Surrey Occasions Summer '15

Summer 2015

Exclusive Interviews: Raymond Blanc Kenney Jones Natalie Sciver

Shows, festivals, & gardens Health & fitness Wedding Plans

AdamEdwards | Shutterstock

In ide ...

3 Editor’s

Summer 2015

missive

4 Interview : Kenney Jones

6 Out & about : Surrey County Show

8 Out & about :

10 Out & about :

Guildford Festival

Shere Magic. Open gardens

12 What’s On :

14 Out & about : Coverwood Lakes Opera

15 Q & A with Raymond Blanc

18 Property :

21 Reviews

25 In his wardrobe : Hot hazy days

26 Fashion : Home or away,

36 Beauty :

38 Sport :

Summer’s little helpers

the Natalie Sciver interview

a 3 month guide

20 History : Cherish the past

28 Accessories :

At the water’s edge

summer is here

Perfect for the poolside

30 Wedding plans

40 Health & Fitness : Wetting the baby’s head

41 Health & Fitness :

44 Health & Fitness : Alex

45 Health & Fitness :

Perfect pins & a firm derrieré

Crockford’s tips for summer

Great value family fun

46 Recipes : Raymond Blanc’s delicious summer recipes

48 Travel : Essence of India

50 Art : Ben Payne

52 Interiors : Tiles – a sumptuous decorating tool

Whitgift.

One of Britain’s finest independent day and boarding schools for boys aged 10-18

OPEN MORNING | SATURDAY 19 SEPTEMBER 2015 OPEN EVENING | TUESDAY 29 SEPTEMBER 2015 SIXTH FORM AND BOARDING | BY APPOINTMENT Further information on visiting Whitgift can be found at www.whitgift.co.uk/opendays admissions@whitgift.co.uk +44 (0)20 8633 9935 www.whitgift.co.uk/opendays Haling Park, South Croydon, CR2 6YT, United Kingdom

‘Some might say it’s just bricks and mortar. Others may say it’s just a school.

But Whitgift is so much more than that’ Old Whitgiftian (2006–2014)

From the Editor Front cover image: Ivory formal hand-blocked sinamay hat with ivory flowers Designed by Piers Atkinson for the Royal Ascot Hat collection 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 Claire Mahoney Beauty Editor claire@dovetailcomms.co.uk Contributors Anna Otway Doug Bird Focal Point Designs Simon Whaley Thomas Jack www.surreyoccasions.co.uk Publisher Barry Bebbington Publications International Ltd 01708 229354 barry@pubint.co.uk Advertising Director Kate Wood 07971 937162 katie@ktmedia.co.uk Advertising Account Manager Claire White 01883-733990 clairesurrey8@aol.com Designer Paul Buckley Riasca 01484 463343 paul@riasca.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. 2015 To have your personal copy delivered to your door… for free… go to www.surreyoccasions.co.uk/ subscription and subscribe now

Looking out over my computer screen it is energising to see verdant trees and blue skies. I can, at last truly believe that summer is here. And cannot wait to cast off the heavy layers necessary for a chilly spring and step out in linens and cool cottons without worrying whether I have forgotten a coat or jacket. Echoing my thoughts, our fashion pages are dressed in neutrals and a palette of the palest yellows and blues.

You will have noted the gorgeous hat on our front cover which was designed

by Piers Atkinson, to be part of the Royal Ascot Hat Collection. Piers told us; “Royal Ascot is a globally recognised event and attracts thousands of people from all walks of life. As a milliner the event is particularly important as there are so many hats.The collection shows how very different hats can be from one another and this should be inspirational to those keen on Ascot but possibly a little nervous of hats. It also shows how beautiful and sophisticated a well dressed woman in a hat can look and that really is the nature and the aim of our work! Personally, I’m so glad brims are getting extravagant again”.

Also in this issue Raymond Blanc shares a few kitchen secrets with Surrey Occasions as well as two delicious recipes from hi book Kew on a Plater, whilst Kenney Jones, polo playing drummer, gives us a personal insight in his life from rock to royalty. Looking forward, we hope to be celebrating a repeat of the England’s Ladies cricket team winning the Ashes. Meanwhile, professional cricketer, Natalie Sciver, tells us how life has changed since she took up playing cricket over football once she settled in Surrey as a young teenager.

Fitness and health for ourselves and our families are subjects never far from our minds and in this issue, we are pleased to launch a Family Fitness section and introduce Surrey’s Alex Crockford as our very own fitness guru. In each issue Alex will offer Surrey Occasion’s readers his top tips alongside specific exercise programmes.

Congratulations are in order for Guildford’s Anne Milton who has become the first woman to hold the post of Deputy Chief Whip in the party and Epsom and Ewell’s Chris Grayling who been appointed Leader of the House of Commons.

With the advent of emails, text messaging, WhatsApp etc communicating in the written word has evolved into new, and often abrupt, speed writing skills…21st century shorthand if you will. It was with this in mind that I was delighted to learn that one of Surrey Occasions’ favourite local charities has launched a writing competition. Jenny Seagrove, founder of Mane Chance Sanctuary said; “We are absolutely thrilled to be able to offer children and adults the chance to have their composition read by the wonderful literary talent that is former Children’s Laureate, Michael Morpurgo, OBE. All entry fees will go directly to the upkeep of the horses at the Sanctuary and towards the work we do with people too”.

This is a unique opportunity to have this literary genius read your composition and the chance to win prizes to the value of £500. Closing date is 10th July, 2015.

Entry fee is just £5 or £2 for Under 10’s. Visit manechancesanctuary.org/writing to learn more.

Of course summer in Surrey would not be the same without the County Show and the Guildford Festival; the wealth of beautiful gardens to visit and even an opera or two. Step inside and uncover many of these unique family events and enjoy the summer experiencing them for yourselves.

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

Surrey Occasions

3

Interview

&

Rock royalty

Surr Occa ey si Exclu ons s Inter ive view

When drummer Kenney Jones held his first grandson in his arms at the Royal Surrey County Hospital last December, he was consumed with grief as well as joy. Kenney shares his thoughts with Surrey Occasions own Claire Mahoney.

Kenney had just found out that his friend and fellow band-mate, Ian ‘Mac’ McLagan, had died after suffering a massive stroke.

Mac (as he was known) was the keyboard player in both The Small Faces and The Faces along with Kenney in the 60s and 70s.

“I was on my way to dropping my daughter off at college when I got the call from Mac’s son Lee. He said: “Dad has had a massive stroke.” There was brain damage and he was on life support and then I got the news that they had turned the ventilator off. It was so peculiar really as it virtually happened at the same time.

A real case of out with the old and in with the new.”

Mac’s death at only 69 meant that Kenney was the last remaining member of the Small Faces.

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“I try not to think about it really,” he says.

“But obviously people remind me of it all the time. I can handle it. But it does get a bit sad at times when I think I’m the last man standing. I wonder what’s expected of me.

How do I fly the flag still?”

Indeed, Kenney who has lived in Ewhurst in Surrey for the last 28 years, spent some of the best years of his life with The Small Faces. The group lost its lead singer Steve Marriott in 1991 to a house fire and bass player Ronnie Lane died at 51 after suffering from MS for over 20 years.

“I’ve got thousands of memories of the Small Faces. Far too many to mention. They were all great days. The saddest day was when we split up. It’s amazing how many young fans we get now though. It does feel like we are bigger now than we were at the time.”

“they were exhilarating times though being in The Who” The Small Faces were one of the top mod bands of the 60s and, even though they were only together for a short time (1965-1969), they remain one of the UK’s most influential rock bands. When Steve Marriott left the band, Kenney and the rest of the band carried on as ‘The Faces’ with the addition of Rod Stewart and Ronnie Wood from the Jeff Beck Group. The group disbanded in 1975. Then in 1978 Kenney joined The Who, albeit under rather tragic circumstances. Their drummer, Keith Moon, died of an overdose in September 1978.

Two months later Kenney was asked to step into his shoes.

“There was only one drummer for The Who and that was Keith Moon. He had a great style. I’m a lot steadier and I never copied Moon and wouldn’t even try too.

They were exhilarating times though being in The Who. The Small Faces and The Who used to tour a lot together so it was like being in the same band in lots of ways.

Probably the highlight though was playing at Live Aid.” A strange incident at this gig is what makes it stick in the drummer’s memory.

It occurred during a performance of The Who’s hit ‘My Generation’. “Roger (Daltrey) was singing the lines: ‘Why don’t you just all fffff......ade away’ and then the satellite blew up and the band literally DID fade away.

You can’t buy that sort of thing can you!” he laughs.

Jones was re-united with his Who band mates on stage for the first time in a decade last year at the Rock & Horsepower fundraising event for Prostate Cancer at his polo club Hurtwood Park.

Jones was diagnosed with the disease in 2013 and, even though he has now been given the all clear, following two operations, he is still committed to raising awareness.

“It’s incredible how behind we are in terms of men getting themselves checked. I caught mine just in time and it hadn’t spread outside my prostate, ” says the father of six.

Rock & Horsepower will take place this year on the 13th June and the line-up is shaping up rather nicely. Confirmed artists so far include: Bill Wyman, Ali Campbell (UB40), Procol Harum, Chris Difford (Squeeze), Andy Fairweather Low, Nik Kershaw, Steve Harley (Cockney Rebel) and of course Jones himself. During the day you’ll be able to enjoy some high quality polo and get up close to a fabulous selection of super cars. All this for just £30.00 a ticket!

The game of polo is often referred to as the ‘sport of kings’. So how did it become such as passion for this East end boy from Stepney? “I’ve loved the sport for over thirty years now. I used to go to watch matches in Florida before I got into polo, and then I started to play polo at Ham Polo Club in Richmond. But I was often too busy to play as I would be on the road with The Faces all the time. Sometimes I do have a little chuckle to myself. East end boy and rock star playing polo with the royal family.”

Even though rock music and polo aren’t obvious bedfellows, it seems that Jones and the team at the club (which includes his wife Jayne and daughter Casey) have created a rather a fine balance between the two. It is not only a popular venue for the sport (both HRH Princes Charles along with Princes William and Harry have played here), it is also a choice location for weddings and fine dining at

“I think Ewhurst is special” the recently opened Haywards at Hurtwood.

The club now has further plans for expansion and recently submitted a major planning application to Waverley Borough Council to turn the venue into the UK’s first all-weather polo and equestrian estate.

The application includes plans to build 14 new homes for equestrian enthusiasts and a five star hotel and a spa. There has been rather a lot of publicity about the proposals and some local objection, but Jones is firm in the belief that this is a positive move not only for the sport, but for the area in general.

“People don’t like change and I don’t blame them. But I think Ewhurst is special and if you are going to do developments in this area then those developments have got to be special too. There are 180 acres here and we’ll only be building on 6% of the overall site. Hurtwood Park couldn’t go on any further in its present form. And I had to give it a future.”

For more info on events at the club visit hurtwoodparkpolo.co.uk

Surrey Occasions

5

Out & about

A fantastic day y l i m a f out Bigg er bette and r tha ever n !

This year’s Surrey County Show, held on Monday 25th May is bigger and better than ever, with more activities for the children, brand new and spectacular Grand Arena entertainment, a new celebrity face in the Food Theatre, some exciting live music and the return of many of the show favourites.

The Surrey County Show was first staged in 1954, hosted and funded by local farmer Mr Raymond Stovold at his farm in Eashing.

At the time, Raymond’s friends told him he was ‘barking mad’ and that the event would be a complete waste of time and money.

Raymond proved them wrong and now, more than 60 years later, the show is the largest one day County show in the UK. Now hosted at Stoke Park in Guildford, the event attracts up to 40,000 guests annually and still has agriculture and the countryside at its heart.

The Grand Arena is the centre point of the show, with top class entertainment running throughout the day. The Stampede Stunt Company is the headline act presenting the first ever production of the ‘Magna Carta’, with brave horses and riders performing stunts, thrills and trial by combat and TV star Katy Cropper, past winner of ‘One man and his dog’ showing off the skills of her amazing sheep dogs.

Grand Arena competition includes the ever popular scurry driving. These tiny, yet fiercely competitive ponies (with previous winners boasting names such as Rip and Tear and Twitter and Tweet!) race in pairs around an obstacle course, the fastest time with the least penalty points being the winner. Grand Prix show jumping also features, with huge fences tackled by some of the country’s most successful horse and rider combinations, all competing for a prize fund of over £6000.

Animal magic The livestock and animal element is of course a huge part of the Surrey County Show, with hundreds of cows, sheep, pigs, goats and horses, all trained, polished and presented to perfection. The cattle classes feature, amongst others, the docile Herefords and distinguished Highlands and the diminutive Jerseys. Visitors can enter the cattle tents for a close up view of these magnificent animals. Sheep fans can see Jacobs, Texels, Zwartbles and other unusual breeds and there are almost 40 classes for goats and pygmy goats. Pigs are also on show, vying for honours such as the ‘Pig with the curliest tail’ and the ‘Grumpiest pig’.

The show enjoys a reputation for its top class horse and pony competition, from hairy native ponies to stocky, workmanlike cobs and the elegance of the side saddle.

Donkeys feature too, including the miniature versions, and if birds are more your thing the poultry tent will feature hundreds of our feathered friends, all groomed and preened in preparation for the judges.

Finally, if you’re keen to win a rosette and plan to take your dog to the show you can enter our family fun dog show. You don’t need a pedigree hound – if your dog has ‘The waggiest tail’ or ‘The best trick’ you could be in for a win! For the first time, small animals will features as a highlight of the show, with the welcome presence of Bocketts Farm. Bocketts is a working family

farm set in the beautiful Surrey countryside and they will be at the show with lambs, chicks, guinea pigs, ducklings and rabbits.

Perfect for the children to enjoy a cuddle!

