VantagePoint Magazine December 2015 - Guildford & Villages

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Guildford & Villages • December 2015

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YOUR LOCAL TEAM I have had a very cultural few weeks which have taken place in the major entertainment venues in our area. I started in Dorking with my first visit to Dorking Halls to see a recording of I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue. A perennial favourite of mine (after all, I did name my dog after the late, great Humphrey Lyttleton), the hall was filled to the rafters and it was a great evening of unalloyed laughter.

Next stop was the Minerva in Chichester, where the wonderful Dame Penelope Keith was excellent in a good slightly underwhelming play called Mrs Pat. By contrast, an evening with the musical magician that is Jools Holland, once again performing to a sell-out crowd at G LIve in Guildford, was simply brilliant.

Finally, and an interesting contrast to I’m Sorry, was the 50th anniversery tour of

Round the Horne at the Yvonne Arnaud in Guildford. Terrific fun, and still very amusing, albeit in a clever way that is sadly missing in many modern comedies.

Stefan Reynolds Editor & Publisher

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The reason for mentioning this is to remind people how lucky we are with the venues and the quality productions and performances we have on our doorsteps and only slightly further afield. In addition, we have smaller venues in the towns and villages that regularly put on great plays or concerts. Beats the train up and back from London! Once again, keep it local...

Finally, all at VantagePoint wish our readers, our advertisers, our business partners and supporters a very Merry Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous New Year.

Contact the editor: stefan@vantagepublishing.co.uk

Marcus Atkins Sales Director marcus@vantagepublishing.co.uk

Liz Godfrey Sales liz@vantagepublishing.co.uk

Nick and Angie Crisell Jottings jottings@vantagepublishing.co.uk

Barbara Maddison Sales barbara@vantagepublishing.co.uk

December 2015

Contributors: Charles Kershaw, Beth Otway, Paige Sinkler, Kirstie Smillie Print: Buxton Press

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CONTENTS

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The local magazine produced by local people for the local community

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THE WINTERSHALL NATIVITY

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"The Place to buy Rugs"

6 Jottings Your local community noticeboard

8 A Surrey Hills Christmas Gift ideas from Surrey Hills Enterprises

14 A Potted History of Panto Paige Sinkler investigates

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28 Local Wintershall’s Nativity

34 Gardening Greenfingered gifts

36 Recipes It’s cocktail time!

38 Gastro Latest food and drink news

40 Walks Thursley to Elstead

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Brighten up your Home this Christmas

44 Profile Royal Marines Association

45 Business Cards Small ads for trades and services

47 Competitions Win one of three great prizes

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

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JOTTINGS YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD Well, with Halloween and Guy Fawkes Night out of the way, it’s full steam ahead to Christmas. This year we are cooking Christmas lunch; actually, for the first time in six years! I have to say the last time we hosted, it was a culinary disaster, mainly down to me and a mistake with some Hoisin sauce, so do wish us luck! Changing the subject, it does seem that there are more Christmas concerts than ever. Personally, I think there is nothing better than a good festive concert to get you into the Christmas spirit, so do try and get along to one if you can. Finally, we wish you a very happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.

Aladdin, Rub My Lamp is this year’s adult panto presented by Guildford Fringe Theatre Company will take place at The Back Room of the Star Inn, Quarry Street, Guildford GU1 3TY. After last year’s success with D!CK they have extended the run to 24 performances, from Tuesday 1st to Thursday 31st December at 8pm each evening. Tickets are priced at £14.50 and £13.50 concessions and can be purchased online from www.GuildfordFringe.com, by phone on 0333 666 3366 or in person at The Star Inn, Guildford.

Strictly over 18’s, as this is definitely an ADULT panto! Do book a.s.a.p. as they have sold out in the last two years. For full information visit www.GuildfordFringe.com Wonersh and District Garden Club’s next meeting will be on Tuesday 1st December at the Wonersh Memorial Hall.

Doors open at 7pm and the meeting commences at 7.30pm.

This month they are pleased to welcome Mr. R. Thornton as their guest speaker. The subject of his talk is ‘Gardens of China’. This will be fascinating and will no doubt inspire all with fresh ideas for their own gardens. During the evening, they will be serving snacks and mulled wine to further add to the festive feel of the last meeting of this year. Looking ahead, there will not be a meeting in January, so the next meeting will be on 2nd February.

If you require any further information, call 01483 893808.

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Guildford Travel Club welcomes you whether you’re a ‘seasoned’ or an ‘armchair’ traveller. The club meets on alternate Tuesdays at Onslow Village Hall at 8pm for illustrated talks on travel by a range of photographers, travellers, explorers, mountaineers and writers and this season the club celebrates its 50th anniversary. On 1st December John Gimlette gives a talk on his travels through Sri Lanka trying to make sense of the country as it emerges from 26 years of civil war. On 15th December, Oli Broom remembers a bicycle journey that took him through 23 countries from London to Brisbane, all for the love of cricket! Membership for the season (October to April) costs £32 and £16 for student card holders. Visitors are welcome and will be charged £7 on the door (student card holders £3.50). To celebrate the club’s 50th anniversary and the 40th anniversary of Bradt Travel Guides, the latter are offering members a 30% discount on a selection of over 200 titles. For further details about the club contact Jenny Allan, membership secretary on 01483 452399, email info@guildfordtravelclub.org.uk or visit www.guildfordtravelclub.org.uk.

As you would expect, there is loads going on in December at RHS Wisley, Woking GU23 6QB. A late night Christmas shopping evening and the lights switch on takes place on Wednesday 2nd December at 5pm. Presiding over the switch on is none other than Mary Berry. Find sparkling seasonal decorations, unique gifts, plants and books to make your Christmas shopping a pleasure. Enjoy various food and drinks tastings of all your favourite and festive lines. Every weekend in December from Saturday 5th to Sunday 20th December, and 23rd to 24th December, you can go along and make festive gingerbread and enjoy storytelling with Santa. For 3+ years, accompanied by a responsible adult; adult attends for free. £5 per child. Booking is essential. Visit www.rhs.org. uk/wisley for details of this and other events and call 0203 176 5830 to book. Normal garden entry applies.

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

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New Year Celebrations at Barnett Hill Welcome in the New Year in glamorous style at Barnett Hill.

Let us spoil you with a fantastic evening! Start the celebrations with a Champagne and canapé reception, followed by a delicious six-course dinner and entertainment throughout.

Tickets cost £85 per person. Dress code is black tie and glamorous.

To find out about availability, or for more information, please call us on 01483 893361 or visit www.sundialgroup.com/surrey-nye Mention this advert upon booking to receive a complimentary glass of Champagne at midnight for each guest (T&C’s apply) Barnett Hill, Blackheath Lane, Wonersh, Guildford, Surrey. GU5 0RF

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A Surrey Hills Christmas Are you looking for something a bit different to buy for loved ones this Christmas? Like to support local businesses, keen to show what Surrey has to offer? Then look no further, Surrey Hills Enterprises has exactly what you need...

If you fancy a delicious Christmas tipple from the Surrey Hills then Silent Pool Gin is the perfect show stopper gift. Hand created in Surrey’s premier artisan distillery, the aromatic, award winning gin takes its water and name from the mythical ‘Silent Pool’ in Albury and has been decanted into the most beautiful copper etched, aqua-marine bottle.

Selected for the maiden voyage of the P&O cruise ship, Britannia and on its way to securing a global market with export interest from South Africa, Denmark, Italy, Sweden, France, and the Far East, this is your chance to give (or keep) a gin that is set for stardom! Silent Pool Gin is available from Taurus Wines, (www. tauruswines.co.uk), Kingfisher Farm Shop (www.kingfisherfarmshop.com) and from the distillery itself (www.silentpooldistillers.com).

Look out also for some special cocktails that they have provided for us on our recipe pages.

Taurus Wines stocks wines from all over the world, including other labels produced here in the Surrey Hills. Their 17th century cowshed, with thick Cotswold stone walls, offers the perfect cool conditions for cellaring wine in the Surrey Hills. There’s usually a bottle or two open for you to try and they’re always on hand to provide friendly, knowledgeable advice.

Their tranquil location belies an extensive selection which, as well as wines, includes Surrey and Sussex brewed beers, malts produced by independent distilleries, handrolled Havana cigars and fine glassware.

Still on the drink theme and a neighbour of Silent Pool, Albury Vineyard produces top quality organic sparkling and rosé wines from vines grown exclusively in the Surrey Hills.

The vineyard was established in May 2009 with an initial planting of around 8,500 vines, mainly the traditional Champagne varietals of

Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. A further 12,600 vines were planted in May 2010.

They are very excited to be releasing two new organic sparkling wines, Albury Estate Classic Cuvée and Albury Estate Blanc de Blancs.

They also produce Attila’s Bite, named after their vineyard manager’s lovely dog! This is a fragrant, aromatic eau de vie de vin, with the rich but soft flavour of tropical fruit, with notes of mango and peach. This also features in one of our cocktails if you fancy giving it a try. For more information, visit their website at www.alburyvineyard.com.

High Clandon Estate Vineyard was founded

by Sibylla and Bruce Tindale in 2004 to feed a passion for creating a quintessential English quality sparkling wine in the beautiful rolling downs on the Surrey Hills. Their multi-award winning Quintessence is crafted from the classic trio of champagne grapes – Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay, created in the traditional Méthode Champenoise – and with long bottle maturation of almost uniquely five year’s maturation on yeast lees, followed by at least six months after dégorgement for that

Albury Estate Classic Cuvée and Albury Estate Blanc de Blancs

Surrey Hills Enterprises, a Community Interest Company is a not-for-profit organisation which brings together organisations, independent companies and artisans based within the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) via a membership scheme. All members benefit from increased awareness of their business through an on-line directory, use of the Surrey Hills trademark, a high level events and networking programme, PR and social media. All profits made by Surrey Hills Enterprises are put back into the Surrey Hills through a series of projects which enhance, protect and preserve the landscape; promote the rural economy; educate visitors, residents and businesses and promote partnership. For further information visit www.surreyhillsenterprises.co.uk.

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perfect integration of flavours. You can buy online at www.highclandon.co.uk.

If ales are more what you are looking for then the Tillingbourne or Hogs Back Brewery are for you. The Tillingbourne Brewery is an award-winning microbrewery producing some of the finest hand-crafted ales in the South East. They produce a wide range of beers including; ‘Summit’ IPA, ‘The Source’, ‘Hop Troll’ IPA, ‘Bouncing Bomb’, ‘Black Troll’, ‘AONB’ and the current CAMRA Champion Golden Ale London & South ‘Falls Gold’, and they currently produce around 4896 pints of ale per week! To order simply visit their website www.tillybeer.co.uk.

The Hogs Back Brewery offer fine ales brewed in the Surrey Hills as well as hundreds of other beers from around the World, they currently brew over 200 brewer’s barrels which is a total of 57,600 pints a week! They also have a wonderful local cider, Hazy Hog, now their second best seller. Why not visit their well stocked brewery shop or order online www. hogsback.co.uk. For a truly unique gift why not opt for a brewery tour and tasting at their 18th Century farm buildings base in Tongham, contact Hogs Back Brewery on 01252 783000 to arrange (recommended by the Ed).

On a smaller scale The Crafty Brewing Company is an independent micro-brewery offering traditional real ales. Based in the Surrey Hills at Dunsfold, they pride themselves on developing hand-crafted innovative ales ranging from light and citrusy to dark and chocolaty. This small brewery regularly experiments with new flavours and ideas to develop interesting and delicious ales. Visit www.craftybrewing.co.uk to find out more.

If you’re looking for some great local ‘eats’ this festive season head to The Butchers Hall and Country Grocer in Forest Green where you can buy the most marvellous Surrey Hills meat and all the accoutrements you could possibly need: cheese, jams, chutneys, charcuterie, fruit, vegetables, cakes, bacon, sausages, eggs and lashings of British beer! They are also rather well known for their legendary pies – full to the brim with slow-cooked meat and vegetables, steeped in stock or wine. Visit them at www.thebutchershall.co.uk for further information.

