VantagePoint Magazine January 2014 - Guildford & Villages

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Guildford & Villages • January 2014

VANTAGEPOINT YOUR COMMUNITY  YOUR VIEW

MAGAZINE

PETWORTH HOUSE

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Also inside: JOTTINGS COMPETITIONS FASHION

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Behind the scenes

IS THIS THE MOST POWERFUL SYMBOL KNOWN TO MAN?

Asking questions is the basis of Practical Philosophy; a series of innovative evening courses which teach you how to apply philosophical concepts to lead a better life.

New January Courses: Guildford, Farnham & Woking Tel: 01483 457769 www.practicalphilosophyguildford.com

CONTENTS

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6 Jottings

42 Food

Your local community noticeboard

Bake with Jack

8 Fashion

46 Garden

A Life in Design

What to do in January with the RHS

14 Petworth House

48 Walk

Behind the scenes

Wonderful Woolbeding

20 Get that Business Started Josh Taylor on how he can help new entrepreneurs

26 Wild Weather Our picks for January

51 Profile School of Economic Science

52 Business Cards

Things to make and do in the rain and ice

38 The Book Review C&H Jan 14_Layout 1 09/12/2013

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Small ads for trades and services

55 Win Enter our competitions

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January 2014

WILLIAM MORRIS, SANDERSON DESIGNERS GUILD, PRESTIGIOUS, ROMO SWAFFER, VILLA NOVA, CLARKE & CLARKE TO NAME JUST A FEW OF OUR SUPPLIERS...

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TO THE POINT

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elcome! I am delighted that the first issue of VantagePoint is now out and I very much hope you like what you see.

We are committed to making this magazine as entertaining a read as possible, packed with interesting and varied editorial content, with good writers, great features and lots of locally sourced features.

Our Jottings section is what we see as being your local community noticeboard and we aim therefore to feature events, charity functions,

school fairs and other local news and information, aimed at all members of the community. If your event needs to be promoted, please send us the details and we will do our utmost to publicise if for you - and of course we will do this for free!

With this magazine we will be reaching over 107,000 homes by the Spring, with the launch of a Dorking edition to go alongside the four other magazines we publish, which cover Farnham & Villages, Godalming, Cranleigh & Villages, Guildford

& Villages and Haslemere, Midhurst, Petworth & Villages.

This magazine is your magazine and we would love to have your freedback on it, both good and bad.

Let us know what you like, what you don’t like and an idea of features you might like to see in the future.

Our contact details are all given below and we would love to hear from you. Happy New Year!

Stefan Reynolds Editor

vantagepointmag.co.uk Vantage Publishing Limited 6 Chestnut Suite, Guardian House, Borough Road, Godalming, Surrey GU7 2AE. T: 01483 421601 W: vantagepublishing.co.uk

VantagePoint is the local magazine produced by local people for the local community, and is published by Vantage Publishing, a Godalming based magazine business established in 2009.

We publish four magazines which are currently delivered monthly

by Royal Mail to 88,127 homes across the South East. From Spring 2014, we will be launching a new Dorking edition which will take our circulation to 107,277 homes.

Please visit our website vantagepointmag.co.uk or contact any of us below if you need any more information.

THE VANTAGEPOINT TEAM Stefan Reynolds Editor & Publisher 01483 421601 stefan@vantagepublishing.co.uk

Carol Martin Sales Executive 01483 418141 carol@vantagepublishing.co.uk

Marcus Atkins Sales Director 01483 420173 marcus@vantagepublishing.co.uk

Angie & Nick Crisell Jotters 01483 421601 jottings@vantagepublishing.co.uk

Contributors: Carol Farley, Kirstie Smilie, Jack Sturgess, Josh Taylor, Print: Polestar Stones Cover image: Martin Offer

The contents of this magazine are protected by copyright and nothing can be reprinted without prior permission of the publisher. The publisher has tried to ensure that all information is accurate but does not take any responsibility for any mistakes or omissions. We take no responsibility for advertisments printed in the magazine or loose inserts that might be delivered alongside it. Š Vantage Publishing Limited.

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A Fresh New Look for a Fresh New Year So Christmas is over and suddenly the house looks a little jaded. Not to worry, it’s the perfect time to lift your spirits with a fresh new look for your home. To steer you in the right direction here are some 2014 trends.

Firstly dusty, ethereal pinks have crossed from fashion to interiors giving you greater versatility than you might initially imagine. Strengthen the look with dark grey or warm it up with gorgeous gold and jewelled tones.

Blue is also making a major comeback – from the palest blues as an unexpected neutral on walls, to dazzling shades of cobalt or indigo for features and accessories.

Latest themes range from contemporary geometric patterns to tropical escapes featuring birds and butterflies. However, if this is a step too far for the man in your life, masculine styling is also on trend. Imagine dark wood and a functional design lifted by that structured library chair in an unexpected colour…

You’ll find more ideas and inspiration on Pinterest under “Maggie Walton-Swan Interior Design” but if you’d love some personal help with anything from finding the perfect Finishing Touches for your home through to a full Design Consultation then call Maggie now.

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January 2014

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JOTTINGS JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL AND WELCOME TO THIS, THE FIRST EDITION OF VANTAGEPOINT AND INDEED MY FIRST MONTH OF WRITING JOTTINGS. January is not the easiest of months, there’s the post Christmas hangover, the days are still short and who knows what weather will be thrown at us. However, I do start to feel that spring will be with us before we know it, just wait for those snowdrops to appear! Don’t forget to send in all your Jottings, whether you want to promote your club/society, are organising a charity/fund raising event or have some information that you think will be of interest to the local community. Do get in touch and we will endeavour to publish as much as possible.

HUNDREDS OF EXOTIC BUTTERFLIES WILL BE RELEASED INTO THE GLASSHOUSE AT RHS GARDEN WISLEY, TO CREATE A TROPICAL PARADISE THIS WINTER. Butterflies in the Glasshouse runs from Saturday 18th January to Sunday 9th March from 10am to 3.45pm. Butterflies such as the striking Blue morpho, the giant Owl and red & black Big Billy will settle amongst the tropical planting of the spectacular Glasshouse to give visitors a rare opportunity to see butterflies from the tropics in their natural habitat. Visitors will also be able to see butterflies feeding at special feeding stations, and

learn about the life cycle of butterflies with our puparium. “Flying from feeding station to flowering hibiscus or towering palm, these butterflies could not be more at home,” says Cara Smith, RHS Horticulturist and butterfly handler. “It feels like you have stepped off a plane into the tropics and, no matter how old or young you are, it will certainly put a smile on your face.” It really will be a fun day out and especially interesting to photography enthusiasts. Normal garden entry applies but if you want to beat the queues and order timed tickets online go to www.rhs.org.uk/wisley.

PROBUS ‘83 CLUB - GUILDFORD, WAS FOUNDED IN 1983 TO SERVE THIS SURREY TOWN AND ITS ENVIRONS AS A MONTHLY LUNCH CLUB FOR RETIRED, SEMI-RETIRED AND SOON TO BE RETIRED MEN FROM ALL WALKS OF PROFESSIONAL, BUSINESS AND EXECUTIVE LIFE. In May 2013, they had a memorable celebration lunch to mark their 30th Anniversary and the many years of Good Fellowship. Probus Clubs are unstuffy, non-sectarian, nonpolitical and entirely autonomous, and provide new opportunities for friendship and fellowship amongst contemporaries; being particularly suitable for men who have just retired and who are making the difficult transition from a busy working environment to a more relaxed way of life. They meet on the first Thursday

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of each month for lunch, followed by a talk from a speaker on a topic of general interest. Their 2014 programme starts on January 2nd with a talk on The Founding of the SAS and February 4th follows with a talk on Guildford’s Tokens - A History of Funny Money. Their venue is the modern riverside setting of Weybourne House, just off the Old Portsmouth Road (A3100) and just under a mile south of Guildford’s High Street. In May and December wives and partners are warmly welcomed to the meeting which will typically feature a special speaker or other entertainment. Probus ‘83 also organises periodic visits to events and places of interest for members, wives and partners. The annual membership fee is modest. If you like the sound of Probus ‘83, why not contact them for further information - see website www. probusclub.com.

THE FREEWHEELERS THEATRE COMPANY AN INTEGRATED MULTI-ARTS COMPANY BASED IN LEATHERHEAD – IS DELIGHTED TO ANNOUNCE THE RETURN OF THEIR WEEKLY YOUTH THEATRE GROUP, FOLLOWING A POPULAR PILOT EARLIER THIS YEAR. The new Youth Theatre Group will meet on Mondays from 4.30pm to 6.30pm at The Bridge Youth Centre in Leatherhead, from January. The group is for young people aged 13-19 and is run by The

JOTTINGS IS YOUR COMMUNITY NOTICE BOARD FOR LOCAL EVENTS AND INFORMATION. TO FEATURE HERE, PLEASE EMAIL NICK AND ANGIE AT JOTTINGS@VANTAGEPUBLISHING.CO.UK

GUILDFORD & VILLAGES DELIVERED TO 20,685 LOCAL HOMES Like us on Facebook at Vantage Point Magazine

@VantageLocalMag

Editorial Copy Date: 11th February 2014 6

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A Life in

Design

Interest in arts and crafts is soaring, and even with the general decline in university applications, mainly due to the introduction of higher fees, fashion courses have seen a 21% increase over the last few years, says Kirstie Smilie.

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he University of the Creative Arts umbrella includes Canterbury, Maidstone, Rochester and Epsom, which is where I studied Fashion Design but our local hub of creativity is in Farnham. Courses range from Crafts, Glass and Ceramics to Journalism, Animation and Film to name a few, with a recent introduction of a three year BA (Hons) in Metalwork and Jewellery.

Case Study

In a recent survey by Which? University, UCA courses ranked highly in the ‘creativity’ category with 89% of students giving the maximum rating for creative input.

Students of all ages are encouraged to develop their sense of design, to produce new ideas, look past the ordinary and find something different. Sometimes the end results may seem extreme compared to our everyday, but this is where ideas filter down to the high street - a new idea of line, shape or even unusual colour combination. Fashion, textiles and design in general would be very dull without a few ‘out-there’ ideas.

Tara Osborough, who graduated from UCA Farnham’s BA (Hons) Textiles for Fashion & Interiors last year, won the New Designers Sanderson Award.

“Over my past three years of studying at UCA Farnham I have found a passion for colour and I will use the prize money to further my research into colours in textiles while I study for my Masters. I am also really looking forward to starting my placement.”

Tara’s hand-painted woven fabrics were praised by the judges for the “beautifully considered use of colour to create saturated and painterly cloths that displayed maturity of design and craftsmanship.”

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FASHION

I love to visit the student shows for an uplifting experience to see the ideas and quality of visuals from fashion, textiles and 3D design through to expressive paintings and films. Look out for exhibition dates in May and June for their end of year shows to view students work.

The deadline for students wanting to apply for a course in 2014 is 15th January, but they continue to take applications right up the the start of the course if places are available.

Open days were over subscribed in October and November so they have introduced new dates in January. Visit their website at ucreative.ac.uk to confirm and book a place.

Farnham UCA also hosts the Crafts Study Centre, a research centre for students and also freely open to the public (shown right). Exhibitions and talks are held throughout the year and the research library is available to visit by appointment.

Call 01252 891450 or go to the website at csc.ucreative.ac.uk.

January 2014

If you can’t fit in full or part-time study, I am personally working with people who want to learn to sew and express themselves by making their own clothes. One-to-one lessons for all ages are available to learn the basics with your sewing machine, how to transform an existing garment or how to make something from scratch, from a pattern into a 3d item, something personalised to be proud of, be it a cushion or pencil skirt.  FIND OUT MORE

For details of sewing lessons, please contact Kirstie by email to kirstie@kirstiesmillie.com or call 07773 234947.

University of Creative Arts, Falkner Road, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 7DS Tel: 01252 722441.

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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

Freewheelers Theatre Company with funding from The Community Foundation for Surrey. The group offers teenagers with and without disabilities the chance to work with professional artists, using theatre, movement, music and media to create their own performances, in a creative, relaxed and fun environment!

There are no set fees for the weekly classes, but donations of any size will be very welcome. Freewheelers is run by a dedicated, close-knit team of artists, volunteers, and performers who like to work collaboratively and to surprise people. You can find out more about the company at www.freewheelerstheatre. co.uk or email the Freewheelers’ Marketing Manager Gillian Allmark on mail@gillianallmark.co.uk.

THE GUILDFORD SOCIETY STARTS ITS 2014 PROGRAMME OF MONTHLY TALKS ON THURSDAY 9TH JANUARY WHEN ITS MEMBERS AND GUESTS WILL HEAR FROM KIM RIPPETT, HEAD OF HOUSING ADVICE SERVICES FOR GUILDFORD BOROUGH COUNCIL 10

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WHO WILL TALK ON ‘THE FUTURE OF SOCIAL HOUSING IN GUILDFORD’.

The Society considers this to be an important topic for discussion within the wider context of the NPPF and Local Plan and hope for a good attendance.

The venue will be St. Nicolas’ Parish Centre located at the bottom of the High Street. This is an open meeting, free entry for Society members and £3 for non members. Doors open from 7pm for a starting time of 7.30pm. See also the website at www.guildfordsociety. org.uk.

GUILDFORD YMCA IS HOLDING ITS SLEEP£ASY SLEEPOUT ON SATURDAY 1ST FEBRUARY TO RAISE AWARENESS OF YOUTH HOMELESSNESS AND TO RAISE SIGNIFICANT FUNDS TO HELP COMBAT IT. The charity runs a hostel where up to 40 young people live who would otherwise be homeless – plus an additional 13 studio flats as ‘move-on’ accommodation and the youth work department runs projects for local young people to help them build a brighter

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future. Although leafy Surrey can appear to be populated with aspiring, achieving young people there are many pockets of deprivation, and many of those that enter the YMCA are struggling with few qualifications, poor life skills and little hope for the future. Family breakdown can leave a young person angry and adrift, and very vulnerable indeed.

SPENDING ONE NIGHT OUT OF DOORS ON COLD CONCRETE ISN’T FOR THE FAINT HEARTED AND VOLUNTEER ROUGH SLEEPERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO DO EVERYTHING THEY CAN TO MAKE THEMSELVES AS WARM AND COMFORTABLE AS POSSIBLE. Cardboard boxes particularly protecting the head area are surprisingly effective! Guildford YMCA CEO Pete Brayne has taken part every year, (this time will be the sixth) and every year has faced the challenge of finding people willing to join him who can make the most of this fundraising opportunity.