Country comes to town The County Show provides town dwelling people with an opportunity to engage directly with rural life and the countryside.

Our Countryside Arena features falconry demonstrations, have-a-go fly fishing, gun dogs and hounds and Adam’s Axemen, the country’s best known lumberjack display team will entertain the crowds. Visitors have the rare opportunity to see a real life milking parlour. The bees and honey tent is always packed – with a live bee release and an opportunity to learn about the fascinating life of one of the countryside’s most valuable creatures. This year’s floristry marquee has a ‘literature’ theme so enjoy the fabulous floral creations of amateur and professional florists alike.

Shopaholics do not miss out, with acres of trade stands and rural crafts on offer.

From rocking horses to hats, pottery to sports cars, there is something for everyone at this year’s show.

The Surrey County Show The Surrey County Show is organised and run by the Surrey County Agricultural Society, a small charity that exists to promote agriculture and good farming, welcomes new members throughout the year. Join today and enjoy complimentary admission to both the Surrey County Show and the Surrey Game and Country Fair at Loseley Park in September, with use of the members’ facilities and other benefits.

Visit www.surreycountyshow.co.uk or call 01483 890810.

Food, glorious food Food lovers are treated to a full-to-brim food hall and the return of the Surrey Food Theatre. Dan Britten, of Britten’s Restaurant in Guildford demonstrates some of his favourite recipes using locally grown and reared ingredients. Michaela Edge shows the crowds how she makes her delicious Norbury Blue cheese and John Negus returns with his ever popular Gardeners Question Time. And of course, the Surrey Farmers’ Market is packed out with the best in local produce – all grown; reared; caught; brewed; pickled; baked; smoked or processed by the stall holder.

Plan your day The Surrey County Show is an unmissable family day out, and the 2015 event will be no exception. With a family ticket costing not much more than a trip to the cinema and under 5’s go free, it is also great value.

Tickets are available on the day.

The show opens at 8am and parking is free on the showground, and at surrounding sites a short walk away.

There is also free Park and Ride from Merrow, Surrey University and Guildford Business Park.

Magna Carta 800 Celebrations June 1-19 June. Egham. Magna Carta and the loss of liberties in Victorian art. Picture Gallery, Royal Holloway, University of London. royalholloway.ac.uk

13 June. Egham. Choral evensong Royal Holloway, University of London. royalholloway.ac.uk 13-14 June. Hurley. Magna Carta 800th River Relay. Hurley Riverside Meadows. thamesalive.org.uk/ magnacarta/

20 June. Woking. Magna Carta Lecture with Nick Barrett; 1215 and all that. Surrey History Centre. new.surreycc.gov.uk 28 June. Egham. Magna Carta Egham Regatta. Runnymede riverside

08 June -08 August. Guildford.

Magna Carta Guildford Cathedral Programme of Commemorations.

Guildford Cathedral. guildfordcathedral.org/events/magna-carta

13 June. Egham. Magna Carta Concert presented by Egham Choral Society. St. John’s Church eghamchoral.org

July

12-16 June. Egham. Alan Perriman’s paintings: Runnymede ghosts.

Royal Holloway, University of London. royalholloway.ac.uk

13 June. Sunbury on Thames.

River Flotilla Spelthorne.

Kings Lawn. spelthorne.gov.uk/ magnacarta

22-28 July. Caterham.Caterham magna carta women project.

Caterham Valley

12-16 June. Egham. Magna Carta in flowers. Royal Holloway, University of London. royalholloway.ac.uk

13 June. Staines-upon-Thames.

The Barons Gathering Lammas Recreation Ground. magnacartastainesuponthames.com

12-16 June. Egham. The Magna Carta quilts Royal Holloway, University of London. royalholloway.ac.uk

14 June. Egham. The Great Charter Festival. Royal Holloway, University of London. royalholloway.ac.uk

08-14 July. Egham. Egham magna carta women project. High Street

29 July-04 August. Oxted. Oxted magna carta women project. Oxted Library. tracysatchwill.com

August 05-11 August. Dorking. Dorking magna carta women project. Dorking Library tracysatchwill.com

Robert Clayson

7

Out & about

Credit : Matt Gibson / Shutterstock.com

Something e n o y r for eve ety A vari ts n of eve

Guildford Summer Festival 12th June – 8th August

With over 100 different events to pick from, Guildford Summer Festival 2015 will be bigger than ever before.

Perennial family favourites such as the town centre Cycle Races, Craft Fair, Farmers’ Markets, Cricket Festival, Guildford Lions Raft Race, Drama in the Castle Grounds, classical concerts and Walkfest all return for summer 2015.

There will also be a whole host of other theatre and sport along with art, music, walks, heritage, tours and days out to keep everyone busy over the summer.

The start of the Festival is always announced by the colourful town centre Craft Market which takes place from 12th to 20th June and Guildford Shakespeare’s performance of Wind in the Willows at Watts Gallery.

To commemorate National Armed Forces Day on 27th June, Guildford will host a splendid Garden Party in Stoke Park with a barbeque, garden games, a craft fair and face painting.

Hundreds of Armed Forces personnel will join veterans and cadets in the grand military parade starting at 1130hrs at the bottom of the High Street. Military display teams and bands will also entertain alongside more contemporary bands and choirs.

The Guildford Town Guides offer their free guided walks around the town exploring its history and every nook and cranny. This year they are introducing a new walk on the life of Alan Turing in Guildford on 21st July and 13th August and Walkfest returns with a range of walks to suit beginners and hardy experts, exploring flora and fauna and even the odd pub or two!

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Surrey Occasions

This year Guildford even has a Beach!

The Urban Beach will be open for family fun from 14th-16th August outside the Electric Theatre and is free.

As always, Arts and Heritage events are in abundance with the annual Guildford Arts exhibition at the Mill Studio, Watts Gallery and Guildford House Gallery. G Live, The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre and the Back Room of the Star play host to a variety of shows, and Guildford Fringe Festival arrives in town in July across 10 venues.

Or for the more daring, head for the open air cinema at The Lido – showing Jaws!

Opportunities to get fit abound – Surrey Sports Park has Junior Camps and plays host to the Rugby World Cup 2015 Trophy Tour and the leisurely 24 mile Round the Hogs Back Cycle Tour may only prove challenging after lunch at the Cricketers in Rydeshill. For those who prefer to spectate, then head for the Cricket Festival or the Town Centre Cycle Race.

Events being held in local pubs are also featured including The Keep Pub in Castle Street and The Weyside, with events ranging from afternoon tea to live music. Local ale is celebrated at the Guildford Beer Festival at the Cricket Ground and also at The Weyside.

This year, many of the events are completely free to attend, so grab a brochure get planning. With so much to choose from you’re sure to find something for everyone. Tickets for most events are on sale now visit guildfordsummerfestival.co.uk for more information.

summer festival 12 June - 8 August 2015

Including

Make the most of your summer in Guildford

Sponsors

www.guildfordsummerfestival.co.uk GSF15 Surrey Occasions Full Page Ad aw.indd 1

10/04/2015 12:00

Out & about

Shere magic Set at the foot of the North Downs between Guildford and Dorking, Shere has been hailed as the jewel in the crown of the Surrey Hills for over a century. The village appears in the Domesday Book of 1086 as Essira and Essire.

This pretty village offers great architecture from wonky little Tudor cottages and Lutyens lodges to more than its fair share of manors and mills. The ancient church of St James is Norman and of ironstone rubble with sandstone buttresses. In medieval times the church had an Anchoress for several years. An Anchoress is a woman who chooses to withdraw from the world to live a solitary life of prayer and mortification.

She would be enclosed within the confines of her cell, usually attached to her parish church. Not cut off from the world, rather anchored in it. In the interior of the church is a quatrefoil shape from where she would receive the Eucharist and a “squint� for her use for prayer and reflection.

Today the village has 3 pubs, a restaurant, popular baker and confectioner.

The gift shop will inspire present buying and the fabric shop will entrance all who step through the door. The working forge is renowned, not only for its architectural pieces, but also its public works of art which are to be seen all over Surrey and the UK. A favourite haunt of artists, in the Victorian era Shere was home to

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Surrey Occasions

Lewis Pinhorn Wood, landscapist and watercolourist, best known for his rural scenes of Sussex and Surrey and Benjamin Williams Leader, another landscape artist.

On June 28th, a number of the private gardens in Shere will open their gates and welcome visitors, all in the name of charity and this year anyone visiting the gardens in Shere cannot fail to be inspired to record the beauty and grace behind the village garden gates.

The first Shere Open Gardens day was back in 1978 when, with the village hall in disrepair, the villagers came together to raise money for its refurbishment - it did not take long for them to work out a suitable event.

Nourished by alluvial soil and watered by the Tillingbourne that meanders through village centre, Shere gardens have a ready advantage.

The variety on offer together with their close proximity to each other helps the event work so well that this year is the 37th anniversary of Shere Open Gardens and now many local causes benefit from the funds raised.

Surrey open gardens

A variety of gardens will be open in this picturesque village, most within walking distance of each other. They vary from small back gardens to much larger gardens and will offer something of interest for everyone.

Little Mynthurst Farm Norwood Hill, Nr Horley : June 20,21

Peaslake Open Gardens Sunday 7th June 2015 This is an exciting opportunity to explore hidden garden gems in a small, rural and stunningly beautiful Surrey Hills village.

16 Hurtmore Chase Hurtmore, Godalming : July 5

Horsell Garden Safari Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th June 2015 This is the 12th Garden Safari and we have some 30 gardens, six of them are new to the scheme. All gardens will display a brightly coloured balloon to show that they are open for visitors

Shere Open Gardens Sunday 28th June 2015 Classic cottage gardens festooned with roses, poppies and lupins in the heart of the village as well as larger landscaped gardens with sculptured planting and verdant lawns, just beyond.

Stuart Cottage Ripley Road, East Clandon : July 19, August 30

Kingswood, Tadworth and Walton Open Gardens Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st June 2015 Kingswood Tadworth and Walton Horticultural Society proudly present 10 fantastic open gardens.

For more information www.opengardens.co.uk

Bookham Open Gardens Day Sunday 21st June 2015 Since 2006, there have been more than 50 gardens opened across the village and over £42,000 has been raised toward the upkeep and renovation of the Old Barn Hall.

Ottershaw Open Gardens Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th July 2015

There are many other opportunities to visit beautiful secret gardens in Surrey.

We suggest that these, all part of the National Gardens Scheme, will keep you on a voyage of horticultural discovery throughout the summer months:

This year there will be about 20 gardens to see, from sheltered courtyards full of spectacular flowering pots and containers, or classic colourful cottage gardens festooned with roses, poppies and lupins in the heart of the village, to a great selection of larger elegantly landscaped gardens with sculptured planting and verdant lawns, just beyond.

The river makes its presence in many of the gardens either as a backdrop or the focal point. There are two spectacular water gardens to be visited: The Old Netley Mill dates from the 1840s, but there was a mill on this spot since the Domesday and in 2001 it was converted into a beautiful home.

More recently the mill pond has been transformed into a stunning lake with whimsical boat house and a little ‘wild’ island in the middle; the banks are lined with reeds, grasses and giant gunnera, while a new, low ‘wobbly’ bridge is the perfect viewing platform for the restored water wheel cogs. Next door, Netley House has diverted part of the Tillingbourne to create a winding network of waterways

51 Wolsey Drive Walton-on-Thames : 27 June

Woodbury Cottage Colley Lane, Reigate : July 11, 12

Heathside 10 Links Green Way, Cobham : July 26 Old Palace Lane Allotments Old Palace Lane, Richmond : August 9 7 Woodbines Avenue Kingston-upon-Thames : August 16 For information about opening times, charges, teas etc., and other splendid gardens visit ngs.org.uk

crossed by bridges, paths and decks and bordered by lush foliage offering a calm, cool place to wander if it is hot day.

The picture-perfect allotments on the bank of the river in the heart of the village display abundant vegetable plots and vibrant cutting beds of the most vivid delphiniums, phlox, and canterbury bells, flanked by manicured grass paths.

During the afternoon a couple of the keenest allotment holders will share their knowledge with an informal over-the-wall gardeners’ question time.

There will also be a good choice of refreshment on offer: the Cricket Club is running a Pimms Stall and the village school mums are serving the teas, with a great selection of homemade cakes, in the Village Hall.

Entry fees are £6 for adults, £5 for over 60s and children under 16 are free. The funds raised by the event are split between about 17 local causes aimed at all ages and stages in the community, from the Toddler Group and Village Nursery to the Pensioner’s Christmas Party and the local Veterans (of which there are still three!).

Surrey Occasions

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What’s On

n O s ' t a Wh

Summer 2015

June EX

now–05 July. Woking.

Damien Hirst: New Religion.

The Lightbox Gallery. thelightbox.org.uk. 01483 737800 T

01–06 June. Guildford.

Arnold Ridley’s Ghost Train.

Yvonne Arnaud Theatre. yvonne–arnaud.co.uk. 01483 440000 EX

01–30 June. Guildford. Wild Calling by Sue Payton. DSWF Gallery. davidshepherd.org.

01483 272323 Ms

02 June. Woking. McLaren: discussing the development of the McLaren Group . The Lightbox Gallery. thelightbox. org.uk. 01483 737800

P 20–21 June. Chobham.

Richmond Horse Cup. Ascot Park Polo Club. polo.co.uk.

01276 858545

T 08–13 June. Croydon.

Twelve Angry Men. Fairfield Halls. fairfield.co.uk. 020 8688 9291

O 21 June. Dorking. Reigate Grammar School Cantata Choir: Verdi’s Requiem. Dorking Halls. dorkinghalls.co.uk. 01306 881717

T 11–27 June. Guildford.

Guildford Shakespeare Company–Wind in the Willows.

