1 Fitted wardrobes don’t only look good, you can customise the

The Bed Centre www.bramleybedcentre.co.uk

space, storing everything that could otherwise be left kicking about like socks, scarves, ties and belts 2 Under the bed is a good place to store items with underbed storage boxes on wheels making life very easy and brightly coloured stacking toyboxes are fun and practical for children.

3 Make sure everything you need at bedtime is close to hand on or in the bedside table and avoid clutter

on the dressing table by investing in baskets and decorative boxes.

4 A calm, neutral colour scheme will help create a relaxed, stress free environment and natural fabrics in toning colours will promote the harmony and tranquillity needed.

5 Ambient lighting works best: wallmounted and table lamps create pools of light whilst uplighters will illuminate the room gently and clip-on lights are great on kids’ beds.

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01483 511068

SHOWROOM OPEN MON - SAT 9AM - 5PM The Hersham Centre Molesey Road, Hersham Surrey KT12 4HL

SUPPLY, DESIGN AND INSTALLATION OF LUXURY BATHROOMS Our Surrey showrooms have over 60 new displays offering the latest trends as well as timeless classics, all styled with space and grandeur. From baths, basins and bidets to beautiful brassware and luxurious tile finishes for both wall and floor, all showcased under one roof. Choose from Villeroy & Boch, Dornbracht, Keuco, Hansgrohe and Zucchetti plus so much more.

SHOWROOM TEL: 01932 224 784 | CONTRACT SALES TEL: 0208 481 7970 EMAIL: SALES@WALTONBATHROOMS.CO.UK

Shop online at: www.waltonbathrooms.co.uk

Interiors

Versatility in the living room Of all the rooms in the home, the living room must have the most versatile lighting, it being the focal point for most families and used for watching TV, socialising, children playing, relaxing and even hosting parties. It is the ideal room to explore using different lighting types building different levels of light in a layered effect so, whatever the activity, the room will feel comfortable and the perfect setting for each activity.

Begin with your ambient lighting then add table lamps for reading or hobby activities. When situated in other parts of the room table lamps will provide soft pools of light and the use of dimmer controls can enhance the mood and atmosphere.

Choosing decorative lights is an ideal and cost effective way of bringing your personal style and taste to the room.

Weybridge Lights www.weybridgelights.com

Cabbages & Roses www.johnlewis.com

Bathing haven The bathroom has evolved into a bathing haven, a room to pamper and escape the stresses and strains of today’s fast-paced world and it also needs that designer touch!

Those of us who live in period homes don’t have to miss out on an ultra-modern bathroom – there are numerous ways in which we can create contemporary luxury bathrooms within traditional, even historic houses.

Up-to-the-minute design can look perfect in any home, whether

Walton Bathrooms www.waltonbathrooms.co.uk

it’s a Victorian mews property or a rambling Georgian farmhouse. Strong clean lines and streamlined shapes in chrome and glass mix and match beautifully with the elaborate effects and detailing often found in period home bathrooms.

Sherree Valentine Daines

A portrait of the artist: Sherree Valentine Daines As one of the UK’s most formidable contemporary artists, Sherree Valentine Daines has an impressive track record of exhibitions at such venues as the Tate Gallery, the Barbican, the New English Art Club and the Lord’s Museum. Her unquestionable virtuosity has made her a favourite with many celebrity collectors including members of the British Royal Family. Famous names in the world of show-business have sat for her including Sebastian Coe, Joanna Lumley and Michael Parkinson. She has become a familiar face on television, appearing on shows ranging from ‘This Morning’ to the Christmas special of Lawrence Llewellyn-Bowen’s hit series ‘To the Manor Bowen’, as well as painting the England cricket team in front of the cameras.

As official artist to the Rugby World Cup she produced magnificent commemorative portraits of Martin Johnson and Jonny Wilkinson, both 76

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of which were bought by the stars themselves. 2007 saw the publication of a stunning hardback book celebrating Sherree’s 30th year as the country’s outstanding figurative artist.

She has been officially voted the UK’s leading Impressionist and her status on the contemporary art scene is unique.

Sherree’s distinctive society scenes, idyllic childhood images and captured sporting moments have established her international reputation as ‘the face of Modern British Impressionism’. Exploring many of the most attractive elements of British life, her most recent collections present a diverse range of figurative images in some glorious settings, demonstrating the stylistic maturity of a major artistic presence at the height of her powers.

Born, brought up and still living in Surrey, Sherree enjoys a special relationship with Whitewall Galleries in Guildford and has launched

“I am fascinated by the effect of colour and light on a subject rather than the subject itself”

several collections in the gallery. Their recent collaboration went beyond artwork however and led to a genuinely heartwarming incident. When a Whitewall Guildford client dropped into the gallery and got talking about his grandson’s illness, little did he know what he was starting.

