VantagePoint Magazine January 2014 - Haslemere, Midhurst & Petworth

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Haslemere, Midhurst & Petworth • January 2014

VANTAGEPOINT YOUR COMMUNITY  YOUR VIEW

MAGAZINE

PETWORTH HOUSE

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Also inside: JOTTINGS COMPETITIONS FASHION

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Behind the scenes

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CONTENTS

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6 Jottings

42 Food

Your local community noticeboard

Bake with Jack

8 Fashion

46 Garden

A Life in Design

Garden art and focal points

14 Petworth House

48 Walk

Behind the scenes

Wonderful Woolbeding

20 Get that Business Started

51 Profile

Josh Taylor on how he can help new entrepreneurs

School of Economic Science

26 Wild Weather

52 Business Cards

Things to make and do in the rain and ice

Small ads for trades and services

38 The Book Review

55 Win

OurDJK_Electricians_A5_landscape_ad_p1b_AW.pdf picks for January

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TO THE POINT

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

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

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

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

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

& Villages and Haslemere, Midhurst, Petworth & Villages.

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

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

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

Stefan Reynolds Editor

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

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

We publish four magazines which are currently delivered monthly

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Aged 40-74?

No history of stroke, heart disease, kidney disease or diabetes?

You’re eligible for a free NHS Health Check.

Go to healthysurrey.org.uk/ healthchecks for details of participating GPs and pharmacists Or email healthchecks@ surreycc.gov.uk

Free NHS Health Check Helping you prevent heart disease, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease.

January 2014

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JOTTINGS JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL AND WELCOME TO THIS THE FIRST EDITION OF VANTAGEPOINT AND INDEED MY FIRST MONTH OF WRITING JOTTINGS. January is not the easiest of months, there’s the post Christmas hangover, the days are still short and who knows what weather will be thrown at us. However, I do start to feel that spring will be with us before we know it, just wait for those snowdrops to appear! Don’t forget to send in all your Jottings, whether you want to promote your club/society, are organising a charity/fund raising event or have some information that you think will be of interest to the local community do get in touch and we will endeavour to publish as much as possible HUNDREDS OF EXOTIC BUTTERFLIES WILL BE RELEASED INTO THE GLASSHOUSE AT RHS GARDEN WISLEY, TO CREATE A TROPICAL PARADISE THIS WINTER. Butterflies in the Glasshouse runs from Saturday 18th January to Sunday 9th March from 10am-3.45pm. Butterflies such as the striking Blue morpho, the giant Owl and red & black Big Billy will settle amongst the tropical planting of the spectacular Glasshouse to

give visitors a rare opportunity to see butterflies from the tropics in their natural habitat. Visitors will also be able to see butterflies feeding at special feeding stations, and learn about the lifecycle of butterflies with their puparium.

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

AS I WRITE THERE ARE STILL A FEW TICKETS LEFT FOR OPERA SOUTH’S POPULAR NEW YEAR CHAMPAGNE RECEPTION, CONCERT AND DINNER ON 4TH JANUARY. Come and celebrate 2014 and the 30th anniversary of the Company. Begin with a champagne reception at 6pm, followed by professional singers from London performing popular arias and songs from the shows and finishing with

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a gourmet dinner and wine - all included in the price of £65. Venue: The Georgian House Hotel (who are offering reduced rate for B&B).

Tickets from Sarah Barnes 01428 643129; saba@haslemere.com.

HASLEMERE MUSICAL SOCIETY’S ANNUAL AND HIGHLY POPULAR COME AND SING TAKES PLACE AT THE BEAUTIFUL AND NEWLY REFURBISHED ST CHRISTOPHER’S CHURCH, HASLEMERE, ON SATURDAY 1ST FEB, FROM 2PM TILL 6.30PM. It will be a feast of singing and playing for all who want to take part and will feature Zadok the Priest, by Handel and I Was Glad and Blest Pair of Sirens by Parry. The day will be led by the inspirational young conductor Christopher Hann, who so delighted participants last year. Those who wish to sing or play are invited to enrol online at www.hmsoc.org.uk or to apply to Peter Sharpe at 01428 604860 or at petersharpe@btinternet.com. The booking fee is £12 per person or £10 each for groups of 10 or more.

The fee entitles participants not just to the joy of the music but to the renowned refreshments of the HMS culinary section!

WALKS FOR HEALTH HASLEMERE PROVIDES FREE HEALTH WALKS OF ABOUT AN HOUR THREE

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

HASLEMERE, MIDHURST & PETWORTH DELIVERED TO 22,560 LOCAL HOMES Like us on Facebook at Vantage Point Magazine

@VantageLocalMag

Editorial Copy Date: 11th February 2014 6

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January 2014

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A Life in

Design

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

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

Case Study

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

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

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

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

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

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FASHION

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

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

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

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

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

January 2014

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

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

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

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For a no-obligation quote please contact Gill on 01252 717772 Home is where the Hearth is

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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

TIMES A WEEK ON TUESDAYS (LEAVING HASLEWEY AT 2.30PM) ON THURSDAYS (LEAVING HIGH LANE COMMUNITY CENTRE AT 1PM) AND ON SATURDAYS (LEAVING THE HERONS AT 11AM). All are welcome and they try to cater for different walking abilities as much as possible - just come on the day and allow 15 minutes to register on your first walk. More details are available on www.walkingforhealth.org.uk (e.g.

Haslemere entry and brief health article ‘Walking Works’ so relevant at the start of the year!)

FANCY FLYING SOUTH FOR THE WINTER? Rehearsals are now underway for the March 2014, Haslemere Players production of the Oscar winning musical, ‘South Pacific!’ The Players will be supporting The Midhurst Mind Project, helping people with mental health problems - which also covers Haslemere - with this production.

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However, they need more sailors and nurses in the chorus – of all ages and stages - to sing and dance their way through famous, toe tapping melodies such as, ‘There aint nothing like a dame’, ‘I’m gonna wash that man right outta my hair’, ‘I’m in love with a wonderful guy’ and ‘Honey Bun’. The Haslemere Players meet every Tuesday night from 7.30pm till 10pm and there’s always a lot of fun and laughter!

Whether on stage or behind the scenes, members are part of a warm and friendly team dedicated to creating the best possible musical performance for their audiences.

No stage experience is needed, just energy, enthusiasm and a good sense of humour! If you are interested in joining the chorus for the March production of South Pacific, please contact: Pamela Depledge on 01428 605237 or email her at pameladepledge@talktalk. net. For more information on

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The Haslemere Players and South Pacific, see their website www. haslemereplayers.com.

A NOTICE FROM MIDHURST CONSERVATIVES. There’s a ‘Meet the Member’ evening on Friday 28th February. Andrew Tyrie MP will be available to constituents at Capron House North Street Midhurst from 5.30pm to 6.30 pm. The Midhurst Conservatives Annual General Meeting will follow on at 7pm at the same location. All Members are invited and are asked to carry their Membership cards.