Watts Gallery. wattsgallery.org. uk. 01483 810235 D 12 June. Leatherhead. Ballet Theatre UK Presents Aladdin.

The Leatherhead Theatre. theleatherheadtheatre.org .

01372 365141

C

Ev 12–13 June. Guildford.

Guildford Beer Festival.

Guildford Cricket Club. guildfordbeerfestival.co.uk.

07506 076780

M

Rf & M 13 June. Lingfield.

Hooves & Grooves Night– Abba Revival. Lingfield Park. lingfieldpark.co.uk. 01342 834800

03 June. Guildford. Reginald D Hunter: The Man Who Attempted to Do As Much As Such. G Live. glive.com. 0844 7701797 03 June. Croydon. Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra. Fairfield Halls. fairfield.co.uk. 020 8688 9291 P 04–07 June. Dunsfold.

Burnt Hill Cup. Burningfold Polo Club. burningfoldpolo. co.uk. 01483 200 722

P 13 June. Ewhurst Green Rock & Horsepower.

Hurtwood Park Polo Club. hurtwoodparkpolo.co.uk. 01483 272 828 Ms

05 June. Guildford.

Watts at Night. Watts Gallery. wattsgallery.org.uk. 01483 810235

13–14 June. Weybridge.

The Brooklands Doublt Twelve Motorsport Festival. Brooklands Museum. brooklandsmuseum. com. 01932 857381

Rf 05–06 June. Epsom. Derby Festival. Epsom Downs. epsom. thejockeyclub.co.uk. 01372 726311

Ev 14 June. Cobham. 1940’s Tea Dance. Painshill Park. painshill. co.uk. 01932 868113

E

M

06 June. Guildford. Oxford Philomusica . G Live. glive.com.

0844 7701797 P

06–07 June. Ewhurst Green. Bremont Watch Trophy.

Hurtwood Park Polo Club. hurtwoodparkpolo.co.uk. 01483 272 828 E

07 June. Godalming.

“National Gardens Scheme day “. Winkworth Arboretum. nationaltrust.org.uk/ winkworth–arboretum. 01483 208477

12

MT 08–13 June. Wimbledon.

Spamalot. New Wimbledon Theatre. atgtickets.com. 0844 8717646

Surrey Occasions

M 15 June. Dorking. Surrey Borders Primary Schools Music Festival. Dorking Halls. dorkinghalls.co.uk. 01306 881717 Ev 15–18 June. Guildford . Guildford Cricket Festival.

Guildford Cricket Club. guildfordcc.com. 07767 224632 Rf 16–20 June. Ascot. Royal Ascot. Ascot. ascot.co.uk. 0844 346 3000 G 20 June–24 August.

Woking. Fuchsia Display in the Glasshouse. RHS Garden Wisley. rhs.org.uk. 0845 6121253

Ev 21 June. Weybridge.

Fathers Day Extravaganza.

Brooklands Museum. brooklandsmuseum.com.

01932 857381 Ev 21 June. Cranleigh.

Cranleigh Show.

Cranleigh Showground. cranleighshow.co.uk. 01483 267771 EX 22–27 June. Guildford.

Tiger Selfie Week: Richard Symonds’ life–size tiger . DSWF Gallery. davidshepherd.org.

01483 272323

EX 27 June–06 September.

Guildford. International Garden Photographer of the Year. Guildford House Gallery. guildford.gov.uk/ guildfordhouse. 01843 444 751 M 28 June. Woking. An Intimate Evening with Russell Watson. New Victoria Theatre. atgtickets.com. 0844 8717645 T 28 June. Guildford.

Guildford Theatre School: Brush up your Shakespeare.

The Electric Theatre. electrictheatre.co.uk. 01483 444789 CT 29–04 July . Woking. East is East. The New Victoria Theatre. atgtickets.com. 0844 8717645 EX 30 June–04 July. London.

DSWF Wildlife Artist of the Year. The Mall Galleries. davidshepherd.org. 01483 272323

E 24 June. Cobham.

Midsummers Late Night Opening. Painshill Park. painshill.co.uk. 01932 868113

Father’s Day family treat Cranleigh Show, on June 21, will make a great Father’s Day treat this year. This traditional agricultural show is geared up for families with lots of exciting new trade stands and displays to explore.

The animals are presented at their absolute best, and many of them are very rare. Spectators can see them all and walking through the cattle lines and the sheep and pig pens is a fantastic way of introducing children to farm animals and country life in a very friendly environment. This year Gloucester Old Spot Exfold Princess 223 will be there with her litter of piglets. Come and try and count the spots!

Visitors can also go nose to beak with exotic birds of prey displayed by Eagle Heights and younger children will love the little animals at Fisher’s Farm petting animals display.

Top arena billing this year is shared by two nail-biting entertainments - scurry racing, a first for Cranleigh, and Dylan’s Stuntworld whose motorcycle stunt repertoire is hair-raising.

The John Morris Countryside Arena celebrates the canine world with dancing, retrieving and racing dogs as well as the morning’s competitive dog agility and the Companion Dog Show The horse show is family friendly with classes for everyone from leading rein riders to re-trained racehorses; heavy horses to non-affiliated show jumping.

Children’s activities include boat rides on a pop-up lake, and a Father’s Day treat would not be complete without a visit to the bars run by the Hogs Back Brewery and a go at laser clay pigeon shooting. cranleighshow.co.uk 01483 203237

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M

T

01–26 July.

Guildford. Guildford Fringe Festival. various venues across Guildford. guildfordfringefestival.com.

01483 361101 Rf 02 July. Epsom. Epsom’s Big Night Out. Epsom Downs. epsom.thejockeyclub.co.uk.

01372 726311 MT 02–04 July. Guildford.

Oliver!. Yvonne Arnaud Theatre. yvonne–arnaud.co.uk. 01483 440000 EX 02–12 July. Woking.

8th Annual Woking College Summer Exhibition. The Lightbox Gallery. thelightbox. org.uk. 01483 737800

MD 7–18 July. Woking. Top Hat. The New Victoria Theatre. atgtickets.com. 0844 8717645 EX 08 July–02 August. Woking.

Centrepiece: Maze Music– original works from local schools. The Lightbox Gallery. thelightbox.org.uk. 01483 737800 Rf & M 09 July. Epsom.

An evening at the races with Madness. Epsom Downs. epsom. thejockeyclub.co.uk. 01372 726311 P 09–12 July. Dunsfold.

Plaistow Plate. Burningfold Polo Club. burningfoldpolo.co.uk.

01483 200 722 M 10 July. Richmond. Rat Pack. Richmond Theatre. atgtickets.com. 0844 871 7651 Ev

Rf 03 July. Esher. Ladies Day. Sandown Park. sandown. thejockeyclub.co.uk. 01372 477 747

11–12 July. East Molesey.

Summer Palace: A Tudor celebration. Hampton Court Palace. hrp.org.uk.

0844 482 7799

T 03–05 July. East Horsley.

Nomes Summer Show: Five children and It . Nomad Theatre. nomadtheatre.com.

01483 284747

T 17 July. Leatherhead. An Evening with Julian Lloyd Webber. Leatherhead Theatre. theleatherheadtheatre.org.

01373 365141

Rf

04 July. Esher. Coral Eclipse Day. Sandown Park. sandown. thejockeyclub.co.uk. 01372 477 747

19 July . Weybridge.

Supercar Day. Brooklands Museum. brooklandsmuseum. com. 01932 857381

P 04–05 July. Chobham.

National Womens Tournament.

Ascot Park Polo Club. polo. co.uk. 01276 858545

MD 21–22 July. Woking. Inala– Ladysmith Black Mambazo, The Royal Ballet and Rambert.

The New Victoria Theatre. atgtickets.com. 0844 8717645

EX

4 July–15 August. Farnham.

Hothouse 5: the best of emerging talent in the UK today. New Ashgate Gallery. newashgate.org.uk. 01252 713208 EX 4 July–15 August. Farnham.

Mane Chance: spectacular collection of stunning equine images. New Ashgate Gallery. newashgate.org.uk. 01252 713208 T 04–05 July. Dorking.

Polesden Lacey Shakespeare presents Much ado about Nothing. Dorking Halls. dorkinghalls.co.uk. 01306 881717 LO

05 July . Leatherhead. Royal Opera House Live: Guillaume Tell. Leatherhead Theatre. theleatherheadtheatre.org.

01373 365141 M 07 July. Guildford. Orquesta Filarmonica De Mexico. G Live. glive.com. 0844 7701797

Key

Ms

Tr 22 July. Woking. Exhibition Tour: The Ingram Collection: Art and Christianity. The Lightbox Gallery. thelightbox. org.uk. 01483 737800 MT 22–25 July. Oxted. Oxted Junior Operatic Society: Dazzle.

Barn Theatre. barntheatreoxted. co.uk. 07530 528094 P 23 July. Ewhurst Green.

Pony Club Tournament.

Hurtwood Park Polo Club. hurtwoodparkpolo.co.uk. 01483 272 828 MD 23–26 July. Croydon.

Ambition Festival, including Soul II Soul. Fairfield Halls. fairfield.co.uk. 0208 688 9291 EX 25 July–01 November.

Woking. Warhol and the World of Pop Art. The Lightbox Gallery. thelightbox.org.uk.

01483 737800

E Ev

M

T

Ev 27 July–30 August.

Weybridge. School Summer Holiday Family Activities.

Brooklands Museum. brooklandsmuseum.com.

01932 857381 T

28 July–01 August.

Richmond. Romeo and Juliet.

Richmond Theatre. atgtickets. com. 0844 871 7651 CE 29 July. Farnham. Teddy Bears Picnic. Birdworld. birdworld.co.uk. 01420 22992

August M 01 August. Dorking. The Spooky Men’s Chorale. Dorking Halls. dorkinghalls.co.uk. 01306 881717 CS 01 August. Guildford. A Pocketful of Grimms . The Mill Studio. yvonne–arnaud.co.uk.

01483 440000 P 01–02 August. Chobham.

Ascot Park Cup. Ascot Park Polo Club. polo.co.uk. 01276 858545 MT

04–08 August. Richmond.

Calamity Jane. Richmond Theatre. atgtickets.com. 0844 871 7651 EX 05–30 August. Woking.

Joy . The Lightbox Gallery. thelightbox.org.uk. 01483 737800 M 06 August. Dorking. The South, featuring members of The Beautiful South. Dorking Halls. dorkinghalls.co.uk. 01306 881717 M 06 August. Esher. An Evening with The Kaiser Chiefs.

Sandown Park. sandown. thejockeyclub.co.uk. 01372 477 747 P 06–09 August. Dunsfold.

Loxwood Cup. Burningfold Polo Club. burningfoldpolo.co.uk.

01483 200 722 Fe 08–09 August. Frimley.

Frimley Lodge Live. Frimley Lodge Park. camberleytheatre. biz. 01276 707 600

Ev 08–09 August. East Moseley. Summer Palace: Queen Anne’s Pleasure Palace.

Hampton Court. hrp.org.uk.

0844 482 7799 CE 10–14 August. Farnham.

Mini Beast Safari Week.

Birdworld. birdworld.co.uk.

01420 22992 O 12–16 August. Camberley.

Black Cat Opera: Falstaff.

Camberley Theatre. camberleytheatre.biz. 01276 707 600 MT 12–15 August. Oxted.

Kenley Holiday Workshop presents: Calamity Jane. Barn Theatre. barntheatreoxted. co.uk. 01883 331400 T 13–15 August. Guildford.

The Yvonne Arnaud Youth Theatre: Edinburgh Fringe Preview: The Sea Child . The Mill Studio. yvonne–arnaud. co.uk. 01483 440000 MT 14–15 August. Leatherhead.

Stagecoach Theatre Arts present Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat . Leatherhead Theatre. theleatherheadtheatre. org. 01373 365141 P 15–16 August. Ewhurst Green. August Challenge.

Hurtwood Park Polo Club. hurtwoodparkpolo.co.uk. 01483 272 828 Ms 16 August. Weybridge.

Brooklands Reunion.

Brooklands Museum. brooklandsmuseum.com.

01932 857381 Ws 17 – 29 August. Guildford.

The Wizard of Oz: Two–week Summer Theatre Course. G Live. glive.com. 0844 7701797 Ws 24–29 August. Guildford.

The Wizard of Oz: Technical Workshop Course (Summer Youth Project). G Live. glive. com. 0844 7701797 MT 24–29 August. East Horsley.

Little Shop of Horrors. Nomad Theatre. nomadtheatre.com.

01483 284747 CE 26 August. Farnham. Mad Hatters Tea Party. Birdworld. birdworld.co.uk. 01420 22992 Ev 31 August. Epsom. Bank Holiday Family Fun Day. Epsom Downs. epsom.thejockeyclub. co.uk. 01372 726311

Music and Dance

R

Racing

Event

Ms

MotorSport

Rf

Racing Flat

Festival

MT

Musical Theatre

Rf

Opera

T

Theatre

Opera & Ballet

Tr

Tour

Polo

Ws

Workshop

Event, Music, Theatre

CE

Childrens Event

Fe

CS

Childrens Show

G

Gardening

CT

Comedy Theatre

LO

Live Opera Screening

Dance

LT

D

T 25 July. Frimley. A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Frimley Lodge Park. camberleytheatre.biz.

01276 707 600

Live Theatre Screening

What’s On

July

MD

O OB P

&

M

Flat Racing & Music

13

Out & about

The hills are alive An evening of opera and musical entertainment in Surrey Hills

Nestled in the heart of the glorious Surrey Hills, Coverwood farm is the stunning location and perfect backdrop for the Coverwood Lakes Opera which, this year, sees its 25th anniversary.

