VantagePoint March 17 - Haslemere, Midhurst & Petworth

|| vantagepointmag.co.uk

Haslemere, Midhurst & Petworth • March 2017

VANTAGEPOINT YO U R B E ST V IEW OF W H AT ’S GO ING O N LO C ALLY

|| WIN SOME GREAT PRIZES INCLUDING: SPARKLING OUTDOOR VINEYARD TRAIN TOUR

FIRST-TIME

CRUISING Inside: || PETWORTH COTTAGE MUSEUM || HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR HOLIDAY || LOCAL PRODUCERS AT VANTAGEPOINT WINE FESTIVALS

The local magazine produced by local people for the local community

Chestnut View CARE HOME

Welcoming you to a caring future Chestnut View is a well established care home in the heart of Haslemere, Surrey, providing affordable high quality Residential, Nursing and Nursing Dementia Care. 

A newly refurbished home with spacious, en-suite rooms and beautiful gardens



Friendly experienced staff that recognise and promote Individuality and dignity to all residents



Daily activities and outings



Nutritious freshly prepared home cooked meals

Come and talk to us if someone you love requires Residential, Nursing or Dementia Care, either short term or long term. We are here to help and answer any questions you may have.

Chestnut View Care Home, Lion Green, Haslemere, GU27 1LD Tel: 01428 652622 Email: enquiries@stcloudcare.co.uk Web: www.stcloudcare.co.uk

YOUR LOCAL MAGAZINE || Vantage Publishing Limited 9 Chestnut Suite, Guardian House, Borough Road, Godalming, Surrey GU7 2AE.

01428 770608 01730 770457 Editorial: 01483 421601 Sales:

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

We publish five magazines which are delivered monthly by Royal Mail to over 117,500 homes across the Hampshire, Surrey and West Sussex, giving us the largest local circulation in the areas we cover.

Each of our magazines is specifically localised and tailored to its geographical area and hand-delivered by your postman.

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

CONNECTSURREY

M e d i a supporter of:

Surrey and Sussex

|| YOUR LOCAL TEAM We have a focus on travel this month, something we all love to think about while we grimly endure the British winter. The travel market has changed with the advent of the internet and it is now very easy to find and book holidays without leaving your sofa. That is fine if you know what you want or are happy with an off-the-shelf package, but for those of us who prefer to do something a bit different or who want additional extras, you are better off talking to a specialist travel company.

Many people like the idea of certain trips, like river cruises or a luxury tour to India, but are unsure if the reality of the holiday will actually suit them. This again is where it is important to speak to someone in the

March 2017

know and find the exact package that will work for you or get a tailor-made trip made up for you to take in your requirements and wishes.

Stefan Reynolds Editor & Publisher

THE ONLY ROYAL MAIL DELIVERED

MAGAZINE PRODUCED by

LOCAL PEOPLE

for

THE LOCAL

COMMUNITY WWW.VANTAGEPOINTMAG.CO.UK

This is why we have teamed up with Travel Dream, an independent travel company based in Bramley, near Guildford and organised a travel fair on Saturday 1st April at the Wilfrid Noyce Centre in Godalming.

Running from 1pm to 4pm, we will have eleven tour operators there, with whom you can discuss options and opportunities and take advantage of some of the special offers they will have available. Please see page 9 for more information. We hope to see some of you there!

Contact the editor: stefan@vantagepublishing.co.uk

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

Lauren Broughton, Sales 01483 661088 / 07852 041227 lauren@vantagepublishing.co.uk

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

Jesse Boon, Sales 01483 418141 / 07542 710508 jesse@vantagepublishing.co.uk

To advertise, please call 01483 420173

Contributors: Andy Church, Olivia Chapman, Beth Otway Print: Buxton Press

3

|| CONTENTS The local magazine produced by local people for the local community

RUGMART Surrey’s Biggest Rug Shop www.rugmart.co.uk

14

25

6 Jottings

Your local community noticeboard

9 The Joy of Travel

Our first Travel Fair

14 First-Time Cruising Why, what, where and how?

21 The Big Debate

We talk to Surrey County Council

Visit us for a huge range of Modern, Contemporary & Bespoke rugs

25 Local Wines Four local producers appearing at our Wine Festivals 28 Local

Petworth Cottage Museum

32 Gardening

Slugs and snails

36 Recipes

The versatile potato

38 Fitness

Hand Woven Oriental Rugs Traditional & Antique Rugs Large and Over Size Rugs Persian & Afghan Rugs Handmade Tribal Kilims Hall Runners & Hearth Rugs

Keeping fit for the over 60s

40 Walk

43 Profile

Come and visit our showroom: 2-3 Woodbridge Road, Guildford GU1 4PU Be inspired by our treasure trove of rugs over 4 floors and 7000 sq ft!

01483 578874 4

A walk from Blackheath

Excelsis Chamber Choir

45 Business Cards

Small ads for trades and services

47 Competitions

Win one of three great prizes

VANTAGEPOINT YOUR B E S T V I E W OF W H AT ’S G OI N G ON L OC AL LY

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.

To advertise, please call 01483 420173

vantagepointmag.co.uk

EASTER 2017

Petworth

ART EXHIBITION & SCULPTURE TRAIL

This 17th century mansion inspired countless artists, including England’s greatest landscape painter JMW Turner. The finest collection of art and sculpture in the care of the National Trust is displayed in the state rooms. Outside, explore the 700 acre Capability Brown landscaped deer park.

at a

Priorsfield Road, Godalming, Surrey GU7 2RH

Saturday 1st to Sunday 16th April To be opened by Philip Jackson Open Daily from 10am - 4pm Admission FREE AppArtSurrey

Don’t miss the Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year 2016 Exhibition 25 March - 21 May nationtraltrust.org.uk/petworth

Further details from Evelyn Phillips AppArt Office

e: app.art2012@yahoo.com www.appartonline.co.uk

PetworthNT

Our specialist team of private client solicitors can help you with: Wills • Trusts • Powers of Attorney • Probate and Estate Administration • Estate and Inheritance Tax Planning

SOLICITORS & NOTARIES

FREE 40 MINUTE LEGAL ADVICE *

Please contact Victoria Evans for an appointment on 01483 411512 or v.evans@downslaw.co.uk *Places are limited and subject to availability – please mention Vantage Point.

The Tanners • 75 Meadrow • Godalming • Surrey • GU7 3HS • 01483 861848 • www.downslaw.co.uk

March 2017

To advertise, please call 01483 420173

5

|| JOTTINGS YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

JOTTINGS

8>

Jottings is your community noticeboard for local events and information, compiled this month by the editor, Stefan Reynolds. To feature here, please email us at jottings@vantagepublishing.co.uk by the copy date shown below. Please note that space is limited and inclusion cannot be guaranteed.

As I write this, Nick and Angie have escaped the frost and are sunning themselves in the Cape, the perfect antidote to an English winter. South Africa is a wonderful country, albeit one with its own very real challenges. I was fortunate to visit fairly often as my mother and late step-father spent their winters there for 25 years, and we still have family and friends there. As a tourist, it is pretty unbeatable – great value (once you have paid for the flight), exceptionally beautiful, with wonderful food and terrific wines. Talking of wines, don’t forget to come along to our VantagePoint Wine Festivals. South Africa will be well represented amongst more than 150 wines that will be available to try. More at www.vantagepointevents.co.uk.

Normal service resumes next month!

members are always welcome. For further information please telephone 01428 651956.

Bridge Afternoon Wednesday 1st March The charity Myaware (Myasthenia Gravis Association) is holding a Bridge Afternoon on Wednesday 1st March 2017 at Liphook Village Hall from 2pm-5pm. The cost is £30 per table which includes tea and there will be a raffle. To book a table contact Joan Finney 01428 776467.

Liphook Carers Group First Wednesday of the month They meet on the first Wednesday of every month at the Millennium Centre, Liphook between 10am-12 noon. It is a ‘drop-in’ so please feel free to come along for a chat with those who have had experience of being a carer. They offer a listening ear and ‘signposting’ to charities and local support services that might be able to help you in your caring role. There is no charge and they offer tea, coffee and biscuits and a warm welcome.

Grayshott Flower Club Wednesday 1st March 7.45pm ‘Funny Side of Life’ is the title of the demonstration Sue Aston will be presenting to Grayshott Flower Club on Wednesday 1st March at 7.45pm. The members competition is entitled ‘Burst Forth’. The Club meets at Grayshott Village Hall on the first Wednesday of the month with a programme of demonstrations, workshops and classes. Doors open at 7pm for refreshments, a sales table and raffle. All members are encouraged to attend the AGM which will take place in The Studio on Wednesday 5th April at 7.30pm followed by a social evening. Visitors and new

Aut-Haslemere From 1st March This is a social group for autistic adults aged 18 and over, run entirely by autistic adults. They meet fortnightly in the Haslemere area. It is an opportunity to meet other autistic adults, chat, socialise, and make new friends. During March they have meetings on Wednesday 1st, Monday 13th, and Tuesday 28th. Please get in touch if you would like more information about them, or to come to a meeting. Contact Laura on 07793 766494 or laura@autangel.org.uk . Or you can follow the facebook page at www.facebook.com/ authaslemere.

Grayshott Decorative and Fine Arts Society Thursday 2nd March 2pm In ‘An Ideal Partnership: Lutyens and Jekyll’, James Bolton will focus on the life and work of two famous local personalities. This will be an invaluable preliminary to our summer visit to Munstead Wood. On 29th March, for their Special Interest Day, Dr. Helen Rufus-Ward will explore ‘Other Worldly Byzantium: Holy Places, Sacred Art and Priceless Treasures’. Then, on 6th April, in what promises

HASLEMERE, MIDHURST & PETWORTH DELIVERED TO 22,729 LOCAL HOMES Like us on Facebook at Vantage Point Magazine

@VantageLocalMag

For more articles, please visit it us online at

www.vantagepointmag.co.uk Next Copy Date: 6th March 2017 6

To advertise, please call 01483 420173

vantagepointmag.co.uk

For your

10%

VantagePoint discount Quote Ref: HA5

<6 JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD to be an intriguing and even hilarious lecture, Hugh Willoughby’s topic is ‘Basingstoke and its contribution to World Culture’. For more information about these events and the society please contact Caroline on 01428 714276 or visit the website www.grayshottdfas.org.uk.

Les Amitiés Françaises Thursday 2nd March 7.30pm Their next lecture on the 2nd March by John Dixon will be about the Roman province of Provence and the splendid ruins people can still see today. It will focus on the Roman way of life and their admiration for this area and how their occupation has left traces in life today. Provence is one of the regions of France most loved by the British and this talk is bound to let people see it all in a new light thanks to its historical perspective. The meeting will be held in the Baptist Church Hall in Queen Street in Godalming. There is ample parking nearby. Doors will open at 7pm and the talk will begin at 7.30pm. For more information, contact 46johnpetty@gmail.com.

Women’s World Day Of Prayer Friday 3rd March On Friday 3rd March over 5,000 services will be held in the British Isles on the theme of ‘Am I Being Unfair to You?’ The Christian women of the Philippines wrote the service and it has been translated into 1,000 different languages and dialects, to be used, throughout the whole world, on Friday 3rd March, starting at sunrise over the island of

11>

Samoa and continuing until sunset off the coast of American Samoa. St Stephen’s, Shottermill is the venue in 2017 for the Haslemere area of Women’s World Day of Prayer, starting at 10.30am. All welcome, particularly anyone from the Philippines. For further information, please contact the secretary on 01428 605326.

The Lynchmere Society Saturday 4th March The Lynchmere Society’s last Volunteers’ Winter Work day is on Saturday 4th March. For details, telephone Judy Rous on 01428 723251. Only one day had to be cancelled due to torrential rain, and a great deal of work has been done towards the heathlands restoration. The Society still has a quantity of good meadow hay available in small bales. Call Richard Appleby on 01428 643086 or Judy Rous as above.

Floral Art and Photography Competition Saturday 4th March 10am-4pm National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies hosts this Surrey area show at Woking Leisure Centre, Woking Park, Kingfield Road, Woking GU22 9BA. Entry is £7, with flower arranging demos, refreshments, a raffle and ‘retail therapy’. Plenty of free parking for 3 hours. Supporting Home-Start. Full details at www.surreynafas.org.uk.

Liphook & District Ramblers From Sunday 5th March Liphook & District Ramblers would like to extend a warm

Refresh Your Tired Kitchen!

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

Now you can by just swapping the doors and worktops.

• Excellent reputation ..! before • Installed quickly and cleanly by kitchen our own local professional fitters • Huge choice of worktops, doors & appliances

EST.

1999 Visit our Showroom: 56 Westfield Road, Westfield, Woking GU22 9NG

www.dreamdoors.co.uk

Call NOW for a FREE estimate: 01483 8

378934

To advertise, please call 01483 420173

vantagepointmag.co.uk

The Joy of Travel

SATURDAY 1ST APRIL | 1PM TO 4PM | WILFRID NOYCE CENTRE, GODALMING

Most of us love to travel, so come along to our new travel fair in Godalming, where experts will share their personal knowledge of destinations around the world, together with a series of free workshops to help you plan your next holiday.

Travelling is a very personal experience and quite rightly you expect not only to get the best service for your money, but also to enjoy exploring exciting new places and meeting interesting people. Of course, you can put your trust in travel providers online or pop in to discuss your travel plans with a travel agent, but you need to be assured that not only are you being given sound advice â&#x20AC;&#x201C; you are also being advised by experts who have first-hand experience of traveling to the destinations you have in mind.

Award-winning independent travel specialist Travel Dream is based in Bramley near Guildford. Owners Jo Wishart and Pam Jackman have over 60 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; experience in the travel industry between them and know just how important it is to not only provide local knowledge of your destinations, but also to be able to discuss these with you in person to ensure that your aspirations are understood and matched in full.

With that in mind Jo and Pam, together with the VantagePoint Travel Club, have created their first travel fair in the Wilfrid Noyce Centre, Godalming on Saturday 1st April.

March 2017

Eleven travel companies will be exhibiting at the free event, enabling you to meet experts providing travel services to a wide range of destinations worldwide. Invited speakers from four well-known UK-based travel companies will also host workshops on the day.