Why not treat your loved ones to gift vouchers for a meal out at some truly sensational Surrey Hills Pubs. The Wheatsheaf in Farnham, The Queens Head in East Clandon, The Stag on the River in Eashing, The Duke of Cambridge in Tilford and The Cock Inn in Headley are all owned by local firm Red Mist Leisure.

Their pubs offer high quality locally sourced produce in delightful Surrey Hills settings. Visit www.redmistleisure.co.uk for information on each pub.

For the ultimate Surrey Hills experience why not go all out and book a weekend away in a Surrey Hills Yurt. These eco-friendly luxury yurts are situated on a 15 acre smallholding in the heart of the Surrey Hills, in Westcott (near Dorking). Each yurt is beautifully designed inside and out and provides biodegradable toiletries and logs to fuel your very own stove for a few days. They can arrange for a local horse and cart to pick you up from the station as well as a variety of courses and activities from willow sculpting to wood carving and dye making, archery, horse riding, guided walks and relaxation massage. Visit www. surreyhillsyurts.co.uk for more information.

Looking for something more creative? Abinger Stained Glass offer a variety of fun and informative courses in stained glass, fused glass and copper foiling. Amanda Winfield has worked professionally in stained and decorative glass since 1986 and uses the colours of the surrounding Surrey Hills countryside to inspire her decorative glass pieces. Contact Amanda at www.abinger-stained-glass.co.uk for further information.

FIND OUT MORE

Visit www.surreyhillsenterprises.co.uk.

December 2015

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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

Guildford Opera are holding an Open Evening for new and current chorus members on Thursday 3rd December from 7.30pm at The Guildford Institute, Ward Street Guildford GU1 4LH. This is a chance to hear about their next production :- two one-act comic operas, Weber’s Abu Hassan and Bizet’s Djamileh, which they will perform in English at The Electric Theatre from 4th-7th May 2016. These will be described by their Music Director Lewis Gaston and Stage Director Kevin John and will be followed by a chance to sing a couple of chorus pieces from these operas and have a chat over drinks to find out more about joining the company. For further information, see the website www.guildfordopera. com or contact Beryl Northam at memgoc@guildfordopera. com or call 01483 561674.

Set in the Surrey Hills near Guildford, Barnett Hill is a beautiful Queen Anne style house set in 26 acres. It’s an ideal location for your Christmas and New Year celebrations.

With award-winning cuisine, a range of private dining rooms and over 50 rooms it is a great venue for events and conferences. In case you haven’t booked your Christmas party yet, the following dates are available from £39pp: 4th, 5th 11th, 12th 18th and 19th December. New Year’s Eve is also a glamorous affair. Start the celebrations with a champagne and canapé reception, followed by a six-course dinner and entertainment from a close-up magician and a jazz/swing trio. Tickets cost £85pp. Find out more at www. sundialgroup.com.

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Guildford United Reform Church is holding its first Festival of Christmas Trees from Thursday 5th to Monday 16th December. This is the first time such an event has been held in Guildford and is an open/community event with trees from around 30 local groups including many of those who meet in their hospitable modern premises. The building will be open every day and there will be special events such as a choir from Guildford County School and a Carol Concert.

There won’t be an admission charge but they are supporting Cherry Trees (the children’s respite home in Clandon) and Guildford Street Angels, so visitors will have the opportunity to put a donation in their collecting tins.

I’m very pleased to report that Guildford Rugby Club is having a terrific season so far. To date they have won seven and lost just one league match and are lying just one point behind league leaders Sutton and Epsom. As I write they are due to play each other next Saturday, a big game for both clubs. If you fancy coming down to watch some excellent rugby in very convivial surroundings, do come down to Broadwater; the next home matches are on Saturday 5th against Sidcup and 19th against Gosport and Fareham. Kick off at 2pm. Hope to see you there.

There’s a chance to get in the festive mood with the award winning Surrey Hills choirs at their annual Christmas concerts. Their traditional Family Christmas concert takes place on Saturday 5th December at Cranleigh Baptist Church

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and features all the Surrey Hills Choirs – Training Choir, Young Voices, Singers and Chamber Choir. The diversity of performers and many well-known songs and carols makes this concert appropriate for all ages and music lovers and starts at the earlier time of 6.30pm. The choirs will also invite the audience to join them in singing some traditional carols.

If you’d prefer a more sophisticated Christmas concert, then join them for their atmospheric late night candlelight concert on Sunday 6th December at 8pm at St Nicolas Church, Guildford featuring the adult choirs, the Surrey Hills Chamber Choir and Surrey Hills Singing. Tickets for Saturday: £12 Adults and £3 for children 16 and under. Tickets for Sunday: Adults £12 and £5 for children 16 and under. Tickets include wine and refreshments and are available to purchase online at www.surreyhills-choirs.co.uk/tickets until 9pm the night before the performance. After the online ticketing closes please email tickets@surreyhills-choirs.co.uk or call 01483 892474. Do book early as the concerts are very popular.

In the heart of historic Guildford, the annual RGS Christmas Fair, taking place from 11am to 3pm on Saturday 5th December, provides the ultimate Christmas shopping experience, with unusual, local and bespoke gifts. Over 40 stalls will be selling gifts for all: food, jewellery, clothing and beauty products. In addition, Santa will be making a much-anticipated appearance in his grotto and there will be games, refreshments and festive music from The Guildford Rock Choir. Funds will be raised in aid of Christopher’s

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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

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Smile, Prostate Cancer UK and United World Schools. All are welcome and there is no entry fee. For further details please contact Dax Patel on d.patel@rgs-guildford.co.uk .

Repair Café is an international movement that encourages people to think about reusing and repairing items rather than throwing them away. By promoting repairs, Guildford Borough Council would like to help reduce waste, save money and resources and cut CO2 emissions. For more information, visit www.guildford.gov.uk/repaircafe contact climatechange@guildford.gov.uk or phone 01483 444509.

There’s a Christmas Guildford Repair Café on Saturday 5th December from 10am to 12 noon at Park Barn Community Centre, Cabell Rd, Guildford GU2 8JH. We all have items and Christmas decorations that we mean to repair but never seem to get round to. Here’s the chance to pop along to the Repair Café and learn how to fix the items yourself, with the help of a band of knowledgeable volunteers. A seamstress, DIYers, the Bike Doctor and an electrician will be available to give practical advice and help people make all possible repairs, free of charge. Clean, broken items that can be brought along include clothes, toys, bikes and electrical appliances, Christmas decorations and furniture. Surrey Makerspace will also be showcasing their fantastic 3D printer and will be printing all sorts of 3D objects.

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A potted history of

panto As the nights draw in and a chill descends, the nation’s mind turns to fairy tales and farce: panto! This welcome mid-winter burst of hilarity is as British as a grey Christmas, but why is it so popular, and where did it come from? Paige Sinkler investigates...

For many families, their annual visit to the panto marks the start of the Christmas season. Edward Haversham, of Prince’s Hall Theatre in Aldershot, explains “Panto is a revered family ritual. Theatregoers enjoyed it as children, grew up and brought their own children, then their grandchildren. Almost immediately the show ends, many patrons book the same seats again for next year!”

Panto’s roots are long and broad, evolving from early incarnations in Elizabethan and Stuart times which borrowed from traditions in France and Italy and in turn harked back to conventions as old as ancient Rome.

Pantomime as we know it in Britain today comes in part from the 16th century Italian tradition of commedia dell’arte, which was originally improvisational.

Professional actors travelled from town to town, performing outside on impromptu stages. Like panto, the form relied on classic ‘types’ and a few core props to convey allegorical or political messages.

Stock characters represented common social satirical types, such as ‘Pantalone’, the miserly Venetian Merchant, and ‘Dottore Graziano’,

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the pedant from Bologna. Actors tended to perfect a role and become known for it. Masks were gradually adopted through the influence of carnival, although they were also used as far back as Roman theatre in the Atellan Farces.

The British take on commedia dell’arte was the masque folk tradition in the Middle Ages, whereby travelling players would visit a nobleman in his/her hall on holidays or special occasions and present a celebratory show with dance and song. Queen Elizabeth hosted masques, often allegorical stories flattering the host, with some audience participation. Ben Jonson and Sir Philip Sidney wrote masques, and we see them in Shakespeare plays such as The Tempest and Romeo and Juliet.

Unlike in the Italian commedia tradition, however, where female actresses were well established, the English used men for all parts, perceiving women’s performance on stage akin to harlotry.

Cross-gender play is a central feature of today’s panto, with the Dame usually played by a man, and the leading man by a young woman. Another difference is that early 18th century British pantomimes were silent, as there were legal restrictions on spoken theatre in London at that time.

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A key panto component until relatively recently was the harlequinade, a set piece of chaos – a play within a play – featuring a standard stock group of characters and plot, which appeared in the middle or at the end of the classic tale being told. Usually introduced by a Fairy Godmother, the cast would go through a magical transformation into these alter egos and a crazy chase scene would follow, before all were returned to the original play.

One of the characters in the harlequinade was the clown, which evolved to near dominance when in the hands of the legendary Joseph Grimaldi, a genius of social observation and mimicry in the early 1800s, when Drury Lane’s Theatre Royal was the home of pantomime. As the harlequinade itself grew in popularity, many of its features migrated to the play proper – the slapstick, the chase, the clown – until the discreet set piece finally disappeared in the early 20th century.

Panto is served up with lashings of farce, often based on the dynamic of role reversal, in which the mighty bumble and the lowly sort it all out. This convention is thought to have come from the seasonal Tudor Feast of Fools, a Northern French feast day celebrated by clergy around the New Year, intended to symbolise biblical ideas of humility. Traditionally overseen by a low-born Lord of Misrule, the social hierarchy of all involved was temporarily reversed (‘The First Shall Be Last’), with contentious results the Church authorities tried for centuries to suppress.

This tradition of inversion is even older. During the Roman festival of Saturnalia, usually in December, masters were served by slaves and bans were lifted on forbidden entertainments such as gambling. Free

speech was allowed and the low-born could criticise and send up their masters without redress.

This opportunity for release might explain the continuing popularity of panto in Britain, a nation known for its courtesy and reserve. In fact, the form is hardly seen anywhere outside the British Isles. Anita Dobson, starring this year in Woking’s Sleeping Beauty, says “I love the Wicked Fairy, a role I have played many times before and I can’t wait to get that costume back on and start being bad again, I’ll have all of those children booing and hissing in no time”!

From this melting pot of traditions and cultures, several features have become part of the panto furniture: • Stock characters, including the Dame, the leading man, the Clown and the Chorus • Risqué double entendre, which extends the show’s appeal to both young and old • Audience participation (‘Oh yes he is!’ ... ‘Oh no he’s not!’)

• The bench scene, where characters avoid and then face their nemesis • Good characters entering stage right and bad from stage left • A messy slapstick scene – such as baking – involving lots of mess At Aldershot’s Prince’s Hall, even the furniture has become part of the furniture, with ‘The Bench’ having its own credit in the programme. The audience goes wild when it is brought out on stage, and fans fly ‘I  The Bench’ banners.

Keeping panto fresh whilst upholding tradition is a challenge. As a recurring event, one must meet

Far left: an early pantomime flyer. Above left: the dwarves in Snow White at the New Victoria Theatre in Woking. Above right: Anita Dobson as the Wicked Fairy in the New Victoria Theatre’s Sleeping Beauty. Main photo: Peter Pan at Richmond Theatre.

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Far left: Guildford Fringe Festival’s adult panto in 2014. Left: Jack and the Beanstalk in Winchester. Above: Panto tweet showing Snow White’s pass for the Prince’s Hall, Aldershot.

audience expectations but avoid ‘panto fatigue’. Jamie Smith, writer of the Yvonne Arnaud Panto, explains, “It’s a balancing act. It can be difficult to satisfy the needs of a modern audience with fresh jokes, satire and routines whilst upholding the most traditional and thus best loved elements of this very British art form.”