This year’s opera, taking place on Sunday 28th June, is in partnership with Surrey Hills Enterprises and promises, as ever, to be an evening of high quality entertainment.

Guests will be treated to a unique ‘Surrey Hills’ taste experience with locally produced food and drink including the farm’s premium lamb and beef, Albury Organic Rose and Silent Pool Gin which takes its name and water from the mythical springfed Silent Pool. Taurus Wines, in their newly refurbished Citroen H Van, will also be serving a selection of beverages and proprietor, Rupert Pritchett, named by the Observer Magazine as one of the 50 Rising Stars of The Drinks Industry, will be on hand for drinks advice.

Tim Metson, Organiser for the Coverwood Lakes Opera comments : “Now in its 25th year the Opera Anniversary Concert promises to be bigger and better than ever. The evening promises to be a fun-packed performance of popular arias along with locally-produced food & drink in a spectacular Surrey Hills setting. It’s been a great opportunity to partner with Surrey Hills Enterprises this year and I look forward to the event evolving into a music, food and drink festival in future years”

Coverwood is a family run, free range beef and lamb farm, in the rural village of Ewhurst, rearing Hereford and Ryeland stock naturally. Great attention is paid to the welfare of the cattle and the quality of grass and hay they are fed on, ensuring that the meat produced is second to none.

The beef is hung for a minimum of five weeks and all meat is professionally butchered locally and vacuum packed for freshness. Coverwood farm always

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Surrey Occasions

Sponsored by Charles Russell Speechlys, Investec Wealth & Investment and Wilkins Kennedy, the event will take place in Coverwood’s stylish marquees beside the lily-strewn top lake. Coverwood favourites Linda Ormiston, James Nicol, Kathryn Harries and Donald Maxwell will perform popular operatic arias and some rather fun musical pieces for which they have established their reputation.

The gardens and lakes will be open for picnics from 5pm. On arrival, guests will be greeted with a welcome drink and enjoy music drifting across the lake before the performance at 7pm. Guests are welcome to bring their own picnics and/or purchase food and drink. Tickets are priced at £45 per person and include a complimentary drink on arrival and coffee/tea at the interval.

For further information and to book tickets visit surreyhills.org/events/coverwoodlakes-opera

welcomes visitors to come and select their own meat and see the quality produce on offer.

Coverwood’s tranquil setting, made up of 14 acres of landscaped gardens and four lakes, is also open to the public on certain days throughout the year through the National Garden Scheme. Private visits are also welcome by appointment and have been popular with U3A groups, coach tours and garden enthusiasts.

Kitchen Celebrity

“

When you cook, it should be an act of love

“

Raymond Blanc is one of the finest chefs in the world. He was born in rural eastern France, between Burgundy and the Jura mountains and he has always said that his mother, and the beauty of the region, were his two greatest inspirations. Raymond is one of the UK’s perennial favourite imports from France and Surrey Occasions Editor, Wendy Cockrill, was recently delighted to have the opportunity to learn a little bit more about this Michelin starred chef who is rarely off our televisions.

What is your earliest childhood memory of cooking?

We used to eat everything from the countryside when I was growing up – wild mushrooms, rabbit, duck and I was very much inspired by my mother ‘maman Blanc’ – as a boy I would collect fresh produce from the garden and watch her go to work creating family meals, full of flavour and so full of love.

Besides your mother who has had the greatest influence on your culinary style?

I worked with numerous influential figures – some inspirational, some horrendous but all my experiences in kitchens large and small made me who I am today – you must take the rough with the smooth and learn from it all.

Which of today’s chefs do you most admire and why?

I have trained many of the UK’s Michelin starred chefs, a great number have come up through the ranks at Le Manoir – some of the young chefs are so exciting – people like Ollie Dabbous who runs Dabbous up in Fitzrovia, are so hardworking, so inspirational I really admire these young guys.

Do you personally prefer to eat in a Brasserie rather than a formal eaterie?

I do, very much so. As a Frenchman eating is a preoccupation and I like to be able to relax, take time out for myself and enjoy simple, well cooked food. I know all of my chefs and I know just how good they are

and how good the ingredients are so I love to eat in our brasseries. There is obviously a place for fine dining and I like to try more experimental cuisine – but for me, simple is wonderful!

If you were not an expert in classic and exceptional French cuisine, what style of food would you choose to study and produce?

I enjoy taking holidays in Thailand and I am a huge fan of the food out there – the freshness, the depth of flavour – it really is very special. So perhaps I would be creating oriental dishes in another life!

What is your personal favourite French savoury tarte?

I love a caramelised onion tarte – who doesn’t?

Will you share the recipe with me?

Can I be cheeky and instead give you an exclusive with a recipe that appears in my new cook book that is launched this week & TV series ‘Kew on a Plate’ – a project I have done with Kew Gardens – a lovely dish of sea trout served with new potatoes and watercress sauce – fresh, seasonal and delicious ...

Editor’s note: you can find this recipe and one other on page 46

Surrey Occasions

15

Summer in St. George’s Hill Octagon is a privately owned company with 35 years of development experience in solely creating premium quality homes in the finest locations.

Saddles Stones, situated on the renowned St. George’s Hill Estate in Weybridge, Surrey, is a perfect example. Externally there is more than 1 acre of west-backing landscaped grounds with spectacular views to the rear, and an elegant outdoor heated swimming pool.

Internally, the extensive accommodation includes a bespoke kitchen, 6 bedroom suites, a cinema room, a lift, staff accommodation and an integral triple garage.

London Waterloo can be reached in approximately 30 minutes from Weybridge station with Heathrow and Gatwick airports easily accessible via the M25 and M23 motorways.

Price £9.5 million Old Avenue, St. George’s Hill Weybridge, Surrey KT13 0PZ Open weekends 10am - 4pm Octagon: 020 8481 7500 Octagon has other fine properties for sale in north London and the Home Counties with prices currently ranging from £2.5 million to £16 million.

Please see our website for details.

www.octagon.co.uk

Property

At the water’s edge Water meanders throughout the county with the North Downs ridge pierced by the rivers Wey and Mole, both tributaries of the Thames which forms the northern border of the county and the River Bourne, west of the Thames and Hogsmill River, to the east.Traditionally many of the most beautiful properties in Surrey reached down to the water’s edge, but in recent years sumptuous new houses have been built along the river banks, and there are currently some magnificent houses available for all of us who yearn to live with a river flowing along the bottom of our garden. With a mooring and fishing rights all could be well within the world of a Surrey waterside homeowner.

Paula Gregory-Dade is a Director of Water Side Residential which purely specialises in riverside, island and floating homes. With 21 years of experience in the field, we believe Paula’s knowledge and experience to be unrivalled thus the ideal person to talk to regarding such properties.

Ideal Locations?

On the Surrey banks some of the most desirable riverside locations are Richmond (although there aren’t any with direct frontage just views), Thames Ditton, Weybridge, East Molesey and Esher however, these are also the most expensive. As river frontage commands a premium, plot sizes are generally modest but secluded. The Boyle Farm Estate in Thames Ditton has a small number of large desirable homes. A buyer however would need a sizeable budget.

If looking specifically for large secluded plots on the river you really need to look further up stream to locations like Weybridge, Chertsey and Egham.

Moorings?

Generally owners of homes directly on the river have the right to moor although there are some situations where the Environment Agency own the riverbank and may charge a licence fee to the owner for its use.

Fishing?

Riverside homes with direct frontage generally own the riparian rights to the middle of the river which means they have fishing rights however a riparian owner is still subject to the general laws protecting close seasons for fish. Where the Environment Agency own the riverbank permission would need to be sought.

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Surrey Occasions

Flooding?

The majority of the homes effected by the floods of 2014 were not actually on the riverside. Properties built in close proximity to a river are raised on pillars or stilts to allow for river levels rising. There are still a number of original timber structures which were built around 1920 as purely weekend homes.

Back then they didn’t have residential status and were never meant to be fulltime homes.

Over the years owners have managed to obtain residential status and have extended them to create a property big enough to live in all year round. These generally make up the small percentage of riverside homes which suffered during the floods.

Also the value of these properties is not in the structure it is in the riverside land so in most situations flood damage didn’t have much of an impact on value.

Insurance?

With regards to insurance, since the scheme between the insurance industry and the government, put in place 10 years ago to provide cover for those properties in high risk flood areas, expired, it has been difficult to obtain.

However there are still one or two specialist companies that have been able to help in the majority of cases. The good news is the Association of British Insurers (ABI) and the Government have been diligently working through the details of the replacement scheme.

The new Flood Re Scheme is due to be launched this summer.

This means insurance companies will again be prepared to offer full flood cover.

Queen’s Drive in Thames Ditton has a full width balcony taking panoramic river Thames views across to Hampton Court Palace. With 3 bedrooms and spacious living accommodation, this stunning house has a lovely garden which leads to a floating pontoon.

It is important to note that this property is extremely high up from the water level and when in full flood the water didn’t come anywhere near the property in fact not even onto the garden. £1,595,000 watersideresidential.co.uk

Whilst not a riverside property, this beautiful house in Thursley does not lack water.

The glorious 16th century house is set in 51 acres and has not one, but 3 lakes.

This breathtaking house with 8 bedrooms plus a 4 bedroomed cottage and a Tree house was remodelled in 1897 in the arts and crafts lifestyle by local, internationally renowned architect Sir Edwin Lutyens and the gardens were first laid down by Gertrude Jekyll. £6,750,000 hamptons.co.uk

Luxury developer Newcourt Residential have launched their latest offering, Mayfield Road, in Weybridge. Situated on a quiet crescent, the two 6-bedroomed properties back onto the River Wey, and benefit from a private mooring and access to the river. A footbridge from the garden over to a private island can also be built on demand. Alderbrook House enjoys the added benefit of a library and will also have its own boathouse. from £4,250,000 newcourt.co.uk

On the banks of the River Wandle at Earlsfield, Linden Homes have developed a collection of high quality two and three-bedroom apartments and an exclusive set of three-bedroom houses.

Westfield Waterside properties have been thoughtfully designed and finished and are perfect for young professionals or buy-tolet investment options. from £549,950 london.lindenhomes.co.uk

Woodlock Gardens in Farnham by Shanly Homes, is a charming example of modern five-bedroom family homes with traditional exteriors, state of the art interiors and large gardens. from £965,000 shanlyhomes.co.uk

New versus old?

Purchasing a new build should mean you get everything you expect plus a lot more!

You can put your own mark on your house without having to first remove the style and décor of the previous owner and it will also come complete with the latest energy efficient heating, glazing and security systems available, high tech audio visual and entertainment systems, as well as individually designed interiors to exceptionally high specifications.

When your new home is ready, it will instantly feel more like your own place with your choice of interior finishes and colour schemes. Alternatively it will be furnished throughout in a unique style with exceptional fixtures and fittings which allow you to move in with nothing but your wardrobe of clothes.

A comprehensive developers warranty will give you great peace of mind knowing that you are covered for a period of time for internal and external defects, and it is advisable to have an NHBC Warranty in place as well.

The National House Building Council is reporting that detached houses are back in favour as developers are responding to growing demand for large family homes. If you cannot find the perfect home there is always the option of commissioning a new home to meet lifestyle and family demands.

Developers like Octagon Bespoke offer the ultimate service for planning, designing and building your new home octagon.co.uk/ octagon-bespoke.

HUF HAUS, the company which pioneered high-end prefabricated timber and glass homes, will soon have a brand new luxury show house beside the river at Brooklands in Weybridge. The house has forgone the traditional HUF HAUS basement, incorporating stilts to mitigate flood risk and protect its structural integrity. Arguably the pièce de résistance is the heating system which revolves around an underground ice storage tank. By harvesting the energy generated when ice turns to water, the house can be heated and cooled on demand. huf-haus.com/en

Surrey Occasions

19

History

Copyright Portmeirion Ltd

Cherish the past ...

Simon Whaley

On 31st July 1915, Clough WilliamsEllis, the man who created the Welsh coastal village of Portmeirion, married Amabel Strachey. The wedding took place, not in Wales, but at St Martha’s Church, on St Martha’s Hill, on the outskirts of Guildford.

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Surrey Occasions

It was Clough’s interest in architecture that first drew him to this small corner of Surrey, when Amabel’s father, John St Loe Strachey, launched a competition. On 2nd August 1913, Strachey unveiled a black weatherboarded cottage he’d built, costing no more than £150, on land he owned at Merrow Down, in the shadow of St Martha’s Hill. Many of his Surrey friends had believed it wasn’t possible to build a cottage for less than £300.

Despite this success, Strachey was convinced cottages could be built for less, so he launched a competition inviting entrants to build a house with three bedrooms, a good kitchen-parlour, a scullery and other necessary offices for no more than £100. In the audience was a thirty-year old architect, Clough WilliamsEllis, who loved how design could enhance people’s lives and our natural environment.

It wasn’t the only love to stir Clough’s heart, for later Clough said, “I liked this sporting offer and the engaging way in which it was made, but I liked even better the looks of a young lady in the audience.” That young lady was Amabel Strachey.

Clough won the competition (with a four bedroomed property costing the princely sum of £101), and Amabel’s heart.

As a Lieutenant in the Welsh Guards during the First World War, he was given leave to return home so he could marry Amabel, on 31st July 1915, at the iconic Surrey church.

Ten years later Clough bought the peninsula of land that was to become the village of Portmeirion. Here, he was able

to apply his own personal motto: Cherish the Past, Adorn the Present, Construct for the Future. Clough believed we should build in a way that enhances nature’s beauty. Wander around Portmeirion and it’s impossible to imagine the dereliction and overgrown nature of the site when Clough acquired it in 1925. Yet, by building the village into the landscape, and indeed, using the landscape as part of many of the buildings, he created a village that sits naturally within its environment.

