VantagePoint Magazine October 2014 - Guildford & Villages

vantagepointmag.co.uk

Guildford & Villages • October 2014

VANTAGEPOINT VANTAGE POINT YOUR COMMUNITY  YOUR VIEW

MAGAZINE

Also inside: IT’S PUMPKIN TIME! MAKE YOUR OWN CIDER NATURE’S AUTUMN BOUNTY WALKING WITH THE NATIONAL TRUST

FOOD FOR THOUGHT Our local farm and food shops

“ I want to be a

picnic bench

when I’m recycled ”

Pledge to recycle your bottle and give it the chance to be reborn Make your pledge using or by visiting

TO THE POINT It really is getting autumnal now, which is always a good reason to think about food, and that is why we have made this issue a bit of a foodie one. It does seem to be one topic that we regularly feature and one that almost everyone enjoys. Another is walking. I am always slightly surpised (and very delighted) when I see readers Stefan Reynolds out on their strolls with a copy of VantagePoint Editor & Publisher in hand doing one of our monthly walks.

This month we have teamed up with the National Trust (NT) who are running a national campaign called the Great British Walk. We are featuring a number of guided walks that the NT will be running throughout October. We also profile some NT owned areas locally that make for great walking; just what is needed after that

The local magazine produced by local people for the local community,

big Sunday roast. Given my imminent aquisition of a dog (Humphrey, pictured left), I’ll be needing some new routes before too long!

Another theatre tip for you. A while back I went to see The Play That Goes Wrong at the Yvonne Arnaud and I could not stop laughing. It was terrific and really is a must see. It has now gone back to the West End after a regional tour and is playing at the Duchess Theatre until February 2015. Don’t just take my word for it. “This hilarious spoof of a college theatre production is a cult hit in the making”, Charles Spence (Daily Telegraph). The perfect antedote to the arrival of the cold weather. stefan@vantagepublishing.co.uk

VantagePoint is published by Vantage Publishing, a Godalming based local magazine business which was first established in 2009 when we launched our first community magazine.

We now publish five community magazines which are delivered monthly

by Royal Mail to 107,277 homes across the South East, which gives us the largest local circulation in the local area, all with guaranteed delivery by your postman.

Vantage Publishing Limited 6 Chestnut Suite, Guardian House, Borough Road, Godalming, Surrey GU7 2AE.

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

01483 420173 01483 418141 Editorial: 01483 421601 Sales:

For more articles and Jottings, visit it us online at

vantagepointmag.co.uk THE VANTAGEPOINT TEAM Marcus Atkins Sales Director marcus@vantagepublishing.co.uk

Trish Soper Sales trish@vantagepublishing.co.uk

Carol Martin Sales carol@vantagepublishing.co.uk

Georgie Hales Sales georgie@vantagepublishing.co.uk

October 2014

Contributors: David Gillott, Matthew Pottage, Peter Sibley, Nevin Stewart, Jethro Tanner Print: Polestar Stones Cover: Godalming Food Company

3

CONTENTS Rugmart June 14_Layout 1 15/05/2014 15:26 Page 1

N

Rugmart

40

"The Place to buy Rugs"

6 Jottings Your local community noticeboard

8 It’s Pumpkin Time!

With Secretts Farm

13 Food for Thought Local farm and food shops

16 Sweep that Chimney 20 Cider Made Easy

LE N A O S OW

8

Specialists in Genuine Handmade Rugs including 1000's of different types of Tribal Rugs from Afghanistan, Classical Persian Carpets and Runners, Vegetable Dyed Kilims, Fine Geometric Bokhara Rugs from Pakistan, Deep Pile Embossed Indian and Chinese Carpets and Rugs in Finely Woven Silk and Woollen Pile.

• Visit our Rug Showroom and be inspired by a Treasure trove of Rugs spread over 3 floors & 5000 sq ft • The Largest Selection Of Handmade, Modern & Contemporary Rugs Outside London

Make your own cider with the ‘juice and strain’ method

24 Rugs What tale does it tell you?

Large/Oversize Rugs

Afghan Rugs

Persian Rugs

Tribal Rugs

Traditional Rugs

Runners

Contemporary Rugs

Designer Rugs

Modern Rugs

28 Health Say goodbye to your pain in the neck

32 Nature’s Autumn Bounty Recipes using wild ingredients

34 Food Three recipes from Four Gables

38 Garden Advice for October

40 Walk Great British Walks with the National Trust

Underlay provided for all types of flooring

Handwoven Wool Striped Rugs - 50% OFF

43 Prostate Project OctoBeardFest appeal

45 Business Cards Small ads for trades and services

Runner - £99

3’ x5’ - £49

4’x6’- £119

5’ x8’ - £199

6’x9’ - £349

8’x10’ - £499

47 Win Enter our competitions

Rugmart

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. © Vantage Publishing Limited.

4

2 -3 Woodbridge Road, Guildford, GU1 4PU. Tel: 01483 578874 email: info@rugmart.co.uk www.rugmart.co.uk

Surrey's BIGGEST Rug Shop vantagepointmag.co.uk

October 2014

5

Jottings We have just taken part in the GUTS Motor Tour for the first time. It was great fun motoring through Surrey, Sussex and Hampshire through the most beautiful countryside on back roads we had never travelled on before. There were over 40 classic cars taking part, from a Rolls Royce Silver Ghost to an E Type Jaguar.

Our goal was Brooklands Motor Museum where we had a picnic and time to visit all the attractions of this wonderful museum. Hopefully a lot of money will have been raised for GUTS, our terrific local charity fighting bowel cancer. A full report will appear in VantagePoint in due course.

If you are interested in tracing your ancestors, why not consider joining the West Surrey Family History Society? They meet on the first Wednesday of the month in the Friends Meeting house in Guildford and you are welcome to go along and try a meeting to help you decide. Peter Christian will be talking about ‘Online resources for professions and occupations’ at the meeting on 1st October at 8pm. He will be outlining the main types of internet resources available to trace our ancestors’ working lives. He will also mention the historical material available to show the employments

- YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

which were open to our forebears.

Enquiries to Mrs Iris Hawkins on 01483 535986.

It’s been an exciting year for the Surrey Sculpture Society during their 20th Anniversary celebration year. The final exhibition of their season of arts events will be on display at Guildford Cathedral from 1st October until 6th November. Do drop in to view some of the unique and imaginative sculptures.

The David Shepherd Wildlife Gallery presents an exhibition, ‘Felines around the World’. It runs from 1st -31st October and the Gallery is open Monday to Friday from 9am5pm, Saturday 10am- 4pm. Entry is free. Natalie specialises in wildlife/ pet fine art from wildlife on our own doorsteps through to Africa, in which she re-creates her encounters from the wild. Visit the gallery to browse and purchase from Natalie’s collection of ‘Felines’ which includes various sized originals, limited/ open edition giclee prints, plus find out about her new fundraiser and her new released prints. All sales support endangered wildlife. The Gallery is situated at 7 Saba House, Kings Road, Shalford, Guildford, GU4 8JU. For more see www. davidshepherd.org.

10>

There’s a folk music session every Monday at the Star in Church Street, Godalming at 9pm and at the Harrow at Compton every Wednesday at 8.30pm. Also every 1st and 3rd Sunday at the Queen Victoria in Shalford starting at 8.30pm. All musicians, singers and audience welcome. It’s free just turn up! For more information phone Kevin Gorton on 01483 415962.

Guildford Natural History Society’s winter programme of talks resumes in October with no less than three talks, On Thursday 2nd, Jan Jesson will talk about her Scottish Holiday in the Western Isles - a visit to North West Scotland including Mull and Iona. On Thursday 16th, David McDowall will take us on an exploration of the landscape of West Surrey and how this shaped human activity, with witnesses from the past to illustrate how people lived.

And finally on Thursday 30th, Doddie Kent will explain the work of Birdline UK which rescues parrots from all over the country. There will be live birds present; they will not be flying about but some will be handleable.

All talks take place at the Guildford Institute in Ward Street (opposite the Library in North Street) starting at 2.45pm and finishing around 4.15pm. Talks are free to members

Jottings is your community noticeboard for local events and information, edited by Nick and Angie Crisell

To feature here, please email us at jottings@vantagepublishing.co.uk

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

@VantageLocalMag

Next Copy Date: 13th October 2014 6

vantagepointmag.co.uk

You can afford the kitchen of your dreams!

Local husband and wife team, Gary and Hayley Ashe, know how important it is to find a kitchen that not only looks amazing but that is practical, hardwearing and above all affordable.

In their locally based, award winning Dream Doors showroom at Westfield they can offer you a myriad of designs and finishes where you can get a proper feel of how your new kitchen will look. Plus, if you are only replacing the doors, you get to save thousands of pounds too!

Gary is proud of the service he and his team offer and their 5 start rating from Check-A-Trade who independently monitor and vet their recommended companies. He says: “What’s important to our customers is that we are a reliable and local, family run business who they can trust. We only employ the best local professional kitchen craftsmen, from tilers and fitters to plumbers and electricians, and we ensure that the service we provide both before, during and after the kitchen is fitted is second to none” He continues:

“We offer a complete all-in-one service from replacement doors to new kitchens that can transform a home in just a few days. The replacement door service that we provide can save the customer £1000s and they can choose from a huge range of styles and colours to suit every taste and budget” So, don’t wait any longer, phone Dream Doors today or pop in and see them at their Showroom in Westfield. Gary and his team will look forward speaking to you and arranging a FREE noobligation visit to assess your current kitchen and advise as to the options available. Before you know it, you’ll be on your way to your new Dream Kitchen! You’ll be so glad so glad you did!

Contact Dream Doors on 01483 750518 or visit the website at www.dreamdoors.co.uk.

Refresh Your Tired Kitchen!

Have you always wanted the kitchen of your dreams, but can’t quite justify paying the expensive price tag that comes with it?

Now you can by just swapping the doors and worktops. kitchen • Trusted reputation before..!

• Huge choice of worktops, doors & appliances • Installed quickly and cleanly by our own local professional fitters Visit our Showroom: 56 Westfield Road, Westfield, Woking GU22 9NG

Call Laura NOW for a FREE estimate:

Proud members of

Find us on

01483 378934 www.dreamdoors.co.uk

October 2014

7

It’s pumpkin time!

There is no getting away from the fact that autumn is well and truly upon us. The chilly evenings are closing in and the time has come for pumpkins, so say Secretts of Milford.

Aladdin, Cinderella, Black Forest and Wolf…..

Don’t worry, it’s not pantomime season quite yet; these are all varieties of pumpkin and squash. There are simply countless varieties of pumpkin, squash and gourd. With names as weird and wonderful as their diverse colours and shapes. Some of our favourites names are Baby Boo, Orange Dawn and Hooligan…. but never mind the random names. At Secretts Farm it’s the flavour that really interests us.

It was for food not decoration that pumpkins and squashes were originally grown.

Archaeologists and historians have strong evidence to suggest that pumpkins were grown by early Native American farmers along the banks of rivers and creeks, where the soil is rich in nutrients and naturally well-irrigated.

It is believed that a symbiotic growing method was used whereby crops of corn, beans and squash were all grown together in the same plot. The strong rods of corn served as a trellis for the bean vines, with the squash planted underneath to shelter the shallow roots of the corn and shade the ground to discourage weeds and preserve moisture. There is also evidence that a fish from the river was often buried alongside the seeds to nourish the soil.

How fascinating that so long ago growers were already practicing such careful crop planning so as to get the greatest yield from 8

the smallest areas of workable land.

The pumpkin crop is relatively new to us at Secretts. We’ve spent over 100 years growing a wide variety of root vegetables, herbs, salad leaf and fruit, so about five years ago we thought it was time that we tried our hand at growing pumpkins and squashes. We now set aside two of our larger fields for the crop and what a sight they are. On a misty October morning, row upon row of bright orange spheres laying on the moist earth.

It’s impossible not to be cheered by such a colourful crop.

But with so many fabulous varieties, shapes, sizes and colours to choose from it was hard in the beginning to know which ones to grow.

We know our customers love food as much as we do, so it was not simply a case of growing the perfect pumpkin to carve into a Halloween jack-o-lantern (although this is important).

We also wanted to be sure that the varieties we grew would be great to cook with and to eat. And of course we supply many of the top London chefs, so for them, flavour and quality is absolutely paramount. We have developed our range over the last few years and have now settled on a mix that includes traditional carving varieties such as Lumina as well as some tastier ones such as Turks Turban and Harlequin.

So, apart from carving a spooky face and setting it aglow with a candle, what else can you do with your pumpkin or squash?

Those early Native American growers simply roasted it over the campfire or dried it to provide a valuable food source throughout the vantagepointmag.co.uk

cold winter months. They may well have been onto something as simply drizzled with oil and generous seasoning roasted squash is sweet, nutty and quite delicious!

Jump forward to the days of the Pilgrim Fathers and early thanksgiving celebrations where pumpkins and squashes became an important part of the traditional feast.

Pumpkin Risotto with Crispy Pancetta Ingredients • 570ml chicken stock • Small onion, finely chopped • Handful fresh sage leaves, roughly chopped • 2 tbsp olive oil • 175g risotto rice • 250g pumpkin or squash flesh, peeled and cubed • 50g unsalted butter • 8 slices of pancetta Serves 4 Method • Heat the stock until boiling then keep it over a very low heat. In a separate pan heat the oil and soften the onions until they are translucent, add the sage (reserving a small amount for garnishing) and cook gently for another minute • Add the rice and mix well to coat in oil, add one third of the stock and bring to a gentle simmer. When the stock is almost absorbed add the pumpkin flesh and a little more stock • Gradually add the stock a little at a time, stirring at all times until all the stock is added and the pumpkin is soft and the risotto has a creamy consistency. Taste and season to your liking.

• Meanwhile place the pancetta under a hot grill for a few minutes until it is crispy.

•To serve, stir the butter through the risotto and divide into four serving bowls.

Top each serving with two pieces of pancetta and a sprinkle of chopped sage.

October 2014

In the early days the pilgrims would cut off the top of the pumpkin and scoop out the seeds and loosen the flesh. The cavity would then be filled with cream, honey, eggs and spices.

The lid would be replaced and the whole thing buried the hot ashes of the fire to roast. Once cooked, the pumpkin-flavoured custard would be scooped out and shared among the guests.

Doesn’t that sound good?

The pilgrims also fermented a rudimentary beer from pumpkin, combining hops, maple sugar and pumpkin flesh and making a rich orange brew to warm the heart on a chilly October evening.

Nowadays there are many recipes ideas to make excellent use of the crop when it’s at its best in early autumn. We’ve shared a couple of our favourite recipes here, but this vegetable is so versatile the options are endless. Simple roasted pumpkin soup can be given a warming kick by adding a touch of chilli or cayenne pepper. Why not use chunks of pumpkin flesh as the base for a hearty vegetable curry; you could add aubergines, courgettes and sweet potatoes - sounds like a perfect Halloween Supper!

Oh wait! Don’t forget the seeds. Pumpkin seeds are high in protein and packed with iron, vitamin B and zinc. They can be roasted in a hot oven for around 15 minutes and sprinkled with soy sauce while they are still hot.

