What's On
Battles, jousting, food and fun at the Loxwood Joust
08/08/19 09:23
The rivalry and banter between the Jousting knights was back in full flow this weekend as thousands experienced a day in mediaeval England at the first of the Loxwood Joust’s two weekends of mediaeval fun and revelry.
Celebrating Queen Katheryn Adelina 1 of Loxwood’s first year on the throne, the best knights in the land were invited to attend a mêlée on the battle field and Sir Thomas of Loxwood returned to defend both his Queen’s lands, and his title in the Jousting Arena when pitted against his arch enemy Sir Hector of Horsham.
And, Sir Alexander Iden of Kent had been invited by Queen Katheryn to this year’s tournament before his real intentions to overthrow the Loxwood Kingdom were made clear. As a result, visitors to this spectacular event saw two magnificent full contact battles each day with 200 fully armoured knights, 70 archers and 20 gunners displaying their skills, strength and training as they went into combat with their authentic mediaeval weaponry.
And the excitement continued in the jousting arena as the four Jousting Knights powered down the tilt with a thunder of hooves, before their clashing lances splintered on impact. By far the fastest man on the field, Sir Like took on Sir Hector with his roguish humour and impressive swordsmanship and bade him to yield before being declared as the tournament’s jousting champion.
Emma Barker who was attending the Loxwood Joust for the first time said ”What a fantastic day, such a great day out for all the family. It was really good to see the children interacting with the weapons experts, so it really was “learning with fun”. The stalls and entertainment were brilliant, the melee was very realistic and the jousting stunning. Well done to everyone involved, we will definitely be coming back next year.”
With the activities and entertainment taking place every half hour from 10am to 6pm there really was something for everyone and the new knight school proved to be a huge success. The Bards were roaming the Loxwood Kingdom’s meadows and woodlands spinning fine tales and spreading the hearsay of Loxwood, whilst the witches, faerie goddess mother, wandering minstrels and children’s kingdom activities were once again the favourites of many.
Maurice Bacon, organiser of the Joust commented “We have had an amazing weekend with all of our new attractions being really popular and Queen Katheryn and our new History of Loxwood story, that is now running through the various threads of the event, has also been very well received. We always aim to make the full mediaeval experience really come to life for our visitors, and this weekend we have achieved that with a large array of characters, food, drink and historic accuracy that is fun, engaging and thrilling for people of all ages.”
The second weekend of the Loxwood Joust takes place on the 10th and 11th August and advance tickets are on sale at www.loxwoodjoust.co.uk . The Loxwood Joust is excellently located just off the B2133 between Wisborough Green and Loxwood and has ample Free Parking.
Pepe Jeans - Dua Lipa
04/03/19 20:15
PEPE JEANS LONDON ANNOUNCES DUA LIPA AS GLOBAL BRAND AMBASSADOR Pepe Jeans, the legendary British denim brand is delighted to announce a new partnership with Dua Lipa, one of the most successful musical artists and style icons of her generation. Following in the footsteps of fashion icons and Hollywood stars, Dua Lipa begins her new role by starring in the Spring/Summer 2019 campaign for Pepe Jeans, photographed by David Sims.
The campaign itself is a celebration of the heritage of Pepe Jeans, which was one of the first British brands to bring a distinct fashion perspective to the world of denim in 1973. Fresh-faced and effortlessly poised, Dua Lipa is photographed in black and white wearing a range of classic denim pieces. An emphasis on strength, natural beauty and the timeless appeal of denim takes precedent in both the campaign and the collection itself.
At 23, Dua Lipa has taken the music world by storm and become a fashion icon for her millions of fans. After releasing her self-titled debut album ‘Dua Lipa’ in 2017, she made history when nominated for five categories at the 2018 Brit Awards - the first female to receive so many nominations. She was awarded ‘Best British Female Solo Artist’ and ‘Best British Breakthrough Act’. For the last two years, Dua Lipa has also been the most streamed female artist in the world. She continues to break records — the music video for her hit single ‘New Rules, her anthem for female empowerment, gained more than a billion views on YouTube, making her the youngest female artist to hit this target. ‘One Kiss’ Dua’s collaboration with Calvin Harris became the biggest selling single of 2018 in the UK and she has sold over 40 million singles and over 3.4 million albums worldwide. And the awards keep coming with Dua winning two Grammys for “Best New Artist” and “Best Dance Recording” with Silk City for their massive hit “Electricity” at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards and another Brit Award for “Best British Single” for “One Kiss”, her track with Calvin Harris at the 2019 Brits Awards.
Dua Lipa and Pepe Jeans are a perfect fit in more ways than one. Both were born in London and have become symbols of idiosyncratic British style. Long before joining Pepe Jeans, Dua Lipa was a fan of the brand’s advertising campaigns as a teenager.
“Dua Lipa is one of the world’s fastest rising stars and has a style which perfectly fits the Pepe Jeans brand DNA “ said Mark Blenkinsop CMO. “The partnership marks a new milestone for the Pepe Jeans brand as we look to consolidate the brand presence in Europe and seek strategic growth in new markets, 2019 promises to be an exciting year for both Dua Lipa & Pepe Jeans as we will announce a number of initiatives to excite & engage consumers and the B2B trade customers”
The inaugural campaign is photographed by David Sims, the British photographer who began his career photographing musical icons including David Bowie, Nirvana, Bjork and Courtney Love and has since shaped the imagery of titles including Vogue, The Face and i-D. Sims previously photographed Daria Werbowy and Ashton Kutcher for a Pepe Jeans campaign in 2005, joining an illustrious list of photographers who have worked for the brand, including Steven Meisel, Bruce Weber, Steven Klein and Mario Sorrenti. The London-based photographer’s modern vision of beauty and style made him the perfect choice for working with Dua Lipa and Pepe Jeans is pleased to continue its collaboration with Sims.
#DuaforPepe #MyPepeJeans @pepejeans pepejeans.com
Royal Opera House
20/02/19 17:52
Live at Lunch, 21 September 2018 © 2018 ROH. Photographed by James Bellorini
Each week, Live at Lunch at the Royal Opera House offers Londoners free culture, with the chance to enjoy music or dance in our newly renovated event spaces. The performances are all drop-in, last 45 minutes and take place on Fridays or Sundays in either the Paul Hamlyn Hall or Linbury Foyer.
The next Live at Lunch performances in February to April are as follows:
• Sunday 24 February, 1pm (Paul Hamlyn Hall)
• Friday 1 March, 1pm (Linbury Foyer)
• Friday 8 March, 1pm (Paul Hamlyn Hall)
• Sunday 10 March, 1pm (Paul Hamlyn Hall)
• Friday 22 March, 1pm (Paul Hamlyn Hall)
• Sunday 24 March, 1pm (Linbury Foyer)
• Friday 29 March, 1pm (Linbury Foyer)
• Sunday 31 March, 1pm (Linbury Foyer)
• Friday 5 April, 1pm (Linbury Foyer)
• Friday 12 April, 1pm (Paul Hamlyn Hall)
Audience members don’t need a ticket and can turn up to any of the free Live at Lunch events. Performances last about 45 minutes with no break, and seating is unreserved. Visit www.roh.org.uk for more details.
About the Royal Opera House
The Royal Opera House wants to give everyone access to exceptional ballet and opera. As The Royal Ballet, The Royal Opera and the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, we bring together the world's most extraordinary artists in more than 500 performances every year on our two world-class stages.
We are open every day from 10am with a programme of daytime events, activities and festivals for people of all ages. Through award-winning music, dance and theatre we transport our audiences to other worlds.
Last year more than 676,000 people saw a Royal Opera House performance or came for a tour. Our BP Big Screens programme every summer sees thousands enjoy free, world-class opera and ballet on their doorsteps, from Aberdeen to the Isle of Wight. The Royal Opera House Live Cinema Season, which broadcasts live performances of opera and ballet to UK and international cinemas, celebrated ten years of world-class cinema broadcasts in 2018. In 2019, we will broadcast to more than 1,500 cinemas globally. Our ongoing partnership with the BBC saw three of our productions broadcast across BBC platforms/channels last Season.
Treat your Mum to a free Mother's Day meal at The Petersham Restaurant
20/02/19 16:46
This Mother's Day show your Mum how special she really is with a free four-course meal at one of London's most spectacular hotel restaurants, The Petersham Restaurant in Richmond. Exclusively available for tables of four from 4pm, you and your family can continue to celebrate this wonderful day into the evening – with your Mum eating completely free!
With the stunning backdrop of floor-to-ceiling views of the River Thames and surrounding Meadows, The Petersham Restaurant offers the perfect setting to honour your Mum with an exclusive Mother's Day menu. Carefully curated by Head Chef Jean-Didier Gouges to feature the finest seasonal produce, guests can opt from sublime dishes such as Crab and quinoa salad, yuzu dressing, pickled ginger, keta caviar and Pan-fried cod with crab tortellini, samphire, fried leeks, crispy capers and avocado puree. And to make your mum feel extra special, there's even a Mother's Day pre-dessert to be served before indulging in delicious desserts including Chocolate forest gateau, cherry and rum sorbet and Sticky toffee pudding, toffee sauce and vanilla Chantilly cream.
The Petersham's Mother's Day offer will be available on Sunday 31 March for any tables of four booked after 4pm. For every four guests, one mum will go free. For a party of eight guests, two Mums go for free! For more information and to book a table, visit: www.petershamhotel.co.uk
Let the Adventure BeGin
13/02/19 20:30
The Epicurean Collection have a cluster of five pubs in South West London. These include The Cross Keys and The Admiral Codrington (Chelsea), The Sands End and The Brown Cow (Fulham) and The Punchbowl (Mayfair). 
All five pubs are hosting a gin trail from 27 Feb - 27 March. Guests can purchase a 'Gin Passport' at any of the venues (which will also give them 10% off food too) to enjoy a G&T and nibbles at each pub. Once guests have completed the set of five pubs, they will be entered into a draw to win an overnight stay in one of the Epicurean Club countryside Inns. Gin brands taking part in the trail include, Sipsmith, Silent Pool, Elephant Gin, Gin Mare and Warner Edwards.
The gin trail will run each Wednesday between 27/02 – 27/03 and the Gin Passports cost £30.
Elizabeth Hurley & Justin Theroux at FIA Formula E Championship
15/01/19 18:19
Elizabeth Hurley and Justin Theroux enjoy some grid action together as FIA Formula E Championship takes to the streets of Marrakesh
Justin Theroux and Elizabeth Hurley experienced the thrill of FIA Formula E Championship's BMW i8 car today ahead of the first race of 2019.Following an intimate dinner ahead of the first FIA Formula E Championship race of 2019 at a luxury restaurant hidden away in the city of Marrakesh last night, the pair got up close and personal with the cars with Justin taking the wheel to put the i8 through its paces on the track, while Elizabeth was driven by FIA Formula E Championship Founder & CEO of Formula E, Alejandro Agag.
Last night, while Justin’s ex wife Jennifer Aniston may be moving on, the On The Basis of Sex and Bumblebee star was moving up, leaving his recent heart break for dust as he cosied up with English actress and model Elizabeth Hurley over an exclusive candlelit dinner hosted by FIA Formula E Championship Founder and CEO Alejandro Agag in the heart of Marrakesh’s vibrant medina.
The pair were also joined for dinner by Tamara Beckwith and fashion designer Patrick Cox.
Justin Theroux said: Formula E is something I have never experiences before. It is innovative, exciting, and most importantly responsible to our environment. I am so happy to be here.
Sustainability and zero emissions championship FIA Formula E is revving up for its first race of 2019 this afternoon, building on a sensational season of racing last year, which saw it visit 10 cities across five continents. Last year, races attracted top talent from Idris Elba and Orlando Bloom to Kylie Minogue – all passionate about its role in promoting a sustainable world and as the future of motor racing.
Season 5 will feature 13 races in 12 of the world's most exciting cities, including street races in Hong Kong, Paris and New York City as well as returning to China and Monaco.
FIA Formula E Championship is the world's only fully electric street racing series with a mission to advance electric vehicle technology and shape the cars of the future, for a world of zero emissions on the track, on city streets and for everyday drivers.
Find out more on where to watch at FiaFormulaE.com
All images © Dave Benett for Formula E
Guildford Shakespeare Company stages – A PRACTICAL COURSE FOR THEATRE-LOVERS
15/01/19 15:39
2 & 3 March
Join Guildford’s award-winning professional theatre company for GSC Stages, a new programme of exciting evening courses for anyone interested in furthering their knowledge of theatre-making.GSC Stages is split into short courses, with each one led by a different practitioner, within GSC’s professional rehearsal room. Over 12 years, GSC has worked with a variety of creatives and practitioners - including directors, actors, producers and designers – and for the first-time course members will be able to learn from their unique and practical masterclasses on theatre skills.
Each course can be joined separately, allowing members to gain a selection of professional insights and explore a variety of techniques through individual and group exercises. All ages and levels of experience are welcome and refreshments will be provided.
GSC Stages: Approaching Shakespeare with Director Richard Neale - 2 & 3 March
Over one weekend at GSC HQ, you will work with Richard Neale, director of GSC’s Robin Hood and acting teacher at GSA. Under Richard's expert guidance, you will unlock Shakespeare’s verse and prose, demystify the complex language and discover clues in the text. This acting masterclass uses rehearsal room techniques and physical exploration to take you on the journey from page to stage.
Topics over the weekend include: "Cuss like you mean it" Shakespeare’s Insults; "Rhythm and truth" Practical use of rhythm in verse; "It’s all on the page" Explore text to discover stage-direction and nuance; "Target Practice" Voice exercises to make the lines carry; Scene study and share.
Times: 10am - 5pm (Saturday and Sunday). Venue: Guildford Shakespeare Company, 14/15 Midleton Industrial Estate Road, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 8XW. Fee: £120.
More details on the course-leader: Richard trained as an actor at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. His acting credits span theatre, film TV and radio. He is an Associate Board member of Actors from the London Stage and teaches full time at The Guildford School of Acting, where he sits on audition panels. He’s also a tutor and panellist for Open Door. He directed Robin Hood for GSC, as well as staged-readings of Pericles and Cymbeline.
To book a place call the office on 01483 301590 or visit the GSC website and fill in our online registration form. If you have any questions please email eo@guildford-shakespeare-company.co.uk
Dorking and Guildford - Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour
09/01/19 07:57
10 years of the UK & Ireland Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour!
The events feature a brand-new collection of adrenaline-packed films, with the world’s top adventurers tackling extreme expeditions in the most stunning corners of the planet. Audiences will witness life-changing journeys, incredible wildernesses and spectacular cinematography – all via the big screen!The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour is celebrating its 10th year of touring the UK and Ireland, bringing over 100 adrenaline-packed shows to almost 60 venues from January - May 2019. The Tour features two different collections of brand-new films from the world’s most intrepid film-makers, starring pioneers and explorers tackling extraordinary expeditions in the wildest corners of the planet. “We’re thrilled to have reached 10 years of bringing the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour to the UK and Ireland – and what better way to celebrate than with the latest dose of cutting-edge adventure films from the world’s most prestigious mountain festival!” says Tour Director Nell Teasdale. “We guarantee that the anniversary atmosphere at the shows will be buzzing – and that audiences will go home inspired to have an adventure of their own as well,” she adds. Films in the World Tour are selected from hundreds entered into the Banff Mountain Film Festival, which takes place for every November in Canada’s Rocky Mountains. The UK & Ireland Tour starts in Edinburgh on Saturday 19 January and finishes in Guildford on Friday 24 May. As well as thrilling films, each event features a free prize draw for exciting outdoorsy goodies from the Tour Partners.
Dates and venues in Dorking and Guildford are:
Dorking Halls - 6 April and 23 May
G Live, Guildford - 11 April and 24 May
There will be a different film programme at each showing – full details on website here >>> www.banff-uk.com
Join The Great Brick Safari at RHS Garden Wisley
03/01/19 20:17
Escape the winter blues and come on a journey inside the Glasshouse at RHS Garden Wisley to search for more than 40 LEGO® brick sculptures on The Great Brick Safari, from 26 January to 3 March 2019.
The life-size LEGO® brick creations can be found nestled amongst the lush foliage in both the temperate and tropical zones of the cathedral-like Glasshouse. Sculptures include animals such as an elephant, lions, meerkats, turtles and a gorilla. Beautiful LEGO® brick plants created especially for RHS Garden Wisley include a Venus Fly Trap, Golden Barrel Cactus, Bird of Paradise and Water Lilies.As each magnificent sculpture is discovered, visitors can learn all about the animal and plants, such as the natural habitats they are found in and conservation efforts taking place around the world.
During half term (16 - 24 February 2019), head to the Glasshouse Gallery for a LEGO® brick making workshop, where visitors can purchase their chosen mini animal to take home. As a fun souvenir, visitors can have their photo taken sitting in the LEGO® brick Jeep.
The Glasshouse is open from 10am-4:30pm daily during the event. Normal garden entry applies; events and activities are suitable for all the family. For further information, visit www.rhs.org.uk
Want to get paid to be a real-life Richard O’Brien?
27/11/18 16:55
Or maybe you’d prefer to be a real life Ed Tudor Pole?
Whether you grew up watching The Crystal Maze on TV in the 90s or it’s the recent revival that’s got you hooked, and you fancy being a real-life Richard O’Brien (or Ayoade) then the role of a lifetime could be waiting for you at The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience London.The immersive attraction is currently recruiting for 60 Maze Masters, to join the team at the all new London maze that will be opening in the West End’s iconic Trocadero building on 29th March 2019.
The £5 million investment will see The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience London double in size and treble in capacity when it unveils 32 brand new games, which means more eccentric Maze Masters are needed to take a starring role in the game.
Current Maze Masters are award-winning comedians, writers and theatre makers so the ideal candidate will need to be witty, charismatic, loveable and fair – especially when it comes to awarding crystals! Confidence is a must and if you can think on your feet, have comic timing and can manage competitive adults, this could be the role of a lifetime.
Based on the popular 90s game show, each Maze Master guides a team of eight audience members through four adventure time zones – Aztec, Futuristic, Industrial and Medieval. Maze Masters must advise and adjudicate as their team takes on challenges that test their mental and physical skills.
It’s your turn to be the star of the show! So if you think you’ve got what it takes to officially start the fans at the award-winning attraction, then send your CV and a cover letter to casting@the-crystal-maze.com
For further details about this role and others, please visit www.the-crystal-maze.com
Ramblers Festival of Winter Walks – don’t feel lonely this Christmas
27/11/18 16:14
The perennially popular Ramblers Festival of Winter Walks is back, taking place this year from Friday 21 December to Sunday 6 January.
Ramblers groups across the UK are offering a selection of free festive walks to give everyone the chance to enjoy the wonderful winter landscape in good company, and to make new friends at a time of year when many people can feel lonely or isolated.Ramblers research from winter 2017 found that nearly half (46%) of adults surveyed said they sometimes felt socially isolated or lonely, and more than a third (35%) said there were days over the Christmas period where they didn’t see anyone.
Tompion Platt, Ramblers Director of Advocacy & Engagement, said: “Winter is a wonderful time to go walking and enjoy the cold crisp air and striking frosty landscapes, and of course it’s a great way to burn off the effects of Christmas over-indulgence. “But we also know that the festive season can be a particularly difficult time for people who are on their own, and a sociable walk with a welcoming group is a great way to get out and about and meet people. Our Ramblers groups have hundreds of walks organised during our Festival of Winter Walks. All you have to do is turn up and enjoy the company – and perhaps a mince pie and a festive drink too!”
During the festival there are hundreds of walks planned across the country, so there is something for everyone, from short festive strolls to more strenuous walks:
• Visit www.ramblers.org.uk/winter for details of hundreds of free group walks taking place across the country
• If you need a little inspiration on where to walk, download one of thousands of Ramblers Routes from our online library. You can use these to head out for a solo stroll or rally round friends and neighbours and lead festive walks.
All group walks during the Festival of Winter Walks are free to attend, but if you’re inspired to keep walking, why not join the Ramblers? Your membership will give you access to hundreds of group walks every year, an online library of over 2,500 Ramblers Routes, as well as many other benefits, which also makes Ramblers gift membership the perfect Christmas present.
The Festival of Winter Walks is supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery to help everyone, everywhere enjoy walking.
Clara Govier, Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “We are delighted that players of People’s Postcode Lottery are able to support the Ramblers with their Festival of Winter Walks, which we know will help thousands of people discover the joys of walking.”
Shooting Star Chase children’s hospice charity creates alternative Christmas advert to rival the big brands
27/11/18 14:57
This Christmas, one of the country’s leading children’s hospice charity’s Shooting Star Chase has launched its alternative Christmas advert.
Featuring ten-year-old Summer as she gets ready for a special festive performance, the advert highlights the importance of sharing magical moments with loved ones over the festive period.Summer, who’s been supported by the charity’s Guildford hospice, Christopher’s, since she was just 18 months old, has a life-limiting condition which affects her heart and lungs. Her condition means she is fed via a gastrostomy tube and is on a ventilator at all times. Throughout the advert, the care routine she has to go through each day is juxtaposed with the magic of her fulfilling her dream to sing on stage.
Wendy and John, Summer’s parents said: “Summer needs 24-hour care, has a ventilator to keep her alive and is fed by a tube, but despite this she makes the most of every moment. She’s incredibly resilient and determined – she didn’t even have a voice until she was four and now there’s not a day that goes by without her doing what she loves most – singing.”
Whilst the main focus of the video is to remind people of the magic of Christmas, it also highlights how the charity’s vital Hospice at Home service helps supported children like Summer and their families. For some families, Hospice at Home care is as simple as helping parents get their child ready for a festive performance or school play, just like Summer, or making home-made Christmas cards. For others, Shooting Star Chase is there to support them through the darkest days by providing end-of-life care.
This year, the charity’s Hospice at Home service has seen more children than ever needing end-of-life care and over the last six months alone, they have provided more than 500 hours of Hospice at Home care to families facing the unimaginable. The team supports families across Surrey and 15 London boroughs with practical and emotional support and nursing care to manage symptoms, and, in the coming weeks, will give many families the chance to spend the last Christmas they have with their child, at home.
Christopher’s, the charity’s Guildford hospice which supports Summer and her family, recently marked its 17th birthday. Over those 17 years it has provided a staggering 136,000 hours of Hospice at Home support. The hospice, which was officially opened by HRH Countess of Wessex, has recently undergone an extensive refurbishment to install state-of-the-art facilities whilst maintaining the home from home environment so loved by the families who use the hospice.
Nigel Harding, Chief Executive at Shooting Star Chase, “As a father of five, I know that for most of us Christmas is a wonderful, magical time of year. Surrounded by family, it’s a time to relax, to laugh and to enjoy each other’s company. Like me, I’m sure you all have your own memories of at least one special Christmas spent with your family. Now imagine how difficult Christmas must be for those families who have a child with a life-limiting condition. So often they simply cannot create the Christmas we all take for granted. At Shooting Star Chase, not only do we support families through heart-breaking moments no parent should ever have to experience, but we help to create a special moment in time that they will be able to cherish forever. We will be helping to create those lasting memories for our supported families this Christmas. I hope this campaign will raise awareness of how we help those families who have nowhere else to turn and convince you to help us provide those unforgettable, magical memories that we know are so precious.”
