VantagePoint June 2015 - Guildford and Villages

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Guildford & Villages • June 2015

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

MAGAZINE

Full Steam Ahead with the locally based Cathedrals Express

Inside: SURREY ARTISTS OPEN STUDIOS WINTERSHALL’S LIFE OF CHRIST ABINGER’S WONDERFUL WATERCRESS WIN TICKETS TO THE GARDEN SHOW AT LOSELEY

Spectacular free celebration in Guildford

Armed Forces Day National Event 2015 Saturday 27 June • High Street military parade • Spectacular show and entertainment at Stoke Park • Events throughout the week leading up to Armed Forces Day Entry is free and no tickets are required to watch the parade or to enter Stoke Park For further information on travel and event updates go to guildfordarmedforcesday.co.uk or call 0330 1230088

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We are delighted to offer a new range of home cooked food; Made to order by our Chef in Secretts Kitchen Order by 5.30pm on Wednesday for collection after 12 Noon on Friday Suppers are provided in oven-ready trays, alternatively we are happy to use your dish

Orders can be placed in The Farm Shop, by email at info@secretts.co.uk or by telephone on 01483 520500 www.secretts.co.uk

TO THE POINT I’m back! I had a lovely call recently from a Dorking based charity called the Brigitte Trust, an independent registered charity offering free emotional support and practical help at home to people and their families facing cancer. They Stefan Reynolds had advertised with us and I placed their advert Editor & Publisher next to Betchworth Golf Club. The call was to tell me that the golf club had seen their advert and had decided to make them their charity of the year, wanting to pick a great local charity. As you can imagine, they were delighted by this, as were we. A local community magazine exists to get everyone helping one another in their local local magazine area and and we are always pushing the great The produced by local benefits of ‘keeping it local’. This was a fine people for the local community, demonstration of that. Long may it continue!

Thanks to everyone who completed the questionnaire that we recently promoted. We had an excellent response and it was very useful to find out what you like most about this magazine and your suggestions on how we can make your local community magazine even better.

Food and drink was an obvious interest and this month we have launched a new ‘Gastro’ page which aims to help promote local food, drink, eateries, producers and more. I hope you find it useful and if you would like to contribute to the page in the coming months, please email us at gastro@vantagepublishing.co.uk.

Contact the editor: stefan@vantagepublishing.co.uk

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

We now publish five community magazines which are delivered monthly

by Royal Mail to 107,714 homes across the South East, which gives us the largest local circulation in this area, all with guaranteed delivery by your postman.

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vantagepointmag.co.uk THE VANTAGEPOINT TEAM

June 2015

Marcus Atkins Sales Director marcus@vantagepublishing.co.uk

Liz Godfrey Sales liz@vantagepublishing.co.uk

Carol Martin Sales carol@vantagepublishing.co.uk

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

Contributors: Viv Micklefield, Marion McBurney, Beth Otway, Gwyn Phillips Print: Buxton Press Cover: The Cathedrals Express

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CONTENTS Rugmart 0315_Layout 1 06/02/2015 14:34 Page 1

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6 Jottings Your local community noticeboard

8 Surrey Artists’ Open Studios Gwyn Phillips previews some of the local artists

13 Full Steam Ahead Viv Mickelefield takes a look at the Cathedrals Express

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Jottings

- YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

As I write the jottings for June, two things have dominated my thoughts. The first is the extraordinary election result which proved the pollsters and nearly every politician wrong. Actually, not wishing to brag, but yours truly did have a sneaky bet on the Conservatives winning an overall majority and the bookies are a little poorer as a result! The second event is the catastrophic fire at Clandon Park. I remember this magnificent house since I was a child; you could see it through the trees when sitting on top of the 408 bus from Horsley to Guildford. I always found it quite stunning and in my view “not too big to live in”! I fervently hope and actually feel confident that the National Trust will do a fine job in restoring it to its former glory. I know that much was lost but a restoration will be part of this beautiful house’s evolution. They did a wonderful job on Uppark so let’s be optimistic. Finally, you can see that June is a very busy month and full of fun events, so have a great month.

The Fircroft Summer Exhibition takes place until Sunday 14th June. It’s held at Fircroft, off New Road, Albury Heath GU5 9DD and is open daily from 11am to 5pm, (Thursdays from11am to 8pm). There will be exhibits including paintings, sculpture, ceramics, jewellery, prints and glass. Directions: From the A25 Guildford to Dorking road, take the A248 opposite Silent Pool, then turn left into New Road and follow the signs. Click address on the website for a detailed map. Telephone: 01483 202333 email: fircroft@alburyheath.com website, www.fircroft.info.

Wonersh and District Garden Club’s next meeting is on Tuesday 2nd June at the Wonersh Memorial Hall.

Doors open at 7pm for the meeting at 7.30pm. This month, the talk will be given by Mrs Jean Griffin, familiar to many of you as she joins the monthly programme

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‘Dig It’ on Radio Sussex and Surrey, offering advice and answering listeners’ gardening questions. Her theme at this meeting is ‘Propagating in the Garden Shed’. The WGC is also organising a day out to Nymans Gardens in Sussex on 17th June, so why not join them for a trip to these beautiful gardens. All members and their guests are welcome. Looking ahead, at their meeting on 7th July they will be holding the ‘Summer Show and Floral Art Show’. For further information on any of the above please contact 01483 893808.

There’s a folk music session every Monday at the Star in Church Street Godalming at 9pm and at the Harrow at Compton every Wednesday at 8.30pm, also every first Sunday of the month at the Queen Victoria in Shalford starting at 8.30pm and the Royal Oak in Sydenham Road Guildford on the third Sunday at 8.30pm. All musicians, singers and audience welcome.

It’s free- just turn up. For more information phone Kevin Gorton on 01483 415962.

Summer Serenade – an afternoon piano and violin recital on Thursday 4th June at 2.15pm at Christ Church, Waterden Road, Guildford. The Choi-Fox duo is returning after last year’s successful concert.

The programme will include the first movement of Beethoven’s ‘Waldstein’ Sonata, as well as works

by Brahms, Bach and Chopin. The Choi-Fox duo is formed of violinist Judith Choi-Castro and pianist Harry Nowakowski-Fox. They both graduated with a Masters degree in performance from the Royal Academy and Royal College of Music respectively. Entry is free with a retiring collection. For further information contact Andrew Hodges on 01483. 537684.

Guildford Homemakers are this month welcoming guest speaker Pinky Lilani whose topic is ‘Spice’ She

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

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

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Gwyn Phillips takes a look at some of the local artists taking part this year From Saturday 6th June to Sunday 21st June hundreds of Surrey artists will hold open house in their studios, galleries, workshops and homes. It is the biggest visual art event in Surrey and offers the public a chance to meet artists, see them at work, buy artwork, take part in workshops and view taster exhibitions.

Open Studios offer the public direct access to artists and makers and gives you a valuable insight into how artwork is produced. For 16 days the summer event is all about visiting studios, meeting artists and makers who are not normally open to the public, seeing them at work, browsing completed works and seeing work in progress, trying your hand at something and meeting fellow enthusiasts en-route.

Surrey Open Studios covers a broad spectrum of the visual arts and crafts, including; Calligraphy, Ceramics, Craftwork, Drawing, Glass, Illustration, Jewellery, Metalwork, Mixed Media, New Media, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, Textiles and Woodwork. So there is something for everyone whatever their interests in the arts. These events have proved very popular for visitors in the past and it is a great way to meet artists and see them at work. For artists it is a great opportunity to raise their profile and develop new skills in promoting their own art practice.

SAOS Brochure To get the best out of this annual extravaganza of the arts you need the SAOS brochure to see which studios are open and where they can be found. The brochure can be obtained from local libraries, are centres and all the Open Studios.

Surrey has been divided up into five areas, with each having a map of the open studios and providing details of the artists.

North (includes Camberley, Staines, Esher and Woking; 8

East (includes Epsom, Caterham, Horley and Reigate & Redhill); Central (includes Leatherhead and Dorking); West (includes Tongham, Compton, Guildford, Ockham and West Horsley); and South (includes Farnham, Haslemere, Godalming & Cranleigh).

The SAOS website also has an interactive map of all the open studios and can be found at www. surreyopenstudios.org.uk When planning your visits you need to check with the website or the brochure, which contains details of days and times that particular studios are open, as this varies.

Workshops It is not all about viewing, as many of the artists offer you a chance to try and develop your creative skills by providing taster workshops. These range from children’s photography courses, making a small glass object, an introduction to wood carving, life drawing to table top screen printing. There are no fewer than 25 different workshops that are being offered in the different areas and the details can be found on pages eight and nine of the brochure.

Surrey Artist of the Year If you visit at least 4 different studios then you can help decide who is shortlisted for the Surrey Artist of the Year. There is a form for this on the back page of the brochure. The selected artists will have their work exhibited at the New Ashgate Gallery in Farnham and the winner will be decided by a vote of visitors and a panel of judges.

Don’t miss out on this once in a year opportunity to visit artists, see them at work and get an insight into what inspires them and perhaps encourage you to try your hand at the visual arts? vantagepointmag.co.uk

Some of the artists from the local area Guildford is a major centre for the performing and visual arts. With Surrey University, Watts Gallery and the very active Guildford Arts Society it is no surprise that there are many artists opening their studios in June. There are too many to mention in this article so you need to look at the West area of the SAOS brochure to fully see what is on offer.

In Shere the Treacle Gallery group reflects the wide range of media that Surrey artists work in. Becca Clegg paints and uses textiles and mixed media and produces colourful landscapes. Lillian Spibey specialises in photography whilst Julie Barham creates vibrant ceramics and Louisa Sullivan interesting columns of glass art.

Just outside Guildford the Ochre Print Studios provides open access to artists of all abilities and provides courses and regular exhibitions. Anne Robson teaches printmaking and produces some dramatic images. Caroline Jackman often creates prints with an animal theme and Julie Hoyle works in mixed media and sculpture as well as printmaking.

Vicky Williams and Julie Mallett work in textiles and printmaking will also be on view.

There are several individual painters’ studios that are open including David Dragon in Guildford. David’s bold graphic style takes much of his inspiration from figures, forms and events in popular culture.

Collette Clegg is a semi abstract painter who specialises in still life, June 2015

horses and atmospheric landscapes.

She can be found at Blackmoor Farm near Cobham.

Surrey Sculpture Society is one of the biggest sculpture organisations in the country and several of its leading members can be found in the Guildford area. Carol Orwin has taught many to sculpt and she has a very distinctive style that is easily recognisable in her many animal sculptures. Fleur Robertson photography and sculpture can also be viewed at the same studio and this year her theme is equine art.

They can be found at Barrack Road, Guildford.

Jean Tolkovsky and Joanna Lloyd are exhibiting together in Worplesdon.

Joanna is a contemporary glass designer-maker creating a range of sculptural and decorative glass. Jean produces thought proving figurative ceramics and quirky creatures and she was shortlisted last year for the artist of the year.

A visit to Watts Gallery in Compton will enable you to see the work of artist in residence Jennie Jewitt Harris. Jennie “uses drawing, stereoscopic photography, collage and sculpture and her personal history in medicine and psychology” to produce some unusual creations.

So it is definitely worth setting some time aside to explore the galleries and studios of Guildford and nearby areas.

Images from top: Protector - Jean Tolkovosky A good roll heals a thousand wounds - Caroline Jackman Female form - Collette Clegg Hare Piece - Carol Orwin 9

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Jottings - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

will be talking about and demonstrating the use of spice in our food. The group will meet at St. Catherine’s Hall, Chestnut Avenue on Thursday 4th June from 8pm.

New members are always welcomed. For further details contact Marian Homar on 01483 573665.

On the first Friday of every month, a group of businesses meet at the Weyside in Guildford. There are no subscriptions or entry fees. It isn’t cliquey.