Fantastic on their own or tossed on your salad or risotto for a bit of extra crunch.

FIND OUT MORE

Pumpkin Week at Secretts takes place during October Half Term (27th October to 31st October).

There will be lots of pumpkin inspired tasters in the Farm Shop and the ever popular tractor rides up to the fields to pick you own pumpkin. Full details will be on the Secretts website www.secretts.co.uk.

9

<6

Jottings - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD - NOW IN DATE ORDER!

of GNHS. They welcome nonmembers although they ask for a small donation. Further details from Bridget Hopkins on 01483 275826.

The next Antique Collectors Fairs are on Thursday 2nd and Thursday 16th October at Cranleigh Village Hall, from 7am-3.30pm. Free entry and refreshments available.

The next Fairs in Shere Village Hall are on Sunday 12th and Sunday 26th October from 11am to 5pm.

Free entry and car parking and refreshments available.

calendars, bird food and feeders will be on sale. Visitors are very welcome; £3 per person. The Group also runs an extensive programme of field walks. On Saturday 25th October there will be a walk on Thursley Common, starting from the Moat car park, on the road between Elstead and Thursley. Grid Ref: SU 899416. Post Code: GU8 6LW. Starts at 9.30 am and ends about 1 pm.

Bring binoculars. The walk is not suitable for buggies, very young children or dogs. Full details of events and activities 01483 467074.

The RSPB Guildford and District Local Group’s next meeting is on Thursday 2nd October at Shalford Village Hall starting at 2 pm; Martin Kelsey will talk about the Nature and Landscapes of Extremadura, in the Heart of Spain. Evening meetings are held in Onslow Village Hall on the 4th Wednesday of each month starting at 7.45pm. On Wednesday 22nd October the speaker is Richard Crossley, author of the Crossley ID Guides. RSPB Christmas cards,

I’m afraid there isn’t much time on this one but if you’re into fishing it will be of interest. A fishing day has been organised at Park Lake in the stunning Albury Estate, by kind permission of the Duke of Northumberland, on Saturday 4th October. They might still have morning tickets available where people can fish from 9.30am onwards. Bacon butties for breakfast and a delicious lunch is included, as is tackle and tuition if necessary. It’s

12>

a really super day out and is suitable for both novices and seasoned fishermen. The food is all home cooked. The price for the morning session is £45 per person and all proceeds go towards helping Kids for Kids projects in Darfur Sudan, helping children who face starvation in the villages. If you are interested, don’t delay; call 07970 732995 or email debbie@kidsforkids.org.uk.

The Guildford Astronomical Society will be holding another of their public outreach meetings on Saturday 4th October. It takes place at the Newlands Corner car park between 7pm and 10pm. They are calling the evening ‘A night under the stars’ and you are very welcome to join them to look through their telescopes at some of the celestial jewels visible that night. They usually have about 20 telescopes targeted on various sights. The evening is free unless you want to buy a warming beverage available from the National Trust shop.

They cater for all ages and levels

NEW INSPIRATIONAL COLLECTIONS

LIGHTING Showroom open 9:00am - 5:30pm Monday - Saturday Elstead Lighting Ltd, Elstead House, Mill Lane, Alton, Hampshire, GU34 2QJ Tel: 01420 590510

AUTUMN SALE SAT 18TH OCT SAT 8TH NOV

Discover more at elsteadlighting.com

10

vantagepointmag.co.uk

MILFORD •

Secretts’ Farm Shop

•

SUNDAY 19TH OCTOBER 10AM - 1.30PM

Celebrate Apple Day. Full bodied Ruben or rock hard Spartan. Core! We’ll have your juices flowing at Milford Markets’ Apple Day tastings.

Fun for all the family with over 20 varieties to sample.

So come along, meet our friendly stallholders and enjoy some of our wonderful, wide ranging local produce.

THE BAND OF HER MAJESTY’S ROYAL MARINES

I N C ONC E RT G Live, Guildford Saturday 18 October, 7.30pm 0844 7701 797 www.glive.co.uk

Want to find out more? Visit www.surreyfarmersmarkets.org

TASTE • TRUST • TOGETHER

RCN:226446

In home care services Live-in-care Surrey Senior home care Dementia home care 24 hour care at home Elderly respite care Long term care services Short term care services Adult care services

If you have home care needs, call us today on

01483 533367

for friendly advice on how we can help you and your family.

October 2014

11

<6

Jottings - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD - NOW IN DATE ORDER!

of expertise. All you need to bring are wellies, a warm coat and an enthusiasm to witness some of the astronomical treats you normally only get to see on the Sky at Night.

For more information visit their website www.guildfordas.org.

Guildford Borough’s Big Draw takes place from Saturday 4th October to Sunday 2nd November. The Council is hosting a programme of free creative events at 10 Guildford venues as a part of the Big Draw (the national campaign for drawing).

Each year there is a national theme and for 2014 it is ‘It’s our world’, a celebration of our environment and of urban and rural landscapes. All ages and abilities are encouraged to attend as many of these free events as they wish to take part in.

On offer are ten free drop-in creative workshops at 10 separate venues for all ages, a launch event on Saturday 4th October at Mill Studio, Yvonne Arnaud Theatre 9.30 – 2pm, with more activities on Guildford High Street in the afternoon and art

competitions and free prize draw. To receive an e-flier of the programme, send your name and contact email address and reference ‘Big draw mailing’ list to your subject line and contact: artsdevelopment@ guildford.gov.uk or 01483 444767.

You can also pick up a copy of the Big Draw leaflet from Guildford Tourist Information Office, 155 High Street, Guildford, GU1 3AJ open Monday to Saturday from 9.30am-5pm.

On Sunday 5th October in conjunction with the DropBy charity, there will be a free afternoon tea in the glass pavilion at Clandon Wood Natural Burial Ground. This event is for anyone over the age of 65 and living alone, who would like to meet new people.

Silver Sunday is part of a nationwide initiative set up by the Simon Milton Foundation to provide those over 65 with the opportunity to get out and about, meet new people and try new things. If you would like to join in, please call 01483 479614 to book a place. Places are limited so

17>

do book early. You can find out more at www.clandon.com.

On the 5th October, Peaslake Mountain Bike/Orienteering Team will be running another fantastic, organised and fun Mountain Bike Event within the area of outstanding natural beauty - The Surrey Hills. The event combines mountain biking with basic orienteering skills, entrants have 2 or 3 hours to visit controls set across a wide area including Pitch Hill, Holmbury Hill and Leith Hill.

The event regularly attracts over 200 entrants with Free Parking and a full fare of local food is available on the day; teas/coffees, burgers, hot dogs and most importantly lots of homemade cake. For further details and to take advantage of our special 20% discounted rate, register now at http://po.st/peaslakemtbo.

Guildford Travel Club welcomes you whether you’re a ‘seasoned’ or an ‘armchair’ traveller. The Club meets on alternate Tuesdays at Onslow

Providing personalised support in your own home “Based in Guildford we are a family run business that is committed to providing older people and young adults with learining disabilities with friendly & reliable Carers who genuinely care” Lucinda Kalupka, Nurse & Registered Manager

From just an hour a day to 24 hour support

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

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

We listen to your needs and together reach a solution

Call us today on 01483 224 985

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

We also have great opportunities for Carers

12

vantagepointmag.co.uk

FOOD FOR THOUGHT Back in April, we ran an article extolling the virtues of supporting local food shops after research had shown that for every £10 spent in a local food business, £25 was generated for the local economy. This compared with just £14 for each tenner spent at a multinational.

So what better way to support the local community than buying some of the wonderful local produce from some of our best farm and food shops? It is only by visiting these places than one realises the variety and quality of food that is produced locally. In addition to the growing number of shops, we have a number of regular farmers’ markets in the area, all of which showcase the best of local produce on a weekly or monthly basis.

Even pubs and restaurants are getting in on the act.

I see more and more menus with local ingredients proudly displayed. Paula and Jon Briscoe, owners of The Jolly Farmers in Buckland, have long supported smaller local suppliers and championed local foods. Says Jon: “We value the community and all the individuals that work together to make the local economic wheel turn. Working together and supporting one another brings opportunity and prosperity felt through the whole community and has never been so important in today’s economic climate.”

We are very fortunate in having a good selection of farm and food shops in the local area and have spoken to five of the best to find out more.

The Godalming Food Company 99 High St, Godalming GU7 1AQ. Tel: 01483 239891 www.godalmingfood.co.uk Opened in October 2012, the Godalming food Company likes to engage with both customers and local producers to bring the best local food and drink to Godalming’s High Street. They stock many unique items that you won’t find elsewhere and also have a thriving online shop that will deliver around the UK. It is also a perfect destination for foodie gifts (as the editor can attest) and their custom food hampers are popular all year round!

The range is always evolving, whether this is from customer recommendations, or seeking out new products themselves. They are currently building a takeaway (and eventual eat-in) offering, and are also looking to expand the tasting events in store.

They also do lunches and take-away coffees, made with their own house blend, roasted locally in Merrow. A donation is given for each cup sold to a locally based charity, Seeds for Development, who support the farmers in Uganda who grow their coffee beans .

Which products do you sell that are from local producers?

October 2014

For the second year running, they are a finalist for Independent Retailer of the Year, in the Surrey Life Food & Drink Awards, as nominated by customers. Well done!

“So many! Local food is our speciality – from cheeses to chocolates, cakes to coffee, wines and ales. If it’s local, we’ve tried it, and if it’s good, we sell it!”

What are your top three selling products (by volume)?

“Cheese (including local ones such as Norbury Blue), wine, and custom made gift hampers.”

READER OFFER VantagePoint readers will be offered a free cup of the house blend coffee to enjoy when they spend £10 or more in store in October. Just show this article.

13

The Hungry Guest Lombard Street, Petworth GU28 0AG Tel: 01798 344 564 www.thehungryguest.com The Hungry Guest opened in November 2011 and it really is striking that so many of the goods sold here are their own. They have an artisan bakery and production kitchens near the Goodwood estate which produces bread, jams, sauces, handmade pies, ready meals, smoked fish, meats and more, seven days a week.

Look out in store for the good range of British unpasteurized goats and sheep’s cheeses in the self-contained cheese room.

They also have a separate café in Petworth which is a short walk away but who minds a wander through the streets of Petworth?!

They have won several awards since opening, including Great Taste Awards for many of their products and were also named by

Vogue as one of the top 100 shops outside London last year.

Which products do you sell that are from local producers?

“Aside from being our own local producer, we stock meat and game from the Goodwood and Leconfield estates, local honey from Duncton, our free-range eggs are from a local farmer situated within walking distance of the shop. Local dairy products such as milk and ice cream and our fruit and vegetables are sourced from local growers too.”

What are your top three selling products (by volume)?

“Number one is often our infamous chocolate brownies!

People travel for miles to buy

them! Our temperature and humidity controlled cheeseroom is unique to the south and is also extremely popular and of course our range of over 25 sourdough breads have gained a great reputation since we opened.”

READER OFFER VantagePoint readers will be offered a free hot drink to enjoy when they spend £20 or more in store in October.

Just show this article.

Secretts Farm Shop Chapel Lane, Milford GU8 5HU. Tel: 01483 520500 www. secretts.co.uk The Secretts business was established in 1908, moved to Milford in 1937 and the Farm Shop opened in 1979.

Secretts still grow many of the products they sell which are available for sale just hours after having been harvested. The newly re-designed Farm Shop is also packed with individual and unique products sourced from local artisan producers, as well as top quality world food from every corner of the globe. It is one place I can usually rely upon to find those elusive ingredients you can’t easily find elsewhere.

On site there is a pretty vintage style tearoom, offering a wide menu of delicious homemade light lunches and afternoon teas. There is also a butcher 14

specialising in high quality locally sourced meat, a flower shop and clothing shop. They also have a Pick Your Own open from April to September, and their asparagus is fabulous and justifyably popular.

Future plans include the introduction of cookery demonstrations, workshops and tastings and updating the shop even further.

Which products do you sell that are from local producers?

“We sell lots of our own homegrown vegetables, salads and fruit. Bread and bakery products, cheeses, handmade pork pies, pastries and scotch eggs. We also cook our own hams along with homemade quiches, tarts, soups and pork pies.”

What are your top three selling products (by volume)?

“Our own asparagus (during its short 8 week season), strawberries and cheese from our legendary counter which has over 250 cheeses to try and buy.”

READER OFFER On production of this magazine, VantagePoint readers will be able to purchase a half price pumpkin from Secretts Farm Shop throughout October 2014.

vantagepointmag.co.uk

Kingfisher Farm Shop Abinger Hammer RH5 6QX Tel: 01306 730703 www.kingfisherfarmshop.com Kingfisher Farm has been a watercress farm since 1854. It has always been a family business, with fourth and fifth generations working together at present.

The shop was opened in 1971 and the owners make routine weekly early morning visits to the London wholesale market to bring back the ‘first of the season’ quality fruit, vegetables and flowers.

The shop has a good range of products and also offers a wide range of watercress products using local producers. I was impressed with the selection of English wines.

Also on site is the Flower Shop which opened in 2003, with a

wide selection of fresh cut flowers ,with an emphasis on British grown blooms. Their bouquets reflect the changing seasons and cater for all, from parties to weddings.

Outside there are seasonal displays of herbaceous, perennial, and bedding plants and also herbs are also available. They endeavour to source a majority of these plants from local and British growers.

Which products do you sell that are from local producers?

“Seasonal vegetable, salad and fruit crops, cheese, bread, eggs, cakes, jams, chutneys, honey, wines, beers, some meats, meat

pies, chocolates, dressings, flowers and plants, charcoal and logs.”

What are your top three selling products (by volume)?

“Our top three selling products at the moment are watercress, cheese straws, and onions.

Obviously our stock is seasonal so in December we sell vast amounts of brussel sprouts and parsnips and in June and July we will sell hundreds of punnets of strawberries.”

Cowdray Farm Shop Easebourne, Midhurst GU29 0AJ. Tel: 01730 815152 www.cowdray.co.uk Opened in 2010, Cowdray buy from many different suppliers and producers in order to make their range completely unique. They always endeavour to find the best of the best in whatever category.

Sometimes it’s local, sometimes it’s organic but it’s always delicious and typically will have been made by people who really care.

I was impressed with the number of brands I had never heard of (Summerdown peppermint tea made by a Hampshire farm), jams and pickles made exclusively for Cowdray by Ouse Valley and Pump Street Bakery Chocolate (handmade in Suffolk).

There are also a lot of their own products, including the chickens who lay the eggs that they sell in the shop are their own. Pork pies, October 2014

quiches, sausage rolls and other prepared foods are all hand made from the finest ingredients by the team at Cowdray.

There is a fishmonger who calls on Tuesdays and Fridays called Andrew Johnson of Johnson’s Fish who comes up from Portsmouth.

There is also a café on site and if you enjoy a cake made by the chefs there, look out for it on sale in the shop. An added advantage is lots of car parking on site and a great setting.

Which products do you sell that are from local producers?