MIDHURST CAMERA CLUB HOLDS ITS MEETINGS AT COWDRAY HALL, PARKWAY, EASEBOURNE, MIDHURST, GU29 0A, AND THEY START AT 7.30PM. All their meetings are open to visitors and there is a small charge for speaker and practical workshop evenings.

For further details visit their website at www.midhurstcameraclub.co.uk.

The programme for January is; vantagepointmag.co.uk

Affordable Luxury for your home

@waltonswan

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T 01428 648878 M 07900 003875 www.waltonswandesign.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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

Providing Inspirational Interiors for Beautiful Homes in Haslemere, Godalming, Guildford and throughout Surrey, West Sussex and Hampshire. Call now to find out more.

Tel 01428 648878.

ADVERTORIAL

January 2014

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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

Wednesday 8th January, Digital Projected Image (DPI) Competition Round 2 – Subject ‘Monochrome’.

On Wednesday 22nd January, there is a fascinating talk about Mount Everest. The speaker is Mike Davies and his subject, “Chasing a Dream - Everest”. It is open to non members, costs £5 and you can book your tickets by going to the website as above. For enquiries call Karen on 01730 815199. Finally on Wednesday 29th January there is a practical workshop evening on how to get more from your camera.

HASLEMERE NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY’S NEXT EVENT TAKES PLACE ON SATURDAY 11TH JANUARY, AT 2.15 PM AT HASLEMERE EDUCATIONAL MUSEUM. David Elliott is National Trust’s Head Warden, Black Down (South Downs) and will be talking about Swan Barn Farm which is set in a wooded valley behind Haslemere’s High Street, opening on 12

to Surrey and Sussex countryside.

He will talk about the woodland at Swan Barn Farm and its wildlife, about the eco-building Speckled Wood which was built with locally sourced sustainable wood from the Black Down Estate, and about the activities of the volunteers.

His blog at http://swanbarnfarm. wordpress.com is full of information about the countryside and the National Trust’s activities.

Non-members are welcome but are invited to contribute £3. More information at www. haslemerenaturalhistorysociety. org.uk. You can also email info@ haslemerenaturalhistorysociety. org.uk.

CHICHESTER CONSERVATIVE ASSOCIATION FERNHURST & LYNCHMERE BRANCH ARE HOLDING THEIR 10TH CONSECUTIVE SPARKLING EVENING - WINE & WISDOM, AT FERNHURST VILLAGE HALL

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ON SATURDAY 1ST FEBRUARY FROM 7.15PM TO 10.30PM. It’s an evening of amusing, sometimes hilarious quizzes and a delicious supper. Teams will consist of six people but singles and couples are very welcome and can join tables.

There are prizes for the winning team and a wooden spoon for the not so successful! There is a raffle with many attractive prizes and a cash bar. Tickets are £12.50 and a donation from proceeds will go to local charities. You can obtain tickets from Fernhurst Post Office or by calling Rosemary Foster on 01428 653266, Peter Curry on 01428 653312, Louise Goacher on 01428 642484 or Evelyn Morgan on 01428 842820.

LIPHOOK W.I. is starting the New Year with a subject dear to women’s hearts; clothes. Kathrin Pieren from Petersfield Museum is coming to talk about the Beddles Costume Collection, which is a collection of vantagepointmag.co.uk

Amesbury

“Many a school may claim to be ‘academically rigorous’. Not all would also make a virtue out of also being ‘relaxed’. This one does.” - Good Schools Guide 2013 Amesbury is a co-educational day school for children ages 2-13. We are a family school, keen for siblings to study together and to feel equally valued.

Pre-Nursery and Nursery operate 47 weeks a year with early morning drop-off and evening pickups.

There is no Saturday school.

This term we have a Writer in Residence, a residential trip for Year 6, Joseph being performed, a Maths Curriculum Evening for parents, boarding taster weeks, U8 Tag Rugby & Netball Festival as well as the week long Amesbury Arts Festival.

“Parents in search of an education which will deliver confident children who see their futures in terms of unlimited options rather than curtailed ambitions… would be well advised to pay a visit” - GSG 2013 Open Mornings: 6 February, 15 May. Scholarship Day: 11 February Early Years Stay & Play: 25 February Please contact Liz Wright on l.wright@amesburyschool.co.uk or 01428 604322 for details.

ADVERTORIAL

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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

over 1,000 items covering the years from 1790’s to the 1970’s. It looks like being a very full year, with a good programme and lots of trips and outings including, they hope, a trip to the Guild Hall. They are a very friendly group and new visitors are always welcome. They meet on the 3rd Wednesday of every month in the Village Hall at 7.30pm. If you would like to know anything further, telephone Christine Chubb on 01428 723857.

HASLEMERE U3A’S NEXT MEETING IS ON MONDAY 13TH JANUARY AT 2PM IN HASLEMERE HALL, BRIDGE ROAD. Entrance Fee £2 to include refreshments.

Non Members welcome. It’s a talk entitled “Travellers Tales – Steam to Mandalay”. A 1,200 mile tour of reclusive Myanmar (Burma) by vintage steam train taking in magnificent religious sites, beautiful scenery and friendly people. Major (Ret’d) Paul Whittle has been a January 2014

Public speaker since 2003 and gives around 120 talks each year, raising money for charities supporting young children, and students in India and Burma. He is also a cruise lecturer for Fred Olsen.

He has visited over 40 countries, including such relatively unusual destinations as Armenia, Burma, Syria, and Eritrea and has also crossed the Sahara Desert. Should be a fascinating evening. For further information, call Membership Margaret Mowatt on 01428 652338, or Publicity/Meetings Pam Pullen on 01428 645214 or pullen@ haslemere.com.

ONE OF THE NICE THINGS ABOUT VANTAGEPOINT COVERING WEST SUSSEX IS IT GIVES ME A CHANCE TO WRITE ABOUT PLACES AND EVENTS NOT IN MY IMMEDIATE AREA BUT NEVERTHELESS STILL EASILY ACCESSIBLE. Historic Sussex Hotels comprise three wonderful old hotels, Ockenden

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Manor in Cuckfield, Bailifescourt in Climping and The Spread Eagle in Midhurst, (dating from 1430, one of the oldest coaching inns in the country). I mention them because apart from the usual attributes of being very comfortable historic hotels, they hold a lot of interesting events including talks, music nights and special culinary evenings. One that caught my eye was a talk by the head brewer of local brewery Ballards followed by a delicious roast lunch. It takes place at The Spread Eagle on Sunday 23rd February.

Have a look at their website www. hshotels.co.uk and see if something takes your fancy.

THE LIPHOOK CHRISTMAS GIFT FAIR WAS A ROARING SUCCESS. Organiser Jenni Smith said, “All the stall holders were delighted with the number and quality of visitors that visited their stands”. The Fair supports Harrison’s Fund (www. harrisonsfund.com), the Surrey13

Behind the scenes at

PETWORTH HOUSE

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

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

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

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

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

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

Object in Focus

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

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

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

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

January 2014

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

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

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

FIND OUT MORE

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

Constable at Petworth 11th January to 14th March 2014

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

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

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Local Classic Car Dealer wants to buy cars Fernhurst Motor Company was established in 1984

by Ben Faulkner, its current Managing Director. It started life as a Sports and Classic dealership and took on a TVR Franchise in 1986.