This is the second time a Shooting Star Chase family has featured in the alternative Christmas advert by Shape History. In 2017 the social change company produced an advert #FirstChristmas which raised awareness about families facing their first Christmas without a loved one.
For more information visit >>> www.shootingstarchase.org.uk/christmas/
Tears For Fears & The Jacksons at the Hampton Court Palace Festival 2019
27/11/18 12:46
Historic Royal Palaces and IMG are delighted to announce Tears For Fears and The Jacksons as the next headliners for Hampton Court Palace Festival 2019.
Tickets for these shows will go on sale at 10am this Friday 30 November. Tickets can be purchased from www.hamptoncourtpalacefestival.com.New-wave legends Tears For Fears will be making their Hampton Court Palace Festival debut on 18 and 19 June. One of the biggest acts of the 80s, audience members can expect a night of the band’s greatest hits from their formidable collection, including Everybody Wants To Rule The World, Shout, and Mad World.
Pop royalty The Jacksons will also grace the Hampton Court Palace Festival stage for the very first time on 7 June. Having sold more than 100 million records worldwide, 2019 will mark 50 years since I Want You Back was released. The Jacksons’ concert will be a true celebration of the group’s incredible back catalogue of a half-century, perform iconic hits such as ABC, I’ll Be There and The Love You Save.
Now in its 27th year, Hampton Court Palace Festival is a series of truly special and unique open-air concerts. Artists perform in a 3,000-seat auditorium in Base Court, set against the backdrop of Henry VIII’s magnificent Tudor Palace. Attendees will arrive at the sumptuous Palace Gardens to enjoy a spot of picnicking. This year, the festival’s picnics will be provided by Fortnum & Mason for the very first time. Crafted with the very best seasonal ingredients fresh from Fortnum’s famous Food Halls, and packed with summer-ready tipples, four picnic options will be available for guests to enjoy. Picnics will be available to pre-order from this Friday when purchasing tickets to the festival.
The festival also offers the perfect opportunity to celebrate special occasions in a prestigious setting, with champagne available to purchase from the festival’s Champagne Partner, Champagne PIAFF. Exclusive dining and corporate entertainment packages in the Palace’s magnificent state apartments are also available, ensuring a truly unforgettable experience.
Already announced to perform at Hampton Court Palace Festival is Kylie Minogue. General tickets for her concerts sold out in record time, but VIP and corporate packages are available to purchase for her concerts.
Tickets for Tears For Fears and The Jacksons’ concerts go on sale at 10am this Friday 30 November - www.hamptoncourtpalacefestival.com
Latest news from King Edward’s Witley
22/11/18 17:13
KING EDWARD’S WITLEY FLYING HIGH AT THE LORD MAYOR’S SHOW
On Saturday 10 November King Edward’s Witley proudly reaffirmed its deep-rooted links with the City of London by participating in the world-famous Lord Mayor’s Show, to celebrate the appointment of Alderman Peter Estlin - Governor and former King Edward’s Witley pupil and Head Boy - as the newly elected Lord Mayor of the City of London. 28 girls and boys from King Edward’s and 4 children from its partner school Barrow Hills, accompanied by their teachers, made the 55 minute train journey from Witley Station to Waterloo and then to the City.There they joined in the extraordinary pageantry and drama associated with the 3-mile long procession of military, marching bands, floats and carriages, all proclaiming the new Lord Mayor’s theme for his year in office: “Shaping tomorrow’s city today” and championing the digital innovation that is shaping our future, our cities and our lives. The School’s float (and did you know the word “float” in carnivals originates from when the Lord Mayor’s Procession took place on the Thames?) took 9th spot out of a total of 149 in the procession, behind the Royal Marines, Royal Navy and Sea Cadets, and was the first full-size float to process past the new Lord Mayor at Mansion House in glorious sunshine. Broadcast live on the BBC and witnessed by some 400,000 people on the day, the crowd was thrilled with the School’s ingenious float, which featured a giant paper plane measuring 8 metres by 3 metres with the strapline “Tomorrow’s leaders take off from King Edward’s Witley”.
King Edward’s was the only Surrey based business represented in the colourful parade and one of only seven schools nationwide. The Show marked the climax of an 11-month period of planning, design and construction to create the eye-catching float, which reflected the School’s commitment to providing outstanding careers guidance and preparation for life to help each child reach their full potential. Pupils who took part in the procession wore a variety of hats to demonstrate the diverse range of careers pupils at the School can follow – from surgeons to chefs, engineers to teachers, captains to bishops, athletes to astronauts to Lord Mayor - and the extensive opportunities available at King Edward’s and Barrow Hills School.
King Edward’s Head Boy, Jacob Trevor from Chobham, said “Being part of the parade was one of the most unique experiences I have ever had. Seeing such huge crowds and waving to them was a new experience for me and will remain in my mind as a fond memory for a long time. The highlight, however, had to be the look of pure joy on the Lord Mayor’s face as we walked past. That alone made waking up so early worth it!”.
King Edward’s Witley enjoys a unique heritage binding it to the City of London. It was founded in 1553 by Royal Charter of King Edward VI as Bridewell Royal Hospital, housed within Bridewell Palace on the banks of the Thames and with an undertaking to house and teach a trade to the destitute children of London, providing many apprentices to the City. It later moved to Southwark and then relocated to Witley in 1867 as King Edward’s School where it is now an independent boarding and day school for some 400 girls and boys aged 11-18, many of whom come from the local Surrey area studying alongside others from all over the world who have chosen the School for its global and forward-thinking approach.
Commenting on his personal connection with the School, the new Lord Mayor of London said, “I have always been passionate about the role that education can play in shaping the future of young people and, in particular, encouraging a more inclusive society that offers equal access to an excellent education. King Edward’s Witley is a fine example of championing this belief and it was uplifting to see my former school support the Lord Mayor’s Show with such enthusiasm – and with such an eye-catching float! The School clearly demonstrated the benefits of a great education to spectators watching the world’s oldest and longest civic procession. It was fantastic to see some of tomorrow’s leaders take part.”
Following the Lord Mayor’s Show, the entire float complete with music and dry ice returned to King Edward’s Witley on Monday 12 November so all staff and pupils from both schools could enjoy the float and the giant paper plane at its centrepiece. The plane itself will be suspended from the ceiling in the School’s library as an installation where it will remain, serving as a constant reminder of King Edward’s Witley’s established links with the City of London as well as its role in guiding pupils toward a top-flight career.
www.kesw.org
Surrey school girl wins national charity Christmas card competition
22/11/18 14:32
A Manor House School pupil has been named as one of two national winners of Leeds Building Society’s Christmas card competition, which will raise money for Samaritans. Art Scholar, Cassie's card is available to buy at the Society's 55 branches.
A Manor House School pupil has been named as one of the national winners of Leeds Building Society’s Christmas card competition, which will raise money for Samaritans. Almost 100 designs, based on a ‘Listening At Christmas’ theme, were submitted for this year’s competition, with two chosen to be transformed into Christmas cards. The judging panel picked a design by Cassandra Clarence, 11, a Year 7 pupil and Art Scholar at the Bookham-based school, as one of two winners. Her card is now available at the Society’s 55 branches, including the nearby Epsom branch. All proceeds raised through the Christmas cards in Leeds Building Society branches will be donated to Samaritans, as part of the Society’s aim to raise £250,000 for its charity partner by March 2020. Richard Fearon, Deputy Chief Executive Officer at Leeds Building Society, said: “It’s been great to see so many entries from children across the UK and it was very difficult for the judging panel to pick its two favourites. “The cards look fantastic and are available across our branch network. We believe the donation of all proceeds raised through our Christmas cards campaign demonstrates our commitment to Samaritans, which has already seen our colleagues and members raise over £100,000.” The prize for Cassandra's design was a £50 book token and a donation of £250 to Manor House School from Leeds Building Society for use as part of a wellbeing focused project. Samaritans CEO Ruth Sutherland said: “Congratulations to Cassandra on a beautiful design, and thank you to everyone who took part in the competition. “Together you have helped ensure that everyone has someone they can talk to this Christmas. I look forward to sending these winning cards myself, and hope I receive one or two as well.” The winner of the under 11 category was York schoolboy Isaac Savage. To find the closest Leeds Building Society branch where the Christmas cards are available, visit the Society’s branch finder.www.manorhouseschool.org
Black Friday @ Otlands Park
15/11/18 18:12
Oatlands Park Hotel, the Royal Jewel in the Heart of Surrey’s Crown, Announces Black Friday Sale!
Oatlands Park Hotel Black Friday Sale will run from 19th to 26th November, with three fantastic deals to stay in this beautiful hotel steeped in royal history. Formerly the site of a grand Tudor palace commissioned to be built by Henry VIII in 1538, where it was home to the Kings and Queens of England.WEYBRIDGE, SURREY – November, 2018 – Oatlands Park Hotel, the Royal jewel in Surrey’s crown is preparing its Black Friday Sale, with three fantastic deals. Customers can kick off the holiday season with discounted rates, bagging themselves a bargain break or to give as the perfect Christmas gift for friends or family. Black Friday, which falls on Friday 23rd November, has become a highly anticipated date in the UK shopping calendar and marks the start of the Christmas shopping season.
“We know many of our customers are starting to think about Christmas presents and parties and their early Jan or Feb getaway after the rush of Christmas. We’re excited to offer great deals at this time of year when shoppers need them most” said Ness Sekakmia, General Manager Oatlands Park Hotel. “We hope our customers will enjoy our Black Friday deals and enjoy staying with us in the New Year.”
Black Friday Deals
£79.00 1 NIGHT STAY room only for 2 in a superior double room (breakfast not included)
£109.00 Dinner, Bed & Breakfast 1 NIGHT STAY
• Overnight accommodation for two in a superior double room
• Full English breakfast and 2 course dinner from a set menu
• Complimentary Wi-Fi and Parking
£169.00 2 NIGHT STAY
• A two-night stay for two in a superior double room
• Full English breakfast per day and 2 course dinner from a set menu on arrival night (second night on a B&B basis)
• Complimentary Wi-Fi and Parking
Terms & conditions: The deals will be valid for stays from the 10th of January - 31st of March 2019 on selected Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and during school holidays (not valid for arrivals on 15th & 16th February 2019). Redemption – as per standard offer.
www.oatlandsparkhotel.com
Kylie Minogue is the first headliner confirmed for Hampton Court Palace Festival
15/11/18 16:04
Historic Royal Palaces and IMG are thrilled to announce that the princess of pop Kylie Minogue is the first headliner confirmed for Hampton Court Palace Festival. These will be Kylie’s only London shows of summer 2019.
Performing on 20 and 21 June, Kylie will be performing in Base Court, one of the magnificent Tudor courtyards within the palace. Tickets for Kylie Minogue’s shows will go on general sale this Friday 16 November 2018 at 9am available from www.hamptoncourtpalacefestival.comNow in its 27th year, Hampton Court Palace Festival is a series of truly special and unique open-air concerts. Attendees will arrive at the sumptuous Palace Gardens to enjoy a spot of picnicking in the spectacular surroundings with champagne available to purchase from the festival’s Champagne Partner, Champagne PIAFF. The festival also offers the perfect opportunity to celebrate special occasions in a prestigious setting, with exclusive dining and corporate entertainment available, ensuring a memorable VIP experience. Artists perform in a 3,000-seat auditorium in Base Court, set against the backdrop of Henry VIII’s magnificent Tudor Palace.
Kylie’s recently toured the UK as part of her ‘Golden’ arena tour which has been met with widespread critical acclaim. Her shows at Hampton Court Palace will see Kylie perform a series of career-spanning hits from her unparalleled back catalogue. Her latest album ‘Golden’ was released earlier this year which debuted at Number 1 in the UK Albums Chart and is her sixth Number 1 album to date. It spawned the singles Stop Me From Falling and Dancing and has spent twenty weeks on the UK albums chart making it the best-selling 2018 release by an international female artist.
Stephen Flint Wood, SVP & Managing Director of Arts & Entertainment, IMG said: ‘We are absolutely delighted to announce Kylie Minogue as the first artist to perform at the 2019 Hampton Court Palace Festival. Kylie will be making her debut at the Festival and have no doubt her shows will be truly special with a star of her magnitude performing in the idyllic setting of Hampton Court Palace. Further announcements of world-class musical talent will be announced in the coming weeks.’
Tickets for Kylie Minogue’s shows at Hampton Court Palace Festival go on sale this Friday 16 November at 9am. For more information visit >>> www.hamptoncourtpalacefestival.com
Vegetarian and Vegan Bottomless Brunch
15/11/18 12:48
LIVE MUSIC CHRISTMAS BOTTOMLESS BRUNCH AT TIBITS BANKSIDE
London’s leading vegetarian & vegan restaurant group, tibits, are pleased to announce they will be hosting their last bottomless brunch this year with a Christmas special on Sunday 9th December at their Bankside restaurant. Emerging new artists, bottomless drinks, including low calorie bottomless proseeco from award winning Skinny Fizz, and a chance to select dishes from tibits delicious Christmas Food Boat, all for £35ph, it’s the perfect introduction to the festive season.Taking place on the 9 December, between 1:00pm and 3:30pm, the next event will offer the best of the Winter menu; including tibits Signature Nut Roast, the perfectly-in-season Ginger Brussel Sprouts with Onion & Pepperoncini and everybody’s favourite Vegan Yorkshire Puddings.
In keeping with the season the bottomless drinks have had a Christmas makeover. Starting with the new drinks partner Skinny Fizz prosseco, which is not only vegan but only contains certified with only up to 7g of sugar per litre, means it can be enj with the offering including unlimited mulled wine and organic Freedom beer.
Music will be provided by emerging artists from Deep Matter Productions ensuring the afternoon goes with a real swing! First up is Natty Reeves whose beautiful self-penned songs are the perfect accompaniment to any cosy December afternoon. Followed by Stella Talpo whose stunning mix of soul and pop is the perfect sound to get everyone in the Christmas spirit.
Date: Sunday 9th Dec
Time: 1:00pm – 3:30pm
Location: tibits Bankside, 124 Southwark St, London SE1 0SW
By tickets here >>> www.designmynight.com
£10,000 reward
08/11/18 20:01
Loxwood Meadow
The owners of the Loxwood Meadow, home of the Loxwood Joust are offering £10,000 reward for information that leads to the conviction of an arsonist / arsonists who set a barn and seating area alight on Friday 27th July 2018.Wanted reward posters are being put up around Loxwood and the surrounding areas in the hope that someone will come forward with new information. A £10,000 reward is being offered.
Engines Roar for Autumn Motorsport Day at Brooklands Museum
07/10/18 22:43
Sunday 14 October 2018
Spectacular engine runs and special guests will thrill spectators at the eighth annual Autumn Motorsport Day at Brooklands Museum on Sunday 14th October, organised in conjunction with Ginger Beer Promotions. This is the Museum’s end-of-season celebration of all things motorsport, highlighting everything from grass-roots competition to the pinnacle of the sport - Grand Prix racing. As well as displays and Club stands, there will be plenty of action from cars taking part in demonstration laps on the circuit at neighbouring Mercedes-Benz World. And to top it off, a motoring event at Brooklands wouldn’t be complete without Test Hill ascents, where the packed crowd will be treated to brave drivers blasting their way to the famous summit.Following its wins in the 2018 British Touring Car Championship Drivers, Manufacturers and Teams championships, Team BMW, run by West Surrey Racing, will be bringing Colin Turkington’s BMW 125i M Sport to the event. One of the team’s drivers, possibly even Colin himself, will be on hand to drive the car in the lunchtime demonstration session. Also to be seen on display on the West Surrey Racing stand in the Paddock, and joining the 2018 winning car, will be Colin Turkington’s 2009 Championship winning BMW 320i.
The star cars cover all eras and include some early models like a 1907 Berliet, 1929 Fiat 525 SS and of course, the Museum’s own multi-world record breaking 24ltr 1933 Napier-Railton. More up to date racers include a Lister Chevrolet, Ginetta G20 and a fleet of NASCARs.
Visitors will also have the chance to win a Scalextric set - kindly donated by Scalextric c/o Hornby Hobbies. The competition will be for the fastest lap time on a racing simulator. For a £1 donation to the Museum, children aged 8 – 11 years will be able to compete for the fastest lap to be in with a chance of winning this super prize. Due to cockpit size, a height restriction will apply.
The timetable for the day is as follows:
09.00 Gates open
10.00 Museum display areas and aircraft open
11.00 Fastest lap competition opens
12.00-13.00 Mercedes-Benz World Track demonstrations
14.45-15.30 Ascents up Test Hill
17.00 Event finishes
In between the special displays and activities, visitors can sample all of Brooklands Museum’s regular attractions which underline its position as the Birthplace of British Motorsport and Aviation. The story of the first British Grand Prix (which was held at the Weybridge Track in 1926) is told through the Grand Prix Exhibition. Half hour virtual supersonic ‘flight’ experiences will be available on Concorde and the 4D Theatre will be operating three motion simulator rides: a seat with the Red Arrows aerobatic team on one of their dynamic displays, a ride behind the driver of the Napier-Railton as it speeds round the historic banked Race Track or a lap of Le Mans with British racing legend Mike Hawthorn in 1956 in his Jaguar D-Type.
One entry ticket gives access to all the action and exhibition and viewing areas on the Museum site and at Mercedes-Benz World. With extra catering facilities to keep crowds warm and fed, the Sunbeam Café and soft indoor play area for youngsters, this is a fantastic day out for families, petrol heads and enthusiasts. Ideally located for easy access from junctions 10 or 11 of the M25 and within walking distance from Weybridge train station, there is no better way to welcome the autumn. This rare unmissable chance to see world-class and exotic competition cars up close is one of the last motoring extravaganzas on the Brooklands calendar for 2018.
Discounted tickets for this premium event are available in advance from the Museum Shop or on-line which is priced as follows: Adults £13.50 (adv)/£16 (on the day), Senior Citizens/Students £14.00/£11.50, Children (5-16) £7/£8, Children under 5 FREE. Family ticket £35.00/£40.00 (2 adults & up to 3 children). Concorde Experiences are £5 for adults and £3 for children and 4D Theatre rides are £4 for adults and £2 for children.
BTM & LBPT members £2.50
For more details about Brooklands Museum visit: www.brooklandsmuseum.com
The Grange
20/09/18 15:23
NEW HERITAGE ROOM SHOWING SURREY CHARITY’S HISTORIC ROYAL CONNECTIONS OPENS TO THE PUBLIC
A new state of the art heritage room, designed to showcase The Grange charity’s historic collection of needlework and its fascinating connection with the royal family has been opened to the public for the first time today.The new facility, located in The Grange’s Victorian main house in Bookham, has been funded by a £97,500 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and tells the story of the charity’s beginnings as The School of Stitchery and Lace, which was first founded in 1938, to its current role as a charity supporting people with learning disabilities to lead independent lives.
The project has involved carefully preserving the charity’s historic collection of needlework, which includes embroidered items made for the Royal family, photographs, letters and books. There are numerous letters between The School and royal households which give a rare insight into palace life at the time. One of the letters is from Queen Elizabeth’s nurse ordering a copy of a dress and there are also hand-drawn designs for Queen Mary’s nightgowns.
Eloise Appleby, CEO of The Grange charity said: ‘This is a fantastic addition to Surrey’s historical past and a definite high point of our 80th anniversary year. We are delighted that we have been able to use Heritage Lottery funding to create an interactive learning and heritage space open to all visitors. We will use this to build stronger links between the charity and the local community and it will become part of the Bookham Heritage Trail. People we support at The Grange will be involved in running the Heritage Room and we hope that local schools and community groups will make full use of it going forward.’
The Heritage Room will include:
• Exhibits of needlework made for Queen Mary
• Oral histories of former School pupils and staff
• Letters from ladies in waiting commissioning embroidered items
• Vintage photos for the School if Stitchery and Lace
• History of The Grange building
• A collection of books and vintage magazines on needlework
It will receive an official opening from royal patron, HRH The Duke of Gloucester, on 25 September 2018.
For more information visit >>> www.grangecentre.org.uk
Royal Opera House
20/09/18 12:08
Royal Opera House launches a series of festivals, events and activities for people of all ages
The Royal Opera House today opens the doors to its transformed new home, following an extensive three-year construction project. From today’s launch onwards, visitors to the Royal Opera House are invited to enjoy a new immersive events programme, featuring festivals, Family Sundays, Tea Dances, workshops and informal recitals. The exciting programme of new daytime events, festivals and activities for people of all ages will begin on 21 September 2018 and run throughout the Season.Following on from the completion of the Royal Opera House’s three-year, £50.7m renovation project, the building is now open every day from 10am, transformed into a must-see visitor destination in London’s world-famous Covent Garden.
A Learning and Participation event ©ROH/Sim Canetty-Clarke, 2012
The Month of Sundays programme will enable visitors to experience something new for only £5 every Sunday in November. Events will include dance and singing workshops, chances to learn how to make props and accessories with expert craftspeople, pop-up performances, exhibitions and guided tours. There will also be delicious food and drink offer, and each Sunday will be completely unique.
On Sunday 11 November during ROH Remembers, visitors will have an exclusive glimpse of a rehearsal for Alastair Marriott’s The Unknown Soldier, which commemorates World War I.
On Sunday 25 November, Young ROH fans will be led deep into the worlds of opera and ballet with activities including a pub quiz with choreographer and performer Hakeem Onibudo, and an immersive reimagining of Alice in Wonderland, Alice after Dark.
On 16 December the Royal Opera House transforms into The Nutcracker’s Kingdom of Sweets. This first Family Sunday will be a jam-packed programme of fun activities inspired by the adventures of Clara and Hans Peter, including family dance classes, an opportunity to conduct Tchaikovsky’s magical score, behind-the-scenes exclusives and the chance to create your very own prop inspired by The Nutcracker.
The Royal Opera House’s popular Tea Dances return this autumn from Monday 5 November, when visitors can tango, waltz and quick-step across the famous Paul Hamlyn Hall to live music.
Jillian Barker, Director of Learning and Participation at the Royal Opera House, said:
‘These new events allow audiences to share in the creative journey involved in a Royal Opera House performance. The events programme provides a taste of the many different aspects of the Royal Opera House, from the mastery of backstage theatre crafts to the excitement of guest performances. We’re throwing the Royal Opera House doors open and inviting everyone to feel something new, immerse themselves in our art forms and create their own Royal Opera House story.’
The Royal Opera House will also launch its first under-fives programme, allowing children to discover ballet and opera through interactive dance, singing, music and stories in Ballet Dots and Opera Dots, beginning on 1 October.
Also new will be Books at Brunch, featuring talks from authors, broadcasters, publishers and artists from across the worlds of opera and ballet. Crafternoons invite visitors to try their hand at some of the techniques used to bring the sets and props of our ballet and opera performances to life.
Budding singers of all ages and ability will be able to sing with an opera chorus during the Sing at the Royal Opera House sessions and keen dancers can participate in Dance with The Royal Ballet in workshops led by a member of The Royal Ballet.
The new recitals programme will feature the free, drop-in Live at Lunch sessions, with performances inspired by the heritage and repertories of The Royal Opera and The Royal Ballet. Recitals at Lunch in the Crush Room will showcase artists from The Royal Opera, Royal Opera Chorus and Orchestra of the Royal Opera House and our Jette Parker Young Artists, alongside a diverse range of guest performers.
