VantagePoint Magazine October 15 - Dorking & Villages

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Dorking & Villages • October 2015

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

MAGAZINE

Cheers!

We investigate some excellent local craft ales

Inside: INTERIORS LOCAL PROPERTY NEWS FROM BUTTONS TO BLINDS DORKING BUSINESS BREAKFAST CLUB WIN SUNDAY LUNCH AT CAU, GUILDFORD

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

Sales: 01306 776679 Editorial: 01483 421601

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

We now publish five community magazines which are delivered monthly by Royal Mail to 107,714 homes across the South East, which gives us the largest local circulation in the areas we cover, all with guaranteed delivery by your postman.

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

YOUR LOCAL TEAM As I write, we are barely into September and the weather is turning distinctly autumnal.

For many this is a disappointment but I do love our seasons although I accept that winter can be a bit of a challenge!

The perfect autumn offers warm days and stunning colours. There is little better than starting the day off with a walk through our lovely countryside, joining friends and family for long Sunday lunches and then enjoying cosy nights in front of a warming fire.

Speaking of which, if you have a stove or fireplace, now is the time to get your chimney swept and make sure you top up your log supplies. If your fireplace is not efficient enough, consider getting a stove, they really do make a difference. A number of reliable Marcus Atkins Sales Director marcus@vantagepublishing.co.uk Nick and Angie Crisell Jottings jottings@vantagepublishing.co.uk

October 2015

local companies to help you with all of these things advertise regularly in VantagePoint, so give them a call (and please mention us).

Stefan Reynolds Editor & Publisher

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Finally, a lovely email from Dave Shurlock from WaterAid. “Belated thanks for the Profile item on the West Surrey WaterAid group in the June edition. It gained us extra walkers on our fundraising Walk for Water and one new active group member. And that is just the additional support that we know of. Keep up the good (proper local) work”.

As local residents, we started our magazines in 2009 to support local organisations and businesses and we will continue to do just that. As we say at the top of this page, we are proud to ‘keep it local’.

Contact the editor: stefan@vantagepublishing.co.uk

Liz Godfrey Sales liz@vantagepublishing.co.uk

Contributors: Karen Doidge Hill, Phil Kemp, Beth Otway.

Print: Buxton Press Cover: Tillingbourne Beer

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CONTENTS 12

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

Rugmart

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"The Place to buy Rugs"

6 Jottings Your local community noticeboard

9 Interiors New ideas for autumn

12 Craft Ales Phil Kemp investigates some local brewers

• Specialists in Genuine Handmade Rugs • 1000's of Tribal Rugs from Afghanistan • Classical Persian Carpets and Runners • Handmade Kilims, Dhurries & Flatweave Rugs • Fine Geometric Bokhara Rugs from Pakistan • Deep Pile Embossed Indian and Chinese Carpets

• Rugs in Finely Woven Silk and Woollen Pile • Natural Cotton & Jute Dhurries • Modern & Contemporary Rugs • Plain Wool & Shaggy Rugs • Nursery & Playroom Rugs • Kitchen & Utility Mats & Runners

• Visit our Rug Showroom and be inspired by a Treasure trove of Rugs spread over 4 floors & 7000 sq ft • The Largest Selection Of Handmade, Modern & Contemporary Rugs in the UK

16 Local The Friends of St Mary Magdalene

18 From Buttons to Blinds The history of C&H Fabrics in Guildford

Large/Oversize Rugs

Afghan Rugs

Persian Rugs

Tribal Rugs

Traditional Rugs

Runners

Contemporary Rugs

Designer Rugs

Modern Rugs

22 Property We look at the state of the local market

26 Gastro Latest food and drink news

28 Gardening Fabulous fungi

30 Recipes Get baking!

34 Walk South Holmwood and Newdigate

Underlay provided for all types of flooring

Brighten up your Home this Autumn

37 Profile Dorking Business Breakfast Club

38 Business Cards Small ads for trades and services

39 Competitions Win one of three great prizes

Visit us for a wide choice of Modern & Contemporary Rugs

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

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JOTTINGS YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD We entered the GUTS Classic Car Rally in September.

Starting in Liphook, we all enjoyed a cross-country route taking us through stunning countryside on a beautiful sunny day.

The finish was at The Weald & Downland Museum where we parked up, enjoyed picnics and prizes and saw the wonderful exhibits at the Museum. A terrific day and one that will have raised a pretty decent sum for the local charity GUTS, which works tirelessly in the fight against bowel cancer. Anyway, the kids are back at school and after half term at the end of the month, we shall no doubt be directing our minds towards Christmas. Oh dear, there goes another year!

October sees the 21st annual Mole Valley Arts Alive Festival. This celebration of the arts has, over the years, gone from strength to strength and it now offers a wonderfully impressive range of activities. There is a huge number of musical events, far too many to describe each one individually.

There are concerts of classical music, jazz and folk music, choirs and brass bands, opportunities to ‘come and sing’ or take part in an open rehearsal, operas, ballets and an organ recital. In addition, the festival includes numerous events celebrating the other arts including drama, literature, dance, painting, photography in many venues throughout Mole Valley.

We are lucky to have such a wide range of events in Dorking and the surrounding area, so please do support as many of them as you can. Full details are in the festival brochure, available free from the Dorking Halls, council offices, libraries and shops, and on the website, www.molevalley.gov.uk.

The Dorking Group of Artists, one of the largest art groups in Surrey, is once again holding their Annual Exhibition at Denbies Wine Estate on Friday 2nd, Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th October from 10am-5.30pm closing on the Sunday at 4pm. Exhibiting members, many professionals among them, will be displaying over 250 pieces of exciting

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new and original art, all for sale at affordable prices. The paintings should appeal to all tastes as they feature different subjects and styles covering a wide variety of prices and media. There will be a large selection of unframed paintings and cards for sale too. Entrance to the exhibition is free.

Denbies Wine Estate is situated at London Road, Dorking RH5 6AA. The Dorking Group of Artists meets on Tuesday afternoons at Beare Green Village Hall from September through to Easter. The activities programme is varied and includes workshops and demonstrations. During the summer months there is a programme of outdoor painting and sketching. Membership is open to artists of all abilities, from beginner to professional and costs just £20 per calendar year. More information at www.dga.org.uk.

Here’s a little bit of good news. From September, new opening hours apply to the 16 Surrey Community Libraries.

This represents a 4% overall increase in the number of hours libraries open. No library is having its hours reduced. More information at www.surreycc.gov/libraries.

Polesden Lacey’s Autumn Photography Exhibition features several photographs taken by local residents from Bookham, Leatherhead and Dorking. The exhibition will showcase the 11 photographs chosen as finalists. including the winning photograph taken by John Howlett who has been named Polesden Lacey’s ‘Photographer of the Year’. The images will be enlarged to create large-scale photographic installations and displayed on the sun-dial lawn just beyond the rose garden. Visitors can view them until the end of October this year. For more information about Polesden Lacey visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/polesdenlacey or call 01372 452048.

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

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

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www.vantagepointmag.co.uk Next Copy Date: 12th10th October 2015 2015 Next Copy Date: October 6

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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

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Solitaire Social Club for unattached and single adults in West Surrey and East/North-East Hampshire recently had its 25th Anniversary and continues to provide a varied and interesting programme of activities to cater for all tastes. These include walks, meals out, BBQs, cheese and wine parties, ceroc, golf, badminton, theatre outings, parties (including a summer and Christmas party), and weekly club nights. They welcome new members. For further information go to their website www.solitairesocialclub.org. uk, call the chairman Paul on 01252 279142 or just turn up on one of the club nights and introduce yourself.

National Trust Box Hill run ‘Box Hill Bugs’ an outdoor toddler group that started in September and runs every Tuesday to 13th October ( So only two Tuesdays left) at various times. Let your child sing songs, have fun in the mud and make those first vital connections with nature at Box Hill in the woods and on the grasslands. Email jack.burrows@ nationaltrust.org.uk for more information and to book for the final two Tuesdays. October Activity Week is from Monday 26th – Friday 30th October. Lots of family friendly activities and crafts galore at Box Hill! Check off some more of your 50 Things to do before you’re 11 ¾, or join a Parkour session with Momentum, who are back again for more woodland free running fun. More details and events to follow – keep an eye on the facebook page NationalTrustSurreyHills, website www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ box-hill/things-to-see-and-do/events or email as above.

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RHS Wisley is hosting Autumn Woodfest on Saturday 3rd to Sunday 4th October. Traditional crafts, artisan demonstrations and family activities inspired by the natural beauty of wood. This weekend focuses on different ways to explore wood. Traditional and modern wood craft is included with demonstrations of lumberjack sports from STIHL, walks and talks with RHS experts.

Ben Law talks about our re-emerging woodland culture and Thomas Pakenham, bestselling author will be signing copies of his new book The Company of Trees. On your visit take a walk in the Arboretum, Pinetum or the winding woodland paths of the Wild Garden. Free with normal garden admission. There are more events, so check out www.rhs.org.uk/wisley.

The Surrey Hills Wood Fair takes place at the Birtley Estate in Bramley on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th October from 10am-5pm. Each year the fair gets bigger and better yet retains the traditional charm of a rural day out in the Surrey Hills for all the family. This year you’ll discover a range of interesting stalls to browse and buy from and great local produce including a beer tent! Entertainment includes; a host of local bands co-ordinated by the Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM) in Guildford as well as the ever popular horse and wagon rides and chainsaw demonstrations. There’s a lot for children from craft making and animal attractions to theatre shows courtesy of the Man in the Moon Theatre Tent.

The Wood Fair is free for children under 12 and £7.50 for adults. www.surreyhillswoodfair.co.uk.

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INTERIORS

It's all in the detail...

Accessorising your home is an easy and quick way to give your living spaces an update. The key is adding a few well chosen items that help to reflect your style and that will always give pleasure to the eye.

This autumn the must-have tones are a combination of earthy hues including soft teal, warm turquoise and dark blues. There are new paint shades and wall papers, lovely soft furnishings and carpets. Add a splash of colour and bring a room to life with our guide to what’s new and available to buy from your local stores.

Stags Head Velvet Cushion £15.99 Available from C&H Tunsgate Square, Guildford. Tel: 01483 301380 www.candh.co.uk

Double Blinds The Alston 3lt Chandelier £318

Available from Creative Blinds and Shutters 11 The Street, Wrecclesham. Tel: 01252 727940 www.creativeblindsandshutters.co.uk

Available from Elstead Lighting Mill Lane, Alton. Tel: 01420 82377 www.elsteadlighting.com

Arts & Crafts Fine Woven Rug £1,450 Available from The Oriental Rug Gallery 82 Wey Hill, Haslemere GU27 1HS. Tel: 01428 656657 www.theorientalruggallery.co.uk

October 2015

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INTERIORS Marrakesh Pouffe £69 Available from India Jane stores 31-33 High Street, Haslemere. Tel: 01428 648498.