Although Clough’s designs for Portmeirion changed considerably over the years, one building made it from his original plans: the Campanile. This churchlike tower dominates his village from every angle. St Martha’s offers a similar feeling.

People have worshipped here since Saxon times. Perched at 573 feet, any tower built on its summit was visible for miles around.

Its original tower was probably much taller than the one we see today, and therefore dominated the skyline much like Clough’s Portmeirion Campanile.

Clough was renowned for re-using, recycling and even up-cycling at Portmeirion. Many of the village’s buildings were created, or augmented, with materials salvaged from other buildings across the country. His desire to improve a building’s aesthetics by reusing salvaged materials became known as ‘Cloughing up’.

He must have truly appreciated his wedding venue, because St Martha’s Church had also undergone extensive remodelling in the 1850s. In 1745 an accidental explosion at a nearby gunpowder works shook the soft greensand foundations so hard the original church tower collapsed, destroying other parts of the building too.

A century later, the landowner, the sixth Duke of Northumberland, employed a local architect, Henry Woodyer, who salvaged and reused the remaining original stone walls, creating the wonderful building we see today. Nikolaus Pevsner wrote in his Buildings of England that St Martha’s Church now expressed “the spirit of the lonely exposed site perfectly.” In some ways, just like Portmeirion, Clough’s wedding venue also enhances its natural surroundings.

If Clough were alive today, he could stand outside St Martha’s Church and gaze across to the South Downs National Park with pride, for he was also an environmental campaigner, a founder member of the Council for the Protection of Rural England, and he played a key role in the establishment of our national parks. Who’d have thought that Surrey and St Martha’s Church would play such a significant role in the life of Clough WIlliams-Ellis?

Distinctive delicious

&

Many years ago, the creators of CAU fell in love with the vibrancy of Buenos Aires, a city where cosmopolitan sophistication collides with an irresistibly chaotic energy.

Their vision was to capture that spirit and replicate that vitality, passion and sense of fun in a restaurant.

They have succeeded if our experience in the Guildford CAU is anything to go by.

The menu embraces Buenos Aires cuisine, a melting pot of comfort food inspired by Italy and Spain alongside the jewel in Argentina’s crown, its beef.

For us the real jewels of the CAU menu were the small plates :Yerb-smoked beef dressed in soy and wasabi (£6.95) and Smoked Haddock & Manchego Croquettes (£6.95) with a caper mayo.

But the crowning glory amongst the steak dishes is Asado de Chorizo, a sirloin steak in a churrasco marinade of smoked paprika, chilli flakes, garlic and parsley (from £29.95).

And for the vegetarians amongst us, the Beetroot Ravioli was such a delicious dish.

Mouthwatering burgers and steak sandwiches join the tempting selection of more-ish favourites, each with a distinctive Buenos Aires.

We love the thought of being able to drop in for a sharing plate and a beer over lunch or savour one of the speciality cuts and a bottle of Malbec over dinner.

CAU’s signature dessert is a Corn Flake Ice Cream Sundae but we feasted on the Pina-cau-la da pudding of grilled pineapple with caramel and coconut sorbet.

We look forward to trying the Sundae another time.

01483 459 777 caurestaurants.com

Reviews

Charming cosy

&

Re-opened in November last year after a sensitive refurbishment to enhance the history and original character of this charming 16th-century coaching inn, The Running Horses in Mickleham has maintained its relaxed pub-with-rooms cosiness, making it the ideal choice for a rejuvenating weekend break.

Located in the pretty Box Hill village of Mickleham, we were greeted by a fire blazing in the Inglenook fireplace of its old-school beamed and panelled bar. Decorated with racing memorabilia, mismatched oak settles and candlelight, and thronging with locals, it provides a charming backdrop for a pint. However, you’d be missing a treat if you didn’t try head chef, Daniel Donohue’s carefully considered menu of good, flavourful pub fare served by the Inn’s attentive, young and friendly staff in its two spacious, oak-panelled dining rooms, or in the bar.

Upstairs, five stylish bedrooms are named after famous British racecourses. Decorated in calming shades of grey and countrycool wallpapers, they also come with big, comfy, double beds with button-back, linen-covered headboards, crisp white sheets and snuggly mohair blankets.

Other luxurious touches include a Nespresso coffee machine, excellent free Wi-Fi, high-spec, skin-tingling showers and delectable Noble Isle toiletries.

Breakfast was another indulgent affair. All made-toorder, dishes include eggs Benedict, smoked kippers and a sumptuous full English, served with delicious local breads.

Fully sated, we were set up for a day exploring the sweeping downlands, moorland and dense woodland that make up this gorgeous corner of Surrey.

Doubles, including breakfast, from £110.

T: 01372 372279 therunninghorses.co.uk 22

Surrey Occasions

Croissants, cointreau cocktails

&

Surrey fans of Raymond Blanc will be delighted to learn that the Brasserie Blanc has been reborn in the historic town of Farnham.

Housed in a striking Georgian townhouse, the interior is “charmant”.

Formal white crockery and tablecloths have been replaced with handmade ceramics, tapestry and natural linens to give a more relaxed, homely feel. Inspired

by Raymond’s own kitchen where friends and family gather around the table to celebrate authentic French food, there are plenty of comfortable spots to stay and linger. Relax with a café au lait and a croissant and the papers in a cosy armchair; sip on a cocktail at the bar; or indulge in a leisurely meal at the kitchen table.

The destination bar has also been completely transformed with cool slate flooring and soft furnished armchairs and sofas and boasts an array of regional French red, white and rosé wines and an impressive cocktail menu with tempting specials such as a Gin & Ginger Sour.

Outside, a split-level patio and secluded lawn are decked with French bistro furniture and oversized parasols, perfect for watching the world go by.

Serving simple, hearty French cooking, Brasserie Blanc’s menu is inspired by the flavours of Raymond Blanc’s childhood. Guided by the seasons and prepared from scratch by skilled chefs, the à la carte menu changes to reflect the very best produce available.

Whether you choose to work, laze or play in Brasserie Blanc scrumptious food is available all day including, rather quirkily, a full English breakfast. Irresistible desserts including delicious flambéed crêpe Suzette with an orange and Cointreau sauce which left us grinning with satisfaction.

T: 01252 899 970 brasserieblanc/location/farnham/

The saddest sight to see driving around country roads is a centuries old pub being knocked down or simply with a “closed down” sign on the door.

So to find one that has reopened after going to the brink, is a joyous sight and visiting the Three Horseshoes in the hamlet of Iron’s Bottom to the south of Reigate an equally pleasant experience.

The bar, lined with stools, offers a choice of seven real ales –I went for the Young’s bitter – and there is a real air of traditional ‘local’ hospitality. In areas separated by tasteful wooden and glass partitions, are tables where couples or small groups can sit in stylish comfort and eat and converse at their leisure. When the weather is warm there is a huge garden where you can eat in the fresh air while children play on the grass.

But the real joy from visiting the Three Horseshoes were the menus which cater for all tastes from traditional pub food to high quality, fine dining.

The beer battered haddock served with chips and garden peas (£10.95) and lambs liver and onion accompanied by mash and onion gravy (£10.95) immediately appealed on the traditional menu but the specials led us astray.

Eventually we opted for the jerk chicken skewers with a sweet chilli sauce and creamy garlic mushrooms served

Reviews

A rich refurbishment

with a warm baguette. The chicken itself was moist and slightly spicy with a lively chilli kick. The mushrooms were very moorish and the sauce perfect for the dipping the warm bread into.

For our main courses we opted for the supreme of salmon served over crushed new potatoes with asparagus and hollandaise sauce – this was simply delicious as was the slow cooked, super succulent lamb shank served with mash, rosemary and red currant sauce and a selection of vegetables.

The generous portions left no room to sample one of the classis treats on offer like sticky toffee pudding or treacle tart.

Our food was washed down with a pleasant bottle of Pinot. For a bill of just under £60 for two people, the quality of the food served up by Our manager Sally Woodham would take some Ju revi ewe ne beating. And should a plane delay ever force rs w A er nna me to overnight in a hotel at Gatwick around Otw e: Dou ay six miles away in the future I will be diving g Bi rd & Tho mas into a taxi to eat and drink at the Three Jack Horseshoes again.

“

An ideal venue to meet all your hospitality requirements

“

With increasing demand for more memorable and original experiences, Brooklands Museum offers the perfect opportunity to organise an event that gets people talking - not only with its fascinating and unique exhibitions but also with its stylish function rooms. With extensive outdoor space, eight dedicated event rooms and numerous remarkable and historic motoring and aviation exhibits including Concorde, all of which can be used as hospitality spaces, it is an ideal venue to meet all your hospitality requirements.

For more information on our new summer hospitality packages offers please contact us on 01932 858005 or email: hospitality@brooklandsmuseum.com

brooklandsmuseumhospitality.com

Casu shap al cool es & colo ur Jersey slim fit polo £70 tommy.com Jeremyhobbs.co.uk

Hot hazy days Textured cotton weave blazer £195 Beige linen shirt £44.95 Cargo style cotton bermudas £44.95 massimodutti.com

Rela xe style d s& refle cti shad ve es

Calfskin travel bag £335 massimodutti.com Mercer Chino Boston Twill £85 tommy.com jeremyhobbs.co.uk

In his wardrobe

Caligo print shirt £140 1likenoother.co.uk

Fashion

r o e m ho away, is here

r e m m u s

Pomodoro Jeans jacket in Watermelon £59.95 Pomodoro Capri pants in Meadow print £59.95 Serendipity, Chilworth serendipity-fashions.co.uk

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Surrey Occasions

Cast away those comforting layers and enjoy the weightlessness of being that summer brings whether on a deserted island, by the pool or on the terrace at home. Tailored neutrals and a palette of yellows and blues will help you keep a cool head. Pinks and corals add richness to a summer wardrobe and flower prints never fade.

Dress in Cor nflower £170 ish Boutique, Ri chmond outofxile.o rg ELISE casual cotton dress £64.95 joules.com

Fashion Pomodoro shell print dress £54.95 Serendipity, Chilworth serendipity-fashions co.uk

Zig zag body form dress £105.25 The Gate Bout ique, Guildford thegateboutiqu e.co.uk

Oufit in Aqua from the Shadow Stripe collection dress £155 Maxi skirt £150 Cropped cardigan £105 Boutique, Richmond outofxile.org

Lightweight Italian linen blazer £99.95 Oversized shirt £69.95 Linen and cotton blend drawstrin g trousers £54.95 Massimodutti.com

RR UPF 50 £79 royalrobbins.com

Surrey Occasions

27

Waterside dream Apple green Kaftan Beth and Tracie £159 Gate Boutique, Guildford gateboutique.co.uk

Shade & frame Joanna by Bronte £75 Serendipity, Chilworth serependity-fashions.co.uk

SPRING 15 COLLECTIONS Isabel de Pedro

By Malene Birger Hoss Intropia Charli Day Sam Edelman

t c e f r Pe

for the poolside

J Brand Nydj American Vintage Ash ChloBo ... and more

Feminine & compact Protection & allure King’s Birthday Flowers £60 Surrey stockists sportinghares.com

Straw clutch bag £75.00 Gate Boutique, Guildford gateboutique.co.uk

Stylish & colourful

57 North St. Guildford www.thegateboutique.co.uk

Iago Green Snake £195 Lucychoi.com

Accessories

g n i z Ama hats

All Whiteley hats are designed and handmade in Luton, the centre of the British hat industry since the 17th century.

The Mad Hatters customers love the hats for their simple, understated elegance, immaculate attention to detail and the use of the finest quality woven straws and silks.

The spring/summer 2015 collection draws inspiration from the feminine and sophisticated silhouettes of 1950’s couture.

The Mad Hatter also stocks beautiful straw and linen sun hats as well as a range of non-irritant and super soft sun-block hats to protect delicate skin through hair loss.

The Mad Hatters has a hat for everyone: • hats, cocktail pieces & fascinators for every imaginable occasion • wide range of international designers • milliner Carolien Jones can design & create a truly unique hat or re-trim hats to perfectly compliment your outfit

a rare and wonderful treasure

rain or shine, we have the perfect hat for you

Wedding plans

Wedding plans

For most of us our wedding day plans probably began when we first saw a fairy tale picture book. This wonderful phase has nothing to do with budgets or practicalities or what your mother will think. It is our dream wedding…and dreams can come true! And the Surrey Occasions team, Katie Wood, Liz Vinson and Anna Bird want to help.

Pin It! Getting ready for the big day can be quite daunting: a myriad of ideas and styles; themes and colour schemes; all with an eye on the budget.

Start saving your aspirations on a board, in a scrapbook or simply by joining Pinterest.

As best friends and close family offer their thoughts and inspiration, they too can be encouraged to do the same.

To get a better idea of what you want (and definitely don’t want), spend some time checking out bridal magazines, books, blogs and real wedding photos. But don’t limit yourself to browsing just the obvious sources—something as unlikely as a wallpaper pattern or a pretty perfume package design can spark an idea. Fabrics, color chips, stationery and trinkets are all great starting points too.

“Pinning” your ideas online or on a board, in a scrapbook or a file are all good ways to keep everything organised. Common threads can be easily identified and illustrate how various elements will look together and what needs to be discarded. It will also help when briefing your chosen “wedding services’ team” and reduce impulse purchases which may not fit with the overall scheme.

CURRENT TRENDS Luxury hippy chic Washes of powder blues and greys Palest of pinks Sequins Feathers Stylised food Marsala red Opulence Drone photographs Wedding planning Apps 30

Perfection Beyond Perception

Creating truly memorable experiences for Luxury Events and Special Occasions.