As an added bonus, the travel experts will have special travel fair deals and discounts that will be publicised on the day and will be available for a limited time through Travel Dream after the event.

You will also enjoy a complimentary drink on arrival to the sounds of a live steel band, and could win something special in the travel fair prize draw!

So - what to expect? The event opens at 1pm and runs until 4pm. The following travel companies have experts running the free workshops.

1.30pm - Kirker Kirker Holidays are independent tour operators specialising exclusively in city and short breaks to Europe and North America. They have operated since 1986 and are renowned for providing a very personal tailor-made service which includes using only hotels they have visited and selected, arranging private transfers and tours, and running these to your own personal and well-researched itinerary.

To advertise, please call 01483 420173

9

2pm - Africa & Beyond Formed in 2007 by husband and wife team Richard Russell and Charlotte Howell, Africa & Beyond are an independent owner-run tour operator specialising in Africa, the Indian Ocean Islands and the Middle East. Influenced by his father who ran tour operations to Africa for 40 years, Richard specialises in arranging tailor-made safaris in East, Central and Southern Africa.

you already know where you want to go and what you want to do when you get there. Travel Dream are a fully-bonded independent travel agency giving you peace of mind with your bookings, and with their experience of working closely with specialist operators, including those you will meet on the day, you will be assured of the very best advice.

3pm - Insight Vacations Describing the service they offer as ‘the art of touring in style’ you can expect something special from Insight Vacations. They have been providing escorted touring itineraries to worldwide destinations for over 35 years, and are specialists in Europe where they visit 43 countries. They only use hand-picked hotels and expert tour directors to ensure the very best personal experience.

We look forward to welcoming you to The Travel Fair at The Wilfrid Noyce Centre on Saturday 1st April between 1pm and 4pm. The centre is located right next to Godalming’s main car park at Crown Court, The Burys, Godalming GU7 3PU.

3.30pm - Cox & Kings Describing themselves as ‘the world’s longest established travel company’ Cox & Kings, who have been established for over 250 years, not surprisingly have a lot of experience in providing holidays across all continents. They offer small group tours and private tailor-made holidays, and specialise in luxury holidays which range from the lavish to the adventurous, incorporating short breaks and round-the-world discoveries.

We launched the VantagePoint Travel Club last year to provide our readers with the opportunity to benefit from exclusive travel offers. As a community magazine, we are focused on providing news and information locally relevant in five separate editions for our readers across Dorking and Leatherhead, Godalming and Cranleigh, Farnham, Haslemere Midhurst and Guildford.

These and other travel specialists will also be exhibiting at the event, including Lusso, Caribtours, ITC, Tauck, Star Clippers, Prestige and a hotel representation company.

Our Travel Club brings together local independent travel specialists who can provide you with expert advice – and we will be highlighting our exclusive reader offers in association with these partners. We are initially working with Travel Dream and Go Cruise, your local cruise specialist based in Cranleigh.

Travel Dream’s owners Jo and Pam will be on hand at the travel fair to provide you with personal help, guiding you on everything from expert advice on how you could best plan your holiday if you still haven’t made up your mind, or in helping build an itinerary to your travel budget if 10

To advertise, please call 01483 420173

vantagepointmag.co.uk

<8 JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD welcome to anyone who would like to join them on one of the walks in the March programme. Sunday 5th sees an 8.5 mile walk taking in Rowlands Castle and West Marden.

Another popular route covers Blackdown (10 miles) on Sunday, 19th. The shorter (4-5 miles) Tuesday walks include Headley and Ludshott Common on 7th and Puttenham Common and Cutt Mill on the 28th. For full details and programme, see the website at http://liphookramblers. wordpress.com.

Indoor Car Boot Sunday 5th March 10am-1pm Indoor car boot sale at The Grange Centre, Midhurst, GU29 9HD. To book a table please ring reception on 03330 050398.

Haslemere String Competition Sunday 5th March 11am Haslemere String Competition is on Sunday 5th March at The Royal School, Farnham Lane, Haslemere from 11am6pm. Please come and support 12 extremely talented string players from all over the south east. Entry is £3 for adults and under 21 free. Tickets are available on the door.

West Sussex Decorative and Fine Arts Society Tuesday 7th March 2pm Caroline Shenton will give a talk entitled ‘The Day Parliament Burned Down’ - the story of the fire through contemporary depictions of the disaster by Turner, William Heath and

12>

others. This talk will be preceded by the Ploughman’s Lunch at 12.30pm. Tickets available from committee members or on the website. Meetings are held in Fittleworth Village Hall at 2pm. Doors open at 1.40pm. Tea and coffee will be served after the lecture. For membership details please contact Jackie Buckler on 01903 411086. Visitors are welcome for a fee of £5. www.westsussexdfas.org.

Midhurst Art Society Tuesday 7th March Their next demonstration is of Chinese brush painting by Maggie Cross. This will run from 7pm-9pm with a short break for tea and coffee. The demonstrations are held in Memorial Hall at the South Downs National Park Centre in North Street Midhurst. All welcome, free to members and £3 to non-members. Membership costs £20 per year.

The Thursday afternoon practical art sessions run at the Grange in Midhurst where people bring their own materials and enjoy a chat and a paint together. This is both a great way to meet other members and see what everyone does.

Their summer exhibition is a great show running for the first two weeks of August in Memorial Hall and has over 500 works exhibited or on sale. Members submit and sell work here and this is the highlight of our year. If you wish to join Midhust Art Society to meet new people, learn some practical tips on painting and go on coach trips to galleries in the summer time, do contact the membership secretary, Joanna Finch at joannafinch63@hotmail.com or phone 01798 815640.

Get a fresh look LIGHTING

VISIT OUR SHOWROOM FOR QUALITY DESIGNER LIGHTING Open 9:00am - 5:30pm Monday - Saturday Tel: 01420 590510 www.elsteadlighting.com Elstead Lighting Ltd, Elstead House, Mill Lane, Alton, Hampshire, GU34 2QJ

March 2017

To advertise, please call 01483 420173

11

<11

JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD Nymans Gardens Major new art commission for famous Sussex garden A unique contemporary art trail themed around the letters of the alphabet has opened to visitors at the National Trust’s grade II listed garden at Nymans in West Sussex.

The National Trust has commissioned renowned artist John Newling to respond to the themes of renewal and plant collecting in his major new work of contemporary art, which reflects on the fascinating stories behind the creation of this well-known Sussex garden. The artwork will see visitors follow an ‘alphabet trail’ taking them on a journey around the garden, exploring the language of its plant species and discovering the origin of each letter. Nymans was the country retreat for the Messel family who were pioneering horticulturalists that sponsored plant hunters. However, the family home burnt down in 1947 leaving behind a partially ruined house. The family, and those who managed the garden on their behalf, were undeterred by this tragedy, although a significant and rare collection of botanical books was lost. Instead they used it as an opportunity to create a garden of experimentation and creativity. Today it remains a place of constantly evolving plant designs and rare and unusual plant collections. More information at www. nationatrust.org.uk.

Miraculous Millinery at Haslemere Museum Tuesday 7th March 7pm-9.30 pm Join artist Diana Burch for a fun evening making outlandishly theatrical hats and headwear for the Museum’s new exciting

Lynn Lynn Henderson Henderson

Providing specialist Providinglegal specialist advice legaland advice support and support in all in family all family lawlaw matters: matters: • Divorce and • Divorce Separation and Separation • Children • Children • Financial • Remedies Financial Remedies

• Mediation • Mediation and Collaborative and Collaborative law law

• Domestic•Violence Domestic Violence

• Arbitration • Arbitration

If you are experiencing If you are experiencing matrimonial matrimonial and relationship and relationship problems problems then then we can support we can you support to explore you tooptions explore options and find andaffordable find affordable solutions. solutions.

Our aim is to Our help aimyou is tomove help you forward move forward and get and your get life yourback life back on on track. track.

Simon Simon Clark Clark

If we can help If we then can please help then contact please contact us for ausfree for ainitial free initial appointment. appointment.

THE WHITETHE HOUSE WHITE| HOUSE 2a Meadrow | 2a Meadrow | Godalming | Godalming | Surrey | Surrey | GU7 | GU7 3HN 3HN

01483 901060 01483 901060 www.hendersonsfamilylaw.co.uk www.hendersonsfamilylaw.co.ukinfo@hendersonsfamilylaw.co.uk info@hendersonsfamilylaw.co.uk 12

To advertise, please call 01483 420173

Vicky Vicky Hutcheson Hutcheson

vantagepointmag.co.uk

JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

18>

exhibition ‘Celebration Redesigned’ using a wide range of simple techniques and materials. A chance to get creative and let your imagination run wild! Cost: £12 includes glass of wine. Booking advisable. For more information, visit www. haslemeremuseum.co.uk.

Lodsworth and District Garden Club Tuesday 7th March Their first meeting of 2017 is ‘The Spring Awakening’ when Martin Duncan, Head Gardener, will talk on Arundel Castle gardens. Refreshments available from 7pm with the talk at 7.30 pm at Lodsworth Village Hall. This will be followed in April by a guided tour round the castle gardens with Martin, to include their Tulip Festival. For more information see the club’s website at www.ldgc.org.uk.

West Sussex Decorative and Fine Arts Society Tuesday 7th March and Tuesday 4th April Caroline Shenton will give a talk on Tuesday 7th March about ‘The Day Parliament Burned Down’ - the story of the fire through depictions of the disaster by Turner, William Heath and others. This talk will be preceded by the Ploughman’s Lunch at 12 noon. Tickets available from committee members or on the website. On Tuesday 4th April, Janusz Karczewski-Slowikowski will talk on ‘Are You Sitting Comfortably?’ - the history of the chair from ancient to modern times. Meetings are held in Fittleworth Village Hall at 2pm. Doors open at 1.40pm. Tea and coffee will be served after the lecture. For membership details please contact

AVAILABLE ON SELECT 2017 VOYAGES*

BOOK BY 31ST MARCH Book a select 2017 voyage and receive: 50% OFF THE CRUISE FARE OF THE SECOND GUEST, PLUS FREE INTERNET FOR ONE DEVICE when booking a Club Oceanview Stateroom or higher.

For guests booking a Club Interior Stateroom, 50% off the cruise fare of the second guest is also available, however excludes the free internet offer.

STAY

longer. EXPERIENCE more.

Olivia Chapman & Andy Church

01483 808 787

for your peace of mind 0944

ABTA No. J5035

oanda@gocruise.co.uk www.gocruise.co.uk/oandacruises

O&

AC

rui

ses

The LOCAL Independent Choice for ALL Your WINDOWS, DOORS & CONSERVATORIES Giving a Family Service Since 1992 to Our Private and Trade Customers

• PVCu - Timber - Aluminium Tel: 01483 894489 • Bespoke Conservatories www.bramleywindows.co.uk • Soffits & Fascias The Tannery, Tannery Lane, Gosden Common, • Guttering & Cladding Bramley, Guildford GU5 0AB • Highest Quality of Workmanship • Full 10 Year Insurance Backed Guarantee • Genuine Customer Care with a Relaxed Approach March 2017

To advertise, please call 01483 420173

13

First-Time Cruising Why, what, where and how?

Plenty of people know lots of friends and family who have cruised or are considering a cruise and think it might suit them too. But they then do some homework and are bewildered by the choice available. In this article, Andy Church and Olivia Chapman will help you decide if a cruise is for you, which cruise line you should consider, where you could go and how to start the process of making the leap into the exciting world of holidaying on water.

There are many cruise lines, all specialising in different areas of the market, with hundreds of cruise ships and a myriad of destinations. You might be a family looking for multiple activities for the kids, or a couple looking for small luxury ships. You might be looking to sail the oceans or take in the sights during a cruise down a river. Whatever you are thinking of, your starting point should be the same - the budget.

Once the budget is set, decide where you want to go and whether you want to fly to get to the port. Many cruises leave from and return to the UK, particularly during the summer months, meaning that you don’t have the hassle of flying if you don’t want it. Although your choices may be more limited, many would argue that the lower stress levels make it worthwhile. The list of cruise lines that do go from the UK include some of the largest and most popular – P&O, Cunard, Royal Caribbean, Fred Olsen, Cruise and Maritime, Silversea and Oceania amongst others.

This list covers a multitude of styles and suitability, from family friendly to super luxury.

With Celebrity and MSC starting cruises from the UK again in 2018, the choices available are becoming even wider.

As one might expect there are some limitations as to where most cruises sail from the UK ports. The majority cruise down to the Mediterranean, the Canaries or up into Scandinavia.

However, there are those that cross 14

the Atlantic to the US or the Caribbean.

Some return but for others you would need to take a one-way flight. There are many longer trips starting in the UK – going as far as Australia, the Far East, Africa, the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Islands.

Should you choose to fly, the options become almost endless. Most river cruises start with a flight, or maybe a train ride, and can take in the most popular of rivers such as the Danube, Seine, Rhine and Douro. Going further afield there are now many operators cruising in the Mekong, the Yangtze in China, and others in Burma and India. In the US, steamboat tours are becoming increasingly popular down the Mississippi.

Taking an ocean cruise you can go almost anywhere. The Arctic and Antarctic are increasingly popular, and are not just for the adventurous traveller. Some luxury ships are now sailing these routes, taking you to places where there are no other means of transport. The Galapagos Islands are a must-see and South America in general is on many people’s bucket lists.

Cuba is the hottest destination in 2017 and can be combined with cruises to the Caribbean or through the Panama Canal.

Asia is increasingly popular both for ocean and river cruises – with the ability to take in many different locations and experiences on one holiday.

And there lies one of the beauties of cruising, an advantage over a hotel or villa holiday, and that is the ability to wake up somewhere different every day without

To advertise, please call 01483 420173

vantagepointmag.co.uk

packing and unpacking.

One morning Singapore, the next Ho Chi Minh, and onto Hong Kong - you get the idea. The other great advantage of a cruise is that you wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just see these places from the water, you get to explore them as well. From organised tours to culinary excursions, to just disembarking and having a wander around, you get a chance to see, smell and taste so many different countries and cultures.

That is of course if you want to disembark.