Panto is equally popular in amateur theatre, with local theatre groups and church congregations often putting one on each year for the community. This enhances the participatory nature of panto, as parts are played by members of the community, bringing people together for seasonal fun.

James Barry writes for both the Princes Hall Theatre in Aldershot and the Theatre Royal in Winchester, and enjoys the challenge of different approaches.

“Aldershot has evolved its own brand of panto, sticking to the traditional format but evolving a core set of Keeping actors whom the community have come to know and panto love. Winchester does it fresh whilst differently, preferring to ring the changes each upholding year with different actors tradition is a and a new stage element challenge. As – this year it’s circus and aerial acrobatics.” a recurring

Other incarnations of the form include pantomime on ice, such as at the Guildford Spectrum, and modern twists like the Guildford Fringe’s 18-certificate Adult Panto, now in its third year with ‘Aladdin: Rub My Lamp’. “We all know the ingénue is not as innocent as she seems!” says Nick Wyschna, Director of the Guildford Fringe Festival. “Adult humour underlies traditional panto, we simply bring this to the fore. My touchstone is whether it will make my mum laugh but not feel uncomfortable.”

“

event, one must Social media has also meet audience opened up the genre, breaking down the expectations barrier between audience but avoid and cast.

Princes Hall uses Twitter to invite ‘panto audiences behind the scenes fatigue’ and generate conversation

”

between audience and cast.

The lines of reality blur, with panto characters themselves occasionally ‘taking over’ the theatre’s Twitter feed to talk to their audience directly.

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In Surrey, panto has a long tradition of kicking off the holiday season with a great big belly laugh. As James Barber, Director of Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre says, “Panto in Guildford is all about celebration; it’s our great Christmas party where people who have visited the Theatre throughout the year can get together – parents, grandparents, children, aunts, uncles – and have a jolly good festive bash.”

Let the fun begin!

Paige Sinkler is a freelance writer and charity consultant based in Guildford. As part-time fundraiser for the Yvonne Arnaud, she accepts cash, cheques or magic beans.

FIND OUT MORE

Please visit www.vantagepointmag.co.uk for a list of local pantomimes this Christmas. vantagepointmag.co.uk

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11am to 4pm. Solve the tricky trail to help Wizard Wix save Christmas. Take part in fun festive crafts and even meet Father Christmas himself. On Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th December you can also come and meet the Christmas animals in the cobbled courtyard. Booking is essential to meet Father Christmas. Go to www.visitguildford.com or call 01483 444334. Normal admission applies, plus £5 per child to meet Father Christmas.

Join in the fun of a festive Santa Cruise on board a beautifully decorated boat and travel along the Wey & Arun Canal and through a restored lock. Children under 12 years will receive a gift from Santa who will board the boat at the lock whilst adults enjoy mulled wine and mince pies.

The boat departs from The Wharf next to the Onslow Arms on the B2133 in Loxwood (free car parking). The trips take 45 minutes and depart at 11am, 12 noon and 2pm on Sunday 6th, Sunday 13th, Sunday 20th, Monday 21st, Tuesday 22nd and Wednesday 23rd December. Tickets cost £9 per person (under 12 months are free). Booking in advance is essential.

50 minute festive boat trips, with light refreshments on board, will run on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day at 11am, 12noon and 2pm. Tickets cost £5 for adults and £2.50 for children.

Booking in advance is advisable. Call 01403 752403 or email office@weyandarun.co.uk. More information at www. weyandarun.co.uk/tripboats Due to the tragic fire at Clandon Park, the West Surrey National Trust Centre will be holding their Christmas Music at St Nicolas Church, Bury Street, Guildford on Monday 7th December at 8pm with all proceeds going to Clandon Park. As before, The Epsom Chamber Choir will be singing and giving a wonderful start to the Christmas season. Tickets are £12 each and will include a glass of mulled wine or fruit juice and a mince pie. Tickets are available from the Guildford Tourist Information Centre, 155 High Street, Guildford GU1 3AJ www.visitguildford.com or Mrs. G. Duckworth on 01252 836857, or email giselawsntc@ outlook.com.

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It was in 1914 in Flanders that the famous Christmas Truce and football game in No-Man’s Land between the British and the Germans took place. A century later, a soldier’s letter is found by chance in an antique desk - “Jim’s Last Letter: to be buried with me when the time comes”.

Guildford Cathedral and Guildford Book Festival are delighted to present Michael Morpurgo and Virginia McKenna as they tell a story of memory, love and the quest to find “Dearest Connie”, accompanied by lyrical acapella Christmas carols from the award winning Voices at the Door. This production, specially adapted for performance by Simon Reade was premiered at The National Theatre, London and is now at Guildford Cathedral on Monday 7th December from 7pm to 8.20pm. Tickets at £20, £18 & £17.50 (U16’s £15, £13 & £12.50), from 01483 547881 or online at www.guildfordcathedral.org/events.

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Dr John Bew, of King’s College, University of London, will be addressing the Surrey Branch of the Historical Association on ‘Lord Castlereagh’s Foreign Policy and its relevance for today’ at 7.30pm on Tuesday 8th December.

As well as being described by the Sunday Telegraph as ‘one of the most exciting young historians in Britain,’ Dr Bew is very actively engaged in the foreign policy debate. The lecture is at St Nicolas’ Hall, Bury Street, Guildford GU2 4AW. Non members are very welcome (£3 at the door) and student admission is free. More details can be obtained from Rollo Crookshank, 01252 319881, email crookshank@starkmann. co.uk.

To celebrate the most wonderful time of the year, the ‘Andy Williams Christmas Spectacular’ starring The Osmonds is coming to G Live on Wednesday 9th December. Sing along to your favourite Christmas Classics including Silent Night, Last Christmas, Merry Christmas Everybody and Sleighride.

Jimmy, Jay and Merrill Osmond will also perform their classic hits made famous during more than five decades of entertaining around the world. Tickets £30.50/ £35.50 plus £2 booking fee capped at £6 per order. No booking fee for Friends and groups of 8+. Call 01483 369 350 to buy feefree. Other bookings at 01483 369359 (10am-6pm, Monday to Saturday) or at www.glive.co.uk . Over 60’s and Friends of G Live: Save £3.

Recruiting Hom in your local Recruiting Home Carers Recruiting Home Carers ar

in your local in area your local area “Based in West Clandon, Gu business that is committed friendly & reliable Carers w

Don’t miss Santa Claus this Christmas in his brand new fun-filled show at G Live, bursting with songs, nursery rhymes and stories. Santa Claus and the Night Before Christmas runs from 9th-24th December, and promises be “Based “Based in WesttoClandon, Guildford we are a Guildford family runwewe ininWest areare a family ru “Based WestClandon, Clandon, Guildford the Christmas treat you won’t want to miss! It’s Christmas business that is committed to providing people with business that is committed to providing people Eve and whilst most children are hanging up their stockings, a family run business that is committed to with friendly & people reliable Carers who genuinely there are a few boys and girls in Guildford who are They Carers friendly & not. reliable who genuinely care” providing with friendly & reliablecare” don’t believe in Santa, and with Christmas morning fast Lucinda Kalupka, Nurse & Registered Manager Lucinda Kalupka, Nurse & Registered Manager Carers who genuinely care” Recruiting Home Carers approaching, cheeky elves Charlie and Kara must help Santa prove that he is indeed real! With magic tricks, songs and Lucinda Kalupka, Nurse & Registered Manager inhour your local just an hour a day area to 24 hour support stories, can Charlie and Kara make them Frombelieve just anbefore hour ait’sday toFrom 24 support Lucinda Kalupka, Nurse & Registered time to board Santa’s sleigh and deliver the presents? Santa “Based in West Clandon, Guildford wehour are a family run Good hourly Rewarding career From just an hour a day to 24 support Good hourly rates + paid holiday rates + paid ho career and his elves need your help, and in returnRewarding your little ones will business that is committed to providing people with Paid mileage Flexible hours get to meet him after the show and evenFlexible receive ahours present. friendly &Paid reliable Carers who genuinely care” mileage • Rewarding career Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the magical Work in your local commun Comprehensive support Lucinda Kalupka, Nurse & Registered Manager Work • Flexible hoursin your local community Comprehensive moment they meet Santa Claus for the very first time! A trulysupport & training From just an hour a day tosupport 24 hour support unforgettable experience which includes&snow and bubbles, training • Comprehensive & training this interactive show is a must see over the festive season, Good hourly rates + paid holiday Rewarding career • • Good hourly rates + paid holiday • and is an ideal introduction to theatre.For all children ages Paid mileage Flexible hours • • • Paid mileage 2+. Booking details as above.

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ForValley) further information please call Matthew.

Guildford Wey Valley (formerly The Wey Decorative and Fine Art Society‘s Christmas lecture, by Mr Bertie Pearce, is entitled ‘Wonder Workers and the Art of Illusion.’

For further information please call Matthew. info@homecountiescarers.co.uk Why not join them at Shalford Village Hall on Wednesday 9th Call us today on 01483 224 www.homecountiescarers.co.uk December for an unusual whistle stopinfo@homecountiescarers.co.uk tour, by a member of the Inner Magic Circle, of the history ofwww.homecountiescarers.co.uk mystery from 3000 BC info@homecountiescarers.co.uk to the present day? Refreshments are available from 9.45am www.homecountiescarers.co.uk and the lecture starts at 10.45am, followed by wine and mince pies. The Society offers a monthly programme of varied December 2015

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A Teenage Christmas Teenagers can be some of the hardest people to buy for at Christmas for both parents and grandparents. Charles Kershaw (16) takes a look at some gift ideas available in some of our local shops...

Under £20 It can be a pain to find enough sockets to plug iyour devices into your computer, especially phones, which most of us teens are never without. The USB Hubman by Kikkerland (£15) gives you four extra spaces so you can charge more phones and have more things plugged into your computer at once (Between the Lines).

Think your teen needs to brush up on their French or Spanish, or needs to expand their English vocabulary? How about the 365 French/Spanish Words a Year and 365 New Words a Year calendars

by Merriam Webster (£10.99). They give you one new word every day to learn and by the end of the year you’ll have 365 more words added to your vocabulary (Between the Lines).

For girls with pierced ears, there are loads of stud earrings to choose from in local jewellers that are bit different. My sister’s favourites are a pair of silver starfish earrings (£18) and rose gold star earrings both in Whitley’s in Godalming and silver rose gold plated dome studs at Jewel in the Crown in Haslemere (£28).

Elphicks in Farnham has a range of vintage inspired gifts called Gentleman’s Hardware perfect for the young man in search of a really useful present. I liked the Multi Tool (£25), a Retro Gold Torch (£18), the Camping Spork Tool (£10) which is ideal for DofE or camping at a festival and a charming enamel mug (£8).

Bigger Spends/main presents Giving clothes as a gift is always tricky and my advice is to go for simple, high quality clothes rather than any ‘fun’ items or novelty sweaters you may have seen. When it comes to the Christmas sweater, the Alta Placement Crew in dark blue from Fat Face (£45, below) is about as festive as most older teens want to look. I have my eye on a fur lined zip jumper by Fynch Hatton that I spotted in David’s Menswear of Haslemere. It’s warm enough to double as a coat. I also liked their sheepskin gloves by Dents, simple leather belts by Profumo and plain heavy cotton Tommy Hilfiger shirts. For grandparents who often like to give a more lasting gift, the Grand Central cufflinks (£25) are stylish and classic enough to last – great

There is a wide range of scented candles called Yankee available at Lorimer’s in Godalming and House of Fraser, Guildford which, according to my sister, are really hard to find anywhere else but are a great gift for any teen girl. New scents for the Christmas season include ‘Cosy by the fire’ and ‘Snow in love’ (prices £9 to £29.99).

Another girl thing is a new washbag and my sister went mad for the Bohemia Zig-Zag print range of washbags in Hengelo, Haslemere (around £20-£30).

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for the post exam prom season. Whatever you choose don’t forget to enclose the gift receipt in a large labelled envelope in case your teenager needs an exchange. The large envelope is so they don’t throw it out with the wrapping!