07971 937 162

katie@focalpointdesigns.co.uk focalpointdesigns.co.uk

Wedding plans

Ring the date Wedding rings are one of the few items—if not the only ones—of jewellery you’ll look for as a couple and wear every day, so it is probably a good idea to share ideas before you start looking. Is there a treasured family ring which will be given and needs to be matched? Will the bands be plain, engraved or include diamonds or gemstones? Do they need to match one another? There’s no rule. You could compromise with braided bands that blend two, or even three metals, together or just be totally different. The key is to find something you both love, which respects your individual styles and will be something you will want to wear for ever.

In perpetual harmony Ladies wedding ring.

18ct yellow gold 4mm ladies wedding fully set with round brilliant cut diamonds. £1775 Gents wedding ring.

18ct yellow gold 6mm gents wedding ring £875 prestonsdiamonds.co.uk (Guildford)

Hearts forever entwined Bespoke handmade heart wedding ring in platinum, each heart pave set with a brilliant cut diamond.” jewelled.co.uk (Godalming)

Best foot forward A bride needs to be able to walk elegantly… approaching her destiny with grace and confidence. Heel height, fit and comfort are as equally as important as style and colour.

Now a UK company has all the answers. The Rainbow Club offers a wide range of both fashionable and classic shoes and beautiful accessories in every colour of the rainbow and beyond. Chose your shade from a scrap of material, a flower or even Grandma’s sapphires and they will dye your shoes to match. Clients of Mad Hatters in Guildford have been overawed by the colour match and quality of the Rainbow Club service.

It is often overlooked that wedding guests spend lot of time watching the back of the bride thus shoe heels deserve to be decorated with lace, bows or even crystals.

focalpointdesigns.co.uk

Blooming marvellous

The unique hand embroidered heel is exquisitely embellished with crystals, beads and chiffon “Darling” £395 from freya.rose.com

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Surrey Occasions

Wedding flowers can be the epitomy of romance or a show stopping statement reflecting the couple’s interests and passions. For the bride, vintage flower bouquets, with blush pink peonies have been very popular for the last couple of years but wildflowers are increasing in popularity. Of course, the classic white and ivory of roses and calla lilies always exudes understated beauty.

Vintage Style Disposable Camera gingerray.co.uk £4.99

Doing a favour Favours…table presents… for guests can be either small, exquisite, memorable, tasty, silly or all of these and more. Everything from the traditional muslin bag of sugared almonds or confetti to key rings and love hearts, candles and chocolates have found their way on to wedding tables in the past 30 years. Budget often dictates choice but wedding guests are always delighted by the couple favours thus anything goes.

Brides often chose to wrap their favours personally but this is not necessary as there are many companies who provide a complete service. It is of course always an extra special treat to unwrap a favour which will stand as a lasting momento of the couple’s happy day.

davidtuterafor moncheri.com Jenny by Enzoani Ultra romantic beaded lace over a tulle mermaid skirt with a chic scalloped sweetheart neckline £2,310 surreybrides.co.uk

Material girl Style, cut, texture, drape, and season are all-important factors in determining the best fabric for a wedding gown. The same style dress can look and feel quite different in a variety of fabrics, since each material is designed to produce a distinct effect. Some fabrics cling to the body, while others stand away. Silk exudes an innate quality of refinement and is one of the most sought-after wedding dress materials. Layered Chantilly lace on top of embroidered tulle and Swiss dot lace for mind-blowing texture and detail was popular on the catwalk this year.

Wedding plans

The perfect start to married life Located on the site of the historic Brooklands motor racing track in Weybridge, Brooklands Hotel is the ideal setting for a stylish, contemporary wedding and now the venue is offering newlyweds the perfect start to married life - a gift of up to £1,750 to spend on their honeymoon.

Brooklands is offering couples who book the hotel’s ‘Boutique’ or ‘Luxury’ wedding packages a contribution of up to £1,750 towards the trip for two of their choice. For a wedding with 40 guests, the couple will receive a £650 gift; with 70 guests, they will receive £1,250 towards the savings pot; and with 100+ guests, Brooklands Hotel will contribute £1,750 of honeymoon help.

Brooklands Hotel Set in the heart of the historic Brooklands estate, Brooklands Hotel boasts a captivating combination of modern architecture, a bright and stylish interior and exceptional service.

Taking inspiration from its location, standout features of the hotel include beautiful 1920s-inspired art deco flourishes, the contour of the celebrated racing track running through the reception and a stunning Charlie Whinney sculpture in the atrium, featuring 100m of steam-bent oak which twists and leaps around the space, illustrating the route of the racing cars from times gone by.

A personal wedding planner will be there every step of the way, to assist with arrangements and offer inspirational ideas.

Some of the original ideas for entertaining wedding guests include a private cocktail masterclass, a champagne and canapé reception on one of the vast terraces that overlook the racetrack or treating partygoers to mini-massages by the hotel’s acclaimed spa therapists.

In addition, the bride & groom will automatically stay in the hotel’s most exclusive bedroom, ‘Suite 319’, on their wedding night where a complimentary

bottle of Champagne will await. Suite 319 is the signature panoramic suite, a vast 75sqm of chic and luxurious furnishings, stunning bathroom and huge balcony with sun loungers, table and chairs.

Brooklands Hotel features 131 bedrooms and suites that boasts an abundance natural light and many benefit from their own private outside space with panoramic views over the neighbouring Mercedes-Benz World track. The hotel is also home to two AA Rosettes winning ‘1907 Restaurant, Bar & Grill’ and ‘BSpa’ wellness and spa facilities.

The Wedding Packages Brooklands Hotel’s ‘Boutique’ wedding package starts from £87 per person and includes the services of a personal wedding planner and host, a glass of Prosecco postceremony, a three-course meal, two glasses of wine per person, a glass of Prosecco for the toast, coffee and petit fours, still & sparkling water, a table plan, place cards and menus, white table linen, cake stand and knife and wedding breakfast room hire.

The ‘Luxury’ wedding package starts from £136 per person and includes the services of a personal wedding planner and host, canapés and two glasses of Champagne cocktails per person postceremony, a six-course meal, half a bottle of premium wine per person, a glass of Prosecco for the toast, still & sparkling water, a table plan, place cards and menus, white table linen, cake stand and knife, wedding breakfast room hire and a menu tasting.

For more information, call the dedicated Wedding Team on 01932 335 720 or go to www.brooklandshotelsurrey.com

34

Surrey Occasions

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05/11/2014 11:22

Beauty

Summer’s little helper s Brought to you by Beauty Editor Claire Mahoney

Hint of a tint

Double duty

Pale and interesting is all very well – but let’s face it – most of us look better with a bit of colour. Self-tanning products are notorious for two things: streaks and a faint odour. Not so with this organic option from Green People which, with extracts of rosehip, sandalwood and geranium, makes it smell as good as it makes you look. It absorbs quickly and produces a natural looking tan in 2-3 hours. Price: £19.99.

Multi-tasking products are ideal for holidays and we especially like these little tubes of balm from Dr PawPaw. They will add colour to lips and cheeks along with caring extracts of olive oil, aloe vera and of course Pawpaw – plus they will fit neatly into your beachbag. Price: £6.95 for 25ml.

Good to glow Prestige anti-ageing beauty brand Perricone MD has added a new tinted moisturiser to its range for summer that will give you all the benefits of its anti-ageing active ingredients – plus a touch of colour without the weight of a foundation. This hardworking cream has a mineral-based broad spectrum SPF30 for sun protection, while Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA’s) get busy reducing the appearance of wrinkles.

Vitamin C Ester meanwhile, will boost collagen production. Available from John Lewis and leading department stores. Price: £57.00.

Surf’s up!

Once is enough Often the problem with sun creams is that we don’t re-apply them often enough. With P20 however you get 10 hours of waterproof sun protection with just one application. No longer just for sporty types, this iconic brand now covers the full range of SPFs (including 15, 30 and 50 plus) and has a new, lighter weight formulation that absorbs quickly with no sticky residue.

Price: £13.29 for 100ml.

36

Surrey Occasions

Holidays can play havoc with your hair – all those UV rays and salt water and chlorine from the pool.

Spritz some of Bumble & Bumble’s Surf Spray on your locks and you’ll be beachready in no time. This body boosting spray will add texture and just the right amount of hold to keep your your waves looking luscious and your fly-away’s in check. It also contains Kelp and Seaweed extracts for a touch of moisture.

Price: £21.50.

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Clinically proven key actives: Precious oils from: Rosehip, Blackcurrant seed, Pomegranate, Evening Primrose and Perilla.

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12/05/2015 08:30

Sport

Ashes to ashes With her mother working for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Natalie Sciver spent her childhood years in Japan, where she was born, Poland and The Netherlands. From an early age she showed great promise as a sportswoman playing women’s league football in Poland and regional junior squad tennis in Holland. None of those countries, however, has ever had a tradition for the very English sport of cricket. Natalie talks exclusively to Surrey Occasions’ Sports Editor Graham Otway.

“Freddie Flintoff was my cricketing hero” 38

Surrey Occasions

Credit : Getty Images for the ECB

At the age of 22, this summer Natalie is expected to feature as an all-rounder in the England women’s team which takes on the old enemy Australia in the Ashes.

Furthermore, she will be playing for a country as a professional cricketer.

Yet she only took up the game when she finally came to live in England settling into the family home in Cobham shortly after her 14th birthday. “I looked at joining some of the women’s football clubs locally but none of them were really suitable.

“My brother had always played a bit of cricket with my dad, who had studied at Jesus College, Cambridge where I was taken each year for an annual reunion cricket match. At nearby Stoke D’Abernon the cricket club had a Ladies section so I joined it as a junior and within a year I was promoted to the Ladies side.”

Watching cricket on TV, Natalie adopted colourful England all-rounder Freddie Flintoff as her cricketing hero and soon she was proving that she too had prowess with both bat and ball.

“Having played tennis and hockey, hitting a cricket ball came naturally,” she says. “But in the practice nets at the club as well as my batting sessions, I was also expected to bowl to my team-mates as well.”

And when she talks about the medium pace she bowls for England she says modestly. “I move the ball off the seam but if I get it earlier enough in the innings I can swing it as well.”

“To have been part of the England side that won the Ashes in Australia last year was absolute ecstasy” Last year in a triangular tournament at the famous Bridgetown Oval in Barbados she became the first women to take a hattrick of wickets in the shortened form of Twenty20 cricket against New Zealand.

Natalie’s rise through the women’s cricketing ranks from club level with Stoke D’Abernon to international status, is one endless story of progress. She was quickly invited to join Surrey’s Youth ranks at under-15 level playing alongside some girls who had been playing since Under 9s squad.

Going to Epsom college to study for her “A” levels, she quickly earned a place in the boy’s first eleven. And cricket was very much on her mind when she chose to study for a degree in Sports and Exercise Science at Loughborough University.

For more than two decades the campus had hosted the national academy of the England and Wales Cricket Board with some of the best coaches in the land on hand every day to give her advice. “That’s why I chose Loughborough,” she says. “Because I am allowed to go in every day and train under, and work with, the cricket performance manager Salliann Briggs. I do use it a lot.”

This season is going to be a busy one for Natalie. In April she was part of an England academy squad which took on their Australian equivalents in four 50 over matches and two Twenty20 games on a month long trip to Dubai. In between her club commitments – while based in Loughborough she is playing for Sheffield – and county appearances for Surrey, there is

the forthcoming major challenge of trying to defend the Ashes at home against Australia.

The Ashes for women does not consists of a five or six Test match series in the way that the men’s teams compete every two years home and away. Instead they just play one test, three 50-over one day internationals and three Twenty20 games, with points for victory in each match going onto a league table which dictates who wins the Ashes.

“To have been part of the England side that won the Ashes in Australia last year was just absolute ecstasy, and I am so looking forward to hopefully be involved again, because the cricket is just so competitive.”

In May last year, the England and Wales Cricket Board put its top players on professional contracts for the first time. But that has not stopped Natalie from pursuing her sports science degree and hoping for a career in that area. And, since the degree course involves sports sociology and psychology, she admits she might be tempted to practice some of the techniques she has learned in the England dressing room if a team mate needs help.

The Ashes start with a 50 over game at Taunton on July 21 with more one day cricket at Taunton, Bristol and Worcester before the Test match gets underway in Canterbury on August 11. But the outcome of the biggest rivalry in ladies cricket will not be decided until the end of the third Twenty20 match played at Cardiff on August 31.

Surrey Occasions

39

Health & Fitness : Mother & Baby

Wetting the baby’s head

have a FanSPLASHtic time T H E U K ’ S N O. 1 L E I S U R E C O M P L E X

P A R K W AY, G U I L D F O R D G U 1 1 U P

www.guildfordspectrum.co.uk

Swimming is one of the most joyful things you can do as a family. From a very early age babies and toddlers love splashing about and playing with their parents in the water. As they grow older and their confidence and skills develop, swimming is a great form of exercise, a life skill and potential life saving skill. It’s also the foundation of many other water sports including scuba diving, water polo, canoeing, kayaking and sailing when they’re older.

Very young children can learn to swim before they learn to walk.

Babies have a natural affinity with water and often swim naturally with their eyes open. They lack the fear or wariness of a toddler or older child: so gaining water confidence at a tender age can save tears and fears later.

Parent and baby swimming groups are a great way for parents to get back into the water while also learning key skills to encourage baby to swim. Toddler group swimming lessons are a lot of fun and give boys and girls a head start in the water: those who learn to swim before they go to school can literally and metaphorically dive into the curriculum lessons.

Children are more likely to enjoy swimming if their parents are also happy in the water and just by doing what you’re asking them to do, watching their lessons and sewing their hard-earned badges onto their towels, will motivate them greatly.

Guildford Spectrum is a great place to start swimming, its teaching pool and leisure pool are ideal for baby and toddler lessons that benefit from a very shallow water at the edge for youngsters to paddle and sit in. A range of slides, water features and wave machines complete a fun offering for families.