“Apple juice, jams and chutneys, pork, eggs, cheese, vegetables, fruit, fudge, curry sauces, beer, firewood, charcoal, bread boards, honey, candles…. it’s a long list!”

What are your top three selling products (by volume)?

“Cowdray made quiche, Cowdray eggs, and interestingly Amalfi grown lemons!”

READER OFFER On production of this magazine, VantagePoint readers will be able to receive a 10% discount in the Cowdray Farm Shop café.

15

Sweep that chimney!

Fireplaces are going to start to get busy as the nights start drawing in and the cold weather starts to arrive.

With energy costs increasing, the use of stoves and real fireplaces is increasing, especially in this area, given the easy availability of wood to feed those fires. But how often do you check your chimney is in working order?

Your fireplace could be a hazard — and the problems are hidden from view.

Remember, it is the sweep’s job to clean the flue rather than the fireplace. To prepare for your chimney to be swept and to save time, it is important to clear the hearth space of old ash and debris, removing all fireside accessories and leave approximately one metre of clear space in front of the hearth prior to your chimney sweep arriving as this will ensure full access and promote a cleaner working environment.

Chimneys need to allow free passage of dangerous combustion gasses. Regular cleaning will remove soot and creosote, helping prevent dangerous chimney fires. Bird nests, cobwebs and other blockages will also be removed. Cleaning will increase the efficiency of some appliances. Every flue that burns solid fuel, and certainly every open fire or wood burning stove, needs to be swept regularly.

Some general tips:

The best time to have your chimney swept is now.

Waiting until late autumn means you might have to wait for an appointment, as that is the time when most people think of cleaning their chimneys.

It is always a good idea to have a small fire a day before the sweep calls, as most chimneys are not in use for the summer months and damp soot will soon accumulate. Damp soot left in the chimney is detrimental to the structure of the chimney. Older flues with brick/cement may start to rot as soot plus moisture produces an acid, which attacks the inside of the flue. Damp soot is more likely to be turned into mud and stick in the flue, eventually falling off when the fire is used again, perhaps leaving you with the impression that the sweep did not do a good job. Even the more modern stainless steel flues are susceptible to rotting from damp soot, so make sure you stay safe and get it cleared out.

16

• It is better to burn hard woods than soft woods. Not only do hard woods burn slower, making them more economical, they also make the fire burn hotter. This reduces the amount of creosote deposited inside the chimney, which will help keep your chimney cleaner for longer. Reducing the amount of this flammable substance inside your chimney also has considerable safety benefits.

• Have a good stainless steel bird and rain guard fitted to your chimney pot. This will keep your chimney free from bird’s nests, protecting wildlife by stopping any bird entering your chimney and dying, or worse, finding its way into your living room. It will also keep your flue as dry as can be.

• The best safety precaution you can take is to have your chimney cleaned and inspected by a professional chimney sweep on a regular basis. There are, however, warning signs that you can look out for yourself. A fire that is burning more slowly than usual can be sign of a partially blocked chimney, as can the presence of strong odours or smoke in the room.

Jethro Tanner from Bramley Chimney Sweeps. Tel 01483 421771, 07920 774004 or email bramleysweeps@gmail.com.

vantagepointmag.co.uk

Jottings - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD - NOW IN DATE ORDER!

<12

Village Hall at 8pm for illustrated talks on travel by a range of photographers, travellers, explorers, mountaineers and writers. On 7th October, Kev Reynolds talks on trekking the High Himalayas. He walks among the world’s highest mountains from the remote far west of Nepal into Sikkim. On 21st October, Oliver Gilkes, a widely respected archaeologist, visits Albania exploring this misunderstood country since it opened its doors. Membership for the season (October to April) costs £32. Visitors are welcome and will be charged £7 on the door. See www.guildfordtravelclub.org.uk for further details or contact Jenny Allan, Membership Secretary on 01483 452399.

to attend the Supper who have not purchased tickets, they may be obtained from the secretary, by calling 01483 893808. Looking ahead, at the next meeting on Tuesday 4th November, there will be a talk, entitled ‘Looking after your Pond’ given by Mr. J Clarke.

Onslow Village Residents’ Association present the ‘Apollo Jazz Collective’ live on Saturday 11th October in the Village Hall, Wilderness Road, Guildford GU2 7QR. The Apollo Jazz Collective is a group of 5 jazz musicians from the local area; they are young but musically mature and have been playing together for a couple of years.

Weddings, busking, and performing at functions have become regular and much enjoyed Notice is hereby given that the events for the quintet A great night’s Annual General Meeting of The entertainment starting at 7.30pm Dip District Couns, PostGrad Dip Psychotherapy MBACP with supper and a cash bar all for £14 Wonersh and Garden Club Studies, will take place on Tuesday 7th to OVRA members or £17 to nonOctober in the Memorial Hall at members. For tickets call 07788 7.30pm. It will be followed by the 537430 or email ovraticketsales@ Harvest Supper. For those wishing gmail.com or book at The Chelsea

Carol Pentland

Confidential Counselling and PsyChotheraPy guildford MSc Psychotherapy,in Diploma Integrative Counselling, MBACP Are you struggling with an area of your life

CONFIDENTIAL COUNSELLING that is causing you distress?

AND PSYCHOTHERAPY IN GUILDFORD

Do you feel you are being held back by Are you struggling with an area of your life is causing you distress? negative feelings andthat emotions?

Do you feel you are being held back by negative feelings and emotions?

18>

Flower Shop in Onslow Village.

For more information about the association’s activities and events see the OVRA website at http:// www.surreycommunity.info/ovra.

There’s a Special Family Event, ‘The Big Draw’ at Watts Gallery, Down Lane, Compton, Guildford GU3 1DQ. It takes place on Saturday 11th October from 11am-4pm. All activities are free; Gallery admission applies. Booking not required. Last year Watts Gallery hosted the Big Draw launch event for the Guildford area. Join them again this year and step back in time to take a traditional drawing class at easels with G.F. Watts as your instructor, plus lots of drawing games.

Kingfisher Watercress Farm in Abinger Hammer has been producing watercress for 160 years.

To mark the event they organised a three course watercress supper for 100 people in the Village Hall in May. It was so successful that they are organising another evening for

Independent specialist in the supply and installation of wood and multifuel stoves A complete service from one company

It helps to talk to someone

Contact me to arrange a consultation at surreyhillscounselling.co.uk Contact me to arrange a consultation at carol@surreyhillscounselling.co.uk • 07944 440005 surreyhillscounselling.co.uk

carol@surreyhillscounselling.co.uk 07944 440005

Over 35 stoves on display. FREE site survey Visit our showroom

See working stoves on display

Monday - Friday 9.30 am - 5.30 pm Saturday 10 am - 4 pm FREE PARKING

www.surreywoodburners.co.uk 8 St Johns Road, St Johns, Woking GU21 7SE

October 2014

01483 727534 17

<17

Jottings - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD - NOW IN DATE ORDER!

Saturday 11th October. A History of Kingfisher Watercress talk and Watercress Soup Supper will be held at Abinger Hammer Village Hall at 7.30pm. Cost is £10 per ticket.

Barrie Arminson who has worked as a watercress grower since 1958 will give a talk on the history of R.Coe and Sons and Kingfisher watercress in greater detail. To book I would suggest contacting Kingfisher Farm Shop or Abinger Hammer Village Hall.

On Saturday 11th October Merrow Village Bowling Club is holding a Jumble Sale. It starts at 10am and admission is 30p. It takes place at Merrow Village Hall, Epsom Road and Jumble items can be brought to the hall on Friday 10th October at 10pm and on Saturday 11th October from 8am.

Sunday 12th October at the Farncombe Music Club. Brian Player’s Acoustic Cafe features Brigitte DeMeyer, Ragged Staff and The Willow Band. Tickets £5 in

advance or on the door (just £4.40 inc. booking fee online). Tickets and information at www.wegottickets. com/julianlewrymusic or call 01483 421520. Doors open at 2pm, show starts at 2.30pm and finishes at 5pm. This event will be held in St. John’s intimate and casual Church Room and the café/bar will be open throughout. The whole event will be recorded and broadcast on presenter Brian’s internet-based Acoustic Cafe Radio Show, on which emerging artists are showcased alongside established performers.

The show is accessed at www. brianplayermusic.wordpress.com and is also syndicated to other stations throughout the UK. Come and browse stalls from Surrey’s finest wedding suppliers at the G Live Surrey Wedding Show on Sunday 12th October, from 11am-4pm. Sponsored by Simon Pure Jewellers, the show is perfect for brides who are looking to add a personal touch to their big day. You’ll be able to get ideas

Are you elderly and feeling lonely & isolated; no longer wanting to cook or shop and worried about the cost of repairing & heating your house BUT Not yet ready to move into a Care Home We are not a Care Home, but a Sheltered House, with a family feel, allowing for independent living in a caring environment with freedom from the concerns and chores of living alone.

Look around the house, meet the residents, staff & volunteers and find out what makes us unique.

Affordable rented accommodation in character houses All meals and utility bills included in rent.

01483 568936 www.abbeyfieldguildford.org.uk

22>

for everything you need, from the venue and your wedding cake, through to the photographer, florist and hair stylist. There will also be a catwalk showcasing the latest bridal wear from local designers. As well as established wedding venues, there will also be exhibits to help brides who are looking for a DIY and rustic style wedding including furniture and catering hiring, entertainment and serving staff companies and even fun for the little ones.

Guildford Rambling Club has a 10 mile walk organised for Sunday 12th October at 10am. Meet in Guildford Lorry Park. There is also another 10 mile walk on Sunday 19th October.

It’s a bit further afield; you need to meet at Ham House car park. See www.guildfordramblingclub.org. uk. For full information.

I’ve just seen the final lineup for The Guildford Book Festival which takes place between Sunday 12th and Sunday 19th October. There are loads of household names putting

Guildford

OPEN DAY Saturday 25th October 10am – 12 noon Roundhay, 3 Pit Farm Rd, Guildford, GU1 2JH

We provide a half-way house between coping alone and going into care.

18

Abbeyfield_half_Mar14.indd 1

05/02/2014 15:56

vantagepointmag.co.uk

Creative Blinds and Shutters

Toasty Days and Cosy Nights

...Because Home is where the Hearth is

NOW is the time to start thinking about making your home ‘toasty and cosy’ for the winter months: CALL NOW TO BOOK A NO OBLIGATION QUOTATION If you have an eye for quality , desire only the best workmanship, and live in the GU post-codes we can make your house a home with the installation of a first-class multi-fuel wood-burner.

We are a small, independent, family-run business established on reputation, recommendation and

01252 717772 www.farnhamstoves.com

Farnham Stoves ORDER BY 15 OCTOBER

TO GET YOUR SHUTTERS INSTALLED BY CHRISTMAS

Rely on reputation...

• Fast local service • Over 18 years experience • Conveniently located showroom

your local blind and shutter company.

Creative Blinds and Shutters Visit our showroom Monday - Saturday 11 The Street, Wrecclesham, Farnham, Surrey, GU10 4PP

T: 01252 727490 - 01483 651101 E: info@creativeblindsandshutters.co.uk www.creativeblindsandshutters.co.uk

October 2014

105 ad.indd 2

29/11/2013 10:39

19

Cider made easy The ‘juice and strain’ method allows clear apple juice to be obtained from whole fruit in a single step synchronous process. This is in marked contrast to the sequential two step pulp and press method. In juice and strain, whole apples go into the juicer at one end and clear apple juice is drawn off at the other. It couldn’t be simpler and, with the benefit of a juice containment and delivery adaptor, aka hose, the whole process is relatively mess free.

Once in possession of your clear juice, simple yeast addition and storage in a vessel fitted with air lock, designed to keep air out, guarantees you a finished crystal clear cider in a matter of only a few weeks. Nevin Stewart, of Onslow’s Dry® fame, takes us through the process. Roughly speaking, eight kilos of cider will make one gallon of cider. Visit http://juiceandstrain.wordpress.com for more details on quantities and the equipment you will need.

1. Pick, clean, and prepare your apples.

Check for ripeness by cupping a fruit in your hand and twisting gently. If it comes away easily from the tree then it is ripe. Also if a number of apples have already fallen this is a good indicator of ripeness. (Do not use windfall fruit for making fresh apple juice. They may be contaminated with enteric bacteria that do not wash off.)

Take all necessary safety precautions if using a ladder to harvest your crop. I have found that a telescopic apple picker is much safer, and is a good investment.

Double wash your apples and throw away any bad ones. If not using commercially grown apples, check your fruit for codling moth, and other insect damage by cutting the apple in half and removing any detritus.

2.Clean your equipment Apple juice and cider are foodstuffs, and all appropriate food handling and safety measures should be followed.

Wash your hands, sanitise all surfaces.

Sterilise all equipment that will be in contact with fresh apple juice. I use a stock solution of four Campden tablets per gallon of water to soak all the relevant parts and buckets for a couple of hours before use.

20

3. Set up the juicer and strainer.

Lay out a clean towel on the kitchen table, rinse off the juicer parts, and assemble your whole fruit juicer. Attach the ‘juice containment and delivery adaptor’, aka hose, to the juicer’s spout, and feed it into the straining bag, held within a straining bucket that has holes in its base. This assembly sits neatly in the open brewing bucket with a draw -off tap at the bottom.

Set up your strainer and fermentation bucket on a stool or box, high enough that you can fit your demijohn or carboy underneath the tap. Apples go in at one end, clear apple juice comes out at the other. It couldn’t be simpler.

4. Juice and strain It is important to note that domestic juicers are powerful machines and that all safety instructions should be read carefully and adhered to. Feed apples into the juicer with a steady, even pressure on the pusher. The higher the machine’s power rating, the faster you can go. When the pulp container fills up, empty it and discard the pulp.

After every 12 kg or so of fruit, dismantle the machine and clean the pulp off the centrifuge stainless steel mesh. You’ll find that the juicing work is done in a flash, although it takes a while longer for vantagepointmag.co.uk

all the juice to strain through. I obtain the last 5% of the expected 65% by weight of juice by wringing out the straining bag.

Scottish, you see!

What you’re left with in the bag is about 1% to 2% of the original apples. This very fine pulp can be used in apple muffins.

You don’t want it to end up in your fermentation.

5. Pitch the yeast.

While the last juice is draining, pitch the yeast into a measuring jug containing fresh, clear apple juice held at room temperature. This will allow the dried yeast to re-hydrate and kick-start your fermentation. Use a champagne yeast, a Saccharomyces bayanus, for simplicity and reliability. A 5g packet is enough to inoculate 5 gal (22.5 litres) of juice.

At this point measure the original gravity (OG) with a hydrometer and write it down. Later, this figure will allow you to estimate your cider’s alcohol percentage.

If the OG is low, top the bulk juice up with a little white sugar to reach 1.040.

After half an hour, stir the jug to disperse the yeast thoroughly, then pour it into your sterilised carboy or demijohns.

Fill these up nearly to the top with apple juice and put airlocks on top. Within the hour you should see bubbles coming out through the airlock.

6. Ferment Keep the fermentation vessel(s) in a warm place like the kitchen and after three to four weeks you should have a crystal clear cider ready to be racked and bottled. Check it with your hydrometer.