3 Lion and Lamb Yard, Farnham. Tel: 01252 726204.

‘Taj Mini’ Lamp from Kartell £153 Available from Vale Furnishers 35-42 East Street , Farnham GU9 7SW. Tel: 01252 325525. www.valefurnishers.co.uk

Kone fixed whistle kettle £75 Available from Le Creuset stores 143 High Street Guildford. Tel: 01483 452689 www.lecreuset.co.uk

Tun Vase £19 Available from Bo Concept 89 Woodbridge Road, Guildford. Tel: 01483 565027 www.boconcept.co.uk

Roger Oates Stair Runners Morocco Henna Floor Lamp £149

Available from Alan Baker Flooring 66 - 68 Wey Hill, Haslemere. Tel: 01428 654285 www.alanbakerflooring.co.uk

Available from Villa and Hut Rooks Barn, The Rickyard, Eashing. Tel: 01483 414120. www.villahut.co.uk

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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

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The Abinger Lecture Society restarts on Monday 5th October and meets monthly in Abinger Village Hall until March. Titles include, Discovering Painting, The Mclaren Phenomenon, Balkan Adventure, Euclid Space Mission, Goodbye Dolly Gray and The Bloomsbury Group. Further details available from the membership secretary cranem@ btinternet.com The Three Bridges spiritualist church has been around for many years and their doors are open to everyone.

Based in Crawley, they are a self funded church so everything that comes in goes back into the church. They hold a service every Wednesday evening. Their doors open at 7pm, the service starts at 7.30pm till 9pm and everyone is welcome.

It’s £4 on the door, which includes a raffle ticket that is drawn at the end of the service and a lovely cup of tea or coffee.

They are currently fund raising for a new church roof and you can purchase a roof slate for £5 each with a picture and message in memory of a loved one. For more information, contact Tina Monday - Friday 3pm-5pm on 07518 303618, or go to www.threebridgesspiritualistchurch.co.uk, 10 New Street, Three Bridges, Crawley, West Sussex RH10 1LW. Watermill Jazz takes place every Thursday from 8.30pm11pm at the Aviva Social Club, Pixham Lane, Dorking RH4 1QA. On the 8th October they have Alan Broadbent and Georgia Mancio and on the 29th October Cortney Pine

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presents Song (The Ballad Book) featuring Zoe Rahman.

Both are part of the local Mole Valley Arts Alive Festival. More information at www.watermilljazz.co.uk.

Want to find out more about Quakers. Dorking Quakers are providing some introductory sessions about this religion on Fridays 9th to 30th October from 7.30pm-9.30pm at the Meeting House, Butter Hill, South Street, Dorking RH4 2LE. More information at www.dorking.quaker.eu.org/ quakerquest.php or contact 01372 454363, email dorkingqq@gmail.com.

The Horsley & Clandon Society of Arts’ Annual Exhibition of members’ work is to be held on Saturday 10th October from 10am to 4pm in East Horsley Village Hall. There will be over 200 exhibits and all work is for sale. Admission is free. Catalogues £1. There are refreshments available and ample parking. For further information about the society and exhibition contact Mrs Robyn Cormack (secretary) on 01483 224063.

On Saturday 10th October, Leith Hill Place welcomes the writer Emma Darwin, the great-great-granddaughter of Charles Darwin, to Leith Hill Place, where she will give an intensive one-day course on writing historical fiction. Beginning at 10am and with lunch and refreshments included, the course finishes at 4pm. The cost is £125.

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October 2015

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profile is being rapidly transformed by women attracted to the exciting explosion of new flavours, varieties and brands.

We approached three local craft breweries that are at the heart of this new brewing revolution to find out what all the fuss is about.

Hop Art in Bentley near Farnham has only been brewing since February this year and yet has already made impressive inroads into their local market. Partners Tony Scardarella and Erik van Dongen clearly have a great chemistry together, and with a very evident sparkle for humour as I was to find out.

“We started Hop Art as a spur of the moment decision,” said Erik, and following a dramatic pause added: “After 20 years of talking about it! I guess I’m the brewer, and Tony is the sales, marketing, image and everything-else-man.”

Tony chipped in: “It’s fair to say that beer is in your blood, isn’t it?” to which Erik responded: “Metaphorically rather than literally of course.”

And so the mood for the rest of the interview was set.

Craft Ales

What’s all the fuss about? Phil Kemp investigates...

Marcus Jones, the community pubs minister, announced in August that “Britain is back on the map as a global brewing powerhouse with three breweries opening up every week.” An awesome statistic that sits awkwardly alongside the British Beer and Pub Association’s much hawked fact that up to 29 pubs close every week in the UK. Add to that the news that the Office for National Statistics (ONS) in March added craft beers to the basket of goods used to calculate inflation in the UK. Then in May, it emerged that the UK brewing giant SABMiller acquired London craft brewer Meantime, attracted by their 48% growth in sales in 2014 - this compared to the paltry 1% growth of the mainstream UK beer market.

So what is ‘craft beer’ and what makes it so special to attract all of this attention? At its heart is the enthusiasm of smallscale artisan microbreweries experimenting with exciting combinations of ingredients to flavour and colour their beers.

This is resulting in the brewing industry being redefined to such a degree that the traditionally male-dominated customer

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“We wanted a range that went from the very lightest in character, right through to the dark complex. Our very first one was Hoppy Blonde. We felt that having a beer that was light, refreshing and with that citrus zing was what the market was after - and it’s been our bestseller by far.”

Both Erik and Tony have close family connections with Europe, and this influence is very evident in their brew recipes. Tony explained: “That continental influence plays a big part, and it is something that differentiates us. We both love a lot of the Belgian beers the Rocheforts influenced us a lot when we were working out the Hoppist. So our cultural backgrounds are definitely an influence.”

Hop Art Brewery

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“Our Hoppist is a strong Belgian Trappiststyle beer, and at 6.1 ABV (alcohol by volume percentage) is quite modest and low for a Belgian style beer, but is better suited for the local palate,” said Erik. “Weisshop is only 4.5 but it is a wheat beer, and although wheat beers have grown in popularity they are still the Marmite of beers in England. There are people that just ‘get’ a wheat beer, and there are people who simply don’t because it’s got that sort of sour, acidic taste.”

The microbrewery Tillingbourne is tucked away in the North Downs close to Guildford.

Their story starts in 2011 and makes for fascinating reading. Steve Dodd and Lee Nicholls have been friends since their school days, and Steve had been brewing his own beer from home for over 25 years. A chance conversation with the brewery’s previous owners, who were relocating, resulted in the two taking over the site and launching their own brewery. The partnership of an experienced brewer (and scientist by profession) and a sales and advertising professional, both of whom had the conviction to jump straight into what is by microbrewery standards a large brewing plant, has resulted in a new craft brewer that has made an impact

extremely quickly with an impressive list of brewing awards under their belts.

“When we started up there were 400 microbreweries in the country, which was a bit of a challenge to start with until we realised that we were surrounded by breweries producing traditionally-styled ale, using English hops which are quite bland. We use American hops which have a lot more power and a lot more citrus notes, producing more ‘bang’ for your buck.

People know us as the hoppy Surrey brewery, and our mascot is the Hop Troll created to mark the success of our IPA of the same name, and which has seven varieties of hops in it.”

Most of our beers are named after features along the Tillingbourne River. Falls Gold is named after a waterfall just up from Wootton. The Source is named after the spring where the Tillingbourne starts. And Black Troll is taken from one of the famous gunpowder mills down in Chilworth - and of course every Tillingbourne bridge has a troll lurking beneath!”

People just cannot believe how much power you can get from hops, and it is the golden hops that are really driving the market now. The average ale drinker used to be in their late 30s and early 40s, but that has now converted to late 20s and early 30s. My wife runs the Dorking Beer Festival where the visitor demographic has also shifted dramatically to now include 40% women.”

Surrey Hills has been brewing for over 10 years, the last four of which has seen them occupy a unit at the Denbies Wine

DISCOVER MORE There are of course plenty more local breweries in the area.

These include: Dark Star Brewing Co, Partridge Green - www.darkstarbrewing.co.uk Langham Brewery, Lodsworth - www.langhambrewery.co.uk Dorking Brewery, Dorking - www.dorkingbrewery.com Frensham Brewery, Farnham - www.frenshambrewery.co.uk Hog’s Back, Tongham - www.hogsback.co.uk Hoptimists Brewery, Godalming - www.hoptimists.co.uk Leith Hill Brewery, Dorking - www.ploughinn.com/leith-hill-microbrewery The Little Beer Corporation, Guildford - www.littlebeer.co.uk

CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale

Top: Surrey Hills Brewery. Above: Casks of Tillingbourne

October 2015

CAMRA is an independent, voluntary organisation campaigning for real ale, community pubs and consumer rights. For more information, please visit their website at www.camra.org.uk

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Estate in Dorking. Surrounded by over 200 acres of vineyards in the North Downs must in itself be an inspiration - not that the Surrey Hills Brewery team need much additional motivation as I was to discover.

Under the experienced hands of founder Ross Hunter, his team are continuing to enthusiastically build on the reputation initially established by their best-selling Shere Drop - which Ross is keen to point out has become so well-regarded that customers will simply ask for a pint of Drop at their local. And from whence the name? “We were brewing in Shere at the time and the ‘Drop’ comes from people simply saying “nice drop of beer” - and it has since proved to be a pun that really sticks in your mind.”

Ross has a clear strategy for keeping a local focus when it comes to both the naming of their brews and where their customers are located. “Over 95% of our beer is consumed within a 15mile radius of the brewery,” Ross explained. “Not only does it keep delivery times down, but also in supplying local pubs we have a very personal connection with them. It’s like a big happy family.” Shere Drop is joined by other popular brews including Hammer Mild, Ranmore Ale, Greensand IPA, and Albury Ruby. The list clearly bringing to life the brewery’s intimate connection with the Surrey Hills and its villages and landmarks.

“We are very proud of our beers. As well as our best-selling Shere Drop, our dark mild Hammer was awarded Champion Mild of Britain in 2010. Our second-best seller is Ranmore, which won Gold in its category of Champion Beer of Britain.”

Ross is extremely enthusiastic about the direction English brewing is headed. “Craft ale is taking off. A lot of people are entering the market now, so for us it was a good time to get in 10 years ago. As far as I’m concerned the more the merrier as it means there is much more variety out there - and so there are more reasons now for people to get interested in beer. It is a very exciting time.”

Craft beer brewed by artisan microbreweries is undoubtedly here to stay and it looks like the excitement is unlikely to wane, in part down to the inquisitive nature of brewers when it comes to exploring vibrant new flavours. Craft’s tasting notes are enthusiastically debated online and in bars all across the country. After all, who could resist trying beers that have ‘sweet caramel notes’ ; ‘orange and tangerine flavours and aromas’ ; ‘a dry biscuity finish’; or ‘floral, fruity hoppiness and a zingy, zesty flavour’?