For some, the whole point of a cruise is the ship itself, and these days many ships have become a destination in their own right. Some of the new resort ships have so many attractions that you could spend your entire holiday just experiencing those and never be bored. Some of the smaller luxury ships offer such amazing service that it can be difficult to drag yourself away. But most people decide on a combination of onboard and land-based activities to make the most of both the ship and the destinations.

For some the opportunity to experience these destinations is vital and often the cruise lines will have experts on hand to either give talks about the places you visit, or to actually lead the tours themselves.

For instance, if you go to the Arctic to photograph polar bears on the Norwegian cruise line Hurtigruten, there will be professional expedition photographers on board to help you get the best pictures.

So once the budget is set and the destination decided, the next decision is the cruise line and the ship itself. Each cruise line is different, offering different levels March 2017

There lies one of the beauties of cruising, an advantage over a hotel or villa holiday, and that is the ability to wake up somewhere different every day of experience and service. Your budget and preferred itinerary will partly determine which cruise line you choose but even then there will still be choices to make. Much will come down to whether you are a family, a couple or a solo traveller. These days the availability of options for the latter is very wide and the cruise companies have woken up to the fact that it is a growing market and are incorporating more single rooms on the newer ships, or are offering good deals for the solo traveller occupying a twin/double cabin.

Each cruise line has its own identity, and that is often the defining selling point between two similar cruises. For the first-time cruiser this is something that you wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really know, which is why an independent cruise specialist is your first port of call. Someone who knows the cruise lines and the ships is in a great position to help you with finding the best cruise to meet your needs at the most competitive price.

What other decisions do you need to make? River versus ocean cruising. For many this will be the easiest decision

To advertise, please call 01483 420173

15

as they are very different holidays.

River cruising is in general much more intimate, with the ships taking between 100 and 200 guests, whereas the newest oceangoing resort ships can carry over 5000 guests. Few of the river vessels cater for children, although some clients who have taken (usually older) children have said that they have loved seeing the world pass slowly by and the opportunity to learn about so many interesting ports of call.

If you want things to do, then a larger ship is for you.

To add to the confusion, there are the ever more popular large sailing ships or clippers. These take anywhere between 150 and 250 guests and, whilst there is little to do apart from soak up the sun and scenery and eat, you can get involved in the actual sailing if you want to. The beauty of such small ships is their ability to go where the larger ships can’t. This means they can drop anchor in some stunning, and often deserted, bays.

You might think that once you’ve decided on your destination and ship that’s everything taken care of, but you’d be wrong. Picking your cabin can be just as daunting, particularly on the largest ships, where the choices can be staggering. Inside cabins are the cheapest and can represent tremendous value whilst still being spacious.

On some newer ships these cabins offer a ‘virtual’ window or balcony and many will show the view from the front of the ship on the cabin TV. There are outside cabins with portholes or windows, balcony cabins and sometimes family cabins or suites. Once you get into the suite market, then both the size and price can rise exponentially. Families might want one cabin offering a double or twin beds with additional beds that come down from the ceiling or even a sofa bed. On the other hand, two connecting cabins might make more sense.

There are also choices to be made with food and drink.

Food is included in all cruises and there’s lots of it. You won’t starve and you don’t have to spend any more money. If 16

you’ve got teenagers, the endless supply of ‘free’ food will be irresistible. There is usually a main restaurant and a buffet restaurant, and generally the quality is excellent. Many ships offer other options, such as speciality restaurants, and whilst these can carry an extra charge, in some cases everything is included. This applies to soft drinks and alcohol. Currently there are many offers whereby drinks are included in the price, and this can offer amazing value. On an increasing number of cruise lines you are able to choose daily when you eat in the evening, but some still have set dining times.

And then there’s the entertainment, from West End shows to magicians to the circus, and from rock bands to jazz to solo performers. On many ships, you know before you travel which shows are going to be performed, whether the Strictly Come Dancing stars will be performing, or if a celebrity chef will be taking cooking classes.

There is so much choice and so many options, but hopefully this has helped with your decision making.

The most important thing is not to be put off by the amount of choice.

If you haven’t cruised before then there is a whole incredible world waiting for you and some oncein-a-lifetime experiences to be had.

Call your local cruise specialist if you need help because that’s what we do. Take the plunge and start planning you first cruise today.

FIND OUT MORE Andy and Olivia run GoCruise, your local cruise specialists. T: 01483 808787 E: achurch@gocruise.co.uk www.gocruise.co.uk

To advertise, please call 01483 420173

vantagepointmag.co.uk

<13

JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD Jackie Buckler on 01903 411086. Visitors are welcome for a fee of £5. www.radian.co.uk/life-link

01730 236900

A personal alarm to help you live safely and independently 24 hours a day

Fernhurst Centre Social Media Courses From Tuesday 8th March Are you confused about Social Media? Social media is a phrase that we throw around a lot these days, often to describe what we post on sites and apps like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and others. The Fernhurst Centre is offering three sessions to unravel the mystery – Facebook on Tuesday 8th March, Twitter on Tuesday on 25th April and Instagram on Tuesday 2nd May. The sessions are £12 each and all from 10am-12 noon. Or maybe you are struggling with your smart phone? Smart phones are very easy to use but only if you know how. The Fernhurst Centre runs straightforward courses on how to use and get the best out of your Android smart phone. Course consists of two 2 hour sessions at a total cost of £24 and the next one will be on Monday 3rd and 10th April 2.30pm-4.30pm. There’s lots more on offer at the Fernhurst Centre. Check out our website www.fernhurstcentre.org.uk and download a leaflet or email them on ferncent@gmail.com. Places must be booked in advance either on 01428 641931 or email as above. Free parking at the rear of the Centre.

Liphook Over 60s Wednesday 8th and 22nd March Liphook Over 60s is looking for more members to join them at their fortnightly Wednesday meetings at 2.30pm in the

Leading the way in providing an AFFORDABLE PROFESSIONAL service

Westminster Wills Tax & Estate Planning If you are over 65 it will only cost you £75* to make or update your Will.

We are also Lasting Power of Attorney Specialists - only £85* each LPA if instructed during the Will appointment.

FREE home visits, so no travelling!

Call us now for a no obligation chat on: 01428 769281 www.westminster-wills.co.uk email: info@westminster-wills.co.uk Westminster Wills, Hindhead, Surrey, GU26 6UG

*OUR PRICES INCLUDE VAT. These very special rates are only available if you are over 65 years old.

Our normal low price for a standard single Will is £125, £195 for two.

18

Mag half page landscape Roundabout 180815.indd 1

To advertise, please call 01483 420173

18/08/2015 09:53:47

vantagepointmag.co.uk

Bespoke Woodcraft_Layout JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD 1

Village Hall in Headley Road. They have a varied programme of speakers and entertainment. Meetings for March are the 8th and the 22nd. For more information contact Sue Knight on 01428 723502.

Godalming and Haslemere Ramblers Godalming and Haslemere Ramblers have a full programme of walks for March, taking in a wide area from the North Downs to the South Downs. Most of the walks are in the 5 to 12 mile range. Generally the longer walks are on Wednesdays, often with a pub lunch break, while shorter ones are on Thursday and Sunday mornings. New members are always welcome, so why not come along and try a couple of walks before you join? The group now has a Facebook page, and further details of the forthcoming walks are on their website at www.gandhramblers.org.uk.

14/11/2012 17:43 Page 20>1

Bespoke Woodcraft We are a local joinery that commits to making all your indoor/outdoor wood projects to the highest quality standard

Local Artists’ Exhibition Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th March There is a Local Artists’ Exhibition in Iping Church near Midhurst, GU29 0PF on 11th and 12th March. 10am till 4pm each day. Enquiries to Vanessa on 01730 817547. Tea and coffee served all day. Entrance fee £1.

Haslemere Natural History Society Saturday 11th March 2.15pm Presents ‘The Birding Bucket List’ at Haslemere Educational Museum. Keith Betton, Vice-President of the British Trust for Ornithology and County Bird Recorder for Hampshire,

tel: 07763329641 or 01428 643316 bespokewoodcraft@yahoo.co.uk www.bespokewoodcraft.co.uk

Liphook Eyecare Here at Liphook Eyecare we aim to provide the best customer care and professional treatment for all of your optical needs.

We do a variety of branded lenses throughout our single vision, bifocal and varifocal ranges. We also have an OCT machine which can help detect any early symptoms of most eye diseases including Glaucoma and Macular Degeneration.

Our staff will make sure that you are happy with your experience at Liphook Eye Care and go that extra mile to make sure all of your requirements are met to the best of our ability.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

ADVERTORIAL March 2017

Contact Lenses | Varifocal Lenses| Sunglasses | Rimless Glasses Your friendly local independent opticians

BOOK YOUR EYE EXAM TODAY Always providing professional expert care for you

Now stocking Maui Jim Sunglasses!

31 Station Road, Liphook, GU30 7DW Tel: 01428 725158 Web: www.liphook-eyecare.com

£40 OFF FRAMES OVER £149 WITH THIS VOUCHER OFFER VALID UNTIL 31/07/2017

Terms and Conditions: Offer in voucher cannot be used in conjuncion with any other offers*. Voucher must be presented in order to receive discount. Voucher cannot be used more than once by one person.

To advertise, please call 01483 420173

19

<19 JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD has seen almost 8,000 species of birds around the world in over 100 countries – something that only a few people have managed to achieve. So he is well-placed to select 20 of the best destinations to whet our appetite for some outstanding birdwatching opportunities. Non-members are welcome but are invited to contribute £4. www. haslemerenaturalhistorysociety.org.uk, email: info@ haslemerenaturalhistorysociety.org.uk.

Concert and Curry Saturday 11th March 7.30pm The next Concert and Curry night will be on Saturday 11th March at 7.30pm. Waverley Ensemble will present to you a wonderful evening of music by Vivaldi at St Christopher’s Church, Haslemere. For more information and to book tickets please visit our website www.ishanibhoola.com or call 07834 275879.

Local Artists’ Exhibition Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th March 10am-4pm There’s an1 exhibition of local art, Page including d_Jan17:Layout 05/01/2017 10:07 1 water colours, oils, pottery, rugs and sculpture in Iping Church, near Midhurst, GU29 0PF. Tea and Coffee available all day and the entrance fee is just £1. Go along and meet the artists in an informal atmosphere. Enquiries to Vanessa on 01730 817547.

Anniversary Celebration at Haslemere Methodist Church Saturday 11th March and Sunday 12th March

24>

Over the weekend, the church at Lion Green, Weyhill, GU27 1LD is celebrating its 45th Anniversary. The Worthing Silver Band will present a taste of ‘Sussex by the Sea’ in a concert of music to suit all tastes that starts at 7.30pm on 11th March. Tickets at £12 include coffee, biscuits and programme and are available now from the church during its open door Coffee Mornings from 10am to 12 noon on Tues, Wed, Fri and Sat. You can also book through malcolmstravel@hotmail.co.uk or 01428 481346. Proceeds will support church development with 10% being donated to Action for Children. Then, at 10am on Sunday 12th March, you are invited to share the Anniversary Service of Thanksgiving and Celebration.

Fernhurst Films Saturday 11th March Fernhurst Films is screening the African film ‘Queen of Katwe’ in the Village Hall. Based on a book called The Queen of Katwe: A Story of Life, Chess, and One Extraordinary Girl’s Dream of Becoming a Grandmaster.

It’s a true story beautifully told about a naturally-gifted teenager growing up in an impoverished area of Kampala, Uganda whose life is transformed after she is introduced to chess. Uplifting, engaging and full of life, colour and humanity. Duration: 2 hrs 4 minutes. Rated PG-13. Tickets are available in advance from Fernhurst Post Office or on the door on the night. For trailers: www.fernhurst.net/ films/index.

FAMILY LAW SERVICES • • • •

Divorce • Civil Partnership Dissolution Children-related issues • Matrimonial Finances Co-habitation Agreements/Issues Pre and Post Nuptial Agreements

FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION* Please contact Sarah Hodges for an appointment on 01483 411503 or s.hodges@downslaw.co.uk

20

To advertise, please call 01483 420173

vantagepointmag.co.uk

THE BIG DEBATE ||

Surrey County Council and the Council Tax Stefan Reynolds, editor of VantagePoint, talks to Peter Martin, deputy leader of Surrey County Council, about council tax in 2017/18.

Surrey County Council had been set to propose a council tax increase of 15%, which would have triggered a referendum. However, at a meeting of the Full Council on 7th February, Leader David Hodge made a new recommendation of a 4.99% rise which was approved by councillors, meaning a referendum will not now be held.

Q: Why did the county council decide not to go ahead with the 15% council tax increase?

A: The government has listened and we believe they understand the funding challenges we’re facing, including in adult social care and the need to find a long-term solution. It is clear Surrey is an extreme example of how increasing demand for social care affects local communities and the health service. The government has agreed with us that the system for funding all councils is flawed and in need of overhauling and has recognised that it penalises efficient councils like Surrey. The government’s thinking is that a refreshed system based on councils retaining business rates will be the cornerstone for a fairer funding system for local government.

We are willing to take a risk that a solution will soon be found to the issues we face.

County Hall in Kingston March 2017

Q: What does that mean for the council taxpayer?

A: The county council has approved an increase of 4.99 per cent in Council Tax for 2017/18 which includes the three per cent adult social care precept that the government is allowing this year. The precept can only be spent on adult social care services.

Q: Why didn’t you propose a 4.99% rise in the first place?

A: We took the unprecedented step of proposing a 15% rise because we care passionately about our communities and want to make sure those in most need of our help get the support they need. As a Conservative politician it’s counterintuitive to propose raising taxation. But I am also acutely aware of the need to maintain our vital services – the protection of vulnerable children, the care and support of the elderly, looking after the needs of those with learning difficulties.

Q: What had become such a problem for Surrey?

A: The government has cut our main annual grant by £170 million since 2010 even though demand for our adult social care, learning disabilities support and children’s service is increasing every year. In the same time period we have made lots of efficiency savings and now do things in a more cost-effective way. Those efficiencies over the last 6 years now equate to a saving worth £450 million per year.

Unfortunately rising demand and greater cost pressures have accounted for these savings. We believe that Surrey is unfairly impacted by many government grant reductions at the moment, which then provides many challenges.

