VantagePoint Magazine February 2016 - Haslemere, Midhurst & Petworth

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Haslemere, Midhurst & Petworth • February 2016

VANTAGEPOINT Your best view of what’s going on locally

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Get golfing ladies!

Inside: FASHION AT ANY AGE SOUTH DOWNS SOCIETY HARTING DOWN WILDLIFE WALK THE COW PARADE COMES TO SURREY WIN TICKETS TO SEE SISTER ACT IN HASLEMERE The local magazine produced by local people for the local community, delivered by your local postman

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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 108,193 homes across the South East, which gives us the largest local circulation in the areas we cover, all with guaranteed delivery by your postman.

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

YOUR LOCAL TEAM I haven’t mentioned Humph for a while and always get told off for not updating readers, so I can confirm that he is very well indeed and much enjoying life. We have twice been to the coast in recent weeks, to Climping near Littlehampton and to Highcliffe near Christchurch. Well, he was in his element. Sand, sea, a tennis ball and other dogs, what else does an 18 month old labrador need, with the exception of food? Much snoring ensued once home.

It is good to see local success. The Guildford Shakespeare Company celebrates its tenth anniversary this year, which is a tremendous achievement for a small community theatre company. They have also just announced that Brian Blessed, who appeared in their production of King Lear last year, is their new Honorary Patron. Great news!

Stefan Reynolds Editor & Publisher

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It is good to see so many events starting to flood into the Jottings in-box. It is a sure sign that local life is returning to normal after Christmas and the New Year, and that the January blues are behind us once again. It won’t be long before spring, let’s just hope there will be a few daffodils left for us to admire.

I have been asked if some of the future walks we feature can be a bit shorter, so from March onwards we will be offering more walks around the 5 mile mark which I hope will suit. We are also busy compiling an online resource which will feature our past walks. If you would like to be able to access and download these walks, please email walks@vantagepublishing.co.uk.

Contact the editor: stefan@vantagepublishing.co.uk

Marcus Atkins, Sales Director 01483 420173 / 07702 132157 marcus@vantagepublishing.co.uk

Liz Godfrey, Sales 01483 661089 / 07788 748826 liz@vantagepublishing.co.uk

Nick and Angie Crisell, Jottings 01483 421601 jottings@vantagepublishing.co.uk

Barbara Maddison, Sales 01483 418141 / 07802 498858 barbara@vantagepublishing.co.uk

February 2016

Contributors: Caroline Boucher, Viv Micklefield, Beth Otway, Debbie Serpell, Kirstie Smillie Print: Buxton Press

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CONTENTS

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

The local magazine produced by local people for the local community

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Rugmart

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"The Place to buy Rugs"

6 Jottings Your local community noticeboard

8 Fashion Fashion at any age

15 Get Golfing Ladies The rise of women gathering on the greens

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30 Out & About The Cow Parade comes to Surrey

32 Gardening Carniverous plants

36 Recipes Winter soups

38 Gastro Latest food and drink news

40 Walks

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44 Profile South Downs Society

45 Business Cards Small ads for trades and services

47 Competitions Win one of three great prizes

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

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February already!

Thank you very much for the comments on the new date order jottings format. We are delighted to say that our readers are finding them much easier to read and refer to.

The year is now well under way with Valentine’s Day and of course half-term approaching and the days are definitely getting longer although the poor confused bulbs in the garden have been up for weeks – let’s hope for a decent spring. Finally, a very happy birthday to all readers born on 29th February!

Bramshott W I Just a reminder that Bramshott WI meets at the Church Centre Liphook, on the 2nd Monday of the month at 2pm. There is a talk followed by tea and all are welcome especially new members. They are a friendly supportive group and their programme for 2016 looks as interesting and thought provoking as ever, so now’s the time to join!

There are other activities besides monthly meetings such as lunches, outings, craft days and inter W.I. competitions such as bowls or darts. They start the year with a talk by local author and playwright Jo Smith. For more information call Christine Weller on 01428 712593 or Sylvia Futcher on 01428 722077.

Squire’s Garden Centres Free Tea! This year Squire’s Garden Centres are celebrating their 80th Anniversary, and to start the celebrations they would like to give everyone a free pot of loose leaf tea (normal price £2 per person) to enjoy in their Café Bar! Readers can go to

www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk (from 1st February) to get the voucher, and then take it into any Squire’s Garden Centre (excluding Chertsey) from Monday 1st February until Friday 12th February.

West Sussex Decorative and Fine Arts Society Tuesday 2nd February and Tuesday 1st March 2pm Dr Caroline Shelton will give a talk on ‘Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Magna Carta’: The exploration of the ‘Great Charter, its political purpose, importance and the depictions in Art, throughout history. Coffee will be available from 1.20pm. Looking ahead, the lecture on Tuesday 1st March at 2pm will be given by Toby Faber and is ‘The Imperial Easter Eggs of Carl Fabergé - Before the Revolution’. These eggs have become the most famous symbols of the Russian Empire. The talk will be preceded by a ploughman’s lunch at 12.30pm. Members and visitors are welcome - contact a committee member for ticket details or visit their website. Meetings are held in Fittleworth Village Hall. For membership details, contact Jackie Buckler on 01903 411086. Visitors are welcome for a fee of £8.

Grayshott Flower Club Wednesday 3rd February 7pm The club will be meeting on Wednesday when members and visitors are invited to take along a container of flowers and let their experienced members help with a design. The meeting will be held in The Studio, Grayshott Village Hall and doors open at 7pm for refreshments and sales. For further information, call 01428 65956.

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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www.vantagepointmag.co.uk Next Copy Date: 11th10th February 2016 2016 Next Copy Date: February 6

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Fashion at any age Fashion is growing up at last, says Kirstie Smillie.

What’s inspiring about fashion now is that you can really wear whatever you like. Slim, skinny, wide, loose or oversized, in colours that lift your mood and shapes that flatter you. Roll collars may be on trend but I know plenty of women who can’t stand high necks - all too hot. And the wide trouser is a godsend for my pear shape but without height they can often be overpowering on the more petite. Trends come and go and some stay longer than others. Jumpsuits have lasted quite a few seasons and are a favourite of mine to elongate many shapes, whereas fringing on boots, bags and jackets may have a shorter life (unless you idolise Calamity Jane!).

It’s all about choices. Research on-line or in magazines for the garments you need before you go out shopping.

Above: Helen Mirren. Below: Inès de la Fessange Prioritise where you spend your budget on garments that will get the most wear. Simple solutions often mean classic style choices, dotted with fun additions. A mad little whim here or there is great, but the main focus is on lasting quality. This applies if you are buying designer, high street and second hand, just select carefully.

Thankfully, fashion’s age restrictions are becoming blurred too. Women of a certain age are being recognised as stylish in their own right. I love seeing women in their prime (and men) who are still vital and want to make a statement with fashion, and we have some great celebrities paving the way for this new acceptance. Helen Mirren, now an ambassador for L’Oreal and the model and author Inès de La Fressange, 8

with her Uniqlo range, both have classic beautiful styles.

Personally, now sitting past my mid forties, I am loving fashion more than in my thirties. At that point my life was about children, a changing shape, a new career around child care with not enough time to really focus on me. But as I now spend a lot of time researching for clients looking for specific styles, I do see what’s out there on a regular basis.

And our looks will keep changing. My style has changed as I’ve grown up - a bit gothic at art college, sleek and simple studying fashion design, more alternative and creative as a magazine stylist in London, to mainly black as a personal shopper at House of Fraser.

These days, as a personal stylist, I love classic with vintage, and prints are always part of what makes me tick. My shape is curvy, not all in the right places, but I have adjusted to find clothes that move me and fit how I like them. Comfort is hugely important, but I also want to enjoy and be excited by the clothes I wear.

Try not to be persuaded by press images alone just because the model looks amazing - can you carry it off confidently?

To express my love and knowledge of fashion I now write a weekly blog, so if you would like to receive the weekly insights, just subscribe with your email on my website.

And for 2016 I am planning fashion styling courses in Guildford, so please email to signify your interest for Spring dates. Email me at kirstie@kirstiesmillie.com. vantagepointmag.co.uk

FASHION A splash of colour near your face will lift classic colours and your complexion.

Reef print scarf, £18 M&S

Add a few fun additions, fur, waistcoat or funky accessories like eye widening glasses on Linda Rodin for The Kooples (far right).

Waistcoat, £120 Ted Baker

Choose lux fabrics of leather, cashmere and pure cotton shirts, shown here by Vanessa Redgrave (left) and Charlotte Rampling (right).

Leather jacket, £259 Mint Velvet All images found on www.pinterest.com

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

February 2016

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Masters of Engraving To Saturday 5th March An exhibition of selected 16th-18th Century Old Master Engravings, Etchings and Woodcuts is running at Kevis House Gallery, Petworth to coincide with the National Trust exhibition ‘Remastered: Bosch to Bellotto’ at Petworth House.

Do drop in and have a look.

Sewing workshops at Sew Creative Throughout February Sew Creative is running the following workshops during February in Petersfield: Love your Sewing Machine, Thursday 4th and Friday 12th ; Creative Lampshades, Saturday 6th; Essential Quilting, Wednesday 10th ; Dressmaking Day, Friday 19th ; Fabric Screen Printing, Friday 26th; Shift Dress, Saturday 27th. To book go to www.sewcreative.org.uk or phone 01730 858020 or visit the shop at 20-22 Lavant Street, Petersfield, GU32 3EW.

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French Conversation Classes The French Conversation classes are running for 10 weeks from above dates at the Fernhurst Centre. The lessons include a variety of subjects and lots of opportunities for conversation practice. Follow-on beginners are on Mondays from 7 - 8pm.

Intermediate/Advanced classes are on Mondays from 8 - 9pm.

Both courses started on 11th January but I think you can still join now. Contact Veronique Atter at atterveronique@yahoo. co.uk or telephone 01428 658599.

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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD Haslemere Rotary The club would like to say a huge thank you to all members of our local communities and villages for their generous contributions during our Christmas Collections! They were delighted to be invited to the Christmas Carols on Lion’s Green and thoroughly enjoyed contributing to the festive spirit. Much positive feedback was received about Father Christmas and his sleigh being seen out and about for a second year running. The sleigh is now taking a rest to be up and ready for next year. In total they raised almost £3000. The money will be donated to two chosen charities, the local branches of Alzheimer’s Society and Shooting Star Chase Children’s Hospice. They always welcome new members to get involved in their support of local, national and international communities. If you would like to be part of an active service club, have a look at the website www. haslemererotary.org.

The Chiddingfold Gigantic Jumble Sale Saturday 6th February 2pm The gigantic jumble is back. There will be clothes (including designer and vintage), toys, books and bric-a-brac. Delicious refreshments will be served. Proceeds to St Mary’s Church, Chiddingfold. Doors open at 2pm prompt. Entrance 50p. Please bring items to the hall from 10am - no electricals please.

Waverley Training Services There are spaces available at Waverley Training Services for

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Haslemere Musical Society - Come and Sing Saturday 6th February 2pm Come and Sing Messiah is the invitation from HMC to all interested singers to join their widely popular community singing event. It takes place at St. Christopher’s Church, Haslemere and will feature some of the great choruses from Handel’s Messiah.

The event will start at 2pm and singers will be joined by members of the HMS Symphony Orchestra for the final performance at 6pm. The whole event will finish by 7pm. The cost is £12 (or £10 per person for groups of 10 or more) and includes the justly famous tea and cakes provided by HMS members. Interested singers and groups wanting to book should contact HMS treasurer Kate McWhirter on 01428 609203 or go to www. hmsoc.org.uk. There is not much time, so be quick!