Add to that exciting marketing with visually striking branding and wildly imaginative names for their beers. Some of the most original revealed in a countrywide survey earlier this year included Santa’s Butt, a play on words given that a ‘butt’ refers to a large barrel in brewery-speak; Old Engine Oil described as ‘viscous and crafted with a twist’; Tactical Nuclear Penguin, perhaps because of its staggering 32% ABV; Snake Venom, apparently the world’s strongest beer at a mind-blowing 67.5%; and Five O’Clock Shadow, allowing you to ‘be at one with your stubble after a hard day at work’.

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Hop Art

Erik van Dongen (left) and Tony Scardarella

The Brewery, Blacknest Industrial Park, Blacknest Road, Bentley, Nr Farnham GU34 4PX 01252 364436 www.hopartbrewery.com

Tillingbourne

Lee Nicholls

Old Scotland Farm, Staple Lane, Shere, Surrey GU5 9TE 01483 222228 www.tillybeer.co.uk

Surrey Hills Brewery

Ross Hunter

Denbies Wine Estate, London Road, Dorking RH5 6AA 01306 883603 www.surreyhills.co.uk Then stir into the mix sheer artisan effrontery which effectively cocks a snook at the great traditional British pint by introducing a ‘flight’ of third pint glasses - where craft ale drinkers can try three different brews selected from a menu, and all for the cost of a single pint – and you know that the British brewing industry will never be the same again.

Phil Kemp is a Godalming-based writer and photographer with a keen interest in what makes our cluster of southern counties tick, and so loudly too. He works closely with other freelancers in a vibrant creative community. www.weyriver.co.uk vantagepointmag.co.uk

LOCAL Friends of St Mary Magdalene A brief history of the church St Mary Magdalene Church, The Holmwood, was completed and consecrated in 1838, the year of Queen Victoria’s Coronation. Since then it has played an important role in the village as the place to celebrate births, marriages and the lives of those no longer with us, a place of worship and a centre of village life. It is the parish church for the three villages of Beare Green, South Holmwood and Mid Holmwood. In July 2013 it celebrated its 175th birthday with a three-day flower festival, followed by a concert featuring the Choral Scholars from King’s College, Cambridge.

The church is a Grade II listed building, constructed of sandstone reputedly from nearby Coldharbour. It has been developed and maintained over several generations through the vision and commitment of Holmwood villagers. The present incumbent is Rev Barbara Steadman-Allen.

Looking to the future The church continues to need care today. Weekly running costs, currently about £1,000, are met by the congregation but there are insufficient funds to pay for vital maintenance work and a programme of important renovations. Proposed

projects include internal redecorations, improvements in the lighting and sound systems, cleaning of the highly regarded stained glass windows and renovation of the church floor.

far.

The parish is home to musicians, artists and artisans of every genre and they use the church to exhibit and celebrate their talents and the church therefore welcomes visitors from near and

Who are the ‘Friends of St Mary Magdalene’ (FSMM)?

Friends of St Mary Magdalene Church, The Holmwood (FSMM) is a local charity, formed in April 2008 with the objective of raising funds to maintain, refurbish and equip the historic church, its buildings and grounds. It also aims to develop the church as a centre of village life and culture for the benefit and use of the local community.

The Friends are the charity’s members.

Every year about half a dozen fund-raising events are held and, to date, over £50,000 has been donated to the church. The bulk of this sum went towards the repair of the roof but smaller projects have also been achieved, including a new oil tank, handrails at the entrance to the church and the installation of a self-winding mechanism for the tower clock. The latest project is to dramatically improve the church lighting, which will be accomplished in stages so the target to be raised is manageable at any one time.

Membership costs just £5 per annum although many members opt to become life members for the sum of £100. We are always delighted to welcome new members who have an interest in this church and wish to see it continue as both a place of worship and a spiritual home for all who come.

FIND OUT MORE

For more information, please contact Pam Chiverton. Tel: 01306 888922; Email pam.chiverton@btinternet.com.

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October, on what would be composer Ralph Vaughan Williams’s 143rd birthday, join them for a live performance of his best-known work, The Lark Ascending, followed by a cream tea and slice of birthday cake. £8 Normal admission charges apply for non-members. Booking is essential. On Friday 30th October there’s a Family Fungus Fun Day from 11.30am to 3.30pm for autumnal activities and a fungus spotting walk with mycologist, Vivien Hodge. £3 per child.

Normal admission charges apply for non-members. Booking is advisable. On Saturday 31st October at 12.30pm and 2.30pm, a Fungus Foray features mycologist-led walks in the grounds and parkland, with more information presented in the house. £4 Normal admission charges apply for nonmembers. Booking is essential. To book, please call 0844 249 1895 unless otherwise stated, or visit www.nationaltrust. org.uk/leithhillplaceevents.

The Dorking Allotment Holders Association will be holding their annual Pumpkin Show, this year on 10th October, at the Christian Centre, North Street Dorking, from 1pm till 5pm. As part of the Mole Valley Arts Alive Festival the show will have as its theme ‘Mary Pumpkins’ showcasing the weird and wonderful world of pumpkin, squash and gourds as well as displays on their more creative uses, all based around a popular film.

Admission is free and teas, coffee and lunches will be available from 10am. Visit www.daha.org.uk for more

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information and to download a schedule or follow them on Facebook.

The Dorking & District U3A holds its monthly meeting on Wednesday 14th October at 2.30pm in the Christian Centre beside St Martin’s Church in Dorking. Musicologist Robin Wells will give a talk entitled ‘Ralph Vaughan Williams and Surrey’. Wells was director of music at Charterhouse School, where Vaughan Williams himself was once a pupil. He is also conductor of the Godalming Operatic Society and the Farnham & Bourne Choral Society and co-editor of a book of scholarly essays on the composer. Admission is free. For more information on the range of activities offered by the Dorking U3A visit www.dorkingu3a.org.uk.

Horsley Decorative & Fine Arts Society meets at East Horsley Village Hall for lectures at 10.30am (coffee from 9.45) on the second Wednesday of each month except August and September. The new season will start on 14th October with Italian Art at the Dawn of the Renaissance by Janet Robson. Visitors (£5) and new members welcome. For more information and the full programme phone Alma 01372 451015 or visit their website www.horsleydfas.org.uk.

Guildford Rambling Club is meeting in the public car park in Shere at 10am on Wednesday 14th October for a 5 mile morning walk. Visitors are welcome. Details

reg.charity 288923

Visiting families facing life-threatening illness Sadly, many of us are touched by cancer - it can be a family member, a friend or business colleague and the news can be devastating.

The Brigitte Trust offers a free volunteer service of emotional support and practical help at home. Practical issues like driving, shopping and getting to hospital for treatment can sometimes be hard to manage, and our volunteers can make a real difference. The Trust offers a volunteer who will visit weekly and build up a relationship with patient and carer, offering respite, company and time to listen to many of the feelings and concerns serious illness can bring.

Our next free training courses run in Dorking and Crawley. Volunteers, who should be car drivers, are asked for a commitment of four hours weekly to local visits.

Call Sharon today on 01306 881816 or visit our website www.brigittetrust.org to find out more

October 2015

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From Buttons to Blinds In the first of an occasional series about the history of our local businesses, we talk to C&H in Guildford C&H Fabrics was started on 1st April 1933 by C.W. Hamblin and H.E. Closs. Some might say not a very auspicious date to begin a new business, but 82 years later they would be proved wrong.

The company continues to grow and flourish under the steady leadership of Bryan Hamblin, C.W.’s grandson, supported by his three sons, all of whom play active roles in the company.

The success of the company has much to do with its original philosophy, which was simply to offer customers ‘quality and service’ plus ‘reliability and value,’ standards which still hold true today across their nine stores in the south of England.

C&H has been fortunate in the loyalty of its staff, many of whom have worked for the company for well over 10 years allowing their product knowledge to develop and grow. Perhaps it is down to the Hamblin family taking the time to learn the names and a little about all of its 400 staff; or an oldfashioned determination to keep their stores closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, so that their staff can enjoy time with their families. Whatever the reason, the expertise and passion the staff bring to work with them translates into a recipe for a successful business now spanning four generations.

C&H’s roots were founded in dress fabrics, with haberdashery arriving a little later. Some years ago the company ventured into the soft furnishings market and has since established a reputation for producing high quality bespoke curtains and blinds, with designs and price points to suit every taste and budget. C&H even offers a ‘made to measure’ service which can provide you with new curtains in just five days.

An exciting new range of shutters has just been introduced, making their window products one of the most comprehensive in the South East.

before they were deemed competent enough to serve the public on the shop floor. Dressmakers will know that was no mean feat - although in the post war years there was little other choice than to make do and mend as rationing was still in place and fabrics in short supply.

Necessity has always been a great teacher!

Quilting continues to enjoy a huge following, no doubt because it is such a sociable craft and one which can be enjoyed whilst having a good old fashioned gossip at the same time; not to mention the coffee and cake which always seems on hand when quilters get together. C&H offers a very extensive range of fabrics and accessories for patchwork and to support local quilting groups offers a 10% discount on presentation of their membership card, not to mention a similar discount for all textile students and more recently, the WI. Knitting continues to rise in popularity and C&H leads the way offering a wide selection

During the last two years there has been a huge revival in dressmaking. This has no doubt come about as a result of the BBC’s highly successful ‘Great British Sewing Bee’ programme which we all sat glued to, week after week, watching every stitch and marvelling at the final results of the contestants. Many C&H customers plunged in and had a go at dressmaking for the first time, having been buoyed up with the enthusiasm each weekly episode created. Whilst C&H’s dress staff did have to help rescue a few of the more ambitious projects, an enthusiastic new generation of dressmakers had been born, thanks to television.

A little known fact about C&H is that in the early years all employees had to make their own uniform comprising a jacket, skirt and blouse 18

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of yarns in all of its stores. Knitting got a huge boost a few years ago when many ‘Hollywood superstars’ admitted to being avid knitters, so even the young decided it must be ‘cool’ and had a go. Who could forget Dustin Hoffman declaring his passion for knitting on a popular breakfast show; and when presented with a ball of yarn, knitting pins and asked unexpectedly to demonstrate his skill, how he checked the yarns ball band and then scolded the presenters for giving him the wrong size needles. A true craftsman and one who was not going to be caught out on TV! The sad epilogue to such an upsurge in dressmaking and knitting is the decline in the number of high street shops able to offer these products; such is the variety and quantity of items needed to provide a comprehensive range that few of the smaller retailers have been able to keep up and have disappeared from our towns.

But for C&H this boom has allowed them to bring in ever more products, expand its ranges and keep ahead of a constantly changing and growing market.

Craft, toys, games, giftware and fashion products were added to the C&H range a few years ago proving extremely popular and with Christmas just around the corner, your local C&H will be well worth a visit as it is bursting with gift ideas that won’t break the bank.