Since then it has grown steadily, becoming one of the largest TVR dealers in the Country. In 2006 TVR ceased manufacturing new cars and Fernhurst have established themselves as offering the very best quality used TVR examples.

Since 2006 they have been going back to selling more classic and sports cars, mainly concentrating on British Marques but also interesting vehicles.

With a full refurbishment of their premises in 2010, they now have three showrooms where they can display up to 40 TVR and Classic Cars.

Fernhurst are looking for Classic and interesting vehicles, if you have one that you would like to sell, why not get in touch for an initial chat, they offer a polite friendly service and are very enthusiastic and knowledgeable.

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January 2014

Do you have a classic car you would like to sell?

We offer:-

Outright purchase or Consignment.

Friendly polite service.

Enthusiastic and knowledgeable.

Established for 30 years.

Please contact us for an initial chat, afterhours please call Simon Bartlett on 07796 175688 at anytime.

Sales 01428 653924 | Servicing 01428 656377 www.fernhurst-tvr.co.uk Midhurst Road, Fernhurst, Haslemere, Surrey, GU27 3EE

JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

based Charity promoting and funding research into a treatment or cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and with over £1,150 being raised for the charity on the day. Fellow organiser Sandie Wooden would like to thank the Liphook community for getting behind this event and supporting such a worthwhile cause. Harrison’s Fund would also particularly like to thank Heather Boosey and Liphook Scouts & Guides for the use of the Scout & Brownie halls at the Millennium Centre, “they couldn’t do enough to help us” stated Sandie & Jenni. Jenni has a very personal interest in Harrison’s Fund as her seven year old grandson, Harrison, was diagnosed with Duchenne in 2011. Families affected by Duchenne have so little time, as boys generally are in a wheelchair by 12 and die in their late teens or early twenties. There is currently no cure or treatment, and Duchenne is

100% fatal. If you would like to help in any way, do have a look at their website above.

IF YOU BEEN LUCKY ENOUGH TO RECEIVE A ‘TABLET’ AS A GIFT OR HAVE BOUGHT ONE YOURSELF YOU WILL, OF COURSE, WANT TO GET THE BEST FROM IT – THE FERNHURST CENTRE CAN HELP WITH A COUPLE OF COURSES. An Introduction to using your iPad: this course will help you with setting up - connecting to Wi Fi and much more besides. Two x 2 hour sessions commencing Thursday 23rd January at 2.30pm to 4.30pm.

Cost £20. If you have another make of Tablet using the Android system then there is a course for you too.

Two x 2 hour sessions commencing Wednesday 22nd January at 9.30am to 11.30am. Cost £20. Places must be booked so contact the Centre either on 01428 641931 or email them at ferncent@gmail.com. The Fernhurst Centre offers a variety

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of other courses not all computer related – so do keep an eye on the Centre’s website for up to date information www.fernhurstcentre. org.uk. The Fernhurst Centre is situated in the centre of Fernhurst Village with free car parking at the rear.

THE MIDHURST & DISTRICT GARDEN CLUB HOLD THEIR MEETINGS AT THE NEW GRANGE, MIDHURST AT 7 FOR 7.30PM. Visitors are always welcome and if you would like more information contact Lesley Campbell on 01730 814522 or Denise Skinner on 01730 814194. They have a packed programme for 2014 and tyheir next meeting is on Monday 24th February on the subject of Birds and Gardens, Perfect Partners with Dr Alick Jones. Do note that this meeting is to be held at Capron House, Midhurst at 7pm for 7.30pm.

GRAYSHOTT DECORATIVE AND FINE ART SOCIETY’S NEXT 17

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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

MEETING IS ON THURSDAY 9TH JANUARY AT 2PM IN GRAYSHOTT VILLAGE HALL. Bertie Pearce’s topic will be ‘Wonder Workers and the Art of Illusion’. Be prepared to be amazed and bewildered! Their first visit of 2014 is on Wednesday 29th January and is to the Turner Exhibition at the National Maritime Museum. On Thursday 6th February, the ever popular Andrew Davies will be exploring London’s stations in ‘St Pancras and Friends’. If you would like more information on GDFAS have a look at their website www. nadfasatgrayshott.org.uk.

THE MIDHURST & PETWORTH ROTARY CLUB WAS FORMED IN 1964 WITH MEMBERSHIP CURRENTLY STANDING AT NEARLY 40 MEN AND WOMEN. Rotary is non-political, non-religious and open to all cultures and creeds.

Members are a group of active and retired business and professional men and women who take an active 18

role in the local communities and aim to effect beneficial change and have an impact on, international humanitarian issues. The club meets every Monday: the 1st, 3rd and 5th of the month 6.45pm for 7pm at Cowdrey Park Golf Club, Midhurst GU29 0BB and the 2nd and 4th of the month at 12.45pm for 1pm at the Grange Centre, Midhurst GU29 9HD. If you would like to know more about Rotary contact past President Geoff Payne on 01730 818387 or email: g.payne3@homecall.co.uk.

You can also find out more by going to www.rotary.org.

FERNHURST CHORAL SOCIETY MEETS IN FERNHURST VILLAGE HALL ON MONDAY EVENINGS AT 8PM. Under their brilliant young Conductor Timothy Ravalde, they perform two to three concerts annually. They welcome new members to join their 85 enthusiasts. They don’t hold auditions but to read music is an

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advantage. Recently they performed the exciting Chichester Psalms by Bernstein in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support and in May they will sing the Mozart Requiem with Soloists and Orchestra in St. Paul’s, Chichester. In March they will join other choirs to sing in Petersfield Festivities under the eminent Choral Conductor, Paul Spicer. On Saturday 29th March they are holding a Come and Sing with choruses from the Messiah at St Mary’s Church, Petworth. All details and booking forms are to be found on their Website at www. ferhurstchoralsociety.co.uk or by calling 01428 644125 or 01730 826680. Research has proven that singing promotes health and wellbeing and into the bargain they add fun and friendship. Why not give it a try.

THE GRANGE LUNCH AND ACTIVITY CLUB (RUN BY ROTHER VALLEY TOGETHER) IS A CLUB WITH THE OVER 60S IN MIND. vantagepointmag.co.uk

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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

Open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at the Grange Centre, Midhurst. Enjoy activities, visits, talks, crafts and opportunities to learn new skills. Transport can be provided where necessary as well as bus services to and from the villages. Call 01730 816267 and ask for Petra on Tuesdays, Thursdays or Fridays or 01730 812550 Mondays and Wednesdays.