“We look for people well placed in the community,” he says, “and over vantagepointmag.co.uk

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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

the years I’ve slept out with some very influential people!” This year the current High Sheriff of Surrey, Dr Helen Bowcock and her husband Matthew will be joining him. Anyone interested in joining the Sleepout can email admin@ guildfordymca.org.uk to express an interest.

WOULD YOU LIKE AN EVENING AWAY FROM THE CHILL JANUARY WEATHER? Then why not go to Onslow Village Garden Club’s first illustrated talk of the year called ‘Plants and Gardens of Italy’? This will be at Onslow Village Hall, starting at 7.30pm on Wednesday15th.

You can come as a visitor (£2) or join the club for an annual subscription of £12. They have a Sales Table and Raffle and a chance to talk to other members during the refreshment break. Your membership card will contain their annual programme of ten talks and three shows and entitle you to a monthly newsletter and a discount from local companies. Why not give them a try?

For more information call 01483 577035.

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Tel: 01420 590510 | For other local stockists visit: elsteadlighting.com

‘WRITTEN IN THE STARS: HOW TO LIVE HAPPILY IN A DETERMINISTIC UNIVERSE’ IS A TALK BY PROFESSOR JIM AL-KHALILI PHYSICIST, BROADCASTER AND PRESIDENT OF THE BRITISH HUMANIST ASSOCIATION. It takes place on Wednesday 26th February at 7pm at the Trinity Centre, 5 Trinity Churchyard, Guildford GU1 3RR. Tickets are £5 in advance, £6 on door and can be bought online at www.humanism.org.uk/ farnhamhumanists or 01252 723044 (students £2 in advance, £3 on door).

The talk will discuss questions like “Do we have free will?”, “Is our future preordained?”, “Do people still believe their fate is linked to the movements of stars and planets?” It will also cover what modern physics contributes to the debate and a personal view on links with Humanism and answering life’s ‘Big Questions’. For more information ring 01252 723044.

THE NEXT EVENT BY ONSLOW VILLAGE RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION IS

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ON TUESDAY 14TH JANUARY IN THE VILLAGE HALL, WILDERNESS ROAD, ONSLOW VILLAGE, GUILDFORD GU2 7QR. The subject is ‘Late Georgian Guildford’. The speaker will be Roger Nicholas who is a Guildford Town Guide. His talk covers the period from the end of the Napoleonic Wars to the accession of Queen Victoria, including buildings of interest, life in the town and some of the personalities of the time. Undoubtedly, this talk should add greatly to our knowledge of Guildford, showing us a side of our town of which few of us will be aware. Complimentary tea and coffee will be served from 7.15pm. Entry is free to OVRA members and £3 to non members. Then on Saturday 8th February, there will be an Evening of Magic and Disbelief when the Association holds their annual party at the village hall. Tony Peach, ex Coldstream Guards and Surrey Police, and a long standing member of the Magic Circle, will entertain with an evening of spell binding magic. He will perform ‘cabaret’ tricks; tricks while vantagepointmag.co.uk

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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

on the move and then approach the tables for tricks to watch really carefully.

Go along and be baffled. Seafare will provide the food and there will be a bar and a raffle. The evening starts at 7.15pm.Tickets £15 for members and £17 for non-members are obtainable from Wendy Hughes, 2 West Meads, Onslow Village or ovraticketsales@ gmail.com or 01483 300360.

POLESDEN LACEY, THE BEAUTIFUL EDWARDIAN HOUSE IN GREAT BOOKHAM, NR DORKING R45 6BD, IS HOLDING A NUMBER OF VOLUNTEER DAYS IN JANUARY. If you fancy a bit of scrub clearing to help clear the way for new plants in the garden, they would love to see you on either Saturday 18th or Sunday 19th January from 11am to 4pm. All ages welcome, just turn up on the day. They are also having a couple of volunteer recruitment mornings for indoor work. They are on Saturday 25th January and Saturday 8th February from 10am to noon. It’s a chance not only to help but also make new friends. Just January 2014

Find us on

call 01372 452048 if you would like to help. There are of course lots of other events going on at Polesden Lacey, have a look at their website for details, www. nationaltrust.org.uk/polesdenlacey.

THIS JANUARY SEES THE START OF GUILDFORD SHAKESPEARE COMPANY’S NEW TERMS OF DRAMA CLASSES FOR BOTH YOUNG PEOPLE AND ADULTS. From Saturday 11th January budding young actors and swash bucklers can get to grips with drama and stage fighting in GSC’s popular Saturday drama classes. Split into two age groups, 8-12 or 13-18, GSC Saturdays are for young people who love theatre, creating characters, improvising and performing in plays. Every Saturday morning with experienced professionals, they will learn new skills in acting, devising and the exciting art of stage fighting…as well as build their confidence and make some new friends! For new attendees the first class is free. £150 per term (11th Jan to 5th April, half-term 22nd Feb). Places are limited. GSC Saturdays are held

View our credentials at

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every Saturday 10am to 12 noon, at Guildford County School, Farnham Road, Guildford. From Tuesday 14th January, adults interested in extending their knowledge of Shakespeare or wanting to flex their acting muscles, the popular The Bard’s Not That Hard series returns for a 10 week term exploring the sublime comedy Twelfth Night. Classes are relaxed, informal and with no pressure to perform. Term cost is £150. More details at www.guildford-shakespearecompany.co.uk/classes or call 01483 304384. All GSC Drama Classes are led by professional actors and workshop leaders with years of experience in the industry and carry full CRB certificates.

THE WEST SURREY BRANCH OF THE HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION IS HOSTING A TALK BY DR YASMIN KHAN OF OXFORD UNIVERSITY ENTITLED ‘THE LAST DAYS OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE IN INDIA: WAR, INDEPENDENCE, PARTITION’. It takes place on Tuesday 14th January at St Nicolas’s Hall, Bury Street, Guildford GU2 13

Behind the scenes at

PETWORTH HOUSE

Behind the winter shutters at Petworth House, teams of staff and volunteers are hard at work...

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hile visitors continue to stroll through the woodland It’s not simply a case of bringing out a box of Pleasure Grounds and enjoy tea and cake in the dusters and polishes either. The process starts restaurant of Petworth House and Park, the house itself is as far back as summer time when the clean closed for the winter. But even though the door is locked is meticulously planned out room by room and the curtains are drawn, things are by no means quiet and all manner of things must be taken into inside the grand staterooms. Enter a team of Conservation account, from which rooms might need to Assistants, both staff and volunteers armed with pony be used over the winter to which particularly hair brushes, conservation grade scaffolding and over sensitive items must be cleaned first, or last.

100 individually shaped Rooms are worked through handmade dust sheets. ...the lack of proper heating often means methodically, small items like silverware are packed away it can be colder inside than outside - making Each of the 11 stunning warm clothes just as essential as conservation first then scaffolding is built and the room is dusted from staterooms normally open hoovers and pony hair brushes. to visitors are cleaned and top to bottom. To clean the condition checked from majority of the collection floor to ceiling as well as the hundreds of paintings, statues a pony hair brush is swept over the item and pieces of furniture, which make up the finest collection brushing the dust into a vacuum cleaner. of art and sculpture in the National Trust. Some of the more notable pieces include the Leconfield Aphrodite an Whilst the clean takes place the blinds and outstanding piece of 4th century BC Greek sculpture, said to shutters are closed for the winter and the be the oldest piece of sculpture in the care of the National rooms lit only by conservation lighting this Trust; the Molyneux globe dated to 1592, thought to be the helps to minimise light damage on the earliest English made globe in existence and could have once collection. As well as this, the lack of proper belonged to Sir Walter Ralegh; and twenty paintings by JMW heating often means it can be colder inside Turner, the largest collection outside Tate Britain. than outside - making warm clothes 16>

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As a result, the piece must be cleaned extremely carefully; too much pressure could easily dislodge any pieces of veneer which may have become loose over time.

Fluctuations in relative humidity and temperature can cause wood to crack and split, and the glues to fail causing the veneers to lift, which would be aggravated by heavy-handed cleaning.

Luckily for the Petworth team, this Boulle commode is fairly stable, with very few pieces lifting.

Object in Focus

The Boulle Commode The Boulle commode, which sits in the Red Room at Petworth House, is one of the highlights of the collection. It is dated to 1710 and can securely be attributed as a piece of work by Andre-Charles Boulle (16421732), who gave his name to this particular style of metal inlaid wood and tortoiseshell furniture. Boulle was the ébéniste (cabinetmaker) of Louis XIV and there are two almost identical commodes at the Palace of Versailles, attributed to Boulle himself. The 2nd Lord Leconfield (who owned Petworth House 1869 – 1901) purchased the commode from the London dealer Colnaghi after the Hamilton Palace sale in 1882, for the enormous sum of £1081:10s.

When it comes to cleaning the commode, a soft ponyhair furniture brush is used on the outside of the piece to flick the dust off the surface and into a vacuum cleaner, this prevents it re-settling. Any drawers in the piece are opened and removed, and dusted with a hog’s-hair furniture brush, the rougher inside wood can take a slightly stiffer brush to remove any dust that may have made its way into the drawers. It is important to distinguish between newly settled dust and what is known ‘historic’ dust – that which has been left too long and become firmly bound to the surface of the furniture, and which no amount of cleaning can remove without irreversibly damaging the piece.

It is therefore important to remove any newly settled dust to prevent further bonding. As the marble top surface is cracked, no wax is applied to the commode – instead, it is simply buffed up with a chamois leather to restore some of the shine and make the piece ready for another season.

The commode itself is of black Boulle-work with terminal winged figures at the angles and large ormolu mounts, topped with a slab of Verona marble. Thin layers of tortoiseshell are glued to a similar number of metal layers, in this case brass and pewter, before the design pattern is applied to the work and cut out with a saw. These inlays are then attached to the wooden furniture in the form of a veneer.

January 2014

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< 14 just as essential as conservation hoovers and pony hair brushes. The job of cleaning the grand staterooms falls to a team of five conservation assistants and a group of dedicated volunteers, the volunteers play a vital role assisting the team as they work their way through the rooms and undertaking the mammoth task of polishing the 1,000 piece batterie de cuisine of copper pots and pans from the shelves of the historic kitchens.

Winter isn’t just a time for cleaning the collection; it’s also a chance to update some of the newer, more modern additions to the house. This includes re-homing some of the toy spaniels hidden in the showrooms for children and families to spot and renewing the children’s treasure chests and room information folders, these are all designed to help visitors of all ages get the most out of their visit.

Finally, just as the snowdrops start to emerge in the Pleasure Grounds the shutters are opened and the house comes back to life; this year it reopens on the 15th March.

FIND OUT MORE

For more information call 01798 342207 or www.nationaltrust.org.uk/petworth-house.

Constable at Petworth 11th January to 14th March 2014

Following the sell-out success of their Turner’s Sussex exhibition in 2013, Petworth House are holding a major follow-up show for 2014. This will feature some 40 outstanding watercolours and drawings by John Constable. These were executed mainly during Constable’s two visits to Petworth House in 1834. Principally owned by the V&A and the British Museum, these important works have never before been exhibited as a group. Visitors will be able to see two of the principal showrooms in Petworth House – famously described by Constable as the ‘house of art’. Also open will be the Old Library, not normally accessible to visitors, where major artists of the early 19th century, such as Constable and Turner, were encouraged to study and work.

Booking essential on 0844 249 1895 Adults £12, Child £6 to include National Trust members

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vantagepointmag.co.uk

Hendersons Sep 12_Layout 1 15/08/2012 11:27 Page 1

Co-mediation – a better way forward At Hendersons we prefer not to go to court unless we absolutely have to, and most of our clients feel the same way.

We are very keen to promote alternatives such as collaborative law, arbitration and of course mediation.

We offer mediation on a “co-mediation” basis. This means that two mediators, usually a man and a woman, work together round the table with a separating couple to help them agree on the way forward on all matters they need to deal with, including finances and parenting issues. We believe that this provides a balanced approach and the best possible opportunity for a positive outcome. There is no additional charge for the second mediator.

If you are interested and would like to hear more about the way our mediators work please telephone our mediation number 01483 901057 or email lynn@hendersonsfamilylaw.co.uk.

For all family law matters: • Specialist legal advice • Collaborative law • Mediation FREE initial half hour t: 01483 901060 e: lynn@hendersonsfamilylaw.co.uk w: www.hendersonsfamilylaw.co.uk The White House, 2a Meadrow, Godalming, Surrey GU7 3HN

ADVERTORIAL

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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

4AW at 7.30pm. Students free. Guests welcome (£3 at the door). More details from Rollo Crookshank, crookshank@ starkmann.co.uk or 01252 319881.

GUILDFORD ASTRONOMY SOCIETY (GAS) IS A THRIVING GROUP OF AROUND 150 MEMBERS WHO ARE FASCINATED WITH THE NIGHT SKY AND ALL THINGS ASTRONOMICAL. Their interests encompass a group undertaking spectroscopic observations of stars in the local galactic community, to dedicated observers with a variety of telescopes and binoculars through to the dedicated armchair enthusiast. If you have an interest in astronomy why not go to one of their regular lecture and club meetings at the University of Surrey or visit their website www.guildfordas. org. They hold several evening meetings throughout the year when they invite members of the public to join them free of charge, at Newlands Corner for an evening of stargazing.Yes, some of them (the sensible ones!) do wear anoraks which are almost obligatory during the January 2014

cold English winter evenings, but you can be assured of a warm welcome irrespective of your age or experience and if you don’t own a telescope they can lend you one.

GUILDFORD TRAVEL CLUB, NOW IN ITS 48TH SEASON MEETS ON ALTERNATE TUESDAYS FROM OCTOBER TO APRIL AT ONSLOW VILLAGE HALL, GUILDFORD, GU2 7QR. Doors open at 7.30pm for an 8pm start. Coming up: On the 7th January, Mike Unwin’s talk ‘Singing with the Sea Canaries’, also including belugas, bears and other adventures in Canada’s Hudson Bay. 21st January, Leon McCarron’s talk ‘On Foot across China’.

A 3000 mile walking expedition, trekking the length of China from Mongolia to Hong Kong. On the 4th February, John Pilkington’s talk on ‘Georgia to Afghanistan’. In an exciting sequel to his ‘Axis of Evil’ trip, John heads east from the Caucasus and after extraordinary adventures reaches the source of the Oxus in Afghanistan’s legendary Wakhan

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Corridor. On the 18th February, William Forrester’s talk on ‘Milord Abroad’ – the British on the Grand Tour. You will follow the young lords across Europe in the 18th century – considering travel, sights, tutors, tour guides, purchases, swindlers and the magnificent portraits of Milord abroad. Membership of the club costs £29 per season (£14.50 for student card holders) and visitors are charged £6 per meeting (£3 student card holders). You can contact the membership secretary Jenny Allan at 16 Iveagh Rd, Guildford GU2 7PU or email gtc@shinbone. org.uk. More information at www. guildfordtravelclub.org.uk.