The impact that the internet is having on the high street is now clear and whilst C&H’s heart will always be in face-to-face customer retailing, internet shopping is now a fact of life. Whilst the majority of the customers still love to handle the fabrics and discuss their projects, C&H felt it necessary to launch its own extensive website which can be found at www.candh.co.uk and now enjoys a strong online customer following.

Busy lifestyles also now demand seven day a week shopping and whilst C&H had resisted this trend, following the successful opening of its Guildford store on Sundays earlier in the year, in early 2016 all C&H stores will open seven days a week.

The redevelopment of Tunsgate Square confronts the company with a new challenge, but C&H’s determination to remain in Guildford and its commitment to its customers is undaunted and your local C&H looks forward to welcoming you to its store for many years yet to come.

FIND OUT MORE

C&H Fabrics, 6a Tunsgate Square, Guildford, Surrey GU1 3QZ Tel: 01483 301380. Web: www.candh.co.uk

Images clockwise from far left: The Tunbridge Wells store in 1964; a shop interior in the 1960s; the opening of the original Guildford store in 1963; the Guildford store in Tunsgate; another shop interior in the 1960s.

October 2015

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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

from David on 07512 147456. There is also an out of area meeting at 10am on Sunday 18th October in the public car park in Chobham, close to GU24 8LZ for a 5 + 4 mile figure of 8 walk. Details from Hazel on 01483 232786. The club is also meeting at 10am on Sunday 25th October in Ash Road (B380) near the A324 junction ¾ mile south of Pirbright.

Details from Dick on 07516 407936. You could drop out of either of these at lunchtime. Visitors are welcome. More information at www.guildfordramblingclub.org.uk .

Ewhurst and Ellens Green Bridge Club will be hosting an open evening on Friday 16th October at the Ellens Green Memorial Hall, on the Surrey/West Sussex border. Anyone who would like to learn more about this friendly club or who might be considering membership will be welcome to go along, ideally with a partner.

They play a mixture of duplicate bridge, individual pairs and teams events, as well as occasional County and World Wide simultaneous pairs events. They are an EBU-affiliated club. They hold a summer party to which members’ partners or spouses are invited, and also have an annual bridge weekend away in some congenial location. They meet every Friday evening, with a 7.10pm for 7.20pm start, at Ellens Green Memorial Hall, Furzen Lane, Ellens Green RH12 3AR. Further information can be found on their website www.ewhurstbridge.org. uk. You can also contact the chairman, Derek Gardner,

on 01483 272890 (alider@tiscali.co.uk) or the hon. secretary, Carole Warde, on 01293 786653 (edrawlc@ gmail.com).

As part of the Mole Valley Arts Alive Festival the Friends of St Mary Magdalene are delighted to be hosting a concert to be given by the widely acclaimed Martineau Singers, with guest conductor Patrick Allies, in St Mary Magdalene Church, South Holmwood on Saturday 17th October starting at 7.30pm. This Songs of the Earth concert promises to provide a wealth of musical delights covering a wide range of periods and styles and they very much hope to have a capacity audience in this beautiful church with its excellent acoustics. Tickets cost £12 and are available from Virginia Smith on 01306 885349 or Pam Chiverton 01306 888922. Children under 12 are free.

The inaugural Dorking Film Festival on Saturday 17th October 2015 will feature a number of sections including shorts, documentaries, competitions, film-related talks and feature films, many with local connections. At the Dorking Halls 9am-11.55pm. www.DorkingFilmFestival. com.

Dorking Museum’s next Family Saturday Event is on 17th October. The Big Draw allows you to choose an item to draw from the museum and put it on their giant time line!

Our specialist team of private client solicitors can help you with:

SOLICITORS & NOTARIES

Wills • Trusts • Powers of Attorney • Court of Protection Deputyship Applications • Probate and Estate Administration Estate and Inheritance Tax Planning

Please contact Joanna Pashley for an appointment on 01306 502959 or j.pashley@downslaw.co.uk 156 High Street • Dorking • Surrey • RH4 1BQ • 01306 880110 • www.downslaw.co.uk

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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

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It is suitable for families with children up to age 10. No need to book – just drop in anytime from 2pm to 3.30pm (they close at 4pm). All materials are provided but children must be accompanied. This activity is free with museum entry but a donation would be very welcome to cover costs. Entry is only £2 for adult; £1 for children (Under 5’s free) and family ticket £5. If you have any queries, email admin@dorkingmuseum. org.uk or call 01306 876591. More information at www. dorkingmuseum.org.uk/events/family-activities-atdorking-museum.

There are a number of interesting events at Polesden Lacey, the National Trust property in Great Bookham RH5 6BD. On Saturday 17th October, there is The Echo 10k Run which starts at 9.30am. There are 10K and 6K races and a 1.5K kid’s race through the grounds in support of Evalina’s Children’s Heart Organisation. Entries close on 15th October. Go to www.riderhq. com/events/68477/echo-challenge/enter. From Saturday 24th October to Sunday 1st November from 10am to 3.30pm, it’s Halloween – Polesden through the looking glass Follow Alice through the looking glass and meet wonderland characters in the wild woods as you try to warn her of impending danger. A back-to-front spooky trail where nothing is as it seems. Normal admission applies plus £2 per child. Then on Tuesday 27th, Wednesday 8th and Thursday 29th October it’s ‘Wild Learning Autumn’ including den building, wild art, games and more. It’s for Children 5 yrs and over and costs £38 per day. You need to book at www.wildlearning.net.

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

in your local in area your local area The next West Horsley Parish Council’s monthly Parish “Based in West Clandon, Gu “Based in West Clandon, Guildford we are a Guildford family runwewe ininWest areare a family ru “Based WestClandon, Clandon, Guildford Council meeting takes place on Tuesday 20th October “Based business is committed to providing people with business that is committed to providing people with at 8pm at West Horsley Village Hall.

Everyonethat welcome. a family run business that isiscommitted to business that committed For more information see www.westhorsley.info contact Carers friendly & people reliable Carers who genuinely care” friendly &orreliable who genuinely care” providing with friendly & reliable clerk@westhorsley.info.

Lucinda Kalupka, Nurse & Registered Manager Carers who genuinely care” Recruiting Home Carers Carers w friendly & reliable Test your spelling ability by playing Scrabble! The Lucinda Kalupka, Nurse & Registered Manager

inhour your local Dorking Scrabble Club welcomes players of just all abilities. just an hour a day area to 24 hour support From an hourThe a day toFrom 24 support Lucinda Kalupka, Nurse & Registered Club meets every Wednesday at 7.30pm. Opponents are “ Based in West Clandon, Guildford wehour are a family runrates + paid ho Good hourly Rewarding career From just an hour a day to 24 support paired to play three games in the course of the evening Help Good hourly rates + paid holiday Rewarding career business that is committed to providing people with is given to new players and everyone is provided with a list Paid mileage Flexible hours friendly &Paid reliable Carers who genuinely care” mileage Flexible hours • Rewarding career of all the two and three letter words (there are over 1400!)

Work in your local commun Comprehensive support Lucinda Kalupka, Nurse & Registered Manager If you’re interested ring Priscilla on 01737 767072 or Davidsupport Work • Flexible hoursin your local community Comprehensive & training on 01306 889308 or just pop along any&Wednesday From just an hour a day tosupport 24 hour support training to the • Comprehensive & training Roy Currie Room at Dorking United Reformed Church ,West Good hourly rates + paid holiday Rewarding career • • Good hourly rates + paid holiday • Street, Dorking.

Paid mileage Flexible hours Lucinda Kalupka, Nurse & Registered Manager

• • •

• • • • • • • From • just an hour• a day to 24 hou

• Rewarding career Flexible hours • Call us today on 01483 224 985 Call us today on 01483 224 985 support • &Comprehensive training

• • mileage • Paid Work in call your local community Comprehensive support For• further information Matthew.

•please Horsley Garden Society holds flower and produce Work incall your local community & training For further information• please Matthew. shows, meetings, lectures and visits that bring together those with an interest in gardening. In their three shows members compete for awards and trophies with their For further information please call Matthew. info@homecountiescarers.co.uk flowers, fruit and vegetables, homecrafts and handicrafts.

Call us today on 01483 224 All activities take place at the West Horsley Village Hall and at www.homecountiescarers.co.uk info@homecountiescarers.co.uk 8pm on Wednesday 21st October, Mr David Cheston is giving info@homecountiescarers.co.uk www.homecountiescarers.co.uk a talk on ‘Flowers’. Anyone interested in membership at the www.homecountiescarers.co.uk modest cost of £8 per annum should contact the chairman, Roger Lindsay, email r.lindsay339@btinternet.com or the October 2015

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PROPERTY NEWS - AUTUMN The property market in Surrey and West Sussex is fairly buoyant, with average house prices up 9% in Surrey and 9.2% in West Sussex this year. There is strong demand for houses as people look to enjoy living in or near towns that regularly feature in lists of the most desirable places to live in the UK. According to Andrew Lodge, “October is a great time to get your property on the market as there are many active buyers in the area looking to move before Christmas”. This view is shared by Graham Faulkner from Ewe Move, who commented that “lower priced housing stock in particular has attracted much attention and has been selling very quickly. In quite a few cases we have sold in just a few days for asking price or higher”. Tony Emery from Emery & Orchard says that “the end of the holiday season has seen an increase in activity in the housing market as people return from their summer break keen to find a new home”.

If you are selling, make sure you follow the advice given below from a selection of local agents. In addition, Marcus Cadman at Hill Clements suggests you “take advantage of any good weather and get your photographs done. A high level of presentation on websites, advertising and brochures ensures your house will stand out from the rest and attract the best interest”. Matthew Burns from Pewleys agrees. “We all know the old saying ‘a picture can paint a thousand words’ well, we agree. We are so used to expertly filmed property shows these days that depict a lifestyle offered by a property that one should really try to ‘get creative’ with the photography when presenting your property. Check to see which agent is best suited to do this for you and show your home to the same standard that you present within it.”

Pewleys, Shalford - Matthew Burns Where are the local ‘hot spots’ and why?

Schools are always first on the agenda.

Wrong or right side of the road for catchment can have a profound influence on property value, however these catchments change from year-to-year. Private schools relative to property location are less of an issue although rush hour traffic delays do play a major role still.

Guildford has always been ‘blue chip’ due to excellent communications, schooling, cultural and of course shopping facilities. The villages surrounding are highly sought after particularly with so many people now working from home wanting a more peaceful lifestyle.

Your top tip for selling your property now De clutter and then de clutter again! It’s so easy to

Emery & Orchard, Godalming - Tony Emery Where are the local ‘hot spots’ and why?

We have experienced an increase in the number of new buyers entering the market across all price ranges. There is demand particularly for Victorian homes near to the town centre and from families looking for four bedroom homes in the price range of £600,000 to £1,000,000 in Godalming and the outer lying villages.