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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

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their monthly market is held on the third Saturday of every month. They have many other events such as the Modellers Exhibition on Sunday 14th February which runs from 10am to 5pm. There is an Antiques Fair on Sunday 7th February from 10.30am to 4pm and a Film Night on Friday 26th February at 7.30pm. Finally, there’s an Indoor Car Boot Sale on Sunday 28th February from 10am to 1pm.

Comedy Night Saturday 6th February 7. 30pm Fancy a night of side-splitting humour, fun and laughter?

Come to Haslewey, opposite Lion Green for an awesome Comedy Night, adults only! Tickets are just £10 and the compere will be local comic, Andy Stedman The hysterical Headliner will be Colin Cole, one of the biggest names in Australian comedy, who will be ably supported by energetic and very funny comedians; Tamar Broadbent, Matthew Bayliss, Kieran Walshe and Chris Chopping. For more information and to book tickets contact Haslemere Hall on 01428 642161 or go to www.haslemerehall.co.uk.

Vintage Jumble Sale Sunday 7th February 10am to 2pm Takes place at Loxwood (North) Hall, Loxwood RH14 0SF. This unique event brings together over 20 vintage traders with many bargains mostly priced from £1 - £25. You will find bric a brac, vintage clothes, textiles, collectibles, ephemera, paintings, books, furniture, homewares and a lot

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Academic Scholarships & Awards Tuesday 8th March Arts, Music and Sports Scholarships & Awards Wednesday 9th March To book a place please contact Hayley Dibb by email on registrar@st-ives.surrey.sch.uk or call 01428 643734 Three Gates Lane, Haslemere, Surrey, GU27 2ES www.stiveshaslemere.com

St Ives girls are going places...

February 2016

St Ives School for Girls Charity Registration Number: 312080

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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

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more. Plus, fantastic charity tombola - money raised will be donated to animal rescue groups. Entry for over 16’s is £1 donation to charity. No early entry. Great refreshments all day from bacon butties to homemade cakes and there is free parking. There is a kids’ playground on site and large dog walking field. If you can’t make this one, there is another on Sunday 20th March, same time, same place!

Enquiries to 01403 782968.

Midhurst Garden Club Monday 8th February Their first meeting of 2016 promises to bring some ‘warmth and sunshine’ into your lives after what has been a wet and dreary few months. The Speaker, Derrick Donnison-Morgan will be talking about The Flora of the Island of Madeira.

Coffee will be available from 7pm and his talk commences at 7.30pm. They meet, as usual at the South Downs Memorial Hall, North Street, Midhurst and visitors are most welcome to join them. For more information, contact Denise Skinner on 01730 814194, email askinner3@sky.comor or visit their website www.midhurstgardenclub.org.uk .

Haslemere U3a Monday 8th February 2pm ‘Cody -the Flying Cowboy’. The author Peter Reese presents the fascinating story of Samuel Cody (1867-1913). Cody, born in the United States, had an early career as a cowboy and showman modelling himself on ‘Buffalo Bill’ Cody. He

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was a pioneer of early flight and in 1908, at Farnborough, was the first person to fly a powered aircraft in Great Britain.

Admission £2. Non-members welcome. Membership inquiries to Margaret Mowatt on 01428 652338. Meeting enquiries to Alan Davis on 01428 717115. More information at www.haslemere-u3a.org.uk.

Liphook & District Ramblers The days are getting longer and spring is round the corner so why not get out and do some walking? For example, on Tuesday 9th, 4 miles in Chapel Common, or on Saturday 13th, 6 miles on Weavers Down with those lovely views or if you feel like a longer walk, how about 9.5 miles on Sunday 28th along the Wey & Arun Canal to Loxwood. They have at least one walk each weekend and a shorter one on Tuesday mornings. For all necessary details and other walks, visit www.liphookramblers.wordpress.com or email liphookramblers@btinternet.com.

Pancakes al fresco, Woolbeding Countryside Tuesday 9th February, 5-6pm Tucked away in the tranquil Rother Valley lies the picturesque Woolbeding estate. Cook your own mouthwatering pancakes over an open camp fire in the woods, as the sun sets. All ingredients supplied, so just bring a healthy appetite! £3, booking essential on 01730 816638.

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The fourth hole at Hankley Golf Club

Get golfing ladies!

Once a ‘gentlemen only’ sport, golf is going through something of a revolution as more and more women gather on the greens. Viv Micklefield talks to some of those locally, for whom it’s become a game-changer Maybe you’ve come across ‘Chicks with Stix’ (the field hockey not the knitting version), or perhaps ‘Shoot like a Girl’ (archery being just one of the skills that’s included)? Well now it’s time to take up your clubs for ‘This Girl Golfs’. Inspired by Sport England’s #thisgirlcan campaign, the idea is to break through the stereotypes and show that golf is a game for all, accessible for all and, importantly, within reach of any budget.

While the plaids and Pringle jumpers might prevail on some fairways, even the most traditional of golfers will agree that whether you’re eight or eighty, unlike many other sports, the game’s unique handicap system allows both the experienced and inexperienced player to enjoy a game together.

“There are around 7,000 female players in Surrey and 4,000 in Sussex,” says Anita Fairley,

Dame Laura Davies at the Surrey Juniors event in November

February 2016

from the Surrey Ladies County Golf Association, based at Sutton Green Golf Club. “But we’re always looking to raise awareness of ladies golf and across the spectrum of abilities.

“A tremendous amount of junior golf is played, particularly in west Surrey. It’s through this that we get most participation and at the top level golfers often come through junior scholarships.”

Having role models in any sport is vital to encourage young talent and, says Anita, the SLCGA is fully aware of this. “One of the sport’s greatest ever golfers, Dame Laura Davies – World Golf Hall of Fame and a Surrey resident, comes every year to our Surrey Juniors event where she gives individual lessons to 10 talented girls. Then there’s 19-year-old Inci Mehmet who is one of our county champions. She came 10th in last year’s World Girl’s Championships held in Canada and has been selected to travel with Great Britain’s 2016 Curtis Cup squad.”

Add to this list Surrey’s Lauren Horsfield who’s currently on the women’s tour, and Martha Lewis who has already represented England at under-16 level and, the future is beginning to look bright.

Starting to play at a young age certainly lit the spark for mum of two Jenny Justice, who admits to having been a fan of golf for over 30 years. “I’ve got pretty good hand, eye coordination and played other sports when I was at school,” says Jenny who goes on to describe how a family holiday in Cornwall first set the ball in motion. “My dad always played golf down there and I thought, what’s all this about? So I started doing roll-up coaching which was very casual and always good fun. After finishing my education I joined a golf club and never left it. I’ve since played for Surrey at county level and currently play off two, my lowest ever handicap.”

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Hindhead Golf Club

And it seems Jenny’s six-year-old daughter Holly is now showing signs of following in her mum’s footsteps. “Surrey has really good sessions for children who want to get into golf. At Hoebridge Golf Centre they have all sorts of different courses, including FootGolf which is really motivating. Many boys learn golf and we should definitely encourage girls to do so too.”

Yet, I hear you say, what happens when we have to start juggling the work-life balance? Is it that easy to find a club that offers the flexibility to fit around busy lives? Facilities are important – we might need somewhere for younger children to be supervised; on course toilets and our own changing rooms are a must; and if it’s not too much to ask for, perhaps a decent cup of coffee too?

“I would certainly give it a go and buy yourself some lessons,” says Jenny. “Although golf can be off-putting to some women because it takes up a chunk of time, you can usually find the time to play a few holes in the evening. I know of quite a lot of the mums at school who do so. And on holiday, just as you might play tennis together as a family, so it’s fun to play golf with everyone; we’ve taken our clubs with us all over the world, including to Africa, Turkey and the United States.”

“

I absolutely love golf because it’s great exercise in beautiful surroundings. It always presents a challenge but most importantly it’s a social sport.

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Erica Pickard admits that she first became interested in golf after getting married. “I thought that it was a sport that my husband and I could play together on weekends. First of all, I took group lessons and from there made friends and practised with others who were starting-out.

When I felt that I was just about good enough I joined a club, got my handicap and started to play in club competitions.”

She continues: “I absolutely love golf because it’s great exercise in beautiful surroundings. It always presents a challenge but most importantly it’s a social sport. Having moved to west Surrey last summer, we immediately joined Hindhead Golf

Club and although we didn’t know anyone there to begin with, have already made some very good friends.”

For those tempted to give golf a go, or who are perhaps returning to the sport after a break, coaching academies often provide an opportunity to sample it (with the equipment usually supplied) before taking out a full club membership. Using hi-tech software the typical headaches for the casual golfer – driving accuracy and escaping consistently from bunkers, can become mastered, enabling you to get ahead of the game when it comes to improving strokes and lowering your score out on the course.

Hindhead Golf Club

Need more motivation?

• Catch some of the local stars of the game tee-off when Hankley Common Golf Club, near Farnham, hosts this year’s Ladies County Championship on 23th and 24th April. Spectators are welcome; www.hankley.co.uk • Get more tips on starting out with #ThisGirlGolfs; watch the video at www.pga.org

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“At Hindhead we have an active Academy Ladies Section where newcomers of all ages can learn to play golf with expert tuition,” says ladies captain Jean Coombes. “I first learned to play golf many years ago and through it I’ve met lovely new friends not only to play a challenging sport with but also to enjoy many a happy hour at the 19th hole.”

Fiona Brown is a member of the Professional Golf Association and a regional development officer for Surrey and West Sussex. “England Golf and the PGA have done a huge amount to encourage more women to participate but this is still work in progress,” observes Fiona.

“Quite a few women like to play the shorter game or perhaps to play on a shorter course.

Like men, they do want to set themselves goals, but these more often than not are about having some more ‘me’ time.” She adds: “And

remember, there aren’t many other sports where you can burn up to 900 calories and, if you want to, you can talk all the way round!”

In fact, if any extra incentive might be needed to walk between five and six miles during a full 18-hole game, then according to research carried out at Sweden’s Karonlinska Institute, the anti-stress relaxation induced can only be good for the heart. This, combined with the social interaction, is capable of increasing life expectancy by up to five years and can, potentially, ward off dementia.

“

And remember, there aren’t many other sports where you can burn up to 900 calories and, if you want to, you can talk all the way round!

While the UK still has some catching-up to do with the rest of Europe when it comes to the percentage of women playing golf (and that goes for other sports too), Fiona remains confident that with the PGA also funding more female coaches, times are changing.

”

And, at whatever level of golf we might one day aspire to play, perhaps it’s worth listening to four times Women’s World Player of the Year, and mum of three, Nancy Lopez who famously said: “Do your best, one shot at a time and then move on. Remember that golf is just a game.”

Viv Micklefield is a freelance writer who contributes to both lifestyle and to sport and fitness magazines: www.vivmicklefield.com Hindhead Golf Club

Take 6 clubs Here’s what some of Surrey’s golf clubs have to offer new players. For a full list of contact details visit the Surrey Ladies County Golf Association at www.slcga.org’ • Hindhead Golf Club: With its Academy offering a chance to sample the game; roll-up play and competition golf is available to members of the ladies’ section. 01428 604458 / www.hindheadgolfclub.co.uk • Hoebridge Golf Centre (Woking): Individual or group lessons with the club pro, no membership required.