The reading needs to be 1.000 or less. If it’s still high, let fermentation continue.

October 2014

When the cider is finished, measure the final gravity and read off the alcohol content from an ABV chart or online calculator. For reasonably good storage, 5% ABV is considered the target minimum.

7. Bottle your cider Siphon your cider into recycled, sterilised beer bottles that will take a crown cap. If you want a still hard cider, just bottle as is.

If you want bubbles, then add ½ teaspoon of white sugar to a pint bottle, fill up with your cider, and cap.

After a few more weeks, a renewed fermentation should be complete and you’ll have some fizz.

8. Enjoy. your cider Your cider is drinkable once it has cleared. However, leaving your product to age in a cool outhouse, garage or shed over the winter will improve it. Ideally, you should aim to be drinking last year’s cider as you’re making this year’s batch.

Serve your cider chilled and take care when opening. If you’ve overdone the priming sugar, it can go off like a fire extinguisher. When serving, you can adjust the sweetness to taste by adding sugar cane syrup. But I don’t, because I prefer my cider as dry as it can be.

FIND OUT MORE

There is a short YouTube video on ONSLOWSDRY channel, entitled Cider making made simple. It shows this method in action. See: http://youtu. be/Qvc0cCh5r0c. More information is also available at http://juiceandstrain. wordpress.com.

21

<18

Jottings - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD - NOW IN DATE ORDER!

in appearances including BBC broadcaster Andrew Marr, cricketer Kevin Pietersen, best selling author Kate Mosse and General Sir David Richards to name but a few.

Commenting, Jim Parks, Guildford Book Festival Creative Director, said: “Over the past 25 years, Guildford Book Festival has grown to become the premier literary event in the South of England. Once again this year, we look forward to bringing the very best of national and local literary talent to the town, for the benefit of all readers.” To see the full line-up and to book tickets go to www.guildfordbookfestival. co.uk. Tickets can also be booked at Guildford’s Tourist Information Centre and the Electric Theatre.

U3A Wonersh autumn season is now under way and their programme lists some 25 activities which are available to members. Amongst them in October are Needlecraft on the 13th, Theatre Group (a talk about Theatre Plus) on the 15th, Wood carving (practical) on the 16th, Ballet Appreciation (Mayerling) on the 17th and Photography (Sequence Assembling) on 23rd. Most meetings are held at Lawnsmead Hall, Wonersh and a list of the whole programme of subjects and how to join their U3A, can be found on the website at www. wonershu3a.co.uk or call Jan their membership secretary on 01483 898339.

The new brochure of events from Surrey Libraries is out! Pop into your local library to grab one today.

This season they welcome Surrey favourite Susan Lewis to West Byfleet library on 14th October; get the opportunity to tackle our nerves when it comes to doodling in their Fearless Drawing Workshop with Kerry Lemon and meet the gang at the school gate with Kerry Fisher.

They will be offering a number of free drop-in sessions with their health partners across the county, so you will be able to pop into your local library for information, support and advice on a number of issues. Health workshops deal 22

with topics as varied as retirement, nutrition and chronic pain. This brochure really has something for everyone! Find all of the events, more information and tickets on the website at www.surreycc.co.uk/ writersbooked and www.surreycc. gov.uk/healthevents. Tickets are available to buy online, or by calling 01483 543599, or in any Surrey library. For all the latest news from Surrey Libraries, follow on Twitter @SurreyLibraries and like us on Facebook.

The next in the Historical Association’s popular series of Guildford lectures will be held on the 14th October at St Nicolas’ Hall, Bury Street, Guildford, GU2 4AW at 7.30 pm. Dr Robert Saunders of Queen Mary College, University of London, will talk on ‘Traitors to the Queen and Rebels to their God: the Chartist Challenge, 1837-48.’

Non members are very welcome (£3 at the door), students free. For further information on the meeting or about the programme and £12 annual membership ask Rollo Crookshank on 01252 319881 email crookshank@starkmann.co.uk.

RHS Garden Wisley, Woking GU23 6QB, is putting on ‘A Taste of Autumn’ from Wednesday 15th to Sunday 19th October, open from 9am to 5pm. Join in for an autumn celebration of tasty food, fresh air and glorious golden garden colour. Be tempted by food stalls galore selling everything sweet and savoury. Taste and buy lots of Wisley-grown apples; find out how to make juice and cider at home; plus fruit and vegetable displays, advice from the RHS Advice Team, RHS Seed Scheme information and family activities. The event is free once you have entered the Garden.

There are lots of other activities going on including half term Family Fun from Saturday 25th to Sunday 2nd November. Email wisley@rhs. org.uk or call 0845 260 9000. Also look at www.rhs.org.uk/wisley.

Guildford is perceived as an affluent area but within our borough we

26>

have areas of deprivation and poverty, an increasing use of food banks, and many vulnerable people, needing the support of local organisations and volunteers.

The Guildford Society is pleased to be hosting a talk about one of these organisations; Guildford Action, an independent registered charity, which has been quietly going about its valuable work within the local community for over 30 years helping homeless individuals as well as isolated families. Why not go along to their open meeting and learn about their work. The meeting is on Thursday 16th October, 7.30 for 8pm in St Nicholas’s Parish Centre. You can visit the website w w w. s u r r e yc o m m u n i t y. i n fo / guildfordaction/ Further to our Cider article this month, Nevin Stewart will be demonstrating the ‘juice and strain’ clear apple juice/cider making method in action at the Taste of Autumn Festival, RHS Garden Wisley on Thursday 16th and Saturday 18th October. Go along and see for yourself how easy it is to make your own cider!

The Wey Valley Decorative and Fine Arts Society’s next lecture, by Mr Ian Kelly, is entitled ‘Casanova’s Grand Tour: Art, Travel and Eros in the 18th Century’. It spans every major city in Europe as well as the expression of romance in the art and literature of that period. Why not give yourself a cultural treat and join them at Shalford Village Hall on Thursday 16th October at 10.45am, with refreshments from 9.30am, for this lavishly illustrated talk? 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 01932 355113 or visit their website at www.theweyvalleydfas.org.uk. vantagepointmag.co.uk

Milford Window Company Oct 13_Layout 1 12/09/2013 12:36

Are our clothes too tight or too loose?

Visit Swift Stitch

The Milford Window Company THE FAMILY RUN BUSINESS THAT’S NO PANE IN THE GLASS!

Make Your Clothes Fit!

• High Quality Tailoring, Altering & Repair Service • No Job Too Small • Suits, Wedding Dresses, Evening dresses, skirts, jackets, trousers, curtains, leather etc.

• Dry Cleaning Service Special 20% discount on presentation of this advert

Swift Stitch 8-12 Haydon Place (off North St. by HSBC), Guildford GU1 4LL

01483 304677 swift_stitch@hotmail.co.uk www.swift-stitch.com

• Aluminium Bi-Fold Doors • Composite Front Doors • UPVc WIndows • Aluminium Windows • Conservatories • Porches • Orangeries Insurance Backed Guarantees 1st Class Workmanship

01483 426141 www.themilfordwindowcompany.co.uk

Lynn Henderson t: 01483 901060

e: lynn@hendersonsfamilylaw.co.uk

For all family law matters: • Specialist legal advice • Collaborative law • Mediation FREE initial half hour The White House, 2a Meadrow, Godalming, Surrey GU7 3HN 01483 901060 www.hendersonsfamilylaw.co.uk October 2014

Rebecca Dziobon t: 01483 901058

e: rebecca@hendersonsfamilylaw.co.uk

Samantha Mabey t: 01483 901057

e: samantha@hendersonsfamilylaw.co.uk

Paul Linsell t: 01483 901060

e: paul@hendersonsfamilylaw.co.uk

23

What tale does your rug tell you?

Have you inherited a hand woven rug or bought one abroad on holiday? You may like its pattern or the colours but know little about the design or how it was made.

We asked husband and wife team Anas and Sandre from the Oriental Rug Gallery in Wey Hill, Haslemere to tell us more about the stories and symbolism the design motifs on your rug convey. So clear a space, unroll your rug and see if you can spot some similarities between the patterns on your rug and the motifs on opposite page.

Symbols on oriental rug weavings reveal an ancient language of metaphorical themes and allegorical elements drawn from the weaver’s world. These have been adapted over the generations, where the ‘woven word’ provided an enduring, pictorial form of recording ancestral traditions and family lineage.

Originally totemic and taslimanic in nature, rug motifs were deeply rooted in the natural elements and religious beliefs that afforded protection, prosperity, fertility and good fortune.

Anas and Sandre, fourth-generation Master Rug Craftsman and award-winning Decorative Woven Arts Creative respectively, have selected a range of characteristic motifs sourced from their rug collections at The Oriental Rug Gallery to help you as a guide to your own rug. These motifs might be found in the centre, or main field of the rug or on the borders. Your rug’s motifs may not look exactly like these pictures as styles and depictions vary widely but if you look hard you may start to unveil the hidden story behind your rug. And once you do you may find that you cherish your rug even more.

Rug weaving is one of the world’s most ancient crafts, combining durable usability with decorative artistic expression. Cited in the Old Testament and Homer’s Iliad, weaving skills have been passed down through the generations, where the world’s oldest known handwoven carpet is the Pazyryk Rug, orginally dating back to circa. 500 BC. A hand-woven rug involves many skills in its creation.

From those who rear animals through to shearers, carders, washers, spinners, and weavers - there are many people involved in the process of producing a unique piece of craftsmanship.

Hand-woven weavings are crafted with a warp and weft foundation on a wooden rug loom. The loom frame is constructed with a row of wooden pegs inserted top and bottom, to provide the correct tension and shaping for the proposed weaving. Next, yarn is vertically attached to the pegs across the width of the loom forming parallel warp threads, strung taut like a harp. The weaver then hand-weaves and/or rug-knots yarns vertically across these warp threads to form the weft rows of weave.

These interlaced warp threads and weft rows form the ‘foundation’ and create the pattern and design of the piece. Rug weaving materials include wool, cotton, mohair and silk yarns, as well as camel, horse and goat hair. Upon completion, the weaving is cut from the rug loom across the warp threads that now form the fringe ends.

24

Rug weaving materials include wool, cotton, mohair and silk yarns, as well as camel, horse and goat hair.

There are two hand-woven rug techniques: flatweaves, also known as plain weaves, and piles, which are created with rug knots.

Depending on the style, yarns, size and pattern, a handwoven rug can take from a few months to several years to complete.

Hand-woven oriental rugs fall into three main weaving categories or styles. There are tribal weave designs which are woven from memory by nomadic peoples; village weaves woven by ‘settled’ master rug-weaving families on custmom-built static rug looms in their cottage homes and city weaves which are produced in professional rug workshops on looms using predesigned pattern templates.

Rug makers have used natural dyes for thousands of years for the colouring of weaving yarns. Colours are extracted from plants, insects and minerals. For example, reds are derived from madder root or the cochineal beetle, yellow from saffron, sumac and pomegranate rind, blues from the indigo plant, black and browns from the iron salt mixed with oak galls, walnut and acorn cups, orange from henna and ochre and green from moss and lichens. vantagepointmag.co.uk

1

3

2

4

Boteh: the precursor to ‘paisley’ design in the West, this ancient fertility symbol details a seed shape often enclosing a plant or flower head within, symbolising life and renewal, where the whole exists within the part eg ‘from the acorn comes forth the oak’. (See fig: 1) Tree of Life: an ancient symbol of immortality, longevity and resurrection, where the trunk, branches and flowers or fruit signify the human journey of life and the proliferation of ancestry and is the origin of the ‘Family Tree’ diagram used today.

(See fig: 2) Star: can be five- six- eight- and sixteen-pointed, symbolising the sacred unification of the six universal directions and natural elements, the wheel of life, fertility and our human interconnectedness with the world in which we live. (See fig: 3)

5

6

Phoenix or Peacock: an ancient symbol that is interchangeable and can be transposed with the sunbird totem, to represent wisdom, rebirth and regal power. (See fig: 4) Eye of protection: a popular talismanic symbol to ward off evil, death and misfortune, where the eye is also known as the ‘window to the soul’. (See fig: 5) Lion: courageous, regal, powerful (See fig: 6) Dragon: life-force, strength, courage, guardians of treasure. (See fig: 7)

7

8

Mandala or Central Medallion: representing wholeness, continuity, unity, harmony and the wheel of life. (See fig: 8) Ram horns: power, heroism, masculinity and fertility.

(See fig: 9) Two birds: a pair either facing inwards or outwards symbolise love, harmony, joy and marriage (See fig: 10)

9

10

The Oriental Rug Gallery Ltd is giving an Exclusive Offer: a 10 per cent discount on their vast selection of hand-woven rugs and rug services, available to all VantagePoint readers, when you bring a copy of this October 2014 magazine to the Rug Gallery. T&Cs apply. Offer ends 25.10.14. Tel: 01428 656 657 Visit: www.theorientalruggallery.co.uk Written by Anas and Sandre of The Oriental Rug Gallery Ltd 2014.

Copyright of images and text held by The Oriental Rug Gallery Ltd 2014.

October 2014

25

<22

Jottings - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD - NOW IN DATE ORDER!

Les AmitiĂŠs Francaises second lecture in the 2014 season will be by a favourite speaker, Guy Richeux, who will discuss Le Canard EnchaĂŽnĂŠ - the French equivalent of Private Eye. They will meet on Thursday 16th October at 7.30pm in the Baptist Church Hall, Queen Street, Godalming. This is an opportunity to learn about French humour and appreciate political and social gossip. The lecture is in French spoken by an experienced teacher accustomed to English audiences.

In November there will be a curator from the Courtauld Gallery to talk about its Huguenot founders and its famous collection. Brochures available in libraries and museums.

Further information available from John Petty, membership secretary on 01483 861974, email johnpetty@sky.com. Also see www. amitiesfrancaises.com.

On the 16th October is a monthly Tea Dance at the U.R.C. Church Hall, Portsmouth Road, Guildford. It is

from 2.30pm-4.30pm and costs just ÂŁ2.50 per session including tea and biscuits. Ballroom and Latin â&#x20AC;&#x201C; go and have a dance or just enjoy watching.

The next dates are the November and 18th December. Apparently the bus stops right outside, so no excuses! Contact 01483 538515 for more information.

Another Quiz.This one is â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The big Friday night- Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not just about Catsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; quiz! Cats Protection Guildford and Godalming branch will be holding a general knowledge quiz on Friday 19th September from 7pm at the Wilfrid Noyce community centre in Godalming (lots of parking available). Tickets cost ÂŁ10 which includes a ďŹ sh supper or veggie burger, if preferred (please let them know on purchase of your ticket).

BYOB (bring your own booze), tea will be provided. Teams of 6-8, if you want to make up a group!

Tickets available from Natalie on 01483 346839 or email natalie.ross. smith@gmail.com.

30>

Fancy going on a Writerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Retreat?