The market as remained strong this year with consistent sales through the summer. Many buyers are looking to move out of London, and Godalming, being within easy reach of the capital and being a great place to live, is a popular choice.

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Tel: 01483 304344 www.pewleys.co.uk get used to a home that is simply too full of furniture and general clutter. Create as much clear space, particularly within the entrance hall as this is the first opportunity to make a good impression. Thresholds are important too. Paint the front door and jet wash the pathway, so from the moment the buyer pulls up outside, the property is already inviting them to enter. Make sure that the garden is well maintained and leaves swept away regularly. Clean windows as this will create more sparkle outside and in.

Why use us One can soon identify with a particular agent who specialises in a certain type of property or even client.

Some agents, like us, also have a wealth of experience in the local area, property and life in general.

Tel: 01483 419300 www.emery-orchard.co.uk Your top tip for selling your property now Start marketing early in the autumn and price realistically – things can slow down as we get near to Christmas and this will give you the best chance of selling and finding your next home.

Why use us We are the local independent agents who have been helping people move successfully in the area for over 20 years. We offer professional, friendly and efficient service, dealing personally with all our clients and giving sound advice on all aspects of the property market.

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Hill Clements, Guildford - Marcus Cadman Where are the local ‘hot spots’ and why?

What has become very noticeable over the last couple of years is the growing appetite for the convenience of town living. Anything in the town that is sensibly priced is attracting a great deal of interest. The ability to walk the children to schools, walk to the station and all the other amenities that Guildford has to offer is a huge draw. Areas around schools are always going to be popular but in essence anywhere in Guildford at the moment could be classified as a hot spot.

Your top tip for selling your property now Take advantage of any good weather and get your

Tel: 01483 300300 www.hillclements.com photographs done. A high level of presentation on websites, advertising and brochures ensures your house will stand out from the rest and attract the best interest. Make sure that leaves are swept, borders are looking well kept and any pots or planters have a seasonal offering in. People do not want to feel that the garden is a burden before they have even walked into the house.

Why use us We have been working in the town for the last 24 years and have built up a reputation for dealing with good quality homes in the town and surrounding villages. The current team have some 65 years’ experience of advising clients in the area

Ewe Move, Dorking - Graham Faulkner Where are the local ‘hot spots’ and why?

Currently we are seeing great interest in the first time buyer price bracket, which scarily is anything up to £400,000. Most desirable seem to be three bed houses, with more afforable ex-local authority now being snapped up. One bed and two bed flats are popular too, but the prices have risen quite a bit this year. Buyers used to be deterred by being on main roads, and that still has a bearing, but with a shortage of housing stock available we are seeing people adjusting their criteria.

Your top tip for selling your property now My top tip would be to tidy up, mend anything obviously broken, and decorate to ‘freshen up’ if that’s an option.

Why use us We’re open 24/7 for calls and we receive 40% of our enquiries in the evenings when most other agents have gone home. People browsing can simply click a

Tel: 01306 406 506 www.ewemove.com button to request a call back on a property, or to book a viewing. We also have a Happy Seller Guarantee where a seller is free to walk away without owing a penny if they think we’re not doing a good job.

Letting your property?

The local lettings market in Godalming and the surrounding villages is fast with demand outstripping supply. The area is excellent for buy-to-let/pension investors requiring an income. Landlords should use a professional agent for referencing/credit checking and for drawing up the tenancy agreements.

A professional inventory should also be drawn up. Landlords need to be aware of the legislation surrounding lettings. Well presented and maintained properties achieve a higher rental and are always required.

Valissa Burnett of Regency Lettings & Property Management Ltd is an independent letting agent with 23 years’ experience. Tel 01428 684540. www.rlpm.co.uk

Andrew Lodge Estate Agents, Farnham - Andrew Lodge Where are the local ‘hot spots’ and why?

Farnham and surrounding villages are all sought after destinations for families and individuals as there are many properties located near to good schools, Farnham mainline station and town centre, along with beautiful countryside. The whole area is a ‘property hot spot’ as it is currently attracting many buyers from London and the suburbs.

Your top tip for selling your property now October is a great time to get your property on the market as there are many active buyers in the area looking to move before Christmas. When preparing

October 2015

Tel: 01252 717705 www.andrewlodge.net

your home for the market it is important to make it as clutter free as possible, providing the maximum feel of light and space. First impressions always count so neat presentation is very important. By ensuring your home is well presented we can obtain the best photographs for marketing purposes.

Why use us I established Andrew Lodge Estate Agents 22 years ago and have an experienced team with extensive knowledge of the area. We have a commitment to providing a quality service, making the sales process as stress free as we can, and achieving the best possible results for our clients.

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TIP TOP ANTIQUES AT SANDOWN PARK RACECOURSE 9th-11th October Noted for the high quality works of art and antiques on show, The Esher Hall Antiques & Fine Art Fair returns to Esher Hall, Sandown Park Racecourse, Esher KT10 9AJ for the eighth consecutive year from Friday 9th to Sunday 11th October 2015. This boutique-style event is firmly on Surrey’s social calendar as a ‘must visit’ experience for those seeking stylish gifts or inspiring items for the home and is not to be missed.

30 specialist dealers are showcasing their best pieces, many returning to the fair to meet up with clients from previous years, along with a good sprinkling of new faces. As well as exhibitors from all corners of the UK, the fair is well supported by those from the home counties such as David Brooker Fine Art specialising in 18th to 20th century English and European paintings; Jeroen Markies Art Deco with stylish 1930s furniture and accessories, Emma Duveen Art & Decorative Antiques showcasing an eclectic range of antiques from Arts & Crafts glass to English porcelain, Modern British paintings, writing boxes and journals; Mark J West with 18th to 20th century English and Continental

glass, Rugs of Petworth bringing an assortment of early 20th century Persian and contemporary carpets; and Rae-Smith Gallery dealing in 20th and 21st century illustrations, cartoons and design artwork.

The fair’s nominated charity is the Surrey based David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation raising funds to save endangered mammals in their natural habitats. A number of wildlife inspired artworks can also be found for sale on several exhibitors’ stands.

Parking is free for visitors to the fair, which also has caterers supplying lunch and light refreshments, so that you can sit and relax whilst considering your purchase options. Tickets (£5 each) can be obtained by calling 01797 252030, or email point@adfl.co.uk. More information can be found at www.esherhallfair.com.

FIND OUT MORE

The Esher Hall Antiques & Fine Art Fair, 9-11 October 2015.

Opening times: Friday 11am-6pm, Saturday 10.30am-6pm, Sunday 10.30am-5pm.

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patients’ care is funded thanks to gifts in wills Every gift, in every will, makes a difference to the care we provide.

TO FIND OUT MORE: t: 01293 447369 e: andyperry@stch.org.uk w: www.stch.org.uk Registered Charity No. 281362

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membership secretary, Terry Lazenby, email terrylazenby@ terrylazenby.plus.com.

October is a very busy month for the Nomad Theatre in East Horsley. From Wednesday 21st to Saturday 24th October they present ‘Just So’ by Anthony Drewe and George Stiles in association with Lost For Words. The musical Just So recreates the magical world of Rudyard Kipling, weaving together five of his most famous tales into a vibrant show about personal courage, individuality and friendship. This multi-media production, promises to be a real treat for all ages. Performances start at 7.30pm with a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. Tickets: adults £16, children/students £12. Call 01483 284747 or go to www.nomadtheatre.com . You might just catch the last performances of Roots by Arnold Wesker, directed by Alan Wiseman. It opened on 29th September and runs until Saturday 3rd October, starting at 7.45pm. Beattie returns to her rural roots in Norfolk determined to impose her newly found cultural and radical ideas on her solid family.

But after waiting for her intellectual boyfriend to join her she realises that she must find her own independent voice. Tickets: adults £14, children/students £10. Call 01483 284747 or go to www.nomadtheatre.com . Finally, there’s a Celebration of Flanders and Swann with Gordon Peters performing all the best known songs accompanied by David Carter at the piano.

It’s on Sunday 11th October at 2.30pm. Tickets £12.

The National Trust gardens, parks and countryside of are some of the best places in Surrey to see the fiery hues of autumn in glorious settings. Autumn colour starts from mid-October – red, gold and orange colours will start to cover the breathtaking landscapes at this time of year, and can go on late into November. So whether you’re admiring the variety of trees and plants, building up an appetite for some seasonal tasty treats or enjoying a Great British Walk through the crisp leaves, there are plenty of reasons to explore the National Trust sites this autumn. To help you decide where to visit, we’ve come up with our top autumn colour hotspots in Surrey: Winkworth Arboretum, the National Trust‘s only arboretum, near Godalming, is one of the best places in the country to see the fiery hues of autumn; Polesden Lacey - the views from the South Lawn at Polesden Lacey, across to Ranmore Common on the opposite hillside, are stunning in autumn, with flashes of autumn colour; At Box Hill and Leith Hill you can see whole hillsides turning golden as the oak, beech and chestnut trees go from flame red to yellow; Hindhead Commons and the Devil’s Punch Bowl has sweeping purple heather and golden grasses at the start of autumn and dramatic conifers remaining at the end; The Rhododendron Wood at Leith Hill is lovely in autumn. The azaleas and acers turn beautiful copper, bronze and reds. The heart shaped leaves of Cercidifolius in burnt purple and crimson are a delight and the dawn redwood in the car park turns a lovely foxy russet; Walking across the parkland to Leith Hill Place, you will pass the spectacular liquidambar tree shot through with fiery reds, purple and oranges. Flocks of fieldfares and redwings will be arriving from October 2015

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Scandinavia for the winter to feast on the bountiful fruits of our hedgerows and woods. Explore the bird hide on the edge of the Rhododendron Wood meadow for blackbirds, bramblings and thrushes feeding on apples; Hatchlands Park is a special place to come in autumn for peaceful walks around the estate and garden. Finally, The Homewood near Esher is a 20th century house known as a masterpiece of modern design. A sensational display of autumn colour is produced by the acers in the garden. There is an Autumn Garden Open Day at The Homewood on Wednesday 21st October from 10.30am to 3.30pm. Arrive via the shuttle bus from Claremont Landscape Garden. £8 charge for members and non-members but no need to book.

RHS Garden Wisley in Woking GU23 6QB have a good looking programme of events in October. They have organised a ‘Spooky Woodlands’ October half term which runs from Saturday 24th October to Sunday 1st November.

Families can discover the spooky woodlands at RHS Garden Wisley this Halloween with a fun-filled week of family activities and workshops. Learn all about hedgehogs through storytelling, plant some seeds, make a spooking woodland hat and build a den. Free with normal garden admission.

Activities vary daily so check website for details. Some activities require booking in advance. www.rhs.org.uk/ wisley . Do check the website to find out about all the other events.