FootGolf is also available everyday for adults and juniors. 01483 722611 / www.hoebridgegc.co.uk • Merrist Wood Golf Club (Worplesdon): Temporary membership allows you to book lessons to suit your skills level. 01483 238890 / www.merristwood-golfclub.co.uk • Milford Golf Club: Club pro Simon Bell runs Learn Golf in 4 Weeks; this is available at three levels and costs £39.99, with a free club included. 01483 419200 / www.milfordgolf.co.uk • Pachesham Park Golf Centre (Mole Valley): Golf4Ladies has been running for the past five years. On offer are weekly roll-up sessions, plus courses for beginners and improvers (4x1hr over 4 weeks £40). 01372 843453 / www.pacheshamgolf.co.uk • Sutton Green Golf Club: 40 minutes individual coaching is available for £25. 01483 747898 / www. suttongreengc.co.uk February 2016

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LOCAL All Saints Church, Grayswood its original features including the barrel vaulted ceiling reminiscent of the upturned keel of a ship, the wood-block floor and the pews complete with brass frames to hold the cards of those who bought the pew space. Many of the wooden carvings were designed and made by Haig himself. There are stained glass windows

by Carl Almquist and Charles Kempe.

Regular readers of Jottings will remember the many events that were hosted by All Saints to raise £138,000 for their new roof. It was completed in January 2015, just 14 months after the appeal was raised. The church is a focal point in the village, in a prominent position across from the village green on the A286, which is the main road from Haslemere to Guildford avoiding the tunnel.

Until 1901, Grayswood was part of the parish of Witley. It is possible that the clergy got tired of travelling to Grayswood and the number of worshippers grew too large to congregate in the school building (now the Grayswood Club) so a new parish was formed, taking in land from Witley, Thursley, Chiddingfold and Haslemere. By luck or good judgement, the parish included Highercombe Road, where the church designer, Axel Herman Haig and the main benefactor AH Harman both lived. Haig was famous for his etchings, lithographs and as an architectural draughtsman; he had moved to Haslemere in 1892 and became an active member of the Arts and Crafts movement here. Harman was the founder of the firm which became the Ilford Photographic Company.

The land for the church was donated by local landowner Lord Derby. The church was consecrated in February 1902 by the bishop of Winchester – so no time was lost in creating the new parish, fundraising and building! There are many local residents whose parents and grandparents lived in the village and the memory of the work required to create a new parish, build the church and establish the churchyard are still part of their family history.

Following Haig’s love, the interior is in the Gothic revival style and retains many of

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The aim of the church family is to be inclusive of all ages, so most Sundays there will be tiny babies as well as over 90 year olds in the congregation. There are groups for crèche, Sunday School and Pathfinders. They are proud that from such a small parish (about 600 households) they have produced a new Local Ordained Minister and a team of five pastoral assistants. They help with preparation for baptism or marriage but also are there for anyone who needs to talk, needs help or a shoulder to lean or cry on. The monthly newsletter is distributed to all households in the village by several people who also try to stop for a chat and often hear of any problems and each new baby receives a handknitted cardigan. For regular worshippers and villagers alike, the church is there for weddings, baptisms and funerals, and the toddler group, nursery school and Grayswood C of E (Aided) Primary School come to church each term for their own services.

The choir sings at every morning service; it is a true village choir where all over 7 years are welcomed. Currently the choir is ‘experimenting’ with a music group once a month for the All Age Service. Instruments vary from double bass, cello, trumpet, clarinet, flute, recorder and guitar, plus the choir, organ and chime bars. They are looking for more instrumentalists to join this informal group, but more particularly are actively seeking to find a pianist who would like to learn to play the organ to join the team. Tuition may be available under the Surrey Organists’ Association Training Scheme.

Top left: The new roof. Left: The consecration of the new Church in 1902

FIND OUT MORE

If you’re interested in joining the choir, play an instrument or are a budding organist, please contact Shirley Richmond: 01428 653285 or email shirley1941@btinternet.com. vantagepointmag.co.uk

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Grayshott Gardeners Wednesday 10th February 8pm ‘How to get the best out of Heathers’ will be the subject of Grayshott Gardeners Club Night Lecture on Wednesday 10th in Grayshott Village Hall. John Hall has been growing Heathers for over 30 years and more than 200 varieties of Heather are to be found at his nursery in Headley Down.

John is quoted as saying that there is a Heather to suit every garden and every season. His knowledge and experiences will make for a very interesting and informative evening.

For further information on Grayshott Gardeners check their website www.grayshottgardeners.net or email info@ grayshottgardeners.net. New members and visitors are always welcomed.

St Wilfrid’s Hospice Thursday 11th and Sunday 21st February February is St Wilfrid’s Hospice ‘Love Your Hospice Month’, a chance to raise money by joining in a number of activities including a Quiz Night on Thursday 11th February at Bishop Luffa School, Chichester. Starts at 7pm for 7.30pm with teams of six people. Entry fee is £60 including a fish and chip supper. Then on Sunday 21st there’s a Zumbathon at Westgate Leisure Centre from 10am – 1pm. Suitable for any fitness level. Entry fee £10 plus individual sponsorship.

Finally why not organise a Community Cuppa? Just gather friends, family or colleagues together and ask for a donation for a cuppa and some cake! To book quiz tickets, or a Zumbathon place, or for a Community Cuppa Information Pack contact 01243 755827 or fundraising@stwh.co.uk.

Grayswood WI Wednesday 10th February Women’s Institute meets ever second Wednesday of the month at Grayswood Village Hall. Meetings start at 7.30pm.

February’s meeting is on Wednesday 10th and we have an Image Consultant coming to speak, the following month, 9th March, members are sharing wedding memories and bringing wedding dresses to show. So if you are interested in joining a group of women aged between about 30 and 90 to listen to interesting speakers and enjoy a friendly chat why not come and join us. Call 01428 645014 for more information.

RHS Garden Wisley Saturday 13th - Sunday 21st February ‘Secret life of Insects’ during February Half Term. Delve into the world of the butterfly, with guided activities every day.

Get up close to see their intricate wings and plant seeds to grow their favourite flowers. Paint your own butterfly, design a leaf and butterfly hat or create a wiggly caterpillar - free activities vary daily. Book timed tickets to visit Butterflies in the Glasshouse at no extra cost on the website to beat the queues at peak times. Price: Free with normal Garden admission. Activities from 10.30am-12.30pm and 1.30pm3.30pm daily. Drop in activities during garden opening

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hours. RHS Garden Wisley is situated in Woking GU23 6QB. Tel 08452 609000 or email: wisley@rhs.org.uk More information at www.rhs.org.uk/wisley.

Valentine’s Dinner, Dance and Auction Saturday 13th February 7pm for 7.30pm There should be an amazing evening at the annual Haslemere Museum Valentines Dinner, Dance and Auction to be held at The Georgian Hotel, Haslemere in aid of their ‘Museum in a Million Campaign’. This fun black tie event combines a delicious three course dinner with the chance to bid for some fantastic auction promises, followed by dancing. Top auction lots from previous years have included tickets for the opening party of the International Fashion Showcase at London Fashion Week, a ride in a classic 1937 Lagonda to Goodwood, a private tour of Coutts bank, English National Opera tickets and backstage tour, holiday homes, both in the UK and abroad, BMW track experience, bell ringing, and lots more! To reserve tickets or if you are unable to attend but would like to submit a remote bid, visit the museum website for further details, www.haslemeremuseum.co.uk. You can also email enquiries@haslemeremuseum.com or call 01428 642112. Tickets are £45 per ticket to include welcome drink, three course meal with wine and coffee.

HHH Concert ‘Intrigue and Innovation’ Saturday 13th February 7.30pm The first HHH concert in the New Year will be an exciting

adventure into the world of percussion, with young percussionists Sam Wilson and George Barton, at St Christopher’s Church, Wey Hill, Haslemere. Apart from two marimbas, Sam and George will be bringing a wide collection of drums, shakers, vibraphones, cymbals, cowbells, whistles, woodblocks, guiros, triangles and some house-hold objects. As Sam pointed out, the equipment looks almost as much of a show as the concert itself! Joined by the equally talented George Barton who studied at the St Petersburg Conservatoire and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, their programme will include the music of Steve Reich, performing his seminal works ‘Clapping Music’ and ‘Nagoya Marimbas’. Tickets are £18 (aged 8-25 free) and are available from HHH Concerts, 01428 652012, www.

WeGotTickets.com, Chamberlain Music, Haslemere, 01428 658806, and at the door.

Fernhurst Films Saturday 13th February 7pm We were delighted to hear that last month The Moo Man was screened before the largest audience Fernhurst Films have had since they started in 2007. Without exception everyone loved it. So, how do they follow that? Well they have picked out a real gem from 2009 with the Argentinian crime thriller ‘The Secret in Their Eyes’. It’s an unsolved crime, an unrequited love story, with an unwritten ending.

It won Argentina their first Academy Award for best foreign language film in 2010. With all its perfect twists and pace,

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haslemerenaturalhistorysociety.org.uk or email info@ haslemerenaturalhistorysociety.org.uk.

it is both a crime thriller and a 25 year romance. Don’t confuse it with the Hollywood re-make with Julia Roberts and Nicole Kidman, to be released March 2016, which has already received rather indifferent write ups. This version is deemed to be a masterpiece and one of the most perfect movies you will ever see. Films like this come only once in a while, so try not to miss it! Doors open at 7pm with the film starting at 7.30pm. Tickets are on sale at the Fernhurst Post Office or on the door on the night. For a trailer of the film, click onto: www.fernhurst.net/films/index.htm.

Pop-up Art Studio at Petworth House and Park Saturday 13th-Sunday 21st February There’s loads of arty fun at Petworth House this February half-term. Inspired by their colourful Bosch to Bellotto Renaissance exhibition, the team at this famous art-loving mansion have set up a pop-up art studio, where young ‘artists’ can create their very own mini-masterpiece. Normal admission plus suggested donation (price tbc).

Woodland Crafts In Lynchmere Saturday 13th February 2.15 pm Mark Allery works as a woodsman on the Lynchmere Commons, comprising Stanley and Lynchmere Commons and that part of Marley Common owned by The Lynchmere Society. When not making charcoal, besoms or hay rakes, Mark teaches and demonstrates woodland and rural crafts at the Weald and Downland Open Air Museum. Mark has also mastered the skill of handling the traditional English scythe which he uses to manage the bracken on the Commons. On Saturday 13th at Haslemere Museum, he will talk about the woodland crafts practised locally, notably in Lynchmere, and the trees which provide the craft materials. He will also describe the heathland restoration work carried out on the Commons over the last fifteen years. Non-members are welcome but are invited to contribute £3. More information at www.

Liphook & District Model Railway Club Sunday 14th February The club will be exhibiting two layouts with a club display at the Midhurst Modellers Show which takes place at The Grange Leisure Centre, Midhurst. The club has a full list of exhibition invites for 2016; see www.millandvalleyrailway. co.uk for details.

Half-term with the National Trust Monday 15th - Friday 19th February Half-term is fast approaching and there are lots of activities to get kids outdoors and having fun with the National Trust.

If you’ve been stuck indoors this winter, then February half-term is the perfect opportunity for the whole family to get outside and make the most of places springing back to life after the colder and wetter months. Take a walk on the

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February 2016

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Castle Hedingham Pottery In her third article for VantagePoint, local antique dealer Debbie Serpell looks at the history and collecting of Castle Hedingham Pottery by Edward Bingham. father’s pottery made plain, functional pottery and garden ornaments. As a boy, the young Edward assisted at the pottery with menial tasks such as digging the local clay and setting the kiln fires.