It is a chance to meet up and share information, and opportunities with over 30 other businesses. The meeting attracts business owners, senior partners, business development managers and a variety of other business and professional people. There is also the opportunity for more retail focused businesses to showcase their offering. Recently, Hotel Chocolat showcased their Valentine and Easter chocolate offerings. The next meetings are on 5th June, 3rd July and 7th August. Contact Zahid@custodianinsurance. co.uk or call 020 7648 4343 to attend or if you would like to showcase.

Cranleigh Arts Centre has its usual diverse programme of events throughout June. Here are a few that caught my eye. On Saturday 6th June from 10am to 4pm they are holding a new one day lino print workshop led by Susan Yeates. This workshop focuses on producing a colour linocut using the reduction technique i.e. printing multiple colours from one block. Susan will

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show you how to prepare your image, cut into the lino using different cutting tools, register the image and finally print. No previous experience of printmaking is necessary – just take along a few ideas or images to work with and Susan will help you do the rest. The cost is £40 with all specialist materials provided. Also on 6th June at 8.30pm blues fans will be delighted to welcome Larry Garner and the Norman Beaker Band from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Larry Garner is a modernday bluesman with an expressive voice, and wry wit.

Winner of a WC Handy award, his songs are both meaningful and amusing. The Norman Beaker Band has been at the forefront of UK blues for four decades, working with such legendary blues stars as BB King, Buddy Guy, Jack Bruce, Van Morrison, Chuck Berry, and many more. Tickets: Advanced £18 (on the day £20) Balcony seats £23 (on the day £25). To book, either visit Cranleigh Arts Centre’s box office or call on 01483 278000. Tickets are also available online at www. cranleighartscentre.org where details of all the other events are available.

The Royal Surrey County Hospital’s Charitable Fund is holding a Summer Fair at Guildford Cathedral on Saturday 6th June. Entry is just £2 per adult (children free) and there’s plenty of free parking. Doors open at 11am and there will be stalls with gifts, homeware, accessories, food, refreshments and more until 4pm. For

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popular dog show, and a number of fun competitions and activities for the kids. They have a range of musical entertainment including Sour Kix and One Eyed Dog and to keep the hunger pangs at bay there is the delicious hog roast. To purchase tickets for the hog roast or for more information visit the website www. shalfordscouts.org.uk/fete. Surrey Clubs for Young People prese

With the NGS Festival Weekend on the 6th and 7th, June is a bumper month for NGS garden openings.

Whether you’re looking for a stunning, award-winning design, a historic rrey Clubs for Young Peoplebackdrop, presents a tranquil spot for a glass of wine or a lovely outdoor walk, there’s a garden ready to be explored in Surrey. For maps and photos to tempt Guildford Rambling Club is meeting on Sunday 7th you, go to www.ngs.org.uk. A couple of local ones are: June at 10am in Liphook for an 8 mile walk. Visitors Loseley Park, Guildford. Delightful walled 2½ acres with are welcome. Then on Tuesday 16th June at 10am they award winning rose garden with over 1,000 bushes, meet near Abinger Hammer for a 6 mile morning walk. white garden with fountains, and spectacular organic On Sunday 21st June they meet near Farley Green for an Surrey Clubs for Young Peoplewalk presents vegetable garden. Magnificent walks past moat, vines, 11 mile and on Sunday 28th June at Friday Street flowers and ancient trees. Open Sunday 7th June (11am- for a 9.5 mile figure of 8 walk. Visitors are welcome.

5pm). Admission £5, children £2.50. Chinthurst Lodge, They are also meeting at 10am on Sunday 14th June in Wonersh Common. A 1 acre year-round enthusiast’s Billingshurst for a 10 mile walk. Visitors are welcome. atmospheric garden, divided into rooms. Gravel garden See www.guildfordramblingclub.org.uk for details of with water feature, small kitchen garden with fruit, all walks ornamental ponds and parterres. Open Sunday 21st, Anthology is a collection of 121 poems Wednesday 24thfrom June (11am-5.30pm). £5, The Keystone evening of Songs the musicalsAdmission – delightful written by – 54Apoets who haveevening read at of the Songs spoken from children free. word events hosted in Guildford by Dónall Dempsey.

Sunday June at 12 noon it’s the Shalford Fête, This year the book is dedicated Jaehme sung byOnWest End 7th Performers sungtobyRichard West End Performer Dog Show and Hog Roast. This year’s focus is the and Firefly @ The Keystone, where visiting and local ul surroundings of Watts Gallery, Compton in the beautiful surroundings of Ga Wey and Arun Canal so expect many watery themed poets have found a particularly supportive homeWatts at activities. There will be attractions for everybody the Poetry Open Mic’s on the first Monday of each nce of Lord Lieutenant Dame Sarah DCVO JP cake tent, infor thethe presence Lieutenant Dame Sarah –Goad A delightful evening of Songs the musicals –of Lord including a variety of stalls, tea and bouncy month. from The criterion editor’s choice has been obstacle course, alcoholic refreshments, the ever the poems’ quality and accessibility to the general

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sung by West End Performers in the beautiful Watts Gallery, Compton Surreysurroundings Clubs for Young of People presents in the presence of Lord Lieutenant Dame Sarah Goad DCVO JP

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Full steam ahead If you thought the golden age of travel was long gone, then think again. As The Cathedrals Express takes to the tracks for another busy summer season, it’s just the ticket, as Viv Micklefield finds out.

For one Surrey man, steam trains have long been a bit of an obsession and that’s perhaps not a big surprise, given that until the age of 11 he lived by Clapham Junction.

But whereas some enthusiasts might spend their leisure time at the end of a platform religiously taking down the number of the loco pulling the 11:58 from Waterloo to Woking, Marcus Robertson has gone further. He’s spent the past 15 years sharing the thrill of embarking on your very own steam adventure with thousands of strangers.

“I love steam because it’s a living thing. It’s such a wonderful way to travel,” says Marcus. “Being brought up with the sight and sounds of steam trains going past our house every few minutes, gets into your psyche I guess. Plus, my grandfather was an engineer on Indian Railways.”

Clearly not all the genes rubbed-off, as he freely admits to possessing not “an ounce of practicality”, even when it comes to mending a plug. However, a successful career in sports marketing was booted out of the park when in 2000 Marcus launched his new venture Steam Dreams. The inaugural route was between London and the city of Canterbury, a throwback to more personal train travel memories of visiting relatives in Kent.

But while this familiar day trip remains one of his favourites on today’s year-round timetable,

June 2015

The Cathedrals Express, as it quickly became known, currently gives its name to dozens of routes that criss-cross the entire country.

“Steam has become much more fashionable since we’ve been going,” he observes. “In the beginning, we maybe had between 20 to 30 diners and 200 passengers seated in Standard Class, probably half of whom were railway enthusiasts travelling on their own. This year, we expect 20,000 people to travel with us, around 400 on each train, with even the enthusiasts probably taking their wives or their families out for the day too. It’s really changed completely.

“A lot of our customers come for the food and the service. I’m bound to say this, but we do have a fantastic chef and we don’t even have a microwave on the train. He cooks everything fresh.”

A quick glance at a typical menu served within the unashamedly nostalgic surroundings of Premier and Pullman Class, complete with linen tablecloths and lamps, suggests a focus on good food, locally sourced. The full English champagne breakfast includes Sussex bacon; while a starter on the four-course lunch might include Tillingbourne smoked trout pâté served with sour dough bread from Reigate’s Chalk Hills Bakery. Mains could be Godstone chicken accompanied by a Surrey Gold, tarragon and white grape sauce. You also enjoy canapés and an amuse bouche in Pullman dining.

Indeed so popular is the dining experience – although travellers in First and Standard Class are welcome to bring their own food, there’s now a pre-preparation kitchen based in Bookham and a dedicated ‘kitchen car’ that’s hooked to the train.

So how does it work? “We’re a bit like a charter airline, except we hire in locomotives, the train crew and the coaches,” explains

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Keeping it traditional If you’re bitten by the bug for steam travel, make tracks for these local heritage railways: Bluebell Railway, www.bluebell-railway.com Hollycombe Steam Collection, www.hollycombe.co.uk Mid Hants Railway, www.watercressline.co.uk Old Kiln Light Railway, www.oldkilnlightrailway.com

Marcus. “The locos are normally privately owned by individuals or groups, this year our main one is called Mayflower and it’s fantastic.”

For the history buffs ‘she’s’ apparently one of two surviving B1 Class engines and was built in 1948. After being removed from service in 1967 having spent much of her working life in Scotland and North Yorkshire, Mayflower was initially preserved in Carnforth where the legendary Brief Encounter was shot. Capable of reaching a speed of 75mph and resplendent in the early apple green British Railways livery, she’s still a head-turner.

Glen Batten

With mainline track access negotiated up to 12 months ahead between train operators West Coast or Deutsche Bahn and Network Rail, Marcus now runs one, three, four and eight-day tours.

“The popular destinations are York and Bath. This year we’re also going to Ireland and it will be the first time that anyone’s attempted a round-Ireland steam trip.” Including an optional extension to visit Belfast, the response he says has been “amazing” and another trip in 2016 is already likely.

This summer a new family ticket offer has been introduced. Valid during July and August this allows parties of four, including at least two under 25s, to travel together offering a saving of 20% on normal prices. It’s certainly an incentive to rediscover some of our traditional British seaside resorts like Scarborough.

And the day-to-day business is still very much a family affair.

From a staff of three in the early days, there’s now a permenant team of 10 that includes Marcus’s wife and brother-in-law, and

Arriving at a platform near you Thursday 11th June Thursday 9th July Tuesday 14th July Saturday 29th August Thursday 24th September Wednesday 2nd December

board at Guildford & Leatherhead board at Woking board at Dorking (Deepdene) & Guildford board at Woking board at Dorking (Deepdene) & Shalford board at Dorking (Main) & Leatherhead

London to Kingswear via the Surrey Hills London Waterloo to Weymouth Kent & Surrey to West Somerset Railway Salisbury to Canterbury London to Cheltenham & Worcester Horsham to Oxford for Carols

For full routes and timetables as well as other destinations scheduled for 2015, visit www.steamdreams.co.uk To purchase gift vouchers, perhaps for a Father’s Day treat, call 01483 209888.

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Did you know?

• The first person to put steam engines on rails was Cornish man Richard Trevithick in 1804 • By 1845 2,440 miles of railway were open, carrying 30 million passengers in Britain alone • 1938 saw Mallard set the world record for the fastest steam locomotive at 126mph • The Tornado, the first brand-new steam engine to be built in this country for almost half a century ran in 2008

he’s hopeful that, eventually, another generation will step up to the footplate.

Interestingly, The Cathedrals Express was the first rail charter to become carbon neutral. What this means is that to offset the carbon emissions that the steam engines and the head office functions in Albury produce, each time one of the 60-odd journeys is taken a donation (optional for paying passengers) is made to a company which invests in carbon reduction projects.

But while he has one eye on the future, Marcus clearly continues to embrace the past. “I still go on 90% of the trips,” he says.

“The old carriages do bring their challenges. You don’t get air conditioning and in winter, let’s be honest the heating’s erratic and always was. It’s not a coincidence that when you look at an old black and white movie, women on trains are often wearing blankets on their laps. We can’t change what is a genuine experience.”

Yet surely that’s all part of the charm. And with demand for staycations and experiential travel both on the rise, this diehard steam fan certainly looks to be heading in the right direction. “If people ask why we still call it The Cathedrals Express when we go somewhere like Weymouth, I usually say, well if you think about it the Orient Express doesn’t go to the Orient, ever!” laughs Marcus.

FIND OUT MORE

Steam Dreams, PO Box 169, Albury, Guildford, Surrey, GU5 9YS. Tel 01483 209888, email info@steamdreams.co.uk, www.steamdreams.co.uk

Some other things to do locally for Father’s Day - 21st June The Cranleigh Show, nr Cranleigh GU6 7DW. Agricultural Show with motorcycle aerobatics, pony racing, farm animals and dog show, tractors, food stalls. www.cranleighshow.co.uk.