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...for the lovers of local food and drink

Community COOKing

Outdoor Vineyard Train Tour

If you are planning an event that benefits a charity, school, club or other community group, then you can ask for a Community Discount if you’re feeding 20 or more people from COOK. Not only can they offer you 30% off, but the staff can also help with menu planning and tips on COOKing for a crowd.

You’ll need to fill out an application form to make sure that your event qualifies (discount is offered at the discretion of the shop manager). You can collect an application form in store, or download one from www.cookfood.net.

The outdoor train tours at Denbies finish in October for the year. This is a 50-minute vineyard tour which 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.

The cost is just £6 per person (children 2-7 cost £3) and advanced booking is recommended on 01306 876616.

More tours available, see www.denbies.co.uk.

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

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GARDENING

With Beth Otway

Fabulous Fungi It’s a simple process to start your mushrooms growing. Just remove your grow bag from its cardboard carton (the size of a large fruit juice carton), cut along the cross which is clearly marked on the pack, peel off the perforated panel on the carton, and soak the grow bag in water for 12 hours. You then simply drain the grow bag, pop it back inside the cardboard container and place upright in a light and airy spot, out of direct sunlight and away from cold drafts. A cold winter windowsill isn’t recommended, as the pack needs to be kept above 10°C. My packs, which were placed on a coffee table in the centre of the room, thrived.

Using the water spray provided, mist your mushrooms twice a day until harvesting.

Fungi are part of almost all of our terrestrial ecosystems. For much of the year we aren’t aware of their presence as they exist as mycelium, a mass of tiny, thread-like filaments, hyphae, that live entwined in the soil and undergrowth. We see their fruiting bodies – mushrooms or toadstools – for a short time when they are in season each year.

At this time of year there are many fascinating varieties of toadstools and mushrooms to be found outside. Whether you spot them on a walk or in your garden, fungi are always fun to admire, but not as easy to identify as you might think. There are estimated to be anywhere between 700,000 and 5 million species of fungi in the world. I’d only recommend eating wild mushrooms collected with an experienced, reputable guide (such as Forest Foragers who run excellent day courses in Surrey, see www. forestforagers.co.uk). Sadly it’s all too easy to make mistakes even if you have the most comprehensive guidebook available. Eating wild fungi can be fatal; every year many people make themselves ill eating poisonous fungi they thought to be edible.

I’d recommend admiring the fungi you see on your walk and then tasting the delights of your own freshly picked, home-cultivated mushrooms grown from a kit. This year I have had so much fun growing mushrooms inside at home, using the Espresso Mushroom Company’s Kitchen Garden Kits. Purchased as a simple and straightforward kit, comprising a grow-bag of spent coffee grounds (collected from Brighton’s cafés by bike), which have been inoculated with mushroom spawn; a water spray pump (which can be used effectively in a bottle or glass of water to mist your mushrooms), and a recipe card.

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I grew both the Hot Pinks and the Pearl Oyster mushroom packs from the Espresson Mushroom Company.

The Hot Pink kit really does grow pink mushrooms. Mine were a beautiful, vibrant pink and really enhanced the appearance, as well as the taste of the very special and delicious mushroom risotto they were made into. I have successfully re-used my packs three times so far, harvesting between 180g and 60g of mushrooms each time.

Nothing is wasted as the contents of the spent growbag can be used as a soil conditioner when cropping ceases.

Growing mushrooms is great fun, and fast - once they get started, the mushrooms double in size each day.

Quick results can also be achieved indoors growing cress and sprouting seeds like chick peas, mung beans, adzuki beans, and alfalfa, to name but a few. Only use seeds specifically sold and labelled as suitable for home sprouting, as some seed deemed destined to be grown outdoors could be contaminated with pesticides or other treatments. Seed sold for home sprouting is subject to strict safety controls.

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FIND OUT MORE

For seasonal gardening tips and more gardening advice, please visit Beth’s website at www.pumpkinbeth.com.

vantagepointmag.co.uk

JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

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RHS Garden Wisley in Woking GU23 6QB have a good looking programme of events in October. They have organised a ‘Spooky Woodlands’ October half term which runs from Saturday 24th October to Sunday 1st November.

Families can discover the spooky woodlands at RHS Garden Wisley this Halloween with a fun-filled week of family activities and workshops. Learn all about hedgehogs through storytelling, plant some seeds, make a spooking woodland hat and build a den. Free with normal garden admission.

Activities vary daily so check website for details. Some activities require booking in advance. www.rhs.org.uk/ wisley . Do check the website to find out about all the other events.

From Monday 26th October to Sunday 1st November, it’s Wild about Gardens Week, the annual celebration of garden wildlife hosted by the Royal Horticultural Society and The Wildlife Trusts; they are teaming up with Hedgehog Street this year to highlight how gardeners can help our hedgehogs. This much-loved creature is declining in Britain as fast as the tiger, over 30% in the past 10 years. To help encourage people right across Britain to think about how hedgehog friendly their gardens, schools and community spaces are, this year’s Wild About Gardens Week will form a week-long call to action and a celebration of Crawley 1 11/07/2013 14:29 Page 1 and the humbleClinic_Layout hedgehog, packed with events, competitions opportunities to get stuck in. A downloadable new booklet,

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Print Making takes place on 26th October 2015 11am1pm at St Mary’s Church Hall, 10a The Ridgeway , Fetcham , KT22 9AZ. Part of Arts Alive, come along to this tactile workshop where you will make a printed picture using different recycled, tactile textures. This workshop is open to children and young people aged 5 – 19 with a visual or hearing impairment or dual sensory loss and their siblings. Those who have additional needs alongside a VI, HI or dual sensory loss are very welcome. Children need to be supervised by an adult primary carer. Any access support (com-guide or interpreter) will need to be provided by attendees. http://sightforsurrey.org.uk/ Spaces are limited so please book through Kim Doolan 01372 377701 KDoolan@sightforsurrey.org.uk Autumn brings with it spectacular landscapes full of colour and conkers, orchards full of apples, hedgerow fruits just right for picking and, with the National Trust, a host of autumnal events this half term. Kids can enjoy pumpkin activities, Halloween trails or simply playing in the crunchy autumn leaves. Their 50 things to do before you’re 11 3/4 activities range from building a secret hideaway and playing conkers, to making a home for a wild animal, hunting for wild bugs and catching a falling leaf. As well as keeping the kids entertained in the great outdoors there are some ghoulish goings on with the National Trust this Halloween.

From eerie trails and spooky story-telling to face painting and fancy dress in historic houses, there’s something to get the whole family going. Locations include Claremont Gardens, Dapdune Wharf, Hatchlands Park, Polesden Lacey, Shalford Mill, Surrey Hills and Winkworth Arboretum. Have a look at www.nationaltrust.org.uk .

Fancy going along to a regular Whist Drive? Leigh whisters are looking for new members. So, if you enjoy a game of cards why not go along to Leigh Village Hall on Thursday evenings at 7.30pm for a game of whist, a cup of tea and a laugh! For more information, contact diane@ familymonk.plus.com or call 01306 631373.

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available from the website, www.wildaboutgardensweek. org.uk will demonstrate steps you can take to help hedgehogs in your garden.

Mole Valley Christians against Poverty will be running a free money management course on three Tuesday evenings during October. Suitable for people who are working, retired or on benefits, they teach people how to budget, spend wisely, save and avoid getting into debt. There will be DVD clips and discussions but no-one will be asked to share anything about their own finances. Everyone will be given their own free course booklet and tea/coffee will be available. The course will be held at Crossways Community Church Hall, Junction Road, Dorking RH4 3HB (opposite the new Waitrose). For further information call Wendy on 01306 883820 or visit the website www.capmoneycourse.org.

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Get baking Karen Doidge Hill has always been very creative, with her first love being fashion design. She grew up in Cornwall before moving to London to study at London College of Fashion. After graduating, she opened a boutique which also had concessions in Top Shop. With the advent of children, she moved back to Cornwall and discovered her love of baking. She opened Quench Juice Café and had many happy years making cakes.

When her daughter started being cast in films and chose to study at the Sylvia Young Theatre School, the family moved back to London. Here, Karen began making cakes for friends and colleagues and started ‘Small Wonders’ making cakes for special occasions and creating cakes for people with special dietary needs. She also started writing baking and cake articles. Karen now lives locally in Milford and this is her first article for VantagePoint.

Dark Chocolate and Salted Caramel ‘Rolo’ Brownies As my nephew doesn’t eat peanut butter in the recipe opposite, I have been asked to make some of my ‘Rolo’ Brownies. This recipe is one of my easiest ever and whenever I have children staying I get them to help me make them.

Ingredients 200g unsalted butter, 200g good quality 70% dark chocolate, 125g muscovado sugar, 125g caster sugar, 4 eggs, 125g plain flour, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1 tbsp good quality cocoa powder 1 tsp sea salt, 4 tubes of ‘Rolos’ – 2 chopped and 2 left whole.

Makes 16 squares.

Method: 1. First heat your oven to 150º C fan.

2. To begin melt the chocolate together with the butter over a low heat. In a separate bowl, beat together both sugars with the eggs until light and fluffy, then add the vanilla. Stir in the cooled chocolate mixture, then sift in the flour and cocoa. Mix all together along with the sea salt. Stir in chopped ‘Rolos’, and pour into your prepared tin.

Press the remaining “Rolos” into the mixture.

3. Bake for 25-30 mins, until firm to touch, but still nice and gooey in the middle. Remember with Brownies, they will continue to set as they cool.

4. Leave in the tin to cool completely and then transfer to a chopping board to slice. These are fantastic eaten warm with a good dollop of vanilla ice cream, and so very easy to make. Delicious!

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RECIPES Dark Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cheesecake with Salted Caramel and Nut Brittle I have been eagerly awaiting the new Great British Bake Off series, which is always watched by the whole family. This year we missed the first few episodes as the family was having great fun on holiday in Gibraltar. It was my daughters 17th birthday, so I had to make her a special cake – very tricky with such a limited kitchen. In fact, the first hurdle was a lack of scales. I managed to improvise using the luggage scales, a shoe lace and a saucepan - this would be so much easier at home. My daughter’s choice was for a combination of all her favourite things - dark chocolate, cheesecake, peanut butter and salted caramel. No problem. The recipe is rather complicated, but as long as you take it step by step, it will be a piece of cake!

Ingredients For the base: 500g Oreo Cookies, 100g butter.

For the Cheesecake filling: 200g good quality 70% dark chocolate, 500g full fat cream cheese, 300g mascarpone cheese, 200g sour cream, 150g smooth peanut butter, 1 large free range egg, 170g muscovado sugar, 5 tbsp good quality cocoa powder.

For the Salted Caramel Sauce: 30g unsalted butter, 100ml double cream, good pinch of sea salt.

For the Chocolate Ganache: 100g good quality 70% dark chocolate, 200ml double cream.

For the peanut Brittle: 160g caster sugar, 30g salted peanuts.

Makes 12-16 portions.

Method: 1. To make the cheesecake, the first thing is to preheat your oven to 180C/Fan 160C. Then begin with the base.