Tickets on sale here >>> www.roh.org.uk
Italian Tourist Board Festival of Food & Wine Racing Weekend
07/09/18 08:43
CULINERY LEGENDS ALDO ZILLI & RAYMOND BLANC OBE TO HEADLINE THE ITALIAN TOURIST BOARD FESTIVAL OF FOOD & WINE RACING WEEKEND
• Two-day culinary celebration alongside premier Flat racing – tickets from just £18 per person• The Italian Tourist Board to bring a taste of Italia to the event as headline sponsor for 2018
• Michelin star chef Raymond Blanc OBE and legendary Italian chef Aldo Zilli headlining the Gastronome Theatre
• 40 luxury food and wine stalls, live chef demonstrations and interactive tasting sessions
Friday 7th & Saturday 8th September 2018
Foodies and racegoers alike are invited to a glorious weekend of feasting, drinking and racing on Friday 7th and Saturday 8th September 2018 as the Italian Tourist Board Festival of Food & Wine Racing Weekend brings flavour and Flat racing to Ascot Racecourse.
Well-known Italian chef and TV personality Aldo Zilli will bring a taste of the Mediterranean to Friday’s demonstration line-up while two-Michelin star chef Raymond Blanc OBE is headlining the Gastronome Theatre on Saturday with wine tipster Neil Phillips talking visitors through his pick of wines and winners of the day.
Racegoers can also look forward to a four-course menu designed by renowned chefs Raymond Blanc OBE, Head Chef of Pennyhill Park Matt Worswick, TV chef James Tanner and celebrated pastry chef Claire Clark alongside Ascot’s award-winning Executive Chef Gemma Amor and Head Chef Ben Dutson. To be served in the Parade Ring Restaurant, dishes will be perfectly complemented by a selection of fine wines with guests enjoying their own table for the day and a private trackside viewing terrace.
As well as live chef demonstrations, more than 40 stallholders will be showcasing scrumptious produce from across Britain and beyond. Exhibitor highlights include Riverford – the organic farm and UK-wide veg box delivery company, Silent Pool Distillers – boutique distillery nestled in the heart of the Surrey Hills producing gin made from 24 of the finest botanicals and water from the spring-fed Silent Pool, Casa Das Bolitas – freshly baked dough balls filled with flavours including garlic, feta, halloumi, mozzarella, Cheddar and chicken, and Love a Taste – an exciting start-up online wine business based in Suffolk that offers monthly subscription boxes that contain six different wines selected by a Master of Wine and delivered through your letter box.
Admission starts from £18 per person for advanced group bookings, including access to both the festival and racing. Children under 18 years of age gain free entry when accompanied by a paying adult.
For further information and to book visit www.ascot.co.uk or call 0344 346 3000.
Leith Hill
07/09/18 07:12
Surprise announcement
The long running and high profile campaign against oil drilling at Leith Hill in Surrey is celebrating success after Europa Oil and Gas announced it was pulling out of the site.The decision by the company followed a decision by the Forestry Commission not to renew the lease which expires on September 12th. Campaigners including the Green MEP Keith Taylor had been keeping up the pressure on the Forestry organisation not to renew in line with its environmental commitments.
“This is fantastic news”, said Lucy Barford on behalf of A Voice for Leith Hill. “Leith Hill has always been a completely inappropriate location for oil drilling, in addition to the overall issue that we should be leaving all fossil fuels in the ground. Local campaigners have been fighting Europa’s plans for a decade and we are overjoyed that the Forestry Commission and the Government minister have finally seen sense and put a stop to the horrendous prospect of oil being drilled in such a beautiful and vulnerable environment. There will be other battles ahead, oil drilling is still planned for other sites across the Weald, but for now we will be celebrating the fantastic news that there will be no oil drilling at Leith Hill. It has cost thousands of pounds to fight this and many hours of effort. Thanks to all who saw sense in the end and stopped this highly damaging plan going ahead.”
The Leith Hill Action Group had fought a campaign for nearly 10 years through the planning system and in the courts against the proposals. A Voice for Leith Hill had recently harnessed people power to lobby the Forestry Commission about the lease. The Environment Agency granted a permit to drill even though over 100,000 people signed a petition against it.
A Protection Camp was set up on the site in 2016 and moved across the road after being evicted in 2017. It has provided an information and campaign base since then.
“It’s been a combined effort of so many people – both local and from further away - over such a long time. It really is an extraordinary success”, said Lucy Barford.
Read the statement released by Europa Oil and Gas here LINK
The British Heart Foundation Opens New Home and Fashion Store in Kingston
02/08/18 11:35
Local Mayor and Kingston University Professor join shop volunteers and staff at BHF store that will support vital heart research
The British Heart Foundation (BHF) has today opened its latest department store in Kingston, to raise vital funds for life saving heart research.The new store at 10 Alderman Judge Mall opened its doors for the first time on Tuesday 31 July at 10am, creating new retail jobs and volunteering opportunities.
The shop is expected to be in Kingston for two years ahead of the planned regeneration of Eden Walk. The newly designed 17,000sq foot site will be one of the charity’s largest stores, hosting Home and Fashion departments offering a range of good quality furniture, homeware, clothing, accessories and books at budget-friendly prices.
The store will also be a local community hub, offering shoppers valuable heart health information, running CPR training sessions, and creating retail jobs and volunteering opportunities for people of every age – from school leavers to retirees.
The store was opened by local Mayor, Councillor Thay Thayalan who joined BHF volunteers and staff to welcome the local community for a first look of the great bargains on offer. Also in attendance was CEO of the Charity Retail Association Robin Osterley and Professor Tom Quinn who is currently leading a BHF-funded study to the best way to diagnose people suspected of a having a heart attack.
Tom Quinn, Professor of Cardiovascular Nursing at Kingston University and St George’s, University of London, said: “The British Heart Foundation is the most important funder of cardiovascular research in the UK. Without the money raised from their shops many vital projects would not be able to continue.
“Every 3 minutes someone loses a loved one to heart and circulatory diseases in the UK, but research can find the breakthroughs to beat those conditions. I hope that people in the local community will support this store and help it power the research that can save more lives in Kingston, and across the UK.”
Rachel Andrew, Area Manager at The British Heart Foundation said: “We are so excited to have this new and innovative space in Kingston, which we hope will become a valued addition to the town centre. If you are having a clear out in the next few weeks, we would love to receive any good quality furniture, home accessories, clothes, shoes, bags and books. Donating couldn’t be easier, the BHF offers a free and fast collection service for larger items and all money raised from the store will help raise vital funds for the charity’s life-saving research.
“If you would rather give the gift of time we are recruiting for new volunteers, who can spare anything from a couple of hours a week to a few days, so please get in touch if you are interested.”
Every item sold will help the BHF to raise vital funds for research into beating heart disease, including that undertaken at Kingston University to improve treatments for heart attacks. It will also help to fund the continued rollout of CPR training and public defibrillators in Kingston and support local heart patient groups.
There are currently around 14,000 people living with heart and circulatory disease in Kingston, including 4,000 people who have coronary heart disease and 2,000 people who have suffered a stroke. To combat these deadly diseases, the BHF currently funds around £500,000 of research at the University of Kingston and £130m of grants to Universities across London.
The store is located at 10 Alderman Judge Mall, Kingston Upon Thames, Surrey KT1 1BS.
For more information about BHF shops, please visit www.bhf.org.uk/shop
To book a free collection, call us on 0808 250 0030 or visiting www.bhf.org.uk/collection
Cranleigh Waters community river project launches
02/08/18 10:48
Surrey Wildlife Trust to recruit local volunteers
Surrey Wildlife Trust, in partnership with the Environment Agency and Thames Water, has begun a three year project to restore the Cranleigh Waters river, to improve wildlife habitat and river flow. With funding from Thames Water, the project aims to reconnect the local community with their river through monitoring and restoration days.Volunteers from Surrey Wildlife Trust, the Environment Agency and the local community gathered to do a mass water sample of the Cranleigh Waters in July to obtain baseline ecological data for the project. With 20 volunteers taking kick samples, the sampling covered a long stretch of river counting invertebrates such as mayflies, which are a good indicator of water quality.
The survey found that while water quality was variable the habitat was in poor condition due to past modifications of the river. A healthy river maintains a channel that is constantly flowing however at the Cranleigh Waters the river is too wide in many places, so the river flows very slowly and drops silt on the bed which smothers the in-stream habitat.
In addition the steep banks of the widened river cannot support the vegetation you would normally expect to find which is essential for fish and invertebrates. Thick vegetation along the banks of rivers not only provides a wildlife corridor for mammals, such as, water voles and bats, it also prevents soil running off into the river, keeping pesticides and fertilisers away from the watercourse.
Glen Skelton, wetland landscapes officer at Surrey Wildlife Trust, said: ‘Our survey helps us to understand where the issues may be and develop a plan to enhance water quality with good river habitat management. What this river needs is some love, so by reconnecting the community of Cranleigh back to their river, it will give it the best chance of improvement.’
Adrian Clarke, Cranleigh resident who took part in the water sampling, said: ‘The river brings a sense of identity with the local village and a number of local residents were concerned that it was being neglected. So we are delighted to be working with Surrey Wildlife Trust to improve our river. It was an enjoyable day doing the mass sampling and we found a number of species: shrimps, mayflies, olives and stone loach. I had no idea what a caddisfly larva was before the training, it has been fascinating.’
For the next step Surrey Wildlife Trust would like to recruit local volunteers, with wellies at the ready, to regularly monitor the river and the wildlife that lives there. Volunteer training will be available in late August and early September. To find out more about the project or to volunteer contact glen.skelton@surreywt.org.uk or visit surreywildlifetrust.org/volunteering
£4,000 rasied at 80th anniversary fete
02/08/18 09:59
Owls, classic cars and topiary people helps charity raise £4,000 at 80th anniversary fete.
The Grange centre for people with learning disabilities raises over £4,000 at its 80th anniversary feteThe Grange charity which was founded in 1938 as The School of Stitchery and Lace saw hundreds of friends and supporters turn out to celebrate its 80th anniversary fete on Saturday.
Big attractions were the topiary people who were on duty to meet and greet visitors, the classic cars and motorbikes, and Owls To You, a display of four beautiful birds of prey plus stalls music from the Martinau Brass Band.
The fete ended with a mass African drumming workshop with over 100 drums provided by ‘Drum With Us’.
‘Our aim with the fete was to celebrate 80 years of providing care for people with disabilities in Bookham,’ said Grange Chief Executive Eloise Appleby ‘We were delighted that people were so generous.’
The 80th anniversary celebrations continue in Heritage Week on 15 September with the opening of the Heritage Room. The Room will feature textiles made for Queen Mary, letters for royal households and vintage photos.
The Grange is a well-regarded Bookham charity providing care and supported housing and a dynamic programme of skills training for 100 people with physical and learning disabilities. For more information please visit www.grangecentre.org.uk
Pictured below: Mary Anne, Ashley, our CEO Eloise Appleby, Vikky, Jo and Annie from The Grange charity
Celebrating Surrey’s wild heathland landscape
25/07/18 10:08
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
Popular Sculpture Event Returns to RHS Garden Wisley for 21st year
23/07/18 23:01
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
The Extraterrestrial Couple Shaking Up the Art World
23/07/18 19:55
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
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’.
This Summer at Brooklands Museum
26/06/18 09:35
The incredible history of racing, speed and flight through most of the 20th Century is waiting to be discovered at Brooklands Museum this summer though a non-stop programme of activities for all ages.
During the school holidays you can really feel what it was like to race on the World's first purpose-built Race track as the Brooklands Car Rides Team take passengers up the hill climb and along the steep banked track. If flying is more your thing, then you can take a virtual supersonic 'flight' on board Concorde with a fabulous Kids Tour expertly 'piloted' by your Concorde Steward.Open every day and included in the entry price is the fantastic new exhibition that everyone is talking about: recently WINNING a Museums and Heritage Award for best new permanent exhibition, the Brooklands Aircraft Factory will amaze you. Housed inside an original WWII Hangar, you will find giant sections of aircraft on assembly lines, interactive work areas where you can try some of the techniques yourself and make your own metal aircraft to take home. The centre piece is the famous Wellington Bomber - a giant aircraft that actually flew in the War and was salvaged and came back to Brooklands for restoration. From the earliest string, wood and fabric flying machines through two Wars, into the jet age and to Concorde, this unique heritage is told through the stories of the people who worked and flew at the site which at one point had 14,000 workers in its factories.
Back in the Clubhouse, which still has its distinctive green dome on top, you can walk through some of the period rooms and really feel the glamour from the speedy 1930s created by the Bentley Boys and Speed Queens, the rich and famous and Royalty. This is also where you'll find the Sunbeam Café for a fuel stop during your visit. Lastly, you can try one of three different Simulator rides in the 4D Theatre taking you round race tracks or on an aerobatic display with the Red Arrows. On your way out, you will find it hard not to find something from the Museum Shop to remind you of your visit; a unique pack of Brooklands Top Trumps, a model of Concorde or one of the many books, toys and DVDs all relating to this fantastic place where you're guaranteed to learn something and be amazed at the same time
Open daily from 10am with FREE parking
Visitor entrance via Brooklands Drive, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 0SL
www.brooklandsmuseum.com
01932 857381
Ocean Film Festival World Tour makes a splash this autumn!
26/06/18 07:24
September to October 2018
The Ocean Film Festival World Tour is back for 2018, bringing an evening of inspirational ocean-themed films to more than 35 locations across the UK and Ireland in September and October.This brand-new selection of films features seafaring adventurers rowing treacherous oceans, intrepid surfers riding the world’s biggest waves, and explores our planet’s spectacular hidden depths.
Now in its fifth year, 2018’s UK Tour is the biggest yet – and it’s also first time the Tour has visited Ireland, with dates in Dublin and Cork.
“We’re really excited that more people than ever before will be able to celebrate their love of the ocean with our largest Tour to date – and we’re especially excited to be extending the Tour to Ireland for the first time ever!” says Tour Director Nell Teasdale.
“Through stunning cinematography and mesmerising storytelling, audiences can expect to be wowed by the magic and mysteries of the world’s oceans… coming at you through the big screen!”
As well as thrilling films, each screening will see a free prize giveaway to win ocean-related goodies too.
The Ocean Film Festival World Tour began in Australia, with the aim of inspiring people to explore, respect, enjoy and protect the oceans. To find out more about the UK and Ireland Tour, watch the trailer and book tickets, visit www.oceanfilmfestival.co.uk
Highlights from the 2018 Ocean Film Tour include:
Kiwi Breeze
Steve is not your average Londoner. For a start he’s a Kiwi, and instead of wallpaper his house is decorated with charts and plans. He has also been building a 44ft yacht in his back garden, and after nine years of toil, it’s finally ready to set sail. The first obstacle, however, is how to get the steel vessel from the backyard of a small, suburban street to the London docks.
Kiwi Breeze tells the inspirational story of Steve’s 24,000km voyage home to New Zealand… and his determination to achieve his dream.
Touched by the Ocean
Latvian friends Karlis and Gints have a second-hand rowing boat, no rowing experience and a grand plan: to become the first team ever to row across the South Atlantic Ocean, from Namibia to Brazil. Touched by the Ocean joins them on a raucous tale of adventure, dedication and friendship.
The Big Wave Project
Five years in the making, The Big Wave Project follows a tight-knit crew of leading big wave surfers as they work together to attempt a goal that drills into the core passion of surfing: riding the world’s biggest wave. Hear candid, no-holds-barred accounts of the real fear of death, the humbling power of the ocean, and of ultimate personal glory.
To find out more about the festival, watch the trailer and book tickets, visit www.oceanfilmfestival.co.uk
2018 UK Tour dates are:
• 5 September Exeter, Corn Exchange
• 6 September Bath, Komedia
• 7 September Porthcawl, Grand Pavilion
• 8 September Malvern, Forum Theatre
• 12 September Leamington Spa, Royal Spa Centre
• 12 September Newtownabbey, Theatre at the Mill
• 13 September Dublin, National Concert Hall
• 13 September Whitley Bay, Playhouse
• 14 September Cork, Everyman Theatre
• 14 September Inverness, Eden Court Theatre
• 15 September Edinburgh, Festival Theatre
• 16 September Keswick, Theatre by the Lake
• 18 September Abingdon, Amey Theatre
• 19 September Wimborne Minster, Tivoli Theatre
• 20 September Guildford, G Live
• 21 September Reading, The Hexagon
• 22 September Poole, Lighthouse (Concert Hall)
• 25 September Cheltenham, Town Hall
• 26 September Shrewsbury, Theatre Severn
• 27 September Liverpool, Plaza Community Cinema
• 28 September Stockport, Plaza Cinema
• 29 September Llandudno, Venue Cymru
• 2 October Cardiff, St David’s Hall
• 3 October Exeter, Corn Exchange
• 4,5 October Redruth, Regal Theatre
• 9 October Christchurch, Regent Centre
• 10 October Dorking, Dorking Halls
• 11 October Brighton, Brighton Dome
• 12 October Cambridge, Corn Exchange
• 13 October Norwich, Lecture Theatre 1 (UEA)
• 13 October Bristol, Victoria Rooms
• 15 October Portsmouth, The Kings Theatre
• 15-20 October London, Union Chapel
• 16 October Weymouth, Weymouth Pavilion
• 17 October Christchurch, Regent Centre
• 18 October Salisbury, City Hall
• 20 October Bristol, Victoria Rooms
• 22 October Birmingham, Crescent Theatre
• 23 October York, Barbican
• 24 October Leeds, Town Hall
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Tour Director Nell Teasdale
nell.oceanfestival@gmail.com
07880 850931 or 01295 402199
Tour Coordinator Rosie Fuller
banff.rosie@gmail.com
07453 202321 or 01295 402199
26 JUNE – 22 JULY 2018 - THE KING POWER GOLD CUP
13/06/18 13:55
12 TEAMS FOR THE KING POWER GOLD CUP AT COWDRAY PARK 26 JUNE – 22 JULY 2018
The Draw for the King Power Gold Cup for the British Open Polo Championship was held in the historic surrounds of Cowdray House on the evening of 11th June. The recent signing of Spencer McCarthy’s Emlor team brings the number of entries for the 2018 British Open Polo Championship, to twelve.Last year’s finalists El Remanso return with the same all-English player line-up of Charlie Hanbury, Ollie Cudmore, James Beim and James Harper. Michael Bickford’s La Indiana returns with the addition of Facundo Pieres, and with Alec White also a newcomer to the side. Nic Roldan continues as the team’s number 3. Past winner Jean-Francois Decaux has a completely new team with Pelon Stirling, Juan Martin Nero and Byron Watson joining his La Bamba de Areco side. Ben Soleimani retains Rodrigo de Andrade and adds Sapo Caset and Min Podesta to his RH team.
Talandracas returns with Hugues Carmignac replacing his father Edouardo and a new line-up comprising Fran Elizalde, Julian de Lusaretta and Alejandro Muzzio. Alessandro Bazzoni’s Monterosso is back with Ignacio and Santiago Tocccalino and the addition of Juan Martin Zubia. Harald Link brings back Thai Polo with Guillermo Terrera, Joaquin Pittaluga and Jaime Huidobro. Playing alongside Spencer McCarthy in the Emlor team will be Agustin Merlos, Diego Cavanagh and team regular Nacho Gonzales. Park Place is the team of Andrey Borodin who enters the Gold Cup for the first time with Hilario Ulloa, Juan Britos and Tommy Beresford.
Three other teams feature young English players. The Alfi Investments polo team of Alshair Fiyaz, entering the Gold Cup for the first time, sees Jack Hyde playing alongside cousins Polito Pieres and Nico Pieres. Adolfo Cambiaso features in Bob Jornayvaz’s Valiente side along with Christian Laprida and Englishman Hugo Lewis. The Murus Sanctus team sees Corinne Ricard, the only woman playing in the Gold Cup, joined by Facundo Sola, Gonzalito Pieres and English player Ed Hitchman.
The Draw saw the four semi-finalists in the Queens Cup drawn and placed at the head of Leagues A,B,C,D. A representative of each team entered in the King Power Gold Cup then came forward to draw a place within the Leagues. Highlights of the Draw may be seen on cowdraypolo.tv. The King Power Gold Cup opens on Tuesday 26 June with Quarter Finals on 14/15 July, Semi Finals on 18 July and the Final on 22 July. The schedule of matchplay will follow shortly. Please visit >>> cowdraypolo.co.uk
The Grange - helping people with learning disabilities
17/05/18 10:45
Royal Wedding at The Grange, Bookham
The photo above shows Anissa, Sophie, Louise, Fliss and Mary Anne who attend Creative arts session at The Grange charity in Bookham.The students at The Grange were putting together a new window display for Grange@No5 gift shop in Bookham, which sells items made by residents at The Grange and decided to design Meghan’s dress for the Royal Wedding. The dress is made of paper, doilies and picnic plates.
It’s not the first time The Grange has made clothes for the royal family. The charity was founded 80 years ago as ‘The School of Stitchery and Lace’ for young women with physical disabilities who made many items for Queen Mary and even a dress for Queen Elizabeth when she was a young girl.
This week The Grange celebrates its 80th anniversary, The Grange is helping people with learning disabilities live independent and fulfilling lives. For more information please visit >>> www.grangecentre.org.uk
Guildford Shakespeare Company - Robin Hood
17/05/18 07:17
14 – 30 June Surrey’s award-winning Guildford Shakespeare Company (GSC) open their 13th Annual Open-Air Season with a brand-new adaptation of England’s greatest legend.
Daring rescues, archery competitions, and sword fights, together with the cries of dastardly Sheriffs and May Day folk songs will fill the air this summer as the first part of GSC’s open-air theatre double-bill bursts into life.Next month England’s most enduring legend ROBIN HOOD takes centre stage in a brand-new story written by GSC’s Associate Playwright ANT STONES (Grimms’ Fairy Tales, The Wind in the Willows). Whilst featuring all the classic characters – Little John, Lady Marian, Friar Tuck and the Sheriff of Nottingham – this new play takes its inspiration from the original folk tales, including the shadowy figure of The Prioress.
A number of actors will be making their GSC debut with ROBIN HOOD, including GAVIN FOWLER (Penny Dreadful Season 1, Puck in Michael Grandage’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Florizel in Lucy Bailey’s RSC The Winter’s Tale); SALLY CHENG (Twelfth Night, A Christmas Carol, RSC); and JAMES SHELDON (Jean in Miss Julie at Jermyn Street Theatre). GSC regular CHRIS PORTER returns to the company following recently touring with David Haig’s five-star play Pressure. He is joined by PAULA JAMES and ROBERT MASKELL who respectively last played Portia in GSC’s Julius Caesar (2017) and the Porter in Macbeth (2013). The cast is completed by GSC’s Co-Founder and Actor-Manager SARAH GOBRAN.
Director TOM LITTLER also makes his return to GSC, his first since becoming Artistic Director of London’s Jermyn Street Theatre. TOM JACK MERIVALE joins the creative team to write the show’s original songs and PHILIP d’ORLÉANS is once again in charge of the fights. Designer NIEL IRISH (Opera Holland Park, Watermill Theatre, English Touring Opera) also returns.