My sister wants an Olivia Burton wrist watch from Hengelo in Haslemere in steel with a duck egg blue strap which is simple and tasteful (£70-£80). Olivia Burton watches are also available at Anthropologie and the Gate Boutique in Guildford. For those that like a bit more bling, Goldsmiths in Farnham stock a range of Thomas Sarbo wristwatches in this season’s rose gold and steel all around (£200). For the boys we liked the selection of Seiko watches around £100-£200 at Whitleys, especially the Seiko solar wristwatch (£139).

For skiers, mountain bikers and other more active types, record your adventures with the Kitvision Escape Action Camera available at Robert Dyas (£29.99) or the Wi-fi version at £65 which is currently £30 cheaper than Amazon.

Stocking fillers (under £10) There is a new girl craze (so my sis tells me) for Popband hair bands which make a great stocking filler at £8 a packet from Hengelo, Haslemere.

There are Fat Face stores in most local towns.

We spotted some lovely snowflake earrings for £6.

Lorrimer’s in Godalming (and no doubt others) has some DVD deals on summer blockbusters such as Divergent, Mazerunner and X-Men: Days of Future Past. They are £5.99 each or any 2 for £10. In the toy section, they have starter sets of Airfix models at £6.99, perfect for dads in search of a father-son bonding activity this Christmas.

We were really impressed by the huge range of Science Museum toys and other unusual small gifts packed into Alison Townsend in the Lion and Lamb Courtyard, Farnham.

Elphick’s in Farnham is already fully stocked and bursting at the seams with Christmas gifts (see above). I liked the Ridley’s Games Room range which includes Quizzes, Four Classic Jokes, a Harmonica and a Yo-yo (from £4.95). Also Table Trivia games (£2.99) and the Lagoon Spy Kit (£7.99).

Keep them busy! 500 Totally Extreme Awesome Things to Do and 500 Boredom Busters: Things to do When Bored (£7.99 each), available from Between the Lines.

The craze of adult colouring continues and teenage girls seem particularly afflicted. The Haslemere Bookshop can help with The Secret Garden and Animal Kingdom colouring books

by Millie Marotta (£9.99).

Other titles top of the teen girl wish list this Christmas are: Love, Tanya by Tanya Burr - Tanya is a You Tube sensation followed by girls who love her tips on fashion, beauty etc. Here she shares more tips and life stories. Mug Cakes

by Mima Sinclair (£8.99) - 40 cakes to make in a microwave, what could be better! and Mary Berry’s Absolute Favourites (£8.99). All available from good bookshops.

The Haslemere Sweet Shop has a box of Barratt with all your favourite liquorice novelties for £6.99, as well as Dip Dabs, sherbet fountains and choc-filled walking sticks. Or fill some bags with their favourites from the huge pic and mix selection. For the chocolate lover, choose local hand-made Wimblehurst chocolates.

Serious music lovers will really appreciate the time to peruse the vinyl at Ben’s Records in Guildford. Phone Ben on 01483 301165 and he’ll be happy to send out a gift voucher.

December 2015

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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD and fascinating talks by first class speakers. The programme also includes special interest days and an annual tour for members. New members and visitors are warmly welcomed.

Annual membership is £42 and visitors pay £6 per talk. If you are interested, contact the Membership Secretary on 01932 355113 or visit their website at www.gwvdfas.org.uk.

Horsley Decorative & Fine Arts Society meets at East Horsley Village Hall for lectures at 10.30am (coffee from 9.45am) on the second Wednesday of each month except August and September. The lecture on 9th December will be ‘Hidden Treasures of 20th Century Book Illustration’ by James Russell. Visitors (£5) and new members welcome. For more information and the full programme phone Alma on 01372 451015 or visit their website: www.horsleydfas.org.uk.

Wishing all of our customers the toastiest of days and the cosiest of nights over the festive period.

Farnham Stoves 01252 717772 www.farnhamstoves.com

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On Thursday 10th December, Les Amitiés Françaises welcome Cedric Cabanne to talk about France and Islam.

A subject of keen interest today as France has the largest Muslim population in Europe. As usual, they will meet at the Baptist Hall, Queen Street, Godalming at 7pm for coffee followed by the lecture at 7.30pm. Plenty of parking nearby.

Further information from johnpetty@which.net or call 01483 389102. Leaflets of the annual programme are in museums etc in Waverley. (Lectures are in French).

There’s some fine entertainment at Cranleigh Arts Centre during December. One event that caught my eye is the

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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

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Cranleigh Community Choir and Friends Concert on Thursday 10th at 8pm. Sharon Duggan presents a very special evening of high class performances from professionals, students and of course the choir. Tickets are £7.50, £5 for under 12’s. To book tickets and to see what else is going on at the Centre, call 01483 278000 (Tuesday – Saturday 10am to 4.30pm) or go to www.cranleighartscentre.org.

On Saturday 12th December at 7pm in Holy Trinity Church Bramley, there is a fantastic concert of Christmas Music for Choir and Brass. The renowned Harlequin Chamber Choir makes a welcome return, this time with guests Surrey Brass. It’s a festive mixture of old favourites (you get to sing some well known carols too!) and new treats, from the whole spectrum from classical to the lighter end. Make it a real family occasion and to encourage you, under 18’s and students go free and everyone else pays a mere £5! Tickets are available as usual at the door or in advance from Robertsons in Bramley High Street, and include a free glass of wine or soft drink in the interval. Tickets may also be reserved via stuartwhite@ waitrose.com or 01483 892645. Proceeds will go to a charity supporting refugees.

As we approach the shortest day, why not lighten the dark evenings with some exercise? There will be a warm welcome for you at your local Circle Dance group. Circle Dancing (or World Dancing) is great fun, very relaxing, an enjoyable way to keep fit and an opportunity to make new

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Socks again!

Stylist Kirstie Smillie has been searching locally for presents to inspire - move away from the predictable

These leather clutches are perfect for injecting a little colour to the classic jeans and t-shirt look - available in eleven colours, £49, they are also perfect for travelling.

Luigi, 50 High Street, Haslemere 01428 651250.

As a fashion stylist, I offer Personal Styling sessions at home or out shopping for clients who are tight on time and need a voice of confidence to find their own style. Sessions priced from £150.

For gift voucher details, call 07773 234947 or email kirstie@kirstesmillie.com.

Kirstie Smillie Fashion Sylist “My favourite presents are always those that are a little too extravagant for everyday - a beauty treatment, a designer mascara, a beautiful scented candle. I actually love receiving socks at Christmas, soft luxurious cashmere ones for lounging at home or chunky outdoor styles to wear scrunched down over my jeans with my lace up boots.”

Julie Drummond Owner, Sheer Delight Lingerie, Godalming “The best gift I ever received was a curved gold hinged bangle with about 90 diamonds around one edge.

Purchased from Jewelled, Godalming by my husband several years ago.”

David Steel Owner, D7 Godalming

For gorgeous, tactile reactions, they will love this sheepskin hat.

Beverley Edmondson, 27b The Borough, Farnham T: 01252 715039.

A great gift for those who need some hours to chill….

The Spa, Radisson Blu Edwardian hotel in Guildford is offering a Winter Warmer Mini Spa Day which includes use of the spa, 60 minute treatment, and a one course lunch, £61.50 Call 01483 792304 for full details.

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“ …my silver pocket Tiffany Swiss Army knife is with me at all times - easily my favourite present.”

If you can’t afford an outfit by Chanel, wow your friends with a stylish Chanel mascara, £25 - it comes beautifully presented and you know it will be used daily.

House of Fraser, Guildford.

FIND OUT MORE

Kirstie Smillie is a Personal Fashion Stylist. Contact her at kirstie@kirstiesmillie.com, call 07773 234947 or follow her new blog on www.kirstiesmillie.com. vantagepointmag.co.uk

FASHION & STYLE and look a little further for imaginative presents. Think luxury, unique, memorable and you can’t go wrong…well let’s hope!

Instead of a Christmas jumper, a patterned shirt will add a party note for Him - fine, pure cotton shirt, £89 or opt for one colour in dark rich blue for the more conservative.

D7 Menswear, 42 Bridge Street, Godalming. T: 01483 427872

Sophie Marzolini Group Spa Manager, Radisson Blu Edwardian Hotel, Guildford “My husband surprised me with a beautiful Tiffany’s bracelet , this is something I had wanted for a while but never mentioned to him.”

Beverley Edmondson Creative Director of Beverley Edmondson Millinery in Farnham “My favourite Christmas present, apart from having few days off work was a large faux fur throw for my sofa that I got a few years ago. I have since purchased a second for my other sofa and another for my bed!”

For great design vintage inspired Roberts radios are hard to beat. This Revival Mini, £140 is sold alongside a large selection of styles and colours.

Manns of Cranleigh, 101 High Street, Cranleigh.

T: 01483 273777

Julie Wright Co-owner of Luigi, Haslemere “My husband surprised me with a gorgeous cashmere dressing gown from The White Company and a vintage inspired radio by Roberts.”

Try this one, as I was very impressed by the softness of Sainsbury’s faux fur rug. 125x150cm, £30.

Sew two together for a great size.

Cashmere bed socks, £35 The White Company, 13 Swan Lane, Guildford.

T: 01483 459035

For a show stopper, electric blue topaz cocktail ring, set in silver, handmade, £385.

Jewelled, 89 High Street, Godalming. T: 01483 869838 December 2015

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friends. It’s suitable for men and women of all ages and you do not need a partner. Lynn Frances is an experienced teacher of 32 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, 7.30pm9.30pm. St Catherine’s Hall Guildford on the 3rd Tuesday of the month, 7.30pm-9.30pm. WI Hall Hartley Wintney on the 2nd Wednesday of the month, 7.30pm-9.30pm. Contact Lynn on 01420 474881.

Festive Christmas Carols at Hatchlands Park take place in the music room on Sunday 13th December from 12pm1pm and 2pm-3pm. Booking is essential, go to www. visitguildford.com or call 01483 444334. Adult £8, Child £4, Family £20 (2 adults, 2 children).

The annual Have a Heart Christmas Charity Sale takes place on Sunday 13th December from 10am to 4pm.

Helen and Peter McNiven warmly invite you to the Sale now in its 24th year. It takes place at Old Farm Barn, Stovolds Hill, Cranleigh GU6 8LE. Unique hand crafted gifts, driftwood angels, hearts and wreaths, antique French linen angels and embroidered hearts, Italian inspired food, Christmas decorations and much more! Do join them for Wassail and shopping, the more you buy, the more they give! Every penny you spend goes to support over 60 Charities from large to small, national to local.

Good to see local schools ‘doing their bit’. Children from Barrow Hills School in Witley recently celebrated their annual Harvest Festival with a special assembly in the school chapel. Pupils brought in a variety of gifts including fresh and non-perishable food items, which were then packed into individual parcels to be distributed to members of the local community. Year 3 children then went to Dower House in Milford, where they sang and entertained the residents.

Deputy Head, Paul Crisell said, “The School enjoyed giving thanks for the annual harvest and our children loved having the opportunity to go out and meet our elderly neighbours.

Charitable work is part of the school ethos so we were delighted to be able to help in this way and to support the valuable work of the North Guildford Food Bank and the Salvation Army in Guildford.”

Guildford Freiburg Association’s German Christmas Market will take place in the Guildhall in Guildford High Street on Saturday 13th December from 10.30am to 4pm.

To celebrate Guildford’s twinning with the German city of Freiburg, there will be a ‘Mini’ Christmas Market where wooden toys, candles and Christmas confectionery from Freiburg will be on sale. There will be a tasting of wines from the Freiburg area, Glühwein (mulled wine) will be available and there will be a tombola. Literature about Freiburg will also be on display.

Guildford Rambling Club is meeting at 10.15am on Sunday 13th December in the Stockland Square car park, GU6

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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD 8RQ, by Sainsbury’s in Cranleigh for a 4.5 mile morning walk. Details from Sally, on 01306 885976 and at www. guildfordramblingclub.org.uk. Visitors are very welcome.

