July 2018
Celebrating Surrey’s wild heathland landscape
25/07/18 10:08 Filed in: What's On
Surrey Wildlife Trust and Thames Basin Heaths Partnership welcome local people to celebrate Surrey’s amazing wild heathland landscape during Heath Week 2018, from 29 July to 4 August 2018.
Surrey offers thousands of acres of vast heathland wilderness blooming with bright pink bell heather and Heath Week offers a programme of walks, talks and events to encourage everyone to explore this stunning wild landscape.Join Surrey Wildlife Trust for a walk at Chobham Common, the largest national nature reserve in the south east of England, to discover its amazing wildlife. During an evening walk people will hear nightjars churring, the mysterious migratory bird that breeds on the Common during the summer months. Other creatures of the night, such as roding woodcock, owls and bats may be heard using bat detectors on an evening walk at Ockham Common.
Dr Mike Simmonds of University of Reading will take visitors on a journey from the Ice Age to the present day at Chobham Common, a story which has been preserved in the peat for over a thousand of years. He will reveal how the vegetation and climate have changed and what life may have been like for the prehistoric people that inhabited this dynamic landscape.
Leigh Thornton, estates manager for Surrey Wildlife Trust, said: ‘With the amazing weather this summer, it has never been a better time for residents to enjoy what Surrey’s countryside has to offer. Sunshine and blue skies bring out the vibrancy of the pink heather and an abundance of wildlife that you will only see in the unique landscape of Surrey’s heaths.’
Other Heath Week events include a chance to meet dog behaviour specialists, the Surrey Amphibian & Reptile Group sharing the delights of rare reptiles, the Ministry of Defence talking about vital military training on heathlands near Farnham with the Fire and Rescue Service sharing how they are dealing with the current weather conditions, high risk of wildfires and fire prevention.
Sarah Bunce, senior warden for the Thames Basin Heaths Partnership, said: ‘If you live or work in Woking, Guildford or the surrounding areas, come and experience our wonderful heathlands. Many people don’t realise how lucky they are that a quirk of geology, climate and history has left these amazing landscapes preserved within Surrey. If it hadn’t been for factors such as extensive military activity or protection for rare ground nesting birds, these heathlands might not be here today for us all to enjoy.’
The annual event is designed to encourage local people to explore and appreciate the county’s vast wilderness of heathland, which spans areas between Farnham and Godalming in the south of the county to Woking and Camberley, Chobham and Cobham in the north. One of the most ancient and characteristic British landscapes, it has special conservation protection and provides a living link to our stone age past.
For further information about Heath Week 2018 or to book an event visit surreywildlifetrust.org/heath-week
AN EPIC WIN FOR EL REMANSO IN THE KING POWER GOLD CUP FOR THE BRITISH OPEN POLO CHAMPIONSHIP
23/07/18 23:58 Filed in: Polo
Approaching 15,000 spectators gathered to watch the Final of the King Power Gold Cup for the British Open Polo Championship at Cowdray Park on Sunday 22nd July in arguably one of the most thrilling Finals of recent times.
Following two spectacular Semi Final matches four days earlier, the Hanbury family’s El Remanso team faced up to Jean-François Decaux’s La Bamba de Areco and few would have been confident enough to predict the outcome. El Remanso comprised the close-knit line-up of four Englishmen, Charlie Hanbury, Ollie Cudmore, James Beim and James Harper, playing to the same line-up as 2017 when they reached the Final but lost to King Power. Jean-François Decaux’s La Bamba de Areco side comprised the enormous talent of 3 goal player Byron Watson, with Polito Pieres substituting for an injured David Stirling and 10 goaler Juan Martin Nero at Back. The popular home-based El Remanso team had come through the tournament without dropping a match but it was not to be plain sailing for the Englishmen as the game changed fortunes between the first and second halves.The Patron, Charlie Hanbury, playing the match of his life, stormed away from the first throw-in to mark the scoreboard with the opening goal. His second goal of the match gave El Remanso a 3-2 lead to close the first chukka. With no answers from La Bamba during the second chukka, El Remanso went into the third with a lead of 4-2, consolidating the lead at 6-4 at half time.
The second half opened with a hit-in from Watson for La Bamba de Areco, Beim returned the ball which Nero tried to secure but Harper won the ball and his neat back-hand shot took El Remanso on to 7-4. However, the tables began to turn as exciting play from Watson for La Bambe de Areco, strong attacking play by Pieres and the gift of two 30 yard penalties which Juan Martin Nero had little difficulty in sending through, saw La Bamba finally ahead at 12-10 by the close of the fifth chukka.