MIDHURST MOTORCYCLE CLUB WAS FOUNDED IN 1914 BY LOCAL MOTORCYCLISTS AS A TOTALLY INDEPENDENT, NONASSOCIATED MOTORCYCLE RIDERS CLUB. Members meet on the third Wednesday of each month at the Country Inn, Bepton Road, Midhurst and arrange regular ride outs. For more information visit www.midhurst-mcc.co.uk, find them on Facebook or call 07931 491138.

KNOCKHUNDRED SHUTTLES, MIDHURST’S VERY OWN NORTH January 2014

MON - SAT 9.30am - 4.30pm

2B HIGH STREET x SHEPHERD’S HILL HASLEMERE x SURREY 01428 656412 info@blushtrends.co.uk www.blushtrends.co.uk

WEST MORRIS SIDE, HAVE JUST CELEBRATED THEIR 30TH ANNIVERSARY. The team performs both traditional dances and many written by members. They have performed in twin towns Nogent Le Rotrou and Baiersbronn, the London Palladium and the Olympic Park amongst other famous venues.

New members are always welcome, whether to dance or to play in the band. Visit www.kscm.org.uk or e-mail info@kscm.org.uk.

DID YOU KNOW THAT THERE ARE FREE GUIDED WALKS IN THE CHICHESTER DISTRICT? HeartSmart Walks are led by volunteer Walk Leaders and are designed to cater for all ages and abilities. The walks offer opportunities to exercise and meet new people in a safe and friendly environment. For further information contact the Health Development Team on 01243 534589 or email health@

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chichester.gov.uk. You can also find out more by going to www. chichesterwellbeing.org.uk. They publish a list of walks giving full details, the one I have finishes in January 2014 so I’m sure the next one must now be available.

STARTING APRIL 2014 THERE WILL BE A MONTHLY MARKET IN GRAYSHOTT SQUARE. Sponsored

by Applegarth, the well known restaurant, farm shop and events centre, the market will be widely promoted and aims to be the leading one of its kind in North Hampshire. The first market will be on 19th April and on the third Saturday of every month thereafter.

Market space will be charged at £10 per 6ftx4ft space (stallholders will need to provide their own stalls).

If you would like to take a stall, bookings will be for a minimum of three months and limited to the first 30 approved applications.

Those interested in joining in this 19

Get that

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

S

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

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

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

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

“

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

”

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

The Start-up Loans Company has also negotiated resources 20

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

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

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

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

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

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

BUSINESS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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MEET THE TEAM Marcus Atkins (far left)

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

Angie Crisell (second from left)

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

Carol Martin (middle)

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

Stefan Reynolds (second from right)

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

Nick Crisell (far right)

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

The local magazine produced by local people for the local community 22

vantagepointmag.co.uk

ity

See over 1,500 lighting models at our 9000ft2 showroom

WINTER SALE STARTS 27th DECEMBER – Up to 20% off current ranges Up to 70% off in our Clearance Section all year round

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

LIGHTING <19

JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

exciting new community initiative should contact: Tim Wickes on Mob: 07896713233 or email tim@ twickes.co.uk WITLEY PANTOMIME COMPANY PRESENTS ITS 57TH PRODUCTION, CINDERELLA! It runs from Wednesday 22nd January to Saturday 25th January at The Chichester Hall, Witley. Tickets are Adult, £7.50 & Children, £6. All Tickets on Friday & Saturday night are £7.50. Family tickets are (2 Adults + 2 Children) £20. Evening shows start at 7.30pm and the Saturday matinee is at 2.30pm. You can buy your tickets at: Witley Wines, Witley or Arty Crafty, Godalming. You can also email your ticket requests to witleypantomimecompany@ gmail.com, or call the booking office on 07814 665709. For more information, find them on Facebook: ‘Witley Pantomime Company’ and follow them on Twitter: @WitleyPantoCo. January 2014

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

THE MIDHURST MUSEUM IS NOW OPEN FROM 10.30AM TO 4.30PM ON TUESDAYS, THURSDAYS, FRIDAYS AND SATURDAYS AND 10:30AM TO 1PM ON WEDNESDAYS. During 2014 the Museum will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War in August and the 150th anniversary of the arrival of the railways in Midhurst in September. The museum operates thanks to the time and support given by volunteers. If you would like to help for half a day a month (or more!) please contact Peter Nightingale on 07528 648643 or 07958 276358.

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

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to join in their Great British Brekkie week which is being held from the 10th-16th February.

They would like you together with your family, friends, colleagues or classmates, to join them and help raise £30,000 to support bereaved children by hosting a charity breakfast in February. It is a known fact that breakfast is an important meal helping everyone, including children, have a more positive proactive day. When you start with a nutritious and balanced breakfast, you’re getting the energy you need to embrace the morning, refuelling your body and brain and kick-starting your metabolism.

Life is so busy nowadays and this most important meal of the day is often forgotten. From the 10th16th February Winston’s Wish is asking everyone to hold their own Great British Brekkie and revive the tradition of the Great British breakfast! This can be anything 23

GET IN THE KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Follow @surreytravel for traffic and travel updates

Get informed, get prepared

www.surreycc.gov.uk/highwaysinfo or call 0300 200 1003 Report it now, scan this code

www.surreycc.gov.uk Winter Campaign 2013_VantagePoint_Fullpage.indd 1

04/11/2013 16:52

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RDA Dec 13_Layout 1 11/11/2013 16:15 Page 1 Poster.pdf

RDA presents Ballroom/Latin Dance Classes

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New beginners class starting 6th February 2014

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Doors open 7pm, class starts 7.15pm till 8.15pm Also available Improvers class 8.20pm till 9.20pm Advanced class 9.25pm till 10.30pm Pay as you go £5 pp per class.

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

Fashion Shows 12.30pm & 2.30pm

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

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Sunday 26th January 2014

JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

from traditional full English to a good ol’ cuppa and toast! Let your imagination get boiling! For more information and to register visit www.greatbritishbrekkie.org. uk or tweet them @winstonswish using #greatbritishbrekkie. Winston’s Wish needs to raise £2 million each year to carry out their work in helping and supporting bereaved children so anything you can do will be fantastic.

IT IS THE START OF A NEW YEAR AND A GREAT TIME TO TRY SOMETHING NEW. Circle Dancing is great fun, very relaxing, wonderful exercise and an opportunity to make new friends. It is suitable for men and women of all ages and you do not need a partner. The dances are international folk dances to beautiful ethnic music from many different countries such as Greece, Russia, Romania, Israel, Bulgaria and many more. They are done in a circle mostly holding hands and everyone attempts to do the same steps at the

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

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same time. People speak of feeling different after an evening of Circle Dance: it seems to take us out of our everyday lives and for those two hours you are thinking only of the dance and the community of the circle. Why not try it for yourself?