The Wood Show, Weald and Downland Museum, Singleton, Chichester, West Sussex PO18 0EU. Celebrate the many traditional uses of wood. www.wealddown.co.uk.

Dad’s Brunch, Wey & Arun Canal, behind the Onslow Arms in Loxwood RH14 0RD. Treat dad to a trip on the canal whilst enjoying a tasty bacon butty. Trips at 9.45am and 12 noon. Booking essential on 01403 752403. www.weyandarun.co.uk.

DogFest, Loseley Park, nr Guildford GU3 1HY. Hosted by Channel 4’s Supervet Noel Fitzpatrick, DogFest is the paw-fect day out for dog-loving dads. www.dog-fest.co.uk.

June 2015

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Jottings - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

reader. Included are poems about mothers, bikers, fathers, fridges, Canada, politics, children, art, cycling, urban life, birds, landscapes, tragedy, comedy, birth, love and death and everything in between. The book will be launched publicly at Firefly @ The Keystone, 3 Portsmouth Road, Guildford GU2 3BL on Monday 8th June at 7pm, with several poets reading from the book. It is free to attend so you are advised to arrive early and get your places.

The next event of Onslow Village Residents’ Association is on Tuesday 9th June in the Village Hall, Wilderness Road, Onslow Village, Guildford GU2 7QR. David Peters, Guildford’s Town Crier and Beadle and the fourth generation of his family to hold the post will be giving a PowerPoint presentation on the history of Town Crying, with special reference to his family over the past 100 years. Complimentary tea and coffee will be served from 7.15 pm. Entry is free to OVRA members and £3 to non-members.

Jazz at The Pavilion features the trumpeter Chris Batchelor on Wednesday 10th June. Founder member, composer and soloist with Loose Tubes, Chris Batchelor has appeared alongside many international stars. He’s joined by Gareth Williams on piano, Clark Tracey on drums and Marianne Windham on bass. Jazz @ The Pavilion, Takes place at Guildford Rugby Club, Guildford Road, Godalming GU7 3DH. Doors open at 7.30 for 8pm

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start. Tickets £12 in advance from www.guildfordjazz. org.uk.

A Shalford couple have a fascinating joint hobby; well actually a business as well. They make 3D miniature scenes inside books and other novelty containers and were recently featured in the Cranleigh edition of the Surrey Advertiser. Amanda Thomson will be giving a talk and exhibition at the Guildford Institute on Wednesday 10th June at 2.45 pm. This will cover how they got into the hobby, a brief history of dolls’ houses and some information about materials and techniques which they use. They will have many of their works on show and also for sale. I have just had a look at their website and I was amazed. What they produce are indeed works of art, with quite incredible detail. Do have a look at https://sites.google.com/site/thomsonminiatures and try and get along to Guildford Institute on 10th.

Guildford Shakespeare Company will be performing a brand new adaptation of Kenneth Graham’s muchloved classic story, The Wind in the Willows to open their tenth open air season. It takes place at the awardwinning Watts Gallery in Compton and this delightful promenade production will take audiences on Mole’s journey along the riverbank into the Wild Wood and along Toad’s cherished Open Road. The production runs from Saturday 11th to Monday 27th June (no production on Sundays or on 15th June). Tickets cost

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BIKE

FIT With the growing popularity of cycling in the UK and particularly in this area, Rob Butler and the team at Physio1to1 are seeing an increase in injuries related to cycling and poor cycle fitting.

It is a familiar story, you collect your bike from the cycle shop, cast your mind back to the advice given to you by your parents when you were young and adjust the saddle so that your toes can just reach the ground on both sides. That’s it right? The bike ‘fits’. Sadly it is rarely that simple… The advice given to you by that elderly relative so many years ago wasn’t wrong, it just wasn’t the whole story.

Whatever your reason to be on a bike, whether you’re a budding enthusiast keen to get fit, a Surrey ‘MAMIL’ (Middle Aged Man In Lycra) entering your first sportive or a seasoned veteran of multiple London to Brightons, it is important that you are set up correctly. The complex relationship between the joints of the body and the ‘fit’ of the bike are paramount to both comfort and performance.

Biomechanical differences in individuals will necessitate different mechanical bike setups to prevent overuse injuries, and maximise the strengths of the individual.

Physiotherapists are experts in analysis of physical form and 18

function and as such can lend an alternate perspective on the otherwise predominantly mechanical assessment process of bike fitting.

Balancing comfort and performance is the key.

Performance can be fairly rapidly appraised by instantaneous feedback using real-time computerised measurements of cadence, power output, and efficiency. However comfort is not always easily measured, being largely subjective and a function of the time spent in the saddle. That is where the physiotherapy assessment process fits in. Performing the relevant and often bespoke physical tests on an individual to assess the individual’s ability to attain and maintain postures can aid us in getting that balance right. We can therefore ensure our fitting process is having the desired effect on forward motion, whilst minimising the unpleasant side effects of discomfort or pain.

Bike fitting is in principle quite simple. There is after all only five contact points on the bike; the saddle, the left and right pedal, and the left and right handlebars. vantagepointmag.co.uk

FITNESS A few basic pointers can lead to increased comfort on the bike.

Let’s start with the saddle. Saddles should be tested before being bought, this can be time consuming in a bike shop and so is not often given the attention it deserves. If your bike shop is unwilling to let you test out multiple saddles, find one that does. Saddle tilt should ideally be minimised to start with, this can be easily assessed with a level. Saddle height is much debated, however, the facts are simple.

The knee will have more pressure through the kneecap the more bent the knee is, and the iliotibial band will be forced to cross the knee (back to front) if the knee is straighter than 30 degrees. Therefore the saddle height should be set so that the knee is bent to around 30 degrees at its fullest extent (when the pedal is down bottom dead centre).

Next thing to check is the ‘reach’. This is how far away your handlebars are from you in a seated position. This is clearly determined by the saddle position and the handlebar position, both of which can be adjusted. Ideally, in your comfortable riding position, the reach should allow for your shoulders to rest at 90 degrees to your body with a slightly flexed elbow leading to a relaxed grip on the bars. The reach may be limited in adjustment by the size of the bike, so it is an important point when purchasing a bike.

The physical demands placed on the body are dependent as much on the individual as they are on the bike itself. We are not all

homogenous and neither are our demands from the bike. Therefore it stands to reason that bike fitting should be as bespoke as possible.

At this point the non-lycra clad may wish to switch off... In our top end cycle fitting we assess the position of the cleats (for rotation and position), crank length, saddle tilt, slide and height, stem length and angle, handle bar rotation and lever position. We are able with instant computerised feedback to balance the ideal ‘comfortable position’ with the optimum ‘power position’ in order to preferably attain both. We also assess the cyclist’s technique in order to maximise forward motion. This process can take several hours.

Any professional rider will tell you that once the bike is set-up in the right position it becomes invisible to the rider, allowing them to focus on the competition rather than the bike.

Happy riding!

FIND OUT MORE

Rob has been a qualified Physiotherapist for 20 years and a cyclist longer than that. He is a director of Physio1to1 Physiotherapy and Sports Injuries clinic in Godalming. Rob also provides cycle fitting services alongside his colleague Nick DeMeyer, who is a level 3 British Triathlon coach and Master Coach with Training Bible Coaching UK. Feel free to book in to Physio1to1 for an assessment. They offer multiple levels of service to suit your needs.

Physio 1to1, Bridge Mews, Bridge Street, Godalming, GU7 1HZ. Call 01483 424470, email enquiries@physio1to1.co.uk or visit their website at www.physio1to1.co.uk.

Cycling without hills

Electric bikes have come a long way... The bikes are very reliable and look cool. The batteries are more efficient and lighter, with a range of up to 100 miles and weigh just 2.5 kg. They can be recharged in as little as 2½ hours. The bikes are mainly pedal assist so you pedal as normal except it feels a lot easier. With the latest Bosch motor, for example, you get an extra 50% assistance in the lowest setting and in the highest you can get 275%, making even the steepest of hills easy to climb. This opens cycling up to more people, and enables commuters to cycle greater distances without the need for a shower when they arrive at work but still get plenty of exercise. For legal reasons the bikes assist you up to a maximum of 15.5 mph but can be ridden faster without the assistance. It is also a very cost effective way to travel, costing less than 2p a mile and no parking charges. Above all the bikes are great fun!

Electric bikes are now a viable and much greener alternative to the car. Electric Bikes Guildford is a friendly, independent shop in the centre of Guildford and offers free test rides. Try one today and get the Electric Bike Smile 

Call 01483 808765 or e-mail chris@electricbikesguildford.com

June 2015

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Jottings - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

£24, concessions £20 with discounts for children and family groups. You can go online to www.guildfordshakespeare-company.co.uk or call the box office on 01483 304384.

Theatre Proteus presents The God of Carnage by Yasmin Reza, translated by Christopher Hampton and directed by Maggie Lilley. It runs from Thursday 11th to Saturday 13th June at 8pm with a Saturday matinee at 4.30pm. It’s on at The Mill Studio at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre and tickets are £13 available online at www. yvonne-arnaud.co.uk or box office 01483 440000.

The Sixth Annual Guildford Beer Festival will take place at Guildford Cricket Club on Friday 12th and Saturday 13th June. Tickets are available via the Guildford Tourist Information Office at 155 High Street in Guildford town centre. Tickets cost £10 per person per session. Session One (Friday evening), Session Two (Saturday afternoon) and Session Three (Saturday evening). As usual, the GBF will feature more than 70 cask ales, sourced from independent and micro breweries in Surrey, Hampshire, Sussex and Berkshire; full details of which can be found in the GBF 2015 Beer List. There will also be a wide selection of ciders, and a separate bar with wines and soft drinks. On the music front, GBF is again working with Andertons Music and The Boileroom to assemble a roster of some of the best local bands and artists.

Performance Preparation Academy third year Musical Theatre Diploma graduates present Rodgers and Hammerstein’s acclaimed giant of the musical stage ‘Carousel’. This powerful and starbright award-winning show boasts one of the most powerful books perfectly matched with an extraordinary score and sensational dance routines and runs at The Electric Theatre, Guildford, from 11th - 13th June. Performance times and ticket prices: 7.30pm, 2.30pm Saturday matinee; tickets £15, concessions £12. Tickets are subject to a booking fee. To book tickets for Carousel contact The Electric Theatre, Onslow Street, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 4SZ, box office number: 01483 444789, email: electrictheatre@guildford.gov.uk.

It’s hard to believe that it’s been fifty years since Simon and Garfunkel recorded their debut album ‘Wednesday Morning, 3am’. You can celebrate their timeless music with The Simon and Garfunkel Story at G Live on Friday 12th June. Taking you back through the 1960s, it tells the story of both Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel. Starting with their humble beginnings as Rock ‘n’ Roll duo ‘Tom and Jerry’, through their massive success, dramatic break-up and finishing with a stunning recreation of the 1981 Central Park reformation concert. Using a huge projection screen, the show features archive photos and film footage from the 1960s, whilst a full live band perform all their hits. Tickets are £19 plus £2 booking fee unless a Friend of Glive or a group of 8+. Call 0844 7701 797 or go to www.GLive.co.uk.

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Jottings - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD There’s a Garden Open Day on Saturday 13th June from 1 to 5pm at Dunsborough Park, Ripley GU23 6AL. You are welcome to join in for tea and cakes at this beautiful Surrey property. Transform Housing and Support will be providing homemade teas throughout the afternoon.

All proceeds from the teas will support their work with homeless and vulnerable people. Entry £6, children free. See www.dunsboroughpark.com.