ROBIN HOOD is staged in Guildford’s best-kept secret, RACKS CLOSE. A former chalk quarry, now beautifully overgrown into an idyllic natural amphitheatre, RACKS CLOSE sits in the heart of the town centre. ROBIN HOOD follows last year’s runaway success of A Midsummer Night’s Dream in the same venue. Rope bridges and tree houses, together with the venue’s winding paths and grass banks promise an unforgettable immersive experience. GSC will also be holding collections for the Guildford North Food Bank at every performance, which seeks to provide temporary help for those in the Guildford area who are in need.
See the GSC website for further details of what items are being collected >>> www.guildford-shakespeare-company.co.uk
Previously-unseen spaces revealed at Clandon Park as the National Trust opens basement to visitors
04/05/18 12:46
The basement at the National Trust’s Clandon Park in Surrey is open for the first time since the 2015 fire, giving visitors a chance to delve deeper in to the house.
From today, a new walkway in to the basement takes visitors on an atmospheric journey to where the fire started, revealing its full impact on the house, as well as leading them through a new exhibition.Following the basement corridor towards the south end of the house, the new walkway takes visitors deep in to the lowest, and most fire-damaged spaces within the 18th-century Palladian mansion.
The less damaged north end of the basement will also be on show, as visitors are led to the beautiful undercroft - a vaulted room under the Marble Hall - which pre-fire visitors will remember as the restaurant. This now includes a display, charting the design challenges, and key questions, that the National Trust is considering during the hugely complex project.
Visitors are invited to share their thoughts as the National Trust works with its architects, specialist advisers and stakeholders to develop plans for Clandon’s future.
From the undercroft visitors can pass into a protected viewing area which gives them sight of the full extent of the fire damage for the first time, with dramatic, vertical views from basement floor to scaffolding roof.
Sophie Chessum, Senior Project Curator at Clandon Park says: “Sharing our progress since the fire has always been really important to us. Previous visitors to Clandon Park have been able to visit the Saloon, State Bedroom and Marble Hall, which are amongst the most significant rooms in the house and therefore areas we felt visitors should see straightaway.
“By opening up the basement, we are creating a new space for discussion about Clandon’s future in an area of the house where the extent of the damage to Clandon is at its starkest.
“This is a unique opportunity for visitors to see the extraordinary bare bones of this grand Palladian mansion, in its post-fire state, before access may become more limited further down the line when building work is underway.”
The new basement walkway adds to the existing access at Clandon Park, which includes the Saloon, State Bedroom, Marble Hall and the garden.
Clandon Park is open until 28 October 2018 (including the first May bank holiday weekend, 5-7 May).
For more information please visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Summer entertainment on the horizon in Richmond Park
03/05/18 21:40
For those who like to dine out in style, with a generous helping of entertainment on the side, there’s a mouth-watering event coming up on 5 June this year at Pembroke Lodge, in Richmond Park.
Discerning diners are being urged to check their diaries and book now, for an evening of ‘Reflections’ - a flagship annual fund raising- event in support of The Holly Lodge Centre, which is a small but very worthwhile local charity, based in Richmond park.Music, poetry and storytelling
The Belvedere Suite at Pembroke Lodge has been booked exclusively for the occasion and on arrival, guests will be shown to the adjoining terrace, where they can contemplate stunning views of the Surrey Hills before tucking into a buffet supper.
For this 16th year, there will be music to suit every taste, from operatic arias to boogie woogie blues – and everything in between, including folk, jazz and a smattering of Les Miserables.
On a more literary note, Poet Alison Hill will recite from her collection Sisters in Spitfires, which vividly and wistfully celebrates the women who flew with the Air Transport Auxiliary during World War ll.
Giles Abbott will also be in the line-up. Giles took up storytelling professionally when he lost most of his vision and he has since won much acclaim. His stories are rooted in tradition which he like to bring ‘face to face with now’.
About the Holly Lodge Centre
As well as enjoying a wonderful summer evening, guests will have the satisfaction of supporting a very deserving local charity.
The Holly Lodge Centre was conceived to make learning fun for people of all ages, but especially for those with learning difficulties or other disabilities.
Nestling in the heart of Richmond Park, the Centre provides the perfect habitat to bring nature, science and history vividly to life.
David Attenborough calls small charity a ‘huge treasure’
Patron David Attenborough can be seen on the Centre website as he talks to young explorers and opens the Nature trail, which has since won acclaim as an award-winning feature.
Outside, there are many other facilities, including a well-stocked kitchen garden, stables, a dipping pond, bird-watching hide, solar fountain and an open-air theatre.
Inside, there is a complete re-creation of a Victorian schoolhouse and pharmacy, where ‘pupils’ can experience Dickensian learning first- hand – and a nineteenth century pharmacy, where older visitors with dementia can make authentic Victorian soap.
Over 8000 visitors last year
Although the Holly Lodge Centre only has two paid members of staff, it is supported by an army of over 70 volunteers and many are experts in their field.
This makes it possible to offer an action-packed timetable of activities and the Centre attracts thousands of visitors every year, from schools and community groups throughout South West London.
As there is no government funding, the Holly Lodge Centre relies heavily on fund-raising activities and on donations from local individuals and businesses.
If you’d like to support this much-loved local charity - and enjoy a summer evening of ‘eclectic and exclusive’ entertainment in beautiful surroundings, tickets to ‘Reflections’ are £45. This includes a welcome drink and buffet supper with wine.
To book visit www.thehollylodgecentre.org.uk or contact hlcevents@thehollylodgecentre.org.uk
Sherlock Holmes: The Final Curtain
03/05/18 20:34
ROBERT POWELL AND LIZA GODDARD STAR IN THE WORLD PREMIERE PRODUCTION OF SHERLOCK HOLMES: THE FINAL CURTAIN AT ROSE THEATRE KINGSTON
The World Premiere production of Sherlock Holmes: The Final Curtain embarks on a national tour from Wed 25 Apr, opening in Bath and starring Robert Powell (Holby City, The Detectives, Jesus of Nazareth) as the world famous detective and Liza Goddard (The Brothers, Bergerac, Take Three Girls) as Mary Watson. Directed by David Grindley, this brand new thriller is set to appear at Rose Theatre Kingston from Mon 14 - Sat 19 May.Sherlock Holmes lives in retirement on the South Coast. He keeps bees, occasionally casts his fly fishing rod, even plays his Stradivarius when the rheumatism allows. All too aware that he’s older and slower, he’s concerned that he might have lost his touch, paranoid that he is an easy target for his enemies – there have been so many over the years. Some of whom play heavier on his mind, namely his arch nemesis Moriarty.
So when Mary Watson (wife of his former associate Dr John Watson) tracks him down to tell him she has seen her long-dead son, James, through the window of 221B Baker Street, apparently alive and well, Holmes is determined to solve the mystery and confront his own demons at the same time.
Chilling, gripping and filled with unforeseen twists and revelations, this new play featuring Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s legendary super sleuth has been commissioned by Theatre Royal Bath from award-winning dramatist Simon Reade previously Literary Manager at the Royal Shakespeare Company.
This world premiere production reunites the dream team of Robert Powell and Liza Goddard following huge acclaim for their performances at the Theatre Royal in Alan Bennett’s.
Sherlock Holmes: The Final Curtain will be at Rose Theatre Kingston Mon 14 - Sat 19 May, see more here LINK
Tickets start from £10 and are available online, rosetheatrekingston.org, by phone, 020 8174 0090, or from the Box Office.
Clifton Nurseries are popping up in Knightsbridge
03/05/18 18:28
Starting Monday 7 May, Clifton Nurseries are delighted to be opening a popup shop in the Fifth Floor Foodmarket of the renowned Harvey Nichols Knightsbridge flagship store and a popup mini garden on the Fifth Floor Roof Terrace.
The Clifton Nurseries Collection at Harvey Nichols will include trending succulents and cacti, beautiful houseplants, inspirational arrangements and stylish gifts for the home and garden – all displayed in Clifton Nurseries’ own inimitable style!“The Clifton Nurseries’ Team is very excited about this opportunity to bring a little bit of what we love doing and selling to the iconic Fifth Floor of Harvey Nichols in lovely Knightsbridge. We are very proud of our brand and proposition and feel that this collaboration with Harvey Nichols is the perfect way to celebrate horticulture and the world’s greatest flower show which also ‘pops up’ locally in May.” David Morley - Retail Director, Clifton Nurseries
Open every day from Monday 7 May to Sunday 3 June the Clifton Nurseries popup shop at Harvey Nichols enables you to combine shopping and dining at this legendary store along with a taste of the horticultural treats of Clifton Nurseries.
Clifton Nurseries
A hidden oasis in Little Venice in Maida Vale, Clifton Nurseries is an elegant garden centre with a rich history. Home to picturesque glasshouses, Clifton Nurseries is packed with a carefully selected range of plants, flowers, pots, garden ornaments, garden vintage, and unique gifts and accessories for the home and garden.
Clifton Nurseries has a second branch near Weybridge in leafy Surrey – a unique and exciting garden centre with a contemporary show garden as well as a comprehensive range of trees and shrubs, pots, garden furniture and outdoor cooking accessories.
Clifton Nurseries also offers a full scale domestic garden design, landscaping and gardening service. Clifton Nurseries, 5A Clifton Villas London W9 2PH.
Telephone: 0207 289 6851
www.clifton.co.uk
Summer by the River
29/04/18 12:29
FREE SUMMER LONG EXTRAVAGANZA
FRIDAY 1 JUNE – SUNDAY 2 SEPTEMBERLondon Bridge City is pleased to announce their summer long spectacular - Summer by the River. With a packed schedule of exciting outdoor events and entertainment running from Friday 1 June to Sunday 2 September it will be the largest free outdoor festival in London.
With stunning views of Tower Bridge, The Tower of London and the iconic City skyline, Summer by the River is the perfect place to celebrate all things summer. This year the site will be transformed to take on a vibrant English country garden theme.
The busy programme will ensure there is never a dull moment down by the River. With outdoor cinema and theatre, big screen summer sports (including Wimbledon, Ascot and the cricket), live comedy and music performances, fun family days, fitness classes and a host of events to let your hair down on a Friday, Summer by the River will be the ultimate London experience this summer. Please see below for day to day themes with the full programme coming soon.
No festival would be complete without a delicious array of food and drink on offer and this year, Summer by the River is joining up with the amazing teams at Flat Iron Square and Look Mum No Hands to offer a constantly changing choice of some of the Capital’s finest street food housed in stunning country garden themed pop-ups.
Kicking off the holidays in style, Summer by the River will be launching on Friday 1 June, tying in perfectly with National Barbecue Week. Expect a host of vibrant street performers, music, and all the sights, smells and flavours of a true British Summer.
London Bridge City’s Summer by the River info:
Dates: Friday 1 June – Sunday 2 September
Location: London Bridge City, SE1 2DB
Nearest Tube: London Bridge
Event Programme Themes:
Monday – Fitness
Tuesday – Film Night, outdoor cinema
Wednesday – Comedy
Thursday – Music
Friday – FriYay!, all singing all dancing interactive events
Saturday – Family Day
Sunday – World Music
For more information please visit www.londonbridgecity.co.uk
Get set to grow at RHS Garden Wisley’s Family Gardening Festival
20/04/18 12:05
Fun-packed event runs from 26 May to 3 June
To celebrate the start of the warmer months, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Garden Wisley is hosting a fun-packed Family Gardening Festival, from 26 May to 3 June 2018.Running during May half-term, the family event has a ‘Get Set, Grow!’ theme, with a wide variety of activities taking place throughout the week. Kids can get hands-on with garden themed activities and crafts, such as sow and grow workshops, potato and spoon races, face painting, and tree climbing. There will also be puppet shows, storytelling sessions, a ‘Vegetable Olympics’ and a ‘Mole Hill’ area with pedal-powered tractors. Additionally, fascinating Birds of Prey demonstrations will take place on Seven Acres at 11am and 2pm on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 May.
As visitors walk around the Festival and take in the horticultural highlights of the season, they can gain expert advice from the RHS Science Team. Exhibitors include the National Vegetable Society and Surrey Bees, who will provide honey tastings, bee-themed activities and have a variety of wax products for sale.
While at the Family Gardening Festival, families can go on a garden adventure trail, sponsored by Honda, to look for the hidden Miimos - Honda’s clever robotic lawnmowers – along the way.
Take a break to refuel during the Festival with a tasty bite to eat, including ice cream and barbequed treats. There is also plenty of room to enjoy a family picnic in the great outdoors.
Normal garden entry applies; events and activities are suitable for all the family. For further information and to view the daily programme of activities, visit www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley.
Wood Engravings by Anne Desmet and Friends
16/03/18 15:47
Exhibition: 5 May - 23 June 2018
Printmaker Anne Desmet RA will curate an intimate exhibition of contemporary wood engravings at Kevis House Gallery in Petworth, West Sussex. Anne Desmet is one of only three wood engravers to be elected as Academicians in the Royal Academy's 250-year history.The show will feature the work of six artists; Anne Desmet RA, Neil Bousfield, Edwina Ellis, Peter Lawrence, Peter S Smith and Roy Willingham.
“What I hope to create is a sense of six mini solo exhibitions, each one bringing out some of the abiding threads in each artist's work." Says Desmet. "Although all of the artists regularly exhibit with the Society of Wood Engravers, none of the works shown here has ever previously been exhibited by the Society of Wood Engravers, so they will offer a wealth of unseen delights to even the most assiduous devotee of wood engraving exhibitions. All the engravings shown will offer key insights into the ongoing, long-held interests of each engraver and all are works that each artist considers seminal in their expansive oeuvre.”
Neil Bousfield is a younger artist whose engravings started out as imagery in self generated novels without words, following in the grand tradition of Frans Masereel and Lynd Ward and bearing striking similarities to the characteristic noir atmosphere of Ward's 1930's engravings. More recently Bousfield has experimented with subtle overlays of printed colour, tone and pattern, developed from vigorous, keenly observed drawings of beaches, harbours and landscape near his home in Norfolk, coupled with imaginative aerial views, contours and geography of Ordnance Survey maps. “ The work here explores the notion of place and home encapsulated through experience, memory and narrative,” says Bousfield “made tangible within drawing and engraving."
Anne Desmet RA's chooses architectural motifs as her subject matter. However whilst her engravings depict specific places, they are also intended to represent something universal; the way light brings life to a subject; the way apparently permanent structures are poignantly prone to the ravages and redevelopments of time, weather and human intervention. Her interests also spreads into what our buildings tell us about mankind's great aspirations, follies, passions and humour.
Desmet enjoys playing with shape, form and structure - to break down and rebuild existing structures into invented or more abstract forms through the medium of collage. These small scale, highly detailed works which take, often, many weeks to create, may evoke in the viewer a sense both of timelessness or of the passage of time - or both ideas simultaneously. These are the abiding thoughts and threads that have connected her prints and collages since her first tentative engravings (in the mid 1980s) to today, whether their subject is ancient Rome London's Olympic site, Brooklyn Bridge, a derelict neo-classical interior or Eton College.
Edwina Ellis established her reputation with meticulously wrought, observational, landscape and still life engravings. Recently PhD studies have led her to experiment "with colour and compound engraving and printing and continue to augment the modular collection of engravings, vinyl cuts and linocuts developed during this research. My current aim," Ellis says, "is to harness and combine the techniques I have developed in the belief that experimental journeys close in on what it's all about."
Closer looks at Ellis's work shows a strong sense of the abstract within the particular, a sense of layering and an intricate textile reminiscent of woven textiles.
Peter Lawrence's engravings have long celebrated the glorious abstract potential of the wood engraving medium at a time when many other British practitioners stayed firmly within the figurative tradition of Bewick.
"Dark Corners, is one of the first completely abstract prints. Working from an outline drawing of forms, the engraving is largely improvised. Other prints are abstracted from life, or combine a series of differently styled engravings with an abstract form, sometimes using multiple blocks to resemble collage." says Lawrence.
Peter S Smith's engravings, like Edwina Ellis's, have a strong textural quality and a pervading sense of the abstract within the particular.
"On sunny days, while waiting for the train. I draw my shadow across the station: some of the drawings become engravings."
Smith's engravings are fascinating both as semi-abstract compositions in light and shade but also because the character of each engraved mark and the combination of marks he makes are unpredictable and unexpected.
Roy Willingham has long been concerned with the fine balance between the figurative and the abstract. His starting point is often meticulously observed drawings yet many diverse influences including Russian Constructivist graphics, Edward Wadsworth's Dazzle Ship engravings, Picasso, Matisse and a vibrant yet finely calibrated sense of colour and tone have long invested his work with great energy and originality. They are truly miniature marvels.
Refering to his print Downland, Willingham says "This print derives from the memory of a walk over the South Downs from Hassocks to Lewes and a solitary tree near Ditchling Beacon standing out against the emptiness of the downland landscape."
Kevis House Gallery hosts the Society of Wood Engravers Annual Exhibition each year (next held November - December 2018). The gallery holds a large collection of work by the wood engraver Gwenda Morgan (1908 - 1991). Kevis House also exhibits pictures by a range of contemporary artists.
For more information please visit www.kevishouse.com
Mother’s Day Weekend at RHS Gardens and Partner Gardens
14/02/18 12:38
Delight in the joys of spring and treat Mum to an inspiring day out at RHS Gardens and Partner Gardens this Mothering Sunday
Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 March 2018 At the four RHS Gardens and dozens of RHS Partner Gardens around the country, there are plenty of ideas for spending quality time with Mum in beautiful surroundings this Mother’s Day. Seek out cheerful signs of spring around the gardens, take part in inspiring workshops or indulge in the sweet tradition of tea and cake and give Mum a day to remember.At RHS Garden Rosemoor, mums can enjoy a special Afternoon Tea on Saturday 10 March, including cakes, sandwiches and a traditional Devonshire cream tea, served to a table in the small Garden Room. The Garden Room will also host a demonstration of paper flower-making and everyone can take home a free gift of a beautiful paper peony. Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea is £20 per person and must be booked ahead online. On Sunday 11 March, the award-winning Rosemoor Garden Kitchen will be serving its famed Sunday Carvery menu, packed with the finest locally-sourced and homegrown produce – booking is advised.
Don’t miss one of the biggest celebrations of spring-flowering plants at the Spring Flower Competitions on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 March, with classes including camellias, early magnolias, rhododendrons, daffodils and hyacinths. Enjoy a sensual feast of colour and scent examining some of the finest specimens from growers across the country before taking a stroll around the garden to see Rosemoor’s own camellias, rhododendrons and daffodils bringing the garden to life.
RHS Garden Harlow Carr will be a welcoming sight, awash with beautiful spring colour as many varieties of early-flowering bulbs including daffodils, tulips, muscari, hyacinth and iris burst into flower. Stop by Bettys Cafe Tea Rooms for lunch to enjoy home-cooked dishes with a Swiss influence, or a traditional afternoon tea of sandwiches, cakes and pastries for £19.95 – or for £27.95 add pink Champagne to make it an extra-special treat for Mum.
Over in Essex at RHS Garden Hyde Hall, explore the garden as the spring season bursts into life before rewarding mum with a delightful afternoon tea for £12.95 per person (booking essential) on Sunday 11 March. Alternatively, book Mum onto the ‘What Now? Your Garden in March and April’ workshop on Saturday 10 March and inspire her to get into the garden. RHS experts will guide attendees through staking, planting, lifting and dividing of seasonal plants with practical techniques demonstrated in the garden from 11am to 1pm.
Meanwhile, at RHS Garden Wisley the Terrace Room will open specially for Mother’s Day, with either a two-course lunch or a sumptuous afternoon tea available at £25 per person (book in advance by emailing preferred time and numbers to wisley@companyofcooks.com), including a complimentary gift for Mum. A walk around the garden to see the beauty of early spring blossom and bulbs in flower is the perfect way to work up an appetite.
In addition, Saturday 10March sees the Orchid Society of Great Britain Spring Show in the Glasshouse Gallery at Wisley, where experts and growers will be on hand with advice and quality orchids to buy. A treat for any orchid fans, this show offers an opportunity to learn about more unusual species and see beautiful displays created by OSGB members.
Elsewhere around the country, many RHS Partner Gardens have exciting events planned for the Mother’s Day weekend, and RHS members can visit for free on selected days. On Saturday 10 March at A Weekend for Mum at Penshurst Place in Kent, kids can make special cards for Mum, and adults can learn to make scented gifts on Sunday 11 March. In Norfolk, Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden’s head gardener Ian Guest will take families on a guided tour of the garden after which each mother will receive a primrose.
On the outskirts of London, take a stroll around the grounds in search of spring beauty at Osterley Park before tasting wines, juices, jams and curds in the Brewhouse coffee shop. Meanwhile, at Compton Acres in Dorset both RHS Members and mums can enjoy the gardens for free, and there’s a potted plant gift for every mum who is treated to Sunday lunch.
Other RHS Partner Gardens open for free to RHS Members on Mother’s Day include:
• The Dorothy Clive Garden, Shropshire
• Tatton Park, Cheshire
• Kilver Court Garden, Somerset
• East Ruston Old Vicarage Gardens, Norfolk
• Larch Cottage Nurseries, Cumbria
• Tylney Hall, Hampshire
• Waterperry Gardens, Oxfordshire
• Batsford Arboretum, Gloucestershire
• Godinton House and Gardens, Kent
• Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire
• Scone Palace, Perthshire
For more information about Mothers day and other events at RHS Wisley please visit >>> www.rhs.org.uk
Guildford Shakespeare Company
09/02/18 13:50
SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHDAY BASH RETURNS FOR 7th YEAR!
Now in its 7th year, WILL’S BIRTHDAY BASH is Guildford Shakespeare Company’s annual celebration of William Shakespeare birthday, 23 April 1564. Will’s Birthday Bash has always been a sell-out event, and once again the award-winning theatre company have lined an exciting programme to mark the occasion, kicking off with their 7th SONNET WALK WEEKEND (21-22 April). Akin to a treasure hunt, the Sonnet Walks take audiences on a mystery walking-tour where walkers will encounter Shakespeare and his characters in the least likely of places. In previous year years, the especially designed route has included the roof of House of Fraser, a fortune teller in Rack’s Close, a prisoner in the Castle Keep, and last year St Catherine’s Ruin and a field of sheep!This year, GSC are very excited to announce a brand new venue for the walks – the historic West Horsley Place. The Grade I listed manor house and surrounding estate were inherited by Bamber Gascoigne, who has set up a charity, The Mary Roxburghe Trust, to rescue and restore West Horsley Place and to establish there a vibrant centre for the performing and visual arts and for the teaching of crafts. The incredible house and grounds will be taken over by actors for the weekend, allowing audiences to discover not only fabulous speeches and sonnets from Shakespeare, but also this magnificent home once visited by Elizabeth I.
The Bash continues with a special staged reading of Shakespeare’s THE TWO NOBLE KINSMEN, on Wednesday 25 April. Based loosely on Chaucer’s Knight’s Tale, this collaboration with John Fletcher is pure Jacobean drama with dark sibling rivalry, unrequited love and deception…it also includes a group of amateur actors (harking back to the successes of Dream?) and... wait for it... a baboon! Following the sell-out staged readings of Pericles, Cymbeline and Henry VIII, join us for another of Shakespeare’s rarely performed plays.