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

WOULD YOU LIKE A GUIDED TOUR OF CHICHESTER CITY? Or the City Walls? Chichester City and District Guides are willing to take you

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back in time and then bring you up to date in Chichester - from Roman times up to today, and through many dates in between. Their guides have considerable knowledge both of facts and amusing anecdotes about the city. Standby tours start from The Novium, the new Chichester Museum in Tower Street (which is opposite the Cathedral) - telephone 01243 775888 - and take place on the following days: October to March - Saturdays at 2pm and Tuesdays at 11am. Tours cost £4.50 per head and take around one and a half hours. All guides are trained and experienced, and can tailor your tour to suit your interests. Meet at Chichester Tourist Information Centre, The Novium, Tower Street, Chichester PO19 1QH. Tel: 01243 775888 or email: chitic@chichester. gov.uk for more information.

Website is www.chichesterweb. co.uk/chiguides.htm.

LES AMITIÉS FRANÇAISES DE 25

wild weather

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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vantagepointmag.co.uk

FAMILY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FIND OUT MORE

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

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

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

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

January 2014

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

Rely on Reputation

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

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

Customer in Haslemere

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

Customer in Guildford

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

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Installers of electric security gates and intercom systems Breakdown service and annual preventative maintenance

If you require security around your home you can choose from a large selection of electric gates for easy entry and exit to your property with safe coding systems for maximum security at all times

Portcullis Electric Gates Ltd Give us a call on 01428 770 083 info@portcullis-gates.co.uk www.portcullis-gates.co.uk <25

JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

WAVERLEY WAS FOUNDED BY LUCIENNE COOPER, A FRENCH TEACHER OF RENOWN AND TIRELESS AMBASSADOR FOR HER NATIVE LAND, AND OVER THE YEARS IT HAS MET IN VARIOUS PLACES IN WAVERLEY, BEFORE FINALLY SETTLING DOWN IN GODALMING TOWN CENTRE. They are a bunch of French speakers who meet regularly to enjoy themselves and learn about French culture along the way. For example, on 6th January, which is the feast of the Fête des Rois, they will be sitting down together in a good restaurant and extending the Christmas festivities into the New Year. They also celebrate dates like Bastille Day and there is an annual outing and a decidedly festive AGM. 2014 is their 25th anniversary year, so in addition to the usual full calendar they will be celebrating in style in April. Anyone who would like to find out more about them 30

with a view to joining in with all this jollity is welcome to go along to one of their talks, which are given in French, but with due consideration for English audiences. You may be surprised to discover how close the links are between Godalming and France, and how much fun you can have getting involved. On Thursday 16th January, at 7.30 pm, at their usual venue of the Baptist Hall, Queen Street, Godalming, the ever-popular Thierry Viennois will be talking about Versailles – La Cage Dorée, an insight into the astonishing way of life at the French court. This all-singing, all-dancing event will be somewhat longer than usual, and they are hoping for clips of the Roi du Soleil dancing, as he was reputed to be of professional standard. Visitors pay £6 for each talk, but anyone who would like to join Amitiés Françaises for 2014 will get a free taster. They are a very friendly group and are always ready

36>

to welcome new members. Contact John Petty on john.petty@which. net, or 01483 861974.

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

There you will also see that by entering the Society’s competition you have the opportunity to win a pair of tickets for Princess Ida at either Godalming or Leatherhead. In recognition of the high standing the Society has in the world of Gilbert & Sullivan members are delighted that they have been invited to perform Princess Ida at the International Gilbert & Sullivan Festival at its new venue, Harrogate, on 20th August 2014; a great accolade. vantagepointmag.co.uk

Why are Wills important?

If you already have a Will, how old is it?

Has the family changed?

If so, your Will may not do the job you intended.

Perhaps you do not have a Will?

Without a Will:  An unmarried partner has no inheritance

rights.  A married spouse may not inherit enough to

live comfortably because children do have inheritance rights.  Orphaned children under 18 become the responsibility of the Local Authority.  Children inherit equally. This may or may not be fair.  Children inherit at 18. Not always the best age.  An heir who is in receipt of State benefits my lose benefits which depend on capital assessment when they inherit.  You could be leaving problems and disputes instead of happy memories.

Our Wills can avoid all these problems. That is pretty good for a single document!

Making a Will with Shaws Wills involves:  An informal discussion about your family

“Clients of Shaws Wills and Trusts”

Why are Lasting Powers of Attorney important?

At any age illness or accident can strike.

In old age it is time for the younger generation to help.

Without the right documents no one can act for you. If the documents are in place, they are there when needed.

Our clients all tell us that the experience has been a pleasant one and that they are extremely glad that they have the necessary documents in place.

“The opposite of love is not hate, it is indifference.” Oscar Wilde

and your wishes.  Advice as to the best way to safe-guard

your assets for your heirs in the most tax efficient manner.  Advice concerning Care in old age and how assets can be preserved for the family.  We believe in plain English.

The costs of all our services are fully disclosed to the client in writing prior to the meeting and each service provided is “fixed fee”.

Susan Shaw LL.M 01428 712856 www.shawswills.com Member of the Surrey Law Society, Institute of Professional Will Writers Affiliate of the Society of Trusts and Estate Practitioners.

This article is necessarily brief. Specialist advice should always be sought.

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

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

Highly Recommended

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

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

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

Attitude

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

For more information call

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

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SENIORS

It’s never too late to pick up a weight The older we get, the more the saying “use it or lose it” applies to our muscle mass. There is a word for it – sarcopenia. It starts in our 30s and on average 30% of our muscle mass is lost between 30-80 years of age. Research has shown that muscle strength declines by 15% per decade after 50, and 30% per decade after 70.

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

Chestnut View Care Home

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

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

• Increased bone strength. A decreased risk of fractures. Older adults who exercise at least one hour every day reduce the risk of fracturing their hip by 50%. 36>

Lion Green Haslemere GU27 1LD

Phone: 01428 652 622 Contact: Jacqueline Butler, Assistant Manager

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

More about Chestnut View...

Chestnut View is a very comfortable, welcoming and friendly home where we hope you’ll enjoy living. The accommodation here is of an extremely high standard with newly refurbished ensuite bedrooms– there’s delicious home-cooked food, and all the help you need to make your stay a very pleasant one.

Chestnut View is in its own grounds, with a private lawned garden and patio area where you can sit and enjoy the warm summer weather. We also have plenty of parking space for any friends or family who come to visit you. There are 60 spacious single bedrooms, all with ensuite facilities. We also have a variety of lounge and dining areas, quiet rooms and a reception area where you can welcome your visitors. An ample passenger lift takes you to the upper �loor, and we even have a hairdressing salon - so you can always look your best without having to leave home.

If you would like further information on Chestnut View please visit our website: www.stcloudcare.co.uk.

To request a brochure either use the link on our website or email us at assistantmanager@chestnutview.plus.com.

January 2014

33

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Residential and nursing care home Beautifully appointed new care home providing exceptional care in magnificent surroundings. The perfect place to give your loved ones a five star break while you take yours.

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

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

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How to find us Entering Haslemere on A286, follow signs for Community Hospital. Turn right into Church Lane and follow road as it becomes High Lane then Inval Hill. Turn right into Wispers Lane (signposted).