The young Edward showed creativity in design, quite unlike the practical wares of his father. His interest lay in making ornamental pottery.

I found my first piece of Castle Hedingham pottery, at an antiques fair, fifteen years ago and was instantly smitten. The pottery has an unconventional, quirky appeal.

Its anarchic form can quite easily be mistaken, at first glance, as pottery of the fifteenth, sixteenth and seventeenth century. Superb coloured glazes (vivid blues and greens) are typically used and strange, medieval subjects are often present in the decoration. There is an outrageous exuberance in colour and design and many of Bingham’s pieces depict peculiar animals, birds, vegetation, coats of arms, patterns and symbols.

Bingham was a visionary artist, but he had few commercial instincts and he spent years struggling with the technical aspects of potting.

He now ranks as one of my favourite English potters and my collection has gradually grown over the years.

History Little has been written about Bingham’s work, which frustrates the collector. Edward was born in 1829. He was the son of a potter, who ran a small country pottery in Castle Hedingham, Essex, founded in 1837. His 22

An enormous Bingham charger, originally commissioned by the Countess of Wessex of Eaton Lodge, Hertfordshire.

This is the largest piece in my collection spanning 26 inches in diameter.

Edward’s father warned that the demand for decorative pottery would not be enough to sustain a good income and encouraged his son to pursue a boot making apprenticeship, working half the year in the shoe trade and the other half in his father’s pottery. Edward was uninspired by the shoe trade and when his uncle offered him the opportunity to become a schoolmaster at a college in Rugby, he jumped at the chance to expand his knowledge of the arts. The college gave him access to art and literature which served to inspire him with his continued work as a decorative potter.

Ending his work at the college, Edward returned to the Hedingham pottery, where he worked for a while with his father. His poor income at the pottery forced him to seek other employment. He worked as an auctioneer’s vantagepointmag.co.uk

clerk, taught at Sunday school and even spent time as a subpostmaster whilst perfecting his art as a potter. In 1851, excited by a visit to the Crystal Palace Great Exhibition, Edward continued doggedly to try to perfect and sell his decorative wares, but found very little interest from the London trade he approached at this time. He battled for over twenty years, trying to find a means by which he could make a living from his decorative pottery. The turning point came in the mid 1870s, when his display of large decorative vases in art exhibitions in Hertford, Sudbury and Chelmsford were finally well received by the buying public.

Bingham had a keen interest in archaeology and historical antiquities, which is reflected in many of his eccentric decorative works. By 1876 he was working in his pottery full time, assisted by his eldest son, Edward William, who proved to be an excellent and imaginative modeller. His ramshackle pottery had thirteen kilns and his workshops were described as untidy and medieval in appearance. Their walls were covered in biblical texts and reference work lay scattered around with illustrations of classical pots, Elizabethan tygs, Palissy plates, large ewers and wall reliefs, depicting historical or mythological subjects. Inspiration came from Babylonian, Egyptian, Roman, Greek and Venetian art and texts, all of which were incorporated into the pottery designs.

The best financial years for the Castle Hedingham Pottery were between 1875 and 1885, when there was a ready, enthusiastic market for Bingham’s wares. Local clay produced a rich brown colouration when fired and Bingham experimented with glazes to achieve striking blues, greens, greys and browns.

Demand in Bingham’s style of pottery waned after the mid1880s and the pottery went into decline. The fashion was turning away from crude art pottery with the advent of porcelain and finer pieces of bone china. By 1899, Edward had handed over his pottery to his son Edward Jr. It is said that his parting words to his son at this time, based on seventy long years of

February 2016

experience were: “If you want to get money into your pocket, don’t trust people further than you can see them.” The pottery was bought by Devon Pottery in 1901 and Edward was deserted by his family who emigrated to America. It is reputed that Edward reluctantly joined his family in the States where he retired, bitterly complaining of the lack of good clay in America.

An unusual Bingham teapot, beautifully illustrating the bizarre nature of Bingham’s work. The hat of the central man forms the lid of the teapot; its handle is created by a smaller figure of a man in a Greek robe and the spout takes the form of a mythical dolphin.

An extraordinary, large sized jug with twisted handle form and exuberant decoration depicting grape pickers.

Collecting Castle Hedingham Pottery Despite the relatively small size of the Hedingham Pottery, its output was prolific and there are still opportunities to purchase Bingham’s work. Many auction houses today are aware of this eccentric potter and will flag up his work in forthcoming sales. You may still be lucky enough to find Bingham’s pottery for sale at places like car boot sales, where prices are excitingly low. Larger pieces in the hands of dealers can fetch prices in excess of several hundred pounds but these pieces of work are still remarkably affordable.

My love of collecting Bingham’s work lies in the fact that no one piece is ever the same as another, even when the style is similar. Much of the decoration is sculpted, moulded and applied by hand. The very nature of this late Victorian Art Pottery, makes each individual piece a unique work of art.

Distinguishing Pottery Marks Most Castle Hedingham pottery is well marked and bears the raised mark of the Castle Keep, either on its own or with other markings. Many pieces bear Bingham’s signature and are often dated. The illustration above is a good example of a well marked piece of Castle Hedingham pottery, depicting the upraised Castle Hedingham keep in the centre and lettering which is scratched onto the wet clay prior to firing. Note also the date of 1895.

Seeing Castle Hedingham Pottery Please note that the Saffron Walden Museum and The Chelmsford Museum both have public displays of Bingham’s pottery which are well worth visiting.

FIND OUT MORE

Debbie Serpell and her husband run Nest Egg Antiques. Visit www.nesteggantiques.co.uk, contact them by email at bmoo@btopenworld.com or telephone 07774 234509.

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A warm hearty welcome at The Stonemason’s in Petworth Located on the edge of Petworth on the Guildford Road, opposite the stunning grounds of Petworth House, The Stonemasons Inn (the pub with the Penny Farthing outside) boasts quality food, friendly service and a warm welcome. Local cask ales are a regular feature and the food is cooked freshly to order from local seasonal produce. Roaring log fires and Tudor oak beams all help create a lasting ambience.

A hearty Winter menu includes favourites such as Game casserole, Steak & Kidney Pudding and a succulent Lamb Shank as well as lighter offers for the calorie-conscious. The dining style is relaxed and the dining rooms are as cosy as the bar.

Recently the Inn has been awarded Open Tables Diner’s Choice Award, the Cask Marque Award of Excellence and has an entry in CAMRA’s Best Beer Guide. I am told the Sunday roast is amazing – but

you should book in advance as they are nearly always fully booked.

Fabulous offers in February include Friday Steak Night – 8oz rib eye steak and a bottle of quality house wine for two for only £30. Romance your partner with a free glass of Prosecco on arrival for Valentine’s Day. Sounds like a good reason to visit Petworth! North Street, Petworth GU28 9NL 01798 342510 www. thestonemasonsinn.co.uk

February Offer A free bottle of wine with every meal for two over £30. Please show this page!

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wild side, enjoy winter crafts, or try exciting challenges and quiz packed trails indoors and out. Along the way you’ll be able to tick off a few of the ‘50 things to do before you’re 11 ¾’ challenges by flying kites next to lighthouses and in parklands, building hotels for bugs and making wild art. For more information and ideas for great value family days out go to: www.nationaltrust.org.uk.

Minibeast Mayhem at Haslemere Museum Tuesday 16th February 11am to 3pm Join Sally-Ann Spence to find out all about some of these fascinating and beautiful creatures and then do an art or craft activity. It’s a Family Drop-In Event and the cost is £2 for members and £4 for non-members. No need to book.

Email: enquiries@haslemeremuseum.co.uk. Call 01428 642112. Website: www.haslemeremuseum.co.uk.

Haslemere DFAS Tuesday 16th February 2pm Thomas Heatherwick, who has been called ‘the Leonardo Da Vinci of our times’, will be the subject of Haslemere Decorative and Fine Arts next lecture. NADFAS Lecturer Anthea Streeter, who has a special interest in 20th century architecture and design, will highlight Heatherwick’s innovative style now in demand throughout the world and highlight the broad range of his designs which include the Olympic Cauldron and the new red London bus. The lecture takes place at Haslemere Hall and new members are very

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welcome. For more details, contact HDFAS Membership Secretary Sue Wright on 01428 683578 or visit the Society’s website at www.haslemeredfas.co.uk to learn more about all their activities.

Age UK’s Call in Time Programme This is a national telephone befriending service. 800 friendship calls are made every week by corporate volunteers to lonely and isolated older people. Each volunteer makes just one 20-30 minute call a week, which changes the lives of the elderly by reducing isolation and loneliness, building and improving their confidence, mental and physical well-being, and allowing them to remain independent in their own homes for longer. By sponsoring their staff to fund this activity, Godalming based Watco, who are the UK’s leading manufacturer of industrial strength flooring products, will be helping to improve the lives of a vulnerable sector of the community. Starting in January, a minimum of ten Watco staff will take part in this initiative, with training provided by Age UK, who will pair staff up with suitable elderly partners based on shared interests. Many of the staff already spend a great deal of time on the phone as part of their day to day roles, so this telephone befriending service will integrate easily into their working day.

Wild about the woods at the Slindon Estate 17th February, 10am-3pm Join the Slindon Estate team for a day of tree-filled family GODALMING 40 HIGH STREET GU7 1DY 01483 418020

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FITNESS Yoga is for everybody and every age Yoga is a wonderful way to reduce stress and anxiety, improve flexibility and balance and increase energy levels. As a yoga teacher, comments I often hear include: “I can’t do yoga because I’m not flexible enough” or “I’m too old” or “I am totally unfit”!

On the contrary, yoga can be performed at any age and with any level of fitness or flexibility. I started practising yoga 25 years ago whilst living in Los Angeles. I was feeling frazzled despite many hours working out at the gym and so decided to give yoga a try. I turned up for my first class to be greeted by the most vivacious and beautiful yoga teacher, who also happened to be 86! She maintained that the secret to her youthfulness was in practising a few gentle yoga exercises every day.

As the population ages, yoga classes across the UK are catering more and more for the changing needs and abilities of the more senior yoga practitioners.

Classes tend to be more gentle, whilst still giving the numerous benefits of a more vigorous class.

For some groups, classes are performed sitting in a chair or maybe using a chair for support in standing or balancing postures. Yoga acknowledges that everybody is different and so everyone is encouraged to work within their own limits and comfort levels. Yoga is not necessarily about twisting and turning your body into complicated positions but instead gently easing your body into postures that allow your muscles to relax and lengthen. Focusing on the breath as we practise yoga lets us relax into the poses and achieve a calming effect on the body and mind.

In addition, recent studies have shown yoga to be beneficial in improving memory and balance, aiding symptoms of some arthritic conditions, lowering blood pressure and generally increasing feelings of well being - plenty of reasons to give yoga a try!

A class would normally last 60 minutes and would include a variety of postures focusing on breathing, balance, strength and flexibility. Classes generally finish with a period of complete relaxation which is a lovely way to feel calm and at ease.

Classes are held at a variety of venues including community centres, village halls and health clubs.

Some teachers are able to offer private classes in the comfort of your own home which can also work well if 3 or 4 friends would like to have private lessons together. Just as everybody is different, so every teacher is different so if the shoe doesn’t fit do persevere. You will find a class and teacher that understands and caters for your needs.