Firefly Jazz Café is firmly set in the diary now and they have been blessed with some of the top, local, jazz musicians playing at the venue already. In association with Guildford Jazz, they use their strong reputation to access the top players and bring them to Firefly @ The Keystone. The jam sessions held on the 2nd Sunday of the month is the place to be to meet other musicians and sit in with the house rhythm section in a friendly and welcoming environment. The 4th Sunday of the month features a local jazz group. You can find Firefly @ The Keystone at 3 Portsmouth Road, Guildford, GU2 4BL. Full information on all the Firefly events can be found at www.FireflyVenues.com.

John Barrowman, one of Britain’s best all-round entertainers has added four extra dates to his UK tour, including an appearance at G Live on Saturday 13th June. John will perform tracks from his new album You Raise Me Up, which was funded through Pledge Music. It features new arrangements of many of John’s favourite

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songs, including Mandy, Bridge over Troubled Water, A Thousand Years and the title track You Raise Me Up. Tickets priced from £25 to £45. There’s a £3 booking fee per ticket unless a Friend of G Live or a group of 8+. Call 0844 7701 797 or go to www.Glive.co.uk .

The local Water Aid group invites you all to join their annual Walk for Water in the beautiful Surrey Hills at Newlands Corner near Guildford (GU4 8SE) on Saturday 13th June. There’s a choice of 4 signposted circular walks with something for everyone; wheelchair users, family groups to serious hikers. While enjoying the fresh air and superb scenery you’ll be helping people in the developing world to provide their own clean water, sanitation and hygiene. This transforms their lives from day to day survival to getting an education and earning a living. Goodbye poverty! There is no registration fee. You can get sponsors or simply make a donation (however large or small). The shortest circuit is a ½ mile tarmac path and the longest is 8 miles across the Downs. There is no fixed start time; walkers are free to start at any time from 9am. Reserved free parking area, toilets and snack bar. Dogs are welcomed. Find out more from Linda on 07934 839608 or go to www. wateraidwestsurrey.org.

Sunday 14th June 2015 marks the 50th anniversary of the closure of ‘The Horsham and Guildford Direct Railway’ (via Cranleigh). The ‘H&GDR’ opened on 2nd GODALMING 40 HIGH STREET GU7 1DY 01483 418020

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Wonderful Watercress

Abinger Hammer’s Kingfisher Farm Shop is famous for its watercress, which it has grown since 1854. Marion McBurney tells the tale of her family’s business.

Watercress is a super food and contains more vitamin C than oranges, more calcium than spinach and more folate than bananas. It is brimming with more than 15 essential vitamins and minerals.

tonnes of watercress. The railway would arrange for an extra coach especially for the watercress and it was taken by steam train from Gomshall to London Bridge for the wholesale markets in London.

The vital ingredient for growing watercress is of course, water – pure, mineral rich spring water, from which this peppery super-food derives its collection of nutrients.

The 1950’s also brought the introduction of bunching watercress. To begin with they would be bunched on a plank by the side of the beds. The watercress was packed in veneer wooden boxes with a separate lid tied with string. There were 36 bunches packed in a box.

A shed was built at a later date at Abinger Hammer to bunch and pack the watercress. There were three generations working alongside one another by the end of this decade. Barrie, his father and grandfather.

Kingfisher watercress at Abinger Hammer has been growing in pure Surrey spring water since 1854. Barrie Arminson who runs the business today represents the fourth generation of the family that has been working in the watercress industry since 1958. His great, great grandfather and uncle, Richard and John Coe, built up the business. They rented land through the valley from Abinger to Albury and a site in Arundel. By 1888 it is believed that approximately 400 tonnes of watercress per year was grown. The watercress was cut and packed straight into baskets to be sold loose in shops.

Come the 1900’s the next generation, Richard’s son, Edward Coe had taken the reins. By now watercress was being harvested in the early hours of the morning, starting at 4.30am and sent to London on the 6.30am, 7.27am, 8.05am and 8.40am trains from Gomshall to be distributed to shops on the same day it was harvested.

The watercress sold under the label of ‘Gomshall Cress’.

By the 1950’s, Good Friday had become the biggest trading day of the year, with a harvest of around three 22

In 1967 a purpose-built bunching shed was erected at Abinger Hammer and a hydro-cooling tank was installed in the new premises. This meant that the temperature of the watercress could be reduced to 4C before being put into a built-in cold room. The watercress was then transported to London in the evening to be in the shops the following morning. At this time a new darker strain of watercress had been developed, which returned a better price from market. This strain of watercress was given the ‘Kingfisher’ label.

Improvements to packaging were made in 1968, introducing a poly-coated cardboard box which was better for the hydro-cooling process. Transporting the watercress by road up to the London markets coincided vantagepointmag.co.uk

with the improved packing methods. Watercress was delivered to Kings Cross, St Pancreas and Euston for onward dispatch to northern destinations including Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, Huddersfield, Hull, Nottingham, Leicester, Sheffield and Lancaster.

Redevelopment of the Abinger Hammer site began in the 1970’s. The watercress beds were reduced in size to 150ft x 20ft to improve production. The grass-banked beds disappeared and were replaced with concrete surrounds with a shingle base. With the update water channels were made to give better control of feeding the spring water into the beds. Concentrating on the main site at Abinger Hammer for all year round production meant that other sites in the valley and further away could be given up.

In 1971 the postal strike made its mark, which unknowingly would be of great importance for the future of the business. Due to no postal deliveries trips to the London markets were necessary to collect payments for the watercress. People in the village would ask Barrie to bring back the odd box of fresh produce and the idea of a farm shop was born. Barrie and his wife, Margaret, stocked the then tiny premises with an ample supply of locally grown fruit and vegetables from a then thriving market garden industry in the valley.

By the beginning of the 1980’s it became apparent that redevelopment plans for the watercress beds had to stop. Demand for watercress was decreasing due to the demise of the high street greengrocer. Sending to the markets in the north of England ceased, as did using railway transport.

By the mid 1980’s ice packing for watercress was introduced. Kingfisher watercress was the first to merchandise watercress in this way. The grower now dictated the price of watercress, whereas before watercress had been sold on commission.

By the end of the decade watercress was packed in polystyrene boxes with 15 bunches in a box. The ice pack and polystyrene box worked as a mobile fridge, giving the watercress a much better shelf life.

In 1992 the farm shop expanded, pinching space from the watercress packing shed and slowly the organic growth of the farm shop began. The fifth generation of the family is now fully committed to helping run the business. Barrie and Margaret’s daughter, Marion joined the business in 1998. The Abinger Hammer site homes a farm shop that is very proud of its watercress history and sells a long list of watercress products June 2015

made by local producers including a baker, butcher and pie man! Watercress bread, watercress and cheese scones, watercress sausages, watercress and pork raised pies, trout and watercress tarts, watercress pasties, watercress soup, watercress pesto, watercress and carrot quiche are all sold at the farm shop, as well as the beautiful green bunches of watercress themselves.

In the month of May each year ‘Watercress Week’ is celebrated at Abinger with tastings and tours of the watercress beds. In May 2014, a three course watercress supper was served for 100 customers and friends to celebrate 160 years of growing watercress.

Barrie has seen many changes in his family business during his life time, but ‘Kingfisher’ watercress is still harvested by hand, just the same as his great, great grandfather.

Watercress Roulade

Ingredients: 11oz watercress 3 egg yolks 4 egg whites ¼ tsp ground nutmeg 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese Trout paté Method: 1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) Gas Mark 5.

Line a 9” x 13” (22.5cm x 33cm) Swiss roll tin with baking parchment.

2. Mix watercress, yolks, nutmeg and Parmesan cheese together, season well.

3. Whisk egg whites until they form soft peaks.

Fold into watercress mixture using a metal spoon, pour into prepared tin.

4. Cook 10-15 mins until mixture is well risen and springs back when lightly pressed with fingertips.

Cool 5. Place large piece of baking parchment on work surface, turn roulade out onto parchment.

6. Spread with trout paté and roll up.

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Jottings - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

October 1865 and was closed by Dr. Beeching on 14th June 1965, just 4 months short of being able to celebrate its centenary. It was in fact the only railway closure in Surrey under Beeching. During the intervening 50 years, there have been attempts to re-open the line, mainly between Guildford and Cranleigh and although these efforts have not, so far, materialised, it is hoped that one day we shall see trains running again between these two points. Realistically, there isn’t any likelihood of the line re-opening throughout between Horsham and Guildford.

If you’re interested, apparently, in 1996, Oakwood Video Library (now Oakwood Press & Oakwood Visuals, located at PO Box 13, Usk, Monmouthshire, NP15 1YS, Tel 01291-650444, http://www.oakwoodpress.co.uk/) produced a really excellent video of the history of the line through to closure in 1965, entitled ‘The Horsham and Guildford Direct Railway’. One of our readers has a VHS copy, (runs for 2hours 40 minutes) but he is not sure if it is still available.

RSPCA Guildford & District Branch are holding their Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 17th June at 7.30pm in Shalford Village Hall, Kings Rd., Shalford GU4 8JU. Guest Speaker is vet Andrew Ketteridge from Oak Barn Veterinary Centre who will be giving advice on care of elderly companion animals, and talking about some of the more unusual and interesting cases treated

by Oak Barn Vets. All are welcome. They will have their Spring Raffle Draw and refreshments. More information

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at www.rspca.org.uk/local/guildford-and-districtbranch or email info@rspca-guildfordanddistrict.org. uk. Oh, and they will have a charity stall at the Witley Village Fair on 20th June from 1-4pm. They will have lots of interesting things you might like to buy, lots of animal welfare information, and some children’s craft activities at this lovely traditional village fair. Location is the Chichester Hall field off the A283 Petworth Road GU8 5LP. Onslow Village Garden Club’s Summer Show is on Wednesday 17th June at 7.30pm at Onslow Village Hall.

It used to be called the Rose Show, but now includes sweet peas, pinks, herbs, rhubarb and gooseberries as well as pot plants and flower arrangements. During the judging in the Johns Hall, members can hear Mr Matt Cusack’s illustrated talk on Hindhead, Past, Present and Future. Visitors (£2) and new members (£12pa) are welcome to come, hear the talk, view the exhibits and Sales Table and enjoy refreshments. Enquiries to 01483 577035.

The Wey Valley Decorative and Fine Art Society‘s next lecture, with audio - visual illustrations, is by Mrs Janet Canetty - Clarke, and entitled ‘Pipers and Tune: John and Myfanwy Piper and the Music of Benjamin Britten.’ Why not join them at Shalford Village Hall on Thursday 18th June and explore the unique friendship and artistic cooperation between this trio of composer,

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...for the lovers of local food and drink

Afternoon Tea is taking off According to Diana Roberts at the Guildford Tourist Information Office, there is an increased demand for a good old fashioned afternoon tea. The April edition of VantagePoint (www.vantagepointmagazine) had profiles on great places to take tea locally, and a few others to mention include the Radisson Blu, the Mandolay and Loseley’s Wisteria Tea Room.

Why not treat your mum or grandmother or combine with a shopping trip?

Albury Vineyard has teamed up with Monty Waldin, an expert in biodynamic wine, to produce Monty’s Pet Nat, the UK’s first petillant naturel. Monty’s Pet Nat is a natural wine made by completing the first fermentation in the bottle. It is a lively, fresh sparkling wine with a cloudy sediment which adds to its character. It has a ripe pear, zesty and citrus nose, and is dry on the palate with notes of fresh lemons, and a hint of mandarin in the finish. Only 600 bottles will be available, so visit www.alburyvineyard.com to find out more and where you can buy a bottle.

Godalming Food Festival

4th July, Godalming Town Centre The annual Godalming Food Festival take place on the 4th July from 10am to 5pm and promises to be great day out. Plenty of street food, stalls, a farmers’ market, children’s activities, entertainment and much more throughout the day.

Summer Festival Farmers’ Market This takes place in Guildford High Street on the 7th July. You can buy high quality fresh local produce directly from over 60 local farmers and producers. The market takes place on the first Tuesday of the month and is always well worth supporting.