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

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

Working in partnership with Orchard Care Homes

For more information call

0845 or034 4750 visit www.manorlife.com

<33 Strength training can also aid weight management.

The more muscle you have, the more calories you will burn making a healthy weight much easier to maintain.

If properly done strength training can help manage conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, osteoporosis, obesity and back pain. It can help reduce many of the symptoms and risks of the menopause, and a study has shown that older people who have stronger muscles are less likely to be hospitalised.

The recommendation for an active, independent older adult is that resistance training should be done up to four days per week, and that a whole body approach should be employed.

Strength training is also recommended for inactive older adults as studies have shown that all older adults, even those considered frail, can enjoy the benefits of exercise and that these benefits can appear after only three months.

you enjoy with ease, reduce the risk of falls and improve the quality of life as you age.

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

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

Greater muscular strength will not just lead to a healthier body, the immediate benefits of exercise include relaxation, stress and anxiety reduction, and a feeling of well-being. In the long term you will be able to continue to do the things <30

JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

GUILDFORD SHAKESPEARE COMPANY’S NEXT PRODUCTION IS OTHELLO WHICH WILL RUN FROM WEDNESDAY 5TH TO SATURDAY 22ND FEBRUARY AT HOLY TRINITY CHURCH, GUILDFORD HIGH STREET. Tickets cost from £12 and can be booked via the Box Office on 01483 304384 or by going to www.guildfords h a ke s p e a r e - c o m p a n y. c o . u k Ahead of this production, GSC are holding a series of complimentary events, one of which one is a special talk and debate focused on the character of lago from Othello.

It will be lead by GCS’s producer/ actor Matt Pinches who will explore the nature of the character of lago, considered to be Shakespeare’s most pathologically psychotic creation. Matt will be joined by Chris Porter who will actually be playing lago in the production. The talk lasts 90 minutes and takes place at 7pm on Friday 17th at Holy Trinity 36

Church. Cost £8 in advance or on the door. For details of the other events have a look at the website.

GRAYSWOOD IS HOLDING A COFFEE MORNING ON SATURDAY 25TH JANUARY FROM 10AM TO NOON AT THE VILLAGE CLUB. This is an opportunity for residents and people involved in the Village, to meet their neighbours and to find out ‘what’s on’ in Grayswood.

There will be bring and buy books and bric-a-brac tables; and, most importantly, refreshments and cake. Admission is free. Enquiries to 01428 652902.

A GOOD NEW YEAR RESOLUTION MIGHT BE TO GET OUTDOORS AND CLOSER TO NATURE. Certainly, help is on hand from the National Trust as many of their beautiful gardens and countryside spaces in Surrey are open in January and February, offering the perfect opportunity for winter walks in picture-postcard landscapes. So,

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wrap up warm and experience some outdoor delights, from avenues of frost-covered topiary, and borders packed with sensational scent and colour, to ice-rimmed lakes and breath-taking vistas.

ALTHOUGH IT’S CHILLY OUT THERE, NEW LIFE IS STIRRING IN OUR GARDENS IN JANUARY AND FEBRUARY, SO THERE’S PLENTY TO SEE AND ENJOY. If you venture to the right place, you can discover resilient and beautiful plants flowering in the heart of a British winter. To help you decide where to visit, they’ve come up with their top 5 winter ideas in Surrey according to Mike Buffin, the National Trust’s gardens and parks adviser and author: 1) Polesden Lacey, near Dorking, is one of the “must see” gardens to visit this winter. Mike says: “Polesden Lacey contains what is possibly one of the first ever winter gardens. It was designed by Graham Stuart Thomas a National vantagepointmag.co.uk

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

Ashton Manor Farnham

Robertsons NH Godalming

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Nursing Care for Alzheimer’s & Dementia

Nursing Care

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Beales Lane, Wrecclesham, Farnham GU10 4PY

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Wood Road, Hindhead GU26 6PT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ADVERTORIAL

January 2014

37

The

Book REVIEW

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

Physics

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

What stunning books they are.

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

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

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

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

Carol Farley

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

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

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

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

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

Carol Farley

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

BOOKS A.A. Gill is away

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

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

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

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

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

Gill will make you smile all of the

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

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

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

Nick Farley

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

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

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

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

Written with beautiful, flowing prose, Gale captures the enigmatic

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

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

Carol Farley 39

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Bake with Jack A

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

42

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

January 2014

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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

Trust Gardens Advisor, and is planted on a compact domestic scale. The grounds are open daily in January and February and the house is open on weekends for Glorious Glimpse house tours. Look out for the volunteering coffee mornings, countryside tours and half term events. 2) Winkworth Arboretum, near Godalming, has winter gardens set against the backdrop of the National Trust’s only arboretum (tree collection). The garden was planted by Dr Fox, the creator of the arboretum and it contains a wide variety of winter flowering shrubs planted in a relaxed woodland setting. Winkworth Arboretum and tea room is open every day in January and February. 3) If you prefer to enjoy the brilliance of some of the National Trust’s best landscape gardens visit Claremont Landscape Garden, near Esher.

Walk around the lake, see the island and pavilion, grotto and 44

many viewpoints and vistas. There are hidden features to enjoy such as the children’s play area and the thatched cottage. Don’t miss the Camellia Terrace, which is a mass of blooms from December to May. Claremont Landscape Garden, tea room and shop are open every day. 4) Ham House and Garden, in Richmond, has formal gardens, topiary and tree lined arches that look magical in the frost, especially with the grand backdrop of Ham House and the River Thames. At Morden Hall Park near Merton, Runnymede near Egham, and the River Wey Navigations near Guildford go for an atmospheric winter walk along misty river banks and crunch on the frost. The café at Morden Hall Park is open for tea, coffee, cake or a hearty stew.

Ham House and Garden is open on weekends during January.

MORDEN HALL PARK AND CAFÉ IS OPEN EVERY DAY. 5) There’s

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nothing like a winter walk to build up a bit of an appetite. Head out in the spectacular wintry landscape of the Surrey Hills. Box Hill and Hindhead Commons and Devil’s Punchbowl have tea rooms open and you can pick up a leaflet showing you the best walking routes. After a stroll, retreat to a cosy interior for a delicious warming treat. Visitors can tuck into seasonal delights including soups and hot pots and at Box Hill there is even a roaring log fire to warm chilled hands and feet. Box Hill and Hindhead Commons and the Devil’s Punchbowl are countryside sites, open all year round. Both have cafes open every day.

A REMINDER THAT PETWORTH PARK IS OPEN 8AM TO DUSK YEAR ROUND. It has a dedicated car park, which lies one mile north of Petworth on the A283 (the closest SAT NAV postcode is GU28 9LS). Parking is free for members and only £2.50 for non members. vantagepointmag.co.uk

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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

There are also pedestrian entrances through the Cowyard tunnel in town and two on the A272 Midhurst Road.