Join Guildford Choral with Guildford High School Junior Choir and Southern Pro Musica Brass for family carols and Christmas music on Sunday 13th December at 3pm at G Live. A seasonal celebration, which will feature a festive cocktail of familiar and much-loved traditional carols with other choral and instrumental music to enjoy as Christmas approaches. There will be lots of participation for the audience and Guildford Choral Society is delighted to be joined for this concert by Guildford High School Junior School choir under their director Rachel Wardell, and the brilliant brass and percussion of Southern Pro Musica. Tickets: phone the ticket master, Mrs Robin Pass, on 01483 272191 or by email boxoffice@guildfordchoral.org or from Guildford Tourist Information Centre on 01483 444333.

Come and enjoy a taste of Christmas, mulled wine and mince pies, after a Christmas lecture, ‘Is Christmas in Good Taste?’ West Surrey Decorative and Fine Arts Society invite you to join them for this lecture on Tuesday 15th December. In a light-hearted historical review, David Phillips looks at the commercialisation of Christmas. From midwinter Saturnalia celebrations in ancient Rome to Giotto’s painting of the first crib to Charles Dickens, he looks at some wonderful and some gloriously awful Christmas imagery. The

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Society meets in Shalford Village Hall on the fourth Tuesday in the month at 9.45am for coffee. Lectures start at 10.30am.

New members and visitors are very welcome. Details of their programme of lectures, visits and holidays for 2015 and 2016 can be found on their website or, for more information, ring 01483 811671.

Christmas is a time for traditions, from those passed down through families and friends, to new discoveries that become part of your festive celebrations. Sending cards, decorating trees, singing carols, advent calendars, mince pies and mistletoe are just some of the festive traditions without which Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas. For many, a day out to a National Trust house and garden is already a Christmas ‘must do’. Over the festive season, National Trust places will be festively decorated and decked out with Christmas sparkle, Father Christmas will pay a visit to special grottos and atmospheric estates will be packed full of festive traditions to bring Christmas to life through the ages. There are plenty of activities on offer to help make your Christmas that extra bit special including learning how to make a festive wreath, choosing and harvesting your own Christmas tree or baking festive treats. Local NT Properties include Hatchlands, Leith Hill Place, Claremont Landscape Gardens, Polesden Lacey, Dapdune Wharf and Winkworth Arboretum. Details at www. nationaltrust.org.uk/events.

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The Wintershall

NATIVITY

The Wintershall Nativity Play will be performed from 16th20th December 2015 both inside and outside of Holly Barn on the Wintershall Estate in Bramley near Guildford. There are ten performances in all which are usually sold out by early in December, with a total audience of 6,000 people. Michael Billington of the Guardian described the play last year as “a refreshing antidote to the rampant glitz of most seasonal theatre”.

The play brings the story of Christmas to life and begins with Mary and Joseph’s difficult journey to Bethlehem and the appearance of the Angel Gabriel to the shepherds in the fields, heralding the good news of the Messiah’s birth. Songs and music accompany the arrival of the wise men on horseback. The play is performed by 50 volunteer cast (including a real baby Jesus) in wonderful biblical costumes and historically accurate props, assisted by sheep, donkeys, horses and a sheepdog. This is all set on a hillside on the very beautiful Wintershall estate with rolling hills, scenic views and lakes, in an area of outstanding natural beauty.

This is a play that all the family will enjoy and it reminds us of the real reason for Christmas in our busy commercial world where children focus on what they receive and not on the Bible story. Charlotte de Klee, the producer, says “Christmas is about peace, acceptance and tolerance, so what a privilege to be producing the oldest but forever new, life changing story of the birth of Jesus”. Children, in particular, respond really well to the animals and they want to hug them and pet them.

The Nativity has evolved year after year from its first performance in 1989. The volunteer cast rehearse extensively with many script read throughs, technical rehearsals and full dress rehearsals so that the standard of performance is improved each year. The audience say that the performance gets better and better, one person said ‘it was a wonderful and inspirational performance and a very faithful telling of the Christian story’. The Nativity has also been performed at the BBC Broadcasting House Piazza in London and the All Souls Church nearby, which caused much media attention, especially bringing live animals to the capital.

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Wintershall Charitable Trust, which hosts the play, was established to tell the Bible story through epic, dramatic performances. They use any surplus funds from the Nativity to help fund other plays. They also perform the Passion of Jesus plays which are free and will be performed at Trafalgar Square, London on 25th March 2016 (this drew an audience of 20,000 people last year) and Guildford High Street on 26th March 2016. The Life of Christ, an open air five-hour play, is also staged at Wintershall and will be performed from 21st–25th June 2016. These plays have been so successful that the cast were awarded the Queens Award for Voluntary Service ‘for outstanding community service’.

To book the Nativity please call 01793 418299 or book online at www.wintershall-estate.com. Performance times are 16th18th December 4.45pm and 7.30pm, 19th-20th December 2.30pm and 5.30pm. Performances are 90 minutes long.

Tickets are £16.50 for an adult and £8.50 for a child. There is free parking, Holly Barn is a few minutes steep walk from the car park. Disabled access is available by prior arrangement.

As the play takes place both outside and inside Holly Barn, please dress appropriately. Seating is on plain wooden benches. Hot drinks and snacks and a small shop, selling seasonal merchandise, are available from 40 minutes before each performance.

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The Surrey Guild of Craftsmen is thrilled to be in residence again at Guildford House Gallery showing a stunning collection of new and current work.

After the great success of GIFTED 2014 at Guildford House Gallery and as an extension to the permanent display in the Surrey Guild Craft Gallery at Milford (www.surreyguild.com) the SGC will be in residence again with GIFTED in Guildford 2015 for three weeks only from 2nd–24th December. You will see typical and new work by 16 designer/makers from our successful and ever developing cooperative.

This is a wonderful opportunity to see the makers in action and to speak to them personally about their craft. They can also discuss new membership applications for those who are keen to be involved in our raggedy team.

For further details please see www.surreyguild.com or www.guildford.gov.uk/gallery.

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December 2015

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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

• Caring Independent Practice • Advice on all aspects of Pet care • Discounted Health Plan available • Consultations by appointment • Own 24hour emergency service

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A vibrant new adaption for all the family with music, puppetry and storytelling magic from the Award Winning Story Pocket Theatre.

DECEMBER 14 5pm & 15-17 1.30pm & 5pm The Mill Studio, Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Millbrook, Guildford GU1 3UX

www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk Box Office: 01483 440000

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

The talks are held at Ripley Village Hall at 8pm on the fourth Thursday in the month. All meetings are free to members or £3 for non-members (unless otherwise stated). Annual membership single £7, family membership £12. Members receive a regular Newsletter. All enquiries to the Society Secretary, Anna Stribley, on 01372 457623 or you can find further information at www.wsnhs.wordpress.com. On Thursday 17th December, the talk is ‘Close Encounters with Tigers’, an illustrated talk by Janet Buck who is very interested in wildlife and travel. In this talk Janet will show her photographs of tigers in the Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh, South India. Sloth Bears seen were in another area called Satpura National Park still in Madhya Pradesh. The talk will be followed by festive mulled wine and mince pies! Members £3, Non-members £5 Carols for Clandon Park at Holy Trinity Church, on Friday 18th December from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. Despite the devastating fire at Clandon Park in April, one of Clandon Park’s most popular events of the year will still go ahead, now in the beautiful setting of Holy Trinity Church. Featuring readings by actress Penelope Keith, join the brilliant Oxford Singers for their 30th year performing in support of Clandon Park. All proceeds will go to the Clandon Park appeal. Booking essential at www.visitguildford.com or call 01483 444334.

Adult £17, Child £7, Family £41.

Ochre Print Studios have been invited by Woking Borough Council to produce two original screen print editions to commemorate the 150 year anniversary of the birth of novelist HG Wells. A competition to choose the most inspired designs has been launched by Ochre, and selected entries and the winning prints will be displayed in an exhibition at The Lightbox, Woking, from Saturday 26th March to Sunday 1st May. In response to the 150 year anniversary of Wells’ birth, Ochre Print Studios is inviting artists to submit a design, using no more than 5 colours, to be screen printed in an edition of 50 prints. The two winning designs will reflect the themes of War of the Worlds. Wells lived at ‘Lynton’, Maybury Road, Woking, where a blue plaque marks his residence. Deadline for submissions is Friday 18th December. Two designs will be selected by a panel of judges. Each winning artist will receive a fee of £500 and the opportunity to learn to screen print at Ochre, Surrey’s largest open access screen printing facility. Artwork can be created in a variety of media including digital media. Designs should be sent to Julie Hoyle, Ochre Print Studios, Lockwood, Westfield Road, Guildford GU1 1RR. Further information at info@ochreprintstudio.co.uk.

People throughout Great Britain are being invited to step out with the Ramblers during its free, annual Festival of Winter Walks, where walkers across the country will be leaving footprints in the snow as they explore Britain at its wintry best. Ramblers groups will be leading hundreds of vantagepointmag.co.uk

JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD free walks from 19th December until 3rd January. From short festive strolls to blow away the cobwebs, to heartier rambles to burn off the Christmas indulgence and kick-start New Year’s resolutions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

The Festival of Winter Walks is free and open to everyone, but anyone who gets the walking bug can visit www.ramblers. org.uk/become-a-member to find out more about becoming a Ramblers member. Members enjoy access to over 45,000 group walks led by volunteers each year, as well as exclusive walking routes that can be downloaded and quarterly editions of Walk magazine. Your membership will also be helping to protect the nation’s footpaths for generations to come. For further information about the Festival of Winter Walks and to browse the festive walks or routes on offer, visit www. ramblers.org.uk/winterwalks.

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Albury Organic Vineyard FINE WINES FROM THE SURREY HILLS Winter Wine Tasting 2015

13th November - 19th December Fridays: 10am – 3pm Saturdays: 10am – 5pm Pop in for free tastings of Albury Estate sparkling

Christmas Tasting Event

Saturday 5th December 10am – 5pm Join us for mince pies, sparkling wine and carols sung by the Godalming Community Gospel Choir (music from 1pm)

Classical Brit Award winners and stars of BBC One’s Last Choir Standing Only Men Aloud will be will be at G Live on Monday 21st December 2015 at 7.30pm. Hot from the release of their new album, On The Road, Only Men Aloud will perform a whole selection box of music ranging from traditional Christmas favourites to rock and pop classics.

Tickets are available at www.glive.co.uk or 01483 369350.

Email info@aburyvineyard.com to book

Buy online at www.alburyvineyard.com

Hundreds of brightly-coloured cows are set to decorate the hills, farms, towns, schools and popular landmarks across Surrey next year with the aim of sharing the beauty of the Surrey Hills and providing a massive boost to

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local businesses and community projects. Internationally renowned artist Alexander Creswell has agreed to be Patron of the Surrey version of CowParade, the world’s largest public art event, which is designed to focus attention on his beloved Surrey Hills. CowParade hopes to round up the support of celebrities and community groups to raise money for health and wellbeing projects. It was officially launched in November at Sandown Park Racecourse in Esher and no doubt there will be more about it in forthcoming issues.

‘Words In Clay: Prue Cooper’ is a selling exhibition at Watts Gallery Artist Village in their Pottery Building. It runs to 10th January. This exhibition, the artist’s first in Surrey, will exhibit the breadth of Prue Cooper’s highly sought-after work, including her interpretation of a quotation by Watts Gallery founder, G F Watts. Prue trained as a painter in the 1960s, and spent 20 years dealing in drawings before realising she really wanted to make things, things that communicate through being used. Exhibits are for sale so it’s a chance to acquire some first rate art.