THE JAZZ CAFE EVENINGS AT THE ELECTRIC THEATRE IN GUILDFORD CELEBRATES ITS FIRST ANNIVERSARY THIS MONTH WITH TRUMPET PHENOMENON LAURA JURD PLAYING ON WEDNESDAY 29TH JANUARY. Laura is a London based trumpet player, composer and improviser who is making enormous waves on the British Jazz scene. Winner of the prestigious 17

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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

Dankworth prize for composition aged 19, now 21, she is the first woman in nearly 20 years to take the Worshipful Company of Musicians’ jazz award. A diverse musician, she plays and writes a wide variety of music, drawing upon classical, jazz and folk influences and her ensembles have performed at some of the country’s most prestigious venues as well as performing in many UK festivals. She is also co-founder of Chaos Collective - an organisation and record label that promotes and commissions new music, awarded the 2012 Musician’s Benevolent Fund ‘Development Award’.

The Jazz Cafe evenings have proved enormously popular, attracting sell-out audiences and performances from some of the country’s top jazz musicians, in an intimate and welcoming jazz club environment, with an excellent menu available for diners. It starts at 7.30pm and tickets cost £10. Call the Electric Theatre Box Office on 01483 444789.

Early booking is advised.

THE GUILDFORD RAMBLING CLUB 18

WAS FORMED IN 1973 TO GIVE ITS MEMBERS THE OPPORTUNITY TO ENJOY WALKING IN THE VARIED AND BEAUTIFUL COUNTRYSIDE AROUND GUILDFORD. In addition, they sometimes arrange holidays away.

Each new walks programme covers four months, starting in turn in January, May and September. They walk regularly only on Sundays but sometimes meet on week day evenings for shorter walks or simply for social gatherings. Visitors are welcome and can walk up to three times before deciding whether or not to join. Walks tend to be for about 10 miles but you can choose to do less.

Some have a shorter option built in but with the others there are usually ways to accommodate those who want a shorter walk. Walks usually start at 10am and, allowing for a stop for lunch, finish by 4pm. Please note that there is usually time only for a soup or snack lunch at a pub or cafe if one is listed and, since we can neither guarantee that they will be open nor that they will be willing to serve us, it is as well always to bring a

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picnic. If you need a lift to the walk’s start, telephone the walk’s organiser who will try to help you and, if successful, you will then need to arrange, at least the day before the walk, a pick-up time and a location (usually in Guildford) with whoever is to provide the lift.

Membership is open to all. To become a member currently costs only £6pa for a single person and £10pa for a couple living at the same address. Contact them at walking@guildfordramblingclub.org. uk for more details. They are affiliated to the Ramblers Association and support their footpath conservation work.

EWHURST HISTORY SOCIETY IS HOLDING A VERY INTERESTING TALK ON TUESDAY 21ST JANUARY. Entitled ‘The Little English Boy’ and ‘Life in Abinger Common’, local author Liam McCann will tell us a tale based on a true story about a Danish pilot who escaped from Germany to England during WWII. Meetings are held at The Ewhurst Baptist Church at 8pm. Non members welcome. Cost £1.50 to include coffee.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO LEARN A NEW vantagepointmag.co.uk

What are you aware of right now?

Mindfulness is a word that is rapidly becoming commonplace in our everyday language. But, what does it mean? Perhaps “becoming more aware of our thoughts, emotions and body so that we can respond more skilfully to different situations”.

The current Mental Health Foundation campaign is raising awareness of the benefits of mindfulness for ordinary people with everyday worries, like you and me. As well as reducing stress, chronic pain symptoms, depression and anxiety, mindfulness can improve sleep, concentration, work efficiency and relationships.

If you would like to give mindfulness a try for yourself, take a look at www.bemindful.co.uk (the website of the Mental Health Foundation’s mindfulness campaign). They present an online course and well as resources to find reputable group courses in your local area. Or you could contact me at gill@mindfulelephant.com for more information.

mindfulmoments

Paying mindful attention on purpose, and with a gentle curiosity, can reveal a wealth of possibilities ….

9-session mindfulness (mbsr) group courses for stress-reduction and well-being Godalming Friday afternoons from 24 January 2014 Saturday afternoons from 25 January 2014

Please contact me for exact dates or see www.mindfulelephant.com

Taster session : 10 January 2014 One-to-one and bespoke courses available on request. e-mail gill@mindfulelephant.com / 07785 921950.

ADVERTORIAL

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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

SPORT? One that is fun? Why not go along to Cranleigh Karate Club and have a go! Karate is a martial art that is good for all round fitness and flexibility. Karate teaches self discipline, patience and control. You learn the art of self defence in a controlled but fun way. There is always something new to learn: they learn kata, partner work, free fighting and so much more! Start as a white belt and progress to a black belt! It is possible. Karate is suitable for all ages: they start at age 9 upwards, both male and female. Cranleigh Karate club meets on Friday evenings, 7-9pm at Snoxhall, Knowle Lane, Cranleigh. It costs just £5 (£4 for under 16’s) for two hours. Contact Sensei Ian Hunter on 01428 685093 for further details. They also have a junior club at Cranleigh School on Monday evenings, from 6.45pm till 7.45pm, run

by Sensei Jim Taylor, telephone 01403 822173.

VIVACE CHORUS ARE HAVING ANOTHER OF THEIR VERY POPULAR ‘COME AND SING’ DAYS IN January 2014

NORMANDY VILLAGE HALL ON SATURDAY 25TH JANUARY FROM 10AM TO 4.30PM. You will be singing two lovely works; Bernstein: Chichester Psalms and Britten: Rejoice in the Lamb.

The two works are often programmed together as both were commissioned

by Walter Hussey – as Vicar of St. Matthew’s Northampton for the Britten and Dean of Chichester Cathedral for the Bernstein. The cost is £20, which includes music hire and homemade soup and Ploughman’s lunch, tea and coffee. For more information and to download your application form, visit www.vivacechorus.org or phone Liz on 01428 727401 for an application form to be posted to you but don’t delay as these days are always sold out.

APPARENTLY, EVERY 22 MINUTES A CHILD IS BEREAVED OF A PARENT AND IT’S NOT HARD TO IMAGINE THE DEVASTATING EFFECT THIS CAN HAVE ON CHILDREN. Winston’s Wish, the leading charity for bereaved children, is looking for supporters to join in their

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Great British Brekkie week which is being held from the 10th-16th February. They would like you together with your family, friends, colleagues or classmates, to join them and help raise £30,000 to support bereaved children by hosting a charity breakfast in February. It is a known fact that breakfast is an important meal helping everyone, including children, have a more positive proactive day.

When you start with a nutritious and balanced breakfast, you’re getting the energy you need to embrace the morning, refuelling your body and brain and kick-starting your metabolism.

Life is so busy nowadays and this most important meal of the day is often forgotten. From the 10th-16th February Winston’s Wish is asking everyone to hold their own Great British Brekkie and revive the tradition of the Great British breakfast! This can be anything from traditional full English to a good ol’ cuppa and toast! Let your imagination get boiling! For more information and to register visit www.greatbritishbrekkie. org.uk or tweet them @winstonswish 19

Get that

Business started Local entrepreneur Josh Taylor explains how his new incubation hub can help get your business ideas off the ground

S

tarting a business can be a daunting task, and it is vital that those who are wanting to go it alone receive all the advice they can get. No matter how good the initial idea for a new business venture may be, many new businesses fail to get off the ground simply because they don’t have the support they need, are poorly planned or face a lack of funding. This is why Guildford based Bricks and Bread equips start-ups and entrepreneurs with all the support, funding and the network of contacts they need to make their business grow.

Bricks and Bread is a collaborative incubation hub, it is a nationwide venture with over 70,000 active members that share resources in order to help new businesses and those who are self-employed to prosper. They provide this service through a range of platforms both online and in face-toface sessions.

Bricks and Bread is an official delivery partner for the Startup Loans Company, this is a government funded organisation to help people starting a business to obtain a start-up loan and a mentor with real business experience.

To qualify for the loan, you must be living in England with full resident status. You do not need to have started your business or have a business bank account. The loan is a personal loan and you will be required to pay back the loan within five years at a fixed-rate of interest (6.2% APR). Capital repayment holidays are available, but interest must be covered monthly throughout the loan term.

“

Our business incubator events offer an informal opportunity for you to meet other people who are running micro ventures, to share experience and find people who want to collaborate with you.

”

In addition to the start-up loan you will also receive free mentoring sessions, networking, workshop events and promotion from Bricks and Bread to help grow your business.

The Start-up Loans Company has also negotiated resources 20

for loan recipients from their global partners, including offers from Regus, PayPal and Intuit.

Whether you’re interested in applying for a loan or just want to meet and work alongside local small business entrepreneurs then why not drop in to their business incubator event every Tuesday in Guildford.

This free event is held between 1pm and 9pm at The Britannia Pub, which is a great pub situated in a beautiful location by the river, just a few minutes walk from the city centre and train station.

At these weekly incubator events, self-employed entrepreneurs or people who are thinking of starting a new business can come and discuss their ideas in an informal setting and receive advice from Trudy Thompson and Josh Taylor, who run Bricks and Bread. Attendees can get help with getting their business off the ground, writing a business plan and applying for a start-up loan.

Trudy Thompson, founder of Bricks and Bread said, “Our business incubator events offer an informal opportunity for you to meet other people who are running micro ventures, to share experience and find people who want to collaborate with you. Anyone is welcome to drop in for free and join us if they are self-employed or thinking of starting their own business.”

If you can’t get to an incubator event, they offer free advice sessions every evening between 6pm and 8pm for small business startups. You can book a 30 minute informal chat by phone or Skype with an experienced entrepreneur and business mentor who will listen to what you want help with vantagepointmag.co.uk

BUSINESS

and then will share their experience, pointing you in the direction of a possible solution or putting you in touch with someone who can help from their network of business contacts.

Your conversation will be completely confidential and whatever you talk about will not be discussed with anyone without your permission. Nothing is too trivial or silly, if it is holding you back then book an advice session.

About Bricks and Bread The venture was created by social entrepreneur Trudy Thompson to solve the issues she’s overcome in business.

In 2009 Trudy opened the first Bricks and Bread centre in Aldershot to provide the facilities where local businesses could meet and share their experience to create collaborative ventures. Over the last five years the business has grown beyond these premises January 2014

into a vibrant virtual hub of over 70,000 people who share knowledge and resources via online and social media channels such as Twitter and LinkedIn. Thousands of hub members are experts or enterprises who have been verified and trusted to collaborate with Bricks and Bread activities to provide products and services.

In 2012 Josh Taylor turned his hobby into a business venture with support and mentoring from Trudy Thompson and then began to work alongside Trudy to help others start their own business. Through his blog at www.joshingtalk. com and the videos he makes, Josh shares his creative and science technology projects and promotes his business collaborations. Josh’s projects have included sending a weather balloon with a video camera to a height of 118,000 ft for under £200, he has recently also created art in Space and for his current project is being challenged by Sir Richard Branson to see how far under the ocean he can explore. The underlying theme to his work is demonstrating that anyone can do it without the need for money and qualifications.  FIND OUT MORE

For more information about the services offered by Bricks and Bread visit www.bricksandbread.com or you can talk to @bricksandbread on Twitter.

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Amy - Polished Jan 14_Layout 1 12/12/2013 16:09 Page 1

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Opening times: Monday 9‐8 Tuesday 9‐8 Wednesday 9‐9 Thursday 9‐9 Friday 9‐3 Saturday 9‐5

Polished is the nail and beauty lounge for one stop glamour, situated in the heart of Godalming

84 High Street, Godalming, GU7 1DU Phone: 01483 427575 Text: 07772 553879 info@polishedbeauty.co

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Stocton Vets_Layout 1 15/03/2011 17:29 Page 1

Fit for life We all know that our pets age more quickly than we do. Your pet can’t tell you when he is not feeling 100% and many age related diseases have no obvious external symptoms until the problem has become quite serious. Arthritis can be a particular concern in colder months – maybe you’ve noticed your pet has difficulty getting up after sleeping? Or that he is more reluctant to go and exercise outdoors?

If your pet is over 7 why not bring him in for a free health check?

Regular health checks may detect early signs of disease which can mean more effective and lower cost treatment is required and helps your pet to live a longer, healthier and pain free life.

Some other things you can do to keep your pet healthy include: Keeping active –your vet may advise that exercise be moderated with certain diseases but generally speaking the more exercise the better.

Feed your pet well - older pets have different dietary requirements. Managing your pet’s weight significantly reduces symptoms of diseases such as arthritis, heart disease and diabetes.

Dental Health –check for signs such as sore gums, tooth decay and ‘smelly breath’.

Vaccinations – keep your pets vaccinations up to date.

ADVERTORIAL

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January 2014

Modern, purpose built practice Advanced surgical, medical and laboratory equipment Professional, experienced Vets and Nurses Monthly payment plan for preventative healthcare Free health check for new patients Large car park Consultations all day by appointment Open Mon‐Fri 8:30am ‐ 7:00pm Sat 8:30am ‐5:00pm Stocton Close, Woodbridge Road, Guildford, Surrey GU1 1HR

www.stoctonvets.co.uk Telephone (24 hours): 01483 575155

JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

using #greatbritishbrekkie. Winston’s Wish needs to raise £2 million each year to carry out their work in helping and supporting bereaved children so anything you can do will be fantastic.

IT IS THE START OF A NEW YEAR AND A GREAT TIME TO TRY SOMETHING NEW. Circle Dancing is great fun, very relaxing, wonderful exercise and an opportunity to make new friends. It is suitable for men and women of all ages and you do not need a partner. The dances are international folk dances to beautiful ethnic music from many different countries such as Greece, Russia, Romania, Israel, Bulgaria and many more. They are done in a circle mostly holding hands and everyone attempts to do the same steps at the same time. People speak of feeling different after an evening of Circle Dance: it seems to take us out of our everyday lives and for those two hours you are thinking only of the dance and the community of the circle. Why not try it for yourself? Lynn Frances is an

ty

TUPDUPO WFUFSJOBSZ DFOUSF

experienced teacher of some 30 years and has built a reputation for her ability to create a wonderful atmosphere to enable participants to relax, learn and enjoy themselves. She runs classes at: Pirrie Hall Brook on Thursdays in three ten-week terms, 7.30pm to 9.30pm; St Catherine’s Hall Guildford on the 3rd Tuesday of the month, 7.30pm to 9.30pm; and WI Hall Hartley Wintney on the 2nd Wednesday of the month, 7.30pm to 9.30pm. Contact Lynn on 01420 474881.