BOOKING IS NOW OPEN FOR RHS LEISURE LEARNING COURSES FOR 2014. All four RHS gardens offer a wide range of courses and workshops pitched at different levels to enhance experience and knowledge of plants and gardens, from pruning and propagation to art and photography. If you would like to know more, it’s all on their website. For details of the Wisley courses just go to www.rhs.org.uk/ courses.

GRAYSHOTT FOLK CLUB’S FIRST GIG OF THE YEAR IS ON FRIDAY 24TH JANUARY AT GRAYSHOTT SOCIAL CLUB STARTING AT 7.30PM. It features one of Scotland’s finest folk rocking bands, The Bully Wee Band. They are four guys who have certainly been making music for a wee while. They are: Ian January 2014

Cutler, violin, keyboards and vocals.

Colin Reece, guitar, octave mandolin and vocals. Jim Yardley, mandolin, whistles and vocals. Fergus Feely, mandocello and vocals. They are highly talented and great fun and will be sure to give everyone a big boost at this gloomy time of year.

Tickets at £14 can be obtained from Magical Rooms and Grayshott Social Club.

HAVE YOU BEEN FEELING LESS THAN FULFILLED OVER THE HOLIDAY SEASON? Then what better way to start the New Year than by meeting new people with whom you can share stimulating experiences, enjoy lively discussions and generally have more fun? As a social club for unattached overfifties, Affinité has a vital role to play in a society where ‘feeling lonely’ is becoming an epidemic, as perilous as smoking once was. If you would like to start the New Year by making new friends and taking up new

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interests, Affinité is an organisation that will certainly help you along the way. Find out how Affinité, a non-profit club run in Surrey by its members for its members, can change your life at www.clubaffinite.co.uk , or call Richard on 07773 242244 – start your new resolution today!

CHIDDINGFOLD VILLAGE HALL CINEMA IS SCREENING BLUE JASMINE ON FRIDAY 17TH JANUARY. Doors open at 7:30pm, the film starts at 8pm. Running time: approx. 94 minutes (+ 15 minute interval). Cert 12A. It stars Cate Blanchett as Jasmine & Sally Hawkins as Ginger. I haven’t seen it but apparently Cate Blanchett ’s performance as a former socialite fallen on hard times and her sister’s charity is utterly compelling. The rest of the cast provides excellent support, and Woody Allen’s screenplay is a deft mixture of comic and tragic (with hints of ‘A 45

GARDEN

46

vantagepointmag.co.uk

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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

Streetcar Named Desire’) but this is Blanchett ’s film and she is a hot tip to win next year’s Oscar for Best Actress. Next Month on Thursday 6th February they are showing Rush. Doors open at 7:30pm and the film starts at 8pm. Running time: approx. 118 minutes (+ 15 minute interval) Cert 15. Starring Chris Hemsworth as James Hunt & Daniel Brühl as Niki Lauda, it’s an action-packed biographical drama, charting the personal and professional rivalry that will lead all the way to the 1976 Formula One world championship. Hunt is a handsome, dashing playboy, who lives as fast and recklessly as he drives. Lauda is the first of a new breed of methodical, rigorous and ruthless competitors. All they have in common are racing skill and a willingness to risk anything for victory, in a sport where the smallest error can be fatal. Tickets for each film cost £5 (£3 for children January 2014

under 15) on the door, or in advance from Chiddingfold Post Office.

Season Tickets are also available from both locations. For all the latest information and screening dates sign up to their Mailing List, either online at www.chiddingfoldhall.org.uk or in person at the box office for each screening. For further details, especially anyone interested in volunteering, please contact Matthew Lacey on 01428 683120, or email cinema.admin@ chiddingfold-hall.org.uk.

THE ROOF FUND APPEAL FOR ALL SAINTS CHURCH, GRAYSWOOD IS MAKING GREAT PROGRESS TOWARDS THEIR TARGET OF £100,000 - £120,000. At the beginning of December, it had reached £52,000, still a way to go, but they seem to be a small but tenacious group of fund-raisers doing really well for such a small village. Their next event is a Quiz Night, to be held on Saturday 11th

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January in Grayswood Village Hall.

This promises to be fun for all, with a delicious chilli and pud, all for the price of £10. There will also be a bar! Tables of eight are needed, so make one up with your friends, or come on your own and meet new ones. For more information contact Di Cook on 01428 654303 drdianecook@hotmail.co.uk or Fiona Gwynn on 01428 654728 gwynnfamily@sky.com.

THE SURREY HILLS CHAMBER CHOIR IS CURRENTLY EXPANDING IN PREPARATION FOR ITS 201415 SEASON, WHICH INCLUDES SOME EXCITING FESTIVALS AND COMPETITIONS. In particular, it is looking for a second bass, tenor, a second alto and a second soprano.

So if you’ve sung in a choir before, or can read music and sing in parts, now’s your chance to limber up your vocal chords and enjoy making some great music. It could be your key to a happier, healthier 2014 47

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You may see our Belted Galloway cows here.

Go past the house on the right and straight 48

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

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

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

and car park,

Midhurst.

WALK

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

8km)

mins

3

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

Please note that there may be livestock in some areas.

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

ide@nationaltrust.org.uk

Moon pub day and has (not NT).

uk/walks

Image above Š National Trust/Fiona Scully

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

k

Sweet-chestnut coppice

Tranquil woodland

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

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

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

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

970 January 2014

49

ow to get there

n foot: Southern part of estate

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

EAT

The Spread Eagle in Midhurst A treat for the whole family

W

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

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

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

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

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

JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

as a number of studies have all concluded that singing in a choir is extremely beneficial to your well being. Surrey Hills Chamber Choir is part of a family of choirs. They also have a ladies choir who rehearse on a Monday morning; a young people’s choir and a training choir for ages 6-7 who rehearse on a Monday afternoon. For more information, email debbie@surreyhills-choirs. co.uk or call 01483 276281.

WALKING IS A GREAT WAY TO TAKE EXERCISE BUT SOMETIMES IT CAN BE DIFFICULT IF YOU DON’T KNOW WHERE YOU CAN WALK, DON’T HAVE ANYONE TO WALK WITH OR FEEL UNSAFE TO WALK ALONE. HeartSmart walks are run by Chichester Distric Council and are arranged locally by trained volunteer walk leaders. They are free and no booking is required.

There are walks in January which can be seen at www.chichester. gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=4844 50

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

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

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

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

but at the time of writing the new programme from February was not available. For further information contact the Health Development Team on 01243 534589 or email health@chichester.gov.uk.

I’M PROBABLY PREACHING TO THE CONVERTED, BUT MEMBERSHIP OF THE NATIONAL TRUST DOES GIVE YOU AN INCREDIBLE CHOICE OF BEAUTIFUL HOUSES AND GARDENS TO VISIT. If you don’t mind travelling a bit there are some great places to be seen.