We are engaged with the government through the Fairer

To advertise, please call 01483 420173

21

|| THE BIG DEBATE Funding Review, which is examining what needs to happen to ensure local government services can be put on a stable footing in the future. The government acknowledges that Surrey County Council is an efficient council that has driven down costs. Surrey has also had independent verification by external accountants that our budgetary pressures are real.

Q: Can you provide any examples of the challenges?

A: We spend some £169 million a year on helping 3,765 adults in Surrey with learning disabilities. The government has recognised this with a grant of £70 million, but in 2017/18 is reducing this by £32 million - that reduction is the equivalent of an additional 5% rise in Council Tax. The service demand is the same or greater but the funding is cut.

We are all trying to bring together health and social care.

A significant contribution by government to this is through something called the Better Care Fund. The new round of funding for this is worth £1.5 billion nationally and we

would expect our share on a needs basis to be £25 million a year – the equivalent of 4% in Council Tax by 2019/20. Surrey will actually receive zero in 2017/18, zero in 2018/19 and £1.5 million in 2019/20.

Rising demand alone for adult social care is costing an additional £24 million a year.

Our funding gap for providing special educational needs and disabilities support for children is also expected to be more than £20 million a year by 2020. With a rising birth rate and more children we need to create 11,000 more school places over the next 5 years to ensure that every child has a school place to take up. That’s on top of creating 13,000 school places over the last 6 years.

The government clearly understands the difficulties facing adult social care services and is increasingly committed to resolving them, which will help our position in Surrey.

This interview took place in February 2017.

For up-to-date news about this matter, please visit www.surreycc.gov.uk.

VantagePoint Travel Club and Travel Dream Luxury Holidays presents

The Travel Fair Saturday 1st April 2017 from 1pm to 4pm

Come and be inspired by our lovely suppliers for your next luxury holiday with a chance to go into our prize draw for some wonderful prizes.

• Free Entry • Live steel band perfomance • Complimentary drinks on arrival • Twelve exhibiting travel companies • Prize draw Travel presentations from the following: Kirker - 1.30pm | Africa & Beyond - 2pm | Insight Vacations - 3pm | Cox & Kings - 3.30pm Venue: Wilfrid Noyce Centre, Crown Court, The Burys, Godalming, GU7 1DY

For more information or to book a time slot, contact Travel Dream on 01483 865 970 or email holidays@traveldream.co.uk

22

To advertise, please call 01483 420173

vantagepointmag.co.uk

Ten good reasons to take another look at your Will 1. Will disputes are increasing. Is your Will professionally drafted? If not your family may find that disputes devour their inheritance.

2. The law relating to Inheritance Tax has changed. Lack of professional advice can cost the family a great deal.

3. It is essential to protect minor children.

Otherwise if disaster strikes they will go into Local Authority Care.

4. Have family needs changed? Is any beneficiary in receipt of State Benefits? An outright inheritance could be disastrous for that person.

Do you have Lasting powers of Attorney ?

Lasting Powers of Attorney are probably the best insurance you can have.

If you are unable to act owing to illness or accident and do not have LPAs in place: • Even a joint bank account is frozen.

• None of your savings or investments can be accessed.

• The Local Authority may make decisions concerning your residence.

5. Have you married since the date of your Will?

If so your Will is invalid.

If you appoint attorneys under an LPA:  They can act for your benefit.  They can pay your bills.  They can consult with doctors.  They can make decisions relating to where you live.

6. If you have a blended family there are potential conflicting interests.

These are important powers which are given to those you trust to protect you.

7.Do you now run your own business?

We should all have LPA s in place.

8.Have you Divorced since the date of your Will?

Shaws Wills 3 We use plain English.

3 We advise fixed fees in advance.

3 We listen to you and what you want to achieve.

3 We suggest the best ways to safeguard you, your assets, and your family.

3 We give free inheritance tax advice.

9. Is your old Will simply out of date? Perhaps your executors are too elderly or deceased and family needs have changed.

10. Have you considered how Care Fees could eat into your estate?

Please phone Susan Shaw now on 01428 712856.

Susan Shaw LL.M 01428 712856 www.shawswills.com

Member of The Surrey Law Society and the Institute of Professional Will Writers.

Associate of STEP The Society of Trusts and Estate Practitioners.

<20 JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD Liss Archaeology From 11th March Liss Archaeology members, who live all over the area, are about to spring into the fieldwork season! On weekends of 11th/12th and 18th/19th March, they will be doing geophysical surveys on a pasture near Petersfield to see what lies beneath as part of an ongoing investigation into the past life of Stroud village. Why not join them and have a go? From April 28th to May 22nd the eighth season of excavations uncovering the Romano-British near Colemore Spring Dig. From 18 to 85, members don’t have to get down and dirty to take part. As well as digging, there are finds to process, children to educate, chatting to do and much, much more. All abilities from novice to very experienced.

Full training offered. Why not join your friendly local group and come along. Archaeology, the friendly, local group from Hants, Surrey and W Sussex, welcomes new members.

Contact lissarchaeology@gmail.com. Further information at www.lissarchaeologygroup.weebly.com.

RHS Wisley Various dates from 12th March World of Alpines is on 12th March, 10am-4pm: See displays of flowering alpines and bulbs. Meet the experts and pick up expert advice. Plus browse and buy from fantastic range of alpine plants. The Orchid Society of Great Britain Spring Show is on 18th March, 11am-4pm: Discover fabulous displays of orchids, learn about how to care for your orchid and visit our Helpdesk who will help you bring your orchid Bourne Buildings May 14_Layout 1 11/05/2015 14:51 Page 1

Bourne Buildings *** PICTURES SHOW ONLY A FEW EXAMPLES FROM OUR VAST RANGE ***

Greenhouses

8x6

10x8

ONLY £229

ONLY £469

Sheds

6x4 FEATHEREDGE

8x6 SHIPLAP

ONLY £229

ONLY £399

27>

back to life. The perfect place to get expert advice and buy from a range of top exhibitors. Orchids in the Glasshouse is from 18th March to23 April. The National Vegetable Society Show takes place on 19th March, 10am-4pm: Specialist talks, propagation and plant care demonstrations and plants and seeds for sale. Expert growing publications for sale including the new ‘Getting started Cooking with Vegetables’.

From the 24th-26th March is the Spring Plant Fair: Kick start your gardening year at Wisley’s Spring Plant Fair. Pick up quality spring plants from specialist growers and nurseries.

From 25th to 26th March is the Bonsai Suiseki Show: This specialist show will include plant and bonsai equipment sales, displays and care information aimed at beginners through to experienced growers. Bonsai experts will be on hand for advice and a friendly chat. Sutton Bonsai’s Suiseki competition will showcase the timeless beautiful craft of suiseki bonsai. The Wisley Plant Centre will also host their re-potting and styling and advice service. Visitors should bring their bonsai trees to The Plant Centre by 11am on either 25th or 26th March, from £5 per tree. Finally, on 28th and 29th March is the Early Daffodil Competition, Glasshouse Gallery: Celebrate the first daffodils of spring with the chance to admire these miniature treasures close up More at www.rhs.org.uk/wisley.

Haslemere U3A Monday 13th March 2pm Their next meeting presents ‘Sea Sick in the Sinai’ - a talk

by Ann Chance. Having visited the Sinai Desert once before, THE LARGEST SHOWSITE IN THE UK OVER 200 BUILDINGS, 5000 STONE ORNAMENTS & 100 FURNITURE SETS ON DISPLAY

Playhouses

5x5 1-storey

7x5 or 8x6 2-storey

ONLY £329

ONLY £649

Summerhouses

***STOCK ITEMS***

INC. LOCAL DELIVERY & VAT

INC. LOCAL DELIVERY & VAT

WIDE RANGE & GREAT DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE

OVER 40 ON SHOW

OVER 60 ON SHOW

OVER 35 ON SHOW

OVER 70 ON SHOW

WHERE GREAT SHEDS ARE BOURNE Garden Offices

Garages

Stone Ornaments

Garden Furniture

OVER 20 ON SHOW

OVER 10 ON SHOW

OVER 5000 ON DISPLAY

OVER 100 SETS ON DISPLAY

OPENING HOURS 9.30am – 5:00pm Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday

**WE ARE CLOSED ON TUESDAYS & WEDNESDAYS (ALL YEAR ROUND)**

24

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

To advertise, please call 01483 420173

vantagepointmag.co.uk

Local Wines

Surrey and Sussex now host some of the finest wine producers in the country. Our climate and terroir are such that we are now producing world-class sparkling and still wines. Here we profile four local producers, all of whom will be attending the VantagePoint Wine Festivals, which start next month.

Albury Vineyard Albury Vineyard produces the highest quality still and sparkling wines from organic grapes grown in the Surrey Hills. Only 20,000 bottles of wine are produced each year from just 12 acres of vines.

Albury is family business run by Nick and his daughter Lucy. Their talented Italian vineyard manager Alex is one of the best, and together they share a passion for organics, quality produce and excellent wine.

Famed for its Silent Pool Rosé, which was served on the Royal Barge to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee, Albury can now be found on the wine lists of top restaurants including Raymond Blanc’s Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons and Tom Kerridge’s Hand and Flowers.

In 2016, Albury was voted ‘Producer of the Year’ in the Surrey Life Food and Drink Awards, although the vineyard remains a hidden gem nestled alongside the Silent Pool.

English sparklings are now competing head-on with the best Champagnes, and Albury has won several gold and silver international awards.

The vineyard is open on Saturdays for tastings and tours run between May and September. Albury aims to make wine tasting a fun and informal experience and everyone is welcome at www.alburyvineyard.com the vineyard, even if you have children info@alburyvineyard.com or dogs in tow, and muddy boots!

07768 863650

Blackdown Ridge Nestled in the South Downs National Park, this family run vineyard benefits from a south-easterly exposure on gentle sloping hillsides.

Here we have planted vines to create fine English wines, taking advantage of the superb location and conditions.

The wines of Blackdown Ridge Estate are the result of the vision of owner, Professor Martin Cook, who has lived on the estate for 20 years. The first vines were planted in 2010.

These have been used to create our wonderful classic cuvee sparkling wine, first released in 2015.

The grapes planted for our range of still wines include the aromatic Bacchus for our single varietal English white wine, as well as Triomphe d’Alsace for our stunning red wine, and, more recently, Sauvignon Blanc, ready for first harvest this year.

The soil of the Sussex Weald shares much with the terroir of the Champagne region of France, and this influenced our plantings of the classic sparkling wine varietals: Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay.

Each vintage allows us to learn and improve, so much so that we now enter international competitions in order to measure ourselves against the very best. We are very proud of what we have achieved in so little time, but www.blackdownridge.co.uk we’re also continually aiming to exceed admin@blackdownridge.co.uk 01428 656003 expectations.

March 2017

To advertise, please call 01483 420173

25

Greyfriars Vineyard Greyfriars Vineyard is situated on the south facing slopes of the Hog’s Back at Puttenham, just outside Guildford ,and was originally planted in 1989 as an ‘eccentric experiment’.

Since taking over in late 2010, the current owners Mike and Hilary Wagstaff, have expanded Greyfriars to become a boutique producer of English Sparkling Wines, with almost 50 acres under vine on three sites in the Surrey Hills.

At Greyfriars, we do everything from grape to glass. Since 2010 we have built a brand new state of the art www.greyfriarsvineyard.co.uk winery and have recently completed info@greyfriarsvineyardco.uk digging an underground chalk cellar 01483 813712 with the capacity to store a quarter

of a million bottles for aging our wine before release. By the time Greyfriars reaches peak production in 2020, it will have the capacity to produce about 100,000 bottles of wine a year.

The chalk geology of the North Downs is perfectly suited to growing the three Champagne grape varieties and Greyfriars’ sparkling wine reflects the unique local geology, history and climate.

Since releasing our first wines in late 2013 our wines have won a number of prizes in prestigious international competitions.

Greyfriars now produces a range of sparkling wine and limited quantities of still wine.

Jenkyn Place Jenkyn Place is the brainchild of property investor and entrepreneur Simon Bladon. Originally from Yorkshire, Simon and his wife, Rebecca, moved to Jenkyn Place in Hampshire in 1997 and, after extensive renovations, turned their thoughts to the abandoned hop fields next to the property.

Simon, who loves a good challenge, decided to plant his first vines – Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier (classic Champagne varieties), in 2004. He planted more vines in 2007 and 2010 and has now reached full capacity in the vineyards.

www.jenkynplace.com Jenkyn Place wines are sold in the camilla@jenkynplace.com UK and abroad and have received 01420 481580 numerous international awards and

accolades, with praise from some of the world’s top wine critics. Most recently their Brut Cuvée 2010 won a coveted Gold Medal in the Sommelier Wine Awards 2016.

The award-winning wines are made in the traditional Champagne method from classic grape varieties and spend around four years on the lees before being released to the public. It has been proved that exceptional wines - loaded with mouth-filling fruit - are consistently achievable. But they require time and patience to produce, often requiring this maturation after harvest to truly come into their own. This commitment to the long-aging of their wines to realise this potential is reflected in the final product.

The VantagePoint Wine Festivals will take place in Farnham in April, Guildford in May and Dorking in September. Each will showcase over 120 international wines including champagnes and VANTAGEPOINT EVENTS premium wines, alongside wine experts and producers. In addition, there will also be music, WINE FESTIVAL www.vantagepointevents.co.uk entertainment, concessions, food, money off wine vouchers and more. Each festival will also host a blind wine tasting and raffle which will support two local charities in those areas. For more information, please visit www.vantagepointevents.co.uk.

26

To advertise, please call 01483 420173

vantagepointmag.co.uk

<24 JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD just for a day, Ann decided that she wanted to experience more. So she booked a week to stay with the Bedouin in the Sinai to share at first hand their way of life. To say that this was an eye opener is putting it mildly! Ann’s talk is not only interesting but, in places, extremely funny, as she shares her experience of living and sleeping in the open. Admission £1.

Non-members welcome. Membership enquiries to Margaret Mowatt on 01428 652338, meeting enquiries to Don Stacey on 01428 644423 or visit www.haslemere-u3a.org.uk.