More gin on the doorstep We have come across a new local distillery called Becketts, which produces the only gin in the world infused with English juniper berries. Based in Kingston, they collect a strictly controlled number from National Trust land at Box Hill near Dorking.

They are also undertaking a long-term conservation project which will create a new juniper population on Juniper Top at Box Hill where ironically there is no longer any. Visit www.beckettsgin.co.uk or call 0208 819 4872 for more information.

Best brunch, burger and Sunday lunch Please let us know your favourite place for brunch, a burger or Sunday lunch and we will publish the best.

Email gastro@vantagepublishing.co.uk.

Learn about wine Surrey Wine School is a local, independent wine education company which specialises in hosting wine tastings and wine courses in Guildford. Their courses are open to everyone and anyone; no previous wine tasting experience is necessary. The wine courses and wine tastings focus on learning about wine in a relaxed and informal environment.

• • • •

Learn about wine in a friendly and social environment Taste a wide range of wines side by side so that you can taste the difference Receive impartial advice on other wines you might like to try Learn how to match wine with food

Tel 01306 898569 for details

Send us your food news to gastro@vantagepublishing.co.uk 28

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Jottings - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

opera librettist and artist and designer? Refreshments are available from 9.45am and the lecture starts at 10.45am. The Society offers a monthly programme of varied and fascinating talks by first class speakers. There are also special interest days, visits and an annual tour for members. New members and visitors are warmly welcomed. Annual membership is £40 and visitors pay £6 per talk. If you are interested, contact the membership secretary on 01932 355113 or visit their website at www.theweyvalleydfas.org.uk.

The Magic of Motown brings its brand-new tour to Guildford with a date at G Live on Friday 19th June at 7.30pm. This stage show will authentically revive the style and sophistication of everyone’s favourite Motown legends, with classic hits from the Temptations, Four Tops, Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Lionel Richie and The Supremes, all packed into this two-hour spectacular. Tickets are £24.50 - £27 plus £2 booking fee unless A Friend of G Live or a group of 8+. Call 0844 7701 797 or go to www.GLive.co.uk.

Ahoy all you Pirates and Mermaids! Ewhurst C E Infant School, The Street, Ewhurst GU6 7PX is organising a ‘Pirates Fair’ on Saturday 20th June from 11.30 to 2pm.

There’s barrels of fun for all pirates and landlubbers alike.

Do you have a head for heights? Local Hospice Care charity Phyllis Tuckwell is looking for plucky fundraisers

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to abseil down Guildford Cathedral, to raise money for the work it does caring for those facing a serious progressive illness, such as cancer. The abseil will take place on Saturday 20th June. There is a £30 registration fee to take part in the abseil, and Phyllis Tuckwell asks that you raise a minimum of £220 in sponsorship money.

To sign up, or to find out more, visit www.pth.org.uk or call the charity’s fundraising team on 01252 729446.

And if you’re not too keen on heights, don’t worry!

Phyllis Tuckwell has plenty of land-based fun-draising ideas!! Check out their website to see what’s on offer.

There’s an English Country Fayre at Queen Eleanor’s School, Onslow Village on Saturday 20th June from 12 -2.30pm. Attractions include a petting zoo, inflatables, BBQ, band, stalls, fantasy photo booth, bouncy castle, ducking chair, tea and cakes and lots more for a great family afternoon.

Why not try something new this year? Perhaps you could learn to dive! Star Diving Club, a spring board diving club based at the Spectrum in Guildford is offering free taster sessions. Holiday courses are another fantastic introduction to this exciting sport. Star welcomes divers of all ages and abilities from complete beginners to elite divers and runs sessions throughout the week to suit everyone. For more information, check out their website at www. stardiving.org. For taster sessions, holiday courses

Looking for those perfect finishing touches?

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June 2015

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Helping you ge independent fi

Understanding how to fund your care is importan the county council is now obliged by law to advis independent financial advice to help you with yo the Society of Later Life Advisors (SOLLA) who can adviser near to where you live. They’ll be able to h for later life or help with care costs. loved one Supporting a tia can be en who has dem ult, so when c extremely diffi teriorated de June’s health w they would her family kne lp. SOLLA’s he need to seek

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To find out how SOLLA can help you call them on 0845 303

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Please note there may be charges for some services th

et the right financial advice

nt and following changes to the Care Act 2014 se you, our local residents, on how to find our care arrangements. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve teamed up with n help you find a suitably qualified financial help you make the right choices when planning

84 year old widow Bett y ed a stroke, she was no able to cope alone, bu t mined to stay in her ow was n OLLA advisor recommen home. de n care agency and drew d up a e plan, helping Betty to ge al support she was enti t the tled to budget for the cost of are, even if her circum stances d in future. Betty was delighted in the home she loved an ace of mind that she w d ould be ally secure.

3 2909 or visit societyoflaterlifeadvisers.co.uk and

cal advisers.

hat the financial advisers provide.

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Jottings - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

and term time courses contact Kirsteen@stardivng. org.

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Hatchlands Park in Clandon is holding a Father’s Day Kite Day on Sunday 21st June from 11am to 4pm. Why not take advantage of the rolling hills and wide open spaces at Hatchlands Park and let Dad show off his kite flying skills. Bring your own kite, or have a go at making one! Normal admission applies (+ £3 for the kite making workshop). Fingers crossed for a bit of wind!

There are a couple of events that caught my eye which are taking place at RHS Garden Wisley, Woking GU23 6QB. Tel: 08452 609000 Email: wisley@rhs.org.uk. Also see www.rhs.org.uk/wisley. ‘All About Plants’ takes place on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st June from 10am to 5pm. It is dedicated to showing the best of the Past, The Therapy Garden will welcome local residents and Present and Future of plants. Working in partnership visitors as part of their annual Gardens Open Day on with a wide range of Plant Societies and Plant Heritage, Sunday 21st June from 12.30pm to 5.30pm. The Therapy this weekend will deliver spectacular displays, specialist Garden is based at Manor Fruit Farm in Normandy and plants for sale and the opportunity to meet and ask provides horticulture training and gardening therapy to advice from the Plant Society experts. Also over the teenagers and adults with learning difficulties, mental same weekend is ‘Challenge Dad – Father’s Weekend’, health challenges and physical disabilities. The open day gives visitors the chance to see the work the charity where you can get messy in the Clore Education Centre does first hand and also to view other local private and create your own seeded paper in different shapes. gardens that only welcome visitors for this annual event.

While over in Wild at Wisley you can get Dad to help Tickets are £6 per adult and accompanying children are you create a den around the wigwam with scrap foliage. free. For further details and information, please contact Free once inside the Garden. From 10.30am to 12.30pm The Therapy Garden on 01483 813846 or email Sally at and 1.30 to 4.30pm. After, why not treat Dad to a two events@thetherapygarden.org. course ‘Dad’s favourite’ lunch. Alternatively enjoy a sweet and savoury high tea for all the family with Dad in Cranleigh Decorative Fine Arts Society invites you the restaurant. Each Dad will receive a gift to take home. to join them for a lecture on ‘The Role of Arts in Lunch or high tea £25 per person. For all restaurant Prison’ by Angela Findlay. She will talk about what reservations call 01483 225 329 or book online on art can bring to people who have been incarcerated, Milford Window Company Oct 13_Layout 1 12/03/2015 14:57 www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley/plan-your-visit/foodbothP therapeutically and also to give pride and selfand-drink. All prices exclude garden entrance fee. confidence. The lecture will be held on Wednesday 24th

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THE LIFE OF CHRIST 23rd - 28th June at Wintershall, Bramley

The greatest story of all time, inspired by the most popular of all books, is being brought to life this summer at the Wintershall Estate, Bramley, in The Life of Christ. Recreating the childhood and manhood of Jesus, the miracles he performs, the life-changing teaching he delivers, and his crucifixion and resurrection; it is an experience not to be missed.

Audiences will marvel at this moving and authentic re-enactment of the remarkable events of Jesus’ life by a cast of more than 100 dedicated and professional volunteers in full costumes accompanied by rousing music, sheep, horses, the donkey and more.

Running daily from 10am to 4pm, this is an outdoor promenade performance in three acts with an hour’s interval, taking you back in time to Palestine of Jesus’ day. Experience the emotions and events of the Biblical characters and how it brings the story to life. It is a story for everyone, on an educational level, and for those of all faiths and none.

The undulating Surrey hills of The Wintershall Estate is the glorious setting for this extraordinary open-air play; in the heart of the Surrey countryside, on this privately owned farm and parkland. Peter and Ann Hutley have lived at Wintershall for nearly 50 years and under their stewardship, the estate has expanded into a haven for wildlife, mature woodland and farmland. It is also the home of the theatrical productions of The Acts of the Apostles and The Wintershall Nativity plays.

The Life of Christ was originally written and adapted from the Bible by Peter to mark the Millennium. Staged as a one-off production in 1999, it was so popular that it has been performed almost every year in the 16 years since.

June 2015

In 2004, Peter received an MBE for services to the community, and was appointed a Knight of the Order of Saint Gregory, while his wife Ann was made a Dame. In 2012 Peter was awarded an OBE for services to Christian understanding.

Production of the great Wintershall religious plays performed in Surrey, London and all around the world has been passed to the next generation of the Hutley family, in the form of Peter’s daughter Charlotte de Klee, ensuring that the tradition stays alive.

“The Life of Christ is the highlight of the Wintershall theatrical calendar. We’ve had great success recently presenting the Wintershall Nativity at BBC Broadcasting House and The Passion of Jesus in Trafalgar Square in London to faithful audiences; now it’s time to bring the full story of the incredible life of Jesus back home to Surrey” says Charlotte de Klee, Producer, Wintershall Players.

The Life of Christ is directed by the West End theatre Director and Chairman of the Guildford School of Acting, Ashley Herman. The role of Jesus will be played by renowned actor James Burke-Dunsmore.

FIND OUT MORE

The Life of Christ will be performed daily from 23rd to 28th June, 10am – 4pm. Please visit www.wintershallestate.com for more information and booking information (groups 10+ call 01793 418299). There will be free parking nearby for coaches, minibuses and cars.

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GARDEN

Slug-proof plants With Beth Otway If you have an abundance of slugs and snails in your garden and your favourite delphiniums are disappearing overnight, why not stock up on plants that are less appealing to slugs and snails next time you’re visiting your favourite nursery or garden centre?

Hostas are often thought of as the number one dining choice for slugs and snails, but this isn’t the case for every Hosta. Varieties of Hosta that have thicker, puckered, rugose, wrinkled leaves, or varieties with a waxy coating to their leaves often seen on blue coloured types - are far less attractive to slugs and snails and this offers the plant some resilience and protection. Hosta ‘Sum and Substance’ grows to 0.75cm (about 30 inches) tall and 1.2m (about 47 inches) wide – it’s a huge Hosta! Its attractive heart shaped, chartreuse coloured leaves are glossy and corrugated, and they turn more golden as the season progresses. It is a tough and versatile Hosta that offers good resilience to slugs and snails; it thrives, even in a sunny spot, as with most Hostas, preferring morning sun to afternoon sun.

You can find slug resilient Hostas in all sizes, the diminutive Hosta ‘Blue Mouse Ears’ is a dear little plant with thick, rounded, glaucous blue coloured leaves, shaped like mouse ears.

It prefers light to full shade and grows to just

10cm (about 4 inches) tall, forming a symmetrical clump. Hosta ‘First Frost’ starts the season with glaucous blue leaves with yellow margins; and as the season progresses, the leaf margins or edges pale to white. ‘First Frost’ grows to about 40cm (16 inches) tall. There are many other Hostas with resilience to slugs and snails including ‘Spilt Milk’, ‘Devon Green’, ‘Halcyon’ and ‘June’. All of the Hostas I’ve mentioned here have received the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit; hopefully if you like them, you can find them at your local nursery or garden centre.