If you would like to find out more about gentle yoga classes in the area, then please call Angela on 01428 685813 or email angela@capelthompson.co.uk or contact your local health club or community centre who may well run classes. Many teachers have websites so it may be a case of searching online for teachers in your area. It may also be worth checking local notice boards or health food shops who often advertise classes.

Some of the research findings: “Yoga has potential utility as a complementary and alternative therapy for chronic diseases and can help older adults to maintain their health.“ Eda (2014), Journal of Clinical Research & Bioethics “The results of this pilot study provide promising evidence that group Yoga classes can reduce pain and stiffness among seniors with arthritis.”

Hansen (2010), International Journal of Yoga Therapy “Preliminary evidence suggests yoga may help sedentary individuals with arthritis safely increase physical activity and improve physical and physiological health”.

Bartlett(2015), The Journal of Rheumatology

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fun. Plant trees at the National Trust’s biggest ever woodland restoration project and help us create a natural and resilient wood for wildlife and people. We’ve also lined up some den-building sessions, nature trails, the grand unveiling of our Rise of Northwood sculpture, and much more. We’ve got refreshments laid on for all tree planters too! Free event, but book a space on 01243 814730. Toilets on site, bring appropriate outdoor clothing. Meet at Northwood - follow Top Road north past Slindon College, take the first right hand turn to Nore Wood Lane, down past Courthill Farm and park at Northwood Junction where the tarmac ends.

Researching Family History Wednesdays 17th and 24th February 10.30am – 12.30pm Taking place at the Fernhurst Centre, there’s a course ‘An Introduction to Researching Family History’. Learn and practise how best to use the resources on the internet to research your family history in this 2 week course. The course is designed to introduce new knowledge over the two weeks. Both sessions will introduce new resources and techniques and will also involve practical student exercises using the computers provided. Some class time will be allocated to student’s own research, with the tutor providing assistance when difficulties are encountered. Two x 2 hour sessions cost £20.

Community Lunch at the Kingsley Centre Situated in the heart of the village, opposite All Saints

February 2016

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Church and The Cricketers Inn, the Kingsley Centre was established in 1988 on the site of the former village school.

The aim of the Centre is to support disabled people in the pursuit of their ambitions and to achieve their potential whilst providing services to the community, which include a Village Shop and Post Office. They offer training, volunteering and vocational placements. All the profits from our Village Shop (open daily from 8am-6pm) are invested in maintaining the Kingsley Centre and the work of the Kingsley Organisation. They seek to play an active role in the community through the provision of a high standard of facilities and community services. One of which is their fortnightly Community Lunch. So why not join them on a Wednesday for a full day of activities and the opportunity to meet new friends. All activities are led by trained facilitators and include singing, gentle exercise and interesting talks on a variety of subjects. A 2 course home cooked lunch is served at 12.30pm. The total cost for the day is just £4.50. Contact Lynne 01420 479000 or email lynne@ kingsleyorganisation.org.uk for more information. Or visit the website www.kingsleyorganisation.org.uk to find out more about the work of the Kingsley Organisation.

Build-a-Buddy Wednesday 17th February is from 2pm-4pm If you are stuck for something for your child to do in February’s half term, look no further than Haslewey, opposite Lion Green, as the Build-a-Buddy team are coming to

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If you die without a Will the State has one for you.

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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

play! Subsidised by the Haslewey Fundraising Committee, the Build-a-Buddy session costs just £5 per child, which includes a Teddy Bear’s picnic. Each child begins by choosing their favourite from a range of Teddy Bear “Buddies”, bringing it to life with lots of squashy filling and making a secret wish on a star before placing it safely inside the toy. You can then decorate a t-shirt for your buddy with fabric pens and other creative items before naming your buddy and filling out his or her birth certificate! Book your ticket in advance from Haslewey Reception or call 01428 648716.

Haslemere Gardening Society Wednesday 17th February The society would like to wish all their members a Happy New Year. Their first talk of the year is a very interesting talk on Small Gardens by the very popular Andy McIndoe.

Andy is the managing director of Hilliers Nurseries and Garden Centres. As usual the talk will be held in the Catholic Church Hall, Weydown Road Haslemere. Members and non members are most welcome, refreshments supplied. For enquiries see the website www.haslemere-gardeningsociety.co.uk or e mail info@haslemere-gardening-society. co.uk.

Haslemere Rotary Saturday 20th February 7pm The Rotary Club are holding a Charity Fund Raising Dinner at Georgian House Hotel, High St, Haslemere GU27 2JY. Dinner will be followed by Speaker Garry Richardson, BBC sports commentator. The cost of the evening is £19.50 to include a two course dinner and coffee. Visit their website for more details www.haslemererotary.org.

Sussex Wildlife Trust Nature Tots Bring your little ones on an outdoor adventure with Sussex Wildlife Trust’s fun weekly woodland activity sessions starting in March. Nature Tots is suitable for accompanied children aged 3-5 with a variety of Forest School activities themed on the changing seasons. There will be opportunities to explore the woodland searching for signs of spring, learn woodcraft skills with bowsaws and mallets, and enjoy stories, singing and games. Now in its third year, Nature Tots is proving enormously popular with parents and children, and groups are held at Woods Mill nature reserve, Henfield; Seven Sisters Country Park, Eastbourne; Tilgate Park, Crawley; and on the beach at Pett Level in Rye Bay. Booking is essential – Nature tots bookings are taken 4-6 weeks at a time as regular weekly attendance is preferred. For booking and further information on days, locations, times and prices visit www.sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/naturetots or call 01273 492630.

Les Amitiés Françaises Monday 22nd February 2.30pm They will be welcoming a regular lecturer, Joel Binet for a rare afternoon lecture in the Baptist Hall, Queen Street, February 2016

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Godalming. He will be talking about the famous lighthouses on the French coast and the endless battle against shipwreck. Doors open at 2pm for coffee and a chat and the lecture starts at 2.30. French-speaking visitors welcome.

Information from john.petty@which.net or call 01483 389102. Bienvenue!

Waverley Hoppa Community Transport Are you looking for a new interest in 2016? Could you spare a couple of hours per week to do something worthwhile?

Would you like to use your business skills to benefit your community? If you can answer ‘yes’ to these questions, then Waverley hoppa Community Transport can help! Hoppa is looking for a volunteer to chair its Board of Trustees. You will need enthusiasm, good communications skills and be a good leader who can represent hoppa locally. Experience of the transport sector, working with local authorities or the voluntary sector would be useful but not essential. To find out more information about this role, contact hoppa’s General Manager, Steve Forward on 01428 681710 or email: steve.forward@hoppa.org.uk.

Haslemere Flower Club Wednesday 24th February 1.30pm The February meeting of Haslemere Flower Club will be held at Haslemere Hall. The demonstrator will be Gaenor Circus, and her title is ‘Through the Ages’. After the demonstration the arrangements will be raffled, and the afternoon will end with tea and biscuits. Do go along for an interesting and

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OUT & ABOUT CowParade is coming to Surrey!

CowParade Leader Tim Metson comments: “Cow Parade provides a unique opportunity to raise awareness of the Surrey Hills and in particular farming. My family have been farming at Coverwood Farm in Ewhurst since the 1950s, and we have seen many changes. Cow Parade coming to the Surrey Hills allows us to shine a light on what an important role farmers play as custodians of the landscape”.

Have you ‘herd’ about CowParade? The world’s largest public art event is coming to Surrey from May to August 2016. The idea of CowParade is that individuals, companies and schools sponsor a life-size cow and either decorate it themselves or bring in an artist to do it. The cows will then be displayed around Surrey from May to August before being herded to the inaugural Surrey Hills Food, Drink and Music Festival on 3rd September at Coverwood Farm in Ewhurst, where they will be auctioned off for charity. Those judged to be extra special will be auctioned at a glittering ceremony held at a unique London location later in the year. In a novel move, while the models are being decorated and moved around, their location can be tracked via a specially-created app.

CowParade Surrey was officially launched by leading National Hunt jockeys Richard Johnson and Sam Twiston-Davies at Sandown Park in November 2015. The jockeys unveiled the Surrey Hills Cow, a chrome painted cow, named ‘Mirror Moo’. The concept behind the chrome cow, painted by metal work specialists Spray Chrome UK, is that it reflects the landscape of the Surrey Hills.

CowParade was born in Switzerland in 1998 and has been staged in more than 80 cities and towns worldwide. Over the years 3,000 cows have been decorated by more than 5,000 artists. CowParade New York had 450 cows and was seen worldwide by 45 million people.

The highest-grossing cow was created by designer John Rocha for CowParade Dublin in 2003. It was studded with thousands of pieces of Waterford Crystal and was auctioned for $146,000 – quite a lot of ‘moo-lah’ indeed!

Cow Sponsors We are currently on the lookout for Cow sponsors to sponsor a life-size cow and either decorate it themselves, or bring in an artist to do it. Organisations can choose their own charity and the auction proceeds will be split between that and the Surrey Hills Trust Fund, a charity established to conserve and protect the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, leaving a legacy for generations to come.

CowParade Project Manager Carol Hornsby-Smith comments: “CowParade 2016 will give sponsors the chance to connect with millions of people. It offers a huge, unique PR and marketing opportunity that should generate even international interest. Various levels of sponsorship are available from a single cow to a whole herd. The trick is to create a cow that will raise lots of money at auction”.

The initiative has already secured offers of support from key players including the National Trust, schools and Surrey businesses such as Sandown Park Racecourse.

Artists The aim is to fill Surrey with bold, interesting, well executed cows throughout the summer before being auctioned in September for charity. This provides a great opportunity for local artists to promote their work and contribute to their local community. Artists may submit up to five designs. If you are a local artist and are interested in participating in this project, please complete the online form at www.cowparadesurreyhills.com/artists.

Internationally renowned artist Alexander Creswell is patron of CowParade Surrey Hills. He comments: “CowParade is a brilliant platform for generating creativity and for bringing together businesses, schools and individuals across Surrey, it will also be a huge amount of fun! Together we will be creating a massive art installation with the potential to raise lots of money for good causes and for the Surrey Hills Trust Fund in particular.”

FIND OUT MORE

For more information on how to take part call the CowParade Surrey Hills team on 01483 661150 or visit the website at www.cowparadesurreyhills.com.

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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

very enjoyable afternoon, and take your friends, visitors are charged £5.

Fernhurst Centre Wednesdays 24th February-2nd March Get in touch with your creative side with two new courses from Totally Textiles to be held at the Fernhurst Centre in February and March. The first being Weaving a Scarf: using a Rigid Heddle Loom - loom provided for the sessions.

This is a two part course at £20 to be held on the two Wednesdays from 2 - 4pm. Students should bring along some double knitting yarn, not pure wool. The second course is Needle Felt Wall Hangings: A Two-hour session at £10 on Wednesday 23rd March from 2 - 4pm. There will be a small charge of £2 for materials payable direct to the tutor on the day. Details of other courses are on the website www.fernhurstcentre.org.uk and places must be booked in advance on 01428 641931 or email ferncent@gmail.com.

There’s lots of free parking at the rear of the Centre.

Grayshott Folk Club Saturday 27th February 7.30pm This gig will be held in Grayshott Village Hall GU26 6TZ and features the hugely talented Edwina Hayes (www. edwinahayes.com ). Edwina has performed a number of times for GFC and you know just what to expect from her; songs, stories and some wonderful singing and guitar playing. She will make you laugh, she might even make you cry but whatever she does, you will be royally entertained by one of Yorkshire’s finest contemporary singer/songwriters.