Godalming-based Watco, the UK’s leading manufacturer of industrial strength flooring products, has spent £2,500 providing 180 presents this Christmas for children at Shooting Star Chase’s Guildford children’s hospice, Watco marketing director Jeremy Neaves caused quite a stir when he walked into a local toy store with his company credit

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card and filled several trolleys with presents for children of all ages up to 21 years old. The presents range from baby toys, board games to DVDs and gift cards for the older children. The Watco team then spent a donut-fuelled morning wrapping the presents and colour coding the bags according to gender and age groups. Apparently, other companies are invited to join this initiative by providing presents to the children at a special time of year. Anyone interested should contact hello@shootingstarchase.org.uk Following another sell-out season last year, Clive Francis returns to the Mill Studio at The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, with A Christmas Carol. His highly acclaimed and hugely popular RSC performance as the misanthropic Ebenezer Scrooge brings to life a whole host of Dickensian characters.

This is the perfect way to enter into the Christmas spirit! It runs from Monday 21st to Saturday 26th December with performances at 6pm and 8pm. Tickets at £13 can be booked at 01483 440000 or by going to www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk.

Actually, do browse the website as there are lots of other excellent offerings both seasonal and otherwise.

If you are looking for a Christmas calorie-busting walk, Hatchlands parkland will be open in January for the first time and is a perfect place to go along and burn off the mince pies and the rest of the Christmas calories on a self-guided walk through the parkland. Open from

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GARDENING

With Beth Otway

Greenfingered gifts Giving a gift is such a special thing to do, if you’re buying a present that you’ve seen online or in the shops, it’s not easy to tell how useful, wonderful or lasting the gift will be in reality, when you haven’t tried it yourself. With this in mind, I have sought out some super gift ideas, which I have reviewed and tested, so that hopefully you can find the perfect presents for your friends and family this Christmas.

• Apple Master from Lakeland - peels, cores and slices apples in seconds.

• The Cabaret Of Plants Botany And The Imagination by Richard Mabey. Published by Profile Books Ltd - this beautiful book explores our relationship with plants, charting human encounters through science, art, cultural history and poetry.

• BiOrbAIR Terrarium - an automated, specialised terrarium, featuring LED lights and an automatic misting unit.

• The Crafted Garden by Louise Curley, published by Frances Lincoln - a book with craft ideas you can make throughout the year.

• Burgon & Ball Weed Slice - an easy to use tool for removing weeds from gravel and borders.

• The Natural World Of Winnie-The-Pooh: A walk through the forest that inspired the Hundred Acre Wood by Kathryn Aalto. Published by Timber Press, this book reveals the real locations featured in A.A. Milne’s books.

Here they are in alphabetical order:

• Christmas Tree - a live, potted Christmas tree from Wheeler Street Nursery in Witley.

• Trugmakers Trug - beautiful, strong, durable trugs, handcrafted in Sussex.

• Dalefoot Composts - these peat-free composts made from composted bracken and sheep’s wool have great water retention, ideal if you’re planting a container as a Christmas gift.

Locally we have many talented and skilled professionals offering courses that make wonderful presents. Sussex Green Woodworking offers two or five-day courses, where you can make a spoon, rolling pin, stool or chair. Plant Passion in East Clandon offer a variety of courses and workshops - learn to grow, cut, condition and arrange cut flowers, make a posy, or take a flower business or social media course.

• Earth Box - this patented container gardening system is self-watering and portable, a great way to grow vegetables if you don’t have a garden.

• Espresso Mushroom Company Hot Pinks or Pearl Oyster Kitchen Garden - grow your own mushrooms indoors at home.

• Espresso Mushroom Company Wild Flower Tea Seedbombs - a fun way to grow your own herbal tea.

• Garden Design Solutions by Stephen Woodhams. Published by Jacqui Small LLP, this book features lots of garden design ideas and inspiration.

• Garden Girl Rain Poncho - a pretty, waterproof poncho.

• Lakeland My Kitchen Food Dehydrator - make your own dried fruit and vegetable snacks.

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One of the ways in which you can support your favourite garden is to give the gift of membership. The recipient of your gift will enjoy unlimited visits during opening times, often enjoying a host of other exclusive, member-only benefits. We are fortunate to have so many glorious gardens open to us; it’s important to support these gardens and charitable organisations, to ensure we protect these beautiful spaces of historical and horticultural importance, their plant collections, horticultural knowledge and training opportunities, for future generations. Many charities and gardens offer special gift membership offers. You can find details of gardens in Surrey, Hampshire and Sussex offering membership on my website – there’s just too many to list here!

FIND OUT MORE

You’ll find full reviews with prices for each of the products I’ve mentioned on my website, along with further product reviews, gardening advice for the month ahead and much more besides at www.pumpkinbeth.com.

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AWARD WINNING GIN FROM THE SILENT POOL IN SURREY Open seven days a week, from 10:00am to 4:00pm. For details and to order online, visit the website.

www.silentpooldistillers.com

Cocktail time

The origin of the word cocktail is disputed. The first recorded use of the word cocktail not referring to a horse is found in The Morning Post and Gazetteer in London, England on 20th March 1798. However, the Oxford English dictionary cites the word as originating in the US. The first definition of cocktail known to be an alcoholic beverage appeared in the 13th May 1806 edition of The Balance and Columbian Repository, a New York publication. In answer to the question, “What is a cocktail?”, the editor Harry Croswell replied: “Cock-tail is a stimulating liquor, composed of spirits of any kind, sugar, water, and bitters—it is vulgarly called bittered sling, and is supposed to be an excellent electioneering potion, in as much as it renders the heart stout and bold, at the same time that it fuddles the head. It is said, also to be of great use to a democratic candidate: because a person, having swallowed a glass of it, is ready to swallow any thing else”. Whatever its origins, there is no time like Christmas to enjoy one!

Sloe Gin Fizz A perfect way of using up last year’s Sloe Gin to make way for the next batch that I hope you are now making! If you don’t make your own, Sipsmith do an excellent one which is drier than most. Happily you can also use a fizz from one of our great local producers Albury Vineyard (www.alburyvineyard.com ), and Greyfriars Vineyard (www.greyfriarsvineyard.co.uk).

In a cocktail shaker, put 15ml gin, 15ml sloe gin, 15ml lemon juice and 5ml sugar. Shake over cubed ice for a good 10 seconds, then strain into a champagne flute. Top with champagne, prosecco or cava, garnish with a lemon twist and serve.

Juniper Green’s Elderflower Collins

Surrey Kir Royal

Gin cocktails are now very fashionable. There are two basic rules: the correct gin and an easy recipe. You need a gin We asked Albury Vineyard for a suitable where the aroma and flavour are not spoiled by the smell cocktail using their sparkling wine and they or harshness of the alcohol. Juniper Green Organic Gin came up with a local version of the Kir Royale. is the perfect gin for a cocktail: smooth, aromatic and with great flavour. Try this really refreshing and moreish Pour one part of Silent Pool Strawberry and cocktail. Visit www.junipergreen.org for stockists.

Gin cordial into a flute and top up with 5 parts Albury Estate sparking wine.

In a tall glass, add 50ml Juniper Green Organic Gin, 15ml Elderflower cordial. 5ml sugar syrup (2 sugar to 1 water), juice of half a lemon. Add lots of ice and top with club soda. Give it a quick stir and drink!

The Editor’s Bloody Mary The great thing about a Bloody Mary is that there is no single perfect recipe and you can make it as spicy as you like. For me, the inclusion of sherry, celery salt, lemon juice and lots of Worcestershire sauce is imperative. This is my latest version using a less well know sherry style which I think works brilliantly and adds a greater depth than the usual fino. An optional addition is a slug of Grand Marnier, said to be the secret ingredient in the famous version served by the Granadier Arms in Belgrave Square, London. SR In a cocktail shaker, mix together 2 shots of vodka, 2 shots of Palo Cortado sherry, a good squeeze of lemon, three good shakes of tabasco, 6 good shakes of Worcestershire sauce, a pinch of celerty salt, a grinding of black pepper and a few ice cubes. Top up with a good quality tomato juice, shake vigorously to mix and make it as cold as possible before straining into a tumbler.

Serve with a slice of lemon, celery and ice optional.

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vantagepointmag.co.uk

RECIPES Duke in a Sidecar My good friends Nicola Humphreys and Philip Randalll love cocktails and regularly get mixing at the weekend. I asked them for an original recipe for VantagePoint readers and they put in a lot of work on the cocktail front on your behalf! This cocktail is a variation on a Sidecar using The Duke’s Reserve brandy from Albury Vineyard, which is currently available but there are very limited stocks.

Coarsely crush 2 green cardamom pods. Add to a cocktail shaker with 2 shots The Duke’s Reserve (50 ml), 1 shot Cointreau (25 ml), 1/2 shot pear vodka (12 ml), 1/2 shot lemon juice (12 ml) and shake over ice. Finely strain and serve in a martini glass with an additional cardamom pod in the bottom of the glass. You could add a dash sugar syrup for a sweeter taste.

Greyfriars Apple and Calvados

The Breakfast Martini

Greyfriars Vineyard on the Hog’s Back is a favourite of VantagePoint and we asked them for their favourite cocktail.

Pour 15ml Calvados and 15ml clear apple juice into a chilled flute and top with chilled Greyfriars Blanc de Blancs. Delicious!

I was lucky enough to go on a tour of the Sipsmith distillery in Putney recently which was quite excellent. Start your day the right way with this most unusual of martinis courtsey of their Master Distiller Jared Brown. Rather than an evening tipple or a post-prandial treat, this Martini is one you can use to kick-start your day (though a weekend day might be the better choice).

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, add 1 tsp seville orange marmalade, 50ml Sipsmith London Dry Gin, 15ml Triple sec or Cointreau and 15ml fresh lemon juice. Shake well, strain into a chilled coupe glass and serve with a orange twist.

Silent Pool’s Chamomile Collins

Maple Borealis As a native of Quebec, Julie Dansereau grew up with the wonders and versatility of Maple Syrup.

Great for cooking, pouring over pancakes as well as making a delicious cocktail! Please visit www. missmaple.co.uk for more recipes.

To make the syrup, you need 50/50 mix of hot chamomile tea and caster sugar, tea should be brewed at 2 x strength, cool syrup before use.

Mix 50ml Silent Pool gin, 25ml chamomile Place a twig of rosemary into a champagne syrup and 25ml fresh lemon juice in a coupe or other champagne glass and rub highball glass, stir, fill glass with ice, top lightly along the rim. Keep the twig for with soda, stir. Garnish with long twist decoration. Wet the rim of the glass with lime juice and dip the rim of lemon and a sprig of chamomile. into maple sugar. Pour in 2 tbsp maple syrup, a few drops of lime www.silentpooldistillers.com juice and gin, to your taste. Add 150ml of cold sparkling wine or dry cider and decorate with the rosemary.

SPARKLING LOCAL OFFERS FOR OUR READERS:

10% December 2015

discount off 6 bts Albury Vineyards sparking wine with this artcile. www.alburyvineyard.com, 07768 863650. discount off Greyfriars Vineyards sparking wine with this article. www.greyfriarsvineyard.co.uk, 01483 813712.

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gastr

...for the lovers of local food and drink Medals, medals, medals

Shop locally this Christmas Don’t forget, Guildford Christmas Farmers’ Markets will take place on Tuesday 1st December and Tuesday 15th December in the High Street from 9.30am to 4pm. Over 60 producers are expected, so make sure you pay them a visit.

New Brandy from Albury Albury Vineyards have issued a special release brandy called the Duke’s Reserve Brandy, named after the Duke of Northumberland who owns the land in Albury that the vineyard is on.

It’s 42%, aged in oak for a year and made from their wine by the Silent Pool Distillery. Only 150 bottles have been made of this small batch release and they will only be for sale the Duke's Reserve directly from the vineyard. h ALBURY ESTATE They expect to sell out by Christmas! We have a cocktail e using it on pages 36-37. brandy

Bottle No.

Batch No.

Produced and bottled for Albury Vineyard Ltd. GU5 9BW, by Silent Pool Distillery

The Duke's Reserve _black.indd 1

42% 35cl

www.alburyvineyard.com

Bramley-based Juniper Green Organic Gin has achieved renown for its great aroma, fresh zippy taste and amazing smoothness. Just as the competition judges have awarded a medal every year, so their customers enjoy spreading the word about their favourite gin.