Roses aren’t troubled by slugs and snails, although they do suffer with other pests and diseases. Naturally robust and healthy roses, such as Rosa ‘Crocus’, bred by David Austin, are an absolute delight to grow. I’ve grown this reliable, strong and healthy rose in many different soils and situations, from Scotland to Surrey, often neglecting it terribly, but it has always thrived.

Rosa ‘Crocus’ has a light and delicate tea rose fragrance; it flowers freely, the pale apricot coloured flowers fade to cream as they age. It’s a charming rose that I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend. Rosa ‘Wild Edric’ is another exceptionally healthy rose, with a strong, beautiful old rose fragrance; it makes a fabulously scented hedge.

I love the gentle, sugar-coated tones of Japanese anemones.

Their flowers add a warming glow and gentle softness to the garden as summer fades away. Look out for the beautiful white flowered Anemone x hybrida ‘Honorine Jobert’ and the rosepink flowered Anemone x hybrida ‘Königin Charlotte’, both of which have been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit; I’ve never seen them with any slug or snail damage.

Ferns are an absolute must-have for anyone concerned about slugs or snails in their garden, as they are incredibly resilient.

Don’t forget Digitalis, Astrantia, Aquilegia, Lamprocapnos, Alliums, Hellebores, Cyclamen, Heuchera, Knautia macedonica and Verbascum, as these are beautiful plants that aren’t usually on the menu for either slugs or snails.

Top: Anemone x hybrida ‘Königin Charlotte’ Left: Rosa ‘Crocus’. Images by Beth Otway FIND OUT MORE

For more information about protecting your plants from slugs and snails and for advice on what to do in your garden or at your allotment this month, please visit my website www.pumpkinbeth.com.

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Jottings - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

June at 2pm and 7.30pm at the Cranleigh Arts Centre.

Cranleigh DFAS meets on the 4th Wednesday of each month, except August and December, at Cranleigh Arts Centre, to promote knowledge and appreciation of the arts through lectures and visits. Information about membership is available on their website www. cranleighdfas.org. Guests are welcome. A voluntary donation of £5 is suggested.

Armed Forces Day is an annual national celebration to raise awareness, show support and celebrate the contribution of our servicemen and women, past and present. Guildford will be the focus for the whole country on Saturday 27th June, as it helps local people and the wider community thank everyone working in our Armed Forces. Guildford Borough Council and partners are planning an exciting line-up of family-focussed activities for about 60,000 people, including: Hundreds of Armed Forces personnel will join veterans and cadets in the special military parade, 11.30am from the bottom of Guildford High Street to Stoke Park. Spectacular show in Stoke Park - stalls and static displays from 10.30am, with music and entertainment until 7.30pm when the event closes. Entry is free and no tickets are required to watch the parade or to enter the Stoke Park event.

The live action in Stoke Park starts at 1pm. Military highlights include: The Royal Signals White Helmets Motorcycle Display Team, The Royal Navy ‘Raiders’ Parachute Display Team, The Royal Air Force Queen’s

June 2015

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Colour Squadron, The Band of the Royal Marines, The Household Cavalry Regiment’s Musical Ride, Wellington College Gun Run, Massed Bands, Apache and Merlin Helicopters and an Infantry Combat Battle Display. Live entertainment during the event comes from: West End Kidz, Rock Choir, Tenor Thomas Hobbs, Guildford College Performing Arts, Firefly live music and poetry, and Choir Magic. For travel information and event updates go to www.guildfordarmedforcesday.co.uk or call 0330 1230088.

It seems that the concept of business and golf being compatible is not dead. I remember in my working days playing golf with a number of customers and it certainly did no harm. A very good customer, still a good friend today, told me about a supplier of his inviting him to play golf at a very nice course in Kent. The chap turned up with all the gear, new clubs and bag and smart attire.

It transpired that this bloke had never actually played golf on a proper course before; it was a very long round!

Anyway if you like the concept of doing a bit of business over a round of golf you might be interested in an organisation called Business Golf Network which has recently expanded into Guildford. The concept is very simple; you join the Network, they arrange a golf day every month or so and you get to meet and play golf with like-minded business people. Sounds good to me!

If you would like to find out a bit more about BGN go to http://goo.gl/TkRga1.

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Jottings - YOUR LOCAL C

Does your hedge look like this?

‘Once Upon a Time: Children’s Books through the Ages’ is the title of The West Surrey Decorative and Fine Arts Society’s lecture on Tuesday 30th June. The development of children’s literature is a fascinating story.

As social and historical changes prompted a changing view of childhood, more and more books for children were produced. During the 19th century output grew enormously, culminating in the first ‘Golden Age’ when Lewis Carroll blazed a trail of astonishing originality and nothing was ever the same again. In her lecture, Elizabeth

A Complete and Comprehensive Tree Care Service since 1907

Merry explores the milestones leading to this ‘Golden Age’ and looks at what was to follow. The 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 the programme of lectures, visits and holidays for 2015 can be found on their website or, for more information, ring 01483 811671.

A very brown hedge indeed!

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This is caused by the troublesome Cypress Aphid. A combination of treatments carried out by our qualified technician can achieve a good level of control ensuring your trees and shrubs do not deteriorate further.

At the first sign of brown patches telephone Bartlett Tree Experts for a free consultation and professional advice on 01428 682043.

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Incredibly, The Guildford Fringe Festival has come round again; where has the year gone? Much-loved local group Pranksters Theatre Company will open the 2015 Guildford Fringe Festival with a production of award-winning playwright Laura Wade’s acclaimed comedy, ‘Colder than Here’, a moving story about a dying woman trying to repair her damaged family. “It’s a touching, beautifully written and gentle comedy about the strains of family life,” says the play’s director, Mark Ashdown. The play will be staged at The Back Room of the Star Inn, Guildford, on 1st / 2nd July. Included in the line up for July are the long-established local group, Herald Players, The Weird Sisters Theatre Company and Lucky Dog. “We’re lucky to have so much dramatic talent from both Guildford and beyond taking part in this year’s Festival,” says Nick Wyschna, artistic director of the 2015 Guildford Fringe Festival. “There really is something for everyone, so we hope people will support both the local groups and those from further afield, all trying to bring something new to the town.” Guildford Fringe Festival runs form 1st – 26th July. Visit www.

GuildfordFringeFestival.com for the full schedule and more details.

Guildford Cathedral Appeal is launching a new initiative: ‘Sponsor a Pipe’ to help raise funds to renovate and enhance the Cathedral organ which will be dismantled when building works start later this year. Everyone can be part of the Cathedral’s music by sponsoring a pipe or stop. A range of pipes and stops are available, from £5 upwards, and your name or the name of your loved one will be recorded in the Cathedral’s ‘Make Your Manuscript’.

Your help will ensure music at the Cathedral can continue for many years to come. To sponsor a pipe or stop visit www.guildfordcathedralmym.com, or call 01483 547 884. Send donations (payable to vantagepointmag.co.uk

COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

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Guildford Cathedral) to Guildford Cathedral, Stag Hill, Guildford GU2 7UP. The Guildford based Chamber choir, Chantry Singers’ next concert will take place on Saturday 4th July at 7.30pm at St Nicolas Church, Bury St, Guildford. It is titled ‘East meets West’ and is an exciting collection of choral masterpieces from Eastern Europe and Russia contrasted with a selection of Old American Songs arranged by popular composer Aaron Copland. For further details and tickets please go to the Chantry Singers website or email chantrysingers@gmail.com.

On Saturday 4th July, Bramley Music is organising a singing workshop with the excellent singing group Siglo de Oro (www.siglodeoro.co.uk). Taking place at Holy Trinity Church, Bramley, it will start at noon and finish around 3pm with a break for lunch (take a sandwich!).

The workshop is for people who have some choral experience and an ability to read music. The cost is £15, lots of free tea, coffee and biscuits. The plan is to have up to 30 singers so if you are interested, contact Stuart White at stuartwhite@waitrose.com or call 01483 892645. In addition to the workshop, Siglo de Oro will be giving a concert later on at 7pm and will perform a variety of works in a concert they have entitled’ Eternal Light - Musical Tributes and Elegies’. With composers from the fifteenth century to the present day they will span over 600 years of music! - Tickets are £10, with under 18s and students £5. Contact Stuart White as above.

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Loseley House and Gardens is always a delight to visit at this time of year and an added incentive is the Wisteria Tea Room, which I gather offers some exceptionally delicious homemade and seasonal treats.

Run by Caper & Berry, Loseley’s exclusive caterers, they serve everything from light lunches including open sandwiches and homemade soups, to delicious cream teas and other refreshments. All their food is made on the premises and they use local suppliers for ingredients.

The Wisteria Tea Room is licensed, and offers a variety of wines and beers, including ales from the local Hogs Back Brewery, along with a variety of soft drinks. When the weather is fine, you can be served in the Walled Garden on the Mulberry Tea Lawn. They welcome families and have lots to offer young children with a lovely selection on their children’s menu, even ‘decorating your own gingerbread man’. For special occasions, why not host your own private afternoon tea, or have lunch in the White Garden Marquee. For further information, or to make a reservation, phone 01483 457103 or email loseley@caperandberry.co.uk.

St Saviour’s Baby Group is a really lovely group exclusively for babies and their carers. It is the perfect place to go if you are just developing your confidence in getting out with your baby or if you are looking for somewhere central and baby friendly where you can June 2015

www.architecturesurrey.co.uk

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Take three local chefs...

These recipes have been supplied by our good friend Tracy Carroll from www.localfoodbritain.co.uk which showcases the very best local food, drinks, and places to eat locally.

Corn-fed breast of chicken with charred baby vegetables, white onion purée and thyme jus Talented chef Joe Wright has been heading up the kitchen brigade at The Dog and Pheasant at Brook near Godalming for the past three years, and also takes care of the food for the pub’s busy outside catering operation. A fervent supporter of local food, Joe sources many ingredients from nearby producers and is not averse to heading out for a spot of foraging.

Joe chose this recipe as it is pretty straightforward to rustle up for a dinner party while incorporating a few ‘cheffy’ elements. The flavours are terrific and it works really well - so get set to impress.

For the onion purée: 1. Place the ingredients in a pan, bring to the boil then immediately turn down the heat. Simmer gently until the onions are soft.

2. Season with salt and white pepper, remove the bay leaf then blend until smooth before passing through a sieve. Set aside.

For the jus (make this after poaching the chicken – see below): 1. Heat a heavy-bottomed pan, add the oil then sauté the shallots and garlic until softened. Add the thyme and wine then let it bubble until the liquid has reduced to about half, before adding the stock that you cooked the chicken in.

2. Leave it all bubbling away until it is reduced by half and you are left with a thin gravy.

For the chicken: 1. To save time later, pre-cook the vegetables and potatoes in salted water until just tender, then refresh in cold water and set aside.

2. Heat the oven to 190C (fan) and place a large, heavy bottomed and ovenproof frying pan or roasting tin in it to heat up.

3. Meanwhile, put the chicken in a pan with the hot stock, bring to simmer and poach for 2 minutes.

Using tongs, remove the chicken and set aside while you use the stock to 38

make the jus – then you can leave it reducing while you get on with the chicken.

4. Remove the pan or tin from the oven, add a small amount of oil to coat it and prevent sticking (unless non-stick), then place the chicken in the centre, skin side down, before returning to the oven. At this point, warm four plates.

5. After 5 minutes, scatter the vegetables/potatoes around the chicken. Return to the oven for another 4 or 5 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Remove and glaze the vegetables and chicken with the butter, so they look nice and shiny.

6. To serve, divide the vegetables between the plates, place a chicken breast on top, drizzle the purée around it and spoon over the jus.