Liphook U3A Monday 13th March They have proposed new special interest group called Building a Model Railway 2017, led by Tony Bettger a local veteran railway modeller. The group will follow Tony in 12 monthly sessions, as he builds a new small model railway layout. Tony has run U3A groups on model railways previously, but this is with an entirely new format and content. The group is aimed at those seeking a new hobby for retirement; those returning to the hobby after many years; or those contemplating building a layout for a grandchild. The intention is for the layout, when completed, to be exhibited at local/regional exhibitions in aid of the charity ‘Railway Children. The group will be launched at the Liphook U3A Open Day on Monday 13th March, at Liphook Millennium Hall, where it will join around 40 established groups presenting their interests. For further details of the proposed new group see Tony’s website www. millandvalleyrailway.co.uk.

March 2017

29>

Midhurst Garden Club Monday 13th March Due to illness they have a change of speaker for the March meeting. Ben Cross of Crosslands Flower Nursery will be talking about ‘British Alstromeria and the UK Cut Flower Industry’. He is the third generation of his family to grow this popular plant on their Wholesale Nursery in Walberton.

Refreshments available from 7pm with the talk at 7.30pm at their usual venue - The South Downs Memorial Hall, North Street. Visitors are very welcome to come along and join them. For more information about the Club please contact Denise Skinner 01730 814194, askinner3@sky.com or check the website midhurstgardenclub.org.uk.

Celebration Redesigned at Haslemere Museum Tuesday 14th March to Tuesday 18th April 10am-5pm Taking inspiration from the Museum’s European Peasant Arts Collection, where everyday items were embellished to celebrate events and love, do not miss this exciting new exhibition which takes a modern view using recycled materials to create celebration art pieces. And another chance to see the Museum’s Community Mosaic too!

Admission by donation.

Double LL Club Wednesday 15th March 7.30pm The Double LL Club is a local club for anyone interested in historic machinery and collectables. The meetings are held on the third Wednesday of the month at The Grange Centre

To advertise, please call 01483 420173

27

PROFILE ||

Petworth Cottage Museum (Mrs. Cummings’s Cottage)

Most people following the one-way system through Petworth admire the historic buildings which line the A272 as they drive through. A few will stop off at Petworth House. However, for those prepared to look further, there are many surprises to be found in the old streets.

One of these is the Petworth Cottage Museum. It is an unassuming little building, tucked away at the top of the High Street. Viewed from a distance it is most easily identified by the old-fashioned lamp post outside the garden gate. The museum opened in 1996. Mrs. Ann Bradley, who owns a local antique business, wanted to re-create the home of a Leconfield Estate worker.

She had been looking for a suitable cottage for some time, and eventually 346 came vacant. The building had never been fully modernised. There had never been an indoor WC or bathroom.

Lord and Lady Egremont supported the project and gave the cottage. A group of trustees was formed and it was decided to portray the cottage as it would have been in 1910. Local people gave generously of their time, skills, money and items they had squirrelled away at home to create what is, in effect, a time capsule! Stepping inside the cottage really is like stepping back into another era. Research revealed that Mrs. Mary Cummings, an Irish seamstress who worked part-time at Petworth House, was the tenant in 1910. A visit to the museum is in part a visit to Mary Cummings!

While appearing small from outside, inside the cottage there is a surprising amount of room.

Entering through the only door at the back of the cottage, you walk into the scullery where there is a copper, stone sink, laundry and household items.

The scullery leads into the sitting-room where the table is laid for tea, the big black kettle is boiling on the range, and the gas lights burn with a soft glow.

28

Steps from the scullery lead down to the cellar and up to the sewing room and bedroom. Mrs. Cummings herself is busy working at the treadle sewing machine, surrounded by the tools of her trade. In her bedroom, which reflects her Irish Catholic background, there is a washstand, medicine cupboard and alcove for her few items of clothes. Stairs lead to the attic bedroom, where Mrs. Cummings’s grand-daughters stayed during their holidays.

The small garden is full of flowers in the summer.

Standard issue to all estate cottages in 1910 were a clothes line and clothes prop, and a meat safe, which is attached to the wall. There is a large mangle and a water butt. A short path leads to the WC and a rambling rose clambers over the wall at the back of the garden.

In spite of its retiring nature, the cottage has attracted visitors from all over the country and all over the world! Last year people came from fourteen countries worldwide. Most signed the visitors’ book and their comments included “A real treasure”, “Lovely house and very friendly stewards”, “Really liked the gas lamps, the nooks and crannies and the wealth of artefacts”, and “Beautifully re-created”.

Many people re-visit us on a regular basis.

The museum is open from 1st April to 31st October, from 2pm to 4.30pm Tuesday to Saturday and Bank Holiday Mondays. Also at other times by arrangement for school and group visits. Escape from the stresses of 2017 and visit the Petworth Cottage Museum! You can be sure of a warm welcome.

FIND OUT MORE Ring 01798 342100 or 01798 343496 for further information, or visit the website at www.petworthcottagemuseum.co.uk.

To advertise, please call 01483 420173

vantagepointmag.co.uk

<27

JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

Midhurst, and at other events throughout the year. The March meeting is on Wednesday 15th and will be a talk on Concorde by Ian Kirby, Senior Flight Engineer. New members welcome.

Liphook WI Wednesday 15th March The year has started with a distinctly musical flavour for the ladies of Liphook WI. January launched the programme of talks with an aptly titled ‘All that Jazz.’ Followed by a February meeting entitled ‘Dance Picnic’. The mysterious subject of ‘Life in Iran under the Veil’ is the subject for the meeting on 15th March and members will find out on 19th April about a local Royal connection through a talk entitled ‘Empress Eugenie in Farnborough’. If you would like to know more about the Womens Institute in Liphook please contact Maureen Truss on 01428 723836 or come along to on the night. Make a note.... They meet on the third Wednesday of the month, at Liphook Village Hall, 2 Headley Rd, Liphook GU30 7NP. Milland Gardening Club Wednesday 15th March 7.45pm Their next meeting will be at Milland Village Hall when Mike Read will be talking about Wildlife in a Working Forest concentrating mainly on the New Forest and South Downs National Park. Members are asked to bring along their hyacinths which were purchased at the October meeting, to be judged in our mini Spring Show and there will be a

30>

chance to buy ‘potatoes and pots’ ready to grow on for the Spud in a Pot’ competition at the Summer show in August.

They look forward to seeing you there. If you would like further details of the club please email Mu Bullingham at muathome@btinternet.com.

Liphook WEA Saturday 18th March 10am-4pm They have a Study Day at Liphook Village Hall, 2 Headley Road, on Saturday 18th March 10am-4pm. Do come along to hear Jeremy Neville MA&ALCM talk about Russian Music before the Revolution including the works of Tchaikovsky, Borodin & Mussorgsky. Fee is £25 including refreshments and a light lunch. Contact Judith Harris Tel 01428 609996 or liphookwea@gmail.com.

HHH Celebrity Concert Saturday 18th March 7.30pm Don’t miss the HHH Celebrity Concert on Saturday March 18th at 7.30pm at St Christopher’s Church, Wey Hill, Haslemere. Together with the pianist Michael McHale, the world renowned soprano Patricia Rozario and equally renowned French Horn player Timothy Jones will perform Schubert’s exquisitely beautiful trio ‘Auf dem Strom’ (on the stream) for soprano, horn and piano. Timothy will also perform the lovely Nocturne by Richard Strauss. These will be interspersed with well know arias and songs, introduced

by Patricia. A lovely evening with one of the world’s Divas!

Tickets available from: HHH Concerts on 01428 652012,

Enjoy a great time out with family, friends and wine!

“The best wines are the ones we drink with friends” Anonymous

Farnham Maltings - 7th & 8th April | Guildford Cathedral - 12th & 13th May • Over 120 international wines • Champagnes and premium wines • Wine experts on hand • Local wine producers with their wines • Charity blind wine tasting and raffle • Three sessions per event Plus live music, entertainment, concessions, food, money-off wine vouchers and more.

To book or for more information, please visit

www.vantagepointevents.co.uk March 2017

To advertise, please call 01483 420173

29

<29

JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

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

Petworth Town Band and The Farlingtonic Choir - In concert Saturday 18th March 18th 7.30pm This takes place at St Mary’s Church, Petworth. Tickets £8, online or on the door. Refreshments available in the interval.

The Grange Monthly Market Saturday 18th March 8.30am-2pm Monthly Market – antiques, vintage, curios, crafts, cakes and pastries at The Grange Centre, Midhurst GU29 9HD. To book a stall please ring 03330 050398.

The Grange Auto Jumble Sunday 19th March No details but it takes place at The Grange Centre, Midhurst, GU29 9HD. For more information 03330 050398.

Double LL Club Spring Autojumble Sunday 19th March 10am-2pm The Double LL Club are holding their Spring Autojumble at the Grange Centre Midhurst on Sunday March 19th. 10am to 2pm. For further information contact Dave Rudwick on 07798 775319 or visit www.doublellclub.com.

Tea & Talk at Haslemere Museum - Ancient Routes Tuesday 21st March 2.30pm Looking for something different to do? Come along and enjoy this informal talks for adults. Have you ever been out walking or driving and thought “That ditch looks a bit big”?

Join Hugh Turrall-Clarke to learn about the area’s ancient tracks, some of which have become roadways and others that have fallen into disuse. Includes tea and biscuits.

Members free, non-members £1. No need to book. For more information, visit www.haslemeremuseum.co.uk.

Midhurst U3A Tuesday 21st March 2.15pm The next meeting at the Methodist Church Hall, North Street, Midhurst, has Admiral Sir Ian Garnett talking on ‘The Historic Dockyard at Chatham – the World’s Best Example of a Dockyard in the Age of Sail’. Refreshments available

33>

from 2.15pm followed by the talk at 2.30pm. For more information on events, groups and meetings contact the Membership Secretary on 01730 813374.

Haslemere Decorative And Fine Arts Society Tuesday 21st March 2.15pm Basingstoke and its contribution to world culture is the unusual and intriguing title of NADFAS lecturer Rupert Willoughby’s talk at Haslemere Hall. As Betjeman wrote “what goes on in Basingstoke goes for most English towns” a humorously told episode in England’s architectural history. 0n 21st March members will have the opportunity to book for their next study day at Haslemere Museum on Wednesday 3rd May. Legend and Lustre: Jim Thompson and Thai Silk. There will also be a further chance to book for the visit to Greenwich Maritime Museum – Emma Hamilton exhibition on Thursday 6th April. Visitors and new members are very welcome to join the society for all their lectures.

For more details please contact HDFAS membership secretary Sue Wright on 01428 683578 or email: membership@haslemeredfas.co.uk. Further information about all the Society’s present and future activities can be found on www.haslemeredfas.org.uk.

Haslemere Flower Club Wednesday 22nd March 1.30pm The demonstrator will be Valerie Clark and her title ‘Floral Revival’. The arrangements will be raffled and the afternoon will end with tea and biscuits. Do come along and bring your friends for an enjoyable afternoon. Visitors charge is £6.

Haslemere Gardening Society Wednesday 22nd March The next talk for the Haslemere Gardening Society will be Seed Sowing and Propagation’ by Ray Broughton, Senior Lecturer at Sparsholt College and Fellow of the Institute of Horticulture. This will follow on nicely from the talk at the AGM on from Seed to Plate by Paul Arrigo of Franchi Seeds.

Hopefully the weather will be warming up and it will be just the right time to think about the season’s vegetable crops.

The lecture, as always will be held at the Catholic Church Hall in Weydown Road at 7.45pm. Guests of Members are always welcome.

New from January:

HYPNOBIRTHING* Haslemere Classes *Hypnobirthing is a complete programme

Do you need help with: Sleep  Anxiety  Bereavement  Weight  Depression Fears or Phobias  Managing Stress  Pain Control  Quit Smoking  Confidence  Motivation  Exams Nerves Calm Childbirth/Hypnobirthing  Or Anything Else? designed to take you from Bump-to-Baby

Contact us for a free 20 minute consultation

www.questhypnotherapy.co.uk

FORTNIGHTLY NETWORKING MEETINGS

THE GEORGIAN HOTEL, HASLEMERE VISITORS WELCOME!

FOR DATES AND TIMES VISIT

www.connectsurrey.uk COOKED BREAKFAST (OR CONTINENTAL)

T: 01798 344879 E: geraldine@questhypnotherapy.co.uk 30

To advertise, please call 01483 420173

08.30 - 10.15

vantagepointmag.co.uk

RJA BATHROOMS We are a local family business based in Easebourne offering 40 years of experience in bathrooms, tiles, showers and accersories. We offer a comprehensive supply of the whole of RAK Ceramics catalogue, the world’s largest ceramic company. RAK’s products have been developed over the last 17 years by our association with the factory and we now offer the whole range to local residents.

A FREE BATHROOM DESIGN and consultation service is available whether it is for a complete bathroom, or some refreshing new tiles or even just a replacement loo! We offer advice reassuring you that what you might buy will be the right choice.

Despite this we are also offering a 20% off introductory discount off RAK’s products all of which are priced in their catalogue.

Quality products at internet prices available locally.

Delivered, including VAT, to your door.

Seven ranges of chrome quality taps in traditional and contemporary styles.

Showers including walk-ins and corner style plus bath screens at big savings!!! Baths and vanity units from £99 are also available.

Just contact us for a catalogue

Rob Jull Agencies Ltd - Contact Tel: 07977 147711, Email: rob@rjabathrooms.co.uk CONTACT US FOR A FREE BROCHURE OR HOME CONSULTATION.

|| GARDENING

With Beth Otway

Slugs and Snails For many gardeners, the slug and snail population seemed to explode in 2016, with many fraught and distressed gardeners asking for my advice on the best way to protect their plants from slugs and snails. I am strongly opposed to slug pellets. I wouldn't wish to kill any of the slugs or snails in my garden as I believe a healthy eco system is important.

I decided to trial a number of natural remedies, none of which would kill the slugs or snails they encountered, but instead would hopefully deter the molluscs from eating the plant they were protecting. I ran my trial for a number of weeks at a time, repeating the same trial every few weeks throughout the spring and summer. I trialled the following natural remedies: ash, garlic granules, garlic wash, eggshells, human hair, sawdust, sharp grit, sand, and soot, with lettuces as my trial plant. I also included a 'control' plant in each trial, which received no protection whatsoever from slugs or snails.