The final event in the Bash is GSC’s flagship youth theatre, the GSC YOUNG COMPANY, second public performance (29-30 April). Devised, written and performed by their group of 12 – 16 year old aspiring actors, the performance is based on the three Shakespeare plays GSC staged last year, Julius Caesar, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and The two Gentlemen of Verona. The play cleverly intertwines story lines from all three plays, and includes new characters inspired by the originals. “That was the most inspiring evening” Audience member 2017
Tickets for Will’s Birthday Bash go on sale 19 March (Priority Booking opens 12 March). www.guildford-shakespeare-company.co.uk Tickets £10 - £16.
Kilimanjaro and the Virgin London Marathon?
09/02/18 10:44
A walk in the park!
Sarah steps-up for wildlife with two gruelling challenges. With many people struggling to keep their New Year’s Resolutions and be more active in 2018, 23-year-old Sarah Locke, from Henfield, has put her money where her mouth is and will take on two epic physical challenges this spring, in aid of Horsham-based international wildlife charity Born Free.Sarah, who works as Executive Assistant to Born Free’s President, Will Travers OBE, will fly to Tanzania in early February, along with her younger sister Annabel, 19, and 13 other climbers, on a mission to conquer Africa’s highest peak - Mount Kilimanjaro. The trip, organised by the XP Club, a private members’ organisation which encourages entrepreneurship and achievement, will involve a gruelling seven-day trek through five different eco-systems including rainforest, alpine and glacial terrain, before they reach the summit, some 585 metres above sea level.
Sarah says: “I’ve always loved hiking and have climbed quite a few mountains in the UK. I have actually hiked the UK’s three highest mountains; Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis - not that they’ll be anything on Kilimanjaro of course!
“Now Christmas is officially over, my training has stepped up a bit! I think I’m most nervous about the altitude as it’s quite hard to prepare for and difficult to predict! Plus, the temperature is going to be a lot chillier than anything I hiked in before so I’m having to stock up on lots of warm gear.”
After returning from Tanzania, Sarah will have just eight weeks to step up her training for the Virgin London Marathon on the 22nd April. Having already completed several half marathons, including Brighton, Conwy and the Great North Run, Sarah has some distance running experience under her belt, but is not underestimating the challenge.
She says: “I do enjoy running once I’m out there but a full 26 miles will take some serious training. Plus running without the companion of my springer spaniel, Bilbo, is something I'll have to adjust to!
“What with both challenges being so close together, I can’t work out which I’m most excited for. Kilimanjaro will be such an experience, but once it’s over I think the marathon will catch up with me very quickly, so I’m trying to stay as prepared as I can.”
Sarah’s sponsorship money will go to two of Born Free’s partner projects. The first is SeaSense in Tanzania, which protects endangered marine turtles when they hatch from their nests and have to make the dangerous journey to the sea. The second half of the funds will go to a community-based programme in Kenya. Born Free engages communities with the local wildlife by supporting infrastructure improvements, providing educational resources, and tackling issues such as lack of renewable energy and clean water.
Born Free’s President, Will Travers OBE, who has himself successfully climbed Kilimanjaro twice, said: "When Sarah reaches the top and looks down from the Roof of Africa to the world spread out below, she will understand, as I did, why protecting the natural world and all life on earth is a mission to embrace for all time.”
To sponsor Sarah. Please visit: www.justgiving.com
To find out more about the work of the Born Free Foundation, go to: www.bornfree.org.uk
To find out more about the XP Club visit: www.thexpclub.com
What do you give the Man or Woman who has everything?
08/02/18 22:38
What is so personal and unique that no one else will have, to give to your Valentine.
The sense tour of the Burlington Arcade. The most uniquely perfect gift bespoke for the one you love, beautiful fragrance brands such as Frederic Malle, Penhaligon’s and Roja Parfums will take you and your loved one on a sensory experience to create an elite bespoke sent individual to your partner.This is the ultimate luxury Valentines Day experience for the man or woman who has it all. The scent specialists at the stores will spend time with you and your Valentine getting to know their likes and dislikes, not only with scent but additional information helps these specialists craft a selection of scents to suit your preference may that be floral or aromatic, or a new blend of fragrances.
The specialist will see which scents trigger happy memories in your loved one and help them understand the ingredients which appeal to them, able to give them an insight into the world of fragrance. Ultimately to deliver a bespoke fragrance as a gift from you to your Valentine this special gift will stay with your love always, and the experience will be a treasured memory.
For more information please visit > www.burlingtonarcade.com
Clock In to Half Term Fun at Brooklands!
08/02/18 12:33
12th - 16th February 2018
Hundreds of families will be spending February half term on the factory floor in the recently completed Aircraft Factory and Flight Shed at Brooklands Museum in Weybridge, Surrey. Inside the newly restored Bellman hangar, visitors will be able to clock in and don factory workcoats as they begin their ‘Brooklands Apprenticeship’. A series of workshops and interactives explore some of the skills used over the 80-year history of aircraft manufacture at Brooklands. On a new mezzanine level, the story of design at Brooklands is told and visitors can design their own military and civilian aircraft from different eras of aviation including those of the future. Leaving the Factory and entering the new Flight Shed visitors will see some of the Museum’s collection of complete aircraft, including opportunities to sit in the cockpits of the Hawker Hunter and Harrier, as well as displays on radar, ground-to-air radio and pioneering pilots.The Museum’s collections of pre-war racing cars and motorbikes, the incredible Barnes Wallis ‘Stratosphere Chamber’ and the Brooklands Aircraft Park, featuring post-war aircraft including the Sultan of Oman’s VC-10 will all be open as usual. As well as this, there are racing and flying simulator rides in the 4D Theatre, special Kids Tours on Concorde and for children aged 5-11 years the chance to design your own sky scene in a special aviation-themed Family Workshop with the Brooklands Learning Team. The drop-in workshop is FREE to attend and runs from 11am – 12noon and again from 1pm – 3pm. All materials are provided.
However, if visitors really want to feel the wind through their hair, the Museum’s long-established and hugely popular rides in vintage-style cars* and on London Bus Museum’s iconic double-decker buses* will also be operating during weekdays in Half Term. Car rides take in the challenging summit of Test Hill and the Members’ Banking, the steepest part of the original Race Track, as long as it’s not too wet or slippery, from 11am–1pm and again from 2 – 3.30pm. London Bus Museum’s double-decker bus trips will run every half an hour from 11am until 3.30pm, except for a short break over lunchtime.
The Sunbeam Café is the ideal place for refuelling and add to this a visit to the Museum Shop to pick up a souvenir and you have the recipe for a perfect day out come rain or shine. And don’t forget to look out for the Museum’s larger than life mascot, Bertie Bear, who will be roaming the site looking for fans to have his photograph taken with!
Normal admission prices apply for half term week and are: adults £13.50, seniors £11.50, children (5-16 yrs) £7, family ticket (2 adults and up to 3 children) £35. The half-hour Concorde Experience is £5 for adults, £3 for children, 4D simulator rides are £4 for adults, £2 for children. *A minimum donation of £1 per passenger is requested for car and bus rides. The main visitor entrance for the Museum is via Mercedes-Benz World, on Brooklands Drive off Wellington Way between Weybridge and Byfleet.
For full details of events, directions and general Museum information, please telephone 01932 857381 or visit www.brooklandsmuseum.com. The Museum is open daily from 10am – 4pm in winter. Last entry is one hour before closing.
A big day out with Peter Rabbit™ at Kew Gardens
15/01/18 15:55
Friday 30 March – Sunday 15 April 2018
Join Peter Rabbit and all his furry friends on a botanical bunny adventure this Easter at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Visitors can expect an exciting activity-packed day out with games, crafts and storytelling inspired by Beatrix Potter’s iconic tales.• First Peter Rabbit themed Easter festival at Kew Gardens
• Activity workshops, games, and crafts
• An interactive trail inspiring children to connect with nature
Children will be delighted by the exquisite illustrated world of Peter Rabbit set against the stunning landscape of Kew Gardens. Spring will be well and truly underway and the Gardens will be filled with the dazzling colour of blooming crocuses, daffodils and magnolias. The Easter extravaganza will celebrate the beauty of nature at Kew and encourage visitors of all ages to explore the wonderful world of fruit, vegetables and other edible plants, whilst learning about how they are grown.
From Kew’s beautiful Secluded Garden, visitors will follow a Peter Rabbit trail to find activity pop-ups for all ages. A trip to Mr McGregor’s potting shed will encourage visitors plant their very own seeds to take home and nurture. Elsewhere, youngsters can choose which Peter Rabbit character they’d like to be for the day and make some fuzzy bunny ears to match.
Around the festival hub, children and adults will also be able to get stuck into all sorts of giant food card games, while the hilarious veggie consequences workshop will offer the chance to create incredible monster vegetables. Special Peter Rabbit selfie boards will offer the chance to take fun souvenir snaps of the day out.
Visitors can also pop into Kew’s incredible Kitchen Garden nearby, to admire the amazing display of colourful fruit and veg grown by Kew’s very own kitchen gardeners.
What’s more, there will be a variety of delicious Easter culinary offerings available at the festival hub, as well as Peter Rabbit gifts and goodies available in the Kew shop.
Gina Koutsika, Head of Visitor Programmes, Events and Exhibitions says: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with Penguin Ventures to produce a brand new and truly magical Peter Rabbit™ themed festival at Kew Gardens. I am sure our interactive trail and activities will delight visitors of all ages and will encourage families to learn more about the science behind the fruit and veg that Peter Rabbit so loves to eat.”
Thomas Merrington, Creative Director, Penguin Ventures says: “Peter Rabbit is synonymous with mischief and garden adventures and will be perfectly at home in the beautiful setting of Kew Gardens. We can’t wait to see young fans and their families enjoy the fantastic activities that Kew has planned with Peter this Easter.”
Admission to the festival is included in the general entrance ticket to the Gardens (Adult - £17.00, child - £5.00).
Wakehurst, Kew’s wild botanic garden in West Sussex, will also be hosting its own Easter festival, Peter Rabbit™ Goes Wild.
Visit www.kew.org and watch out for more information in the coming months.
Beasts, Battles and the Easter Bunny at Penshurst Place and Gardens!
11/01/18 12:07
Winners of the Kent Tourism Award for Best Family Day out
Penshurst Place and Gardens reopens on 10th February, with an action-packed calendar of events in-store for visitors.Families will be happy to hear that lots of their favourite activities are making a return, including bushcraft skills, crafts, storytelling and falconry displays. There are also several exciting new events in the pipeline, including a Junk Orchestra for Father's Day, a mini beast safari with the Kent Wildlife Trust during Glorious Gardens weekend, and a Hands on History event on Armed Forces Day to commemorate WWI. And, of course, there’s plenty to keep children entertained through the school holidays, including an Enchanted Gardens Trail this half-term.
Upcoming events include:
February Half Term
10th – 18th February, 10.30am – dusk
Explore the Enchanted Gardens Trail to discover the magical forest dwellers who have descended from the parkland. Winding through the 11 acres of formal gardens, the trail is sure to delight children and adults alike. Each character along the trail will reveal a clue to help you unlock a hidden message. Can you discover all the clues to solve the puzzle? Visitors will also be able to enjoy all that Penshurst Place has to offer, including the giant adventure playground and Toy Museum.
A Weekend for Mum
10th March, 12noon – 4pm: Children’s crafts & card making
11th March, 12noon – 4pm: Adult Pot Pourri
Children are invited to the Old Coach House on the 10th March for craft making. You’ll be helped to create a beautiful card to show mum just how much you love her. On the 11th, Jan Black is leading an adult craft session, where you’ll make pot pourri and lavender bags to take home.
Elizabeth I and the Armada: Ready the Battle Stations!
Saturday 17th March & Sunday 18th March, All Day
Journey back in time with Penshurst Place! (No time machine required ...) You’ll travel back to the 16th century, where members of staff are preparing for battle! This is a live-action event not to be missed.
The Easter Break
30th Mar – 15th Apr
10.30am – 6pm: Trails
12noon – 4pm: Crafts
The Easter Rabbit’s best springtime friend is hiding in the garden. But who could it be? You’ll need to find the clues on our giant Easter eggs to discover their identity!
April Fools Easter Storytelling
1st April, 1pm, 1.45pm & 2.30pm
It’s not just people who get tricked on April Fools Day! Younger children will love to watch Aardvark Productions’ tale about the Easter Rabbit and the funny prank he fell for.
Most activities are free with admission. Please visit www.penshurstplace.com for more information.
Cézanne - Portraits of Life
02/01/18 11:02
In cinemas nationwide from January 23 2018 - From multi award-winning director Phil Grabsky
EXHIBITION ON SCREEN will welcome in the new year with the release of Cézanne - Portraits of Life, a brand new documentary exploring the life, art and legacy of the “father” of modern art, Paul Cézanne.Described by Picasso and Matisse as “the father of us all” Cézanne is considered one of the greatest artists of all time. Despite this, Cézanne remains somewhat unknown, somewhat misunderstood. Until now: this major new documentary film, Cézanne - Portraits of a Life, reveals the true man.
Produced by EXHIBITION ON SCREEN, the film series dedicated to bringing world class art and artists to cinemas worldwide, Cézanne - Portraits of a Life is based on an exhibition of Cézanne portraits that has travelled from the Musée d'Orsay in Paris, to the National Portrait Gallery in London and finally the National Gallery of Art in Washington DC.
Over his life Cézanne painted almost 1000 paintings, 160 of which were portraits. The exhibition, billed by art critics as ‘once in a lifetime’, brings together - for the first time - fifty of these portraits from private and public collections all around the world.
These portraits provide the backbone to the moving new cinematic film. As well as offering an unprecedented level of insight into the exhibition, the film features interviews with curators, art experts and his great-grandson Philippe Cézanne. The film, shot in 4k, also travels to Cézanne’s home and studio in Provence and by including correspondence from the artist, it successfully sheds new light on the life and work of this hugely influential artist.
For further information and details of screenings, visit exhibitiononscreen.com
HAVE A CRACKING DAY AT KEMPTON PARK RACECOURSE THIS CHRISTMAS
12/12/17 15:55
This Christmas, Great British Racing encourages you to get out of the house and over to Kempton Park Racecourse for an unmissable Boxing Day with your family
From 16December to 2 January, there are over 60 fantastic race fixtures taking place all across the country at which under 18s go free*, meaning it’s the ideal time to get the whole family along to your local course.Across the Christmas period, Boxing Day is one of the most thrilling race days in the calendar, with eight fixtures taking place including The 32Red Winter Festival at Kempton Park in Sunbury-on-Thames. What better way to burn off that turkey than a family day out at your local racecourse.
While down at the course, there’s plenty for kids to see and do, from visiting the pre-parade ring and winner’s enclosure, getting a jockey’s autograph, to watching a race next to a jump.
The gates will open at 10.00am on Boxing Day, with the first race scheduled for 12.45pm and the last at 3.40pm. It’s an absolute treat for top quality racing with no less than three Grade 1 races and plenty of festive fun for the whole family.
Head to www.under18sracefree.com to find your local fixture, watch Sara Cox’s Race Guide and find more fun racing activities for the kids this Boxing Day. *Check individual racecourse websites for more details
26 December Boxing Day Race Locations: Sedgefield Racecourse Wetherby Racecourse Market Rasen Racecourse Wolverhampton Racecourse Huntingdon Racecourse Wincanton Racecourse Fontwell Park Racecourse Kempton Park Racecourse
MUCA
27/11/17 12:28
22 November 2017 - 4 March 2018 Munich, Germany
We are off to a great start with this article in the BILD newspaperMUCA believes that art has the potential to change the perception on the world. This philosophy runs through our project, where we try to change the world's perception on and celebrate indigenous cultures through Jimmy's photography, films and storytelling. This is an unique opportunity to see Jimmy's work exhibited in a museum setting. See here >>> LINK
For more information about planned, current and past exhibtions visit >>> www.jimmynelson.com
Alice in Winterland @ Rose Theatre Kingston
21/11/17 16:11
ALICE IN WINTERLAND Q&A WITH SUSANNAH VAN DEN BERG ‘QUEEN OF HEARTS’
What made you keen to join the cast of Alice in Winterland?
I’ve seen a few Christmas productions at The Rose, as well as being involved in several community scratch choirs. I have always been impressed with the production values and the commitment and energy of the youth theatre. I was also excited about tackling a brand new script and original score, being involved in creating something new and fresh.
What is Alice in Winterland about?
The setting of the original books has been changed to during the First World War. Using elements and characters from the two books it’s essentially a coming of age story for Alice. Through her adventures in Wonderland she gains the strength and courage to deal with the trauma and responsibilities of reality.
Tell us a bit about your character. What are you most enjoying about playing The Queen of Hearts?
The Queen of Hearts is a delicious megalomaniac, rather like a modern day dictator. I’m finding her such fun to play because she has no limits. I have the ability to be as silly or outrageous as I like because my court allows me to get away with anything. Like anyone in great power, the chance of being overthrown is always present so I’ve chosen to rule by fear.
What particular challenges does this role present to you as an actor?
Vocally it’s a big role - lots of shouting “Off With Their Heads” - so sustaining that will be a big task. Delivering a pretty spectacular battle scene whilst wearing a massive dress is also going to be challenging!
Alice in Winterland, is based on Lewis Carroll’s timeless books, Alice Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass. Why do you think these characters have such an enduring appeal?
They’re magnifications of human nature - all elements we recognise in ourselves taken to huge proportions. They’re all things we could become.
The production sees a professional cast and a youth company perform together. What has it been like working alongside Rose Youth Company?
Really fantastic. They have such great energy and focus that could shame some other professional companies! Working with two separate casts is a joy as a performer as you get different performances to play off, meaning no show will be the same. The company really works as a true ensemble, they are generous to each other and there are no small parts. Slotting into a company like this is incredibly exciting.
Why do you think people should come and see Alice in Winterland?
The story is incredible and the families who come to see it will go on a real journey with Alice. There’s puppets, magic, monsters, a new script with an electrifying original score, some terrible jokes, beautiful costumes & scenery and snow... there’s definitely snow. Entertaining yet life affirming.
Alice In Winterland will be at Rose Theatre Kingston from Thu 7 Dec – Sun 7 Jan. Tickets cost from £15 and are available online, rosetheatrekingston.org, by phone, 020 8174 0090, or from the Box Office
Sweet Tooth Tours
20/11/17 20:39
London Tours
Trained pastry chef Lynne Staartjes introduces her company, Sweet Tooth Tours Limited. The company launched in July 2017Tourists and Londoners alike are able to discover London’s best independent bakeries, gelaterias, cheesemongers, chocolate shops and more on the tours. Each tour has up to 6 guests, lasts approximately 2 ½ hours and includes tasting portions at several stops. Guests are accompanied around Belgravia on foot to discover its edible hidden gems. In addition to learning about the desserts tasted, the shops and their owners, the tour also incorporates the history and stories of the local area. There are exclusive opportunities to peek into the onsite kitchens and chat with many of the shop owners.
Guests can choose the signature Belgravia tour, a gluten-free version or the “Sugar and Spice” tour which also incorporates savory stops. A Soho version of the tour will be launching soon. For the ultimate tour of London’s sweet spots, Sweet Tooth Tours has partnered with Rolls-Royce to offer an exclusive version of the tour by chauffer driven Rolls-Royce. The tours are perfect gifts and can also be arranged for children’s birthday parties, baby showers, or hen dos. Additionally, courses such as bread or scone making and cake decorating can be added to enhance the experience. Bespoke tours can be tailored to visit sweet spots around London or as far afield as Amsterdam, Paris or New York. Sweet Tooth Tours has been featured in Town & Country, The Observer and British Airways High Life amongst other publications.
Prices start at £48 per person please visit www.sweettoothtours.com for more information.
Mane Chance Charity Gala
14/11/17 14:01
'Platinum selling music icon Ronan Keating leads a star-studded line-up - for one sensational night only - of songs, laughter and variety, at the Phoenix Theatre on 19 November at 7:30pm, for the Mane Chance West End Charity Gala Spectacular.
Ronan is joined by triple-reality TV singing sensation Joe McElderry, pop star Amelia Lily, ventriloquist America’s Got Talent winner Paul Zerdin, chart-topping singer-songwriter Sandi Thom and superstar soprano Margaret Keys. With Jake Quickenden, Marti Webb, Patti Boulaye, Beau Dermott, Joe McGann, Virginia McKenna, Jenny Seagrove and a host of other favourites from the world of music, theatre, TV and entertainment. Supported by a live on-stage band. With all profits to Mane Chance charity.Tickets are available from www.atgticekts.com/phoenix '
The Surrey Hills Wood Fair 2017
01/08/17 12:32
The Surrey Hills Wood Fair, now in its 8th year takes place at the Birtley Estate in Bramley on Saturday 30th September and Sunday 1st 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 as well as great local produce and a variety of refreshment stands including a beer tent! The Surrey and Sussex Coppice workers will be demonstrating their skills and there will be opportunities to buy a whole host of wood products.
There’s a big focus on families with lots for children from craft making and animal attractions to theatre shows and workshops courtesy of the Man in the Moon Theatre Tent. The Wood Fair is also FREE for children under 12, making this a family day out not to be missed!
Come and discover:
• Coppice Crafts & Wood Products
• Trade Stands
• Local Produce
• Horse & Wagon Rides
• Demonstrations, including Horse Logging
• Bug Hunts
• Wide Range of Catering & Beer Tent
• Live Music provided by the Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM)
• Children’s Activities (including Tree Climbing and Zip wires!)
• Animal Attractions
Entertainment remains high on the agenda this year and once again we will be working with the Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM) in Guildford to showcase local musicians. To entertain the whole family, why not take a ride on the ever popular horse and wagon rides or marvel at the spectacular chainsaw demonstrations on site?
For more information please visit: www.surreyhills.org
Prices:
Adult (early pre-booked online) - £7.50
Adult (on the gate) - £10
Member of the Surrey Hills Society (with valid card) - £5
Children (under 12) – FREE
Turn up the heat for the Summer’s hottest festival, awardwinning Chilli Fiesta
19/07/17 20:54
Three-day family-friendly festival with camping
11, 12 & 13 August 2017 - 10am – 9pm Fri, 10am-10pm Sat, 10am-7pm SunWest Dean Gardens, Near Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 0RX
West Dean Gardens award-winning Chilli Fiesta returns with a creative flair for its 22nd Year (11, 12, &13 August). The UK’s biggest chilli festival attracts 25,000 visitors who come to enjoy the three-day programme full of food, live music and entertainment. The family-friendly festival takes place in the spectacular grounds of West Dean Estate, in the heart of the South Downs National Park, home to West
Dean College, acclaimed for arts and conservation, and glorious West Dean Gardens. With a sizzling selection of live performances, 140 market stalls, cookery demos by top chefs, garden tours, visitors can expect to party and dance to live Latin music, watch cookery and gardening demonstrations, and dine on delicious chilli foods.
Live Latino music and dance performances throughout the weekend start at 10am on all three days and finish at 9pm on Friday, 10.30pm on Saturday and 9pm on Sunday. Some notable performances for 2017 will include: Andalus; the leading Gipsy Kings tribute band, Kongo Dia Ntoltila, the rumba, afro-jazz band, all girl Rock ‘n’ Roll band; The Daisy Chains as well as The Fontana’s – the Afro Brazilian live band. Big Noise Band, the community Samba Band will be returning by popular demand, as will the steel pan, acoustic guitar and percussion trio - Steel Strum.