The action raced on through the final chukka, with El Remanso fighting for every ball. Awarded a 30 yard penalty, Ollie Cudmore sent the ball between the posts to pull the side up to within a goal of their opponents. Beim won the ball from the throw-in and great teamwork saw Harper move it on and Hanbury then leave it for Harper who coolly sent it between the posts. To an enormous cheer from the crowd, the scores were level on 12-12. Cudmore took the ball away from the throw-in and, challenged by Decaux, he carried on going but the ball went out. Nero for La Bamba de Areco passed the ball to his patron but Decaux failed to get the goal they desperately sought. Harper brought the ball in and sent it to Beim who, despite being challenged, calmly turned it and found Cudmore who sent it between for posts for El Remanso as the final bell sounded. It was the sweetest victory for El Remanso and the crowd went wild.
A new prize for the Best Playing Patron’s Pony, donated by sponsors King Power, was presented by Marcos di Paola of King Power to Charlie Hanbury’s pony Lovelocks Sex, the award for Best Playing Pony of the match, presented by the Hon Lila Pearson, went to Blanca Nueve, owned by Pelon Stirling and played by Polito Pieres. Jon Rudkin, Director of Football for Leicester City Football Club, owned by sponsors King Power, stepped forward to present individual and team prizes on behalf of King Power. Charlie Hanbury was voted Most Valuable Player of the Final with four brilliant goals to his credit. As well as generous prizes to both finalists and winners, John Rudkin also presented gifts to the four umpires who had done stirling work through the four weeks of the British Open campaign. The commentators, Karl Ude Martinez and John Kent, were also presented with gifts. Corinne Ricard, on behalf of Pernod-Ricard, presented a Jeroboam of Perrier-Jouët, Cowdray Park’s Official Champagne, to the winning Patron, Charlie Hanbury. Finally Jon Rudkin presented the Gold Cup to a proud Charlie Hanbury who shared the moment with his parents Christopher and Bridget.
Roderick Vere-Nicoll, Chairman of Cowdray Park Polo Club said: “This was a tremendous day for the club - a great crowd, great sponsors, great weather, a wonderful vibe and superb polo from both sides. If it was a Hollywood script, we couldn’t have written it better.
Photograph - Clive Bennett - www.polopictures.co.uk
Popular Sculpture Event Returns to RHS Garden Wisley for 21st year
23/07/18 23:01 Filed in: What's On
The Surrey Sculpture Society (SSS) will be staging its 21st Sculpture Trail at RHS Garden Wisley from 18th August - 23rd September - one of the most popular exhibitions of sculpture in the country.
Visitors to the sculpture trail will discover a diverse range of works, from abstract to traditional pieces, thoughtfully positioned throughout the RHS garden’s 240 acres, within 25 inspirational garden settings. Sculptures created by the Society’s emerging and professional sculptors will be placed around the garden’s iconic Jellicoe Canal feature, through the woodland walk at Battleston Hill and the Mediterranean Terraces, Bowes-Lyon Rose Garden, Alpine Meadow, Exotic and Cottage Gardens.Henriette Van der Does, Chair of the SSS commented: ‘The Arts Council recently compiled some interesting figures on the increasing numbers of people visiting sculpture events. Last year the Surrey Sculpture Society experienced higher visitor numbers to all of our events resulting in our most successful year since we began. We are hoping that our 21st annual Sculpture Trail at RHS Garden Wisley will attract even more visitors, as there seems to be a growing desire for people to get outside to reconnect with nature and discover art in beautiful settings.’
The range of styles by these talented sculptors creates affordable and original pieces that can form eye-catching focal points in gardens, conservatories or interiors. Sculptors work with a broad range of materials including stone, metal, bronze, resin, glass, ceramic, wood and found objects. All sculptures are for sale.
Renowned Sculptor invited as guest exhibitor
To celebrate the 21st sculpture trail at RHS Garden Wisley, Surrey Sculpture Society has invited renowned sculptor Michael Speller, official artist for the London Olympics, as a special guest exhibitor. His beautifully balanced slender sculptural figures are often impressed with emotive words. One of his most recent commissions combined 210 figures to form a huge open bronze sphere for The Crown Charity, Greenwich Hospital, London.
Michael’s work has also formed the centre piece of gold medal winning show garden at RHS Chelsea.
Henriette Van der Does commented: ‘We are very excited about having such an accomplished and highly respected sculptor as Michael Speller exhibiting with us in our 21st year at RHS Garden Wisley,’
Belinda Betts, Head of Site at RHS Garden Wisley, said: “The Surrey Sculpture Society Trail is a popular attraction for many of our visitors. Now in its 21st year, the trail continues to showcase a diverse variety of sculptures within the beautiful setting of the garden in late summer. Look for the sculptures as you wander through the garden and discover an exciting new perspective.”
Admission to the Sculpture Trail is included in entrance to RHS Garden Wisley.
The exhibition opens on 18th August and will run until 23 September.
Opening times: Monday to Friday 10am – 6pm, Saturday – Sunday and Bank Holidays 9am – 6pm
RHS Garden Wisley, Wisley, Woking, Surrey GU23 6QB
Tel: 01483 224234 or www.rhs.org.uk/wisley for details of entrance fees.