LES AMITIÉS FRANÇAISES DE WAVERLEY WAS FOUNDED BY LUCIENNE COOPER, A FRENCH TEACHER OF RENOWN AND TIRELESS AMBASSADOR FOR HER NATIVE LAND, AND OVER THE YEARS IT HAS MET IN VARIOUS PLACES IN WAVERLEY, BEFORE FINALLY SETTLING DOWN IN GODALMING TOWN CENTRE. They are a bunch of French speakers who meet regularly to enjoy themselves and learn about French culture along the way. For example, on 6th January,

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which is the feast of the Fête des Rois, they will be sitting down together in a good restaurant and extending the Christmas festivities into the New Year.

They also celebrate dates like Bastille Day and there is an annual outing and a decidedly festive AGM. 2014 is their 25th anniversary year, so in addition to the usual full calendar they will be celebrating in style in April. Anyone who would like to find out more about them with a view to joining in with all this jollity is welcome to go along to one of their talks, which are given in French, but with due consideration for English audiences. You may be surprised to discover how close the links are between Godalming and France, and how much fun you can have getting involved. On Thursday 16th January, at 7.30 pm, at their usual venue of the Baptist Hall, Queen Street, Godalming, the everpopular Thierry Viennois will be talking about ‘Versailles – La Cage Dorée’, an insight into the astonishing way of life at the French court. This all-singing, alldancing event will be somewhat longer 23

MEET THE TEAM Marcus Atkins (far left)

Job title: Sales Director Home: Godalming Favourite local place: Walking or cycling along canal towpath Godalming-Guildford Best invention: iPhone5 Desert island disc: Sultans of Swing by DIre Straits Favourite cocktail: Moscow Mule Five fantasy dinner guests: Sir Ian Botham, James Hunt, James Corden, George Mallory & Cameran Diaz

Angie Crisell (second from left)

Job title: Jotter Home: Enton Green Favourite local place: Godalming Museum Best invention: Electric Blanket Desert island disc: Hey Jude by The Beatles Favourite cocktail: Harvey Wallbanger Five fantasy dinner guests: Raymond Blanc, Joanna Lumley, Paul McCartney, Michael Palin, Sister Wendy Beckett

Carol Martin (middle)

Job title: Sales Executive Home: Milford Favourite local place: Petworth Park Best invention: Book Desert island disc: Walking on Sunshine by Katrina and the Waves Favourite cocktail: Cosmopolitan Five fantasy dinner guests: Dalai Lama, James Bond (or Daniel Craig!), Helen Mirren, Jane Austen, Warren Buffett

Stefan Reynolds (second from right)

Job title: Editor/Publisher Home: Elstead Favourite local place: Blackdown Best invention: Wine Desert island disc: Barcelona by Freddie Mercury and Monserrat CaballĂŠ Favourite cocktail: Bloody Mary Five fantasy dinner guests: Sir Winston Churchill, David Niven, Dame Judi Dench, Sir Roger Moore & Sandi Toksvig

Nick Crisell (far right)

Job title: Jotter Home: Enton Green Favourite local place: Lammas Lands Best invention: Radio Desert island disc: St. Matthew Passion by Bach Favourite cocktail: Martini Five fantasy dinner guests: Sir Winston Churchill, Eric Clapton, Helen Mirren, Marilyn Monroe, Horatio Nelson

The local magazine produced by local people for the local community

ity

Hummingbird Eighth_Layout 1 10/12/2013 14:46 Page 1 RDA Dec 13_Layout 1 11/11/2013 16:15 Page 1

Hummingbird Tuition

Literacy and Maths tuition for children aged 7-12

• By experienced primary school teacher

RDA presents Ballroom/Latin Dance Classes

with full CRB certification • Well known for dramatically increasing children’s reading ability • Maths taught at child’s individual pace • Don’t want to travel? Skype tutoring also available

Chichester Hall, Witley, GU8 5PL (on the A283)

t: 07816 602695 e : anne@hummingbirdbooks.co.uk w :www.hummingbirdbooks.co.uk

New beginners class starting 6th February 2014 Doors open 7pm, class starts 7.15pm till 8.15pm Also available Improvers class 8.20pm till 9.20pm Advanced class 9.25pm till 10.30pm Pay as you go £5 pp per class.

We teach in a welcoming relaxed atmosphere, with the emphasis on fun. Other classes, private tuition, coaching and dance preparation also available.

For more information please contact: rdadancing@gmail.com or 01798 865008 Quote Ref. Wit4

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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

than usual, and they are hoping for clips of the Roi du Soleil dancing, as he was reputed to be of professional standard.

Visitors pay £6 for each talk, but anyone who would like to join Amitiés Françaises for 2014 will get a free taster. They are a very friendly group and are always ready to welcome new members. Contact John Petty on john.petty@which.net, or 01483 861974.

GODALMING OPERATIC SOCIETY WILL BE PERFORMING GILBERT & SULLIVAN’S PRINCESS IDA AT THE BOROUGH HALL, GODALMING FROM 18TH TO 22ND FEBRUARY AND AT THE LEATHERHEAD THEATRE FROM 27TH FEBRUARY TO 1ST MARCH. More details appear in the Competition page of this first edition of VantagePoint.

There you will also see that by entering the Society’s competition you have the opportunity to win a pair of tickets for Princess Ida at either Godalming or Leatherhead. In recognition of the high standing the Society has in the world of Gilbert & Sullivan members are January 2014

delighted that they have been invited to perform Princess Ida at the International Gilbert & Sullivan Festival at its new venue, Harrogate, on 20th August 2014; a great accolade.

GUILDFORD SHAKESPEARE COMPANY’S NEXT PRODUCTION IS OTHELLO WHICH WILL RUN FROM WEDNESDAY 5TH TO SATURDAY 22ND FEBRUARY AT HOLY TRINITY CHURCH, GUILDFORD HIGH STREET. Tickets cost from £12 and can be booked via the Box Office on 01483 304384 or by going to www.guildford-shakespeare-company. co.uk. Ahead of this production, GSC are holding a series of complimentary events, one of which one is a special talk and debate focused on the character of lago from Othello. It will be lead by GCS’s producer/actor Matt Pinches who will explore the nature of the character of lago, considered to be Shakespeare’s most pathologically psychotic creation.

Matt will be joined by Chris Porter who will actually be playing lago in the production. The talk lasts 90 minutes

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and takes place at 7pm on Friday 17th at Holy Trinity Church. Cost £8 in advance or on the door. For details of the other events have a look at the website.

FARNCOMBE MUSIC CLUB STARTS 2014 WITH A FULL PROGRAMME FOR JANUARY. On Friday 10th January, Angie Palmer & The Revelators play at St. John’s Church, Farncombe. One of Britain’s greatest singer-songwriters, Angie’s music has been dubbed ‘English Americana’ and she has been compared to Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell. Returning to FMC for her 4th headline show (a record for any female performer), Angie brings her full band with her. (www. angiepalmer.com) Tickets: £12 advance (£15 door). On Saturday 18th January, The Book of Genesis play at Windlesham Club & Theatre, Windlesham. Following their recent stunning musical, theatrical and visual performance in Farncombe, this brilliant prog rock era Genesis tribute band launch their new show for 2014 in Windlesham (www.thebookofgenesis. co.uk). Tickets: £10 advance (£12 door).

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wild weather

We’ve all heard the cliché that there’s no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothes. This month we bring you some fabulous ways to celebrate the bad weather by making and doing exciting things in rainy or icy conditions. So, tog up and have fun...

toffee ice sculptures Try this yummy activity on an icy day, or perhaps aftera fresh fall of snow.

• On a cold evening fill some large trays with water. Leave them outside to freeze overnight and make ice slabs.

• The next day, ask an adult to help you make toffee. Gently heat 400g/14oz of caster sugar in 100ml/3fl. oz of water on a cooker until the sugar has completely dissolved. Add 1 teaspoon of vinegar and 4 tablespoons of golden syrup.

• Bring the mixture to the boil. Simmer for at least 10 minutes until the toffee reaches the hard crack setting stage (when dripped into ice-cold water, it forms hard toffee and long threads).

• Ask an adult to pour some toffee into a small pouring pan or Pyrex jug (a small container with a spout will ensure you have better control when pouring the toffee).

• Carefully take the small pan or jug of toffee outside. Remove the ice slabs from the trays and lay them flat on the ground.

Slowly pour the toffee over the ice to make patterns or pictures.

The mixture will set immediately, but you can add as many layers as you wish.

• To make a crazy edible mask, pour toffee in a mask shape and then push a lolly stick into it before it sets. You could make fine threads of toffee to look like crazy hair or whiskers. On a snowy day, make toffee lollies by pouring hot toffee on to deep, clean snow.

Safety tip Boiling toffee is extremely hot, so always get an adult to help.

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vantagepointmag.co.uk

FAMILY

ice lanterns Imagine a magical trail of ice lanterns leading through the garden or the park on a frosty night. The more lanterns you make, the more dramatic the effect will be.

• Fill plastic tubs and buckets with water and leave them outside on a freezing cold night.

The water should freeze around the sides and bottom of each tub, making a cup-like shape.

• In extremely cold weather the water might freeze solid, so place a smaller container full of pebbles inside a larger container of water.

If you would like to decorate the lantern, push leaves or winter flowers down between the two containers.

• The next day, remove the ice from the containers, using a little warm water to loosen it if you need to. Place one or more night lights inside each lantern.

For a larger ice lantern on a stand, place three sticks, each one about 1m/3ft in length, in a bucket of water. Once it has frozen, turn it out and you will have a large ice lantern on its own tripod.

rain stencils These rain shadows of natural materials won’t last long, so have a camera ready to take a picture before they disappear.

You’ll need to prepare before it starts raining • Collect leaves of different shapes and sizes. Find a space on a patio or some paving, or put some sand in a tray and level the surface.

FIND OUT MORE

• Arrange leaves or other natural materials into a pattern or a picture in your chosen space. If it’s windy, put stones on the leaves so that they won’t blow away.

Taken from the Wild Weather Book: Loads of things to do outdoors in rain, wind and snow

by Fiona Danks and Jo Schofield £9.99, Frances Lincoln, www.franceslincoln.com

• Wait for a rain shower. Once it stops, pick up the leaves to reveal your stencil patterns. See if people can guess what natural materials you used by looking at the patterns.

January 2014

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GU9 October 13_Layout 1 06/12/2013 09:38 Page 32

Rely on Reputation

Excellent experience from beginning to end, good price versus competitors, no hard sell for example price was price and didn't magically reduce by half "just for me" which seems common in this business,. Good and genuine advice, honest and very pleasant service. Work completed as planned (lead time a bit shorter than competitors) and worth every penny. I would recommend any day, I love my blinds and my shutters even more. Thanks Jamie and Martin.

Customer in Woking The blinds exceeded all my expectations and Richard, Jamie and Valerie provided a very customer-focused experience. All three were a delight to work with! The blinds were of excellent quality and Richard provided a very professional, efficient and tidy quote and fitting service. Jamie was very friendly, knowledgeable and helpful during the quote process for the kitchen. Thank you so much for such a professional service and you have already been recommended to family and friends.

Customer in Haslemere

Absolutely first class in every respect. Product is of excellent quality, and the fitting is faultless. Polite, efficient and courteous fitter (Jamie) and the whole thing was less than half the cost of Sandersons, who offered a very inferior UPVC product. If you want absolutely the best shutters, this is the company to use. Brilliant! Would definitely use in the future Customer in Virginia Water This is a remarkable company in every respect. The work was completed to the highest possible standard, real craftsmanship. I have no hesitation in recommending CBS Ltd to anyone who wishes for excellence.

Customer in Guildford

Creative Blinds and Shutters have just celebrated their 6th year at their Wrecclesham showroom. Not only have they produced a steady growth every year, even through the recession, they have also received over 100 positive reputation reports on Checkatrade in the last year alone.

01252 727490 - 01483 651101

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Invest in a local trusted company with Creative Blinds and Shutters.

January May 2013 vantagepointmag.co.uk

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<25

JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

Then on Sunday 19th January it’s Brian Player’s Acoustic Café ‘Live’ show at St. John’s Church Room, Farncombe. It runs from 2pm to 4.30pm (doors open 1pm) and there will be 4 upcoming acts on the bill - Tess Cunningham, Terry Emm, The Foxglove Trio and Seb Stone - with the whole event recorded for the radio, including interviews (www. brianplayermusic.wordpress.com).

Tickets are only £5 (advance/door) and present tremendous value for what should be a superb afternoon of live music. Finally, on Friday 24th January, The Steve Tilston Trio play at St. John’s Church, Farncombe. Celebrating 40 years as a professional musician Steve Tilston is one of our most celebrated song-smiths; widely recognised within the world of folk and contemporary music Performing with his trio featuring Keith Warmington on harmonica and Stuart Gordon on violin (www. stevetilston.com). Tickets: £12 advance (£15 door). All shows start at 7.45pm in Farncombe and at 8pm in Windlesham.

Doors and bars open in both from 30

7pm. Tickets for all shows available online from www.wegottickets.com/ julianlewrymusic, in person from Record Corner in Pound Lane, Godalming and direct from Julian Lewry. Windlesham Club & Theatre tickets are also available from Windlesham Club in Kennel Lane ( www.windleshamclub.org.uk). Stuck for a present idea for someone or even yourself? How about a Farncombe Music Club carnet which saves pounds on the price of tickets? A carnet of 10 tickets works out at just £10 a ticket. Top-up purchases can be made in minimum amounts of £50 i.e. 5 tickets. The tickets do not have an expiry date and can be used at the Windlesham promotions too.

Full details on the flyer which is available at all shows or just contact Julian Lewry, www.julianlewrymusic.com.

WONERSH AND DISTRICT GARDEN CLUB WOULD LIKE TO REMIND MEMBERS THAT NO MEETING IS HELD DURING THE MONTH OF JANUARY. The committee hopes that you all had an enjoyable Christmas and New Year

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and looks forward to seeing you for the first meeting of 2014 on Tuesday 4th February at 7.30pm in the Memorial Hall. This will consist of the 2nd part of Graham Payne’s presentation entitled ‘Australian Flora and Fauna’ (part two).