The organic spirit in Juniper Green is distilled from grain grown on land which has been organic for 35 years.

Our junipers are FairWild certified and the angelica and summer savory are now sourced from Somerset. At every stage they nurture quality and uniquely prepared ingredients, all certified by the Soil Association.

Juniper Green Organic Gin – the world’s first organic gin.

Visit www.junipergreen.org for stockists.

16/10/2015 12:23

Gin Lovers Experience

Greyfriar’s latest harvest Greyfriars Vineyard has finally completed their fifth harvest ! 115 tonnes of wonderful ripe grapes harvested and now in the tanks making their new 2015 vintage.

They still have plenty of the 2012 Blanc de Blancs and their 2013 Sparkling Rosé for sale for your Christmas celebrations as well as a Pinot Gris and their Velvet Volker, a delicious guest red Pinot Noir.

Details of their Christmas Saturday morning tasting and tales sessions will be on their website shortly.

Do go and see them for your Christmas bubbles for the true sparkling taste of Surrey!

Please see the Reader Offer with the cocktail recipes in this edition on pages 36-37. www. greyfriarsvineyard.co.uk

For gin lovers and those who are plain gin curious, Silent Pool Distillery now offers a 90 minute Experience, where one of the distillers reveals how Silent Pool award winning gin is made, what exactly goes into it and why.

Visitors are taken through the production process, the botanicals, flavours and how they work together to deliver a multi levelled and complextasting gin.

There will also be the opportunity to taste some of the various stages in production and some of the other spirits being produced.

Go to www.silentpooldistillers.co.uk

Send us your food news to gastro@vantagepublishing.co.uk 38

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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

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Saturday 26th December until Monday 4th January from 10.30am to 3.30pm. Normal admission applies. For more information call 01483 222482 or visit www.nationaltrust. org.uk or facebook.com/HatchlandsParkNT. The Saint Petersburg Classic Ballet will be performing two great Christmas classics, The Nutcracker and Swan Lake, both with exquisite music by Tchaikovsky, from Boxing Day. Performances are on Boxing Day, Saturday 26th December at 7.30pm, Sunday 27th December at 2.30pm and 7.30pm and Monday 28th December at 2.30pm and 7.30pm.

Tickets: £29.50, £34.50, £39. Children and Groups 8+: Save 10%. Concessions and Friends of G Live: Save £3. + Booking fee of £2. www.GLive.co.uk or call 01483 369350.

There is a New Year’s Day Belvedere Tower opening at Claremont Landscape Gardens, Esher from 11am2pm. Bring family and friends to walk off the excesses of the holiday season with a stroll around the garden and an opportunity to enjoy stunning views from the Belvedere Tower. Usual admission, no need to book. More information: 01372 467806.

Also on the 1st January is the annual New Year’s Day Gathering at Brooklands Museum. All classic, modern classic, vintage, veteran and super cars, motorcycles and commercial vehicles are welcome for possibly the largest New Year’s Day gathering in the South East. Entry is via the Campbell Gate off

New Design – Same Great Gin

Juniper Green

Brooklands Road for all types of classics and pre-booked car clubs (and interesting or special younger vehicles, including supercars) - parking will be in and around the Paddock, on the Finishing Straight and Members’ Banking for these vehicles (subject to space). We will also have the Vickers Gate open for BTM classics fast-track entry - access via Brooklands Drive and Mercedes-Benz World. Gates open at 9am and the Museum buildings and displays are open from 10am - 4pm; normal Museum admission prices apply. For those just turning up to look at this wonderful display, as well as the rest of the Museum and its exhibits, there will be parking in The Heights off Wellington Way. The Editor tells me it is a brilliant day out!

The Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM) celebrates its 20th anniversary this year and has come a long way from its humble beginnings to a respected and innovative institute of higher education. Based in Guildford, the Academy was founded back in 1995 as an alternative to the kind of music education offered by more traditional universities.

Combining a vocational focus and industry connections, ACM offers a truly immersive and unique learning experience and is incredibly proud of its alumni, from performing musicians like Ed Sheeran, Lawson and Ebony Day, producers and DJs. Many ACM students go on to find their niche in all manner of industries, from performance, production and composition to business, journalism, event management and everything in between. A career in music might have once seemed like an impossible dream but it is now an attainable goal provided

Jessica Pilates Awaken your body and mind

Winner of 20 medals since 1999 for aroma and flavour The world’s No.1 Organic Gin

Stockists: Sainsbury’s Burpham/Godalming Bramley: Nisa/Taurus Wines Shalford: Guildford Wine Co Snooty’s Groceries Wonersh: Village Store The Organic Spirits Co Ltd Tel: 01483 894650 Email: office@londonandscottish.co.uk December 2015

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Do you suffer from lower back pain and/or neck and shoulder problems?

Do you wake up in the morning feeling stiff and uncomfortable in your body?

Would you like an hour just for you away from the stresses and strains of everyday life?

Is the niggling pain from that old injury still pestering you?

Could your body benefit from general conditioning and toning?

Does your posture need some realigning?

If so, Pilates might just be the answer!

Jessica Pilates offers small mat classes in Guildford, Normandy, Worplesdon, West Horsley, Bookham, Chiddingfold and Dunsfold.

Spaces limited in all classes so contact Jess Curnier on 07789 176416 or email jess@jessicapilates.co.uk to book your place today. First taster session FREE! www.jessicapilates.co.uk

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Thursley to Elstead This is a pleasant walk through fields and woods and across a heath. The shorter option is largely flat. The longer option adds in some minor ups and downs. There are a number of refreshment places along the route including the Woolpack in Elstead (see offer below). The walk description is provided by Guildford Rambling Club (guildfordramblingclub.org.uk).

The walk 1. From Thursley cricket pitch you have two options.

For the longer option, walk back along the road towards the A3 and, before the pub, turn right at the little green to walk down The Street. At the bottom do not follow the road sharp right. Instead, at the signpost take the track left. Quickly reach and take a footpath left, through a gate into a field. Follow that path across it and continue along a narrow path to reach Boundless Road, running alongside the A3.

2. Turn right along this road and soon turn left to go under the A3. On the other side, turn left. The road narrows and becomes the drive of ‘Cosford House’.

Continue on to pass between the house and a small lake and out along a path. Almost immediately turn left up a bank through trees. At the top the path crosses a field to a gate which debouches onto French Lane.

Turn left and follow the road for about ½ mile. As the road bends right take a track left. Pass Cosford Mill (a Grade II listed building built in the late 16th century and was more recently used as a studio by Roger Taylor of Queen) and then, at the top of the slope, turn right and walk for a few yards to reach an A3 slip road.

3. Here, turn right to go up to and turn left to cross a bridge over the A3. Almost opposite the other end of the bridge, look for a gap in the hedge, close to a cycleway sign. Go through onto Thursley Nature Reserve between a short run of railed fences and reach a T-junction with a sandy track and an information plaque. (The shorter option joins the route at this point. See later.)

4. Turn right and walk along the track. At a first blue arrow fork right. At the next go straight on. Go straight over a cross paths marked with arrows. At the next cross paths, with an information plaque and a house on the right, go straight ahead and north along a wide sandy track. At first you will be in trees but thereafter with heathland on your left. After about 1000 yards there are trees on both sides again and you pass a ‘Welcome to Thursley National Nature Reserve’ plaque. Quickly then reach a junction with three routes ahead from which to choose. Take the middle one.

5. Go straight over a cross paths and ignore lefts and rights. A field appears behind the trees on your righthand side and there are lots of silver birches on the 40

left-hand side. Keep going forward until reaching a junction with a 3-way signpost and an MOD warning sign. Here, turn right. Walk a little way to reach a T-junction with two roads, one of which is labelled Guinea Common and is on your right. Turn left and walk up to the far end of the other road, which you will later see is Hookley Road. Reach a T-junction where you jink right to join the Milford Road. Turn left towards Elstead. Continue until you can turn left into Springfield (a road) and immediately right, along Back Lane. At the other end you emerge at the side of a pub, the Woolpack, with a little green and some shops ahead of you. There is a convenience store by The Green where you can usually buy snacks.

6. After lunch, walk on down the side of the green opposite the shops and turn left into Stacey Farm Road.

Immediately take a footpath left and up by the side of a house. Emerge in a field and continue forward along its left-hand edge. Exit from the first corner onto a cross paths and continue forward. The path runs for

THE WOOLPACK ELSTEAD, SURREY

CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR WALKERS LUNCH OFFER 20% OFF LUNCH MENU VALID MON TO SAT UNTIL 6 JAN ‘16

TERMS & CONDITIONS Please present this voucher on arrival. Offer excludes Christmas party menu, and is not valid on Christmas Day, Boxing Day or New Year’s Day. Open to non-walkers too!

Tel: 01252 703106 | woolpackelstead.co.uk

vantagepointmag.co.uk

WALK

almost ¾ mile. Near the end it swings sharp left and then quickly right again. Soon afterwards, reach a junction and take a bridleway right and into trees on Elstead Common. Go straight over two successive cross paths. Emerge from the trees on the edge of heathland walk along the left-hand edge. 7. At a Thursley Nature Reserve Plaque turn left onto the start of a boardwalk this takes you in a large arc, passing a large pond which is popular with bird watchers. At its far end at a cross paths, turn left to follow the sandy track more or less south, for a time paralleling some 3-strand power lines initially on your left-hand side.

Eventually pass under the power lines and they now run parallel but on your right-hand side. The power lines end but you continue on. Now take a bridleway forking right. Reach a very wide sandy cross track and go straight across to follow a narrow path through heather, then bracken, then bracken and trees.

8. At a T-junction with a wide track go left. Ignore a first left but then take an immediate fork right. Continue forward with a fence and fields on your right-hand side. Ignore a fork right, follow the bridleway straight on. Go straight over a cross paths and ignore two tiny rights. Reach a wide junction and take the track right.

Emerge by the little green in Thursley with the pub along to the left and the start point to the right.

For the shorter option, from the start, walk along the road past the pub and take the footpath left by the tiny green. Go down to a cross paths and turn right to follow a track roughly parallel to the road and eventually meet the junction with the railed fences and information plaque at the end of the A3 bridge which is mentioned above.

DISTANCE: 7.25 or 9 miles

The Woolpack, Elstead T: 01252 703106

OS MAPS: Explorer 133 Haslemere & Petersfield

The Golden Fleece, Elstead T: 01252 702349

STARTING POINT: Park by the cricket pitch in Thursley, just along the road from the Three Horseshoes (GU8 6QD).

The Mill, Elstead T: 01252 703333

REFRESHMENTS: The Three Horseshoes, Thursley T: 01252 703268

The Old Barn Café, Elstead T: 07930 337007 Elstead Common by Stefan Reynolds

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.

December 2015

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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

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you have the right tools and the right attitude. If any of you youngsters are seriously considering a career in music, do have a look at their website www.acm.ac.uk.

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There’s a free thermal imaging course on Friday 22nd January at 5pm and 7pm. Guildford Borough Council is providing this free for local residents to help detect heat loss and missing insulation from your home. Places are limited and booking is required. The course lasts approximately 1 ½ hours and the instructor will take you through how to use and interpret the images on the camera. To book your place, visit: www.guildford.gov.uk/article/14413/Sustainablecommunities. Following the course residents will be able to borrow the thermal imaging camera to detect heat loss and missing insulation in their homes. For more information or queries, contact climatechange@guildford.gov.uk or phone 01483 444509.

William Golding’s 20th century classic Lord of the Flies explodes onto the stage at G Live from Tuesday 26th to Saturday 30th January 2016, in a remarkable production direct from London’s award-winning Regent’s Park Theatre. Playing to capacity audiences during its original run this critically acclaimed production is guaranteed to grip from start to finish. Tickets from £18.50 to £24 from www.glive. co.uk or call 01483 369350 (10am-6pm, Monday-Saturday).