Edwina has opened shows for many stars, including Jools Holland, KT Tunstall and Van Morrison. Her cover of Randy Newman’s ‘Feels Like Home’ was used in the film ‘My Sister’s Keeper’ and has had over 6 million of hits on YouTube! Don’t miss this one. Advance Adult Tickets are £12 (under 16’s £6) and can be purchased in person from: Grayshott Post Office, Grayshott Wine Centre or Haslemere Bookshop. Alternatively, call Des O’Byrne on 01428 607096.

Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice Unwanted Christmas Gifts Were you given a DVD which you aren’t too keen on, or a book you’ve already read? Perhaps that snowman jumper isn’t quite to your taste, or you’ve already got quite enough bubble bath. Phyllis Tuckwell is appealing for anyone who has been given an unwanted Christmas gift to donate it to one of their shops, where it can be sold to raise money to help fund Hospice Care. Unwanted books, DVDs, toiletries, clothing and accessories are always welcome, as are donations of larger furniture items, which the charity can sell at its Home and Furniture shops. If you would like to donate any unwanted items, please take them to your local Phyllis Tuckwell shop between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Saturday.

Items left outside the charity’s shops when they are closed often get damaged and cannot be sold, instead incurring the charity costs to take them to the local tip, so please make your visit during opening hours. If you have any larger items which you would like the charity to collect, text STOCK to February 2016

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70500 or call 01252 710679. Phyllis Tuckwell would also like to say a big thank you to all those who donated items to its shops during 2015. As the NHS/Government only covers 20% of its costs, it has to raise over £15,000 a day to be able to offer all its services, free of charge, to its patients and their families, and the money raised through selling these items is hugely important. To find out more about Phyllis Tuckwell’s local shops please visit www.pth.org.uk.

Wedding Fair Sunday 28th February 10am to 4pm Calling all Brides (and Grooms!) to be. Do go along to the The Haslemere Wedding Fair, hosted by Haslewey, opposite Lion Green on Wey Hill and enjoy one stop shopping for your wonderful wedding, all under one roof! Haslewey will be showcasing several local companies involved in putting together your picture perfect Wedding Day. From venues to wedding dresses, caterers to wedding cake designers, florists to photographers, hairdressers to make-up artists, musical entertainment to Bridal lingerie, this is a unique opportunity to meet local businesses and retailers in one location to help plan your special day. Admission is absolutely free! With live music, demonstrations, food sampling and refreshments available from the pop up Cafe, together with a fabulous Bridal Fashion Show, you could go along with family or, indeed, your future Groom/ Bridesmaids and enjoy an entertaining time whilst gathering information for your Big Day! For more information, or to book a stand, call Haslewey on 01428 648716.

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GARDENING

With Beth Otway

Carnivorous plants wheelchairs, allowing all visitors close up views of the rare plants and wildlife that find sanctuary at this precious place.

If you would like to grow your own carnivorous plants, consider hardy varieties of Sarracenia that can be grown outside without protection. Always select the hardiest varieties, such as Sarracenia purpurea subs. purpurea.

There’s something quite thrilling about carnivorous plants. Ever since I spotted a Venus Fly Trap at a nursery as a young child, I have found carnivorous plants to be intriguing.

The excitement of watching a Venus Fly Trap snapping shut its trap has never ceased to fascinate me.

Carnivorous plants have evolved from growing in peat bogs. The peat is formed from sphagnum moss and, as a consequence, the plants require specially formulated compost, which will vary depending on which genus of carnivorous plant is grown. Peat is an environmentally precious resource which is formed very slowly at a rate of just 1mm a year in ideal conditions. I am passionate about protecting and saving peat bogs and the flora and fauna that depend on these threatened areas for their survival.

If you would like to see carnivorous plants growing in their native environment, you should visit Thursley Common National Nature Reserve in Surrey, where from June you can see our native species of Drosera, more commonly known as sundews.

You’ll find lots more fascinating plants at Thursley, where you can also spot lizards, dragonflies, butterflies, birds and many of other interesting and beautiful wildlife. It is a super place to visit and at its best from May to September. Thursley Common has a specially constructed wooden boardwalk, which extends 3/4 mile over the wetter areas of the reserve. It offers access for all, even

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February to April is the ideal time to plant Sarracenia, which grows best in a position where they will receive the maximum light. Sarracenia, like all carnivorous plants, should be grown in specially mixed compost. Sarracenia require acidic conditions, so avoid adding any lime containing materials at planting time and whilst caring for your plants. Use only rainwater to water your carnivorous plants and don’t add water to the trumpets of your Sarracenia, the plant will do this naturally by itself. Keep your plants dryer over wintertime to avoid rotting.

Sarracenia grow well in containers.

They are not deep-rooted plants so a shallow trough style of container is ideal. Don’t choose a larger container than you need, as these are slow growing plants which do not require a deep container or an excess of compost. Horticultural grit can be used to provide extra drainage or to fill out the base of your container if it’s deeper than required.

Horsham Stone and Reclamation sell attractive reclaimed antique troughs, which would suit this style of planting (www.horshamstone.co.uk).

Carnivorous plants grow best planted as a group with other carnivorous plants, so avoid any temptation to mix more invasive plants into your display, as this would be detrimental to your carnivorous plants.

Hampshire Carnivorous Plants (www.hantsflytrap.com), based in Horton Heath in Hampshire, have been growing carnivorous plants for over thirty-five years. Specialist growers of Sarracenia, Drosera, Dionaea (also known as Venus Fly Traps), they can supply you with everything you need to grow these exciting plants, from books, compost, to the plants themselves. Purchasing from a specialist grower provides the opportunity to select top quality plants and receive advice from an expert grower.

Images from top left: Venus Fly Trap. Above: Sarracenia. Both by Beth Otway.

Left: Oblong-leaved Sundew Drosera intermedia.

FIND OUT MORE

For tips and advice of other lovely tasks you could do now, either in your garden or at your allotment, and much more besides, please visit my website www.pumpkinbeth.com. vantagepointmag.co.uk

JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

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Midhurst Decorative and Fine Arts’ Society Tuesday 1st March 10.45am NADFAS’s next lecture is ‘Inn Signia’ - Pub Signs, the artwork and the stories behind the names. This colourful and entertaining lecture given by John Ericson promises to be an intriguing journey through some of the most interesting and distinctive signs and exploring the fascinating stories behind them. Lectures are held at the Methodist Church Hall, North Street, Midhurst. If you are interested in finding out more about Midhurst Dfas or in becoming a member, go to their website www. midhurstdfas.org.uk. New Members are warmly welcomed.

Haslemere Sub Aqua Club Thursday 3rd March 8pm Have you ever wanted to try scuba diving or dived before and want to start again, now’s your chance! Haslemere Sub Aqua Club (HSAC) is giving you the opportunity to book a ‘try-dive’ with one of their qualified instructors at the Haslemere Leisure Centre, Kings Road, Haslemere GU27 2QT (T & C’s apply). HSAC (affiliated with the national Sub Aqua Association) run their scuba training for club members on Thursdays from the beginning of March at the Haslemere Leisure Centre. Theory sessions at 7.45pm are followed by pool training at 8.45pm and a social drink afterwards. New faces are always welcome. Further details at www.hsac259.co.uk. Contact email info@ haslemeresubaquaclub.com or call 01428-651685.

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Haslemere Rotary Saturday 5th March 7pm Elephant Stampede, The Popular Rotary Race Night is back at Chiddingfold Village Hall, Coxcombe Lane, Chiddingfold GU8 4QA. It’s an activity loaded evening in aid of ‘Global Sight Solutions’ to include curry supper, hand wound elephants, a tote and a bar. Vegetarian lasagne on request, but please advise upfront. Cost £15pp, contact Mike Jones on 01428 683844 or Jenny Mason on 01428 684747.

The Godalming Community Gospel Choir in Midhurst Saturday 5th March 7.30pm The concert will take place at Midhurst Parish Church and promises to be a lively and fun evening. The Godalming Community Gospel Choir was formed in April 2011 by Emma Sue Prince. The Choir won the Godalming Music Festival in 2014 and was one of only 6 choirs to be selected for the BBC Songs of Praise Gospel Choir of the Year 2015 competition. Wine and soft drinks will be available during the interval and there will also be a raffle. Tickets are £10. Available from Stepping Out, North Street and Tall Dog, Rumbolds Hill, Midhurst or The Parish Office on 01730 815356. Children under 16yrs free but must be accompanied by an adult.

Haslemere Musical Society Saturday 5th March 7.30pm HMS presents its spring concert in Haslemere Hall. For new THE LARGEST SHOWSITE IN THE UK OVER 200 BUILDINGS, 5000 STONE ORNAMENTS & 100 FURNITURE SETS ON DISPLAY

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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

and old supporters of HMS it will be a feast of music rivalling last December’s sell-out concert. The society’s symphony orchestra will play Smetana’s Sarka from his famous Ma Vlast suite and will then accompany the chorus in Dvorak’s joyously melodious Stabat Mater. Tickets will sell fast for a concert by this society which has a large local following.

They are priced at £8, £10 and £16 and can be bought from members or from Haslemere Hall directly on 01428 642161.

Wey & Arun Canal Sunday 6th March Special cruises will be running on the Wey & Arun Canal, Loxwood on Mothering Sunday. A ‘Coffee & Danish Pastry Cruise’ will depart at 11am and Cream Tea Cruises will depart at 2.30pm and 4.30pm. Black tie service will enhance the relaxing treat for Mums! The trips take 1½ hours. Tickets cost £14 for adults and £10 for children and must be booked in advance. The boat departs from the wharf beside the Onslow Arms on the B2133 in Loxwood and travels along the decorated canal and through a restored lock. If you would like to book seats on one of the Mothering Sunday or Easter cruises (more about those next month) call The Wey & Arun Canal Trust Office on 01403 752403 or email office@weyandarun.co.uk. You can find out more at www.weyandarun.co.uk.

David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation Here is a good news story. Supporters of this Shalford based

February 2016

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wildlife charity have played a key part in conservation first by helping to fund the rescue, rehabilitation and release of a rare Amur (also known as Siberian) tiger that has now become a mother. Orphaned in 2012, the then 5-month old tigress named Zolushka (Russian for Cinderella) was found malnourished and with severe frostbite. Her chances of survival looked slim. With as few as 450 Amur tigers left in the wild, every tiger is vital to the continuation of this subspecies, the largest of all the big cats. The David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation has a long history of supporting Amur tigers and was part of an international coalition that worked to bring the species back from the brink of extinction in the 1990s when numbers crashed to around 100. Today, they continue to fund key tiger conservation projects in Russia, India and Thailand to protect wild tigers. You can find out more and donate at www.davidshepherd.org or www. tigertime.info.

Liphook WEA Saturday 12th March Jennifer Goldsmith who brings History alive, will be presenting The Glorious Revolution of 1688/89 or Stolen Throne? In 1688 James II’s two daughters and his nephew ousted him from the throne in a revolution that changed British life. This is the exciting subject for Liphook WEA Study Day on Saturday 12th March at Liphook Village Hall from 10am to 4pm, with a one hour break for lunch. The fee of £25 includes a lunch and refreshments during the

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Winter soups by Caroline Boucher Soups are wonderful and so easy to make. All those featured below can be made in no time at all and cost very little. It pays to shop around for your ingredients. A butternut squash that cost just ÂŁ1 at the market was priced at more than twice that in the supermarket. Some of the best soups are made by using leftovers from the fridge or whatever is on offer at your greengrocer, in the market or reduced in price in the supermarket. Cheap, nourishing and unbeatable!