Spectrum offers a choice of swimming programmes for babies and young children that adhere to the official ASA National Plan.

Youngsters complete each level before progressing to the next stage, ensuring core skills are learned and safe progress is made.

One to one lessons are also available to help children who may need to focus on key skills or certain techniques to reach the next stage.

The pre-school programme takes children as young as six months up to the age of four and helps prepare children for swimming lessons when they start school. In addition to the lessons, parents can bring their under-5s to Toddler Splash sessions each Tuesday and Thursday between 1045 and 1230 (term time) and on Sunday mornings between 0815 and 0930.

Another opportunity for parents to encourage pre-school children in the water is the Little Splashers session in the teaching pool each Thursday between 1030 and 1200. With the pool dedicated to young swimmers and their parents at this time, they can all relax and enjoy time together in the water, away from the activity in the Leisure Pool.

Find out more at guildfordspectrum.co.uk or ask at reception for a quick tour.

Health & Fitness

Shape up for Summer!

Toned legs & a firm derrière A first in a series of simple but effective exercises

PLUS Perso n Train al er advic e

Exercises for home and the gym • • • •

firm bum sculpt legs lose inches fast tips on nutrition

Next issue: back & flat tum for that beautiful profile in that little black dress Credits: Dennis Publishing Ltd. Photographer - Danny Bird. Model - Sophie Hellyer / W Athletic

Surrey Occasions

41

Health & Fitness

30

Bum

s

second

Jumping Jacks Stand with your feet together, hands by your sides and knees slightly bent. Engage your abdominals and keep your eyes looking forwards. Simultaneously jump and separate your legs, swinging your arms upward and touching them overhead.

To reveal a more defined, sculptured derrieré, these exercises will challenge your gluteal muscle group, to lift and tone your bum. Depending on your fitness levels, start with 1 set, then increase to achieve further benefit.

Clock Lunge Benefits: Works your lower body in all three planes of movement to sculpt your gluteals, hamstrings, quadriceps and inner and outer thighs.

- Lunge forward at 12 oclock with your right foot until your right knee is bent at 90 degrees. Return to a standing position.

- Continue lunging with your right leg at two oclock, three oclock, five oclick, six oclick.

- Now swith to lunging with s p e R 1 your left leg, starting at six ges) (10 lun oclock – seven oclock, nine oclock, 10 oclock and two oclick – until you’re back at the start.

- One complete rep means doing 10 lunges in total. Do on to two reps.

8 Re

Gym Ball Hip Lift/Bridge

(hold ps ea 3 cou ch nt)

Benefits: This exercise will tone up your abdominals and gluteals and strengthen your lower back. The gym ball adds an extra dimension.

Lying Lateral Leg Kick

6 Rep

(each

s

leg)

Benefits: Great for your outer thighs and quadriceps, as well as your abdominals.

- Line on your right side, propping your head up on your right elbow. Your feet should be flexed so youre able to see your toes.

- Using your left hand to stablise you, engage your core and move your top leg backwards. Keep your hips stable throughout – don’t swing your body. Keep your head still and focus straight ahead.

Donkey Kick Benefits: Brilliant for your gluteals, abdominals and the lower section of your back.

- Get on your hands and knees on a mat, with your hands below your shoulders and hips aligned. Don’t dip or raise your head – keep your spine straight.

- Engaging your abdominals, lift your left leg up from the floor, knee bent and foot pointed to the ceiling. Hold, then extend the leg further upwards. Keep your upper body stable throughout the movement.

- Return to the start position, then switch to the right leg.

Aim to do 15 reps.

6 Repsg) (each le

- Lie on a mat with your calves resting on a gym ball, buttocks down and arms on the floor by your sides.

- Raise your bum until there’s a straight line between your ankles and your shoulders. Focus on the ceiling throughout.

Hold for a count of three and lower your hips back down to the floor.

- Aim to do eight to 15 reps.

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Credits: Dennis Publishing Ltd. Photographer - Danny Bird. Model - Sophie Hellyer / W Athletic

Health & Fitness

One-Leg Squat

12 Reps (each le

g)

Benefits: Great for your balance and coordination, as well as strengthening the muscles that stabilize your knees and ankles.

- Supporting your weight on your right foot, raise your left heel behind you.

- Extending your arms in front of you for extra stability and focusing straight ahead, bend your right knee to lower yourself smoothly into a squat, making sure to keep your arms level and without curving your back. Keep your working knee in line with your foot. Return to an upright position to complete one rep.

Legs If your goal is perfect pins, these exercises will help you get those toned, lean, shapely legs. Depending on your fitness levels, start with 1 set, then increase to achieve further benefit.

s 12 Relepg) (each

Dumbbell lunge Benefits: The linge will hit all parts of your thighs and challenge your stability.

- Take a dumbbell in each hand and stand straight, core engaged, with your arms by your sides, palms facing in.

- Keeping your torso upright, lunge forward with your right leg and lower your body until the knee of your rear leg is close to the floor. Don’t let your front knee extend beyond your foot.

- Extend the hip and knee of your right leg and return to standing to complete one.

Credits: Dennis Publishing Ltd. Photographer - Danny Bird. Model - Sophie Hellyer / W Athletic

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IMAGE Credit: Jude Watts

Hello, my name is Alex Crockford, I’m a Fitness Expert, Model and Sponsored Athlete based in Weybridge with years of experience in the fitness industry.

It’s my passion to inspire and educate people just like you, who are looking to get fitter, healthier and happier!

First of all, congratulations on completing our first workout, targeting your bum and legs.

Remember, the repetitions and sets given are guidelines, so make sure you push yourself to what is an appropriate level for you, but make sure you get those legs burning and start to build the reps up the fitter you get. You can also add this exercise section to a longer workout in the gym or out in the park. I would recommend investing in a gym mat to ensure your workout is safe, effective and comfortable for you.

If you feel you are ready to push yourself further and exercise with other people then please contact T.A.F (advertised opposite) to receive your free taster session, I can’t wait to hear from you.

My top tips for a healthier summer: Eating Out Eating at home and preparing your own food is always going to deliver and maintain your best results, but in the summer we know what it’s like; lots of socialising, BBQs and parties. So what can you do to enjoy yourself without ruining all your healthy hard work?

My top tips: drink lots of water, even if it’s alongside something not so healthy. ask how foods are cooked/prepared. go for extra salad or veg instead of the chips. don’t keep eating after you’re full ask for sauces/dips to come on the side, so you can limit how much you have. check the menu before you go so you can make an evaluated choice, rather than a rushed stressful one. when the dessert menu comes, ask for a green tea and look forward to a healthy treat when you get home such as some dark chocolate or greek yoghurt.

Social Drinks Alongside those meals out and parties are usually lots of tempting drinks and these are sometimes unavoidable however here are a few things to help you get through the summer in fit shape. designate yourself as the driver, meaning you don’t drink at all. if that’s no fun... then try to limit intake of cocktails filled with mixers and juices, and stick to clear spirits and smaller drinks. drink a glass of water between each alcoholic drink.

Lifestyle This final tip is all about how active you are! Having an active lifestyle, ultimately is more important than a gym session here and there. The summer is such a fantastic time to be social and active at the same time! It’s a brilliant opportunity to build fitness into your daily life. instead of sitting in a beer garden with friends after work, why not go for a long walk by the river, take the family to play in the park or go swimming. keep these on your wall all summer to keep healthy eating and an active lifestyle fresh on your mind, to ensure a fit, healthy and happy summer time.

Feel free to contact me at alexcrockford11@gmail.com or follow my social media: Facebook ‘Alex Crockford fitness’ Twitter & Instagram @alexcrockford

Finding activities that everyone can enjoy over the summer holidays can be a challenge! With its Olympic sized ice rink, 32 lane ten pin bowl, four pools including a leisure pool, a soft play area, gym, sports arena and aerobics studio all under one roof, Guildford Spectrum, managed by Freedom Leisure, is the perfect solution.

Its great value Family Fun ticket and free parking means it’s affordable too. For just £40 a family of four can choose two of the different activities on offer (swimming, skating and bowling). Alternatively, make a day of it and do all three activities for £60 per family. Adult and junior individual tickets are also available. If all that activity makes you hungry enjoy one of the four family friendly catering outlets on site.

Of course, Spectrum is still a great place to visit during term-time too. Toddler Splash sessions run in the Leisure Pool every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday morning. These friendly, safe sessions are

perfect for the under 5’s who need to build confidence in water.

Spectrum’s Soft Play, ‘Specky’s Pirate Ship’, is also very popular. Its four floors provide a challenging and fun-filled environment for all children (under 10 years). Specky’s is designed and built to the highest safety standards with padding in all areas – so the children really can go wild! Features include a box maze, ball ponds, pirate bash bags, a tube slide, cargo net, sky glide and trampoline.

For more information about all of Spectrum’s activities call 01483 443322 or visit the website www.guildfordspectrum.co.uk

Health & Fitness: Family

Great value family fun ...

Recipes

Special

r e m sum supper

Raymond Blanc shares two delicious, summer recipes exploiting seasonal ingredients to create mouthwatering dishes.

Serves 4 Prep. time: 5 minutes Cooking time: 20 minutes

Watercress sauce: blanch watercress in boiling water for 30 seconds to remove some of the bitterness, then refresh in iced water. Place in a large colander and squeeze out as much water as possible. Chop and transfer to a blender with olive oil, water and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend on full speed, then taste and correct seasoning if necessary. Pass through a fine sieve and warm in a pan when ready to serve.

For the sea trout 4 sea trout fillets (about 120g each), skin on 20g unsalted butter 2 tbsp water Juice of 1/4 lemon

Potatoes: in a large saucepan on a medium heat, bring potatoes, water and salt to a boil. Turn down heat and cook for 12 minutes on a gentle simmer then turn off heat and leave in cooking liquor until trout is ready.

For the potatoes 300g new potatoes, halved 600ml water 11/2 tsp sea salt

Trout fillets: first pat fish dry with kitchen paper. Season lightly with salt and pepper. In a large non-stick frying pan on a medium heat, cook butter until it starts to turn a nutty hazelnut brown. Place trout in pan, skin-side down. Very fresh fish will arc upwards at this point so, using a fish slice press the fillets down for a few seconds so they keep contact with the pan and stay flat.

Cook trout fillets for 7–8 minutes depending on their thickness, until skin is crisp. You should hear just a gentle sizzle as skin browns and

Sea Trout, New Potatoes and Watercress Sauce

For the watercress sauce 250g watercress leaves 70ml extra virgin olive oil 50ml water Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper To serve Watercress leaves

crisps beautifully and there should be no smoke rising from the pan. Too much heat will overcook the fish and the butter will burn.

Turn fillets over on to flesh side and cook for a further minute.

Remove trout from pan and leave to rest for 1 minute on a warm plate.

Stir water and lemon juice into pan juices.

To serve, place a small pile of cooked potatoes in centre of each plate, brush sea trout with pan juices and place on top of potatoes. Drizzle warmed sauce around the plate and finish by scattering over a few watercress leaves.

Green gooseberry jelly cheesecake with red gooseberry compote Serves 10–16 Prep. time: 40 minutes, plus chilling Cooking time: 40 minutes For the oat biscuit base 80g rye flour 100g wholemeal flour 80g unsalted butter 2g bicarbonate of soda 40g caster sugar 3g salt 95g jumbo oats 1 egg, beaten For the filling 300g cream cheese 130g crème fraîche 1 tbsp Vanilla Purée or good-quality vanilla extract juice of 1⁄4 lemon, plus an extra drop for the egg whites

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2 gelatine leaves 100g caster sugar 5 tsp water 4 medium egg whites For the gooseberry jelly 200g green gooseberries, washed, stalks removed and cut in half 10g caster sugar 21⁄4 gelatine leaves, softened in water then drained 50g water For the topping about 10–12 firm green gooseberries, stalks removed Preheat the oven to 180oC/Gas Mark 4. Have ready a 20 x 4cm pastry ring or cake tin.

Oat biscuit base: put the flours, butter, bicarbonate of soda, sugar and salt in a large bowl. With your fingertips, crumble the ingredients together until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.

Add oats and egg and mix well, then knead until it comes together.

With a rolling pin, roll biscuit mixture out between two sheets of baking parchment to a thickness of 5mm. Lift on to a baking tray and remove the top piece of paper. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes.

Remove from the oven and leave to rest for 2 minutes. Using the pastry ring or cake tin, press down into the biscuit, cutting through the bottom.

Leave to cool completely before using for the cheesecake. Remove excess biscuit from around the ring; this can be used to crumble on top, if wished.

Filling: in a large bowl mix the cream cheese, crème fraîche, vanilla purée or extract and lemon juice together.

Place gelatine in a small saucepan with 2 teaspoons of water, melt over a gentle heat to a liquid. Once slightly cool, briskly whisk into the cream mixture.

In a small saucepan dissolve sugar in the water, bring to a boil and continue to heat to 121°C.

Meanwhile, in a food mixer fitted with the whisk attachment or using an electric hand whisk and a bowl, whisk the egg whites, adding just a single drop of lemon juice at the beginning. Whisk to soft peaks.

Turn whisk to a medium speed.

The best technique for making this kind of Italian meringue is to pour the hot sugar syrup down the side of the bowl in a single thread so that it mixes beautifully. Otherwise the speed of the whisk will spin the sugar and solidify it over the whisk and bowl. Continue to whisk on a medium speed for a further 5 minutes until the mixture is glossy – the hot syrup will partially cook the egg white making it stable. Rest the base of the bowl in a bowl of iced water and continue to whisk by hand until the mixture is completely cool. When cool, add half the egg whites to the cream filling mixture and briskly beat with a whisk until smooth, then add the remaining egg whites and fold together.