Blend your Oreo cookies in a food processor to get a fine crumb, then add to your melted butter. Tip into your cake tin and press down until tightly compacted, covering the base and coming up the sides. Place in the fridge to set.

2. Melt the dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pan of boiling water, remove from the heat and cool slightly.

3. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth, add the mascarpone cheese, sour cream and peanut butter. Mix in the egg, sugar, and cocoa powder. Lastly add the cooled chocolate and stir. Pour the mixture into your cake tin on top of the base.

4. Half fill a large roasting tin with boiling water and place into your oven. Wrap your cake tin with tin foil so water cannot get in, and place into the roasting tin.

Top up with boiling water, and then bake in your oven for one hour and 15 mins. Remove the cake from the oven, allow to cool and place in your fridge.

5. To decorate your cheesecake, first start with the salted caramel. Place the sugar in a heavy bottomed October 2015

pan over a medium heat and melt slowly. Do not stir the mixture, gently swirl the pan to incorporate all the sugar. When it turns a golden brown, add the butter and stir. Add the cream and stir to get a silky smooth caramel sauce, then add a good pinch of sea salt. I use this sauce all the time, especially over vanilla ice cream or fruit. Cool the caramel completely, then pour over the top of the cheesecake letting it pour over the sides.

Put it back in the fridge to await the final coating.

6. To make the chocolate Ganache, heat the cream in a pan over a medium heat until just beginning to bubble. Pour over the dark chocolate and stir until they have melted together to make a thick shiny sauce.

Let this cool and then drizzle over the caramel topped cheesecake. Return to the fridge until ready to serve.

7. Lastly, to make the brittle shards, melt the sugar the same way as for the caramel. But this time when it turns golden brown, carefully pour onto a greased piece of greaseproof paper and quickly scatter on your peanuts. Allow to cool completely, and when ready to serve snap into shards and arrange on top of your cheesecake.

8. This cake is very, very rich, and you will only need a small slice. It is delicious served with ice-cream.

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JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

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Anyone already struggling with unmanageable debt can call 0800 328 0006 to speak to someone about free debt help.

The Horsley Floral Decoration Group (affiliated to NAFAS) is a friendly afternoon flower arranging club.

They meet at East Horsley Village Hall on the second Tuesday of each month (except August) at 2pm. They have a varied programme of demonstrators, speakers, in-house entertainment, trips, internal competitions (optional), sales table, refreshments, etc. Visitors and new members very welcome (Feb is the AGM which is members only). Do go along and join them, (first visit free) for fun, flowers and friendship. For more details phone Beryl on 01483 831422 or email bjg317@virginmedia.com.

The Ladybirds Choir is a friendly group of male and female singers that meets to sing in an informal and relaxed atmosphere. They have a mix of voices and abilities and cover a wide variety of music, with an emphasis on the fun and light-hearted - show songs, popular classics and jazz have all featured in their most recent concerts, as well as classical numbers and folk songs from all over the world.

They give two concerts a year in aid of local charities as well as other informal performances when the opportunity arises.

Rehearsals are in Dorking on Thursday mornings and they restarted in September. New members, both men and ladies, are very welcome. No audition is required – just enthusiasm and a love of singing! Contact Jenny on 01737 843662 if you would like any further information.

The 117th Annual Oakwood, Ockley & Forest Green Flower Show and Summer Fair took place on a blazing sunny Saturday afternoon on Saturday 8th August this year, an extremely lucky break considering the weather we had in August. Oakwood Hill Recreation Ground was once again transformed into a showground for this great community event. With 1,500 paying adults and free admission for under 16’s, stall holders and Flower Show committee and volunteers, there were around 2,500 people in attendance. There were 100 stalls, with wide-ranging appeal, from toys to clothes, collectables, books, music, games, plants and crafts and an eye catching display by

Dog lovers wanted:

Dog Lovers Wanted

Open your home to a friendly dog for his holiday!

We are looking for dog lovers to welcome guest dogs into their home for a holiday while owners are away.

If you are at home all day, have no children under the age of six, have no more than one dog of your own and would like to enjoy the companionship of guest dogs please get in touch

Home dog boarding company looking for dog lovers to join our team of carers. Must be at home during the day with not more than 1 dog of your own. Ideal for someone working from home, house person or retired.

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Ockley Rocking Horses. This family oriented traditional rural show has been an almost annual event since 1893 and is a high spot of the local calendar. All I can say is well done to everyone involved in organising this amazing local event.

There are the usual special themed boat trips on the Wey & Arun Canal, Loxwood. On Sunday 26th October a fun Halloween trip for younger children (lasting approximately 45 minutes) will depart from The Wharf beside the Canal Centre in Loxwood at 4.30pm. Tickets cost £9 per person. This will be followed by a scary trip for older brave souls (lasting approximately 90 minutes) which will depart at 7.00pm.

Tickets cost £14 per person. Light refreshments are included on both trips. Tickets must be booked in advance.

Fancy dress is encouraged but not compulsory! Their popular Santa cruises will be running on 7th, 13th, 14th, 20th, 21st, 22nd and 23rd December with 40 minute trips departing at 11am, 12 noon and 2pm. Tickets cost £9 each and include light refreshments and a gift from Santa for children under 12 years old. If you would like to make a booking or receive further information on special events and private charters, or on the restoration work and volunteering opportunities on the canal, please call the Trust Office on 01403 752403 or email office@weyandarun.co.uk. Web: www.weyandarun.co.uk.

Dorking Loud and Proud Community Choir are delighted to announce their sixth Anniversary Concert to the Community as part of the Mole Valley Arts Alive Festival on Wednesday 28th October. Doors open at 7.30pm and the concert starts at 8pm at St John’s C of E Community Primary School, Goodwyns Road, Dorking RH4 2LR. The concert is free and will be followed by refreshments. A retiring collection will be held. If you would like more information about the choir or how to join please go to www. dorkingloudandproudcommunitychoir.org.uk or call 07552 555942.

Michael Jackson’s Thriller is a timeless classic and this October, children aged 8 to 14 will be able to learn the dance just in time for Halloween. Dance in a Day will be held at G Live on Wednesday 28th October from 10am to 4pm. The workshop will be led by The Dance Movement, which is a resident dance company of the Farnham Maltings.

Dancers will need to bring along old clothes as they will be making their own costumes and having their faces painted.

At the end of the day, the children will perform the dance to family and friends. The workshop costs £30 and places can be booked at www.glive.co.uk.

Register today for The Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity Halloween-themed 100ft abseil at the Sandman Hotel, Tinsley Lane South, Crawley on Saturday 31st October. It is of course Halloween, so you can be your own ghastly ghost or wicked witch; just be as creative as you like with your costume, the scarier the better! You can accept this challenge by paying a non-returnable deposit of vantagepointmag.co.uk

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South Holmwood and Newdigate This is an easy walk, through fields and woods. St Peter’s Church in Newdigate dates back to the 12th century and has a unique wooden bell tower. Opposite is the Six Bells public house, one of two public houses in Newdigate. It is said that this was once used as a ‘safe house’ for storing contraband in the days of smuggling. The walk description is provided by Guildford Rambling Club (guildfordramblingclub.org.uk).

The walk Cross Mill Road and go back towards the A24.

Ignore the first sign to the left. Go on to pass an office block and then turn left down a drive (a track) at the next fingerpost, opposite the sign to ‘Gable End’. Almost immediately, at a yellow arrow post, go right and into trees and then cross a drive/track into trees again.

Quickly reach a three-way signpost and go left to cross a stile and enter a field. Head towards the cottage to the right of a big white house, go over a stile to the left of the cottage and then pass it to reach a narrow road. Follow this road left for about 10 yards and turn left into the trees. Follow the grassy path. At a cross path in a large clearing with an oak and a bench in its centre, keep straight on. Immediately pass a small pond (on your left) and keep on to reach a few houses. Turn right and walk up to the A24.

Turn right, walk up until you are opposite the house on the other side of the road and cross to join a signposted path at its right-hand side. Follow this past a scout hut and diagonally right across a clearing and then, at the small green (with a church to your right), turn left and walk down to a road. Follow this road left and past a small pond. Ignore the first footpath, left, which goes through a wrought iron gate next to a house. Go on, quickly taking a left-hand fork and, still following this road and ignoring a footpath which forks off left along a track, reach a dead end at stone gateposts at the entrance to a private drive.

Immediately before these gate posts, go left over a stile into National Trust land. Keeping to their right-hand sides, cross three fields, heading south, until you reach a T junction at Moorhurst Lane.

Go left for 100 yards then pick up another path going right (south again) to cross two fields and a little bridge and then, at the lefthand side of the third field, a railway line. On the other side turn right to walk along by the embankment, around the field end to a fourway signpost and then turn right, through a gap. Almost immediately turn left and walk down to reach the A29. Cross into Wigmore Lane and follow it to cross the A24 and enter the road opposite. Again go on and, at the 34

Rugge Farm bend, go left to a main road. Cross and turn right.

Follow on along the pavement past houses and a bus stop to a bridleway sign going left. At a three-way sign turn right onto a path in the edge of trees. At its end, near some houses and at a four-way signpost, go left to reach Mizbrooks Green Road.

Continue on, left, for about 200 yards and then cross at the entrance to ‘Broomell Farm’. Go through the gate to the left of the entrance and cross the field to a stile, over another field, through a gate and into a wood. Head through this wood and over a stile and along the right-hand edge of a field to a track running up to a road. Turn right on the road and walk 200 yards to a fingerpost pointing left. Go left and walk out across a field (ignore a stile on the right) to the far side and then follow signs over other fields (you can now see Newdigate church spire ahead) until you meet a road. Go left to the Six Bells pub and the church.

After lunch, walk up the road at the side of the church with your back to the pub until you reach a cross roads and cross into Hogspudding Lane. Continue on (east) to ‘Hatchetts’. The track ends and you enter a field. Walk along its left-hand side, heading north east. Ignore the first gap on the left but take the second (a gate, usually open). In the next field, head for the far right-hand corner and up a rutted track. After a short way along this, go over a stile on the right and turn left to walk along parallel to the track but just inside the fence/ditch/ vantagepointmag.co.uk

WALK

hedge. Keep going (north east), sometimes braving temporary tape/electric fences, until emerging, left, onto the track just before ‘Hound House Farm’ and road. Here, go straight across the track, over a stile and then anticlockwise around a field to a stile exiting right. Cross over a couple of planks over a stream and then head straight on (with the plank bridge at your back) up the slope of the field ahead, over a stile in its top left-hand corner and on to a road, emerging opposite the entrance to a side road.

Go across into it and immediately left into Mill Lane. Continue along this until it becomes an unpaved lane and on again

until reaching a fingerpost pointing left. Follow this path along the inside edge of a wood, forking left around the edge of a garden and out of the house’s drive onto a road. Go left along this road. Keep walking to reach ‘Ewood Farmhouse’ and at a four-way sign go right (west-north-west) past the left-hand side of the Farmhouse. Follow this track up to the first fingerpost pointing left (just after one pointing right). Go left and under the railway line. At the T junction go left and walk down to the start by Fourwents Pond.