LIKE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE WORKS AND PERSONALITY OF ONE OF OUR GREATEST AND MOST POPULAR NOVELISTS? Then why not join The Wey Valley Decorative and Fine Arts Society for the next lecture,

by Mr Andrew Davies, entitled ‘The Life and Times of Jane Austen’ at Shalford Village Hall on Thursday 16th January. The lecture starts at 10.45am with refreshments from 9.45am. The Society offers a monthly programme of varied and fascinating talks by first class speakers. There are also special interest days, visits and an annual tour for members. New members and visitors are warmly welcomed. Annual Membership is £38.75 and visitors pay £6 per talk. If you are interested, contact the Membership Secretary on 01483 vantagepointmag.co.uk

Wizard Dec 13_Layout 1 07/11/2013 11:37 Page 1 Poster.pdf

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Fashion Shows 12.30pm & 2.30pm

By Amarylis Bridalwear, Alton.

Doors Open 11.15am - 4pm See 40 companies.

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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

564077 for more information or visit their website at www.theweyvalleydfas. org.uk WE HAVE COME TO EXPECT FIRST CLASS ENTERTAINMENT AT G LIVE IN GUILDFORD AND LOOKING AT WHAT’S COMING UP IN JANUARY THE TREND IS SET TO CONTINUE. I have picked four events that might tickle your fancy. The first is a snooker match between two legends of the game Jimmy White and Stephen Hendry.

It takes place on Tuesday 7th January at 7pm. The following day, Wednesday 8th at 8pm, it’s the turn of comedian Jason Manford. The show promises to feature a wealth of comedy anecdotes, misunderstandings and audience banter delivered with Jason’s likeable charm and teasingly intelligent wit. I suspect most of you are ‘Strictly’ addicts. I admit I watch it and yes I have become something of a dance critic! Anyway, one of the show’s most popular characters Anton Du Beke is doing a show on Saturday 18th January. He is joined by January 2014

Summer Strallen and the evening is sure to be hugely entertaining. He is doing two shows one at 3pm and the other at 7.30pm. Finally, again for dance lovers, there’s a ‘Viennese Party’ on Wednesday 29th at 7.30pm. The show is presented by the irrepressible showman and conductor Rainer Hersch and is full of wonderful music and dancing. To book tickets call the Box Office on 0844 7701 797 (open 10am-6pm, Mon to Sat) or go online to www.GLive.co.uk You can of course also pop into the foyer.

A GOOD NEW YEAR RESOLUTION MIGHT BE TO GET OUTDOORS AND CLOSER TO NATURE. Certainly, help is on hand from the National Trust as many of their beautiful gardens and countryside spaces in Surrey are open in January and February, offering the perfect opportunity for winter walks in picture-postcard landscapes. So, wrap up warm and experience some outdoor delights, from avenues of frostcovered topiary, and borders packed with sensational scent and colour, to

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ice-rimmed lakes and breath-taking vistas. Although it’s chilly out there, new life is stirring in our gardens in January and February, so there’s plenty to see and enjoy. If you venture to the right place, you can discover resilient and beautiful plants flowering in the heart of a British winter. To help you decide where to visit, they’ve come up with their top 5 winter ideas in Surrey according to Mike Buffin, the National Trust’s gardens and parks adviser and author: 1) Polesden Lacey, near Dorking, is one of the “must see” gardens to visit this winter. Mike says: “Polesden Lacey contains what is possibly one of the first ever winter gardens. It was designed by Graham Stuart Thomas a National Trust Gardens Advisor, and is planted on a compact domestic scale. The grounds are open daily in January and February and the house is open on weekends for Glorious Glimpse house tours.

Look out for the volunteering coffee mornings, countryside tours and half term events. 2) Winkworth Arboretum, near Godalming, has winter gardens set 31

Watts Gallery – A National Gallery in the Heart of a Village Enjoy a perfect day at a hidden gem nestled in the Surrey Hills. Explore paintings and sculptures at Watts Gallery. Stroll to Watts Chapel, be guided around Limnerslease, the artists’ home and studio, then explore our shop for unique gifts and treat yourself to lunch or a cream tea in the Tea Shop.

“A hidden treasure in Compton” Half Price Admission* Watts Gallery, Down Lane, Compton, Guildford, Surrey, GU3 1DQ 01483 810235 info@wattsgallery.org.uk www.wattsgallery.org.uk

*Offer valid on presentation of this voucher. Not valid on Tuesdays or in conjunction with any other discounts.

Expires end Jan 2014.

Absorb yourself in the art of the great Victorian artist G.F. Watts. The sumptious original gallery interiors display over one hundred paintings and include portraits, landscapes as well as monumental sculptures. There are temporary exhibitions throughout the year to enjoy as part of your visit. www.wattsgallery.org.uk Watts Gallery, Down Lane, Compton, Guildford, Surrey, GU3 1DQ 01483 810235 / info@wattsgallery.org.uk ADVERTORIAL

<31 Round About magazine.indd 7 against the backdrop

JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

of the National Trust’s only arboretum (tree collection).

The garden was planted by Dr Fox, the creator of the arboretum and it contains a wide variety of winter flowering shrubs planted in a relaxed woodland setting. Winkworth Arboretum and tea room is open every day in January and February. 3) If you prefer to enjoy the brilliance of some of the National Trust’s best landscape gardens visit Claremont Landscape Garden, near Esher. Walk around the lake, see the island and pavilion, grotto and many viewpoints and vistas. There are hidden features to enjoy such as the children’s play area and the thatched cottage.

Don’t miss the Camellia Terrace, which is a mass of blooms from December to May. Claremont Landscape Garden, tea room and shop are open every day. 4) Ham House and Garden, in Richmond, has formal gardens, topiary and tree lined arches that look magical in the frost, especially with the grand backdrop of Ham House and the River Thames.

At Morden Hall Park near Merton, 32

11/12/2013 13:48 and the River Runnymede near Egham, Wey Navigations near Guildford go for an atmospheric winter walk along misty river banks and crunch on the frost. The café at Morden Hall Park is open for tea, coffee, cake or a hearty stew. Ham House and Garden is open on weekends during January. Morden Hall Park and café is open every day. 5) There’s nothing like a winter walk to build up a bit of an appetite. Head out in the spectacular wintry landscape of the Surrey Hills. Box Hill and Hindhead Commons and Devil’s Punchbowl have tea rooms open and you can pick up a leaflet showing you the best walking routes. After a stroll, retreat to a cosy interior for a delicious warming treat. Visitors can tuck into seasonal delights including soups and hot pots and at Box Hill there is even a roaring log fire to warm chilled hands and feet.

Box Hill and Hindhead Commons and the Devil’s Punchbowl are countryside sites, open all year round. Both have cafes open every day.

AN ANTIQUES AND COLLECTORS &

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CRAFT FAIR IS HELD ON THURSDAYS AT CRANLEIGH VILLAGE HALL, GU6 8AF FROM 7AM TO 3.30PM THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. The dates for your diary are as follows: 9th January, 23rd January, 6th February, 20th February, 6th March, 20th March, 3rd April, 17th April,1st May, 15th May, 5th June, 19th June, 3rd July, 17th July, 4th September, 18th September, 9th October, 23rd October, 6th November, 20th November, 4th December, 18th December. There is also a Shere Village Antiques Collectors & Craft Fair held on Sundays at The Village Hall. GU5 9HE from10am-4pm. The dates are as follows: 12th January, 26th January, 9th February, 23rd February, 9th March, 23rd March, 13th April, 27th April, 11th May, 25th May, 8th June, 22 June, 13th July, 24th July, 14th September, 28th September, 12th October, 26th October, 9th November, 23rd November, 12th December. Finally there’s a Bramley Table top/indoor car boot sale on Saturdays at Bramley Village Hall, Hall Road, Bramley, GU5 0AX from 9amvantagepointmag.co.uk

Beritaz_Layout 1 12/12/2013 09:49 Page 1

Ashton Manor Farnham

Robertsons NH Godalming

Springkell House Hindhead

Nursing Care for Alzheimer’s & Dementia

Nursing Care

Residential Care for Alzheimer’s & Dementia

Beales Lane, Wrecclesham, Farnham GU10 4PY

Priorsfield Road, Hurtmore Godalming GU7 2RF

Wood Road, Hindhead GU26 6PT

01252 722967

01483 421033

01428 605509

www.ashtonmanor.co.uk info@ashtonmanor.co.uk

www.beritazcare.co.uk robertsonnh@beritazcare.co.uk

www.springkellcare.co.uk info@springkellcare.co.uk

We believe our clients deserve a quality lifestyle that respects their dignity and independence; their loved ones expect assurance and peace of mind. We provide these within a friendly yet professional caring and secure environment.

The dedicated management team and well trained staff are always available to offer help and support in our homes specialising in the care of those with dementia and Alzheimer’s.

The individual reputation all of these homes enjoys is a reflection on the dedication, ability and professionalism of the well motivated staff.

‘Best Dementia Care Team’ 2013 has been a truly exceptional year for Beritaz Care, with two of our four homes achieving “Investors In People” awards, and a third also expected to qualify very shortly. Springkell House was reassessed as a ‘Silver’ for the Investors In People Award 4.

The staff in all our four homes are fundamental to our business and we are proud to have exceptional people doing exceptional things every day. They strive for excellence in the care of all our residents and have implemented some exciting and innovative

ideas to help those suffering with dementia in many unique ways.

The staff team at Springkell House in Hindhead were recently thrilled to be awarded ‘Best Dementia Care Team’ of the year at the Surrey Care Association awards. The whole staff team are involved, and have worked hard to provide quality care, always endeavouring to look beyond the dementia to see the real person. In doing this, they are creating a welcoming, happy and homely environment, to both live and work in. Staff are always encouraged to implement their ideas for improving care and the environment. An example is a creation of a small cafe area where residents can take friends and family for a coffee.

Robertson Nursing Home has also been celebrating the fantastic news that the Home Manager, Penny King, was listed as a finalist for the Leadership of the Year award at the Surrey Care Awards 2013.

All of these successes show the homes’ commitment not only to the residents, but to the staff as well.

ADVERTORIAL

January 2014

33

“Mum is very fond of her carer” Melody Care are always there

Good health is something many of us take for granted. Those who have to care for a loved one with failing health know only too well the devastating effects this has on their quality of life. So often people’s worlds are turned upside down when a parent or spouse become seriously ill or lose the ability to care for themselves. It is when this happens that professional help is often needed. Melody Care has an enviable reputation for providing Live-In Care Assistants to help share the burden. Whatever the circumstances might be, Melody Care will be there when the help is needed most.

Highly Recommended

Melody Care are increasingly being recommended by health professionals and grateful clients alike who have experienced at first hand the wonderful care provided by the Melody Care team.

“Each of your carers I have met are lovely! We all really appreciate the care package you have set up so efficiently at such short notice” wrote one client recently. Another wrote: “Melody Care have done a wonderful job of looking after mum and I know she is very fond of her carer.

I would also like to say how accommodating you have all been and the care that mum has received has been really excellent.”

Attitude

Providing Live-In care takes a very special kind of person. Melody Care select their carers for their patience and understanding, as well as their ability to run a house and care in all regards for our clients. We also provide extensive training using our own in-house training department. This is to ensure each carer is up to date and fully conversant with current rules and regulations. Before the service begins we would always meet with our clients and their family to determine exactly what their needs and desires might be. We then produce a detailed and personal care plan so that the Live-In Care Assistant knows exactly what is expected of them.

For more information call

w Arise and prepare the house for the day (draw curtains, open windows, etc) w Feed and walk any pets w Deliver morning tea or breakfast, newspaper and post in bed or to desired location w Prompt or assist with any medication requirements w Prepare bathroom for washing w Assist with all aspects of personal care if necessary (including toileting, bathing, etc) w Assist with dressing and hair care etc w Perform household duties (cleaning, laundry, etc) w Accompany Client to shops/dentist/ doctor/hairdresser/ friends or family w Prepare and serve lunch w Break 14.00-17.00hrs w Perform household duties (cleaning, laundry, etc) w Prepare and serve dinner

01252 220080

w Close down the house for the night (draw curtains, turn on night lights, lock doors and windows etc)

www.melodycare.co.uk

w Assist with all aspects of personal care and undressing, ready for bed. vantagepointmag.co.uk

or visit

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A typical day for a Melody Care Live-In Care Assistant

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back pain. It can help reduce many of the symptoms and risks of the menopause, and a study has shown that older people who have stronger muscles are less likely to be hospitalised.

The older we get, the more the saying “use it or lose it” applies to our muscle mass. There is a word for it – sarcopenia. It starts in our 30s and on average 30% of our muscle mass is lost between 30-80 years of age. Research has shown that muscle strength declines by 15% per decade after 50, and 30% per decade after 70.

The recommendation for an active, independent older adult is that resistance training should be done up to four days per week, and that a whole body approach should be employed. Strength training is also recommended for inactive older adults as studies have shown that all older adults, even those considered frail, can enjoy the benefits of exercise and that these benefits can appear after only three months.

It can make performing the most basic tasks of daily living difficult, and greatly increases the risk of suffering falls and other serious accidents. In addition muscle loss can lead to weight gain. Whilst there are multiple reasons for sarcopenia lack of exercise is a significant risk factor.

Regular exercise, with emphasis on strength training, is essential for preserving and increasing muscle mass. Strength training can be done using resistance machines or weights if you are a member of a gym, dynabands or bodyweight if you prefer to exercise outside, at home or in the pool at a class such as aqua aerobics.

The following are benefits of resistance training: • Improved muscular strength. The ability to shift heavy objects in house or garden.

• Improved muscular endurance. The ability to move weight around repeatedly such as climbing the stairs or getting in and out of a chair unaided.

Greater muscular strength will not just lead to a healthier body, the immediate benefits of exercise include relaxation, stress and anxiety reduction, and a feeling of well-being. In the long term you will be able to continue to do the things you enjoy with ease, reduce the risk of falls and improve the quality of life as you age.

So as you can see - it’s never too late to pick up a weight.

Whole Life Fitness specialises in exercise for the over 50s, with exercise programmes that are fun and specific to each individual’s needs. Both one-toone and small group training is available. For more information call Helen on 01252 313578 or visit wholelifefitness.co.uk .

• Increased bone strength. A decreased risk of fractures. Older adults who exercise at least one hour every day reduce the risk of fracturing their hip by 50%.

Strength training can also aid weight management. The more muscle you have, the more calories you will burn making a healthy weight much easier to maintain.