Well, one has been organised for Saturday 20th September from 10am to 5pm upstairs at the Bar des Arts, Millbrook, Guildford GU1 3YA. A chance to lock yourself away and write for a day in a quiet, comfortable space without Nerina Pallot is performing on Friday 17th October at the Farncombe Music Club. Tickets: ÂŁ16 in advance, ÂŁ19 on the door from www.wegottickets.com/ julianlewrymusic or call 01483 421520 Doors open at 7pm, show starts at 7.45pm. Jersey-born, Ivor Novello and Brit nominated singer songwriter Nerina Pallot is touring the UK this autumn with a nationwide tour on which she will be showcasing her new material. Have a look at www.nerinapallot.com.

The autumn is the traditional time for starting a new evening class or hobby. So, if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking for something diďŹ&#x20AC;erent, you could do

Special Offer on Crucial Trading Rugs Selection of Sisal Rugs 5 x 3 ft, linen bound @ ÂŁ59.95 Wool Rugs 6 x 4 ft, linen bound @ ÂŁ79.95

30 years flooring experience Carpets, natural flooring, vinyl, engineered wooden floors and laminate. Free professional advice from initial enquiry to site survey. Master Installer status for Quickstep Laminate & LIVYN products.

Call us today on:

01483 277261

www.village-carpets.co.uk

High Street Cranleigh Surrey GU6 8RL APPROVED INSTALLERS

MASTER INSTALLER

Playground â&#x20AC;˘ Many Special Events â&#x20AC;˘ Light Railway (Sundays) â&#x20AC;˘ Picnic Areas â&#x20AC;˘ CafĂŠ Open Wed-Sun & BH â&#x20AC;˘ 10am to 5pm Tilford â&#x20AC;˘ Farnham â&#x20AC;˘ Surrey â&#x20AC;˘ GU10 2DL â&#x20AC;˘ 01252 795571

www.rural-life.org.uk 26

vantagepointmag.co.uk

We can transfer them on to DVD so you can watch & enjoy them again & again.

BUSINESS FILMING & EDITING For Marketing, Training & Website Videos

SHOW FILMING SERVICE For School, Dance & Theatre Productions

01428 682896 Petworth Road, Witley, Surrey GU8 5LX

www.wizardvideo.co.uk Open Mon to Fri from 9am - 5pm

October 2014

27

Say goodbye to your pain in the neck!

It is estimated that eight out of ten of us suffer from back pain at some point during our life. The most recent figures from the Office of National Statistics show that in 2013 the greatest number of working days lost was due to musculoskeletal problems. In the UK this totalled a massive 30.6 million days. In Surrey, the vast majority of businesses employ 10 or fewer people so preventing sick leave because of back pain is something that is in the best interests of both the employer and employee.

The Physiotherapy Centre at Holy Cross Hospital in Haslemere is supporting this year’s national back care awareness week, which runs from 6th to 12th October and is organised by the charity BackCare. The theme for the 2014 campaign is Back in the Office and aims to put the spotlight on the prevention of back and neck pain among office workers. Karen Ford, physiotherapist at Holy Cross Hospital, offers some advice...

How to prevent back pain With prevention being better than cure, we have put together five top tips to help you to keep your back mobile, strong and in good working order.

Common types of back pain Neck and lower back pain are the most common types of back pain. Poor posture, slouching and using a computer for prolonged periods of time are typical causes of discomfort.

1. Keep moving We have joints at each spine level and each one is nourished and lubricated by fluid and blood, which is actively circulated around the joint when you move your back through its natural range. Regular exercise will make stronger the muscles that support you and your spine.

28

Ideas for how to keep moving and to remain productive: • Get in the habit of standing up to take phone calls or when you need to read a letter or document.

• Try walking or standing during a meeting – a recent study has shown this can have the added advantage of indirectly benefitting work performance.

2. Avoid twisting and bending movements Movements that involve leaning over and twisting should be avoided. Think about the position and movement of your body before you lift weighty items such as a heavy file from a shelf or bend to fill the photocopier with reams of paper.

3. Live well There is evidence that links smoking and back pain as it affects the hydration of the spinal discs. Good nutrition, plenty of sleep and vantagepointmag.co.uk

water assist with keeping the discs healthy and helping them to repair quickly if damaged.

Meet Emma

4. Minimise the effects of stress Stress can increase tension in muscles, which may put you at risk of injury. Try to find moments to relax or stretch out the tensions of the day. Specific back exercise classes are an ideal way to do this.

Emma works in an office in Haslemere and spends a lot of her day in front of a computer. She first came to us in August because she was suffering from neck pain and after nearly two weeks of taking painkillers, she was not feeling any relief.

While at work, adopt the habit of stretching your back at your desk every half hour. You can do this by: • placing your palms in the small of your back and looking up to the ceiling, then • fold your arms in front of your chest, turn slowly at the waist from side to side • keep your palms on the desk in front as you push your chair back behind you.

5. Sit comfortably If most of your day is spent sitting at a desk, it is important that your workspace is set up appropriately for you, particularly if you share a desk or your habit is to perch somewhere with your laptop.

When sitting at your desk, your arms should be relaxed.

Adjust the height of your seat so your forearms are parallel to the desk. Your screen should be about an arm’s length away and you should be able to sit back in the chair so there is space behind the back of your knees and your feet rest flat on floor.

Give yourself short regular breaks from your desk and you will feel the benefit from moving around and changing position. Getting yourself a glass of water or walking to see a colleague instead of phoning them can help to keep you mobile.

More tips and advice for a healthy back can be found on our website. We have put together a selection of useful links, which include videos on how to sit when using a laptop, diagrams showing how to carry out a workstation assessment and some back stretches. Visit www.thephysiotherapycentre.org.uk/backcare.

October 2014

She was quite low and fed up, especially as she was finding it difficult to get comfortable when trying to get to sleep.

Emma described her pain as an ache that usually became more noticeable after she had been at work for an hour or so. By late morning, her pain had increased and she would be feeling very uncomfortable and finding it difficult to concentrate.

During Emma’s initial assessment we looked at the range of movement in her neck and upper back, which showed us whether her muscles were tight or weak. We also discussed Emma’s typical working day and assessed her sitting posture.

Armed with this knowledge, we suggested some gentle mobilisation of the spine and a soft tissue massage. We also provided Emma with a home exercise programme and gave her some tips for improving her posture, together with some practical advice on how to make her workstation more comfortable.

Emma, along with at least 50% of people like her, felt better after just two sessions. The majority of the remaining 50% of people have usually fully recovered from their symptoms after fewer than six sessions of treatment.

29

<26

Jottings - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD - NOW IN DATE ORDER!

worse than trying bell ringing. If you live reasonably near Compton and would like to find out more about ringing and what it involves, contact Phil Gorton on 01483 420763, phil.gorton@btinternet.com. You would be welcome to go along to the practice session and see how it’s done. Compton ringers practise on a Tuesday evening followed by a visit to a local pub for those who wish; ringers are a sociable lot and obviously dehydrate very quickly! If you live elsewhere, there will be a nearby band of ringers who would be delighted to meet you. Have a look at the ringing website for more information: www.cccbr.org.uk.

Although bells are rung for Sunday services and special events, it’s an activity open to those of any faith or none; there is no expectation to attend church if you do not wish to do so.

The adults and children of We Love to Dance Shalford were joined by Crawley Pantomime Clinic_Layout Singers 1 11/07/2013 Shades and Godalming Jazz Choir in July, for

their charity fund-raising show entitled “Time to Shine”. The audience was treated to a proper variety show with dancing, singing and even a magic show. The show was to raise funds for the Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice and Help for Heroes. They are delighted to report that the two performances raised a massive £4,845.42 for the charities.

We Love to Dance runs classes from their Shalford studio - see their advert in the back of the magazine.

Tickets are now on sale for a gala charity concert, featuring the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Collingwood, at G Live on Saturday 18th October at 7.30pm, in aid of Seafarers UK. Royal Marines Band concerts have been annual features on the Guildford music scene for over fifteen years. Every year we are entertained to a wide variety of music, excitingly performed. The talented musicians mix military music, classical pieces and band 14:29 Pageand 1 the Corps of Drums numbers is always popular. Seafarers UK was

Laser Treatment for the Fungal Nail Infection and Warts Healthy Feet For Winter

A safe, effective treatment for toes and feet including toenail fungus and warts.

The treatment involves painlessly passing the laser beam over the infected nails.

Treatment sessions will take approximately 15 minutes.

GenesisPlus is very safe.

No side effects or adverse reactions have been reported. Most patients describe the procedure as being painless with a small hot pinch at the end.

The autumn show is the highlight of the exhibiting year for Guildford Art Society, with members showcasing their best work in an exhibition including painting, sculpture and pottery. This selling exhibition at Guildford House Gallery is an excellent opportunity to buy original art and craft from well known and emerging local artists and makers – just in time for Christmas. It runs from Saturday 18th October to Saturday 8th November and is open

The No.1 Choice for Professionals Providing Solutions for your Maintenance Issues n Water Leak Detection (Thermal Imaging) n Fire & Flood Restoration n High Access Cleaning n Sandblasting of Stone,

Brick, Oak Beams, Steel

n Driveway & Patio Cleaning n Gutter Cleaning n Moss, Algae & Mould

Removal & Prevention

50% OFF a course of treatments* 3 treatments 4-6 weeks apart

Crawley Clinic

*terms and conditions apply.

16a Brighton Road, Southgate, Crawley, West Sussex RH10 6AA Ring the clinic for weekly cosmetic treatment special offers Tel: 01293 538538 info@crawleyclinic.com www.crawleyclinic.com 30

founded in 1917 as King George’s Fund for Sailors. It is the main UK maritime charity, supporting those who are, or once were, in the Royal Navy and Royal Marines, the Merchant Navy or fishing fleets and their families including widows and children. Concert tickets are available at £24, £21 and £18 and all proceeds go to Seafarers UK. Concessions are less £1. Groups of ten or more save 10%. Tickets are available from the G Live Box Office, London Road, Guildford, at www. glive.co.uk or on 0844 7701 797.

n Commercial Kitchen

Deep Cleans

n Commercial Carpets and Upholstery

Cleaning

RAINBOW INTERNATIONAL

01403 711655

Unit 32, Hufford Trading Estate, Partridge Green, West Sussex, RH13 8AU s.ridehalgh@rainbow-int.co.uk visit us on-line at www.rainbow-int.co.uk

FRANCHISE OWNED AND OPERATED UNDER LICENCE

vantagepointmag.co.uk

Jottings - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD - NOW IN DATE ORDER! Monday to Saturday from 10am to 4.45pm. Why not drop in to Guildford House Gallery to watch well known portrait artist Jane Allison at work, this time painting flowers in oils: a wonderful opportunity to see a professional artist at work. She will be there on Wednesday 22nd October from 11am to 1pm. The event is free; no booking required.

For further details call 01483 444751 or heritageservices@guildford.gov. uk Exhibition entry is free.

Guildford Model Engineering Society has a public Open Day on Sunday 19th October. 16mm and 4mm (oo gauge) layouts will be in operation and steam train rides will be available. Admission and parking are free and refreshments will be available. The Society aims to develop, encourage and provide facilities for all aspects of the hobby of model engineering and to promote fellowship amongst its members. New members are always welcome. They are situated at the eastern end of Stoke Park, near the

roundabout at the junction of the A25Parkway and A3100 London Rd. Access is from London Rd. More information at www.gmes.org.uk.

Ewhurst History Society’s next meeting is on Tuesday 21st October at 8pm. It is entitled ‘1914- The Call to Arms’ by Andrew Bailey. August 1914; the beginning of the conflict, found the British Expeditionary Force dramatically outnumbered.

Andrew Bailey, author of the website devoted to the men whose names are engraved on the Ewhurst War Memorial, will tell us how the men of Ewhurst answered their country’s ‘Call to Arms’. Have a look at www. ewhurstfallen.co.uk .The talk takes place at Ewhurst Baptist Church.

Non members £1.50 to include tea/ coffee and biscuits. All welcome.

Situated on Ward Street, The Guildford Institute is a local charity committed to providing educational and cultural activities in a social atmosphere. Some of the Institute’s autumn courses, talks, visits and

36>

events are still available to book, including this term’s Special Event a talk given by Professor Alf Adams.

Professor Adams is the highly esteemed physicist responsible for the invention of the quantum-well laser – an invention recently voted as one of the top ten scientific discoveries of all time! Spaces are also available on some of this month’s Wednesday Talks, including ‘An Introduction to Puccini’s Opera La Bohème’, ‘Music and the Muse’ and ‘The Hidden World of Bats’.

For more information, visit www. guildford-institute.org.uk or call 01483 562142.

You are invited to go along to St.Catherine’s Flower Arrangement Club’s next meeting and see what some of their members, who are taking part in ‘A Club Imposed Class’, will achieve during this fun and enjoyable afternoon. It will be held on Thursday 23rd October at Shalford Village Hall. They meet at 1pm for a 1.45pm start. For further information contact 01483 578368.

Online

TAX RETURNS made easy...

FREE Initial Consultation

Amtico and Karndean floors, expertly fitted

PRIVATE INDIVIDUALS SOLE TRADERS PARTNERSHIPS

Accountancy bills too high?

M

07770 831 266

T

01483 533 656

floorfitter@graemeharding.co.uk graemeharding.co.uk E

Looking for a complete service for taxation and accountancy?

I offer a friendly, professional service, at a great price and.......VAT FREE! 15% discount for seniors

Contact: margaret@m3taxation.co.uk 01252 821066 07850 023571 October 2014

31

Nature’s Autumn Bounty This is the season when nature is at its most bountiful, producing more than we can eat at one time, so the obvious answer is to preserve some for later on in the year when fresh fruit and mushrooms are scarce. Peter Sibley from Forest Foragers offers some recipes to do just that, some using wild ingredients.

Rowan Berry Jelly Rowan berries are prolific, so are easy to collect. They are packed with vitamins A and C. This is the traditional accompaniment to serve with venison or other game.

Ingredients: 4lb/1.8 kg rowan berries, washed and stalks removed 3 lb/1.4 kg cooking apples, peeled, cored and quartered White sugar Preparation: Put the apples in a large preserving pan and cover with water. Bring to the boil, then simmer for 20 minutes or until the fruit is soft, then add the

rowan berries and simmer to a pulp. Allow to drip through a jelly bag. Measure the juice and add 1lb of sugar per pint. Add the juice and sugar to the cleaned preserving pan, and simmer over a low heat for 10 minutes until the sugar has dissolved.

Increase the heat and cook at a full rolling boil for 5 minutes, then test for setting. If it does not set, boil some more. When the jelly has reached setting point, pour into hot, sterilised jars, seal and label.

Mushroom Ketchup Mushroom ketchup is an old English favourite, though not often seen in the shops today.

Here is an original recipe, from 1728.

Preparation method: ‘Take a stew pan of the large flat mushrooms; set it on a slow fire, with a handful of salt; they will make a great deal of Liquor, which you must strain, and put to it a quarter of a pound of shallots, two cloves of Garlick, some Pepper, Ginger, Mace and a bay-leaf; boil and scum it very well; when ‘tis quite cold, bottle, and stop it very close.’