He described a forthcoming fundraising event at Highclere Castle with the cast of Downton Abbey in attendance, and the Guildford team got to thinking. One thing followed another, and on the night of the event, Sherree attended and donated a commission for the auction. The commission sold for £17,000 to the original client, who has asked Sherree to paint – you’ve guessed it – his gorgeous grandchildren.

Sherree says: “As a Modern Impressionist and figurative artist I am fascinated by the effect of colour and light on a subject rather than the subject itself. I also love to explore the ideas of beauty and joie de vivre, so I tend to seek out scenes which guarantee I will find exactly what I’m looking for. Living in Surrey I am perfectly placed to do this without having to travel too far! Days out at Henley, kite flying on Box Hill, trips to the seaside with the children, all these give me the inspiration I need. I find the colours, the movement,

the fall of a piece of fabric, the interplay of light and shadow all cry out to be captured on canvas.

“The last few years have been particularly exciting and rewarding in so many ways with a host of new opportunities opening up to me. To my surprise television has had a major impact on my recent career, as appearing on prime time shows has meant that my work suddenly reached literally millions of people. Also if you have a much loved personality admiring a painting you have done, it raises public awareness in a very positive way. Each time I make an appearance it seems to lead to further celebrity and private commissions, and I have formed some lovely friendships with some unexpected and fascinating people, so who knows where that will take me over the coming months. My intention is simply to keep painting and to make the most of every day.”

To view Sherree’s work visit Whitewall Galleries Guildford 200 High Street, Guildford, Surrey. GU1 3JA Telephone: 01483 578 200 Email: guildford@whitewallgalleries.com www.whitewallgalleries.com

Eating Occasions

We all know that the creation of a bowl of soup simply requires stock, some vegetables (leftovers are always good for this) and some cream or crème fraiche to make something out of nothing but here are three recipes which make the humble soup a little less so.

There is also no doubt though that healthy, tasty bread can transform a hearty, homemade soup into a fulfilling and memorable meal. Few of us have the forethought to bake the perfect loaf to accompany our next meal, thus we enlisted the expertise of Rosie Robinson from Chalk Hills Bakery in Reigate to advise on the best bread to have with soup.

For busy, hungry people there is no better solution than a bowl or mug of soup with which to recharge the batteries or by which to simply warm your hands.

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Pumpkin Gamele soup Serves 6 660 gms peeled and cubed butternut pumpkin 500 ml milk 250 ml double cream 250ml chicken or vegetable stock 1 pinch salt and pepper, to taste 1/2 teaspoon curry powder ½ teaspoon ground cumin 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 150g small prawns, peeled and deveined 2 pears, peeled, cored and diced 2 tablespoon Madeira Teaspoon of butter and teaspoon of walnut oil Handful of chopped fresh coriander leaves 1 Combine the cubed pumpkin, and chicken stock in a saucepan. Season with salt, pepper, curry powder, cumin, cinnamon and nutmeg. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low and simmer for about 20 minutes until soft - stirring occasionally.

2 Add milk and simmer for further 10 minutes - stirring frequently 3 Add the pears to the soup then bring to a boil and cook for 5 minutes.

4 Transfer the soup to a blender or food processor then blend until smooth. Return to the saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium-low heat.

5 Meanwhile heat oil and butter till frothing but not brown and cook prawns, stirring frequently, until opaque - about 5 minutes 6 Stir in Madeira and cream and remove

from heat.

7 Ladle into bowls and garnish with the prawns and chopped coriander

Rosie recommends: “I love the sound of this Pumpkin Gamele soup, almost chowder like. There are a lot of strong flavours and textures in it and I would recommend our Vintage White Cob to go with it. This is a white loaf using a sourdough starter which is given a long proofing time. As a result it has all the flavours of a ciabatta with enough density to wipe the bowl clean. I suggest the loaf is cut into wedges rather than slices to get maximum scoopability”

Dutch leek soup 35ml Organic Rapeseed oil 4 chopped leeks 4 chopped carrots 1 celery stalk chopped 1 small green pepper, deseeded and chopped 1 cloves of garlic, finely chopped 1 bay leaf 1tsp tarragon 750ml vegetable stock 50 grams chopped fresh chives 1 chopped small red onion 125ml single cream A good pinch of black pepper 1 Heat half the oil over medium heat and stir fry leeks, carrots, celery, pepper, garlic and bay leaf for about 10 minutes. Add stock and bring to boil; reduce heat to medium low, add tarragon and simmer until fork-tender, about 30 minutes.

2 Meanwhile, in blender, puree chives and

red onion with remaining oil.