The remedies were used as a barrier around the plant they were protecting. I sprinkled a circular band of each remedy onto the soil around each plant, except in the case of the garlic wash, which was watered onto the lettuces it was protecting.

Three of my slug and snail deterrents provided a 100% secure plant protection, with not one plant grown within their barrier receiving as much as a nibble throughout the spring and summer, these fantastic slug and snail deterrents were ash, sawdust, and soot.

In second place were the barriers created with human hair and sand, where 75% of the lettuce plants survived intact. Eggshells were slightly less effective with 67% of the lettuce plants surviving. Garlic granules were in fourth place, protecting 58% of their lettuce plants. In fifth place, was the 'control' lettuce, which received no protection, 50% of these lettuces survived.

In sixth place were sharp grit and garlic wash, 42% of the lettuce plants they were protecting survived.

I hope these results will help you to protect any special plants or seedlings from slugs and snails this year. I simply sprinkled a barrier of the ash, sawdust, and soot onto the soil around each of my plants. Naturally the barrier will need to be reapplied every week or two, or more frequently in adverse weather conditions, but happily I can report that the ash, sawdust and soot lasted the longest before a repeat application was required, as well as being the most effective plant protectors in my trial.

In the garden - March Here's some ideas of what you could do in the garden this month: If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got an old, and maybe rather neglected, Buddleja davidii specimen then rejuvenate it now by removing any old dead wood and cutting it back hard. If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t prune, the Buddleja will still flower but it will just be taller and tattier. So get your loppers out and maybe a saw as well!

Ornamental grasses and roses also need pruning this month. Remove any old dead leaves from your rose plants, as well as any leaves that are lurking around in the soil, then feed your roses with a specially-designed rose feed and mulch with compost or well-rotted manure.

Prune group three clematis now; these clematis flower in late summer on this seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s growth. Cut back the old stems to the lowest healthy pair of buds about 15-30cm (6in-1ft) above soil level.

FIND OUT MORE For more gardening advice for the month ahead, visit my website www.pumpkinbeth.com where you'll also find information about daffodil gardens, shows, and events, a calendar of specialist plant fairs, and much more besides.

32

To advertise, please call 01483 420173

vantagepointmag.co.uk

<30

JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

The Wizard of Oz Tuesday 21st to Saturday 25th March 7.30pm The Haslemere Players have announced that their March 2017 show will be the ever popular, family friendly musical, ‘The Wizard of Oz’. The Players will be supporting local children’s charity, Voyage Care, based in Hindhead, with this production. Complete with a magical blend of famously quirky parts, from The Cowardly Lion to The Tin Man, The Scarecrow to The Wicked Witch and, of course, Dorothy and her beloved dog, Toto, plus a vibrant and enthusiastic chorus of Munchkins et al of all ages, The Wizard of Oz is a timeless, uplifting family musical and one of cinema’s much loved, award winning films, based on the famous book by L. Frank Baum. Suitable for the whole family, it will be a warming night of energised singing and dancing and an entertaining night to remember!

Tickets are available from Haslemere Hall on 01428 642161.

For more information, go to www.haslemerehall.co.uk or www.haslemereplayers.com.

Mother’s Day at West Dean Gardens Sunday 26th March 9am-5pm West Dean Gardens is the perfect destination for an enjoyable family day out on Mother’s Day to admire the show-stopping displays of over 500,000 naturalised spring bulbs. For this special day only, the gardens are offering mothers free entry and a complimentary bunch of daffodils. Children go free all year round. Bring the whole family, including the dog, for a leisurely stroll through the emerging daffodils, crocuses and cowslips throughout the

34>

grounds and wild flower meadows. Explore the awardwinning Sunken Garden at the eastern end of the Edwardian pergola and admire the fruit trees coming into blossom amid a carpet of primroses in the Walled Garden. The Victorian glasshouses will be showing new growth on the peach, nectarines and vines and in the Kitchen Garden see the first protected plantings under cloches and the new plantings in the vegetable frames. Explore the peaceful arboretum with its fine collection of trees and abundant spring displays of rhododendrons and azaleas and enjoy the breathtaking views of the South Downs and West Dean College. Afterwards browse the unique gifts and greetings cards in the Visit England-endorsed Gardens Shop and enjoy a delicious cream tea in the Gardens Restaurant. West Dean is offering a special Hello Spring! gardens pass for a limited period to encourage everyone to enjoy the Great Outdoors.

The pass is available to purchase at £17 (Adult) from 1 March and is valid until 31st May. Visit just twice and the pass will pay for itself. Children’s gardens entry is free all year round (accompanied by an adult and excludes special events). www.westdean.org.uk.

Cowdray Farm Shop The Farm Shop was a winner at the Sussex Food and Drink Awards recently. General Manager, Rupert Titchmarsh and Shop Manager, Esme Westcott-White received the award for ‘Sussex Food Shop of the Year’ from Sally Gunnell OBE. The judges were looking for an excellent food outlet which is creative in its approach to customers, offers a good range

All of us reach a stage in our lives where we require extra help for varied reasons.

Do you require long term live-in care, hourly care, specialist care or respite?

You have the option to remain in the comfort of your own home while receiving care tailored to your needs and preferences. For more information please call: 01932 506898

41 Homefield Road, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey KT12 3RE Tel: 01932 506898 info@berkeleyhomehealth.com www.berkeleyhomehealth.com March 2017

To advertise, please call 01483 420173

33

<33 JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD of local produce and has business principles that support local produce. Rupert Titchmarsh commented “We are absolutely thrilled to win this award. The standard of all the grand finalists was so incredibly high this year and we feel extremely proud to have won. On behalf of the team here in the shop I’d like to thank everyone who helped us come out as winners - we really value your support. I’d also like to thank our suppliers and our dedicated shop team who have worked so hard to put Cowdray on the map as a fine food destination.” The trophy is now proudly displayed on the deli counter in the shop.

Ramster Gardens Sunday 26th March Ramster Garden, located in Chiddingfold, Surrey, is celebrating Mother’s Day by offering all mums free entry to the beautiful garden which will be filled with colour and spring flowers. Children under the age of 16 can also enjoy free entry, normal entry fees will apply to all other visitors. Visitors to the garden can expect to see ancient magnolia trees and the towering bushes of camellias, with drifts of daffodils and primroses underneath. Ramster Garden is renowned for its spring flowers and collection of rhododendrons azaleas, camellias and magnolias. Explore over 20 acres of magical woodland and discover hidden delights including sculptures and chainsaw carvings of wild boar, chickens, a fox and an owl bench. Visitors can relax after their walk in the Tea House which serves delicious cakes, sandwiches, snacks and drinks. Free parking and

discounted group rates for 10+ people. Dogs on leads are welcome in the garden.

Jazz Event at All Saints Church Grayswood Saturday 1st April 8pm All Saints Church Grayswood is becoming known for jazz in and around Haslemere. The Friends are hosting a Jazz Evening on Saturday 1st April when the FB Pocket Orchestra will perform hot jazz, blues, ragtime and popular dances of the 1920s and 1930s. “Atmospheric, yet vibrant, this charming collection of songs will make you wish you had been born some hundred years ago. The style, glamour and fabulousness of this era is captured beautifully......” Claire Anderson, Jazz FM. All Saints Church Grayswood, GU27 2DB. Tickets £15, or £25 with two course supper at the Wheatsheaf in Grayswood from 6.30pm. Contact Pauline Lamb at lamb@haslemere.com.

The Travel Fair Saturday 1st April 1pm-4pm We are organising our first travel fair in conjunction with Travel Dream Luxury Holidays, a Bramley-based travel company which will take place at the Wilfrid Noyce Centre on Saturday 1st April from 1pm-4pm. Eleven holiday companies as well as Travel Dream will be present, offering you the chance to discuss your holiday requirements with the experts, ask any questions you may have and take advantage of the special travel offers that will be available.

There will also be presentations from four of the companies

Need a Professional Ex BT Engineer?

Milford Cricket Club

COLTS TRAINING Every Tuesday evening from 25th April • Ages 8 to 11, 6pm to 7.20pm • Ages 12 toCOLTS 16, 7.20pm to 8.30pm TRAINING The Burton Pavilion, Milford Heath Road Milford, Surrey. GU8 5BP Tel: 07712 658245 Email: milfordcc@hotmail.co.uk Web: www.milfordccsurrey.wordpress.com

WE HAVE COLTS TRAINING EVERY TUESDAY EVENING FROM It would be great to meet any new youngsters 25 APRIL FOR TWO AGE GROUPS: who are interested in playing cricket.

- 8-11 YEAR OLDS (6PM UNTIL 7.20PM) TH

- 12-16 YEAR OLDS (7.20PM UNTIL 8.30PM)

FOR THE GROWN UP’S ARESaturday INTERESTED Team IN PLAYING CRICKET.in the • Adult playing Ianson Division 3 next season FOR THE GROWN UP’S! • Competitive friendly games on Saturday and WE HAVE AN ADULT SATURDAY TEAM PLAYING IN THE IANSON Sunday throughout the season DIVISION 3 NEXT SEASON. WE ALSO HAVE COMPETITIVE IT WOULD BE GREAT TO MEET ANY NEW YOUNGSTERS WHO

FRIENDLY GAMES ON A SATURDAY & SUNDAY THROUGHOUT

All THE fixtures be found our website.

If you SEASON.can ALL FIXTURES CAN on BE FOUND AT OUR WEBSITE PAGE). please contact would like to fi(SEE nd TOP outOFmore, Club Chairman, Mike Payne.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR JUST WANT TO FIND OUT

• Fast expert repair of Phone Line faults, Broadband Speed and WiFi issues.

• Solu�ons to Stop “Buffering” on Smart TVs, Laptops, iPads, Smartphones etc.

Get your home ready for “Internet of Things” technology - Free es�mates, No Call Out Charge, No job too small by Local Ex BT Engineer.

MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT MIKE. ALL MilfordSOME Cricket Club, The Burton Pavilion, Milford CONTACT DETAILS AT TOP OF THE PAGE. Heath Road, Milford, Surrey GU8 5BP MANY THANKS. T: 07712 658245 E: milfordcc@hotmail.co.uk W: milfordccsurrey.wordpress.com Mike Payne, Club Chairman.

34

To advertise, please call 01483 420173

Call Adrian on 01428 288868 or 07799 105008 www.broadbandfix.co.uk vantagepointmag.co.uk

39> JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

during the course of the event in the small hall. Entry is free, with a complimentary drink on arrival. There will be a steel band and everyone will have a chance to be entered into a prize draw. For more information or to book a time slot, contact Travel Dream on 01483 865970 or email holidays@ traveldream.co.uk.

AppArt’s Easter Art Exhibition & Sculpture Trail Saturday 1st April to Sunday 16th April 10am-4pm Will take place again at Priorsfield School, Godalming GU7 2RH. Philip Jackson, internationally renowned sculptor, will open the exhibition on Saturday 1st April. Philip studied at the Farnham School of Art (now the University for the Creative Arts). AppArt is a community wide art event with local school children, adult education and art groups being regular visitors to see one of the most varied collections of paintings, sculpture and other art media in the South East of England. AppArt is open every day from Saturday 1st April to Easter Sunday 16th between 10am to 4pm. Admission is free.

WOODSIDE PARK GARAGE www.woodsideparkgarage.co.uk

www.woodsideparkgarage.co.uk

LOCAL

AFFORDABLE

RELIABLE

MOT Testing + Servicing & Repairs Centre + Tyres + Diagnostics + Fault finding + Brakes + Airconditioning + Free courtesy cars WOODSIDE GARAGE + WhilePARK you wait service

We now fit tyres from www.woodsideparkgarage.co.uk

+ Free Collection & Delivery service within the local area + Female friendly Garage

LOCAL

AFFORDABLE

RELIABLE

MOTSLow£39 Prices

MOT Testing + Servicing & Repairs Centre + Tyres + Diagnostics + Fault finding + Brakes + Airconditioning + Free courtesy cars + WhileFROM you wait serviceINCLUDING VAT MOT AND SERVICING £139.00

on Big Brands

FREE WINTER CHECK Farnham Wine Festival + Free Collection & Delivery service within the local area Friday 7th and Saturday 8th April + Female friendly Garage The Farnham Wine Festival takes place at Farnham Maltings and will showcase over 150 international wines including champagnes and premium wines, alongside wine experts and producers. Local wines and producers will also feature with their own special section to celebrate the strength MOT AND SERVICING FROM £139.00 INCLUDING VAT Woodside Park Garage, FREE Unit 1AWINTER &1B, Coopers Place, Combe Lane, Wormley, CHECK and diversity of wine production in Surrey and West Godalming, Surrey, GU8 5SZ Sussex. In addition, there will also be music, entertainment, concessions, food, money-off wine vouchers and more.

Each festival will also host a blind wine tasting and raffle V MOT Testing which will support two local charities in the local area, V Servicing & Repair Centre namely Disability Challengers and Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice Woodside Park Garage, Unit 1A &1B, Coopers Place, Combe Lane, Wormley, Care. There will be three sessions: Friday 7th April from Godalming, GU8 5SZ V Tyres VSurrey, Diagnostics 01/10/2015 7pm-11pm; Saturday 8th April from 12 noon-4pm andwoodside park A6 v2.indd 1 01428 687831 7pm-11pm. Tickets start at just £10 for entry only or £25 to V Fault finding V Brakes include 10 wine tokens, and there are discounts for groups V Air Conditioning of 10 or more. If you want to book for a party, they can offer a few special extras, such as early admission, a free glass ofwoodside park A6 v2.indd 1 V While you wait service 01/10/2015 12:10 bubbles, extended use of the photo booth, a special tutored V FREE courtesy car tasting and more. To book or find out more, please visit www.vantagepointevents.co.uk.

MOTS £39

01428 687831

Graffham Easter Market Saturday 8th April 10.30am to 3pm The annual market includes many different stalls including wine and food, home produce, crafts and plants. There are also tea, coffee, cakes and a light lunch. Plus a children’s Easter Egg hunt. All for a £1 entrance fee (that can be redeemed for a cup of tea, coffee or squash). Under 12s entrance is free. Venue is Empire Hall, Graffham, GU28 0QB. The event is to raise funds for the village hall.