32

I can’t do better than this, except to say that the bottle should be sterilised, either by heating in a low oven or using a sterilising solution. The mushrooms that the author, Kettilby, would have used in the 18th century would have been Horse Mushrooms (Agaricus arvensis), as this recipe dates from before the days of cultivated mushrooms, but you could use Field Mushrooms (Agaricus campestris) or Portobello Mushrooms.

Try it on your full English, or add it to stews or casseroles.

vantagepointmag.co.uk

Quince paste (called Membrillo in Spain) This recipe uses the large tree fruits, not the small ornamental quinces, which are not nearly so tasty. Windfalls are good for this, just cut away the bruised parts.

Ingredients: Quinces, washed, peeled, cored, chopped. Keep the peel and cores.

Vanilla pod, split Sugar, equal to the amount of cooked quinces Preparation: Place the quinces in a large pan. Add enough water to cover. Add the vanilla pod, put the peel and cores in a sheet of muslin tied with string and put this in the pan and boil. The peel and cores contain pectin, helping the jelly to set. Place a lid on the pan and boil for 30-40 minutes, until the quinces are very soft.

Heat gently, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves.

Simmer over a low heat, stirring occasionally, for 1-1½ hours, or until the quince paste has thickened and has become a deep orange colour.

Preheat the oven to 50C/120F. Pour the cooked paste out onto a greased and lined baking tray and smooth the paste out evenly to about a half inch thickness. Place into the oven for one hour to speed up the setting process.

Remove the vanilla pod and bag and discard.

Drain the liquid from the quinces and weigh them. Note the weight - this is the weight of sugar needed.

Remove from the oven and slice into portions.

Put the slices into sealed containers and refrigerate. They will keep for a long time if they are not allowed to dry out. Expect the slices to deepen in colour as they age.

Blend the quinces. Some people like the paste very smooth, others prefer it to have more texture. Return to the pan and add the sugar.

Serve with cheese; the Spanish like to have it with Manchego. It can also be used as a breakfast spread on bread or toast.

Sloe gin Making sloe gin is slow but not laborious. There’s no cooking required, just patience, as the sloes must steep in the gin.

Ingredients: 450g/1lb sloes 225g/8oz sugar 1 litre/1¾ pint gin Preparation method: Traditionally, you should prick the skin of the sloes with a silver needle after waiting for the first frost of the year to pick the sloes.

Alternatively, pick them as soon as they are ripe and put them in a bag in the freezer, this will

October 2014

split the skins and soften the fruit. Pour the sloes and sugar into a sterilised jar or a bottle and add the gin, seal tightly and shake well.

Store in a cool, dark cupboard and shake every other day for a week. Then shake once a week for at least two months, or as long as you can keep your hands off it.

If you are not a gin fan, this recipe works equally well with vodka.

33

Three recipes from Four Gables Set in beautiful countryside at Ashtead, Surrey, Four Gables Food Academy is located on chef patron David Gillott’s smallholding, which allows the school to be proudly 25% self-sufficient. Here, David and his fellow chefs present relaxed, hands-on cookery tuition to people of all ages and abilities, in classes of just four to six.

From teens to grannies (and granddads!), these cookery classes are for people who want to learn to cook, improve their technique or prepare something new under expert guidance. Classes often start with a walk around the smallholding to select ingredients. Students enjoy lunch together and leave with delicious dishes they have created, along with a book of recipes.

For more information about Four Gables Food Academy, telephone 01372 275276 or visit the website at www.FourGablesFoodAcademy.com.

Braised lamb shanks with garlic and anchovy Absolutely perfect as the days get a bit shorter and a little colder, this is the easiest recipe. Chuck it all in the oven and it’s ready two hours later. Love rosemary, add a whole load more! What about serving the shanks with a minted mash – perfect!

Ingredients 4 x lamb shanks Freshly ground black pepper 1 tbsp olive oil 2 onions, roughly chopped 1 clove garlic, sliced 4 anchovy fillets, chopped 2 sprigs rosemary 2 bay leaves 250ml chicken or beef stock 250ml red wine Handful of fresh parsley, chopped Serves 4

Preheat the oven to 160C. Season the lamb shanks with the pepper. Brown them in a casserole with a little olive oil.

When the shanks are slightly browned add the roughly chopped onions and garlic.

34

Chop up two of the anchovy fillets and add to the casserole. Tear in the rosemary and bay leaves.

Then add the stock and the wine and bring to a simmer.

When simmering, put the lid on and bake in the oven for two hours, with a little turn of the shanks halfway through.

Remove the shanks to a serving dish and leave to rest in a warm oven.

Meanwhile tend to the sauce by adding two more chopped anchovies and a handful of chopped parsley.

Bring the sauce to the boil, check the seasoning and then pour over the resting lamb shanks and serve.

vantagepointmag.co.uk

FOOD Spiced Flatbreads These are a staple in my house, not just at work. I make them with lots of things, just on their own with some dipping sauce or maybe stuffed with sundried tomato and mozzarella. Love curry? Love making it at home – these are a great substitute for naan bread!

Mix the flour, salt, coriander seeds and paprika in a large bowl, make a well in the centre and add the olive oil and the warm water. Using a fork, start incorporating the flour with the water and olive oil, if necessary add more water. Once the dough starts to come together, use your hands to form a soft ball of dough.

the flat breads for two minutes on each side.

Serve as a starter with home-made dips.

Knead the dough for five minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic. Put the dough back into the bowl, cover and set aside for 15 minutes. (This dough is much firmer to handle than bread dough and will feel heavier.)

Ingredients 250g strong white bread flour 4tbsp Olive Oil 1½ tsp salt 100ml warm water Vegetable oil or spray oil, for oiling 1tsp cumin 1 tsp, toasted and ground coriander Serves 5

Divide the dough into five equal balls.

Roll them out. Heat a pan and cook

Apple Tarte Fine We want to avoid that “soggy bottom” so make sure you cook the puff pastry fully – it needs to be really crispy and flakey!”

Heat the oven to 220C. Roll out the pastry and trim to a round about 35cm across. Transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Dot the top with the butter and sprinkle with vanilla and caster sugar.

Bake for 15-20 minutes until the apples are tender and the pastry crisp.

Peel, core and thinly slice the apples and toss in the lemon juice. Spread over the pastry to within 2cm of the edges. Curl up the edges slightly to stop the juices running off.

Warm the conserve and brush over the apples and pastry edge. Serve hot with vanilla ice cream or crème fraîche.

Ingredients 375g pack puff pastry, preferably all-butter 5 large eating apples - Cox’s, russets or Elstar juice of 1 lemon 25g butter , cut into small pieces 3 tsp vanilla sugar or 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 tbsp caster sugar 3 rounded tbsp apricot conserve Serves 3

October 2014

35

<31

Jottings - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD - NOW IN DATE ORDER!

Following their most popular openair season to date (Twelfth Night and Henry V), Surrey’s professional, award-winning theatre company, Guildford Shakespeare Company, is rounding off their most ambitious year to date with the introduction of a brand new Autumn Season, staged from 23rd October to 8th November. The company, who specialise in site-specific theatre, have chosen Guildford’s oldest building, the evocative St Mary’s Church on Quarry Street, for one of literature’s oldest set of stories: Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales. Tales of adultery, farting, chivalric romance and the Wife of Bath’s timeless question of ‘What is it that women most desire?’ will be brought to life in GSC’s inimitable immersive style. Live music, puppetry and enchanting storytelling will combine in an original production devised and written by the company, where each night the audience will decide the outcome!

Tickets are on sale now. More details at www.guildford-shakespearecompany.co.uk.

As part of the National Trust’s Great British Walking Festival, there’s a chance to join the gardener at Hatchlands Park for an autumnal guided walk through the parkland.

It’s on Thursday 23rd October from 11am to 1pm. Normal admission applies + £4 adult, £2 child. More information at www.nationaltrust. org.uk/hatchlands-park tel. 01483 222482.

The West Surrey Natural History Society (WSNHS) holds monthly talks by well-known naturalists from September to April on a wide variety of natural history subjects.

The talks are held at Ripley Village Hall at 8pm on the fourth Thursday in the month. All meetings are free to members or £3 for non-members.

Annual membership single £7, family membership £12 and members receive a regular newsletter. All enquiries to the society secretary, Anna Stribley, on 01372 457623 or you can find further information at 36

www.wsnhs.wordpress.com . On Thursday 23rd October there’s an illustrated talk by Francis Halstead entitled ‘Invasive Species’ Invasive species are one of the greatest threats to our native wildlife and cost the UK an estimated £1.7 Billion annually, through impacts such as damage to river banks and the cost of removal.

This autumn half-term there’s a fun-filled programme of child and family-friendly workshops taking place at The Lightbox gallery and museum, Woking. Begin the halfterm week by joining The Lightbox for an afternoon of fun-fair themed family fun on Saturday 25th October.

Inspired by the interactive exhibition ‘The Great Electronic Art Show’, visitors can create a classic lowtech toy to take home in the dropin spinning top workshop, take part in a funfair inspired workshop with Busylizzy, or be transformed by expert face painters. Even better, it’s all free. The Lightbox is open Tuesday – Saturday, 10.30am – 5pm and Sunday 11am – 5pm. Entrance is free. For more information about other workshops being held at half term, visit www.thelightbox.org.uk or call 01483 737800.

There’s another Farncombe Music Fair on Saturday 25th October at the Farncombe Music Club. Open from 10am to 3pm, music lovers can browse the various stalls for vinyl, CDs, DVDs and memorabilia from a wide range of genres including rock, pop, jazz, folk, blues and classical.

Entry is free and Fairtrade tea & coffee is also supplied free of charge.

If you’re interested in booking a stall for a future event, please call Julian Lewry on 01483 421520 or visit www.julianlewrymusic.com.

Always on the look-out for new and exciting shows, the Guildford Fringe Theatre Company has seen the light with The Hundred Watt Club. Their first partnership – a sell-out cabaret night at The Bellerby Studio, G Live – was such a rip-roaring success, plans are now afoot to bring four cabaret nights a year to Guildford. The

39>

shows will be in a variety of venues, starting with the Electric Theatre. If you’re keen to join in with the spirit of the era, there will be prizes for those that make the effort to dress up in their best vintage glad-rags. So whether you plan to just sit back and enjoy the acts or get a little more involved, prepare for a never-to-beforgotten night! The Burlesque and Cabaret Night is on 25th October at 8pm at The Electric Theatre, Onslow Street, Guildford. Tickets are £12 and are available online at www. electrictheatre.co.uk or by calling 01483 444789. Strictly over 18’s only.

Guildford New & Nearly New Sale is at Guildford Spectrum Leisure Complex on Saturday 25th October from 10am-1pm (queuing starts at 9.30am). High quality baby and toddler clothes, toys, pushchairs and lots more! Sell your own items too - tables from only £10! To find out more visit www.GuildfordSale. com . All the money raised will go to Macmillan Cancer Support, so a great cause, so if you have young children, make sure you go along and grab yourself a bargain, at the same time, supporting a great charity.

Shere Bowls Club held their internal competitions finals day on Saturday 30th August and yet again the weather was kind to them. The club has been in existence for 115 years and during that time many cups and trophies have been donated to be played for throughout the summer and the engraved trophies will be presented at the annual dinner on 29th November.

The next fund raising event for the club is the jumble sale to be held in Shere Village Hall on Saturday 25th October; doors open 2.30pm so go along with jumble in the morning or attend in the afternoon.

It may seem like the kids have only just gone back to school but October half-term is just around the corner.

Don’t panic! G Live has a fantastic range of courses for children aged 7-17, from circus skills to explosive vantagepointmag.co.uk

“Thankisyou “Mum veryfor fond of for herdad” carer” caring Melody Care are always there

NINE steps to ensure only the best Live-In Carers look after our clients by Simon Carter, Owner of Melody Care

Melody Care are very thorough in of ourusapproach to findingThose the best possible Good health is something many take for granted. whocarers have to care forfor a each client. are 9 rigorous stepsonly thattoo wewell insist our Live in effects Carers go loved one There with failing health know thealldevastating thisthrough has on before they areofassigned to a client: their quality 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 hap-

1. On line application viahelp our web siteneeded. confirming name, address and other details. for pens that professional is often Melody Care has an enviable reputation Live-In Care Assistants to help share the burden.

Whatever the circumstances 2. providing Submission of a detailed CV listing all previous work experience and qualifi cations. be, Melody Care will designed be there when the help isTest, needed most.

3. might Completion of a specially Psychometric which helps us to determine character, integrity and attitude towards vulnerable people.

Recommended 4. Highly A telephone interview typically lasting 15 minutes.

Care areinterview increasingly being recommended by health professionals and grateful clients 5. Melody A face to face typically lasting 90 minutes. whoof have at first hand the wonderful care provided by the Melody Care 6. alike Copies theexperienced carers passport, driving licence, utility bill, bank statement andteam. any “Each of your carers I have met are lovely! We all really appreciate the care package you have relevant training certifi cates are taken as part of the process to confi rm their identity set up so efficiently at such short notice” wrote one client recently. Another wrote: “Melody and status.

Care have done a wonderful job of looking after mum and I know she is very fond of her carer. would also like say how accommodating haveplaces all been andhave the care mum has5 7. ICompletion of atoregistration form listing you all the they livedthat in the last received been really is excellent.” years.

Thishas information then used to apply to the “Disclosure and Barring Service” to check there is no criminal record (previously known as CRB check). Melody Care also Attitude apply to theLive-In Independent to ensure carer is not Providing care takesSafeguarding a very special Authority kind of person.

Melodythe Care select theirregistered carers for understanding, as well as their abilitywith to run a house and care in all regards ontheir any patience list that and would preclude them from working vulnerable adults. our clients.

We also the provide extensive trainingand using our own reference in-house training depart8. for Melody Care contact previous employer a personal to verify that ment. This is to ensure each carer is up to date and fully conversant with current rules and they have provided these and begins that the genuine and and complete. regulations.

Before the service weinformation would alwaysgiven meet is with our clients their family 9. to Finally, Melody Care arrange for any additional training that needs to be done toand be determine exactly what their needs and desires might be. We then produce a detailed undertaken.

Sometimes “refresher” course is required and Melody Care provide this. personal care plan so thatathe Live-In Care Assistant knows exactly what is expected of them.

For more information call

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

or visit

w Run a bath and prepare bedroom

GARDEN

What to do in

October

With Matthew Pottage, Garden Manager at RHS Garden Wisley

Packing the punch for autumn Now is a great time of year to be enjoying autumn colours on both deciduous shrubs and trees. If you haven’t been to Wisley in recent weeks, make sure you call in and take an energetic walk through the arboretum, one of Wisley’s best kept secrets! Some star plants to look out for are Acer rubrum ‘October Glory’, which turns a magnificent scarlet; the enormous avenue of Tilia tomentosa which turn a wonderful buttery yellow and finally the concentration of Liquidambar trees which turn all manner of reds!

While autumn is a super time to appreciate the turning colours, it is also good to observe how they are complemented by conifers and other evergreens. The reds and yellows are most effective when in front of greens and

greys, so whether you are just selecting shrubs such as Euonymus europaeus and Cotinus for colour, or larger specimens, remember to choose some evergreen friends for them – you’ll be especially glad of them in the winter.