Ingredients For the onion purée: 2 onions, diced Knob of butter 240ml milk 1 bay leaf Seasoning, to taste For the chicken: 4 corn-fed chicken breasts, on the bone, skin on 350ml hot chicken stock, preferably home-made 175ml hot beef or veal stock, preferably home-made A selection of baby vegetables, washed – eg carrots, courgettes, turnips, leeks and new potatoes Splash of oil Knob of butter For the jus: 25g diced shallots 1 clove of garlic, smashed 1 sprig of thyme Splash of oil 60ml dry white wine Serves 4

vantagepointmag.co.uk

FOOD

Wilted Watercress & Local Squid Sauté

The Elsted Inn, Lisa and Malcolm King’s jewel of a country pub, is a favourite with walkers and locals alike because of its setting at the heart of the South Downs near Midhurst, its fresh, seasonal and local menu and its selection of the UK’s best ales. Malcolm will even drive out to pick up weary hikers by arrangement and return them to the Elsted Inn for a good feed and a few beers – and the renovated bedrooms are the perfect place to rest the night.

Easy to prepare, fresh and zingy, chef Lisa’s summery salad recipe combines the sweetness of fresh watercress and sautéed squid with the brininess of fried capers for a delicious lunch or starter.

1. Cut the squid tubes into thin rings, cut the tentacles in half, or quarter if they are large, and set aside.

2. Pour the olive oil into a sauté pan, add the capers and fry until the capers pop open and ‘flower’.

3. Add the garlic, sundried or oven dried tomatoes, chilli flakes and parsley to the pan, toss briefly.

4. Add the squid and toss to combine evenly – the squid will not need more than a few minutes to cook.

5. Once all the ingredients are evenly combined in the pan, add the lemon

juice and zest and toss again.

6. Add the watercress and toss again until the watercress just begins to wilt.

7. Season with salt and pepper and serve immediately.

For the oven dried tomatoes: 1. Halve the sweetest cherry tomatoes you can find, season with sea salt and black pepper and drizzle with olive oil.

2. Bake in the oven at 100C for approximately 4-6 hours or until they have dried out.

Ingredients 250g fresh squid, cleaned and sliced, tentacles halved 2 tbsps capers, drained 1½ tbsps olive oil 1 small clove fresh garlic, finely chopped 1 tsp sundried tomatoes or oven-dried tomatoes (see additional recipe), sliced into thin strips Pinch red chilli flakes (optional) 1 tsp flat leaf parsley, finely chopped ½ a roasted bell pepper, sliced into thin strips ¼ tsp lemon zest 2½ tbsps lemon juice 35g fresh watercress Pinch Cornish sea salt Freshly ground black pepper, to taste Serves 4

Roasted Strawberries with Balsamic Vinegar and Vanilla Crème Fraîche Elizabeth Treliving, owner of Home Cooking by Elizabeth, has been working as a caterer for almost 30 years so she knows a thing or two about what makes a great dish. She devised this brilliantly simple recipe at the height of the pick-your-own season at Garsons Farm, Esher, where they grow the best strawberries she’s ever tasted, and she describes it as a ‘timeless recipe for even a reluctant cook’.

The combination of sweet, tangy balsamic vinegar with juicy strawberries, delicately vanilla-scented crème fraîche and crisp shortbread is a twist on that British summer favourite, strawberries and cream.

1. Hull the strawberries and wipe off any dirt.

2. Place the strawberries in a roasting tin and sprinkle with the icing sugar, freshly ground black pepper and the balsamic vinegar.

3. Bake in a moderate pre-heated oven for 15 minutes.

4. Mix a few drops of vanilla essence into the crème fraîche and serve with the warm strawberries and shortbread.

June 2015

Ingredients 450g strawberries 2 tsps icing sugar Black pepper, to taste 1 tsp balsamic vinegar 1 small tub crème fraîche 2-3 drops vanilla essence Shortbread (shop-bought or home-made) Serves 4

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Jottings - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

meet up with friends. St. Saviour’s church is in central Guildford, by the Woodbridge Road roundabout, just 2 minutes walk from the bus station and close to both Leapale Road car park and the Law Courts car park. They meet on Thursday mornings during term time from 10am to 11.30am. The Baby Group meets downstairs in the church centre while the Toddler Group meets upstairs. This provides a beautifully calm and safe space for the babies to play while carers can relax and chat. It then enables an easy transition to Toddler Group when the children get older and crave a little more excitement.

The Baby Group is for babies from pre-birth (bumps welcome) to young toddlers of about 20 months. It is an incredibly friendly and welcoming group and it is completely free, with refreshments provided. Just drop in whenever you want to. If you would like more information you can email the church on office@stsaviours.org.uk or to check term dates, just look on the church website: www.st-saviours.org.uk Shackleford is holding its annual traditional village fete on Saturday 4th July between 2pm and 5pm at Norney Farm, Shackleford Road. This is a great family afternoon with all the usual local stalls plus a ‘Fun Dog Show’ at 3pm. – all breeds and ages welcome. Go along and join in the fun.

Clandon Wood Surrey Hills Natural Burial Reserve has won the Eagle Radio Biz Awards 2015 in the

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Sustainability / Green Award category. Clandon Wood is located in West Clandon just outside Guildford and was officially opened by the Mayor of Guildford in June 2013; since then it has gone from strength to strength becoming an award winning burial ground. In 2014 Clandon Wood was voted the Best Natural Burial Ground in the UK, gained Green Flag status from the Keep Britain Tidy charity and won Cemetery of the Year 2014/15 voted by The Good Funeral Awards. To find out more about Clandon Wood please take a look at the website at www.clandonwood.com or call the office on 01483 479614.

You are invited to Wonersh Summer Fair, to celebrate village life, on Wonersh Common on Sunday 5th July from 1pm – 4.30pm. It will include BBQ, teas, cakes, Pimm’s, village club beer tent, plant stall, local crafts and bric a brac.

There’s a fun dog show, children’s activities and much more.

The Occam Singers are performing a concert of light summer music including Purcell, Mancini, O’Neill, Whitacre and many more at St Mary’s Church, Quarry Street, Guildford at 6.30pm on Sunday 5th July.

Tickets are £15 on the door or £12.50 in advance (£7 for students) and are available from Guildford Tourist Information Centre, 155 High Street, Guildford GU1 3AJ. Tel: 01483 444334, www.visitguildford.com, via the Record Corner in Godalming, 01483 422006 or The Occam Singers 01252 783977.

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Pilgrim Bandits Charity (www.pilgrimbandit.org) is joining forces with The Alex Lewis Trust to smash the world tandem skydiving record. Almost 350 tandem skydivers are needed to smash the Guinness World Record set by Pilgrim Bandits Charity in 2013. It takes place on Saturday 11th July at APA Netheravon, Wiltshire. Hundreds of people will take to the skies in a 24 hour bid to secure the prestigious Guinness World Record title once again. This time, the charity which supports injured men and women from the armed forces and emergency services has invited supporters from The Alex Lewis Trust to join the record attempt and raise money for The Alex Lewis Trust (www.alex-lewis. co.uk) which was set up to help Alex Lewis, 35, whose life was devastated when he contracted Strep A Toxic Shock Syndrome. If you would like to take part and join Alex who is doing the dive, contact www.pilgrimbandits.org.

The cost is £200 + £100 minimum sponsorship to the two charities, you need to be over 16 and weigh less than 16 stone (maybe that’s an incentive!).

Looking ahead, Ewhurst Horticultural Society will be holding its 122nd Flower Show on Saturday 11th July in Ewhurst Village Hall. All details are on the website: www.ewhursthortsoc.org.uk or phone the show secretary on 01483 277960. The show is open to the public from 2.30pm with presentation of awards at 4.15pm followed by auction and raffle.

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I have mentioned Waverley Dowsers a number of times and I must say it does make me curious. Apparently, Dowsing may have been used in the planning of the Bosnian Pyramids which have now been dated to 25,000 BC. thus predating the Egyptian pyramids.

Dowsing can be used for all sorts of reasons including finding wells, solving the problem as to why trees and plants fail to thrive in certain locations and tracing the foundations of demolished old buildings. If you feel you would like to know a little more about this ancient and fascinating practice, have a look at their website www. waverleydowsers.co.uk. I understand that on Tuesday 14th July, Waverley Dowsers will be meeting in Fleet to gain experience in water dowsing and on Tuesday 8th September they will being doing some experiments using the concept of pyramid energy to test the use of Dunces Hats! For further information about dowsing and Waverley Dowsers, call Michael Haxeltine on 01252 541639.

This summer the National Trust in London and the South East is hosting the Big Camp, offering a unique opportunity to camp somewhere truly special. For ‘one night only’ on Saturday 18th July, you can take your pick and stay by a river at one of England’s finest arboretums, see Surrey at night from one of the highest hills in the county, or wake up in front of an iconic mansion. The long days of summer are the perfect time to experience one of the National Trust’s 23 THE LARGEST SHOWSITE IN THE UK OVER 200 BUILDINGS, 5000 STONE ORNAMENTS & 100 FURNITURE SETS ON DISPLAY

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Runnymede and its memorials To tie-in with the 800th anniversary of the signing of the Magna Carta, our walk this month takes you through Virginia Water and on to the River Thames and the three memorials at Runnymede - to the Magna Carta, President Kennedy and the Air Forces, all of which are free to visit. If you want to make a day of it, you could also drop in and see the Savill Garden, Britain’s finest ornamental garden, which is also on the route.

The walk was submitted by Guildford Rambling Club (see guildfordramblingclub.org.uk).

The walk 1. Facing the pub go into Northfield Road which forks away down its right-hand side. At a bend by ‘Dial House’, take a footpath out right. Follow the path through to a field and cross it halfleft. Enter a corridor and again follow the path through to emerge on an unmade lane (Prospect Lane) which leads you out onto a road, Wick Lane. Turn left and quickly pass the Sun public house. Keep going for about ¼ mile along Wick Lane until you reach, on the right, the entrance to the Savill Gardens coach park.

2. Walk over to the Visitor Centre and then left along the tarmac path in front of it. Keep going to pass the Obelisk, descend and pass a lake.

Climb a slope and reach a multi-way junction.

Take the left-hand fork of the two paths straight ahead. After about 100 yards fork right onto a wide grassy path. Follow this down through laurels and emerge in an open area and then visit the Totem Pole which will be off to your left.

Now head back along your path to the Totem Pole, following the ‘Blacknest Gate/Valley Gardens’ signs. Keep going until reaching a junction by a truly giant sequoia. Here turn left and immediately right. Ignore lefts and rights, keep going until reaching a T junction with a tarmac lane.

Go left. Soon reach a junction with a sign ‘Toilets 100 yards’. Follow this sign past the toilets and a house and turn left to walk along the edge of the Polo Grounds.

3. Reach a T junction with a wide road (actually a crossroads with a wide sandy track straight ahead) and turn right. Now walk up to and through Cumberland Gate and continue on following the road as it swings right and exits the park through Bishops Gate. You could picnic just inside the park. The Fox and Hounds is a little way beyond the gate, on the right.

4. Afterwards, continue on along the road past the gate and the pub and follow it as it swings 42

left to pass the Savill Court Hotel. Turn left into Crimp Hill. Turn right into Ridgemead Road. Reach a T junction with Castle Hill Road. Turn left and immediately reach a T junction with a main road. Go left and walk down-hill until you see a footpath on the other side, heading out right. Follow this lane to its end to reach the Kennedy Memorial. Go down the steps to reach a field. Turn right and walk along the edge to reach and visit the Magna Carta Memorial (on your right).

5. Continue a few yards further along the field to take a footpath, right, into another field. Head a quarter left and through a gate labelled ‘Airforces Memorial’ and into woods. Take the steps leading up ahead right. Follow the path up and reach a road. Go right and walk past some Runnymede College buildings. The road swings right and you reach the entrance to the Airforces Memorial. After visiting it, continue along the road, passing a car park and toilets, until turning left down Coopers Hill Lane, a side road that leads you to the opposite side of the green from the start point. vantagepointmag.co.uk

WALK

Runnymede Air Forces Memorial

exotic woodland. Every garden has its own unique attraction, featuring a distinctive group of plants that introduce a fresh burst of vibrant colour throughout the seasons.