Spiced Butternut Squash Ingredients

1 tbsp vegetable oil, 1 onion, ďŹ nely chopped, 1 garlic clove, chopped, a lump of fresh ginger, grated, 1 red chilli, deseeded and ďŹ nely chopped, 1 tsp medium curry powder, approx 1 kg butternut squash, peeled, deseeded and chopped into chunks, 2 lemongrass stalks, 400g coconut milk, 700 ml vegetable stock, 2 tsp orange juice. Serves 4.

Method

Heat the oil in a large pan and cook the onion, garlic, ginger and chilli until soft. Stir in the curry powder and butternut squash. Bash the lemongrass stalks and add. Cover with lid and simmer for ten minutes, then add coconut milk and vegetable stock, bring to the boil and simmer until the squash is cooked through. Remove the lemongrass and blend in food processor. Add the orange juice and serve.

Pea and Ham Ingredients

1 tbsp vegetable oil, 1 medium onion, diced, 1 litre of stock (chicken, vegetable or a cube), 1 large potato, peeled and diced, 500g frozen peas, 300g thick, cooked ham, cut into chunks.

Serves 4.

Method

Warm the oil in a deep saucepan. Add the onion and cook until translucent. Add potato and coat with oil. Add stock, bring to the boil and cook until the potato is tender. Add peas and bring back to the boil. Remove from the heat and blend. Return to saucepan add the ham, bring to simmering point and serve.

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RECIPES Winter Vegetable Ingredients

1 large tbsp vegetable oil, 1 leek, trimmed and diced, 1 onion, chopped, 1 celery stalk, chopped, 1 small potato, peeled and diced, 1 carrot, diced, 2 garlic cloves crushed, 1.5 litres stock - chicken or vegetable or a cube, 200g spinach, shredded, handful of chives, chopped finely.

Serves 4.

Method

Heat oil in the pan, add leek and cook until softened. Add onion, celery, potato, carrot and garlic, and cook for about ten minutes. Warm the stock, add it to the pan and bring to the boil and simmer for 25 minutes. Add spinach and cook until it wilts. Add chives and serve.

Soup hints and tips • Keep a bag of frozen mixed vegetables in the freezer. Quickly cook these in stock, blend them, add cream, season and serve.

• Keep vegetable trimmings including broccoli stalks, cauliflower leaves and stalk, celery leaves etc as these can all be used for soup.

• Adding courgettes makes a soup really creamy without the need for cream, perfect for dieters.

French Onion Ingredients

40g butter, 1 tbs sunflower oil, 1 kg onions, sliced finely, 2 tsp caster sugar, 30g plain flour, 1.5 litres vegetable, chicken or beef stock or cube, large handful strongly flavoured cheddar cheese, grated.

Serves 4 Method

Melt the butter and oil in a pan, add the sugar and slowly cook the onions until they are caramelised and brown (around 20 minutes). Add flour and stir constantly to prevent sticking. Warm the stock and add it slowly. Bring to the boil and simmer for 20 minutes. Pour into bowls, sprinkle cheese on top and serve while piping hot.

February 2016

37

gastr

...for the lovers of local food and drink

A taste of France The people of Chichester, Dorking, Farnham and Guildford are very lucky. They all have a Côte restaurant; and lovely ones as well.

The newest is in Dorking and they invited me along. The setting follows the traditional theme of a Parisian bistro and it looks great. On my recent visit, the staff were all charming and attentive, which they always are in any Côte I have visited, which is quite a few for good reason.

That is because I think Côte is a terrifically good chain of restaurants.

I have never had a disappointing meal and when I have had minor issues, usually due to them being so busy, the staff have handled the situation not only very well, but also very discreetly and generously. It’s an impressive achievement.

Now to the food. The menu changes sparingly and seasonally, which does mean that most of my favourites are usually available. They also have a very reasonably priced pre-7pm menu during the week of two courses for £9.99 or three for £12.99 which really is a steal. Add in monthly specials and you should be spoilt for choice.

lovely duck rillettes and excellent smoked duck breast with grilled sourdough bread, and the King Prawn Gratinée in a lovely tomato and garlic sauce with croutons.

Other choices include excellent breaded Calamari (pictured) and traditional favourites like French Onion Soup. My only minor quibble (as a half-Frenchman) is that you have to pay for bread.

There are light mains and then a good choice of fish and meat dishes, including Breton chicken and of course very good steaks. From the ‘plats rapides’ menu you can have a minute steak and frites or my usual choice of ‘poulet grillé’, a lovely flattened and grilled chicken breast with a delicious creamy mushroom sauce, served with gratin potatoes.

I always have additional frites because they are always terrific. One of my bugbears is when frites are actually fat chips (which alas now happens in France); happily here they are the real deal. There are

other sides available, the braised peas are recommended but my French mum thought the French beans a little underdone. The braised red cabbage is excellent but only available from time to time sadly.

Puddings are not really my thing although I have been known to have the Coupe Noire (vanilla ice cream with warm dark chocolate sauce) which is lovely. My colleague Marcus however says the Crème Caramel is sensational and better than he has had even on his French travels.

Praise indeed! There are about eight more choices and of course cheese.

The wine list is fairly well chosen and suits most wallets, and the Breton cider is delicious. Two dessert wines and ports complete the picture and will end a satisfying meal.

I cannot really praise Côte more highly. It does what it does very very well and I always enjoy going there. Prices are realistic, the restaurants are pretty and buzzy, the food is lovely and the staff are excellent. I want one in Godalming.

Fingers crossed! Stefan Reynolds 63 South St, Chichester.

2-3 St Martins Mews, Dorking.

26 Lion and Lamb Way, Farnham.

35 Castle Street, Guildford. www.cote-restaurants.co.uk

Two of my favourite starters are the Charcuterie Platter, which includes

Cowdray news...

Dave Pegler is part of Cowdray Parks and Gardens department (although you will sometimes find him helping on the butchers counter at Cowdray Farm Shop).

He keeps bees on his small mixed orchard which is 10.9 miles away

from the Farm Shop. He leaves his bees plenty of honey over the winter and never feeds them sugar syrup unlike most bee keepers and does not heat or process his honey in any way meaning what is in his jar is delicious honey just as the bees make it!

Honey, lemon and ginger have medicinal qualities and when combined they relieve the symptoms of colds, sore throats and digestive problems. Add to hot water for a refreshing beverage that is perfect for relieving the stresses that this time of year puts on our bodies.

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

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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

42>

day. For more information contact Judith Harris Tel 01428 609996.

The Haslemere Players Tuesday 15th – Saturday 19th March Their next production is the multi-award-winning show, ‘Sister Act.’ This exhilarating show is bursting with joyous, upbeat songs and dazzling dance routines which are guaranteed to get your feet tapping and your hands clapping. It is on at Haslemere Hall, with a matinee performance on the Saturday. Sister Act tells the hilarious story of Deloris Van Cartier, an American nightclub singer and wannabe disco diva, whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a mob crime murder committed by her boyfriend. Under protective custody she is hidden in the one place the cops are sure she won’t be found, a Convent! Tickets on sale through Haslemere Hall www. haslemerehall.co.uk, tel: 01428 642161. The Haslemere Players are supporting the Breast Cancer charity ‘The MoonWalk’ with this production.

Haslemere Festival Saturday 23rd April The Haslemere Festival, supported by The Haslemere branch of The Royal Society of St. George, will be marking Her Majesty, the Queen’s 90th birthday in style on Saturday, 23rd April 2016 – which is also St. George’s Day. This historic occasion, honouring Britain’s longest serving Monarch, will be celebrated by local people of all ages with a grand Carnival Procession from Lion Green to the centre of Haslemere - followed by a giant Tea Party in the High Street and lots of fun. The Carnival Procession of floats (vehicular and pedestrian), vintage cars (roughly three per decade) and fancy dress walkers, will be divided into sections to represent the nine incredible decades of the Queen’s life and will assemble on Lion Green at 1pm – including the St. George’s float, complete with dragon, maiden and St. George. From there, everyone will proceed to the High Street where they will be judged by the Guest of Honour. If you and your friends or family, charity, business or organisation would like to enter the Carnival Procession and join in the Big Birthday celebrations, please contact Don Stacey, one of the organisers, on 01428 644423, email him at donstacey32@gmail.com or drop him an old-fashioned line to 25 Rosemary Court, Church Road, Haslemere, GU27 1BH. Don’t forget to let him know which decade you have chosen to represent – from the 1920’s up to the 2010s - and whether you will be travelling by car, float or walking. If you are entering by car, perhaps you could find a Queen Elizabeth ‘lookalike’ of the appropriate age for your chosen decade?

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Marie Curie Volunteers needed Having had personal experience, I can say that this is a wonderful organisation so please read on. Every February 2016

39

WALK - Harting Down Wildlife Walk One of the largest areas of ancient chalk downland in the National Trust’s care, Harting Down in West Sussex is a renowned nature reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest. This walk offers panoramic views over the Weald to the North Downs, before descending into secluded valleys of natural and historic interest. It is on grassy paths with several hills and rather steep ascents and descents. It can be muddy in places after wet weather and in winter. This walk is dog friendly and is reproduced courtesy of the National Trust.

The walk 1.Start in Harting Down National Trust car park, with a fantastic view across the flat plain of the Weald towards the Hog’s Back ridge and North Downs. Walk through a gate and cross Harting Hill.

2. Go over the undulating cross ridge dykes. These parallel mounds date back to the Iron Age, and may have been boundary markers or a checkpoint across the ridgeway.

The hillsides are strewn with countless yellow meadow anthills. The mounds retain heat from the sun which keeps the colonies warm. Strangely, the ants help care for the caterpillars of the common blue butterfly, in return for a sugary secretion that they produce. Lots of other invertebrates enjoy the downland including the Duke of Burgundy fritillary and grizzled skipper butterflies, blue carpenter bee and

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the rare cheese snail. On dark summer nights, take a look on Round Down for glow worms.

3. Follow the right-hand track up Round Down hill, keeping a hedge on your left. You’ll see a huge variety of plants here all year round. Just over the top of the hill, turn left and go through a gate, before walking down into the next valley. After another gate at the bottom, walk across to the base of Beacon Hill.

Catch a whiff of the fragrant black berries which grow on the female juniper bush and are used in gin-making; Harting Down is one of the best places to find them. In springtime, enjoy a buttery-yellow carpet of cowslips, often used to make potent local wine.

Birds-foot trefoil, with its yellow flowers, is food for the caterpillars of the common blue butterfly.

4. Here is the ridge of an Iron Age Hill Fort, probably created as an animal enclosure and symbol of status, rather than a defensive stronghold. Either climb up to the summit of Beacon Hill or turn right and skirt across its lower slopes.

5. If you do walk over the top, turn right at a crossroads of paths on the other side and skirt back round the lower slopes of Beacon Hill until you meet the short cut route again.

6. At a signpost turn away from Beacon Hill on a path down to a dew pond and a little hill, ‘Granny’s Bottom’, on your right.

If you are really lucky, you may see the rare sight of male adders ‘dancing’ (wrestling) for territory. However, there is more chance of seeing fallow deer bucks putting on a show in the October rut when they call loudly and lock antlers in attempt to secure access to the does. Also, listen for nightingales on summer afternoons and evenings.