New faces in the Spring Garden

Trees and shrubs for the future Autumn is such a splendid time of year for planting.

At Wisley we are currently busy planting in areas such as the arboretum and pinetum where we do not have any reliable irrigation, as autumn is the best time to establish root growth. This is because it is one of the few times of the year where we have the magical combination of both warmth and moisture in the soil which promotes good root growth, and while the plant may look inactive above the ground, everything below is still busy. Trees planted in the autumn have a much better chance at surviving a summer drought than those planted in the spring when they have a habit of drying out in their original rootball.

I would like to challenge you all to head for the bulb section of the Wisley Plant Centre this autumn and choose a type of bulb you’ve never tried growing before. Trying something a bit different always brings a thrill to gardening, and what easier topic than a bulb?

Last autumn I treated myself to some variegated crown imperials, which I planted in a lovely, slender terracotta pot, where their stripy, emerging heads brought about much interest – even to those who dislike variegated plants! Remember bulbs are great in pots, so if experimentation isn’t your bag, just try one pot of something, its good to try something new.

38

However, a few things to remember when planting trees; always make sure the point at where the roots emerge from the stem is flush at ground level – never deeper. It is normal to sometimes have to pick apart the compost to find this level, but deep planting is a common cause of poor establishment, yet so many people seem oblivious to it. Finally, always buy fresh stock that hasn’t been hanging around in a pot for years – severely potbound plants are always slower to establish and in the case of a tree, sometimes never establish properly.

FIND OUT MORE

RHS Garden Wisley, Woking GU23 6QB. Visit www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley to find out more.

vantagepointmag.co.uk

<36

Jottings - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD - NOW IN DATE ORDER!

science, stand up comedy and even Halloween fun! To find out about all the courses available call in to G Live or go to their website www.GLive. co.uk You can also call 0844 7701 797 (10am-6pm, Mon-Sat).

After a busy summer full of sunshine and a series of successful special events on the canal, thoughts are turning to Halloween. On Sunday 26th October, The Wey & Arun Canal, Loxwood, are organising a fun Halloween trip for younger children (lasting approximately 45 minutes).

Departing at 4.30pm, tickets cost £9 per person. This will be followed by a scary trip for older brave souls (lasting approximately 90 minutes) which will depart at 7pm, and tickets cost £14 per person. Light refreshments are included on both trips. Tickets must be booked in advance. Fancy dress is encouraged but not compulsory! To book, call The Trust Office on 01403 752403 or e-mail office@weyandarun.co.uk.

By the way, Santa Trips are planned for December; more information

October 2014

next co.uk.

month.www.weyandarun.

Godalming and Cranleigh district NCT will be hosting their annual Low Bangs Fireworks and Hallowe’en Party on Sunday 26th October at Broadwater Sports Club (home of Guildford Rugby Club), Guildford Road, Godalming, GU7 3BU. The fun starts at 4pm with a fancy dress competition, baby play area and entertainment by Mr Giant, Great Godalming Bake Off, and the opportunity to meet Godalming Fire Brigade and see the fire engine. Plus there will be a lucky dip, hot and cold food and a licensed bar. The fireworks start at 5.30pm and whilst they try their best to make sure there are no loud bangs due to the nature of fireworks they cannot guarantee it. There’s no need to book in advance and everyone is welcome. £5 donation per family.

Parking is limited so please walk if possible. For more information contact events@godalmingnct.org. uk.

42>

On Sunday 26th, Tuesday 28th to Thursday 30th October and Sunday 2nd November, Clandon Park present ‘Creepy Clandon’ which runs from 11am-3pm on each day. Enjoy Hallowe’en themed arts and crafts and take the spooky trail around the house and garden.

Normal admission applies + £2 per child. More information at www. nationaltrust.org.uk/clandon-park tel: 01483 222482.

There are a couple of half term events at Dapdune Wharf, Guildford which might entertain the little ones. From Monday 27th October to Sunday 2nd November, 11am-4pm, there’s ‘Bang goes Half Term!’ Make a bang with a week of gunpowder and explosion themed activities, including bath bombs and water rockets. Normal admission fee applies plus £2.50 per child. Then on Thursday 30th October, 11am - 4pm, there’s ’Hallowe’en Half Term Fun’.

Who can carve the most horrible face? Take a pumpkin, carve a face

39

Go on a Great British Walk with the National Trust The National Trust has unveiled some of its most lovely places in Surrey as part of its annual celebration of walking: the Great British Walk. The Great British Walk encourages everyone to explore the outdoors and discover vibrant National Trust spaces on foot. A vast and varied selection of walks is available, from those chosen by the public to hand-picked walks by National Trust experts. Running to the 24th October, this year’s Great British Walk has uncovered some of the region’s most colourful vistas, stories, characters and objects to see on a walk.

Claremont Landscape Garden, near Esher This landscaped oasis of trees and shrubs is famous for its green, grass amphitheatre and picturesque lake. As autumn progresses its trees turn from green to gold. Join expert Sara Shepley for a seasonal ‘Fungi Foray’ and learn how to identify the many different types of fungi growing around the garden. Or go on a guided walk to find the finest trees in their autumn colours.

Fungi Foray, Saturday 27th September and 4th October, 10.30am-12.30pm , £8 (£4). Booking essential 01372 467806.

Leith Hill The Rhododendron Wood at Leith Hill is lovely in autumn. The azaleas and acers turn red and copper colours and the heart-shaped leaves of Cercidifolius turn crimson. Walking across the parkland to Leith Hill Place, you will pass the spectacular liquidambar tree shot through with fiery reds, purple and oranges. Flocks of fieldfares and redwings will be arriving from Scandinavia to feast on the red rowan berries and bountiful fruits of our hedgerows. Visit the bird hide on the edge of the Rhododendron Wood meadow to see blackbirds, bramblings and thrushes feeding on apples.

Fungi fun day at Leith Hill Place, Mon 27th October, 11am-4pm. Craft and nature activities for all ages and specialist fungi walk with fungus expert, Vivien Hodge. £6, includes entry to the house and all activities.

Hatchlands Park, near Guildford Hatchlands Park has a wonderful collection of trees. One of the best native trees for autumn colour is the wild service tree, also known as the chequers tree. In the autumn the redbrown colour of the leaves shines out amongst the yellows and browns of the ash, hazel and oak. Wild service trees are relatively rare in Britain and are an indicator of ancient woodland.

Autumn Walk, Thurs 30th October, 11am-1pm, £4 (£2), booking essential 01483 222482.

40

Autumn Colour walk, Saturday 18th and Sunday 26th October, 2pm, free, Booking essential 01372 467806.

Polesden Lacey, near Bookham Polesden Lacey has a vast 1400 acre estate including Ranmore Common. It forms a picture-perfect green backdrop to the country house. Explore it for real this autumn with a walks leaflet, available from Visitor Reception for only £1. Or follow the self-guided Surrey Hills Challenge and discover the secret walking routes that connect Ranmore to Surrey’s two iconic high spots: Box Hill and Leith Hill.

Nordic Walking Taster Session, 8th October, £10. Booking essential through Surrey Striders, 07837 130100.

Box Hill, Reigate Hill and Denbies Hillside The Surrey Hills are wide green landscapes with sweeping views of the countryside, but look down and you’ll see the white chalk vantagepointmag.co.uk

WALKS WALK that makes up these hills. Called chalk-downland, these unique habitats are home to a variety of rare species of plants and butterflies. There are self-guided walks in beautifully illustrated leaflets available in the car parks or join in one of our events.

Walk the Chalk event from Denbies Hillside, Sunday 5th and 19th October, 2pm-5pm, £5, booking essential 01372 220644.

Campfire and Conkers walk from Denbies Hillside, Sunday 12th October, 10am-12pm, £6 (£4), booking essential 01372 220644.

The Japanese maple leaves provide a red carpet walkway and the plant life turns golden. Walk downhill to the boathouse and see the colours reflected in the lake from a picturesque wooden veranda.

Fungi Foray with expert Sara Shepley, Sunday 19th October, 1pm, £8 (£4). Booking essential 01483 208936.

Dawn Walk: a fantastic autumn colour photo opportunity, Sunday 19th October, 7am, £10 (£5) Booking essential 01483 208936.

Share pictures of your colourful walks and experiences with the National Trust this year on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook using #GBwalk.

For more information on National Trust seasonal strolls and downloadable walks visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/greatbritishwalk.

Bookham Commons and Headley Heath These little-known commons in the Surrey Hills are the perfect place for an afternoon walk. The beech trees at Bookham Commons turn a deep gold colour in late autumn, whilst the bracken and waving grasses at Headley Heath go gold and russet.

Chequers Walk, Sunday 26th October, 2pm-4pm, £5, booking essential 01372 220644.

River Wey Navigations and Dapdune Wharf On a bright autumn day the River Wey glitters blue as it reflects the sky. Keep your eyes peeled for the elusive kingfishers that fly alongside the water in a blaze of blue. Choose a length of the river and walk along the tow path: Godalming to Guildford is a wonderfully rural stretch of water. Find out about the fascinating industrial heritage at Dapdune Wharf or simply enjoy a picnic by the water in a wonderful part of Surrey.

Winkworth Arboretum, near Godalming One of the finest displays of autumn colour in the country can be seen at the National Trust‘s only arboretum.

Witness a magical transformation as the lush greens blaze into glorious autumn colour. Viewpoints dotted around higher points of the Arboretum offer some of the best places to experience the full beauty of the orange, gold and red and yellow leaves.

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.

October 2014

41

<39

Jottings - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD - NOW IN DATE ORDER!

and they’ll give you a tealight to bring your work to life. Normal admission fee applies plus £2.50 per child For more information, call 01483 561389.

Enjoy mysterious trails and spooky arts and crafts. Normal admission applies. More information at www. nationaltrust.org.uk/hatchlandspark, tel: 01483 22482.

Watts Gallery is holding a couple of Workshops during half term.

The first, on Tuesday 28th is ‘Watts Academy - Creepy Collage Workshop’. 10-12 year olds, 10.30am-1pm. 13-16 year olds, 2-4.30pm. The cost is £7.50 (£6.50 Friends). Create creepy drawings to make three-dimensional Halloween collages. The second workshop is ‘Make! Workshop - Creepy Clay!’ and runs from Tuesday 28th to Friday 31st October. 11am - 1pm and 2 - 4pm. £7.50 (£6.50 Friends).

Make some creepy clay creatures for Halloween. Recommended for ages 5+. Children must be accompanied.

Max one adult per child. Adult is free of charge. To book phone 01483 810235 or book online at www. wattsgallery.org.uk.

Friday 31st October at the Farncombe Music Club features the band ‘BabaJack’. They are fast becoming one of the most sought after acts on the UK and European gig and festival circuits. Their unique blend of styles, described by Classic Rock Magazine as ‘an intoxicating brew of blues, folk and roots music’ makes for a scintillating show, combining great musicianship, passion and energy. Tickets: £12 advance, £15 on the door. Tickets and information: www.wegottickets. com/julianlewrymusic or call 01483 421520. Show starts at 7.45pm, doors open at 7pm. more information about the band at www.babajack.com.

Artventure Trust would like to announce an exciting new project in the heart of Guildford.

In partnership with The Electric Theatre, they are creating a community-themed mural designed to bring life to the outdoor space surrounding the theatre. The thirtytwo metre wall will be transformed into a bright, vibrant space – showcasing the amazing artwork from adults and young people with learning difficulties. The project has been given the title Artventure.

WallCall, a sweet take on the curtain call in the theatre setting. Artventure Trust is a small, registered charity that gives adults with learning difficulties a platform to explore the visual arts. I believe that they hope to have it completed by the end of October but in the meantime you can look at the dedicated webpage www.artverturewallcall.com.

Half-term Hallowe’en Activities at Hatchlands Park run from Tuesday 28th to Thursday 30th October from 11am to 3.30pm.

Can you solve the mystery of the Howling Hound of Hatchlands?

42

Guildford Choral Society, who unbelievably are celebrating their 175th year, are putting on a wonderful concert at Guildford Cathedral on Saturday 1st November at 7.30pm. They will be performing Mozart’s Figaro Overture, Solemn Vespers and Exsultate Jubilate, together with Beethoven’s Mass in C. Under the Guidance of their Music Director, Jonathan Willcocks, they will be joined by Southern Pro Musica. Tickets: Front Nave: £25, Mid Nave: £17, Rear Nave: £10, West Gallery: £19. Concessions: £10 on all seats except Front Nave.

Concessions are available for children, students, disabled and ES40. Tickets are available from: boxoffice@guildfordchoral.org or directly from Derek Lake on 01494 675571. Also from the Guildford Tourist Information Centre: 01483 444333.

On Saturday 8th November at 7.30 pm, the Saturday closest to Armistice Day, Bramley Music will be holding a concert of music and readings with a First World War connection. Held in Holy Trinity Church, it will be performed by Richard Saxel (piano), Angus Meryon

44>

(clarinet), Lucy Cronin (soprano), Nicholas Warden (bass-baritone) and Peter Longshaw (narrator). It’s an inspiring, varied programme, with several different combinations of instruments and voices. Grateful thanks to Richard for masterminding this event. Tickets are on sale, for £10 (students and under 18s £5), and the Royal British Legion shall be the external charity. They are nearing the point where they will have raised (thanks to all of you) the full purchase price of their Steinway piano, a remarkable achievement in less than two years. It will continue to be an excellent resource not only for Holy Trinity Church but also for the whole community, whose support of their concerts has also been quite remarkable.

Would you like an opportunity to do some early Christmas shopping?

On Thursday 13th November the West Surrey National Trust Centre will be holding their annual Coffee Morning in The Marble Hall at Clandon Park from 10.30am until 12 noon. Stalls will include ladies fashion, jewellery, Christmas cards, books and homemade cakes as well a grand raffle. Entrance is £2.50 which includes coffee and biscuits. All are welcome so please go along and bring your friends. For enquiries regarding this event ring Sara Graham 01252 810708.

The Next meeting of the National Vegetable Society Surrey District Association will be held on Thursday 13th November at 8pm in the Lovelace Room of East Horsley Village Hall, Kingston Avenue, East Horsley, Leatherhead KT24 6QT. Jim Arbury, the renowned RHS Fruit Specialist will be giving a talk entitled ‘Fruit for the Small Garden’.

The talk is free for NVS members, £3 for guests and visitors and £1 for members of affiliated societies.

Guests and visitors are always very welcome. For more information contact Beth Otway at beth@otway. com or telephone 01483 420989.

Mystery, murder and mayhem abound as Right at Home vantagepointmag.co.uk

THE PROSTATE PROJECT APPEAL OctoBeardFest 2014 The Prostate Project, a Guildford prostate cancer charity, is asking men to grow a beard in October to raise funds to support research into the treatment of prostate cancer. It will also raise awareness of a disease which costs 11,000 lives every year in the UK. The Appeal, called ‘OctoBeardFest’ (OBF), is a repeat of a highly successful campaign run by the charity in 2013. Trustee and OBF founder, Tim Sharp (pictured below) said “We thought we would be lucky to raise £10,000 last year but ended up with an astonishing £64,000, despite the appeal being conceived and launched in only five weeks. This year we are hoping to treble our total.”

that our progress could stall through lack of resources.