Place the ring with the biscuit base on to a baking tray or plate and pour the filling into the ring, leaving a gap of 5mm from the top of the ring and level the surface flat using a palette knife or the back of a spoon.

Refrigerate for 2 hours to allow the mixture to firm up before adding the gooseberry jelly.

For the gooseberry jelly: put the gooseberries into a bowl and macerate with the sugar for 15 minutes. Transfer to a small saucepan on a medium heat and simmer for 10 minutes, covered with a lid, then pour into a blender, with the softened gelatine and water and blend on full speed for 1 minute.

To make sure the purée is smooth, pass it through a fine sieve into a bowl, forcing it through using the back of a ladle. Rest the base of the bowl over a bowl of iced water to cool, stirring all the time, and once the mixture starts to thicken, spoon it over the chilled cheesecake.

For the topping: top and tail the gooseberries and cut each one crossways into slices 2mm thick.

Arrange 16 slices of gooseberries around the edge of the cheesecake on top of the jelly. Chill the cheesecake overnight or until set completely.

For the compote: cut the gooseberries in half. Taste one – if sweet enough, there is no need to macerate them, if they are a little sour, put in a medium mixing bowl with the sugar and leave to macerate for 15 minutes.

Transfer to a medium saucepan on a medium heat and cook for 10 minutes with a lid on, stewing them at a gentle bubble; stir from time to time to prevent the compote catching on the bottom of the pan.

Remove from the heat and allow to cool completely, taste and adjust with a splash of water if it’s too acidic or a little sugar, if needed.

Serve the cheesecake with the compote alongside for your guests to help themselves.

Kew on a Plate is a fascinating accompaniment to the unique BBC TV series ‘Kew On A Plate’.

Raymond has drawn on his wealth of culinary knowledge and skills to share his cooking secrets.

With a wealth of stunning historical illustrations, woodcuts and images as well as beautiful recipe photography, this will be a book to treasure for life. Published by Headline ISBN: 9781472224378 it can be purchased direct from at shop.kew.org.

Surrey Occasions mythja | Shutterstock

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© Svobod

apavel | Dr eam

stime.com -

Street Scen

e From Ol d Delhi

Travel

Essence of

A passionate cook, and food blogger, who calls both Surrey and India home, Mandira Sarkar, shares her memories of a very special journey to India, spending two weeks with her 13-year-old daughter Mahera, immersing themselves in the sights, sounds and flavours of four very different cities.

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Our trip took us from the prosperous boulevards of Lutyens’ New Delhi, to the smoky by-lanes of Old Delhi, and on to the Mughal splendour of Agra, taking in its spectacular architecture and cuisine before travelling to the oldest living city in the world - Varanasi, The final leg saw us joining a family wedding in Calcutta trying the traditional feast served to over 700 guests.

Delhi History says there have been seven cities of Delhi - each one razed to the ground by plundering invaders over the centuries to make way for the next city to rise like a phoenix from the ashes. Having lived in Delhi for many years, and being a frequent visitor since, I feel that each of the seven cities still live on in India’s bustling capital.

Wide roads with flashy cars can lead to the narrowest of lanes where you would be lucky to squeeze two people abreast.

Gleaming steel and glass skyscrapers occupied by global corporations share

Travel Varanasi Nothing prepares you for Varanasi. No matter how well travelled you are, or

Mandira is the founder of Surrey Spice (surreyspice.com) offering Surrey’s first fine dining Indian supper clubs, cookery experiences and innovative Indian catering.

e.com

Calcutta Chaotic and overcrowded, Calcutta may not seem to be an obvious first choice for those on an Indian journey. For me, this is the place I call home when I am not in Surrey. So what makes me yearn to come back here every six months? Is it the people - my ever giving circle of family and friends for whom nothing is too much trouble? Is it the food - the unforgettable explosions of flavours from the spicy street food to the best home cooked meals to every kind of cuisine from Chinese to Bengali?

Maybe it is the places: the cool Shamiana at the Tollygunge Club after a lovely dip in the pool, the high ceilings of the Oxford Bookshop where you can while away an hour or a day, the most amazing shopping at New Market where you get everything from live chickens to hand made shoes.

Or maybe it’s the memories I hold…those restricted school days, pretending to be adult teenage days, the heady days of being in love with the man who still thinks I am the world’s most beautiful woman, and taking those moonlight walks past the river and Victoria Memorial. Maybe it’s all these and more, and perhaps, if like me or the Portuguese, the French, the Greeks, the Mughals or the British who came to “conquer” Calcutta before, if you do make the journey, you too will find that you have been conquered.

Stay: We were invited as guests of the Taj Group of Hotels and stayed in Delhi, Agra and Varanasi. Hotel details can be found on tajhotels.com.

Getting there: BA fly daily to Delhi with convenient connections on to Calcutta making the your ideal “round trip” airline britishairways.com

ape | Dreamstim

Agra The 20 year old Prince Khurram already had two wives when he saw the 19 year old Arjuman Bano, whom he thought of as his true love and married her. Over the next two decades, Khurram became the Mughal emperor Shah Jehan or Emperor of the World, and his beautiful wife now called Mumtaz Mahal or the Perfect One bore him 13 children. Tragedy struck when she was giving birth to their 14th child and, before dying, she extracted a promise from him to build a grave in her memory that would be a wonder of the world. The heartbroken king agreed and over the next 17 years, on the banks of the flowing Yamuna, 20,000 workmen worked night and day emptying the royal coffers to create the most perfect building in the world. Clad in gleaming marble, inlaid with precious stones, the Taj Mahal stands in perfect symmetry from every angle as a symbol of eternal love.

5 centuries later Shah Jehan‘s promise to his wife still holds as 55,000 visitors come everyday to marvel at this shrine and pay tribute to the most enduring love story of them all.

We like to think that the spirits of the Mughal emperors would have approved, as we did a cooking session with the very talented executive chef Sanjay Agarwala, before sitting down for a royal lunch on the terrace of our hotel, with the backdrop of the Taj Mahal, gleaming in the bright winter sun. Each dish was presented in a silver bowl on a stunning silver Thali or platter - just as they would have been served to the emperors of yore. At the end of a memorable day, the last unforgettable spectacle was the view from our hotel room before going to bed - a silhouette of the Taj Mahal, bathed in moonlight.

like me, how “Indian” you are. The oldest living city in the world , the holiest city for millions of Hindus who come here to pray and attain salvation for their souls. Like the amazing silk it produces, the city weaves its own special magic on you. And I wonder why. On the one hand it is probably one of the most crowded places on the planet, and possibly an assault on the senses too, as hundreds of corpses are burnt on open funeral pyres by the river Ghats. But on the other hand it has a strange peace a “sukoon” or contentment that comes when you go down the river at dawn or dusk on a little boat past the 365 bathing ghats; when you light a small candle and float it on the water with a prayer to your ancestors and watch it join hundreds of others; when you travel 16 kms out to Sarnath to spend a few minutes under the Bodhi tree where Prince Siddhartha became the Buddha or the enlightened one; or when you stroll the magnificent grounds of the Nadesar Palace hotel with its dancing peacocks with their haunting cries.

Our hotel was a magical refuge – home to the erstwhile Maharaja, the Nadesar Palace Heritage hotel has been lovingly restored to its former Colonial glory.

It has hosted dignitaries from Lord Mountbatten to Pandit Nehru and each of its ten suites come with a personal butler who will run you a bath with frangipani petals scattered on it. Chef Anup Gupta, the executive chef and his team were wonderful hosts showing us around and running cookery sessions.

© Filmlandsc

their space with must see medieval ruins and landmarks, such as the magnificent Red Fort and Jumma Masjid. From fusion restaurants offering molecular gastronomy to marble lined kitchens where ancestors of the royal cooks still serve up 400 year old family recipes, there are many Delhis, all of them waiting to be discovered.

Art

Breaking new boundaries Surrey artist Ben Payne found he was stuck in a situation where he was reproducing the same images over and over by demand. Although not complaining about the popularity or lack of work, he found his work had become stagnant, his colours muddy and, although selling his work was not a problem, the reason he had become an artist had somewhere become lost along the way. Having broken away from being contracted to a publisher, Ben was able to rediscover his artistry, and what it meant to him. Liz Vinson went to meet Ben in his Godalming home to learn more.

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Sitting in the kitchen of his delightful home, we drink coffee and Ben tells me about his mother, she was an artist and taught Ben the technicalities of drawing, the importance of looking at what you are drawing, the discipline of observing. When Ben decided he wanted to be an artist she gave him the solid advice to gain an academic qualification as well, something to fall back on if work was slow. Having always had an interest in Psychology, Ben went on to graduate in Psychology and train as a Behavioural Therapist, specialising in work with young children with Autism.

Ben’s paintings do have a certain innocence to them, which he strongly associates with his academic training and experience.

To look at Ben’s paintings you wouldn’t think that he was self taught; his use of colour and technique is quite stunning, his land and seascapes seem to shine from within and there is definitely a touch of Turner in his ability to capture atmosphere.

Today Ben has a finished canvas waiting to be sent to its new owner, a beautiful landscape view of a meadow rolling down to a valley bathed in summery heat; a figure of a man is walking though the field which is golden corn scattered with poppies and wildflowers. I ask whether Ben paints from imagination or reality and he says a bit of both, this particular painting was inspired by the amazing views from the Hogs Back.

The sky is so smoothly painted it is hard to make out a single brushstroke and the sun beats down so hard I could swear there is heat coming off the canvas. As I look at it I can almost hear the silence of the moment, it is dreamlike and ethereal.

But this is only one side to Ben Payne.

What point is there to being an artist if you can’t explore new mediums and try new techniques?

Hanging quietly on a wall are a series of 5” square 3D pieces. The backgrounds are painted in a random Pollock come Impressionist style in pastel shades and, carefully placed upon each tile, sits a exquisitely coloured butterfly. No two paintings are the same. These are proving so popular they sell like hot cakes! I admit having succumbed to buying one a while ago and now I am resigned to having to buy a second, to keep the first company of

course! In my mind I see an entire wall of these aesthetically pleasing little pieces; I digress. The finishing touch to these is that they are encased in resin. Not only does this give a brilliant shine to the pieces, but enhances the colours and gives an amazing depth to the background. Ben also creates larger 12” square multiple butterfly pieces, one is on display in monochrome and red.

These remind me of Damien Hirst’s Butterfly paintings to a certain extent, however on a far less shocking level and at a far more reasonable price!!

Before I leave, I ask Ben which period in art history would he have liked to

have experienced and he says, without hesitation, during the Impressionists; they were breaking new boundaries and it is thanks to them that modern art was born.

Ben is a modern day Impressionist; he uses both traditional and modern materials, methods and ideals and brings them bang slap into the 21st Century. From the way he paints to the way he sells, he embraces the world and way in which we live today.

In his tenth year of painting as a full time career, he is breaking new boundaries and exploring new methods...who knows what the future may hold!

Ben exhibits regularly at the Wey Gallery in Godalming and his work can be found online at benpayne.co.uk, you can also follow him on Facebook at Ben Payne Art, on eBay and also Instagram as well as other online galleries.

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Interiors

T I L E S A sumptuous decorating tool Colours, textures and designs in tiles have never been so diverse explains Jules Archard, Showroom Manager at Surface. New advances in technology are allowing 3D unusual shapes so they do not even need to be flat any more.

From among the large range of shapes on offer, chevrons, planks and hexagons have been popular recently and some interesting interlocking and repeating patterns, that work equally well on walls as on floors.

Asymmetric tiles are the next big thing with factories using the latest water jet cutting technology to achieve shapes that look pulled or squashed but fit perfectly together like a patchwork puzzle. Tierras is a good example. Launched here in June 2015 it is designed by Patricia Urquiola and comes in rich earthy colours and layered decorative finishes to create texture and warmth.

Styles are equally varied from ‘classic’ with luxurious porcelain simulations of wood, marble, onyx and other rare stones,

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to the very modern ‘industrial chic’ feel with large format cement-like tiles. There is also a trend for creating contradiction with tile, for example taking a traditional material like marble but in a modern shape like a hexagon.

If you love pattern, retro vintage is a great option. Collections like Retro and Azulej have contemporary designs on the tiles that can be used singly or mixed up to create a patchwork effect; they are a modern take on traditional encaustic tiles popular during the Victorian era making them suitable for all styles of property from period to modern. Colours are generally muted which helps them to co-ordinate effortlessly with other interior furnishings.

When it comes to colours, pastels are still growing in popularity and greys are gradually phasing out to be replaced by coppers, bronzes and warmer shades. For a luxurious splash mosaic never really goes out of favour; it is a highly versatile solution that is both practical and aesthetically beautiful. With a wide variety of colours and patterns, mosaic can be used to create very different styles from a wide range of materials including porcelain, marble, glass,

wood and metal. Glass mosaic can be iridescent, non-iridescent, transparent or mirror-backed and with tesserae in various shapes including squares, circles, ovals or hexagons. For the ultimate in luxury opt for a precious leaf backing of gold or platinum.

There is a huge variety of patterns available which can be pixels, using full size tesserae, or artistically hand-cut to create more intricate detail.

Uneven textures are increasing in popularity as the choice for customers grows; this is thanks to another technological advance allowing factories to ink jet onto rough surfaces so, for example, a stone look porcelain tile will have texture too. Uneven surfaces on tiles add a luxurious touch and create a softer more tactile feel to the room.

The explosion in design and technological advance have elevated the humble tile into something of an art form and created products that are far too attractive to be confined to the bathroom.

Textured and colourful, and perfect for combining with under floor heating, tiles are a practical decorating solution for every area of the home. surfacetiles.com

53-57 High Street Cobham Surrey - KT11 3DP T: 01932 584940 www.adaptations.uk.com

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