Festival-goers will be dazzled by the legendary Latino Strictly Come Dancing professional, Oti Mabuse, as she takes centre stage on Sunday 13th August at 13:15, 14.45 and 16.30. Salsa dancers Debbi and Francisco will be turning up the heat with interactive dance workshops and reigning UK Latin American Dance Champions Ryan and Ksenia will be returning this year to perform throughout the weekend. Visitors can pick up new culinary skills in the Cookery Theatre as they experience live food demonstrations by a host of incredible top chefs and food influencers. Recognisable faces such as Dragons Den’s most renowned entrepreneur Levi Roots, the most recent MasterChef winner Saliha Mahmood- Ahmed and previous Professional MasterChef champion Steven Edwards will be among those offering top tips and demonstrating their culinary skills.
Dan Doherty will be taking the weekend off from London’s renowned Duck and Waffle, where he is the Chef Director, to join in with the Chilli festivities to talk about his latest book ‘Toast Hash Roast Mash’, as well as offering advice to budding chefs and food enthusiasts. Country pub and the Earl of March (in Lavant), along with Henry Herbert from The Fabulous Baker Brothers and West Dean’s Head Chef Dan Frowen, will be revealing their culinary secrets and answering questions during their demonstrations in the Cookery Theatre. Giles Thomson, formally Executive Head Chef at the Ritz London and now owner and Head Chef of The Earl of March will be compering the Cookery Theatre throughout the weekend. Rosie Birkett, chef, food stylist and journalist will also be in the Cookery Theatre and will be putting on interactive workshops in the Workshop Tent as will Kate Morris, who specializes in cookery skills for children. Kate is a co-devisor of CBeebies’ ‘I Can Cook’. Using ingredients from all over the world, these chefs will be sharing their knowledge in an easy and relatable manner, ensuring visitors take away new skills to recreate at home.
Learn the true art of growing chillies with West Dean Gardens’ very own Gardens Supervisor and chilli expert Sarah Wain. Sarah along with her husband, Gardens Manager Jim Buckland, have managed the award-wining gardens for the last 26 years. In their Victorian glasshouses 150 chilli varieties will be on display. In the Garden Theatre Sarah will be joined by another chilli expert from the Chilli Alchemist, who make unique chilli products to compliment all types of taste buds. They will be revealing information about how and why our bodies react to the fiery fruits. Edible Ornaments, the team behind The Cherwood Chilli Ranch, will also be taking to the Gardening Theatre stage along with Sea Spring Seeds, who will be teaching the audience how to pick the perfect pepper. Mark Diacono, award-winning food writer, grower and photographer will be talking about life on Otter Farm and Emily Rae will be giving her top gardening tips. Rachel Seigfried will be in the Gardening Theatre on Sunday at 13:45 and she will be advising the best flowers to grow for intense colour in late summer.
Also new for 2017 is the Hidden Cinema with three screenings a day, including an art film and a children’s screening. Brand new workshops will offer dance, drumming, food and children’s cookery. There will be a selection of bars and restaurants onsite and a wide range of chilli-related food stalls, as well as foods to cater to all tastes, from champagne and seafood to Mediterranean delights. With over 140 stalls, visitors can expect a great variety of quirky gifts available to purchase, from hot and spicy foods of the world to chilli plants, seeds and gifts. All shopping stalls close at 6pm but there will be a range of food and drinks available into the evening as the entertainment continues.
Camping for the weekend
Weekend family-friendly camping offers full top of the range campsite facilities (including showers, flushable toilets and running water). Camping tickets must be purchased online prior to arrival as pitches are limited. The campsite on the rolling West Dean Estate is split into three zones and is picked on the day of arrival: Jalapeno (most popular general camping area, close to the event arena and enhancing the festival atmosphere); Pimento (quiet camping area away from the main arena ideal for a good night's sleep); and Bell (family friendly and close to the toilets and showers). A limited number of pitches are available so early booking is essential.
Book online at: www.chillifiesta.co.uk
SILENT POOL GIN WOWS ITS TWINS AT THE FREIBURG ‘SISTER CITIES’ MARKET
07/07/17 10:12
Silent Pool Distillery flew the flag for Guildford’s dynamic entrepreneurial spirit at an international market in Germany last weekend.
The two year-old company was invited by Freiburg, Guildford’s twin town, to come to its biennial ‘Sister Cities’ Market, where representatives from its other nine ‘twins’ - Besançon, Innsbruck, Padua, Madison USA, Matsuyama, Lviv, Granada, Isfahan and Suwon, also had stands promoting their local specialities.Guildford is one of Freiburg’s longest running twin towns. They linked nearly 40 years ago and it was through the 2016 Mayor of Guildford, Gordon Jackson, that Silent Pool Gin found its way onto the stall in the historic market square. He had taken a bottle of Silent Pool Gin as a gift for his opposite number on an earlier visit to Freiburg and it proved a popular choice!
The Guildford Twinning Committee volunteers served tea and cakes and Silent Pool Distillery director Ian McCulloch and chief bottler Joe Van den Berg presided over a Silent Pool stall laden with their full range of spirits. They even took the trouble to get all their branding and information translated into German for the occasion!
“The weather was lovely, everyone was very friendly and they really liked Silent Pool Gin,” said Ian. “Freiburg is a beautiful city and it was a great opportunity to go there and represent the best of Guildford.”
The Silent Pool Distillers is a new artisan distillery nestled under the North Downs in Albury, Surrey. It specializes in entirely hand-crafted spirits using a range of botanicals – fruits, flowers, spices, herbs – to capture the essence of the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the bounty of English orchards, gardens and hedgerows. Silent Pool Gin is now exported across Europe and soon to the US, as well as available nationally and at local farmer’s markets.
The still is powered by a wood fired boiler using logs from the Duke of Northumberland’s Albury Estate and water comes from the spring-fed Silent Pool. The pool itself, just below the distillery’s converted farm buildings, is the subject of wonderful romantic medieval legend. Visit silentpooldistillers.com
International Animal Rescue
28/06/17 20:18
International Animal Rescue (IAR) is delighted to present ‘A Summer Soiree' hosted by Baroness Soujata Devaris at her elegant home at in Belgravia, on Thursday 29th June from 6.30pm.
There will be a Silent Auction with entertainment by The Massive Violins and guests will be served champagne and canapes.Special Guests, Celebs and entertainment at the Summer Soiree
This special event will include a musical performance from The Massive Violins (with Grace Chatto from Clean Bandit) as well as guest readings from Downton Abbey's Peter Egan. Confirmed guests include Buzz Aldrin (astronaut), Sir Ray Davies (The Kinks), Steven Cree (Outlander), Lucy Pinder (model) and Neil Morrissey (Men Behaving Badly), Lucy Speed (Eastenders) and Ampika Pickston (Housewives of Cheshire).
Orangutans are listed as Critically Endangered in West Borneo thanks to the effects of mass deforestation and human animal conflict. Alan Knight OBE, Chief Executive of International Animal Rescue will make a statement on the current situation with orangutans in West Borneo and how the rescue and rehabilitation programme of IAR is the only hope for orangutans.
In particular, IAR shall be raising money to help protect orangutans by securing more forest as part of their orangutan rescue centre in Ketapang, West Borneo. This will ensure there is enough space to rehabilitate many more rescued orangutans which can then be released into areas of protected forest.
About International Animal Rescue (IAR)
As human populations expand, wildlife comes under increasing threat. IAR rescues individual animals belonging to species like the orangutan and reintroduces them into protected areas in the wild. This emergency conservation work plays an increasingly important role in the preservation of threatened species.
International Animal Rescue's mission is to rescue animals from suffering all over the world. From cutting free and caring for dancing bears in India, rescuing primates from captivity in Indonesia to sterilising and vaccinating stray dogs and cats in developing countries. Wherever possible, rescued animals are returned to their natural environment but some are provided with a permanent home in a sanctuary when they can no longer survive in the wild.
To book tickets for A Summer Soiree by clicking this link www.eventbrite.co.uk.
Opera HIghlights from the Theatre in the Woods
12/06/17 19:33
First night dawns in the UK's newest opera house - built in only 11 months!
A new opera house being built across the fields from Cranmore School is too good an opportunity to miss and 13 of our pupils join the cast for the run of Tosca.Opening night was in a nearly finished theatre built in 11 months with 750 seats, a drum-like construction with a four-tiered horseshoe auditorium based on La Scala, Milan crouched in the walled grounds of West Horsley Place, Surrey.
There were marvellous performances by a star cast including Joseph Calleja, Ekaterina Metlova and Roland Woodand. This will go down as a night to remember for our lucky musicians.
The Holly Lodge Centre
24/05/17 16:40
Richmond Park Reflections Returns! Pembroke Lodge, Richmond Park Tuesday 13 June
The Holly Lodge Centre in Richmond Park presents Richmond Park Reflections at Pembroke Lodge for the 14th consecutive year on Tuesday 13 June – 7:00 pm for 7:30 pm. As in previous years, we feature an evening of eclectic entertainment collaborated by Kathryn Hide. Ticket includes a welcome drink, supper and wine with your meal.The line-up for the evening will be:-
Louise Crane – mezzo soprano with extensive operatic credits including Glyndebourne, ENO, and others in the UK and abroad.
Angus Cunningham – accomplished pianist and accompanist, he also plays the organ, harpiscord and clarinet.
Matt Entwistle – singer/guitarist
Tom McVeigh – baritone who performed in various operatic roles including Royal Albert Hall, The Royal Opera House, Scottish Opera and various West End theatres.
Paul Mountain – poet.
Ellie Nunn – singer/actress who has performed in various stage productions.
Yvonne Patrick – soprano who performed in various theatres including Glyndebourne Fesival Opear, Welsh National Opera and Garsington Opera.
Wendy Partridge and Linda Readman - a sister duo who are respectively a classical guitarist and a professional singer who loves jazz and folk music.
Jacki Piper - an actress who has performed in theatres throughout UK and abroad.
Rob Singleton – singer.
To book your tickets visit >>> eventbrite.co.uk
Caracoli brings coffee culture to Haslemere
26/07/16 15:25
Award winning Coffee Shop and Food Store Caracoli are delighted to announce the opening of their fifth site in Haslemere, Surrey at the beginning of August.
The new stylish and contemporary store takes pride of place on Haslemere High Street in a prime location for busy shoppers.Caracoli are proud of being a ‘destination store’ for customers in the home counties, who travel from far and wide to drink their outstanding coffee and enjoy their delicious food in Alresford, Winchester, Guildford and Farnham. Food and drink served by Caracoli is of an exceptionally high quality and freshness as it is prepared daily in their nearby kitchens using local produce and suppliers wherever possible. The Food store sells a myriad of specialist foods, local cheeses, wine, cooking accessories and food related gifts so customers can browse whilst enjoying their cappuccinos.
Owner and Director Gail Nichols explains why Haslemere was the obvious choice for their fifth store opening, ‘ We have been looking for premises similar in size to our very first Caracoli in Alresford with sufficient space to combine our signature Coffee Shop with Food Store which aligns with our brand. Haslemere is ideally placed to expand our business and has always been one of the towns on our radar. The premises are perfectly situated in the centre of the High street and we are very excited to be coming to the town.’
With busy commuters in mind, Caracoli Haslemere will be open from 7.30 am Monday – Friday for early birds and school run mums. Delicious food such as the Avocado breakfast; smashed avocado on artisan sourdough topped with a poached egg, crispy local bacon, roasted cherry tomatoes and a pesto drizzle - will be served all day.
Caracoli has won numerous food industry awards and each year their many food products have achieved one and two stars at the prestigious Great Taste Awards. Gail and her team are constantly looking to deliver exceptional customer service, boasting some of the best baristas in the business and they are looking forward to sharing their love of great food and coffee with the people of Haslemere.
Caracoli Haslemere will be open Monday to Saturday 7.30am – 5.00pm and Sunday 9.00am – 5.00pm and is located at 27 High Street, Haslemere, Surrey, GU27 2HG.
www.caracoli.co.uk
BBC Good Food Festival returns to Hampton Court Palace
25/07/16 19:03
The celebrated food festival returns to the palace’s formal gardens for three fabulous days this August Bank Holiday weekend
The BBC Good Food Festival is back for its third year, and will be held in the spectacular gardens of Hampton Court Palace.Hosted in partnership with independent charity Historic Royal Palaces, and set over the three days of the August Bank Holiday weekend, it offers a great selection of delicious artisan producers, a stellar line up of cooks and chefs, fabulous entertainment, family fun and great, live music.
Comprising over 100 hand-picked artisan producers and companies, with everything from oysters to sausages, and brownies to crepes, the Festival is guaranteed to delight even the most committed foodie. Look out for Lomito, serving Argentine rib-eye steak sandwiches, or Borough Market’s Jumi Cheese, offering a selection of the finest Swiss emmental. There’s even guilt-free ice-cream from Oppo - complete with a superfood boost - all set against a backdrop of one of Britain’s most historic buildings.
A highlight of the Festival will undoubtedly be the 300 seat Summer Kitchen Theatre, which will play host to some of the biggest names in food. Join Paul Hollywood, John Torode and double Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux Jr. as they whip up a selection of summer dishes live on stage. Meanwhile, over at the Interview Stage, food lovers will be able to discover the secrets of their favourite chefs’ success as they share top tips and tales from their life in the kitchen, before taking questions from the audience. There’ll even be the chance for visitors to get some of their favourite cookbooks signed, with Lisa Faulkner and Michel Roux Jr. among those already confirmed.
Across the weekend, a fantastic live music programme will provide the perfect summer soundtrack, with the sassy trio of singers The Polka Dots, jive group Cody and the Retro Boys and jazz band Doolally Tap all playing from the bandstand. With Hampton Court Palace deckchairs – each of which bears a character from the palace’s past – dotted around the garden, it’s the perfect place to soak up the Festival atmosphere. For families, live circus show performances, circus skills workshops, face painting and the new Gnome Zone - an opportunity for families to uncover some of the hidden stories of the palace’s celebrated gardens as told through a trail of decorated gnomes created by artists and local community groups – promise to keep everyone entertained.
As Hampton Court celebrates its world-famous gardens throughout 2016, visitors to the festival will be encouraged to explore the palace’s stunning surroundings, with the world’s oldest puzzle maze, the largest grapevine on the planet and a new play garden; the Magic Garden, waiting to be discovered. Inside the palace, there’s an exhibition of Georgian landscapes once owned by Empress Catherine the Great, while in the Tudor kitchens, Hampton Court’s team of historic chefs will be cooking up a storm, roasting meat on the great fire and creating a meal fit for a King!
Laura Biggs, Managing Director of River Street Events comments, “We are delighted to host the BBC Good Food Festival for the third time in the stunning grounds of Hampton Court Palace. The last two years have been an overwhelming success and we continue to get bigger and better with more exhibitors and more big names, all who will be cooking live in the Summer Kitchen.”
Paul Gray, Director of Hampton Court Palace said, “We’re thrilled to be welcoming the BBC Good Food Festival back to Hampton Court, a palace synonymous with food and feasting. We’re lucky enough to have not only the world’s largest grapevine but a working kitchen garden and even a rare surviving Tudor Kitchen, and the festival is a fantastic addition to these treasures – even if just for one weekend!”
Tickets, which include entry to both Hampton Court Palace and the BBC Good Food Festival, are on sale now at: www.bbcgoodfoodfestival.com
Exclusive Shooting Event for Londoner's
25/07/16 15:59
Friday 16 & Saturday 17 September 2016
The London Shooting Show on the 16 and 17 of September is an invitation only exclusive event showcasing the best of British game shooting.
Expect to see a lot of tweed and beautiful fashion alongside the finest English craftsmanship employed to make the finest guns. Experience the thrill of firing a large calibre rifle or shoot a Purdey shotgun at clay pigeons at this event filled show. Only 40 minutes from the centre of London.
The British countryside comes to London in September so - Aim To Be There!
Book your invitation here through www.londonshootingclub.com
Windsor Festival to celebrate centenary birth of Founder, Yehudi Menuhin
25/07/16 13:45
Annual arts festival celebrations to focus on centenary of the birth of Festival Founder Yehudi Menuhin, The Queen’s 90th Birthday and Shakespeare’s 400th anniversary
Windsor Festival, the highly respected annual arts festival, will be located within and around the grounds of Windsor Castle taking place from 18 September 2016 to 2 October 2016. This year the Festival programme observes three significant anniversaries: The centenary of the birth of Yehudi Menuhin, one of the founding artistic directors of the Festival, The Queen’s 90th Birthday and Shakespeare’s 400th anniversary.
The centenary of the birth of Yehudi Menuhin is marked by three concerts in the Waterloo Chamber featuring violin concertos:
• On Thursday, 22 September in Centenary of Yehudi Menuhin: Mozart, Violinist Tasmin Little is joined by the English Chamber Orchestra in the Waterloo - Chamber, Windsor Castle, where she will play Mozart’s Concerto No. 4 in D major
• On Saturday, 24 September, Centenary of Yehudi Menuhin: The Four Seasons includes Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, Bach’s Concerto for Two Violins, and Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending – all famous works which are central to the violin repertoire. The concert will take place in the Waterloo Chamber, Windsor Castle
• On Tuesday, 27 September, The Philharmonia, Windsor Festival’s Associate Orchestra visit us with the supreme violinist Vadim Repin in Centenary of Yehudi Menuhin: Bruch. The Philharmonia will perform Bruch’s Violin Concerto and Beethoven’s masterpiece, the Pastoral Symphony in the Waterloo Chamber, Windsor Castle.
The Queen’s 90th Birthday has been celebrated widely, but we bring our own tribute to Her Majesty through music:
• A special concert, “Celebrating The Queen’s 90th Birthday” will take place on Monday, 26 September at 19:30 in St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle. The concert is a unique gathering of choirs, all with special links to The Queen, with a popular programme of music inspired by and featured in Her Majesty’s life.
Shakespeare’s 400th anniversary is celebrated in a multitude of ways with discussions and walking tours, as well as through the music inspired by his plays:
• “Shakespeare and Windsor: A 400th Anniversary Walk” will take place on Monday, 19 September at 10:30am starting at the Royal Windsor Information Centre. Accompanied by our expert guides, this walk visits locations in Windsor associated with Shakespeare and his play The Merry Wives of Windsor, a story of marriage, wealth, jealousy and lies, all brought to life with appropriate literary quotations along the way.
• “Romeo and Juliet through Music” will take place on Tuesday, 20 September in St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle at 19:30. The work of William Shakespeare has stimulated composers throughout the last 400 years. In the magnificent surroundings of St George’s Chapel, the exceptionally talented orchestra Orpheus Sinfonia will bring their own abundant enthusiasm and energy to this fabulous programme, featuring some of the foremost examples of his legacy.
Martin Denny, Windsor Festival Director, said: “This year Windsor Festival is particularly special as we have the honour of celebrating the centenary of the birth of Yehudi Menuhin, one of the founding artistic directors of the Festival, and the inspiration behind our International String Competition. In particular, the three centenary concerts, performed by the best violinists in the world, brings a new level of programming to the Festival. I hope that you will find much in the fortnight which attracts and delights you, and I look forward to enjoying these festivities with you.”
For a full list of this year’s programme and to book tickets, please visit: www.windsorfestival.com or follow @WindsorFestival on Twitter.
Snows Kia invites local residents to meet the Kia Women’s Super League Stars
22/07/16 18:16
Snows Kia invites residents in and around Guildford to join the dealership and the cricket stars of the Surrey Stars for a family fun meet and greet on Thursday July 28 ahead of the Kia Women’s Super League launch.
Families will enjoy a meet and greet with cricket stars such as England player and Surrey Stars captain Tammy Beaumont as well as international star Rene Farrell. Guests will also get the chance to be coached in mini cricket lessons with the Surrey Stars coaches and enjoy food and drink along with a bouncy castle. Snows Kia are also giving attendees the exciting chance to win tickets to the Super League matches on the day.
The Kia Women’s Super League brings together the very best women cricketers from around the UK with a handful of international stars to play in the UK. Kia’s partnership with The England and Wales Cricket Board represents the first ever standalone title sponsorship for a domestic women’s cricket competition in England.
President and CEO of Kia Motors (UK) Paul Philpott says: “We are very proud to be able to expand on our sponsorship of women’s cricket. Being able to support the game at a domestic level within the UK ensures that the future of women’s cricket, and security for up and coming players, is there.”
The Snows Guildford Kia family fun cricket session will take place on July 28 from 5pm – 7pm at Guildford Cricket Club, Woodbridge Rd, Guildford GU1 4RP.
Follow Kia at www.facebook.com/kiamotorsuk
About Kia Motors UK Ltd
Kia Motors Corporation was founded in Korea in 1944, and is Korea’s oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles. The brand came to the UK in 1991 and has continued to grow ever since, now operating through 188 dealerships throughout the country. Kia Motors UK Ltd is currently the ninth largest volume vehicle manufacturer as measured by vehicle sales, with the brand aiming to sell 100,000 cars a year by 2020 in the UK. The UK is now Kia’s biggest market in Europe and fifth largest globally.
In 2016, Kia Motors UK opened a new port operation in Stallingborough, which allows the brand to fit vehicles to buyers’ specification before distribution to the dealer network, and is able to process up to 120,000 cars a year.
Restoration of Sandycombe Lodge
11/07/16 08:05
Turner’s House restoration now well underway
Restoration of Sandycombe Lodge, JMW Turner’s Twickenham country villa, has now begun. With the building fully scaffolded and wrapped against noise and dirt, and a team of specialist contractors well underway, progress has reached an exciting phase.
As well as much work on the fabric of the building, some fascinating discoveries have been made. A number of items from a later occupation than Turner’s have been found in a wall space, including a boot, toys, an 1851 plant list and a tiny glove. The most exciting part of this find is a fragment of wallpaper from Turner’s time and very close to a scrap found at Jane Austen’s house, which is of a similar date to Sandycombe. It is planned that this be meticulously re-created.
Further information about paint finishes is also emerging through paint analysis. The lovely roof light on the stairwell has been removed to be carefully cleaned and conserved.
The design team, which now includes heritage consultants Annabel Westman and Dr Jacqueline Riding, is working to establish the appearance of the interior. “We want visitors to enjoy the building itself, as a work by Turner, so shall not be seeking to fill it to the brim,” explained Catherine Parry-Wingfield, chairman of Turner’s House Trust. “Accounts of Sandycombe in Turner’s time are fairly sparse, but we are supplementing this by looking at the inventory of Turner’s London house, taken after his death in 1851, and seeking out items which were old-fashioned by that date.
“We are also working with a digital interpretation team to develop sensitive ways in which modern technology can enhance the experience of 21st century visitors.”
The budget of £2.4m has been achieved by Turner’s House Trustees, thanks to substantial support from the Heritage Lottery Fund, many other funding organisations and generous public donations. However, this did not cover everything and the Trustees still need to raise at least a further £100,000 to realise the full ambition of the project. If you would like to support us in this inspiring work, please donate visit here mydonate.bt.com/charities/turnershousetrust
Website: www.turnerintwickenham.org.uk
Willow Gallery - A celebration of Summer
16/06/16 18:27
A celebration of Summer
From 16 June 2016
PAINTINGS FOR SALE AT PRICES FROM AROUND £20,000 TO £250,000
Willow Gallery moved from Weybridge to Duke Street St James’s in 2005, a ‘quality street’ since the 18th century, lined with fine art galleries and exquisite shops.