For information on Surrey Sculpture Society visit www.surreysculpture.org.uk
Great Italian Escapes at Hotel Leone, Le Marche
23/07/18 22:25 Filed in: Holidays
Small Luxury Boutique Hotel Leone, Le Marche, Italy
Resting at the foot of a magical, ‘picture postcard’ hilltop town, with breathtaking views of the countryside and coast, sits Hotel Leone. A beautifully restored, historic town-house, Hotel Leone offers an enchanting combination of elegant accommodation, personal service and delicious, seasonal cuisine.The perfect chic retreat, at Hotel Leone you can simply relax and enjoy the peaceful location between the mountains and the coast, indulge in lazy days by the pool or take gentle journeys around the local medieval towns.
For those wishing to delve deeper into the typical Le Marche culture, the hotel’s owners Madeline and Tim Jones have created several inspiring experiences where their guests can enjoy an authentic taste of Le Marche.
Here, food, wine, nature and history are all at the heart of Hotel Leone’s charming and authentic character. Throughout the seasons guests can enjoy bespoke excursions and tailor-made activities such as:
Taste of Le Marche - 2 night package €485 per person includes:
• 2 nights stay in a luxury room
• breakfast each morning
• 4 course evening meals
• full day guided tour visiting a cheese producer, olive oil producer and vineyard
Wine-lovers Break - 2 night package €525 per person includes:
• 2 nights stay in a luxury room
• breakfast each morning
• 4 course evening meals
• full day guided vineyard tour visiting 3 local vineyards
Honeymoon/Romantic Getaway - 3 night package €995 per couple includes:
• 3 nights stay in our luxury honeymoon suite
• Fruit basket and bottle of prosecco in room on arrival
• breakfast each morning
• Romantic candlelit 4 course meal each evening
• early check-in and late check-out (subject to availability)
• turn-down service each evening
• Free artiganal mini-bar restocked daily
www.hotelleonemarche.com
The Extraterrestrial Couple Shaking Up the Art World
23/07/18 19:55 Filed in: What's On
Radical POP Art that is Shifting Consciousness
July 18, 2018- Los Angeles, CA-House of Orion, LA’s newest art-house, announces the opening if its online gallery to showcase original works from Avant-garde and classically trained artists. Exhibits include paintings, drawings, photographs, films, digital art and sculptures.The gallery founders, Marie-Pier Tremblay and Julian Prolman launched the House of Orion with their own co-collaboration in a three-part series entitled; Ascension, Butterfly and Fall from Grace. To view the galleries debut collection visit: www.arthouseoforion.com
“House of Orion is here to use the power of art to transcend earthly boundaries by promoting provocative, supernatural imagery and spiritually centered, mystical art by uncommon, other-world inspired art” said co-founder Julian Prolman.
ASCENSION is the premier photographic exhibition series Photographed by Julian featuring model Marie-Pier. The series depicts thought provoking imagery with a vibrant message, the need to heal the planet. A lone woman not of this earth manifests to connect with nature and feel her pain.
“Releasing creative energy is my gateway to source, a voyage to the heart of divinity. From this place I can express my thoughts and emotions in physical form. It’s a journey that brings me to a state elation. It is my hope to connect with art enthusiasts in this way” said co-founder Marie-Pier Tremblay.
Invitation-only, pop-up exhibitions will be held at out-of-the-ordinary venues. Interested invitees can sign up to be on the guest list at on the website.
Petworth, West Sussex
23/07/18 18:30 Filed in: What's On
Petworth is one of Britain’s most attractive market towns, offering visitors a quintessentially English country escape just a short journey from London.
From beautiful walks in Petworth park, excursions and independent shopping experiences, to the exciting year-round calendar of events, Petworth is a hidden gem and a cultural centre of the West Sussex countryside.Calendar of events: Noteworthy upcoming occasions below:
Petworth Festival - 17 July – 04 August1 - Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, the Petworth Festival offers the opportunity to indulge in a multitude of cultural experiences from performances by the Royal Academy of Music, to classical piano concerts by the popular comedian and impressionist, Alistair McGowan
Qatar Goodwood Festival - 31 July – 04 August - Five days of thrilling action set against the magnificent backdrop of the rolling Sussex countryside. Popularly known as Glorious Goodwood, it is the sporting and social highlight of the flat-racing season
Goodwood Revival - 7 -9 September - A three-day festival celebrating the halcyon days of motor racing with the accompanying glamour of the 1940s, ’50s and ’60s
Alongside the above events, Petworth recently saw the opening of brand new restaurant, New Street Bar & Grill - a smart, warm and welcoming retreat offering guests an exceptional seasonal menu using the highest quality local ingredients sourced from the ‘larder on its doorstep’.
Burlington Arcade
11/07/18 16:16 Filed in: Whats On