Sir Eric Savill first created his woodland garden in the 1930s.

Since then, many others (under the watchful eyes of Kings and Queens) have been on a tireless quest to add their own expertise and creativity. The Rose Garden, opened by H.M. the Queen in 2010, is a magnificent addition. Designed by Andrew Wilson, visitors can wander the swirls of rose beds and enjoy the perfume at its best from a walkway that rises into the centre of the Rose Garden, see below.

This memorial is dedicated to some 20,456 men and women from air forces of the British Empire who were lost in air and other operations during WWII. Those recorded have no known grave anywhere in the world, and many were lost without trace. It is managed by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and is open every day except Christmas Day and New Years Day. From 1st April to 31 October, the times are: weekdays 9am to 6pm or dusk whichever is sooner; weekends and public holidays 10am to 6pm or dusk whichever is sooner. www.cwgc.org.

Open all year round except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day from 10am to 6pm daily. Last admission to the garden is at 5.30pm. Charges apply. www.theroyallandscape.co.uk.

The Savill Garden Britain’s finest ornamental garden, The Savill Garden is a garden for all seasons and a place of beauty and colour that’s loved by horticulturalists and enthusiasts alike. Visitors can journey through 35 acres of interconnecting gardens and

DISTANCE: 8 miles OS MAPS: Explorer 160 Windsor, Weybridge & Bracknell STARTING POINT: From the A30, go through Englefield Green, past the shops and until you reach a large green on the left. Barley Mow Road runs along the nearer edge of the green. Park by the edge

of the green, in Barley Mow Road and opposite the Barley Mow pub.

REFRESHMENTS: The Barley Mow, Englefield Green, Egham TW20 0NX. Telephone 01784 431857.

Bishopsgate Road, Englefield Green, Egham TW20 0XU. Top image: The Magna Carta Memorial by Andy Pearce

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.

June 2015

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Jottings - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

camping locations with many offering food, live music and marshmallow toasting around a campfire. With each special location putting on its own events there is something for everyone – from den building and woodland craft making to star gazing and story-telling.

Some are hosting sporting activities, tours of the garden and you can take part in dragonfly and bat hunts. They are including some fantastic locations including Box Hill, Hatchlands in Clandon, Polesden Lacey in Bookham, Winkworth Arboretum, Blackdown near Haslemere, Witley Common and the River Wey. Places are limited and expected to sell out fast. For more information about The Big Camp and how to book, go to www. nationaltrust.org.uk/article-1355892585463.

The Guildford Ladies Luncheon Club meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month for lunch followed by interesting talks and slide shows. Meetings take place at Weybourne House, Hitherbury Close (off Portsmouth Road), Guildford from 12 noon for lunch at 1pm. An annual outing is organised and this year they will be visiting Leeds Castle in Kent on 22nd July. Any lady who is interested in meeting new friends and having lunch followed by a talk should contact the membership secretary on 01483 567403.

Farncombe Music Club was founded and is run by Julian Lewry, who with his incredible knowledge of the music industry, gained over a number of years, has managed to bring some fantastic acts to Farncombe for our enjoyment. Julian is going to have the next couple of months off so the next FMC concert is not until 23rd July. I will hopefully be able to give details in next month’s edition.

Macmillan Cycletta, the UKs leading series of Women Only bike rides, is on track to make a significant contribution to British Cycling’s plans to get 1 million women cycling by 2020. The Surrey event which is open for entries, takes place on Sunday 6th September at Loseley Park. Macmillan Cycletta Surrey is open to women of all ages and abilities and includes different distances ranging from 20km to 150km to ensure that cycling participation is accessible for women regardless of their experience and abilities. To find out more and to book your place visit: www.cycletta.co.uk.

I’ve got to mention that Guildford RFC won the Surrey Cup on Monday 4th May. Amazingly, Guildford were 19 – 0 down against their opponents KCS Old Boys at half time, but at full time had pulled it back to 19 all. Into extra time, with the next score sealing the Cup win – G’s were awarded a penalty to allow captain Adam to take the additional points to secure the win at 19-22.

Congratulations to all the players, coaches and support staff involved and not forgetting Guildford’s hugely impressive 5th place playing in London Division 1 South after promotion last year. It has been very entertaining watching Guildford playing some really good rugby this 44

season and next year should be very exciting - hopefully see you there!

Blank Canvas weddings is a new venue website promoting a collection of exclusive open spaces from ornamental lakes to private gardens where couples can celebrate their wedding reception. “Being new to the market we still have some availability this year” said co-founder Lyn Sanders. “As such it has been very pleasing to be able to help a number of couples find alternative venues when their plans were destroyed following the awful fire at Clandon Park. The industry is at its best when coming together to help out in a crisis”. If you’re still searching for your perfect venue this summer then don’t hesitate to contact Blank Canvas Weddings. www.blankcanvasweddings.co.uk . Email info@blankcanvasweddings.co.uk or call Heidi on 07776 152396 or Lyn on 07824 809664 A local girl, actually a wife and mother, has cancer and as many of you will know it is an experience that changes your life dramatically. She has been a writer all her life and has decided to share her thoughts and experiences with others, many of whom might be going through a similar time. To help her write, she is going to read 50 books this year; one of them will be a trilogy so technically she will read 52 books, one a week. After reading, she writes about each book, commenting on topics that the book prompts her to write about. In this way, she hopes be able to explain some of who she is and to share the highs and lows of life, the lessons learnt and lessons missed. She started on Easter Sunday and will publish a post every day until Holy Saturday, 26th March next year. Do visit her website girlalive33.wordpress. com and read her posts there. She writes very well and if you know anyone going through similar difficult times do urge them to have a look; it is definitely worth a read and could provide some support and comfort.

Advance notice of the GUTS Classic Car Tour 2015, which will take place on the 6th September 2015. The tour will start near Liphook and then travel to the Weald & Downland Museum via Cowdray. If you have a veteran, vintage or classic car and would like to have a fun day out with a photo quiz driving on a wonderfully scenic route through the countryside, please let the organisers know.

Over the past 11 years, they have raised thousands of pounds for Guildford Undetected Tumour Screening at the Royal Surrey County Hospital. Last year, they had over 40 cars attend and raised over £2,000. Please call 01483 421601 or email gutsmotortour@gmail.com if you would like to find out more.

FIND OUT MORE

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

PROFILE

WaterAid

Local WaterAid Volunteers Aim to Wash Away Poverty just enough water for her family. In the dry season even this dries up and the trip to the nearest water source takes almost a day. Hawa’s village is being transformed

by WaterAid. They are drilling boreholes for drinking water and making hand-dug wells for animals, crops and washing. WaterAid are also helping the local people to become water experts able to manage their own supply so they have enough clean water for every day of the year.

West Surrey is home to one of the most dynamic and successful WaterAid local groups in the country. In the past five years volunteers here in West Surrey have raised over £33,000. That is enough to have transformed the lives of 2,200 people in the developing world by helping them to provide their own safe drinking water.

The group of 30 or so volunteers raise funds for and awareness of the water, sanitation and hygiene crisis with a whole range of activities. For example: Dave was sponsored to learn how to hula-hoop; Linda trundled 20 litres of river water four miles home uphill across Farnham to show solidarity with women in the developing world; professional pianist Masachi Nishiyama gave a benefit concert; Alan ran a stall at the Surrey County Show in Guildford; on World Water Day Leigh organised a street collection in Cobham and David ran one in Woking; Jan organised a ‘Thank Your Toilet’ tea party for local children; Carolyn held a plant sale in Lightwater; Di led carol singers in Godalming High Street. The volunteer WaterAid collectors always stand out because they dress as taps or toilets!

WaterAid and experts in the field believe that the water and sanitation problems of the world can and should be eradicated by 2030. The local group is very excited about this bold claim but know that it will not happen without a huge political commitment across the world.

The group members are doing their bit towards this challenge by making sure that our local population and MPs are aware of this amazing opportunity to improve the world at such little cost compared to the current economic and human cost of poverty and disease.

As well as fund-raising and campaigning, trained WaterAid volunteers give illustrated talks and interactive workshops to a whole variety of audiences including schools , churches, youth and community groups. As all of the local speakers have first hand experience of water and sanitation issues in the developing world they can really bring their talks to life. They tell the fascinating story of how WaterAid does not just turn around the water and sanitation problems. It also develops new skills in their local partner organisations and in the communities. For example: pump maintenance and masonry skills; planning; project management; accounting. All can be used beyond the WaterAid project.

The main West Surrey fund-raiser is the Family Walk for Water held every year at beautiful Newlands Corner near Guildford, this year on Saturday 13th June. This is a great day out: there is a range of ciAdcular sign-posted routes varying from ½ to 8 miles and a feature is that there is something for everyone, including those with mobility problems. Sponsorship is possible but not essential and the walks take in some lovely scenery.

West Surrey’s pleasurable Walk for Water is in contrast with the daily grind of women such as Hawa in Burkina Faso in West Africa. Her nearest source of water is a milky pond filled with insects and small frogs. It takes four trips a day to this dirty hole in the ground to collect June 2015

Images from top: Hawa, 37, collecting water with her son Roukiatou, 1, in Burkia Faso; WaterAid speakers Linda and Dave demonstrate rope pumps in Burkina Faso FIND OUT MORE The informal and friendly WaterAid local group welcomes new volunteers: no one is asked to do more than they want. You can find out more about the Walk for Water or about the group in general by looking at their website at www.wateraidwestsurrey.org or ring Linda on 07934 839608.

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

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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

WIN WIN TWO TICKETS TO THE SOUTHERN HOMEBUILDING & RENOVATING SHOW The Southern Homebuilding & Renovating Show is making its comeback to Sandown Park, Esher from 27th-28th June 2015 and it is the one-stop event for those wanting to build or renovate their home and are in search of practical advice, expertise, a wide variety of innovative products, services and inspiration.

Visitors who want to create extra room in their existing property by extending, converting the space available or embarking on an ambitious new-build project will discover dedicated areas and features and will be provided with comprehensive recommendations across the two-day exhibition.

Visit www.homebuildingshow.co.uk/surrey for more details.

To win one of 10 pairs of tickets worth £24, please answer the following question: Q: Where does the show take place?

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

WIN TWO TICKETS TO THE GUILDFORD BEER FESTIVAL Now in its sixth year, the 2015 Guildford Beer Festival will be held on the 12th and 13th June.

The festival is a celebration of the fantastic range of beers and ciders available in the local areas.

You can try over 70 real ales, craft largers and ciders from within 30 miles of Guildford. There is also a great line up of live music at every session too, all to be enjoyed within the lovely setting of Guildford Cricket Club.

For more information and to buy tickets visit www. guildfordbeerfestival.co.uk To win one of two pairs of tickets for any session (Friday 12th evening or Saturday 13th afternoon or evening), please answer the following: question: Q: How may real ales will be on offer?

Please enter online at www.vantagepointmag.co.uk by 9th June 2015.

WIN A FAMILY TICKET TO THE GARDEN SHOW AT LOSELEY The Garden Show at Loseley Park showcases specialist nurseries, garden and home wares, gifts, fashion accessories and delicious county foods and wines plus children’s entertainment. Along with Loseley’s parklands, walled gardens & sculptor exhibition…. there’s something for everyone!

It runs from the 24th to 26th July 2015 and is open from 10am – 5pm daily. For more information, please visit www. thegardenshowonline.com or call 01243 538456.

To win one of 15 family tickets please answer the following: Q: Name the three garden show venues Please enter online at www.vantagepointmag.co.uk by 26th June 2015.

A family ticket is for two adults and up to four children.

Please enter online at www.vantagepointmag.co.uk unless otherwise stated.

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

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

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