Calling all Vintage Tradersand Collectors Sunday 9th April There is a new Vintage fair coming to Liphook Milleniumn Hall on Sunday 9th April. They will have vintage fashion and interiors, as well as accessories and vintage children’s March 2017

V Free collection & delivery service V Female friendly garage

Woodside Park Garage

Unit 1A & 1B Coopers Place, Combe Lane, Wormley, Godalming GU8 5SZ

Tel: 01428 687381 info@woodsideparkgarage.co.uk

To advertise, please call 01483 420173

35

12

The Versatile Potato We rather take the humble potato for granted but there are good reasons why it is our most popular and well-used vegetable - they are cheap, plentiful and delicious! Here are a few lovely and easy dishes to bring out the best in this tuber. SR

Mary Cadogan's Tartiflette

Potato and Leek Soup

A creamy and comforting oven bake of potatoes, cream and bacon – originating from France's Haute-Savoie region. This recipe is taken from Good Food Magazine, January 2002.

This soup sounds a little plain but is a real classic and is very satisfying. In France it is known as Vichyssoise and traditionally served cold.

Ingredients:

Ingredients:

750g potato; 1 onion; 6 rashers smoked back bacon; 250g reblochon cheese or pont l’évêque cheese; 150ml tub single cream.

50g (2 oz) butter; 1 clove garlic, chopped; 1 small onion, chopped; 3 large leeks, chopped; 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced; 900ml (1 1/2 pints) chicken stock; small handful chopped fresh parsley or chives; 1 bouquet garni, salt and freshly ground black pepper; a touch of double cream (optional).

Serves 4 Method: 1. Preheat the oven to 220C/Gas 7/fan oven 200C. Peel and thickly slice the potatoes, then boil in salted water for 8-10 minutes, until just tender. Drain.

2. Chop onion finely and fry in 25g/1oz butter and a drizzle of olive oil for 5 minutes. Snip bacon into pieces with scissors and add to the pan; stir well and cook for a further 5 minutes, until the onion and bacon are lightly coloured.

3. Chop cheese into chunks, rind and all. Layer half the potatoes in a 1.5 litre/2¾ pint buttered ovenproof dish and scatter over half the onion, bacon and cheese. Lightly season with salt and pepper. Repeat layers, then pour cream evenly over the top and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden.

4. Rest for 5 minutes and then serve with a salad.

36

Serves 4 Method: 1. Melt the butter in a large saucepan on medium heat, and sauté garlic and onions for a few minutes stirring frequently.

2. Add the leeks, potatoes, stock and the bouquet garni and bring to the boil. Simmer for 30 minutes.

3. Remove the bouquet garni and purée soup with a hand blender. You can add a little cornflour to thicken the soup if it is too thin.

4. Season, and add a little cream to add extra richness. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives.

To advertise, please call 01483 420173

vantagepointmag.co.uk

RECIPES || Aloo Gobi

Hassleback Potatoes

This is a lovely and inexpensive dish with potatoes and cauliflower.

At the time of writing, both in plentiful sup-ply in the shops!

These originate from Sweden and are named after Hasselbacken, the Stockholm restaurant where they were first served. There are several variations - you can add grated parmesan cheese (add after 20 minutes and cook for a further 20 minutes) or whole garlic cloves as in the image below.

Ingredients: 60 ml vegetable oil; 1 large onion, peeled and cut into small pieces; 1 bunch fresh coriander, separated into stalks and leaves and roughly chopped; 1 small green chilli, chopped into small pieces (or one teaspoon chili powder); 1 large cauliflower, leaves removed and cut evenly into eighths; 3 large potatoes, peeled and cut into even pieces; 2 cans diced tomatoes; 1 inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated; 2 cloves garlic, chopped; 1 tsp cumin seed; 2 tsp turmeric; 1 tsp salt; 2 tsp garam masala.

Serves 8

Method: 1. Heat vegetable oil in a large saucepan. Add the chopped onion and one teaspoon of cumin seeds to the oil. Stir together and cook until onions become creamy, golden, and translucent.

2. Add chopped coriander stalks, two teaspoons of turmeric, and one teaspoon of salt. Add chopped chillis (according to taste). Stir tomatoes into onion mixture and add ginger and garlic; mix thoroughly.

3. Add potatoes and cauliflower to the sauce plus a few tablespoons of water (ensuring that the mixture doesn't stick to the saucepan). Ensure that the potatoes and cauliflower are coated with the curry sauce.

4. Cover and allow to simmer for twenty minutes (or until potatoes are cooked).

5. Add two teaspoons of garam masala and stir.

Sprinkle chopped coriander leaves on top of the curry.

6. Turn off the heat, cover, and leave for as long as possible before serving.

March 2017

Ingredients: 400g new potatoes, washed; 40g unsalted butter; 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 2 tbsp fresh herbs (rosemary, oregano, thyme); maldon salt.

Serves 4

Method: 1. Put the potatoes, one at a time, in the bowl of a wooden spoon and cut at 3mm intervals with a sharp knife.

2. Once all the potatoes are prepped, heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Put the butter and oil in a roasting tin over a medium heat to melt the butter.

3. Add the potatoes cut side down, then turn them and spoon the fat over them. Add the chopped herbs, give them a good toss so theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re coated.

4. Add some maldon salt and and then roast on the bottom shelf of the oven for 40 minutes or so until golden and tender.

To advertise, please call 01483 420173

37

38

To advertise, please call 01483 420173

vantagepointmag.co.uk

<35

44> JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

items. This fair will to bring an immersive vintage experience for the whole family. There will be entertainment throughout the event. With the talented Natalie Gunn presenting songs from the war years and into the 50s and 60s. Along with a visit from Alice and the Mad Hatter entertaining the younger family members with interactive story times. Provided by the Black Hat Theatre company. Jays Vintage fairs are looking for stall holders to attend this new venture. For more information please contact Jays Vintage Fairs - email jaysfollies@hotmail.com or find them on Facebook @jaysvintagefairs.

Voluntary Action South West Surrey Volunteering not only helps the charities, organisations and community groups who depend on volunteers but it also greatly benefits the person giving their time. The benefits of giving your time as a volunteer can include making new friends, gaining work experience, challenging yourself, learning new skills, sharing your existing skills with others and becoming more involved with your local community. If you would like to find out more about what volunteer roles are available and how you can get involved you can contact us at our volunteer centres on 01483 565456 or 01252 725961, email them at guildfordvc@vasws.org.uk.

The Passion of Jesus on Guildford High Street Easter Saturday 15th April at 12 noon and 2.30pm Outdoor Easter performances of the story of Jesus. All welcome. These free performances contain a realistic interpretation of the crucifixion - parental guidance is advised. www.wintershall-estate.com.

Bramshott and Liphook Arts and Crafts Society Annual Arts and Crafts Exhibition Friday 21st to Sunday 23rd April The Bramshott and Liphook Arts and Crafts Society are pleased to announce the new dates for their Annual Arts and Crafts Exhibition at the Millennium Hall, Liphook. The public days will be Friday 21st April, Saturday 22nd April and Sunday 23rd April. This year they will have an extra day which we hope means more people will be able to enjoy the show. As usual they will have the café with a range of delicious sandwiches and cakes, there will be raffle prizes and a full exhibition of original paintings, prints, sculpture, turned wood, textiles, jewellery and cards. They hope everyone will enjoy the event as much as they do.

Brass Extravaganza Sunday 30th April A Brass Extravaganza not to be missed! Eight local brass bands, including the local Haslemere Town Band will be combining in ‘Big & Brassy’ on Sunday 30th April at 2.30pm at the Princes Hall, Aldershot. Paul Speed will conduct over 100 brass players in a selection of music chosen for the concert. Guest soloist is Charley Brighton, the outstanding euphonium player. Tickets can be obtained from 01252 329155, www.princeshall.com. The event is in aid of Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice Care. The Haslemere Town Band very successful Make Music evenings continue to be held on the March 2017

Farnham Wine Festival Friday 7th and Saturday 8th April 2017

Farnham Maltings, Bridge Square, Farnham GU9 7QR

Guildford Wine Festival Friday 12th and Saturday 13th May 2017

Guildford Cathedral, Stag Hill, Guildford GU2 7UP

Dorking Wine Festival

Friday 22nd and Saturday 23rd September 2017 Dorking Halls, Reigate Rd, Dorking RH4 1SG

Book now at: www.vantagepointevents.co.uk Follow us @vpwinefestival and www.facebook.com/vpfestivals • Over 120 international wines • Champagnes and premium wines • Wine experts on hand • Local wine producers with their wines • Charity blind wine tasting and raffle Plus live music, entertainment, concessions, food, money-off wine vouchers and more.

To advertise, please call 01483 420173

39

A walk from Blackheath A shorter walk this month, but another fine view. The walk takes you through woods and fields with some ups and downs. The walk was submitted by Guildford Rambling Club (www.guildfordramblingclub.org.uk).

The walk 1. With your back to the pub, inside the car park, go left on the signed path, heading north. Keep on along this path in trees for a couple of hundred yards then edge left onto a road. Continue forward, following the road to its end and then straight on, downhill on a narrow path. Follow this until eventually crossing a small railway bridge and, immediately afterward, reaching the Albury/Chilworth road.

2. Cross to continue forward along the track on the other side until, just after you have crossed the Tillingbourne in a narrow wooded strip, going up a short slope. At the top of this slope take the footpath off to the right. Follow this up, soon swinging right and along the flank of the North Downs, then back north again. (At this point note the view back over the valley to your right).

40

3. Also at this point a small unsigned path clambers up the bank to your left and tracks up the slope towards the top of the hill and St Martha’s Church. (St Martha-on-the-Hill dates back to the 12th century, although it was rebuilt much more recently). In the churchyard, with your back to the valley and facing the church, go around its left-hand end and out of the churchyard through the gate in the corner. Follow the wide sandy track heading gradually down.

4. Reach a road, Halfpenny Lane. Go left for a few yards then turn right and quickly left to take the path that runs downhill, roughly parallel to the road (i.e. do not continue forward into Chantry Woods). The path emerges at the edge of a field and runs down along its edge. Go out of the gate on the left at the bottom and onto the road.

5. Immediately take the footpath angling off right and down. Follow this until it emerges in Blacksmith Lane. Go right (note the angling lake to the left and the ‘waterfall’ over the wall on the

To advertise, please call 01483 420173

vantagepointmag.co.uk

SPONSORED BY

WALK ||

right). Walk on down the lane to its T junction with the A248 in Chilworth. Turn right and walk along the pavement until, about 100 yards after a level crossing, taking a footpath heading off left to pass Chilworth FC’s ground.

6. Follow this track, ignoring the first right turn, up through fields then steeply up through woods until reaching a crossing path. Turn left. After passing a large house next to the path, reach a blue-topped posted path angling away right.

Follow this to reach and cross the Chilworth/ Blackheath road (just above, down to the right, the ‘This Way/That Way/Somewhere Else’ sign post). Follow the path through to the Villagers pub and on to the starting car park.

DISTANCE: 4½ miles OS MAPS: Explorer 145 (Guildford) STARTING POINT: Blackheath car parking area, just beyond the defunct Villagers pub (GU4 8RB).

Images: Lefdt: Blackheath by N Chadwick. Above: St Martha’s Church by David Hillas 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.

March 2017

To advertise, please call 01483 420173

41

 Bumper Scuff Repairs  Dent Removal  Paintwork Scratches & Chips  Alloy Wheel Scuffs

T: 01428 620110 / 07967 778232 info@smart-pro.co.uk Have you ever returned to your car and found it to be damaged?

Maybe a small, but annoying dent, caused by a door being opened against it?

A scrape from another driver’s parking error? A vandal scratch on the paint work?

Or maybe you have misjudged a gateway, brushed a kerb with an alloy wheel, or scuffed a bumper corner?

Smart Pro offers a mobile dent removal and paint repair service, specialising in small to medium area repairs, to body shop standard, at your home or place of work. Most repairs take only a few hours to complete and cost less than your insurance excess!

The customer of this Honda Jazz was facing an insurance claim, which would have resulted in the bumper being replaced and the loss of their £250 excess. Smart Pro was able to repair the damage for much less than the excess and with no insurance claim on their record!

PROFILE ||

Excelsis Chamber Choir

Following the success of The Healer project, the choir was invited by Sir Karl to sing in a performance of The Armed Man with the Welsh choir, Cor Caedydd, and the BBC National Orchestra of Wales at St. David’s Hall, Cardiff. The concert was broadcast nationally on Radio 3.

Royal Albert Hall

Choir in Residence Accolade March 2015 saw Excelsis’ debut performance with the London Mozart Players for Grayshott Concerts.

In October, the choir hosted its own concert with the Waverley Ensemble, performing Handel’s Dixit Dominus, as well as local composer Clive Osgood’s contemporary version of the same title.

The Excelsis chamber choir celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2017, kicking off a year of musical celebrations with a Gala Concert for Grayshott Concerts on 4th March. ‘Masses of Masses’ will feature Mozart’s Coronation Mass and Haydn’s Nelson Mass, with the London Mozart Players accompanying the choir at St Luke’s Church in Grayshott.

Excelsis choir is a group of about 30 singers, many with a background of musical training, under the baton of Musical Director Robert Lewis. Formed in 2007, the choir presents its own concerts and also performs with international soloists and professional orchestras.

From Strength to Strength In Spring 2013 Excelsis performed Sir Karl Jenkins’ Requiem and The Armed Man with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by the composer, to a capacity audience at the Royal Albert Hall. “Being invited to perform at the Royal Albert Hall was a milestone for Excelsis. The experience far exceeded our expectations,” said Lewis.

Excelsis performed the world premiere of The Healer by Sir Karl Jenkins, a work commissioned to celebrate Grayshott Concert’s 10th Anniversary in October 2014. The Healer was recorded by Classic FM and broadcast to a national audience, and has been released by Warner Classics as part of Voices, an 8-CD box set of Sir Karl’s best-selling works.

“The past ten years has seen Excelsis go from strength to strength,” noted Excelsis Chairman Barbie McSean. “We began with performances with Grayshott Concerts, we were privileged to sing the world premiere of The Healer with Sir Karl Jenkins conducting, and the future looks ever brighter for the choir!”