This brilliant Prostate Project Appeal, which caught the imagination of so many last year, is the bright star on our funding horizon.”

OctoBeardFest is positioned quite differently to Movember which is mainly concerned with research and treatments for advanced prostate cancer.

Octobeardfest concentrates on early diagnosis. Men whose prostate cancer is discovered early have an 80% chance of a complete cure.

More information is available at: www.octobeardfest.co.uk.

The money is urgently needed to support Prof. Hardev Pandha’s world-class cancer research team at the University of Surrey. They have built an international reputation for their brilliant work in vaccine, genes and viral therapy. They have also discovered of a protein in urine (EN2) that can detect cancer cells 50% more accurately than the 30-year-old PSA test.

Winning grant funding is an increasing problem for research groups, particularly the smaller, more innovative ones such as the team at the University of Surrey. “Continuity of funding is so vital to us,” said Prof Pandha. “It enables us to recruit and retain the best scientific brains and removes completely the fear

LET IT GROW BRO GROW A BEARD IN OCTOBER AND HELP SAVE MEN’S LIVES Early detection can save most of the 11,000 lives lost in the UK every year to prostate cancer.

OctoBeardFest funds world class research in Surrey to make this a reality.

www.octobeardfest.co.uk

EARLY DETECTION IS THE CURE

The Prostate Project

Registered Charity Number: 1078523

October 2014

43

<42

Jottings - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD - NOW IN DATE ORDER!

Guildford and Farnham host a Whodunnit evening on Saturday 15th November in support of the Alzheimer’s Society. Enjoy a delicious three-course meal (with a side dish of red herrings) as the action unfolds and put your sleuthing skills to the test as you try to work out who the murderer is.

The evening begins with welcome drinks at 7.30pm at St Thomas on the Bourne, Farnham. Tickets are £23.50, or book a table of ten for £200, with all profits going to the Alzheimer’s Society. Call 01252 783426 to book.

shopping or just sitting quietly and listening. A training course for volunteers will be held at Surrey Community Action in Burpham this November and they are recruiting for this free training course now.

Through the programme volunteers will be equipped with the skills to provide emotional support to people and their families facing the huge challenges of life threatening illness. To express interest in becoming a volunteer or just to find out more call 01306 881816 or visit the charity’s website www. brigittetrust.org.

RASASC (Guildford Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre) Winter Fair is at the Guildhall, Guildford High Street, on Saturday 22nd November. They are collecting small ‘As New’ gift items to sell. If anyone can help, please contact Vivien at admin@rasasc-guildford.org.

A large party is being organised on Friday 28th November at Mercedes Benz World in aid of the Princess Alice Hospice which should be a really good night out. It’s organised

by Best Parties ever and will have a 3 course meal, live entertainment, a casino and dodgems; all for an amazing £40 a head. Tickets are available at www.thewaterbabies. co.uk where you will also find more information and a menu.

The Pilgrim Morris Men of Guildford dance traditional Cotswold morris.

They practise on Wednesday evenings at Pewley Down School, Semaphore Road in Guildford and are looking for new recruits at the beginning of their practice season in October. Dancing the morris is great fun and the Pilgrim men in particular know how to enjoy themselves. The dance scene is very sociable. Not only do the Pilgrims dance with other local sides, they tour other parts of the country and sometimes abroad. Why not give it a try? You may be a natural! For more details have a look at their website: www.PilgrimMorrisMen. org.uk or telephone Phil on 01483 420763.

When a family member is diagnosed with cancer or another life-threatening illness it can be a lonely and frightening time. The Brigitte Trust, in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support, offers a free volunteer service of emotional support and practical help at home.

The service may also provide the family carer with a break, driving to medical or other appointments, 44

I am writing this as it is a really urgent appeal, and I believe that that help will go direct to where it is needed. If children are to survive, families must have a successful crop. In many parts of Darfur the rains came too late to guarantee millet the three months it needs to mature. After that the sun is too hot and stunts all changes of further growth. Sorghum has a shorter growing period, and although it is not as palatable, it would provide families with what they need to survive. Kids for Kids is determined to provide 3 kgs of sorghum seed for as many families as possible before the end of September. 3 kgs cost approximately £4 per family, including transport (but not administration). More details on 07957 206440 email: contact@ kidsforkids.org.uk. If you would like to make a donation by cheque: Please send cheques payable to KIDS FOR KIDS PO Box 456 Dorking Surrey RH4 2WS. Bank Transfer: Kids for Kids, Account No 31670636 Sort

Code 60 07 02 National Westminster Bank 14 High Street Dorking RH4 1AX. Are you looking for a regular home for your club or society or for a one off event? Then Shalford Village Hall may provide the answer. The Hall has been serving the local community for over 50 years. It provides flexible accommodation suitable for different sized events, with good parking facilities. New users are welcome. For more information visit their website at www.shalfordvillagehall.org.uk or contact the Lettings Secretary, Jane Adams, at shalfordvillagehall@ hotmail.co.uk or on 01483 579717.

A life-saving charity providing a Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) in the South East is appealing for more volunteers in Kent, Surrey and Sussex. Members of the public can help out in a number of ways including placing and emptying collection boxes, selling merchandise at fundraising events and representing the charity at cheque presentations. They can also help raise awareness of the service as public speakers by giving talks to local groups, clubs, schools, societies and other organisations.

Other roles at Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance include store and street collectors, drivers and couriers, and office administration.

The air ambulance’s volunteers come from a variety of backgrounds and age groups and include former patients, bankers, teachers, pilots and a magician. To find out more about becoming a volunteer go to www.kssairambulance.org.uk/ involved/volunteering, call Amy Hamer on 01622 833806 or email amyhamer@kssairambulance.org. uk.

FIND OUT MORE

More Jottings are available online at vantagepointmag.co.uk. To send in an entry, go online or email us at jottings@vantagepublishing.co.uk.

vantagepointmag.co.uk

BUSINESS CARDS We Love to Dance_Layout 1 09/09/2014 17:58 Page 1

We Love To Dance

Direct Roofing_Layout 1 07/04/2014 13:33 Page 1 R TS OF OOFING UN

SPEC

Dance, Yoga and Fitness in Shalford www.welovetodance.net or call Rachel on 07946 363 556.

ALL A

DERT

AKEN

Direct Roofing Services

• Family Business • All work guaranteed • Free quote • References on request

No job too small or too big • Honest and trustworthy Please call

01483 789548

direct-roofing@hotmail.com DIRECT INDUSTRIAL AND MAINTENANCE LTD Office No. 266 • Guildford • Surrey • GU1 2AG • Company Reg. 8847883

I Want to Rent or Buy Your House Now Any condition. Anywhere No fees or commission

Richard: 01483 320 207

www.bakewithjack.co.uk

ROCK,POP,BLUES Bass guitar tuition

Call Alan Wise on 01483 560737 or email alanwise@rocketmail.com. www.alanwise.co.uk

For help with:

In partnership with

Roof repairs Windows Heating & more

5.63%

Typical APR

Call 02392 375921 for info Delivered by Parity Trust.

FCA No: 504445.

Your home is at risk if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or other secured debts. Land Reg. fees may apply

We survived and Cornwall is open for business!

DOES A SECLUDED LOG CABIN OVERLOOKING THE SEA APPEAL TO YOU? YES! THEN COME TO CORNWALL Self catering – Sleeps 4 Tel: 01872 501187

No answer? Leave us your number and we’re always happy to ring you back.

Sorry, no pets & smoking October 2014

Simply Blinds Feb 14_Layout 1 08/04/2014 16:29 Page 1 Godalming based, we supply and fit all types of good quality made to measure Blinds, Curtains, Awnings and Canopies at affordable prices.

Free Survey, conducted at a time convenient to you Free Quotation with no obligation All products are fully guaranteed and comply with new Child Safety Requirements

Sam Segar June_Layout 1 13/08/2014 14:12 Page 1 Call Richard on 01483 415131

SAM SEGAR REFLEXOLOGY An effective and deeply relaxing, non-invasive treatment which can support the body's natural healing processes associated with: • STRESS, DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY • DIGESTIVE DISORDERS • SLEEP PROBLEMS • CANCER TREATMENTS • HORMONAL IMBALANCES, PRE-CONCEPTION, PREGNANCY AND POST-NATAL CARE • ALLERGIES Treatments in your own home

07773 807816 samsegar@btinternet.com • www.surreyreflexology.webs.com

45

BUSINESS CARDS

Got something dirty? - no time to clean it ? - take your cleaning to:

Jessica Pilates

A New Dimension

Offering small matwork classes in Guildford, Normandy, Worplesdon, West Horsley and Bookham.

For the cleaning of domestic ovens, hobs, extractors, microwaves and free standing cookers. We specialise in AGA/Rayburn and range cleaning. Prices from £30 for a basic oven clean

First taster session FREE!

Tel: 078 078 16 347

For more details contact Jess Curnier on 07789 176416 or email jess@jessicapilates.co.uk

We also clean fridges, freezers, dishwashers, showers, and Baths.

Window Wizard_Layout 1 12/11/2012 18:46 Page 1 www.jessicapilates.co.uk

We love doing the jobs you hate!

Find me at : www. 1 findacraftsman.com & www.yell.com John Martin_Layout 13/12/2013 13:48 Page 1 Based in Godalming, Surrey. Est 2009

John Martin

FOR ALL YOUR DOUBLE GLAZING REPAIRS W W W W W W W

Ovens ‘n’ Stuff

Do you have timber to move or logs to cut up?

Broken down sealed units...

New hinges, fire & child safety...

New mechanisms, windows & doors...

Patio door repairs...

Broken handles....

Front & back doors dropped...

Drafts & leaks on your windows...

Timber extraction & firewood processing equipment available for hire with operator

No call out charge.

01483 527923/07792 682081 www.traditionalboundaries.com Penny ad_Layout 1 14/08/2012 16:23 Page 1 Member of the National Hedgelaying Society & Surrey & Sussex Coppice Group

HOLIDAY HOME SOUTH OF FRANCE

CHIMNEY SWEEP JULIAN RAFFE

Comfortable village gite to let, sleeps 8, in picturesque Languedoc ‘Cathar Country’. Near castles, dramatic gorges, Carcassonne and Canal du Midi.

01483 200581- 07837 239516 Free CCTV inspection included with each sweep

julianraffe@googlemail.com

Visit the website www.bugarachgite.co.uk Wills Etc_Layout 1 16/08/2011 12:36 Page 1 Tel 01252 712233 or email penny.kitchen@btopenworld.com

Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps

Four good reasons to advertise vantagepoi

“Morning, just wanted to let you know that we have had an amazing response from your ad! Thanks so much.”

Clare Crosbie, Crosbie Foods

VANTAG ntmag.co.u

k

YOUR COMM

UNITY 

YOUR VIEW

“Marcus, I just wanted to let you know that I sold more legs of lamb this week than I’d usually sell in a month, and I know that’s all down to my offer in my advert in VantagePoint because my customers show me the advert!”

Simon Thornton, The Godalming Butchers

Haslemere

, Midhurst

& Petworth

• July 2014

MAGAZ

“You can tell Vantage Point is going out because our phone starts ringing. So many people want to transfer video to DVD now.”

Patricia Ellis, Wizard Video “Fantastic response to my first advert in the VantagePoint. Can I continue with a full page for the next six months in two editions?!”

Ian Parr, Smart-Pro (First time advertiser in February VantagePoint)

EPOINT INE

Also inside: MADHU SOUTH RST DOWNS AN INTERVI SOCIETY EW WITH JOHN SURTEES WIN WINGS & WHEELS TICKETS

BEHIND THE SCE

WITH GUIL

NES

DFORD

SHAKESPEA

RE

Contact Marcus on 01483 420173 or Carol on 01483 418141 marcus@vantagepublishing.co.uk or carol@vantagepublishing.co.uk

The local magazine produced by local people for the local community

46

Wills. Lasting Powers of Attorney.

Estate Planning. Court of Protection.

Home visits, lunch time meetings. We come to you.

01483 564833 helen@wills-etc.co.uk www.wills-etc.co.uk vantagepointmag.co.uk

WIN

WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS TO ‘HARDEEP IS YOUR LOVE’ Following a critically acclaimed Spring tour and a successful season at The Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2014, So Comedy are proud to announce the addition of an Autumn tour of Hardeep Singh Kohli’s debut stand up Comedy show. He will be appearing at G Live, Guildford on 14th November 2014.

Hardeep is a regular panellist on Channel 5’s hugely popular current affairs show, The Wright Stuff and has been a regular reporter on BBC1’s The One Show and a guest on BBC1’s Question Time, and This Week with Andrew Neil. For Channel 4 he has written and presented the BAFTA Award winning In Search of the Tartan Turban, the critically acclaimed and award winning Hardeep Does... and the seminal gambling series 50 Says You’ll Watch This.

To enter to win a pair of tickets, simply answer the following question: Q: Which BBC programme does Hardeep report for?

Please enter online at vantagepointmag.co.uk by 31st October 2014.

WIN £100 VIP DINING EXPERIENCE FOR TWO

VantagePoint has teamed up with renowned gastro pub The Jolly Farmers at Buckland near Dorking to offer a £100 VIP dining experience. The Jolly Farmers is a pub and deli/food shop and champions local food and local producers throughout their menu and in the shop.

Our winner and a guest will be greeted with an aperitif on arrival followed by their choice of sharing platter from the “Weekend Extra Special” range, which includes delicacies such as lobster, chateaubriand and local game, all washed down with a bottle of house wine. Then for a happy ending, there’s a fabulous choice of desserts or local cheeses and freshly ground coffee.

To win, simply answer the following question: Q: What is the Jolly Farmers in addition to a pub?

Please enter online at vantagepointmag.co.uk by 31st October 2014.

WIN A MEAL FOR TWO WITH RED MIST LEISURE The arrival of autumn brings with it some wonderful new ingredients and to celebrate our favourite season, we’re giving you the chance to enjoy a delicious meal for two at any of our five great country pubs.

With a passion for fresh, seasonal and local produce, real ales and great service, we pride ourselves on giving you a great dining experience, whether you’re enjoying a lazy weekend brunch at The Wheatsheaf, a family get-together at The Duke of Cambridge or a client meeting at The Exchequer. To find out more about our passion for pubs, please visit www.redmistleisure.co.uk.

To enter, please answer the following question: Q: Name one of the Red Mist Leisure pubs?

Enter online at vantagepointmag.co.uk by 31st October 2014.

Terms and Conditions Prize is one of two meals for two to the value of £40. Any further spend must be settled upon redemption of the prize. Prize cannot be exchanged or refunded. Booking required.

Please enter online at www.vantagepointmag.co.uk.

Postal entries can be sent to us at the address given on page three.

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, KT and RH postcode.

✤ ‘the personal touch’

Selling this Autumn?

Call Pewleys for calm and considered advice.

01483 304344

pewleys.co.uk