If properly done strength training can help manage conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, osteoporosis, obesity and

al care January 2014

35

Wispers R&A 165x220 advert Dec 2013 10/12/2013 16:11 Page 1

Special offer throughout January 2014

£100

off

short term and long term stays with this advert

For new bookings only. Terms and conditions apply

Wispers Park

Residential and nursing care home Beautifully appointed new care home providing exceptional care in magnificent surroundings.

The perfect place to give your loved ones a five star break while you take yours.

Part of a stunning Grade II listed mansion on the edge of Haslemere, with modern facilities and round-the-clock professional care.

At Wispers Park you can live life in luxurious surroundings at your own pace, confident that the very best support is available whenever you need it.

Long or short term stays • Individual bedrooms • En-suite walk-in wet rooms • Library • TV lounge • Quiet room • Sun terrace • Fine dining • Freshly prepared food • Daily activities • Events • Minibus • Use of Country Club for all residents and visitors, including spa, bar, bistro, gym and tennis court.

Exceptional care in an unrivalled setting Long term or respite care available How to find us Entering Haslemere on A286, follow signs for Community Hospital. Turn right into Church Lane and follow road as it becomes High Lane then Inval Hill. Turn right into Wispers Lane (signposted).

Entering via B2131 (Wey Hill). Turn left after Crown and Cushion pub then left into Weydown Rd before railway bridge. At end turn left onto Inval Hill. Follow for 50m and turn right into Wispers Lane

Wispers Park Retirement Village Wispers Lane,Haslemere, Surrey, GU27 1AB

Working in partnership with Orchard Care Homes

For more information call

0845 or034 4750 visit www.manorlife.com

out

SENIORS

off

Providing personalised support in your own home

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“Based in Guildford we are a family run business that is committed to providing older people with friendly & reliable Carers who genuinely care”

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Lucinda Kalupka, Nurse & Registered Manager

From just an hour a day to 24 hour support

• Companionship • Personal care • Light domestic duties • Post treatment convalescence

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• Trips out • Meal preparation • Medicines prompts • Respite & holiday cover

We listen to your needs and together reach a solution

Call us today on 01483

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info@homecountiescarers.co.uk | www.homecountiescarers.co.uk

We also have great opportunities for Carers

he

Dance to keep fit, happy and healthy My wife and I run Home Counties Carers, a Guildford based family run care business that provides friendly, reliable, trustworthy and competent Carers to elderly and people with disabilities in their own homes.

Recent research has shown that older people who engage in regular physical activity reduce their risk of vascular-related dementia by 40 percent and cognitive impairment by 60 percent according to a new study in the journal Stroke.

The findings are based on a multinational European study that included annual full cognitive assessments of 639 people in their 60s and 70s for three years.

Almost 64 per cent said they were active at least

For further information please call Matthew Kalupka on 01483 224 985 or visit our website www. homecountiescarers.co.uk.

Research reference: ‘Physical Activity Prevents Progression for Cognitive Impairment and Vascular Dementia’ by Ana Verdelho et al in Stroke Journal

call

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30 minutes a day three times a week. The activity included gym classes, dancing, walking and biking.

In March next year Lucy, one of our Carers will be taking part in a 4 day course to learn how to deliver Creative Seated Dance, a fun and healthy way for older people to socialise, keep moving and improve their overall well being. We then plan to hold regular dance sessions for our clients, their friends and anybody else in the local community who would like to join in the fun. Thanks to The Royal British Legion in West Clandon we have a fantastic venue to dance in with plenty of refreshments for those wanting to sit out of a dance.

ADVERTORIAL January 2014

37

The

Book REVIEW

Our pick of some good reads, both new and old. For more information, please contact carol.farley@farleypart.com

Physics

100 breakthroughs that changed history Physics is the latest title in the ‘Ponderables’ series of four accessible science books by Worth Press.

What stunning books they are.

By Tom Jackson Published October 2013 by Worth Press Non-fiction Jacketed Hardback £20.00

This title takes us from 1, the dawn of Science (explaining nature) through to 100, Supersymmetry – with everything in between from Gallileo via Atomic Theory to Tesla, Einstein, Antimatter and the Big Bang. Tom explains everything so beautifully and simply without ever being patronising. As Science is now becoming the new ‘cool’ topic and is being talked about more

and more in newspapers and on television, this book helps explain some of the important theories, and helps put the discoveries in context.

In with every edition of the Ponderables series the publisher includes a fantastic timechart which puts everything in context with world events. I think they’re extraordinarily good value at £20. The other titles in the series are: The Universe; The Elements; Mathematics. I’m poring over them all – wonderful.

Carol Farley

Ostrich Ostrich is the story of Alex. Alex has a story to tell. He is trying to come to terms with exams, puberty, a punctuation obsession, his brain tumour and epilepsy and the changes that are generally happening in his life.

Alex is sure there’s something amiss with his parents’ marriage, and when his beloved hamster, Jaws 2, starts behaving strangely, he decides it’s time to investigate.

This is an incredibly funny and clever novel. It is sad, touching and extremely inventive.

It’s Matt Greene’s debut novel – we look forward to more.

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Extract: Turning the key in the ignition is (doubly) illegal because people with epilepsy aren’t allowed to drive cars unless they can prove that they’ve been seizure-free for a year (and children aren’t allowed to drive cars unless they can prove that they’re adults). The engine catching makes me a criminal so I make a mental note of it in case the moment it all went wrong (for example when I’m tattooing my autobiography on to the face of my screaming cellmate in maximum security prison or if I ever have to give a careers talk as a criminal cum reformed criminal slash bestselling author).

Carol Farley

By Matt Greene Published September 2013 by Weidenfeld & Nicolson Fiction Hardback £12.99, ebook £6.99 vantagepointmag.co.uk

BOOKS A.A. Gill is away

A collection of travel writing by Britain’s funniest and most feared critic.

Each week I pick up The Sunday Times and turn immediately to A.A. Gill’s restaurant review column. I do this not because I’m in the least interested in the fashionable London restaurants he mostly chooses to write about, I do this because he is one of the very few journalists left in any field whose articles are worth reading simply because they are a delight to read whatever they are about.

It is a very sad Sunday, therefore, when I turn to the usual page to find that some awful lesser being has written the review, thus rendering it irrelevant, and at the foot of the page there is a bald explanatory note saying simply that “A.A. Gill is away”.

Often, it seems, A.A. Gill is away travelling, perhaps on holiday or perhaps on some journalistic mission; who knows?

It doesn’t really matter; the point is that some of the articles he has written whilst he’s been away are collected in this entertaining book simply and accurately entitled “A.A. Gill is away”. A book with a simple title and, as you can see, an even simpler cover design.

Gill will make you smile all of the

time, make you laugh out loud sometimes and, surprisingly, he will even make you care occasionally: his piece on famine in the Sudan, for example, is the only report in any medium, written or broadcast, which has made me understand (I think) what a famine actually means to those who have to endure it.

The irony of a London restaurant critic writing about an African famine is not lost on me, but it is a brilliant piece of writing, and even as he makes me actually care about this for the very first time in my cosseted, wanton and wantless life, he manages to make me smile about this awful subject too. His words enable me to see what countless earnest TV news films and Bob Geldof have failed for years to make me see or to care about.

I know that this is not a new book – apparently it was first published in 2002 – but for some reason I have only just discovered it. It’s still available and I urge all you Gillisti to get it, and if you are not yet of the Gill persuasion, then this is a good place to start. It’s a super book and I’m already re-reading it.

Nick Farley

By A A Gill Published 2002 by Orion Non-fiction Paperback £8.99

Notes from an Exhibition Gifted artist Rachel Kelly is bipolar and lives in a whirlwind of creative highs and crippling lows. She keeps her past from her husband and her four children but when she is found dead in her Penzance studio, leaving behind some extraordinary new paintings, the family has a painful need for answers.

By Patrick Gale Published September 2008 by Harper Perennial Fiction Paperback £8.99 January 2014

Her Quaker husband appeals for information about her past on the internet and gradually the fragments of a shattered life slowly come to light. It becomes clear that bohemian Rachel has left her children not only a gift for art, but also something more of herself.

Written with beautiful, flowing prose, Gale captures the enigmatic

existence of Rachel and her painful and glorious life. A book which definitely deserves the title of a good read.

Extract: She didn’t sob or wail. Her grief was horribly discreet but as persistent and almost as silent as bleeding from an unstitched wound. He drove on in silence, glancing across at her, letting her cry. He believed it was healthy to let people cry – friends and onlookers were always far too ready to stifle grief with handkerchiefs and dubious comfort. But he also let her cry because her weeping somehow filled the car with the scent of her and he found it intoxicating.

Carol Farley 39

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Bake with Jack A

s a keen young chef I always wanted to learn. I have hopped from kitchen to kitchen on a mission to learn more about food. Sometimes even working two or three jobs at a time. I have been in and out of pubs, restaurants, hotels, and I have worked as a freelance chef at weddings and functions only to learn.

Hands on experience and first-hand knowledge is so valuable, and sometimes hard to find! I love to do something new and experiment too, and this is what I offer at Bake with Jack.

Bread has always been my greatest passion in my work. I learned to bake

at college years ago and since then my technique has been evolving to what it is today. I have taken my bread making to each job along the way, picking up new tips and new flavours, and it’s this experience and excitement I bring to my bread making classes. Not only do we bake, but as a chef I can’t resist cooking the perfect accompaniments for you to enjoy with your bread at the end.

At www.bakewithjack.co.uk I offer bread making classes for you in your own home. I travel to homes in and around Surrey and also hold small

group classes in Puttenham. Come and find me at my website to browse bread making classes. or call me on 07840 561635. Gift vouchers are available to buy for friends & family too, and pastry classes will be coming in 2014! You can also find out what I have been up to on Twitter and Facebook.

I hope you enjoy having a go at the recipes below. My cooking is very much inspired by the Mediterranean and these breads are a couple of my favourites.

It’s time to get excited about bread… and I look forward to meeting you and baking together! Jack Sturgess

Chorizo & Oregano Focaccia Focaccia is traditionally an Italian bread, and we can give it a Spanish twist by topping with Chorizo. When it bakes the oil will cook out of the chorizo and soak down into the bread bringing the delicious flavours of garlic and smoked paprika with it. Fresh oregano is very fragrant and very different to the dried stuff in a jar. You can buy a plant in the supermarket and keep it on your windowsill and it also does quite well kept outside.

Ingredients For the Focaccia 500g strong white bread flour 20g coarse semolina 10g salt 15g fresh yeast (or 7g dry) 50g olive oil 320g tepid water For the topping 250g cooking chorizo sausage Olive oil Fresh oregano

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1. Make your dough. Weigh your flour, salt and semolina into a big mixing bowl and mix together. Weigh your water into a jug, add your yeast to it and let it disperse through the water with a little gentle help from a fork. If you are using dry yeast, make sure it has completely dissolved before moving on.

2. Add your yeasty water along with your olive oil to the dry flour mix. Mix this all together until there is no dry flour left in the bowl.

3. Turn out your dough onto an un-floured surface. Don’t be tempted to add flour or oil at this point, your dough will be sticky and will get all over your hands and table, but don’t worry!

4. Work the dough for 15 minutes. Set a timer and get kneading. Take the end of the dough that is furthest away from you with one hand and push it away from you with the heel. Then fold it back over the top, and repeat. This will be difficult at first because your dough will be very sticky and will break easily, but keep at it. As your 15 minutes passes it will become much easier to handle. Use a dough scraper to gather your dough back together every few turns.

5. Oil your mixing bowl generously and return your dough to it. Inside the bowl make your dough into a ball by taking the

end furthest from you, stretching it out slightly, and folding it over towards you.

Turn your dough 90 degrees and stretch and fold again. Keep working around your dough making it more and more round until you are happy with it. Then turn it over in the bowl revealing the smooth side underneath.

6. Cover your bowl loosely with cling-film and let it rest in a draught free place for one hour.

7. While your dough rests make your topping. Slice up your chorizo thickly and mix in a bowl with a good glug of olive oil and a handful of oregano leaves.

8. After one hour your dough should have risen nicely, transfer into a high sided baking tray 30cm by 40cm lined with baking parchment.

9. Using the tips of your fingers spread the dough to the edges of the tray, then pour your topping over the top and spread it all over the dough. Using fingertips again, poke and prod your chorizo & oregano leaves into the dough all over. Then rest your focaccia again for 40 minutes.

10. Bake your focaccia at 200°C until it is firm and golden, around 30 minutes.

When it comes out of the oven, drizzle once again with olive oil and allow it to soak in for 5 minutes. The take your bread from the tray and cool on a wire rack. vantagepointmag.co.uk

FOOD Sweet Onion & Goat’s Cheese Tear & Share Bread Onions are underrated. Most commonly used as a base for sauce, stew, soup and anything else you can think of, the flavour of an onion when cooked nicely is a great compliment to fresh bread. I’m not talking about cooking down with red wine vinegar and brown sugar until sweet and sticky, just simply and slowly in butter and oil until the natural sweetness is released. Have a go at this recipe and see the humble onion in a different light.

Ingredients For the bread 500g strong white bread flour 10g salt 15g fresh yeast (or 7g dry) 350g tepid water For the filling 1 large onion Butter Olive oil A few sage leaves A pinch of salt A nice slice of French Chevre Blanc goat’s cheese

1. Make your filling, Peel your onion and slice thinly. Heat a good knob of butter in a pan along with a splash of oil, your butter will sizzle and then stop. Add your onions to the pan now, before the butter browns and add a generous pinch of salt too. The salt will season the onions and also help draw the moisture out.

2. Cook the onions for 15-20 minutes until very soft and sweet, if they look like they may be browning along the way, turn the heat down. When they are ready, mix in your chopped sage leaves and set aside to cool.

3. Make your dough. Weigh your flour and salt into a big mixing bowl and mix together. Weigh your water into a jug, add your yeast to it and let it disperse through the water with a little gentle help from a fork. If you are using dry yeast, make sure it has completely dissolved before moving on.

4. Add your yeasty water to the dry flour mix. Mix this all together until there is no dry flour left in the bowl.

5. Turn out your dough onto an un-floured surface. Don’t be tempted to add flour or oil at this point, your dough will be sticky and will get all over your hands and table but don’t worry!

6. Work the dough for 15 minutes. Set a timer and get kneading. Take the end of the dough that is furthest away from you with one hand and push it away from you with the heel. Then fold it back over the top, and repeat. This will be difficult at first because your dough will be very sticky and will break easily, but keep at it. As your

15 minutes passes it will become much easier to handle. Use a dough scraper to gather your dough back together every few turns.