March 2017

In the autumn of 2015, Excelsis accepted the honour of becoming Choir in Residence to Grayshott Concerts, in recognition of the many performances that the choir has done over the years for the audiences of Grayshott Concerts.

Singing engagements in 2016 included a return to Westminster Cathedral in June to participate in the evening mass. For Excelsis Musical Director Robert Lewis, the mass was something of a homecoming, as Lewis was a chorister at Westminster Cathedral from the age of 8.

“Returning to Westminster Cathedral was a true joy,” Lewis said following the service. “This place is close to my heart, and to conduct Excelsis in the evening mass was a very special privilege indeed.”

Join the Celebrations!

Continuing the 10th anniversary celebrations, in May this year Excelsis will embark on its first international tour, travelling to Belgium to perform in Ypres. A post-tour concert on 10th June at St Christopher’s in Haslemere will allow the choir to showcase the music performed on tour.

An autumn concert is proposed for 18th November at St Alban’s Church in Hindhead. In 2018, Excelsis will record a CD of works by acclaimed local composer Clive Osgood. The choir is offering opportunities for sponsorship of this unique and exciting project – such as sponsoring a track recording – and contributors will have their names included in the CD’s programme notes.

FIND OUT MORE For further information on this and other Excelsis news, please visit www.excelsis-choir.co.uk. Tickets for the Gala Concert in March are available from www.grayshottconcerts.co.uk.

To advertise, please call 01483 420173

43

<39

JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

last Wednesday of each month at the United Reformed Church Hall, Hindhead. Learners or players, come and join us at 6.30pm for a free session. Contact Sandra 07708 334179 or secretary@haslemeretownband.co.uk Petworth Park Antiques & Fine Art Fair Friday 5th to Sunday 7th May The Petworth Park Antiques & Fine Art Fair is taking place for the third year running, from Friday 5th to Sunday 7th May 2017, in a purpose built marquee in the Capability Brown landscape designed Petworth Park, Petworth, West Sussex GU28 0QY. Petworth Park is the 700 acre deer park that surrounds the palatial Petworth mansion, immortalised in JMW Turner’s paintings. Tickets to the fair cost £10 each on the door or in advance through Eventbrite. As in the past two years, National Trust members will be granted free access to the fair. Light refreshments are available within the fair or visitors can take advantage of the many restaurants and cafés in Petworth itself. Parking is free for antiques fair visitors. AA signposted to the dedicated entrance at New Lodges. www. petworthparkfair.com.

Soroptimist International Surrey Hills They now meet in the Church Hall, Queen Street, Godalming GU7 1BA at 7.30 pm on the first and third Mondays of the month. They are a small but committed group, interested in working to improve the lives of women and girls both at home and abroad. Current projects include support for the pediatric ward of the Royal Surrey County Hospital; support for your Sanctuary (local womens’ refuge); working

PLANNING & DESIGN SERVICE Architectural drawings for Extensions, Alterations & New Build Free No Obligation Quotations

Tel: 01483 417555 Mob: 07818 014357

www.architecturesurrey.co.uk www.architecturesurrey.co.uk simonplanning.design@btinternet.com

44

with local schools to promote STEM education and raising funds for the Meru Garden project in Kenya. Internationally, Soroptimists are working together to transform the lives of women and girls, through a network of over 75,000 club members in 133 countries and territories. They work at a local, national and international level to Educate, Empower and Enable opportunities for women and girls. They are looking for new members so please do get in touch with us via the website www.sigbi.org/surrey-hills or by emailing sisecretarysurreyhills@gmail.com.

Fernhurst Revels Sunday 21st May 2017 An early reminder that once again Fernhurst will have its annual fun day. More than just a village fête, a day out for the whole family. Teas, burgers, beer, ice cream with things for the children to do. More details to follow next month!

Hidden Gardens of Grayshott Sunday 28th and Monday 27th May The secret is out! Grayshott, the ‘Champion of Champion Villages in Hampshire 2016’ will be opening their Hidden Gardens on 28th and 29th May. Put the date in your diary now you will not want to miss it. More than twenty private gardens will be open for you to view. This will be the seventh occasion for this bi-annual event attracting over 1000 people in 2015. In addition they have raised a total of £20,000 which has been used for garden connected projects in the village.

Entry to this year’s event is £6 per person with children under 12 free. The programme is valid for both days so take your time and view some gardens one day and the rest the day after, making more time to sample those homemade cakes or purchase yet more plants. Advance Programmes are available from Pins & Needles, Headley Road, Grayshott from 28th April 2017. The gardens are open from 12.30 until 6pm each day. Sat Nav reference - GU26 6LF, Headley Road Grayshott.

Telephone Cheryl on 07838 248626 for more information.

Join the St Wilfrid’s Hospice Dream Wheelers Bike Ride Thursday 15th to Sunday 18th June St Wilfrid’s Hospice is planning a Dream Wheelers Ride, a fun and relaxed bike tour around scenic Normandy over 2 days/3 nights in June. The Hospice is inviting cyclists of all abilities to join in and raise funds for its DREAMBUILDING project to build a new Hospice for the community. The Dream Wheelers Ride runs from Thursday 15th to Sunday 18th June taking in 101 miles of scenic French countryside. Registration costs £400, and it is hoped that participants will also raise at least £500. To register, please visit www.dreambuilding.org.uk or call 01243 214146, or email dbfundraising@stwh.co.uk. St. Wilfrid’s Hospice, Chichester - www.stwh.co.uk.

Brooklands Double Twelve Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th June Advance notice of what should be a great event. The grand re-opening of the restored Finishing Straight of the World’s first purpose-built motor racing circuit following restoration will take place on 17th June, 110 years to the day since the Track was originally opened – and the first day of the 2017 Double Twelve Motorsport Festival. This section of track has been hidden from

To advertise, please call 01483 420173

vantagepointmag.co.uk

JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

view since 1940, under a WWII Bellman Hangar which is being restored and relocated as part of the Heritage Lottery-funded Brooklands Aircraft Factory and Race Track Revival Project.

Highlights of the re-opening will include a re-enactment of the original opening parade of 17th June 1907 with veteran cars, displays and demonstrations of surviving Brooklands racing cars and motorcycles, and taxying runs by some of the Museum’s historic aircraft. The well-established format of three separate competitive events of the Double Twelve continues with a sprint, driving tests and concours d’élégance held over two days, with aggregate scores from any two going towards overall Double Twelve awards. With the special West Upholstery_Layout 1 12/03/2013 10:56 Page interest in this extraordinary milestone in Brooklands’ already1 incredible history, the quality of entries is expected to be high.

Traditional and modern upholstery specialist 25 years experience

Details of entries and classes will be announced soon on the Double Twelve pages of the main museum website at www. brooklandsmuseum.com.

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.

BUSINESS CARDS || Too much to do and not enough time?

LH

Lifestyle, concierge, technology & home office services Let me manage your tasks so you can focus on what you enjoy most. Complimentary initial discussion 10% off VantagePoint readers www.lifestylehero.co.uk +44 7508 898034 info@lifestylehero.co.uk

01428 658899 07879 836411 www.westupholstery.co.uk ksimpson@westupholstery.co.uk Creating the WOW effect

Ovens & More

For the cleaning of Domestic Ovens, Ranges, Hobs & Extractors, AGA/Rayburn & much more…….

Ovens from £38, Hobs & Extractors from £15.

Also I can clean Showers, Microwaves.

Defrost Freezers. Why not get the BBQ, Patio or Garden Furniture cleaned So why not call or e-mail Darren

01428 735135

bookings@ovensandmore.co.uk.

Flat roofing specialist since 1971

Family run business

BM Decorating

Decorator - Interiors & Exteriors Contact Barry Maguire on

T: 07711 284459 E: bmdecorating@icloud.com

Ronin Mole Control Surrey & Sussex No mole, no fee. Fully insured.

Tel Paul Stanford on 07834 769201 Email rudiger72@hotmail.com

All garden jobs undertaken Mole trapping , fencing , garden

Acer maintenance, hedge and grass cutting

Apex Aerials_Layout 1 07/09/2012 11:07 Page 1 Call Nathan on 07753 172422. Email nathansil@outlook.com

Apex Aerials

Haslemere, Liphook & Petersfield

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

Free Site Survey & Written Quotation High Performance Felt Roofing Single Ply & Seamless Liquid Plastic Mastic Asphalt Roofing, Flooring & Tanking

We do good work!

Call 01252 220220 - 01483 651181 - 01730 220006 Email: emma@jonesbrosroofing.co.uk

www.flatroofing.eu March 2017

Contact: Gary Cox and Alex Kis Tel: 01428 656795 or 01730 267311 Mobile: 07850 830605

To advertise, please call 01483 420173

45

|| BUSINESS CARDS To advertise here from just £25 per month, please call 01483 661088 or email lauren@vantagepublishing.co.uk.

JC Spiers Ltd Landscapes

07988 494922 We provide a fast, efficient, professional, commercial and domestic pest control service in the local area.

Rats, Mice, Moles, Wasps, Bees, Squirrels, insects and all other pests destroyed or removed.

Call us now: Milford: 01483 429105 Woking: 01483 822204 www.thecountypestcontrol.co.uk

Fencing, Gates, Decking, Pa�os, Driveways, Small Construc�ons, Garden Maintenance, Removals Tel: 07896 920616 and 07984 139196 Email: jcspiersltd@gmail.com Fully Insured

PARAGON

CLEANING SERVICES “The Cleaning Solution”

CARPET CLEANING

• Professional Quality Service • Fully Insured • Latest Equipment • Carpet Infestations Treated

Tel: 01428 608153 Mob: 07876 230634 GEI Ltd_Layout 1 14/06/2013 09:44 Page 1

www.jamesgraytreesurgery.co.uk

We also provide DOMESTIC CLEANERS, Regular Cleans, Spring Cleans or House Moving Cleans

01428 681530 Mobile: 07770 553686 info@paragoncleaningservices.co.uk

APEX AERIALS

YOUR LOCAL AERIAL COMPANY

GEi (UK) Ltd Fully Independent Stove Installers HETAS Approved

Chimney Sweeping Services also Provided

01428 643484 07563 618415

Southern Ltd

New Aerials Supplied - Existing Aerials Serviced TV, DAB, FM Aerials - Digital Aerial Upgrades Extra TV, Satellite, Telephone Points Satellite Dish Install & Repair

Call Graham on 01798 813092 07442 509598

Est. 1985

apexaerials@aol.com

www.gei-chimney-sweeps.co.uk

Haslemere Pilates

“Proper Pilates” All levels and ages welcome Free parking Free try class

Farnham signs Van writing Shop front & 3D Letters Exhibition General signs Illuminated signs Graphic design & Print

Ring Karol on 07958 944308 www.haslemerepilates.co.uk

Email: haslemerepilates@watchershall.com Watchers Hall, Linchmere Road, Haslemere GU27 3QP

46

Open 6 days a week/ Sat 10-4pm 01252 727306 I 07766 625269 farnhamsigns@gmail.com

www.farnhamsigns.com

To advertise, please call 01483 420173

vantagepointmag.co.uk

Enter at www.vantagepointmag.co.uk

COMPETITIONS ||

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

WIN TICKETS TO THE GUILDFORD WINE FESTIVAL ON SATURDAY 13TH MAY

The Guildford Wine Festival is one of three wine festivals being run by VantagePoint Events in 2017. It will showcase over 120 international wines including champagnes and premium wines, alongside wine experts and producers. Local wines and producers will also feature with their own special section to celebrate the strength and diversity of wine production in Surrey and West Sussex.

In addition, there will be music, entertainment, concessions, food, money-off wine vouchers and more. Each festival will also host a blind wine tasting and raffle which will support two local charities, namely Shooting Star Chase and Oakleaf. For more information or to buy tickets for this or the wine festivals in Farnham and Dorking, please visit www.vantagepointevents.co.uk.

To win one of five pairs of tickets with wine vouchers (worth £25 each) for the Saturday afternoon session on 13th May (12 noon-4pm), please answer the following question: Q: How many wines will be showcased at this festival?

Please enter online at www.vantagepointmag.co.uk by 31st March 2017.

WIN A FAMILY TICKET TO SEE CHILDREN’S TV PRESENTER NAOMI WILKINSON Children’s TV presenter Naomi Wilkinson heads to G Live in Guildford with her brand new tour Wild & Scary!

The show will be packed full of fun and surprises as Naomi is joined on stage by Animal Mark, and some of his scariest creatures. Join Naomi as she recalls some of her most exciting wildlife experiences from the far-flung corners of the world and even introduces the audience to some of the most fierce and frightening animals she met along the way!

The show is suitable for kids of all ages and guarantees a great time for the whole family and will be on April 13th at 2pm for more details or to book please visit glive.co.uk or call 01483 369350 For your chance to win a family ticket, simply answer this simple question: Q: Who is joining Naomi on stage at G Live?

Please enter online at www.vantagepointmag.co.uk by 31st March 2017.

WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS FOR A SPARKLING OUTDOOR VINEYARD TRAIN TOUR Enjoy a vineyard train tour with a glass of the specially selected Denbies award-winning Sparkling Cuvée!

The 50-minute vineyard tour takes visitors at a leisurely pace to some of the most beautiful viewing points in the vineyard. A recorded commentary enhances your trip making this an informative and comfortable way to experience the magnificent panoramic views of the Denbies Estate and the North Downs. Cameras recommended.

Tours take place from March to November. For more information, please visit www.denbies.co.uk.

For your chance to win one of four pairs of tickets, simply answer this simple question: Q: How long does the tour take?

Please enter online at www.vantagepointmag.co.uk by 31st March 2017.

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

“Making it count.”

3 months’ membership for just £99 Gym, swim, classes and individual support

www.placesforpeopleleisure.org Haslemere Leisure Centre 01428 658484

Cranleigh Leisure Centre 01483 274400

Farnham Leisure Centre 01252 723208

The Edge 01428 644577

Godalming Leisure Centre 01483 410500

Terms and conditions apply.

Membership offer available 1st to 31st March 2017.

Contact us today

Whatever place you’re into

Get the Places Locker fitness app

J363283

#movemore

Managed by PfP Leisure with the support of Waverley Borough Council