7. Pass the pond and cross into a yew wood, known as the darkest place on the downs. It’s cold in here, even on a hot day! Yew trees are home to birds like wren, thrush and finch. vantagepointmag.co.uk

WALK SPONSORED BY

The dew pond in the valley bottom was recreated in the 1990s on the site of a 17th-century pond. There are several across Harting Down that originally used to supply water to grazing animals. Now they are inhabited by frogs, dragonflies and butterflies.

8. Climb up through the shade back onto Harting Hill. Follow the path until you emerge through an opening (not gate) on the right. Stay on a grassy path back to the car park.

Map ©Crown copyright 2016 Ordnance Survey.

Media 008/16

DISTANCE: 4 miles

REFRESHMENTS:

OS MAPS: Explorer 120 Chichester (or new OL8)

The White Hart Inn, South Harting T: 01730 825124 www.the-whitehart.co.uk

STARTING POINT: Harting Down NT car park. It is 5.5 miles (8.9km) south east of Petersfield and 1 mile (1.6km) south of South Harting, off the B2141.

Image: On Harting Downs. The South Downs Way climbing over rising ground on the escarpment above South Harting. © Copyright Chris Heaton

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.

February 2016

41

<39

JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

March, thousands of people take to the streets to collect donations for Marie Curie’s Great Daffodil Appeal. Marie Curie is calling for more volunteers to help them in 2016 by signing up to collect at one of the 100 collections across Surrey. Most shifts are for 2 hours and it’s a great thing to do with a friend or family member as most places allow two people to collect at a time, dogs are also welcome! The money raised will go to Marie Curie’s Nursing Service, providing hands on care and emotional support to people with any terminal illness in the comfort and privacy of their own homes. Marie Curie provides this care free of charge, allowing people to spend their final days at home surrounded by the people and things they love the most. It comes at a cost of £20 per hour to the charity. If you can help with collections please get in touch with Emily Akeroyd on 01883 832642, email emily. akeroyd@mariecurie.org.uk or visit www.mariecurie. org.uk/daffodil.

Ride London-Surrey 100 Sunday 31st July Oakleaf Enterprise is a great Guildford-based mental health charity and has a limited number of charity places called Golden Bonds for this special event. The 100 mile route offers a perfect, traffic-free ride for a range of cycling abilities. Everyone can enjoy a challenging day in the saddle pedalling through the roads of London and Surrey. There is a minimum fundraising target of

£600 + Gift Aid for a Golden Bond. Oakleaf will also offer tips and support in your training and fundraising, an invitation to ‘Super Supper’ where you will meet other participants and enjoy a delicious meal, a personalised Oakleaf cycling vest and support on the day! Register your interest at: www.oakleaf-enterprise.org/ridelondon.

For more information, email deeptiparmar@oakleafenterprise.org or call 01483 303649.

GUTS Motor Tour 2016 Sunday 4th September Advance notice of this year’s GUTS Motor Tour which raises money for Guildford Undetected Tumour Screening at the Royal Surrey County Hospital. Last year over 50 veteran, vintage and classic cars travelled in blazing sunshine from Passfield to the Weald & Downland Museum for a picnic lunch via Cowdray Park. They raised over £3,000 for the charity and everyone had a brilliant day. If you have a classic car and would like to take part in a most convivial day, please email gutsmotortour@ gmail.com to receive further details.

FIND OUT MORE

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

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We’ll Get Your Garden In Shape For Spring Al fresco dining in a sun-dappled garden may seem a distant dream during dull Winter months. But now’s the ideal time to consider transforming your garden so you can enjoy the full benefits Spring onwards.

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Here, the RHS award-winning designers share their top tips for getting your garden tip-top. Remember there are three key aspects to great garden design: • Scale - developing a scheme that suits the size of the garden • Character - matching the look of the garden with the house in terms of colours and style • Suitability - making sure the design caters for your needs Whether you are looking for cosy comfort or contemporary chic, you can have confidence in Boardman Gelly’s ability to bring your ideas to life.

From peaceful retreats, to areas of vibrant colour; elements for practical purpose to exciting playspaces... Recent projects have included tropical planting and a spa hot-tub; removal of large trees and installing garden storage; sunken trampolines and bespoke tree-houses; decking with a glass balustrade viewing gallery and a bee-keeping area with a hut.

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PROFILE South Downs Society The society exists to ensure this beautiful countryside, also a valued haven for wildlife, can be peacefully enjoyed by all. Previously known as the Sussex Downsmen, they have been conserving the landscape for over 90 years and have ambitious plans to do even more in the future. They are an entirely independent charity, not funded by the Government, and so the interest of their members is their priority, which is retaining the beauty of the Downs.

Based in Pulborough, every year they organise over 200 walks, strolls and bike rides in both Hampshire and Sussex as well as events, talks and focused workshops so do consider joining the South Downs Society.

The South Downs Society is the National Park Society for the South Downs, the only charity dedicated to protecting the whole of the National Park and its heritage.

They are guardians of this landscape; from Winchester and the steep hanger country of Hampshire, embracing the heaths of the Western Weald, across Sussex to Beachy Head.

At only £23 for the year as an individual or £32 for a couple, membership bought for yourself, or as a gift, will help to ensure the work of the Society continues and the Downs are protected for generations to come.

Why not consider a life membership option at £230 for one person or £320 for two? They have a growing local discount scheme for their members and the quarterly Society journal keeps all members up to date with South Downs issues and news.

Independent and member led, they were founded in 1923 as a response to a threat of housing development which would have stretched across the cliff tops of the famous Seven Sisters. They are as passionate today, as were their founders, that the South Downs should be available for the enjoyment of all as well as future generations.

Why not join them on one of their taster walks or strolls?

Shaped by nature and man over thousands of years, the National Park is a source of inspiration, recreation and relaxation for millions of people. However, the pressures faced by our countryside are greater than ever. Creeping urbanisation, road building, housing demand, mineral extractions and climate change all put a strain on land and threaten to ruin the beauty of our landscapes.

Thursday 25th February 10am-1pm: 6.75 miles Meet at public CP next to the Red Lion, Chalton PO8 0BG 120 / SU731160. Ditcham Park-Coulters Dean-Head Down Plantation-Newbarn Hanger. Pub: Red Lion at end.

The prime concern of the South Downs Society is the protection of the unique landscape and the cultural heritage of the South Downs National Park.

• They fight campaigns against inappropriate development and fund conservation projects • They take an active role in safeguarding and improving the rights of way network and extending areas of open access land across the National Park • They encourage the public to learn more about the National Park • As the National Park Society they watch over the activities of the National Park Authority as a challenging friend including suggesting things they might do to enhance the National Park.

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Saturday 20th February 10am-12.45pm: 6 miles Meet at Kidmore Lane CP, Denmead 119 / SU659121 Circular walk from Denmead via Hambledon and Wayfarers’ Walk. Can be muddy. Some stiles and one short, but steep hill (will be taken slowly). Tea room and pub at end.

Saturday 12th March 11am-1pm: Up to 4 miles Limited on-road parking along Westgate near Bushop Luffa School, Chichester PO19 3HR 120 / SU848047 Easy access stroll - Centurian Way. Return trip following the disused Chichester towards Lavant railway. Tarmac surface provides relatively easy and interesting walk into the countryside suitable for all including wheelchair and pushchair users, families and less mobile people. Distance dependent on needs of strollers.

Thursday 7th April 9.30am-4pm: 16 miles Meet at Cheesefoot Head CP 119 / SU529278 Hampage Farm, Itchen Stoke, Ovington, Tichbourne, Cheriton (Pub – The Flowerpots) Lane End, Longwood House.

FIND OUT MORE

Please visit www.southdownssociety.org.uk or call them on 01798 875073. vantagepointmag.co.uk

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WIN VIP TICKETS TO SEE SISTER ACT AT THE HASLEMERE HALL The Haslemere Players forthcoming March production of the multi-award-winning production is ‘SISTER ACT’. This exhilarating show positively bursts with joyous, upbeat songs and dazzling dance routines - guaranteed to get your feet tapping and your hands clapping. Sister Act runs from Tuesday 15th – Saturday 19th March at Haslemere Hall and The Haslemere Players are supporting the Breast Cancer “MoonWalk” with this production.

Sister Act tells the hilarious story of Deloris Van Cartier, (real name Doris Carter), an American nightclub singer and wannabe disco diva, whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a mob crime murder committed by her Gangland boyfriend, Curtis. Under protective police custody she is hidden in the one place the cops are sure she won’t be found – a convent! More at www.haslemerehall.co.uk or tel: 01428 642161.

To win two tickets to the VIP Civic Night Reception and Performance, on Wednesday 16th March, simply answer the following question: Q: What is Deloris Van Cartier’s real name?

Please enter online www.vantagepointmag.co.uk by 29thby February 2016. 2016.

Please please enter at online at www.vantagepointmag.co.uk 29th February

WIN TICKETS TO SHADOWLANDS AT THE YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE Starring acclaimed actor Stephen Boxer, William Nicholson’s stunning drama Shadowlands (Thursday 18th – Saturday 27th February) tells the love story of Oxford don C.S. Lewis and American poet Joy Davidman. A hit in the West End and on Broadway, this powerful play raises questions about religion, humanity and society through a gripping story of love, belief and pain.

Lewis is comfortable in his life at Oxford University, smug in his convictions about God and His plan for the world until his fan Joy and her young son enter his life and the bewildered theoretician of love in the abstract finally confronts its direct presence.

To win two tickets to see Shadowlands at 7.45pm on Monday 22nd February, please answer the following question.

Q: Which actor is playing in Shadowlands?

Please enter online at www.vantagepointmag.co.uk by 18th February 2016.

WIN A COPY OF THE NATIONAL GARDEN SCHEME’S YELLOW BOOK The so-called ‘bible’ of garden visiting and the key to secret gardens of England and Wales, Gardens To Visit 2016 (popularly known as The Yellow Book) is your essential guide to the thousands of gardens that open for the National Gardens Scheme. Since its foundation, the NGS has donated over £45 million to nominated beneficiaries.

With a new look for 2016 and full colour throughout, finding a garden to visit near you has never been easier. Look out for water gardens, sensory gardens, gardens offering accommodation and learn how to create your own patch. Published in February 2016, be one of the first to receive a copy!

To win one of five copies of The Yellow Book, please answer the following question: Q: How much has been raised by the NGS since it first started?

Please please enter online by at www.vantagepointmag.co.uk by 29th February 2016.

Please enter online at www.vantagepointmag.co.uk 29th February 2016.

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

Stylish retirement apartments exclusively for the over 60s in West Sussex

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80

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SO Concierge Club lounge Guest suite^ Landscaped gardens Car parking Lift Internet shopping service Weekly trips available* Intruder alarm

Morgan Court

Station Road, Petworth, West Sussex, GU28 0FE

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LD Typical living room

Typical master bedroom

Concierge Club lounge Guest suite^ Landscaped gardens Plenty of car parking available Lift Located moments from the main High Street Surrounded by a wealth of services

Turner House

St Margarets Way, Midhurst, West Sussex, GU29 9FU

Show complexes open Tuesday to Saturday, 10.30am - 5.00pm

To find out more or to make an appointment to visit, please call 0800 882 1952 or visit mccarthyandstone.co.uk *Charges may apply. ^Typically ÂŁ25 per night

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