The award-winning Guildford Shakespeare Company (GSC) begin their 10th Anniversary Year with Shakespeare’s great late play, The Winter’s Tale, in the newly restored Holy Trinity Church from 8th-27th February 2016. The Winter’s Tale is a play of contrasts: winter and summer; old and young; fantasy and reality. The play covers 16 years and takes the audience from dark tragedy to new hope. A beautiful and captivating fable, The Winter’s Tale features one of most truly magical moments in theatre, and possibly the most famous of stage directions: “Exit pursued by a bear”. The Winter’s Tale runs for three weeks and has 24 performances. Tickets start from £18 and are available online or by calling the Box Office on 01483 304384. www. guildford-shakespeare-company.co.uk. Public booking opens 1st December.

Watts Gallery Trust received very welcome news of investment from Guildford Borough Council in the Trust’s campaign to further increase education, training and tourism at the Watts Gallery - Artists’ Village. Guildford Borough Council will invest £125k to enable Watts Gallery Trust (WGT) to complete the restoration of Watts Studios and provide education, learning and employment opportunities for the next three years. In enabling WGT to complete the restoration of Watts Studios and, for the first time, open the artists’ studios to the public, the Council will help the Trust to save this important part of Guildford’s heritage. Watts Studios include the only remaining studio of the great Victorian artist George Frederic Watts (1817 – 1904) and are the last surviving artists’ studios designed by Ernest George, one of vantagepointmag.co.uk

Merry Christmas from Bourne Buildings An independent family run business established in 1995, Bourne Buildings is a familiar sight to the residents of Farnham.

They are well known for the advertising banners, which overlook the Shepherd & Flock roundabout: favourites include, ‘Fall for our sheds this Autumn’, ‘Now is the Winter of our discount sheds’ and of course during this festive season, you can see Santa himself waving and wishing passers by ‘Merry Christmas!’ (see pictured).

As well as keeping the locals amused, Bourne Buildings is the largest garden buildings show site in the UK and has over 200 garden buildings on display all year round, as well as thousands of stone items ranging from statues and birdbaths, to benches and urns.

Their picturesque show site is set around an old mill pond which creates a stunning and unique

environment; well worth a look even if not looking to make a purchase. Many customers, on an almost daily basis exclaim “How they have been driving past for years and never realised that the 100ft mill pond existed – let alone the extent of the selection on display”. What surprises them further is that the pond is about 10ft above the level of the very busy roundabout only 50ft away!

With staff sharing over 80 years of experience and special offers running month to month you will always receive the best service, and can be sure you are getting the best prices in the whole of the UK (including the internet).

If you’re thinking of buying a garden building, for any reason, it’s well worth paying Bourne Buildings a visit.

Bourne Buildings, 39-43 Guildford Road, Farnham GU9 9PY. Tel: 01252 718481 / 725733 Winter Opening Hours 10am-4pm Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Closed all year round Tuesday and Wednesday.

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December 2015

01252 718481 / 725733 www.bournebuildings.co.uk 39 – 43 Guildford Road, Farnham, Surrey GU9 9PY

43

PROFILE Royal Marines Association - Guildford & District Today, 3rd Commando Brigade Royal Marines has operational control of the main elements of the present day Commando forces including:

The RMA The Royal Marines Association (RMA) has branches throughout the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth and membership is open to the serving Corps, SBS, retired marines and associated services, RM cadets and family of present and past marines The Royal Marines Association - Guildford & District has a close association with the area; its first president was General Sir Campbell Hardy KCB CBE DSO* from Haslemere, who was CO of 46 Commando RM at the D-Day Normandy Landings in June 1944 and then Commander 3rd Commando Brigade in Burma in 19441945; he generously gifted the Branch’s first Standard in 1979 which was laid up in Guildford Cathedral in 2012.

A stained glass window, in honour of RMA Guildford, was inaugurated by the Dean of Guildford Cathedral in 1985 in the presence of General Sir Peter Whitely GCB OBE. The Royal Marines was founded in 1664, shortly after the restoration of the Monarchy, as the Admiral’s Regiment and remains an important part of the Royal Navy.

RM Commandos The raising of Commando forces was encouraged by Winston Churchill, when Britain’s very existence was threatened, as a means of striking back at German held Europe by highly trained and mobile troops modelled on the mobility and offensive spirit of the Boer Commandos in South Africa at the beginning of the 20th century. Up until 1942, the Army was responsible for raising Commandos; thereafter, Royal Marines were also trained at Achnacarry, Scotland to the same standards as Army Commandos and eight RM Commandos served in Northwest Europe, the Mediterranean and the Far East during World War II. 44

• • • • •

40, 42 and 45 Commandos RM 29 Commando Light Regiment RA 24 Commando Engineer Regiment RE RN Commando Helicopter Squadrons Royal Netherland Marine Corps – attached for winter warfare • RN Amphibious ships which provide world-wide reach to the Royal Marines Commando training Commando training takes place at the Commando Training Centre RM Lympstone, Devon. The Royal Marines training is one of the toughest and longest in the world and to become an elite fighter ready for action one has to develop the Royal Marines state of mind.

Throughout the 32 weeks training, everything from the basics like marching, looking after personal kit and weapons take place followed by the combat skills that will turn a recruit into an elite soldier, worthy of the ‘green beret’. These include patrolling, setting ambushes, cliff assault and fighting in built up areas.

The green beret is awarded to those who successfully pass the following tests: • A nine mile speed march, carrying full fighting order, to be completed in 90 minutes.

• The Endurance course is a six-mile course across rough moorland and woodland terrain which includes tunnels, pipes, wading pools, and an underwater culvert. The course ends with a four-mile run back to Lympstone, followed by a marksmanship test.

• The Tarzan Assault Course is an assault course combined with an aerial confidence test. It starts with the commando slide and ends with a rope climb up a thirty-foot near-vertical wall. It must be completed with full fighting order in 13 minutes.

• The 30 miler is a 30-mile march across upland Dartmoor, wearing full fighting order and must be completed in eight hours.

Top left: The Band of HM Royal Marines - The Mall, London.

Left: The Commando memorial, Fort William, Scotland.

FIND OUT MORE

RMA Guildford & District welcomes any ex- Royal Marine and their family to join the Branch. Please contact David Embury, Hon.Sec, Email david.embury@taltalk.net; Tel: 01932 849797. vantagepointmag.co.uk

JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

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the most celebrated architects of the Victorian era. Restored and open to the public, the addition of Watts Studios to Watts Gallery – Artists’ Village will significantly increase tourism in the Guildford and Godalming area. Watts Studios are open to the public on 26th January 2016.

Just in case some of you Lulu fans haven’t heard, she is coming to G Live in Guildford on Friday 4th March for a concert celebrating her 50 year career. Tickets are available at www.glive.co.uk or 01483 369350.

Entry is now open for the 3rd 2XU Surrey Half Marathon Kids’ Challenge. The event is open to 6-16 year olds who are invited to complete a 2km closed-road course on 13th March.

To help everyone to prepare for their 2km run Shooting Star CHASE’s Professor Popplepants has put together a 10 step training plan which is downloadable from the 2XU Surrey Half website. Complete al``mplete the 10 training activities and raise over £50 for Shooting Star CHASE will receive a special Professor Popplepants pin badge in recognition of all their hard work! To learn more about the event, have a look at http://surreyhalfmarathon.co.uk/charity/shooting-starchase/ I mention this next Jotting to give readers plenty of time to consider taking on the challenge. Teams of tenacious walkers are being sought to take part in an overnight endurance challenge next summer. The South Downs Way PLOD on 16th July 2016 will raise vital funds for children’s

charity Action Medical Research. Although a charity walk, don’t be fooled as teams will need their stamina and wits about them to navigate a 40-mile route through the darkness as they push on to watch the sun rise and steam ahead through the following day. Setting out from the Devil’s Dyke, it finishes on Beachy Head outside Eastbourne. In 2016 for the first time walkers can tackle the PLOD solo – perfect for those who like to go it alone and want to see the stunning views on offer. Or, if the distance seems a little too hard to handle, why not check out the PLOD Lite version at just 20 miles?

To take advantage of Action Medical Research’s earlybird discount of just £99 per team, register before 31st December 2015 at www. action.org.uk/plod-south-downsway. Teams must pledge to raise a minimum total of £1,500 (or £1,200 for the PLOD Lite), while solo walkers pay £25 and commit to raising £375.

Right, that is it for another year! Thanks for reading us and supporting all the local events we publicise on behalf of the local community. We feature more local events than any other local magazine, and if you have an event to publicise, please get in touch.

FIND OUT MORE

Visit www.vantagepointmag.co.uk to see Jottings from our other areas online. To send in an entry, go online or email us at jottings@vantagepublishing.co.uk.

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December 2015

Careworkers Required - £9.15 - £18.20ph Guildford, Godalming and nearby areas Supporting elderly people in their own homes No experience necessary – full training given Call 01483 797950 or visit www.astoragency.co.uk.

Christmas Pet Help A local, friendly veterinary nurse is available for pet sitting, feeding, administering medication and general advice. Godalming based.

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

46 vantagepointmag.co.uk

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COMPETITIONS

Please enter online unless otherwise stated. Postal entries can be sent to us at the address given on page three.

WIN A SILENT POOL GIN PRESENTATION BOX Silent Pool Gin is a classic gin at heart. It is full-bodied and fresh, with depth, clarity, and above all else flavour. Produced with 24 unique botanicals, Silent Pool Gin is a rich and clean juniper-driven spirit with floral layers of lavender and chamomile. Fresh notes of citrus and kafir lime are ground with the subtle sweetness of local honey, creating a well-balanced gin that is both traditional and refreshingly individual.

We have a presentation box to give away containing a bottle of Silent Pool Gin and a wonderful Silent Pool glass worth £55.

For stockists please visit www.silentpooldistillers.com.

To win, please answer the following question: Q: How many botanicals are there in Silent Pool Gin Please enter online at www.vantagepointmag.co.uk by 15th December 2015.

This competition is only open to readers aged 18 and over. Proof of age may be required.

WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS TO SWAN LAKE AT G LIVE, GUILDFORD Combining classical training and technique with the best-loved Russian ballets, Saint Petersburg Classic Ballet will perform Swan Lake and The Nutcracker at G Live this Christmas season from 26th-28th December at various times.

Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece, Swan Lake, is a tragic tale of beauty, love and betrayal with an instantly recognisable score. The Nutcracker’s delightfully festive, and the perfect introduction to ballet, as Clara is whisked away on a fairytale adventure by her Nutcracker prince into a magical world of snowflakes, Sugar Plum fairies, and toys that come to life.

Tickets are £29.50-£39.00, children: Save £10. Concessions and group rates available (booking fees apply). To win, simply answer the following question: Q: Who wrote Swan Lake?

Please enter online at www.vantagepointmag.co.uk by 18th December 2015.

WIN AN ORDNANCE SURVEY CUSTOM MADE MAP Win an Ordnance Survey (OS) Custom Made map worth £16.99! Choose anywhere in Britain, add a title and upload a cover photo to create a unique personalised map in classic OS style – an ideal gift for any lover of the outdoors.

The OS’s geographic data is so big that they’ve mapped the location of every fixed physical object in Great Britain, from the ground upwards, to within one metre accuracy. In total, they’ve logged 460 million individual geographical features including over 35 million buildings and over 27 million residential addresses. They have a team of around 300 surveyors and two aircraft that produce 10,000 updates to their OS MasterMap database. That’s seven times every minute of every day of the year.

To win, please answer the following question: Q: How many buildings has the OS logged?

Please enter online at www.vantagepointmag.co.uk by 18th December 2015.

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 nontransferable and have no cash alternative. Only one entry per person per competition and prizes will only be sent to homes with a GU, KT and RH postcode.

‘Seasons Greetings’ The Partners cordially invite you to accept their offer to provide a confidential

Free Market Valuation

of your current home. To arrange a mutually convenient time please ring

01483 304344 ✤ matthewburns@pewleys.co.uk richardprynne@pewleys.co.uk