3 Remove bay leaf from soup. In blender,

puree until soup is smooth. Re heat over medium heat; whisk in cream and pepper.

Ladle into bowls and drizzle with remaining chive and onion oil.

Rosie recommends: “There is a lot to this Dutch leek soup which is packed full of flavour, and so to go with this I have chosen a bread that is able to stand up on its own. Our Chalk Hills Sourdough is made with organic wholemeal, white and rye flours, a touch of salt and water. It is yeast free and has a long proofing time allowing a full flavoured chewy crumb and a delicious caramelised crust.”

Bread recommendations

by Rosie Robinson of Chalk Hills Bakery – chalkhillsbakery.com

Courgette & Emmenthal soup 500g potatoes, peeled and roughly chopped 750l of vegetable stock 1kg courgettes, roughly chopped 1tsp of English grain mustard 8 spring onions finely chopped 1 tablespoon of fresh basil ½ a glass of dry white wine 100g grated Emmental ½ tsp of black pepper 1 desert spoon of butter 1 Put the potatoes in a large pan with just enough water to cover them, bring to the boil, then simmer for 15 minutes until just cooked.

2 Melt the butter ia frying pan until frothing and throw in courgettes. Fry gently for 5 minutes.

3 Drain the potatoes put back in pot with courgettes and vegetable stock, ¾ of the spring onions, white wine pepper and basil. cover and cook for a final 5 mins.

4 Take off the heat, puree with 80 grams of the cheese. Put back in pot and heat for 5 minutes then ladle into bowls with grated cheese and remaining spring onions.

Rosie recommends: Our 100% Rye Sourdough would be the perfect bread to go with the Courgette and Emmental soup. Rye bread would not be the same without caraway seeds and I think this lovely aromatic spice will enhance the delicate flavour of the courgettes and is a good match for the sweet taste of Emmental.

Wine Occasions

To each his own Party planning can be a headache whether the project it is for a celebration like a wedding anniversary, a light hearted stag or hen night or a more formal corporate occasion. There are few short cuts to compiling a guest list, finding the right venue, choosing the entertainment and selecting the menu.

Thomas Jack shares his party preferences.

Just as difficult as any of those tasks is choosing which wines should be chosen to get the guests in the right mood particularly at a wedding reception where the age range of those present can range from the teenaged brothers and sisters of the bride and groom through to their grandparents.

The French have a wonderful saying ‘a chacun son gout’ – to each man his own taste - and given the way over the past four decades the new world wine industries have introduced hundreds of wonderful new varieties it is certainly possible to cater for every taste.

But given the restrictions of space on a party table top and any thoughts about the budget available budget tough decisions have to be taken. But it is possible to pick a small selection of middle range wines that would offer guests a mixture of experiences.

I was recently grateful to the Banstead-based online party wine suppliers www.pinpointwines.co.uk for coming up with a lunchtime tasting from which I chose the following four wines to offer a variety of tastes on a budget that would not the break the bank. And the great bonus of their set up is that all complete cases of their

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wine delivered to a party but not drunk, are fully refundable.

Of course no celebration is complete without a toast of bubbly and I liked their Prince Laurent, with a crisp, fresh taste that offers hints of both lemon and honey. A case of six bottles, which should fill for 40 champagne flutes, costs £109.99 - a lot less than some of the better known proprietary brands.

There are traditionalists and wine snobs who would not contemplate drinking a sparkling wine that has not originated from Reims, the home of champagne. But equally there are many younger drinkers who have never experienced that pleasure but have enjoyed a cheaper alternative with the growing popularity of the Italy’s Prosecco.

An attractive alternative, which would appeal to youngsters wanting colour in their glasses and is reasonable priced is the Italian Colle Dei Vescovi Cuvee Rose from Montecchio Maggiore.

It is slightly sweeter than Prosecco with subtle tastes of raspberry and cherry and costs just £53.99 a case.

Of course no table would be complete with red and white wine and here the choice could be endless.

Should the red be light and refreshing or rich, strong, and deep coloured? As a long time fan of Rioja and other medium priced Spanish wines I opted for Villa Negra Reserva from the Valencia Region. With its fruity flavour, this medium bodied red goes down well with meat and cheese and costs £45.99.

But for my white I decided to look beyond Europe. On my first visit to New Zealand in the 1980s I grew very fond of drinking Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc with a plate of fish. But, as over the next ten years its popularity grew worldwide, the need for greater production volume saw small but disappointing changes to my once favourite white wine.

Now from the same Marlborough wine growing region I have discovered Seagull Mountain Sauvignon Blanc.

Much better value than the now overpriced and overrated Cloudy Bay, it is a medium dry white wine with a refreshing hint of peach on the palate and completes my chosen party quartet at £49.99 per case.