In St James’s they expanded their stock from 19th century art to sell a wide variety of Modern, Impressionist and post-Impressionist Pieces. The gallery is run by a close knit trio: founders Andrew and Jeannie Stevens, and Alick Forrester partner for ten years, almost twenty years with the company, curator and contact for this exhibition. They all love art, but it is Jeannie Stevens’ vision that informs the Willow spirit. One of their unique qualities is to ‘share a meticulous attention to provenance and accurate attribution.’ Nothing about their enterprise is left to chance.
In a world of fluctuating prices for art, Andrew explains the Willow commitment to reassure new customers: ‘with a vast network of contacts throughout the globe, we are aware of paintings long before they are available on the open market. Before acquiring a painting, a member of staff will usually travel wherever it might be, to evaluate the piece and confirm that it fulfils all relevant criteria concerning quality, price and condition.’
The June show will give the visitor an immediate impression of summer pleasures and the joy of life: sunshine, serene countryside, explosions of flowers, long lazy days by the seashore. There are paintings by French artists such as Renoir and Utrillo, Dufy and Vlaminck, established British names Munnings, Lowry and Seago.
How to translate the endless mutations of light into pigment is one of the wonders an artist can achieve. The Willow Gallery, in so many of its summer exhibition paintings, conveys that quality.
Willow Gallery, 40-41 Duke Street, St James's, London SW1Y 6DF
Visit their Website here >>> www.willowgallery.com
A “Routemaster Summer” at London Bus Museum
14/06/16 11:01
Iconic Double-Deckers will Flock to Brooklands for 60th Anniversary
26 June 2016
Dozens of London Transport’s iconic Routemaster buses will be marking the double-decker’s 60th anniversary at the London Bus Museum’s summer event on 26 June. Supported by the Routemaster Association, the event at Brooklands Museum in Weybridge, Surrey will feature live bus services and excursions, and the organisers hope to have every major variant of the Routemaster on display.
The first Routemaster bus entered service on Route 2 at Crystal Palace in February 1956 and the last was withdrawn from front-line service in December 2005. In all, 2,876 Routemasters were built of which, according to the Routemaster Association, 1,280 are still in existence. They can still be seen on the streets in London on Transport for London’s Heritage Route 15 between Tower Hill and Trafalgar Square and much further afield in various liveries and model variants.
Visitors to the event can expect to see a variety of visiting buses and other vehicles as well as London Bus Museum’s own collection, which is housed in LBM’s Cobham Hall on the Brooklands Museum site. There will be excursions* to Guildford and Hampton Court on historic buses and, more locally, there will be the opportunity to ride on a Horse Bus*. Face painting* and a Playbus* will be laid on to keep youngsters entertained, and entry to the event includes access to all the aviation and motoring displays of Brooklands Museum. Extra paid attractions at Brooklands Museum such as rides in the 4D Theatre and the half-hour Concorde Experience will also be running all day. Collectors will be able to peruse the Market Place with models, books, artefacts and other historical items for sale with extra catering outlets ensuring that visitors are never far away from refreshment.
Gates open to the public at 9.00am and admission charges are: Adults £11.00, Children £6.00, Seniors and Students £10.00, Family ticket (2 adults & up to 3 children) £30.00. The Concorde Experience is £5 for Adults and £3 for children, with rides in the 4D Theatre costing £4 for Adults and £2 for children.
*There will be a small charge for the bus excursions, the Horse Bus rides, Playbus and face painting.
Public parking will be in The Heights off Wellington Way – please follow event signage on the day. There will be a free bus service throughout day on Route 462 to take passengers using SouthWest Trains arriving at Weybridge Station to the event.
Calling all artists for the Big Arts Show
09/06/16 19:40
Secretts Garden and Farm Centre, Milford in Surrey 10 to 11 September 2016
(Patron Andrew Logan)
The Big Art Show will be one the largest art shows of it's kind in Surrey, showing some of the best craft and art artists in Britain. Exhibitors at this years’ show, include glass artists, ceramicists, furniture designers, jewellers, textile artists, painters, sculptors, metal workers.
There will be demonstrations including bronze casting, stone masonry, glass blowing, silversmithing, ceramics and a tattoo artist. Live entertainment with music and poetry readings, a bouncy castle and puppet shows with puppet-making work shops. Good food and drinks are available and free parking for 3,000 cars.
Please visit www.thebigartsshow.com under 'Call for Artists' for an application form places allocated on a first come first serve basis.
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Take the kids on a wild discovery this summer...
02/06/16 19:15
Tigers spotted in Godalming
Tigers are one of the world’s most loved animals but how much do you know about them? You can discover more about these magnificent big cats AND have the chance to win a fabulous special edition ‘Augustus’ the tiger adoption by taking part in the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation’s Godalming Tiger Trail this summer.
Launching with a street collection for wild tigers in Godalming on Saturday 23 July, the trail begins on Monday 25 July and embraces World Tiger Day on Friday July 29.
“The tiger has been in crisis for so long that many people have forgotten how few of them remain and how vitally important they are to the survival of forest habitats and the planet as a whole,” says DSWF Education Manager, Jo Elphick. “The aim of the Godalming Tiger Trail is for children – and parents – to rediscover the magic of tigers and engender understanding and support for them while having fun and the chance to win a really lovely special edition adoption that includes the award-winning children’s book ‘Augustus and his smile’ by Catherine Rayner.”
To take part simply collect your free answer sheet and map from the Godalming Art Shop at the bottom of Godalming High Street and find the tigers and their questions in participating shop windows. Completed forms should be handed in at Waterstones and the winner will be notified by Tuesday 2 August.
“It’s a wonderfully simple idea to raise awareness for wild tigers that we hope children and parents will love,” adds Jo.
Special Information:
There are estimated to be c.3,500 tigers left in the wild. Since the turn of the 20th Century the tiger has lost c93% of its historic range and numbers have plummeted from 100,000. The main threats to the wild tiger are habitat loss, human encroachment and poaching for the illegal wildlife trade.
The David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF) based in Shalford, has been fighting to protect tigers for over 30 years and in 2011 launched its successful social media campaign TigerTime to help raise awareness and funds for conservation projects in India, Russia and Thailand and undercover investigations into illegal trade and trafficking from tiger range countries to China and other Far eastern consumer countries. Find out more at www.tigertime.info
Catherine Rayner is an award-winning children’s author and illustrator and DSWF have teamed up with her to create the special edition Augustus adoption as part of the 10th anniversary celebrations of ‘Augustus and his Smile’. Proceeds from the sale of the anniversary edition also go to support DSWF’s tiger conservation projects.
All day open house party
22/05/16 10:37
Silent Pool Distillery invites you to raise a glass to the Queen
Silent Pool Distillers at Albury will be toasting the Queen’s 90th birthday on June 11 with a spirit specially created in her honour – English Rose Gin.
The distillery is throwing an All-day Open-house Party for the public from 11am until 6pm to launch the new limited-release English Rose Gin. It was an appropriate spirit to choose for the Queen’s birthday celebrations, as June 11 is World Gin Day!
Visitors can taste and buy the English Rose Gin plus the full range of Silent Pool international award winning spirits and enjoy free tours of the still house with its fabulous copper cauldron and swirling pipework. Craft beer, gin cocktails and hot food will be served in the distillery courtyard and there will be Silent Pool merchandise to buy and fun activities to help raise money for a local charity.
Come and blow the old steam whistle, which normally echoes across the Tillingbourne Valley in the traditional announcement that gin is being distilled, and guess the number of corks in the Silent Pool’s unique 9 litre gin bottle. Prizes include tickets for a 90 minute Gin Experience Tour plus £5 voucher to be used towards a purchase on the tour night.
In the evening, festivities continue at Sherbourne Farm on the Duke of Northumberland’s Albury Estate next to the Silent Pool with an exclusive ticket-only Outdoor Cinema Night. The pop-up cinema is organised by Venture Cinema, which will be screening High Society, the classic 1956 musical comedy.
Venture Cinema is an independent UK community cinema project. It works with unique venues such as museums, galleries, parklands and heritage foundations, among others, to screen the perfect film to bring both the space and the story to life. Doors for the outdoor screening open at 7:15pm and the movie starts at 8:30pm. For more details and to buy tickets go to: www.venturecinema.co.uk.
Two special fundraising shows for Hinchley Wood School
13/04/16 16:09
'How lion became king of Tinga Tinga land'
Local community brings west end theme - 11am and 1pm, April 16th
A brightly coloured, energetic and fun children's show due to play London's West End in May comes to the local community of Hinchley Wood this week.
How Lion Became King Of Tinga Tinga Land is set for two special performances on Saturday April 16th at 11am and 1pm at Hinchley Wood School (Claygate Lane, Hinchley Wood, Esher, KT10 0AQ).
With current theatre charges making a family trip to the theatre cost over £50 for a children's show, St Christopher’s Community Hub are bringing the theatre to the local community at a price everyone can afford.
Tickets are priced £4-£10 and are available now from
St Christopher’s Church Office - 0208 398 9095.
The two performances are being staged as special fundraisers for Hinchley Wood School.
How Lion Became King Of Tinga Tinga Land is one of the best children’s shows around for three to seven year olds. It’s engaging and absorbing and encourages the children to sing along.
That it is so good should come as little surprise, though, because its writer and director is Iain Lauchlan, the creator of Tweenies. One of children’s TV’s most seasoned presenters, directors, writers and producers, Iain also created Fun Song Factory and presented Finger Mouse as well as the hugely popular Tweenies.
The story of How Lion Became King Of Tinga Tinga Land is straightforward enough. Banjoko the Toucan flies to Africa to warn all the animals of a danger that threatens their homeland. Deciding a king is needed to ward off this danger, a group of jungle animals vie for the job. When threatened by a pack of hungry hyenas, however, they realise there is only one animal brave enough to be king, Lutalo the lion.
The show is a complete visual treat and with enough action and audience participation to engage even the shyest child. Every animal has its own story and the musical arrangements that accompany the show provide an authentic foot-tapping African rhythm.
The accompanying award-winning book by Brian Hill and Matthew Howorth has illustrations by D.W Murray who worked on Cars and Lilo and Stitch for Disney.
Brooklands Museum
06/04/16 22:28
The Brooklands Double Twelve Motorsport Festival 18-19 June 2016
Silver theme takes the stage as entries open for unique motoring event at Brooklands Museum.
Entries are now open for the 2016 Brooklands Double Twelve Motorsport Festival, organized by Brooklands Museum and the Vintage Sports-Car Club.
The well-established format of three separate competitive events (Speed Trials, Driving Tests and Concours d’Élégance) held over two days, with aggregate scores from any two going towards overall Double Twelve awards, continues. But the status of the Concours is raised this year with its own full awards and the inclusion of a special “Anything Silver” class in recognition of the 25th anniversary of the official opening of the Museum in 1991.
In true Brooklands tradition, the Double Twelve Motorsport Festival will be held on the weekend closest to the date the original track opened in 1907, which this year is 18th and 19th June.
The three stand-alone competitive events are:
• The Double Twelve Speed Trials (Sprint) on the Mercedes-Benz World Circuit on Saturday
• The Double Twelve Concours held at the Museum across both days
• The Double Twelve Driving Tests on both sites on Sunday
The structure of the competitions allows entrants to choose which elements best suit them and their vehicle across both days making full use of the historic terrain at Brooklands and the circuit at neighbouring venue Mercedes-Benz World. For the first time this year, all three competitions will have their own individual awards, in addition to the aggregate trophies – hitherto, the Concours results have only been recognized as an element of the aggregate awards.
The classes within each competition are structured to give all ages of car from veterans to 1970s classics, and all types from nimble sports cars and thoroughbred racers to stately tourers, an equal chance of picking up an award, making this a very inclusive weekend for competitors, and an enthralling one for spectators.
Saturday’s Speed Trials are essentially for Pre-war cars (but do include an Invited class for 1950s Sports Cars) and this year will form a round of the VSCC’s inaugural MSA-registered Speed Championship; the Driving Tests and Concours are open to vehicles up to the 1970s, and include classes for vehicles of a type that could have raced at Brooklands had the track re-opened after World War Two, such as Jaguar XK120s and AC Cobras.
The special “Anything Silver” class for the Concours, celebrating the 25th anniversary of the official opening of Brooklands Museum to the public in 1991, caters not only for cars with silver-painted or polished aluminium coachwork, but also those with “silver” in their model names, such as Rolls-Royce Silver Ghosts. Other notable classes in the other competitions include one for that perennial favourite, the aeroplane-engined Edwardian car, in the Speed Trials, alongside those for standard and modified sports-cars of differing eras.
Each event will have its own class and overall winners, but to qualify for a Brooklands Double Twelve award, an entrant must compete in any two of the three events and the combined scores of these will decide their Double Twelve placing.
A full list of classes now appears on the Double Twelve pages of the Museum website and at the VSCC website at www.vscc.co.uk, along with entry forms to download. All the up-to-date Festival information can be found on the Double Twelve button at www.brooklandsmuseum.com. Entrants are offered the exclusive use of a hospitality area in the charming, period splendor of the Edwardian Clubhouse, the chance to drive on motoring ‘hallowed ground’ and when competing, will be in the capable hands of the VSCC and Brooklands Marshals.
In addition to the competitive events, there is a list of other attractions throughout the weekend. The Vintage Mobile Cinema will be in attendance, showing period Brooklands films and news reel footage during both days, the Test Hill Challenge will be running on both days, providing much merriment as it invites practically anything on wheels (or legs) to reach the summit of that most famous peak, with Sunday lunchtime seeing a cavalcade of vehicles on the Mercedes-Benz World circuit.
Many Car Clubs will be coming along to showcase their cars, and the Sinclair C5s will be back. The weekend will culminate in the prize-giving ceremony in the main Paddock on the Sunday. For spectators, a day ticket gives access to all areas on both sites, Paddock and grandstand views along with the Museum's exhibits, collections and facilities.
Spectator tickets will be at the normal Museum admission prices of £11 for adults, £10 for Seniors and Students, £6 for Children (aged 5-16) and £30 for a Family ticket admitting 2 adults and up to 3 children. The Concorde Experience is £5 for adults and £3 for children, and rides in the 4D Theatre, including the Napier-Railton Experience, are £4 for adults and £2 for children. Visit www.brooklandsmuseum.com for more information.
Entry forms are now available on the Brooklands Museum and VSCC websites or for further information about the competitive events and the Test Hill Challenge, please contact Steve Castle, Head of Track & Air Events at the Museum at stevecastle@brooklandsmuseum.com or call 01932 857381 ext 244 or the VSCC Competitions Department at comps@vscc.co.uk or call 01608 644777 Ext 4.
Fundraiser Fashion Show
08/03/16 17:33
Thursday 14 April at 7pm at the McComish Hall
The Fashion and Textiles Department and the BHSA will be hosting the first Box Hill School Fashion show in 6 years! Students from Years 7 to 13 will be showcasing work with a variety of themes. Music produced by students will be played throughout the evening.
On your mark for the bolt
25/02/16 18:29
GUTS Fighting Bowel Cancer opens registration for annual fundraising charity run
GUTS Fighting Bowel Cancer has officially opened registration for its annual fundraising run, The Bolt, which takes place on April 3rd 2016. Sponsored by BMI Mount Alvernia Hospital and organised by aat events, for the first time in seven years the race will be held at a new course over the Loseley Park Estate, closer to the charity’s base at the Royal Surrey County Hospital in Guildford. The race has previously been staged at Alice Holt Forest near Farnham.
The race offers three distances, 5k, 10k and 21k, with a 5k race for juniors and a 1k fun run for children aged 6-9. Cani-cross runners (ie with harnessed dogs) are also welcome.
The charity’s manager, Nerissa Deeks said: “Loseley Estate offers some fresh challenges for those who have taken part in the race previously - there are more hills but that extra effort is more than compensated by the fabulous views and variety that the course offers. We are delighted to be working alongside aat events once again and especially pleased to have the support of BMI Mount Alvernia Hospital, who will also be providing free post-run sports massages and physio advice.”
Starbucks will also be supporting the event, Guildford running shop Fitstuff will be sponsoring prizes for the winners of each distance and Stanley’s Patch will be providing prizes for the four-legged runners. Businesses interested in sponsorship opportunities can contact the charity on 01483 408316 or visit www.gutsfbc.co.uk to find out more.
For further information and online registration go to www.aat-events.com
Sky Dive
22/02/16 18:40
Shake off Winter Blues with a Summer Skydive
Shake off those winter blues and plan an exciting summer skydive with Princess Alice Hospice.
Tandem sky-dives, where jumpers are safely strapped to a qualified instructor, will be taking place throughout the summer in aid of the Hospice. It is an exhilarating experience and places always go fast.
Emily East from the Hospice’s Fundraising Team explained: “It’s a great way to try a first skydive and people often say they want to do it again as soon as their feet have touched the ground!
“Some of our fundraisers are fearless thrill seekers, after-all jumping from a plane at 10,000 feet is quite an adrenaline rush! Others simply want to overcome a fear of heights and prove to themselves that they are braver than they thought.
“They are all united, though, in wanting to raise money for the Hospice. Every jump really does make a difference to us.
“These are always very popular fundraising events so if you’ve ever thought about giving skydiving a go, now is the time to get your name down.
“You will be raising valuable funds that will help the Hospice to provide vital care and support for its patients and their loved ones.”
Registration is free, with the skydivers pledging to raise £395 in sponsorship. The skydives will be taking place on Sunday 12 June, Sunday 7 August and Sunday 18 September.
For further information contact the Princess Alice Hospice Fundraising Team on 01372 461808 or email supportercare@pah.org.uk
www.pah.org.uk
The Winter's Tale
22/02/16 17:35
One Week Left
"Mesmerising...a blockbuster performance"
Surrey Advertiser
"A powerful and atmospheric way to experience Shakespeare"
Farnham Herald
Book here www.guildford-shakespeare-company.co.uk/tickets
Crowdfunding push
10/02/16 15:15
To help save JMW Turner’s Twickenham villa
8 February 2016 – Today Turner’s House Trust announces a four-week crowdfunding campaign to bridge the funding gap required to fully restore Sandycombe Lodge, the Twickenham villa designed and built by JMW Turner.Thanks to the Heritage Lottery Fund, Architectural Heritage Fund and many other generous funders and private supporters, the Trust is now only £125,000 away from its fundraising target of £2.4 million.
A loan offer from the Architectural Heritage Fund has enabled the Trust to appoint contractors and urgent restoration works will begin in early April, with the house scheduled to reopen to the public in 2017.
“Until all the money is raised our work is not done,” said Catherine Parry-Wingfield, chairman, Turner’s House Trust. “We do not want to take up a loan we have no funds to repay. Meeting the funding gap is now urgent.”
Turner's House from Jonathan Crane on Vimeo.
“Sandycombe Lodge is a rare three-dimensional work of art by Turner, England’s internationally renowned landscape painter. We must save it for future generations.”
It is now 200 years since Turner built the house, listed Grade II*, which is still almost totally intact with some unsightly additions. Now it is threatened by damp and decay, is on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register and in need of urgent major conservation.
Crowdfunding rewards include private tours with personal guests and the opportunity to view the restoration ahead of public opening. To donate and for more details visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/turnershouse follow @TurnersHouse www.facebook.com/turnerintwickenham
Holly Lodge Centre
10/02/16 13:58
Actress Samantha Bond to highlight the Holly Lodge Centre’s annual Spring lunch
16 March 2016“In conversation with Samantha Bond” will be the centre piece of the annual Holly Lodge Centre Spring Lunch on Wednesday16 March at Pembroke Lodge in Richmond Park. Supporters of the Centre will have a chance to interact with Samantha about her distinguished career in film, theatre and television. Perhaps best known as Lady Rosamund Painswick in Downton Abbey and Moneypenny in four 007 movies, Samantha also has numerous other credits to her name. Shakespearean roles include “Romeo and Juliet,” ‘Much Ado about Nothing” and “Macbeth.” Among other West End appearances have been in Tom Stoppard’s “Arcadia,” “Three Tall Women” (with Dame Maggie Smith), “Amy’s View” (with Dame Judi Dench), “A Woman of No Importance” and Michael Frayn’s “Donkey’s Years.” She has played numerous television roles most recently including as Angela in “Outnumbered” on the BBC and as Frances Barden in “Home Fires” on ITV.
In addition to enjoying the stories of Samantha Bond, attendees will have the opportunity to peruse the clothing and gift ideas presented in several select stalls from 11:30 am onwards. During a Prosecco reception from 12:15 pm the stunning new Holly Lodge Centre video will be shown -- everyone agrees it is a brilliant encapsulation of the spirit of the Holly Lodge Centre.
A three-course sit-down lunch will be served at 1:00 pm with coffee, mints and a raffle.
SALE SALE SALE
27/01/16 20:50
At least 20% OFF everything
Since coming back from the Christmas holidays we have had some news that has made us think about how we run the showroom in the future. We have decided that we would like to downsize the business and to reduce our stock levels to a more manageable level.To help us achieve this, we have decided to have a SALE with at least a 20% discount on all the ticket prices shown on the site and in the showroom.
There will be some items with an even larger discount and these will be seen when looking at the pieces on the website www.richardgardnerantiques.co.uk.
FREE art demos return at Corner Gallery
20/01/16 10:00
Celebrated Surrey Silk & Watercolour Artist Tessa Spanton
3rd Feb 6pm, 7pm & 8pm demonstrations.Adding to the growing list of FREE demonstrations by professional Artists, Corner Gallery is giving you a chance to learn through demonstration different methods and techniques of the most difficult medium of them all, WATERCOLOURS by TESSA SPANTON on our WEDNESDAY LATE CREATIVES evening.
Please Email, facebook message or call us (020 8669 5899) to book your free session of either 6pm/7pm or 8pm. Please book early as there are only 10 spaces per session.
Pieces of work will be on sale by this demonstrator and Coffee & Cake served free of charge.
Website: www.corner-gallery.com
Frank Brangwyn
05/01/16 16:25
The Graphic Art of the First World War
9 January – 5 March 2016Guildford House Gallery. A touring exhibition in Guildford from Leicestershire County Council Museum Service. Frank Brangwyn (1867-1956) was a famous international artist when the First World War broke out.
A self made artist and designer with no formal academic training, Brangwyn was well aware of the power of printed images to influence public opinion, and felt it was his patriotic duty to use his art on behalf of the war effort.
Although not an official war artist Brangwyn produced over 80 lithographs and posters during the First World War, which included images of the machinery of war, the non military involvement in the war effort, and rehabilitation of injured servicemen.
Born in Belgium he identified with its people and the destruction of the country at the start of the war. Brangwyn’s first poster Britain’s Call to Arms showed the reality of war in all its horror to the unsuspecting British public. The poster, which was displayed on the London Underground system inspired men to enlist in huge numbers. However the War Office, concerned by the graphic nature of the image asked Frank Pick, the commercial manager of the London Underground, to remove it from underground stations. They later relented and the poster continued to be used for recruitment during the early stages of the war.
This exhibition contains a selection of twenty imposing posters. These stark monochrome images show a glimpse of what life was like for many people during the war.
For further details call 01483 444751 or email heritageservices@guildford.gov.uk Exhibition entry is free.