DISTANCE: 9¼ miles

REFRESHMENTS:

OS MAPS: Explorer 146 – Dorking, Box Hill & Reigate

The Six Bells

STARTING POINT: The walk begins at the car park by Fourwents Pond.

Village Street, Newdigate, Dorking RH5 5DH

GETTING THERE: Head south down the A24 from Dorking.

Just past the South Holmwood sign turn left to Leigh/ Brockhurst, on Mill Road. Go on to the second car park on the left, by Fourwents Pond at the end of the road.

Tel: 01306 631276 www.sixbells-newdigate.co.uk Fourwents Pond is a large pond on the National Trust owned Holmwood Common. © Ian Capper

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.

October 2015

35

<32

JOTTINGS - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

£30 per person when you register, and raising a £100 per person in minimum sponsorship. Registration closes at 5pm on Friday 23rd October. All participants must be aged 13 and over and anyone under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian complete, sign and return a parental consent form. All participants must read and agree to the terms and conditions and sign the consent form before taking on this ‘spooktacular’ challenge. All you’ll need is a good sense of balance and the ability to control your nerves; it’s not for the fainthearted! Places are limited so sign up today to grab your place and help this wonderful charity. For more information please call Catherine Bristow on 01403 780444 or email Catherine.bristow@dvltrust.org.uk.

Dorking Walking Club have a number of meetings from 3rd November. They are: 3rd and 5th November, Wooton Village Hall CP behind Wooton Hatch RH5 6QQ; 10th and 12th November, NT Holmwood Common Fourwents Pond CP Blackbrook Road RH5 4NX (free); 17th and 19th November Newlands Corner CP on A25 GU4 8SE; 24th and 26 Nov Friday Street CP RH5 6JR (free); Red Bar and Lounge, Dene St, Dorking RH4 2DW, some free spaces by pub, pay and display nearby. Walk followed by pub lunch. Still going strong, this is the second half of this term’s walks. They meet at the car parks and set off at 10am and do about 4 miles in approx 2 hours – enough to get pleasantly tired without flooring you! They are a sociable lot and if you fancy joining them just turn up and introduce yourself. The annual subscription is only £25, £20 or £15, depending on when during the year you join.

Blowers and Backers are back with Rogues on the Road, a brand new show crammed full of even more wonderful (and occasionally outrageous) reminiscences and anecdotes from two extensive careers spent broadcasting around the globe in search of sporting excellence. Bastions of the beloved Test Match Special with over 80 years in the commentary box and touring the world between them, Henry and Peter certainly have some tales to tell. The fun, the games and outlandish characters from Ian Fleming to Noel Coward, spread well beyond the confines of any cricket ground or studio. Henry ‘My Dear Old Thing’ Blofeld is one of Britain’s most loved and recognisable broadcasters and he continues to delight an army of TMS fans. Peter Baxter was in charge of Test Match Special for 34 years, a schoolmaster trying to keep some very errant students in line! The show takes place at The Harlequin Theatre in Redhill on Friday 6th November. Call the box office on 01737 276500 or go to www.harlequintheatre.co.uk. We have a pair of tickets to giveaway, visit www.vantagepoint. co.uk to enter. Incidentally, I saw these two at a show in Guildford a year or so ago, it was a hilarious evening; they are brilliant raconteurs.

36

Can’t help singing! Dorking Choral Society is performing Leonard Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms, Eric Whitacre’s Five Hebrew Love Songs and Bob Chilcott’s Songs and Cries of London Town at Leatherhead Theatre on Saturday 14th November. Hilary Campbell directs the choir and accompanying musicians including harp, organ and strong percussion section. The programme presents a lively and varied feast of music making. Leonard Bernstein (who wrote ‘West Side Story’) set the psalms to dramatic rhythms with strong melodic and harmonious tunes which underline the power of the ancient prayerful songs. Bob Chilcott’s Songs and Cries of London cover a wide range of catchy rhythms and harmonies in celebrating the sounds and atmosphere of London Town from street sellers to church bells.

2015 has been an exciting year for the Surrey-based group Timeline Choir and in particular, their leader Stef Conner. Stef has released a highly acclaimed album, The Flood and was named one of the Evening Standard’s ‘1000 Most Influential Londoners’ of 2014. Despite a hectic schedule, including solo concerts, performances on BBC Radio, a slot at Latitude Festival and backing vocals for rock star Anna Calvi at Edinburgh International Festival, Conner says the highlight of her year so far has been recording Timeline Choir’s debut album, Synge Nouwell, at Okewood Hill Church, Surrey! It will be released on 20th November and is available to pre-order from www.timelinesongs.org. The choir has gone from strength to strength since it began in 2014 and is always ready to welcome new members. Anyone interested in joining the choir can go along for a free trial session. Timeline Choir rehearses every Tuesday evening during term time from 7.30 to 9.15pm, at the Punchbowl Inn, Okewood Hill. Anyone interested in joining can email info@ timelinesongs.org to book a free introductory session.

Beare Green and Newdigate Choral Society is now well into their rehearsals for the Leith Music Festival 2016, which they will be practising until late October and resuming after Christmas. The main pieces chosen for the festival are Schubert’s ‘Mass in G’ and ‘Come ye Sons of Art’ by Henry Purcell which was the birthday ode for Queen Mary in 1694.

During November and December their rehearsal time will be taken with Christmas music in preparation for their Christmas Concert in Newdigate Village Hall on 16th December. If you would care to join them they would be delighted whether it is for the Festival or just for Christmas, they always welcome new members, no auditions! For further details please telephone their secretary on 01306 631115.

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. vantagepointmag.co.uk

PROFILE Dorking Business Breakfast Club involved with the group. “A former member of the group was living with motor neurone disease (MND) at the time and I was invited along to one of their weekly meetings to give a talk about MND and the work of the MND Association. They were very sociable and welcoming, so much so that I was invited to join the group and was delighted to accept.

Since then, the group as a whole, as well as individual members, have also proved to be very generous by way of donations to the MND Association, as well as being very supportive of many of my other voluntary activities.”

Dorking Business Breakfast Group is Dorking’s oldest and largest business networking group, with members from over 30 local businesses and community organisations. A wide range of professions is represented and include solicitors, accountants, local bankers, graphic designers, florists and cabinet-makers.

Formed almost 15 years ago in December 2000, the group first started meeting at The Lincoln Arms near Dorking Station before moving to The Watermill and subsequently to Red Bar & Lounge in Dene Street, where they have now been meeting for over 10 years.

In April 2015, the group decided to set up a Twitter account and already have over 800 followers, two of whom have also recently joined the group as a direct result of Twitter!

Membership of the group costs just £35 a month, which includes breakfast at the weekly meetings and also helps to pay for two of the group’s regular social events for members and partners, the annual Christmas dinner and summer BBQ. We welcome new members, so do come along and join us.

Members of the group meet at 7am every Thursday to exchange business referrals and discuss matters affecting the town. Meetings are very relaxed, starting with an informal chat over tea or coffee in the bar area, before sitting down for breakfast, either full English or continental, and finishing at around 8.30am. Most of the meetings also include a speaker, either from within the group itself or a guest speaker from an outside business or local voluntary organisation. Recent external speakers have included representatives from the new Dorking Foodbank, Surrey Show Choir, The Brigitte Trust and the Mole Valley Arts Alive Festival.

As well being part of Dorking Business Breakfast Group, many of the group’s members are also local ‘movers and shakers’, being very actively involved with other community groups within the town. These include the two local Rotary Clubs, the Friends of Dorking, who organise the town’s Christmas lights and summer hanging baskets, Dorking First, who are currently campaigning to set up a Dorking Town Council, and the Box Hill Bedlam Morris Dancers, who organise the Dorking Day of Dance in June each year.

Simon Edmands, a local Rotary member and Chairman of the East Surrey Branch of the Motor Neurone Disease Association, who has also been a member of Dorking Business Breakfast Group for almost 10 years, explains how he originally got October 2015

Top image: The group’s exclusive coffee mug, presented to new members and guest speakers Above: DBBG Chairman Steve Cobby with Heather Goddard from Dorking Foodbank

FIND OUT MORE

For further information about Dorking Business Breakfast Group and its members and services, please visit www.dorkingbbg.com or follow @DorkingBBG on Twitter.

37

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COMPETITIONS

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

WIN TICKETS TO SEE BLOWFELD AND BAXTER - ROGUES ON THE ROAD Blowers and Backers are back with ‘Rogues on the Road’ - a brand new show crammed full of even more wonderful (and occasionally outrageous) reminiscences and anecdotes from two extensive careers spent broadcasting around the globe in search of sporting excellence.

Bastions of the beloved Test Match Special with over 80 years in the commentary box and touring the world between them, Henry and Peter certainly have some tales to tell. The fun, the games and outlandish characters – from Ian Fleming to Noel Coward – spread well beyond the confines of any cricket ground or studio.

For more information, visit www.blofeldandbaxter.com.

To win a pair of tickets to see them at The Harlequin in Redhill on Friday 6th November, please answer the following question: Q: On which Radio 4 programme did Blofeld and Baxter work together?

Please enter online at www.vantagepointmag.co.uk by 23rd October 2015.

WIN SUNDAY LUNCH FOR FOUR AT CAU, GUILDFORD Argentinian steakhouse CAU Guildford is offering one lucky person the chance to win a Sunday roast for four people. This buzzing, family-friendly restaurant brings a touch of Buenos Aires to the highstreet with Argentinean beef, handmade burgers, a weekend brunch menu and an extensive wine list.

Enjoy CAU’s infamous roast rump of beef, Yorkshire pudding, josper roast carrots, beef fat roast potatoes and onion rings served with red wine gravy.

The prize will include a starter, Sunday roast and dessert per person, drinks not included.

To win, please answer the following question: Q: From which country does CAU originate?

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CAU Guildford, 274 High Street, Guildford, Surrey GU1 3JL. Tel: 01483 459777. www.caurestaurants.com.

WIN A THREE MONTH FAMILY HEALTH AND FITNESS MEMBERSHIP Cranleigh Golf and Country Club is offering you the chance to win a three month family membership.

Set in beautiful grounds the health club includes a gym, a 20 metre swimming pool,sauna, steam room and spa pool, personal training, and a crèche. There is also a restaurant and bar, the club has tennis courts and of course a spectacular 18 hole golf course.

Children are made welcome and there are lessons available for golf, tennis, dance, swimming and theatre arts, please visit the website for details - www.cranleighcountryclub.co.uk.

To win, please answer the following question: Q: What is the length of the swimming pool?

Please enter online at www.vantagepointmag.co.uk by 30th October 2015.

Terms and conditions apply.

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

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