7. Lightly flour your surface and make your dough into a ball by taking the end furthest from you, stretching it out slightly, and folding it over towards you.

Turn your dough 90 degrees and stretch and fold again. Keep working around your dough making it more and more round until you are happy with it. Then return it to the bowl, smooth side up.

8. Cover your bowl loosely with a cloth and let it rest in a draught free place for one hour.

9. When you return to your dough you should find that it has risen nicely. Turn it out onto your floured work surface and flatten with the tips of your fingers into a large rectangle.

10. Spread your onions and crumbled cheese all over the dough going right to the edges, then roll it up. Start with the side closest to you and roll up the dough like a Swiss roll.

11. Slice your dough sausage into 4cm rounds with a sharp knife, then line a baking tray with paper and line up your rounds about half a centimetre apart from each other on the tray.

12. Allow your dough to rest again for around 40 minutes with a tea towel on top.

13. After this time your bread swirls will have risen nicely and be pressing up to each other. Bake your bread at 200°C for 30 minutes until golden, cool slightly and enjoy!

Top 3 Bread Baking Tips • Set a timer when you knead. The most important stage of bread making is kneading, make sure you set a timer and take it easy, 15 minutes is a long time!

• Double check ingredients. It may sound obvious, but double check your weights and measures. If you are adjusting a recipe write it down!

• Keep yeast away from salt. Yeast is a living thing! If it touches salt it will die, and your bread will become a pancake.

January 2014

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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

1pm. The dates are: 18th January, 1st February, 15th February, 1st March, 15th March, 29th March, 12th April, and 26th April. There, we have helped you fill your new diary up already!

CRANLEIGH CAMERA CLUB EXISTS TO PROVIDE A REGULAR OPPORTUNITY FOR LIKE MINDED INDIVIDUALS TO ENJOY AND FURTHER THEIR INTERESTS IN THE BROAD SUBJECT OF PHOTOGRAPHY. It was established in the 1960s. It currently has around forty members. The age and ability range of the members is wide, and anyone interested in joining the Club need not feel that the meetings would be too technical! They welcome all interested people to come and attend a couple of their meetings to see if you like them – they don’t ask people to pay up immediately. The club meets most Thursdays (September to June) at the Baptist Church Hall, 262 The High Street, Cranleigh. The church is located at the western end of the village, near the Cranley hotel and Jewson’s. There 44

is no parking at the church itself but ample parking is available in Sainsbury’s car park. Park at the far end and the pedestrian exit will bring you out behind the church where the entrance to the church hall is situated. Meetings open at 7.30pm for 8pm start and consist of talks, demonstrations, competitions and practical sessions. The programme for January starts on 9th with a presentation

by Ann Smith ARPS of prints created in a traditional darkroom and digital images.

On 16th there’s an Image workshop/ critique when members can gain advice on images intended for the forthcoming competition, with Miles Thompson.

On 23rd it’s Competition Round 3 Set Subject: ‘Ready to Eat’, Judge: Ian Brash.

Projected Images - Advanced & Club Class. Monochrome Prints - Club Class.

Finally on 30th, ‘How to Make an AudioVisual Presentation’ with Pete Baldrey.

Gain ideas on how to make your own AV. BOOKING IS NOW OPEN FOR RHS LEISURE LEARNING COURSES FOR 2014. All four RHS gardens offer a wide

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range of courses and workshops pitched at different levels to enhance experience and knowledge of plants and gardens, from pruning and propagation to art and photography. If you would like to know more, it’s all on their website. For details of the Wisley courses just go to www. rhs.org.uk/courses.

WONERSH HISTORY SOCIETY’S NEXT MEETING IS ON SATURDAY 18TH JANUARY AT 2.30PM. Anne & Glyn Powell-Evans will be giving a Magic Lantern Show at Lawnsmead Hall, Wonersh. Tea and Biscuits will be available and everyone is welcome.

GRAYSHOTT FOLK CLUB’S FIRST GIG OF THE YEAR IS ON FRIDAY 24TH JANUARY AT GRAYSHOTT SOCIAL CLUB STARTING AT 7.30PM. It features one of Scotland’s finest folk rocking bands, The Bully Wee Band. They are four guys who have certainly been making music for a wee while. They are: Ian Cutler, violin, keyboards and vocals.

Colin Reece, guitar, octave mandolin and vocals. Jim Yardley, mandolin, whistles vantagepointmag.co.uk

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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

and vocals. Fergus Feely, mandocello and vocals. They are highly talented and great fun and will be sure to give everyone a big boost at this gloomy time of year. Tickets at £14 can be obtained from Magical Rooms and Grayshott Social Club.

AFTER A NUMBER OF YEARS OF RELATIVE POST RETIREMENT INACTIVITY, I HAVE BECOME RATHER HOOKED ON PILATES AND I DO THINK IT IS DOING ME QUITE A LOT OF GOOD. So I was intrigued to hear about ‘Total Barre’. Apparently, it’s where Ballet meets Pilates and classes are starting in January at We Love to Dance who have a lovely dance studio in Shalford. No, I don’t think it will be for me, but I would think it might be of interest to quite a lot of you. Have a look at www.welovetodance.net for more information on this and all the other dance, yoga and pilates classes they hold. Apparently they are doing a show next year at the Ben Travers Theatre to raise money for Help for Heroes and January 2014

Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice. I’ll keep you posted.

LOCAL ESTABLISHED ARTIST CHRIS GOLLON HAS BEEN INVITED TO EXHIBIT HIS WORK IN GUILDFORD CATHEDRAL. Taking as his theme ‘Incarnation, Mary & Women from the Bible’, the exhibition will run from 28th February to 3rd March. He is well known for his religious paintings and from 2000-2008 he painted a major series of religious works, Fourteen Stations of the Cross, which were blessed by Richard Chartres, Bishop of London, and are now permanently installed in the Grade 1 listed Church of St John on Bethnal Green designed by Sir John Sloane and located next to the Museum of Childhood in East London. Chris Gollon lives and works in Surrey and a selection of his secular works is also being exhibited at the Wey Gallery in Godalming. (www.theweygallery.com or tel 01483 418013). Do pop in and see some of the work of this important painter. You can find out more about him

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on his official information website www. chrisgollon.com.

HAVE YOU BEEN FEELING LESS THAN FULFILLED OVER THE HOLIDAY SEASON? Then what better way to start the New Year than by meeting new people with whom you can share stimulating experiences, enjoy lively discussions and generally have more fun? As a social club for unattached over-fifties, Affinité has a vital role to play in a society where ‘feeling lonely’ is becoming an epidemic, as perilous as smoking once was. If you would like to start the New Year by making new friends and taking up new interests, Affinite is an organisation that will certainly help you along the way. Find out how Affinité, a non-profit club run in Surrey by its members for its members, can change your life at www.club-affinite.co.uk , or call Richard on 07773 242244 – start your new resolution today!

DON’T FORGET THERE IS A FOLK MUSIC SESSION EVERY MONDAY AT THE STAR IN CHURCH STREET 45

GARDEN

What to do in

January With Matthew Pottage, Garden Manager at RHS Garden Wisley

J

anuary can be one of the coldest months and in our wonderful garden at Wisley, we can suffer temperatures as low as minus ten to fifteen degrees. With this in mind, you need to keep a close eye on any winter protection structures or measures you have in place to make sure they are still secure. Re-wrap any tender plants whose protection has been unravelled by the windy weather and replace any soggy fleece for fresh, dry material. Also remember houseplants on window sills that are closed between a thick curtain and a freezing cold pane of glass may be damaged by the cold, especially some orchids, so ensure they spend the night in the room itself, before returning to the windowsill when the curtains open the following morning.

Maintenance If you want to avoid a year of bad luck then Christmas decorations should be taken down by Twelfth Night! Recycle your Christmas tree by shredding or chopping it into pieces before adding to the garden compost heap.

Even if all you have is a row or two of potatoes and carrots, vegetable crops should still be rotated to avoid disease build up. January is the perfect time to sit down in the warm and draw up a new planting plan ready for spring.

January can be a lean month for native birds with most of the trees already stripped bared of berries. It’s a good idea to put out some extra food and water to help birds get through the colder months, and remember a well positioned bird feeder near a window can bring much enjoyment to everyone indoors.

Planning for the season ahead Take the opportunity through these dismal, short days to really spend some quality time with the seed catalogues, collating an order for the summer ahead. I always like to try at least one new plant I’ve never grown before, and always keep an eye on new cultivars and varieties – going with the same variety every year doesn’t always breath new life into a display.

FIND OUT MORE

What to Harvest Lots of vegetables can be left standing in the ground and can still be harvested throughout winter. Beetroot, turnips, parsnips, Brussels sprouts, celery, swedes, cabbages and leeks should all still be fine to harvest and will make a tasty accompaniment to roasts and warming stews.

46

RHS Garden Wisley is the flagship garden of the Royal Horticultural Society, the world’s leading gardening charity. RHS Garden Wisley, Woking, Surrey, GU23 6QB. Visit rhs.org. uk/gardens/wisley to find out more

vantagepointmag.co.uk

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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

GODALMING AND AT THE HARROW IN COMPTON EVERY WEDNESDAY BOTH STARTING AT 9PM. Also, every 1st and 3rd Sunday at The Grantley Arms at Wonersh starting at 8.30pm.

All musicians, singers and audience welcome- it’s free; just turn up. Phone Kevin Gorton on 01483415962 or visit www.godalmingsessions.org.uk THE EWHURST PLAYGROUND PROJECT’S WINE QUIZ 2014 TAKES PLACE ON SATURDAY 18TH JANUARY, 7.30PM FOR 8PM AT THE EWHURST VILLAGE HALL. Do you know your Pinot Blanc from your Pinot Grigio? Do friends always ask you to order the wine at dinner? Or do you simply enjoy a glass or two on a Saturday night? With wine and questions to suit all palates, on your own or with a team – come and put your wine knowledge to the test, raise funds for the playground and have a laugh trying out a selection of white, red and sparkling wines. Noses at the ready! Tickets are on sale now, call 01483 267020 or email vantriet@btinternet.com The cost is January 2014

£10 per person and will help raise funds for The Ewhurst Playground Project. For further information visit www.facebook. com/ewhurstplaygroundproject.

I’VE BEEN ASKED TO LET YOU KNOW THE DATE OF THE EWHURST CARNIVAL 2014 AND HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY SUMMER SHOW SO YOU CAN SAVE THE DATE. So here goes, it’s on Saturday 12th July, 12 to 4pm. Mardi or Muddy Gras! It’s a traditional family day out, whatever the weather. Starting off with a street parade, entertainment, dog show, stalls and displays with a celebratory theme, there is also evening entertainment with the return of their regular Live Band - this time with a twist of soul, starting at 7pm. A fun day for the community organised by the community, so do put the date in your diary.

WEST SURREY DECORATIVE AND FINE ARTS SOCIETY BEGIN THEIR 2014 PROGRAMME OF LECTURES ON TUESDAY 28TH JANUARY WITH A LECTURE ENTITLED ‘EL GRECO AND TOLEDO’. 2014 marks the 400th

50>

anniversary of El Greco’s death in 1614.

In a lively and interesting lecture, Sian Walters tells us how El Greco, ‘the Greek’, came to live in Toledo in Spain.

Born Domenikos Theotokopoulos in Crete, he trained in Venice before settling in Toledo where he lived for the rest of his life, producing paintings in bold, brooding colours of Toledo and its neighbourhood. The Society meets in Shalford Village Hall on the fourth Tuesday in the month at 9.45am for coffee. Lectures start at 10.30am.

Details of their programme of lectures, visits and holidays for 2014 can be found on their website http://www.nadfaswestsurrey.co.uk. For more information ring Gail Gaisford on 01483 811671. New members and visitors are very welcome.

We stayed a night in Toledo during our travels in November, a very beautiful city rightly very proud of its connection with El Greco.

THE SURREY HILLS CHAMBER CHOIR IS CURRENTLY EXPANDING IN PREPARATION FOR ITS 2014-15 SEASON, 47

Wonderful Woolbeding This is a gentle walk taking in wildlife, riverside views and wide open landscapes. Woolbeding Estate in West Sussex is quietly tucked away in the tranquil Rother Valley. With its wide horizons and intimate secluded places, this huge estate has an extraordinary blend of habitats.

To the north are the wild and open greensand hills and commons. To the south take in glorious views from the parkland and wander along the River Rother with its steep-sided woods and pasture. It is an example of a mediaeval strip parish, divided by earth banks secured with stone-faced walls, marking boundaries between common and agricultural land.

Woolbeding Common is a lowland heath supporting rare birds such as woodlark and nightjar. Reptiles thrive here among heather and gorse together with specialist insects such as long-horned beetles.

Grazing by traditional hardy breeds maintains diverse, high-quality habitats. Old Spot and Saddleback pigs root down and break up the bracken rhizomes. Belted Galloway cows target graze the heath, and in the parkland browse alongside Sussex cows and Herdwick sheep. Their pasture lies beside the snaking loops of the River Rother shaded by magnificent oaks.

The walk 1. Walk through the field and turn left at the first field gate, heading down towards the river. Cross over Woolbeding Bridge and go through the gate on the left-hand side. Continue along the path following the meanders of the River Rother.

2. When you reach Stedham Mill you can see the water level has been raised and diverted which created a fast flow of water to power the mill. The huge tree beside it is a London Plane. Head back from the mill the way you came, and go straight along the path leading uphill into the woods. At the end, turn right and head up the marked footpath on the left through two farm fields. There are great views of the downs behind you. At the stile, turn right and cross the lane.

3. Follow the track into Woolbeding Common, which supports rare heathland.

You may see our Belted Galloway cows here.

Go past the house on the right and straight 48

up the track. Continue along this heathy path, which follows the old stone banked boundary wall. You will pass an area of sweet-chestnut coppice on your left.

4. Turn left down Eastshaw Lane for about 100 yards. Go through the gap in the hedge on the right and follow the field margins down hill. At the bottom, bear right and then turn left into the woods. Go under the pylons and continue along the path, which bears right. Enjoy the big open space and views of the downs. Follow the path along the hedge and continue about 50 yards down the track.

5. Cross the road where you can see a way marker pointing into a field. Turn left and follow the path. At the bottom of the field turn right and keep going until you reach the avenue opposite Woolbeding House. Walk up the grassy avenue which leads you back into Woolbeding Wood. Turn left at the top and the woodland path will take you back to the river. Turn left after the gate and head back to the car park. vantagepointmag.co.uk

kland car park,

r Midhurst.