One that caught my eye whilst going through NT places to visit is Chartwell in Westerham, Kent. The former home of Winston Churchill, it holds some fascinating exhibitions and events. From Wednesday 1st January to Sunday 23rd February, there is an exhibition featuring the gifts Churchill received during his lifetime, some pretty lavish ones I would think. It is open from 11am to 4pm. You can call 01732 868381

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for more information or just google Chartwell.

WITH TEMPERATURES NOW BEGINNING TO FALL RAPIDLY, THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION FOR SURREY IS URGING PEOPLE TO DONATE TO ITS SURVIVING WINTER APPEAL AND SUPPORT OLDER MORE VULNERABLE MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITIES. Surviving Winter aims to tackle isolation and support those who are in need by funding local groups in Surrey delivering vital services such as befriending schemes. Older residents, who can afford to, are being asked to donate their Winter Fuel allowance from the government to help support community projects. Donations are also welcome from all Surrey residents who wish to support the appeal. Last winter over 530 deaths were directly attributable to the weather, the majority of them being older people. Your vantagepointmag.co.uk

PROFILE

Practical Philosophy – Is that Possible?

Philosophy literally means ‘love of wisdom’.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Farhnam course is held in excellent rented premises.

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

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

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

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donation can help improve the health and well-being of older people in the county. Dame Sarah Goad DCVO JP, Her Majesty’s LordLieutenant of Surrey and Patron of the Community Foundation for Surrey and Bernard Cribbins OBE have both pledged their support for the appeal by donating their winter fuel allowance. If you would like to donate to the appeal please send a cheque to: Surviving Winter Appeal 2013, Community Foundation for Surrey,1 Bishop’s Wharf, Walnut Tree Close, Guildford, Surrey GU1 4RA. CONSTABLE AT PETWORTH HOUSE RUNS FROM 11TH JANUARY TO 14TH MARCH 2014. Admire over 40 outstanding watercolours and drawings created in and around Petworth by the great British landscape artist, John Constable. Many of the works 52

on show were produced during Constable’s visits to the house in 1834 and have never before been exhibited as a group. Although Constable is principally known as a revolutionary exponent of oil painting, Constable at Petworth reveals that later in life he was also a master of the watercolour medium. Highlights include rarely seen views of the house, park and nearby picturesque villages such as Tillington and Bignor. While in West Sussex, Constable was also drawn to popular attractions including Chichester Cathedral, Cowdray House and Arundel Castle. This extraordinary group of works are mainly on loan from the V&A and the British Museum. Also open, by guided tour, will be the old library which is not normally accessible to visitors and was used by major artists of the early 19th century.

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Following the exceptionally high demand for Turner’s Sussex tickets, our sell-out exhibition earlier this year, advance booking is essential, call 0844 249 1895 or book online at www.nationaltrust.org.uk. Adults £12, Child £6 (prices include NT members).

HASLEMERE, MIDHUST AND PETWORTH ALL HAVE FARMERS’ MARKETS AND THE DATES OF THE NEXT ONES ARE AS FOLLOWS. In Haslemere, the next market is on Sunday 1st February, and takes place just off the High Street. For Midhurst, the next market will take place on Saturday 25th January in North Street from 8.30am to 1.30pm, and the Petworth market will be on the 22nd February from 8.30am to 1.30pm in Golden Square. A good way to find local produce and tasty treats!

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FOR 90 YEARS CHICHESTER CATHEDRAL HAS WELCOMED VISITORS THROUGH ITS DOORS , SUCH AS WORSHIPPERS, SEEKERS, TOURISTS, PEOPLE OF ALL FAITHS AND NONE. They have a series of lunchtime concerts starting at 1.10pm with free entry and all are welcome. On the 14th January is Neil Crossland (piano); on the 21st January 2014 you can hear a viola ensemble; and the 28th is January 2014

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George Castle (organ).

THE CATHEDRAL ALSO RUNS A SERIES OF TALKS. On Wednesday 29th from 10.30am to 12 noon the topic is ‘Remembering 1914 and the Great War in Britain; in 2014 what are we really remembering?’.

This will be led by Dr Ross Wilson, Senior Lecturer in Modern History and Public Heritage, University of Chichester and the Cathedral’s

Chancellor, Canon Dr Anthony Cane.

It takes place in George Bell House.

Tickets available on 01243 813595.

WELL, THAT’S MY FIRST JOTTINGS DONE! For new readers in the Midhurst and Petworth areas, please do get in touch so we can publicise your events for free. Simply email us at jottings@vantagepublishing. co.uk the first week of the month prior to the month of the event.

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Haslemere, Liphook & Petersfield

›› TV and Radio aerials ›› Satellite systems (Freesat, Sky, foreign channels) ›› TV installations including wall mounting etc ›› Wired and wireless broadband networks We do good work!

Contact: Gary Cox and Alex Kis Tel: 01428 656795 or 01730 267311 Denture Services_Layout 1 15/10/2013 15:15 Page 1 Mobile: 07850 830605

DENTURE SERVICES 50% discount for Senior Citizens HOME VISITS

£399.00

Full upper and lower dentures all inclusive • Dental technicians to the profession • All dental technicians registered with the General Dental Council • No payment until 100% satisfied • Five year guarantee on all dentures • Dentures fitted in the comfort of your own home • We cover a 50 mile radius • 7 day service

07774 267239 54

Dee's Mobile Beauty Salon Nov 13_Layout 1 15/11/2013 09:40

Dee's Mobile Beauty Salon "Treatments in the comfort of your own home" 20 years experience Pamper Party Bookings Welcome - Hen/Birthday/Office Facials, Massage, SHELLAC, Manicure, Pedicure, Waxing

20% OFF ALL TREATMENTS GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE Telephone: 07749 992152

Email: deeclare009@gmail.com GEI Ltd_Layout 1 14/06/2013 09:44 Page 1 Website: deemobiletreatments.simpl.com

GEi (UK) Ltd Fully Independent Stove Installers HETAS Approved

Chimney Sweeping Services also Provided

01428 643484 07563 618415

www.gei-chimney-sweeps.co.uk vantagepointmag.co.uk

WIN

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Q: From what year does the Spread Eagle date?

Please send your entries by 31st January 2014.

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

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

2FREE

Take out a fitness or swim membership and enjoy

MonThs

save money and get back in shape!

• Results guaranteed or your money back

• 5 FREE 1-to-1 sessions with a fitness instructor • Unlimited use of the gym • Swimming • Workout Classes

Contact us to start your membership

The herons Leisure Centre 01428 658484 enquiries@theheronsswimandfitnesscentre.co.uk

The Edge 01428 644577 enquiries@theedgehealthandfitnesscentre.co.uk

Farnham Leisure Centre 01252 723208 enquiries@farnhamleisurecentre.co.uk

Godalming Leisure Centre 01483 410504 enquiries@godalmingleisurecentre.co.uk

Cranleigh Leisure Centre 01483 274400

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter, visit our website.

Terms and conditions apply.

Managed by DC Leisure with the support of Waverley Borough Council

DCL73077

enquiries@cranleighleisurecentre.co.uk