WALK

Wonderful Woolbeding wander This is a gentle walk taking in wildlife, riverside views and wide open landscapes.

.8km)

mins

3

Terrain Gentle, easy going underfoot, some stiles and slopes. Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome.

Please note that there may be livestock in some areas.

Things to see This walk and information is taken from the National Trust with kind permisssion.

side@nationaltrust.org.uk

Moon pub y day and has s (not NT).

uk/walks

Image above Š National Trust/Fiona Scully

Damselflies You will see old oak pollards and banded demoiselles, similar to damselflies. Kingfishers are spotted occasionally so keep an eye out. Enjoy the lush vegetation and seclusion of this little-known path.

lk

Sweet-chestnut coppice

Tranquil woodland

This section includes the peace and tranquility of Woolbeding Coppicing is a traditional form Woods. of woodland management that produces typical multi-stemmed trees. It is used to produce sustainable materials for building, fencing and other traditional countryside crafts, but is also beneficial for all sorts of wildlife.

DISTANCE: 5 miles OS MAP: Explorer 133 oolbeding Parkland car park, FACILITIES: The nearby Half Moon pub serves food every day and has the A272 near Midhurst. toilets for patrons (not NT). tart/end TERRAIN: Gentle, easy going underfoot, some stiles and slopes. Well-behaved art: Woolbeding Parkland car dogs on leads are welcome. Please note rk, OS grid ref: SU 87481 that there may be livestock in some areas.

970 START: Woolbeding Parkland car park, oďŹ&#x20AC; nd: Woolbeding Parkland car the A272 near Midhurst.

rk, OS grid ref: SU 87481 Neither the publisher nor the author can accept any responsibility for any changes, errors or omissions in this route. Diversion orders can be made and permissions withdrawn at any time.

970 January 2014

49

ow to get there

n foot: Southern part of estate

1. Walk through the field and turn left at the first field gate, heading down towards the river. C

EAT

The Spread Eagle in Midhurst A treat for the whole family

W

hat the Vantage team enjoyed about lunch at the Spread Eagle in Midhurst was formal dining combined, unusually, with a relaxed atmosphere.

The setting and service helped us feel at home. Dating back to 1430 and one of the oldest coaching inns in England the restaurant has low oak beams and there was a welcoming fire in the fabulous Inglenook fireplace. Waiting staff combined discreet efficient service with a friendly down-to-earth demeanour.

Aiming to please young and old alike the menu is extensive and eclectic. It ranges from middle eastern mezze through to calves liver and bacon, from salmon with prawn wanton and Chinese greens to dishes majoring on ‘local’ Sussex ingredients.

The food was good and portions were just right. Of particular note was the Olde Sussex Cheddar Cheese Souffle with double cream and green beans, which was very rich, leaving a delicious twangy aftertaste and the prawn and scallop risotto which was mild and creamy, with plenty of scallops throughout. The apple sorbet was the perfect accompaniment to the crème brulee afterwards and would have been delicious as a dessert on its own. <47

THE SPREAD EAGLE South Street, Midhurst, West Sussex GU29 9NH 01730 816911 hshotels.co.uk Carol, Marcus and Stefan were guests of the Spread Eagle Hotel.

JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

WHICH INCLUDES SOME EXCITING FESTIVALS AND COMPETITIONS. In particular, it is looking for a second bass, tenor, a second alto and a second soprano. So if you’ve sung in a choir before, or can read music and sing in parts, now’s your chance to limber up your vocal chords and enjoy making some great music. It could be your key to a happier, healthier 2014 as a number of studies have all concluded that singing in a choir is extremely beneficial to your well being. Surrey Hills Chamber Choir is part of a family of choirs. They also have a ladies choir who rehearse on a Monday morning; a young people’s choir and a training choir for ages 6-7 who rehearse on a Monday afternoon. For more information, email debbie@surreyhillschoirs.co.uk or call 01483 276281 I’M PROBABLY PREACHING TO THE CONVERTED, BUT MEMBERSHIP OF THE NATIONAL TRUST DOES GIVE YOU AN INCREDIBLE CHOICE OF BEAUTIFUL HOUSES AND GARDENS TO VISIT. If you don’t mind travelling a bit there are some great places to be seen. One that caught my eye whilst going through NT places 50

Prices ranged from £7.50-£12.50 for starters and £18-£20 for mains. I thought it a clever inclusion to have ‘In betweeners’ on the menu which started at £8.50, for those who like smaller portions. To make it more affordable watch out for discount luncheon vouchers which are sometimes available – these can be downloaded from the hotel website (under ‘dining’).

This is an ideal venue for a family celebration lunch. It is traditional and formal enough to suit the grandparents and relaxed enough not to have to worry about the grandchildren’s behaviour!

If you do go, stay for coffee after your meal and ask to retire to the 15th century lounge.

It is so cosy, with two open fires either end of the room, deep sofas and a chest full of board games. I could quite imagine taking my book and comfortably whiling away an afternoon there, staying just long enough to be able to justify ordering afternoon tea! CM

to visit is Chartwell in Westerham, Kent.

The former home of Winston Churchill, it holds some fascinating exhibitions and events. From Wednesday 1st January to Sunday 23rd February, there is an exhibition featuring the gifts Churchill received during his lifetime, some pretty lavish ones I would think. It is open from 11am to 4pm. You can call 01732 868381 for more information or just google Chartwell.

WITH TEMPERATURES NOW BEGINNING TO FALL RAPIDLY, THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION FOR SURREY IS URGING PEOPLE TO DONATE TO ITS SURVIVING WINTER APPEAL AND SUPPORT OLDER MORE VULNERABLE MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITIES. Surviving Winter aims to tackle isolation and support those who are in need by funding local groups in Surrey delivering vital services such as befriending schemes. Older residents, who can afford to, are being asked to donate their Winter Fuel allowance from the government to help support community projects. Donations are also welcome from all Surrey residents who

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wish to support the appeal. Last winter over 530 deaths were directly attributable to the weather, the majority of them being older people. Your donation can help improve the health and well-being of older people in the county. Dame Sarah Goad DCVO JP, Her Majesty’s LordLieutenant of Surrey and Patron of the Community Foundation for Surrey and Bernard Cribbins OBE have both pledged their support for the appeal by donating their winter fuel allowance. If you would like to donate to the appeal please send a cheque to: Surviving Winter Appeal 2013, Community Foundation for Surrey, 1 Bishop’s Wharf, Walnut Tree Close, Guildford GU1 4RA. CLANDON PARK NEAR GUILDFORD HAVE A FEW INTERESTING EVENTS COMING UP. ‘Stars at Clandon’ is on Wednesday 15th and Thursday 16th Jan from 5pm to 7.30pm - an evening of stargazing in association with BBC Stargazing LIVE with telescopes and expert advice, and indoor and outdoor activities for all the family. The shop and restaurant will be open. £2 adult, £1 child, pre-booked schools free. ‘Upstairs, vantagepointmag.co.uk

PROFILE

Practical Philosophy – Is that Possible?

Philosophy literally means ‘love of wisdom’.

But what does it mean to be wise? This is one of the key questions addressed at Practical Philosophy – an international educational charity, which has been offering innovative courses for the past 40 years in Guildford & Farnham - and now in Horsell, Woking.

What does it mean to approach the love of wisdom practically?

“Practical” means “acquired through practice or action, rather than theory, speculation, or ideals and therefore the course helps to discover what philosophical concepts really mean in the light of our own experience. The course attracts a wide range of age groups from all backgrounds.

No prior philosophical education is needed. All that is required is an open mind, a willingness to participate and an interest in discovering something new about the art of living well.

Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive; one attendee said “I am eternally grateful for everything I am learning. It has enriched my life and helped in no end of situations”.

The new course starts; Woking: Monday 13th January, 7.30pm Farnham: Wednesday 15th January, 7.30pm Guildford: Thursday 16th January ,7.30pm & Saturday 18th January , 10am

London. Further information on the School as a whole is available through the website www. schooleconomicscience.org. Both the parent school its branches are run as an independent educational charity.

In Surrey and surrounding areas thousands of residents have participated over the years in the ten week course in practical philosophy held at the Guildford branch. With very few exceptions, participants have found them to be of great interest and practical benefit.

Those completing the course can, if they wish, return for further terms where the issues covered in the course are examined in greater detail.

For many years the Guildford Branch hired various premises to hold the courses, but in 1994 we were fortunate to be able to purchase our own building at 26a Portsmouth Road, Guildford and this is now a dedicated establishment where the practical philosophy and other courses are offered.

The Farhnam course is held in excellent rented premises.

Within the Guildford Branch all of the work carried out to prepare the building and tutor the classes is carried out on a volunteer basis – there are no paid staff, the fees we charge are solely to cover the costs of the building and administration. www.practicalphilosophyguildford.com Tel: 01483 457769

For those wishing to find out more about the course before committing there is a FREE Introductory talk in Guildford, 26a Portsmouth Road, GU2 4DJ on Wednesday 8th January, which starts at 7.30pm.

We are the Guildford Branch of the School of Economic Science, with Head Offices in January 2014

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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

Downstairs: A Country House in winter’ is on every Saturday from 18th January to 15th February, 11am to 3pm - visit Clandon Park and find out how servants of the past and staff of the present keep Clandon “spick and span”. Have a go at tamping the rugs or polishing the copper!

Adult £5.10, Child £2.50, NT members free. ‘Family Fun Sunday at Clandon Park’ is on very Sunday, from the 19th January to 16th February, 11am to 3pm - enjoy indoor and outdoor activities, including a garden trail and arts and crafts. Check website for details on activities on each Sunday. Adult £5.10, Child £2.50, NT members free.

AN EXHIBITION BY WELL-KNOWN LOCAL ARTIST AND HISTORIAN STEPHEN GODDARD WILL FEATURE ONE OF HIS FAVOURITE SUBJECTS STEAM TRAINS. His pictures focus on the 150th Anniversary of the London Underground system in 2013 - the world’s first underground railway. By way of celebration steam was allowed back onto the underground system.

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This collection of work records about a year of chasing steam hauled trains around the capital and with it the artist’s discovery of the Regents Canal and many other delights of off-beat London.

For this exhibition Stephen has gone back to his roots as an artist with an exhibition consisting entirely of pen & ink drawings as the black & white medium perfectly complements the subject matter. Godalming Museum is located at 109a High Street, by the Pepperpot.

It is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10 am to 4pm. Admission is free but donations are welcomed. The Local Studies library is open in the afternoons from 1pm to 4pm. Light refreshments are available throughout the day. Children are always welcome. There is a delightful Jekyll style garden at the rear of the museum and an excellent gift shop. Godalming Museum is run in partnership by Waverley Borough Council and Godalming Museum Trust.

For further information contact the Museum on 01483 426510.

WONERSH PRE-SCHOOL ARE HOLDING

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A FRIDAY NIGHT CURRY AND QUIZ. Come and enjoy a fun night out in aid of Wonersh Pre-School on Friday 7th February, 7.30pm at Lawnsmead Hall, Wonersh. Teams of eight for the quiz and tickets £10 per head (includes curry). If you can’t make up a team of 8 we would still love to have you. Just put ‘pot luck’ as your team name on the booking form.

Contact: curryandquiz@yahoo.com to receive a booking form.

DON’T FORGET THAT THESE JOTTINGS - YOUR COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD - ARE HERE FOR YOU TO PUBLICISE YOUR LOCAL EVENTS AND NEWS. It is a free service that we offer the local community because we are all local people and we know how useful this is for organisations as well as for readers who want to find out what is going on. Please email jotting@vantagepublishing.co.uk the first week of the month prior to the month of the event and we do our very best to publish your information. Please email us if you would like copy deadlines for 2014. vantagepointmag.co.uk

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Jive Courses Starting 8th and 9th January Wednesday at Stoughton Social Club, 172 Worplesdon Road, Guildford GU2 9UY

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WIN

WIN £100 VOUCHER FOR BEL & THE DRAGON Formerly a congressional church built in the 1600s, Bel & The Dragon in Godalming’s striking architecture has been maintained to beautifully reflect the grand nature of the historic building. First converted into a bar and restaurant in the late 1990’s, Bel & The Dragon’s most recent makeover was masterminded by interior designer, Nicola Harding, which has resulted in a spectacular new interior that offers an array of flexible spaces for both eating and drinking – whether it’s a morning coffee on the sunny terrace, cocktails at the bar or private dining on the mezzanine.

Head chef, Daniel Cohan and group head chef, Ronnie Kimbugwe, former sous chef of Gordon Ramsay at Claridges, have worked together to create menus that boast the very best in British cuisine.

At the bar, cocktails are high on the agenda with an impressive list that includes classics such as the Margarita and the Mojito alongside Bel & The Dragon’s own creations; the Bel Bloody Caesar and the Elderbubble. An equally tempting selection of wines, from around the world, including some of the very best vintages of fine wines are also available.Visit belandthedragon.co.uk for more details.

To enter, please answer the following question and send your answer with full contact details to gina@samphirecommunications.com Q: Name one of the cocktails offered by Bel & The Dragon Please send us your entries by 31st January 2014. The voucher is valid until 31st March 2014.

WIN A SPA DAY AT THE SPREAD EAGLE SPA This Spa day for two includes full use of the facilities, the gym, indoor pool, spa pool, steam room and sauna.

A Temple Spa Signature Treatment called My Kinda Mood which includes a facial and massage. Then an Express Manicure and an Express Pedicure. A Two Course Lunch in the award-winning Hotel Restaurant with a Glass of Champagne each.

Set in the heart of the historic Sussex market town of Midhurst, The Spread Eagle Hotel is one of the oldest coaching inns still in existence in the UK, dating back to 1430. The Spa brings a distinctly contemporary touch to this historic hotel, with excellent facilities beneath a Scandinavian-style vaulted wooden ceiling.

Visit hshotels.co.uk/spread-eagle-hotel-and-spa for more information.

To enter, please answer the following question and send your answer with full contact details to marketing@hshotels.co.uk.

Q: From what year does the Spread Eagle date?

Please send your entries by 31st January 2014.

Please enter online at vantagepointmag.co.uk or by post to the address at the front of the magazine.

TERMS & CONDITIONS OF ENTRY: By entering these competitions you agree to receive periodic emails from VantagePoint Magazine,Vantage Publishing Ltd and the originator of the competition you are entering.You can opt out of receiving these at any time and your data will never be passed on for use by third parties.The prizes are non-transferable and have no cash alternative. Only one entry per person per competition and prizes will only be sent to homes with a GU and KT postcode.

Aged 40-74?

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