Guildford House is open Monday - Saturday 10 – 4.45; Sunday 11-4 (May – Sept)
Polesden Lacey opens servants’ quarters to the public for the first time
16/12/15 12:50
For the first time since being acquired by the National Trust in 1942, Polesden Lacey has opened up sections of the servants’ quarters as part of their 1930s Christmas event.
Until now, a visit to Polesden Lacey would involve exploring the opulent Edwardians rooms designed by Mewes and Davis, who also designed the Ritz, and used by Margaret Greville to entertain politicians, top authors and royalty. Now visitors can also get an insight into the real lives of the men and women who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that Mrs Greville’s guests had an unforgettable luxury experience at Polesden Lacey.After enjoying the splendour of the dining room, dressed with lilies and roses, feathers and pearls, or the dazzling gold room leafed in 24 carat gold, visitors can explore the quiet spaces the guests would never see.
In the linen room, the best fresh white linen is ironed and stacked in the cupboard ready for tables throughout the house. Handmade paper streamers in bright colours adorn the back corridor where the servants would hold their own Christmas celebrations when all their duties were finally done.
In a small housemaids’ room the Welsh lilt of Florence Dicker can be heard describing what it was like preparing for Christmas parties at Polesden Lacey during the 1930s and receiving small gifts from Mrs Greville herself. Finally, visitors step into the severy where the smells of cinnamon and nutmeg hang in the air; this is where wine was decanted and food was kept warm before it was whisked into the dining room next door.
This year, Christmas at Polesden Lacey is a sensory extravaganza. 1930s music plays in and around the house putting a swing in one’s step, soundscapes throughout the rooms bring the house alive as if they parties never stopped, aromas immediately evoke memories of Christmas gone by, and everywhere fresh foliage, flowers and Christmas trees glint and sparkle.
However, while the life of the party might have taken place around the piano in the gold room, the most interesting stories are those brought to life in the servants quarters. Stories of the men and women who woke unthinkably early to make and serve breakfast, light fires or polish shoes, and who retired late at night after the last of the champagne was long gone.
Christmas opening times, tours and admission prices: For the first time ever the house will be open every day from 11 am on Friday 4 until Wednesday 23 December. Non-member pay standard gardens admission plus adults £4, children £2, and families £10 with a free glass of mulled wine or soft drink with ticket. Members must also pay the additional Christmas event charge. Tours: Available weekdays only from 11am-12.30pm (book on arrival) followed by free flow exploration in the afternoon and at weekends until 4pm. Last entry to the house is 3.30pm. Entry to the house is not possible without gardens admission. Please note, for conservation reasons only parts of the house are open.
Go behind the scenes at Glyndebourne this autumn
10/12/15 10:21
Tread the stage and go behind the scenes at Glyndebourne
This autumn Glyndebourne is offering an expanded programme of backstage tours to give an insight into the history and workings of its internationally-famous opera house.The tour takes in the theatre, including a chance to tread the Glyndebourne stage which has played host to opera stars including Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Alfie Boe and Danielle de Niese. It also visits the backstage area, dressing rooms, rehearsal spaces and the historic Organ Room, where the very first musical performances at Glyndebourne took place in the 1930s.
During the tour, visitors will be given a brief history of Glyndebourne, learn about what’s involved in staging an opera and hear anecdotes of singers forgetting their lines, and an occasion when the cast of extras for one production included a number of live chickens.
Glyndebourne launched backstage tours for individuals in the autumn of 2012 and has increased the number on offer this year. The half-day tours until 16 December. Morning visits start at 10.15am and afternoon tours start at 2pm. To book visit glyndebourne.com
John and his opera singer wife, Audrey Mildmay, founded the Glyndebourne Festival in 1934. In 1968 the Glyndebourne Tour was established to bring opera to new audiences across the country and create opportunities for talented young singers.
Today Glyndebourne is a twelve month operation. The Festival runs from May to August with a programme of six operas in a 1,200-seat opera house. The annual Tour takes place from October to December and a widely respected education programme is active year round staging new work and delivering projects to enhance the understanding and enjoyment of opera.
Together the Festival and Tour present 120 performances annually to an audience of 150,000 with many more people experiencing Glyndebourne’s work through its yearly programme of cinema screenings and free online streamings. Glyndebourne has pioneered specialist recordings to share its work with a global audience through these channels and as part of this mission to reach new audiences, also offers
reduced-price tickets to under-30s.
Since its founding, Glyndebourne has remained financially independent and, whilst receiving valued Arts Council support for the Tour and education work, the Festival receives no public subsidy. As a registered charity, our work is funded by Box Office income, our Members and supporters.
Paintings by Victor Edelstein
09/12/15 23:13
Exhibition December 1-24 2015
Victor Edelstein’s clients included Diana, Princess of Wales, for whom he made the famous dress in which she danced with John Travolta at the White House. He had worked for Biba and Christian Dior in London before starting his own workshop.But 22 years ago he chose art over dress designing and from December 1-24 he has an exhibition of his work and that of Annamaria Succi, his wife, at the Indar Pasricha Gallery at 22 Connaught Street, London, just behind Marble Arch. The works make for perfect Christmas gifts.
And in the voluptuous swags of textiles, curtains, wall hangings, cushions and the drama of theatre curtains Victor Edelstein shows that he has lost none of his skill and mastery of the cut and hang of luxurious materials made manifest in his pictures where they too dance, though not now for John Travolta, but for a select group of cognoscenti who understand grace.
Pictures by Victor Edelstein and Annamaria Succi lift the spirit with their lively colours and exotic light. Both painters have been inspired by India and their fascination with the country, it’s people, the wonderful palaces, abundant flowers, plants and animals is reflected in their work.
Anyone lucky enough to find one of these paintings among their Christmas presents, will know that the giver wanted them to have enjoyment from the gift for ever.
Michael Strauss, former Head of Impressionist Pictures at Sotheby’s, says: “I have long been an admirer of Victor Edelstein’s pastel. He has a special touch with that softest of mediums which create exquisite luminous effects. By such means he has interpreted light and its play on surfaces in his unique fashion.”
Victor’s recent show at the Didier Aaron Gallery in Paris, ‘Palace Interiors in Pastel’ created an unusual reaction – “an almost greedy feasting on the images by viewers,” according to French arts writer Sylvie Tolila – “and a sea of red sold dots.”
Victor explains his motivation for the paintings. "The challenge is to enter a room and try to find ‘The-Picture-That-Might-Be-There’. I like to find interiors that have not been touched for many years, which is why I have tended to concentrate on the interiors of palaces. For me there is an irresistible fascination in discovering in these largely unchanged interiors a true sense of the past.”
He studied painting with David Cranswick in London and Charles Cecil in Florence and held a first solo exhibition at Sotheby’s showing oils and pastels of Still Life, landscapes and portraits. The show sold out. Since then he has exhibited interiors from Venice and India at Hopkins, Thomas, Custot in Paris and at both Hazlitt, Gooden & Fox and Derek John’s Gallery in London. In New York his pastels were well received at Didier Aaron.
Annamaria Succi creates her own gems, having spent her life looking closely at beautiful objects. This intense concentration shows in her wonderful still life paintings and pastels. One will never look at a cabbage in quite the same way after seeing the ballgown she captures in this homely vegetable, nor the radiance of a quince, or a lemon. The Dutch Old Masters would recognize a fellow spirit in Annamaria.
She started her art career at Sotheby’s in 1969 in the publishing department, then became the editor of the Year Book, 'Art at Auction' and in 1974 went on to manage and do the buying for the British Rail Pension Fund Art Collection – one of the few art funds ever to have made a profit. In 1981 she went on to become an art investment adviser and dealer in old master drawings. Finally in 1995 she concentrated all her time on her own painting.
Today she has a strong following in Europe and the USA. Anne Heseltine says of her work: “Small in size they shine like little jewels and glow against the dark paneling of my old house. The eye does not become accustomed to them and so tire, but there is always something new to see in them. They give me infinite pleasure.”
The Venetian professor of art, Ileana Chiappini di Sorio adds: “Annamaria revisits a classical genre in her work with a very personal viewpoint. Her pictures are a pretext to enhance natural forms as revealed by light….capturing the evanescent character of her subjects with true and delicate rendering.” In fact many of her works seem to glow with an inner light and life of their own.
Indar Pasricha says of these two remarkable artists: “I’ve always seen my role as creating bridges between Britain and India and in the work of these two artists that ambition is realized. Victor’s Indian and other interiors are all about light – the intense coloured light of India and the subdued moody light of England. Annamaria’s work reminds me of the Indian miniature, capturing in gem-like tones images that stay fresh and vital.”
For more information please contact Julian Roup on 01892 669200 or 07970 563958 or email info@bendigopr.co.uk
The Big Arts Show
26/11/15 11:04
The Big Arts Show is inviting creative artists and crafts people to exhibit at its first Surrey event in 2016
This will take place at Secretts of Milford, near Guildford, Surrey on September 11 &12, and aims to provide a showcase for a wide diversity of artists using a range of formats and presentation through paint, sculpture, jewellery, glass, ceramics, furniture design, photography and performance art.The family-friendly event will include over 150 exhibitors, workshops, painting classes and poetry readings, a real ale bar, eateries and live music.
Organiser David Dawkins, who spent his youth in Guildford, says: “We first launched in 2014 in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, and have spent the past two years building The Show’s reputation. We are now in a good position and confident to not only host our show at one but two locations in 2016.
“One of the reasons I started to hold The Big Art Show, was being an artist (BA in Glass) myself, I thought I would hold something affordable for artists. This has led to the success of the show in Shrewsbury, which has been supported by artists who normally attend shows, and artists and designers who would normally exhibit in galleries. Although the venue in Guildford will appeal to potential exhibitors based in the south of the country, as Shrewsbury does for those in the Midlands and the North, we are offering discounted packages for artists wishing to exhibit at both.”
Following 2015’s successful event, world-renowned artist Andrew Logan has agreed to continue his patronage of what has been called The Big Art Show till now. Commenting on this and the change in name to The Big Arts Show, David Dawkins continues: “Andrew Logan’s jewellery fashion show was one of the highlights of this year, which involved local people modelling his work, and enjoyed by exhibitors and visitors alike.
“The change from ‘Art’ to ‘Arts’ is a result of feedback received from visitors and exhibitors at this year’s event. We were reminded that the word ‘art’ is popularly taken to imply the work of painters to the exclusion of the many other forms that we present.
“In making the change to The Big Arts Show we are emphasising our aim to exhibit, promote and support a variety of art and the artists who create it. The new name is already in use on our website and in some promotional material. It will also be reflected in our web domain name and email addresses from early in 2016.”
For more information about exhibiting in 2016 phone 01694 771446, email: david@thebigartshow.co.uk or register here >>> www.thebigartshow.co.uk
Happy 'Nearly' Christmas!
20/11/15 11:58
We are bubbling over with Xmas spirit in Jen's Cupcakery
Now it's nearing the end of November, we decided it was time to get the seasonal sweet treats on the go and start making lots of Xmas holly leaves, snowflakes, Xmas tree and snowmen decorations and of course gingerbread too.Dorking Farmers Market is on this Saturday 21 November and we will have some of our delicious new winter cupcakes on the menu including sticky toffee muffins (same as our bestselling cupcake but supersized!), spiced pumpkin with a cinnamon buttercream and chocolate orange with a bit of a crackle inside (you'll have to eat one to see what I mean!) as well as our truffle like chocolate cake balls. We will also have a small selection of Vegan/Gluten Free cupcakes too as we don't want anyone to miss out on eating delicious cake!
As we missed Walton Farmers market this month, we hope to make it up to you Walton residents by also delivering lots of lovely cakes, brownies and muffins to the Frost Fair at Riverhouse Arts Centre in Walton this Sunday 22 November. There will be a children's Lantern Parade as Jack Frost searches for the Snow Queen. In the Barn there will be mulled wine (hurrah!), sausage sizzle, gifts and festive treats, Walton Art Club's Christmas Exhibition and music from Scout groups and MamaVox too. It's on from 4.30-8pm. A great day out for all the family. For more info see here >>> www.riverhousebarn.co.uk
For more information about Jen's Cupcakery please visit their website >>> www.jenscupcakery.com
Christmas Shopping at Turner’s House
16/11/15 20:21
Sunday 29 November 11am to 4pm
Join Turner’s House Trustees for a glass of wine while picking up delightful and original Christmas gifts for friends and family – all to support the Trust’s restoration appeal.The first Turner’s House Christmas Fair was hugely popular and there have been many early requests for another. This year you will find an even wider choice of gifts not to be found on the High Street. Annie Simpson is back with her beautiful scarves made in fine merino and lustrous silk fibres, all inspired by specific Turner paintings – a perfect gift for Turner lovers.
Clementine and Coco return with their cheery handmade little bags, accessories, bunting and quilts – perfect stocking fillers and pretty gifts for the home. Derek and Susie Hale will again be offering their wonderful homemade preserves and chutneys.
Other stalls include jewellery and delicious Italian deli products, and new additions include a ceramicist, potter and silversmith. And be sure to not leave without an indulgent cake to take home for tea.
Plus, if you missed Turner’s House open days this year, the Christmas Fair is one more – and final - chance to see Turner’s Twickenham villa prior to restoration.
For more details please visit >>> LINK
Wild Wonders
11/11/15 14:37
Children’s Global Canvas Art & Poetry Competition 2016 now open for entries – come together to celebrate the wild wonders of our amazing world! AND meet award-winning children’s illustrator and author, Catherine Rayner at the Natural History Museum
Shalford based charity, the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation’s 2016 Global Canvas Art & Poetry competition is now open for entries. This exciting annual event, which attracted involvement from over 2,000 children in 2015, is open to children of all ages up to and including 16 year-olds and gives young people the chance to come together to express their concern for the environment through art and poetry.“The theme for 2016 is ‘Wild Wonders’ and we are inviting groups of children from around the world to think about the wonder of the wildlife and wild places that we share our planet with and to celebrate the biodiversity and importance of wildlife,” explains competition manager, Jo Elphick.
Entry closes 29 January 2016 when wildlife artist and conservationist David Shepherd, CBE, and award-winning children’s illustrator and author Catherine Rayner, will be among the judges selecting the shortlist to be displayed at the Natural History Museum, London, on Thursday 17 March.
“The sheer imagination and passion displayed when young people come together never ceases to amaze me. That children care so much about our wild world gives me real hope for the future of this beautiful planet that we call home,” says wildlife artist and conservationist, David Shepherd.
David will be joined by Catherine Rayner, author and illustrator of Augustus and His Smile, at the Natural History Museum on March 17 when the overall winners will be chosen from the shortlisted exhibitors. As guest speaker, Catherine Rayner will also engage the children in the story of her life as an illustrator and author.
In 2015, television presenter Michaela Strachan attended the exhibition and prize-giving and was amazed by the variety and talent shown by the children involved.
“Clubs, classes and even whole schools had worked together; researching, designing, writing and painting to produce fantastic mini-exhibitions which demonstrate the issues our world faces,” said Michaela. “I was simply astounded by the talent on show.”
You can find out more about the competition, see a selection of the fabulous work from the 2015 competition and download entry forms by visiting the website at here >>> LINK
Event at St George's Tennis Club
16/10/15 16:25
Supporting People Affected By Brain Injury Through The Silverlining Charity.
The charity are hosting a large fundraising Winter themed ball at St George’s Hill Tennis Club in Weybridge on Saturday the 21 November in order to raise much needed funds for The Silverlining Charity.More than one million people in the UK are living with the effects of brain injury, many of whom have very little support after leaving rehabilitation.
Anyone is susceptible to injury through external or internal trauma and their effects are felt not only by individuals, but also by family, friends, colleagues and professionals.
The Silverlining Charity hope to change the lives of all those affected by brain injury (Silverliners) for the better. We are a small Charity supporting Silverliners in a handful of regions to build social support networks, find their own direction and develop purpose and meaning after brain injury.
The Charity operate without government support so we rely heavily on donations and fundraising from socially responsible individuals and companies to keep our valuable services running.
All monies raised from our fundraising is used to directly support our continued service provision assisting people with brain injury.
If you would like any more information about the event or Charity please visit www.thesilverlining.org.uk
Festive Family Fun with Santa
16/10/15 15:18
Bring the whole family along to jog, run or walk this year’s Santa Fun Runs to raise sponsorship money for Princess Alice Hospice.
Fast becoming a fun, festive, family tradition; donning a Santa suit, complete with a big white beard, is guaranteed to make you feel all Christmassy and in the seasonal spirit of giving you’ll be raising money for a fantastic cause.The first of the Santa Fun Runs will be at Bushy Park on Sunday 29 November at 10.30am. A further two runs will be taking place at Richmond Park on Sunday 13th December at 10.30am and 12.30pm. In previous years Santas have ranged from as young as 10 weeks old in a baby carrier to those in their eighties. The event is now in its eighth year and the target is to smash last year’s total of £44,000 which will be used to care for patients and their families during the Festive Season; both in the Hospice and in their own homes.
The first Santa to cross the line at Bushy Park last year was Cameron Gibson, 15, from Horsley. Cameron said: “I did the run last year but I was a lot faster this time. It was really weird being chased by all those Santas.
“I registered for the event because I appreciate the work the Hospice carers do and I wanted to do my bit to support them.”
Cameron was shortly followed at the finish by his younger brother Joseph Gibson, 11, who was the first under 12 to complete the run.
The first Santa to cross last year’s finish line at Richmond Park was Nick McKay, 36, from Wimbledon who successfully defended his title, winning for the third year in a row. He was running the event in memory of his sister-in-law, Jo Crossfield, who was cared for by the Hospice in 2010.
Nick said: ““The run has become an annual festive family event for us and my young son was also able to take part too from the comfort of his buggy.”
Mia Patterson from the Hospice’s Fundraising Team said: “Taking part in our Santa Fun Runs to raise money for the Hospice has become a tradition now in many households, with families raising huge amounts of money for us.
“They are lots of fun and it really is an incredible sight to see hundreds of Santas running across the Royal Parks.
““Places are limited, so it’s best to register as soon as possible. The cost to enter for over 12’s is £12 and for this you’ll receive a Santa Suit. For the under 12’s it’s £6 and they will receive Reindeer Antlers.”
For further details and to enter please contact the Princess Alice Hospice Fundraising Team on 01372 461808 supportercare@pah.org.uk Website www.pah.org.uk
Princess Alice Hospice cares for terminally ill adults across a large part of Surrey, south west London and Middlesex, caring for them in their own homes and at its hospice in Esher. More than 1 million people live within its care area
Over £9.1 million is needed each year to provide these vital and much needed services. With limited NHS funding more than 75% of funding must be raised through voluntary donations and fundraising.
Unique Artworks from Boris Johnson MP and others to be auctioned for charity
16/10/15 14:04
Unique Artworks
The Watts Contemporary Gallery at the Artists' Village in Compton, Surrey will host a very special Love and Life exhibition until October 17 and CharityStars will be supporting the exhibition with an online auction.Among the works of art on show are pieces from the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson MP and many more. Artworks have been donated and created by a wide variety of artists and celebrities including Sir Peter Blake, Yinka Shonibare MBE, Joanna Lumley OBE, Felicity Kendal CBE and many others. The artworks will then be auctioned for charity on October 17, but bids can be placed ahead of this date at http://www.charitystars.com/.
The auction is being supported by a variety of Royal Academicians and other leading artists. Artist to the stars Sherree Valentine Daines will also contribute a piece of art to the auction. The work will be inspired by the Artists¹ Village and once complete, it will be entered into the Love and Life auction.
Money raised will go to the Watts Gallery Trust and Transplant Links Community (TLC). TLC is a UK registered charity that saves the lives of children and adults in the developing world who suffer from fatal kidney disease. Established by a group of British doctors, they offer teaching and advice, as well as carry out living kidney transplants, and help local medical teams in a variety of countries.
A selection of the art that will be auctioned:
Arlene Phillips CBE: Drawing, Love & Life Boris Johnson MP: Drawing, Toot Toot! John and Kate Siebert: Artists’ proof, Illustration for Louis Aragon’s work “One who says things without saying anything”, by Marc Chagall, artist John and Kate Siebert: Limited edition lithograph, L’inspire, by Marc Chagall, artist The Belgravia Gallery: Lithograph, Girl on Gold, by Charles Mackesey, artist Sir Peter Blake: Carpet design, Carpet square from the Supreme Court Vanessa Raw, triathlete: Painting, New Dawn Dame Zaha Hadid, architect: Metal etching, Middle East Centre, St Antony¹s College Oxford
Perdita Hunt Director of Watts Gallery Artists’ Village said: “G F Watts supported over 38 charitable causes and was a real philanthropist. It is exciting that Watts Gallery Trust is partnering with TLC, which saves lives through transplants, to mount an exhibition of generously donated works and to auction these in support of art for all and saving lives. We are delighted that the founder of TLC, has been one of the most successful artists-in-residence at Watts Gallery – Artists’ Village.”
Dr Jennie Jewitt Harris, Chief Executive of TLC and current Artist-in-Residence at Watts said: “This is an exciting venture which combines the love of art with the chance to save lives. Funds raised will support our medical work in Zambia, Ghana, Trinidad and Jamaica; where there is a desperate need to help people with kidney failure. The artworks donated are so varied and we’ve been bowled over by the kind contributions, of artists and celebrities.”
Peter Monkman, artist and donor of a work said: “It was a real privilege to be invited to contribute to the Transplant Links and Watts charity auction, knowing the power of the visual arts in the context of the Watts Gallery Artists’ Village to enlighten and improve the quality of life. I produced a painting especially where the child reaching up represents a sense of transformation, hope and reaching out.”
Online bidding please visit: www.charitystars.com The auctions close on Saturday October 17 2015.
Visit Watts Gallery website here LINK
Dr Brian May leads the plea for wildlife at Surrey-based charity fundraiser
16/10/15 13:27
It was a sparkling night for wildlife at the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation’s annual Wildlife Ball
Hosted by The Dorchester in London on Friday October 9th, 300 guests mingled with celebrities to help raise over £150,000 for endangered wildlife. A stunning set from legendary Queen guitarist, Dr Brian May and singer Kerry Ellis - which included the premier of Brian’s launch video for Cecil’s Law and an acoustic version of Crazy Little Thing Called Love - was followed on the big screen by a heartfelt appeal from former Spice Girl, Melanie C, for everyone to play their part to help save wildlife.
“It was an incredible night for wildlife,” says CEO Sally Case. “The depth of support that we, as a small charity, generate illustrates just how important wildlife is to so many people and to the sustainable future of our planet and all of us, where ever we live.”
Calling for supporters to be part of the generation that cares, David Shepherd’s granddaughters – the artist Emily Lamb and the Foundation’s event manager, Georgina Lamb - echoed the call for the younger generation to take up the baton to protect precious wildlife and wild spaces.
Adding additional excitement to the evening were Mark King from Level 42 (who sang happy birthday to a guest raising £1,000), TV presenter and auctioneer Charlie Ross who helped command almost £60,000 in the live auction of artwork donated by the Shepherd family, British designer and supporter Elizabeth Emanuel, TV presenter Kate Silverton and Olympic gold medal winning rower Alex Gregory.
About the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF)
DSWF is a small, effective charity funding key conservation projects in Africa and Asia working in partnership with local communities to find long-term, sustainable solutions to help save endangered mammals in the wild. Founded by wildlife artist and conservationist, David Shepherd CBE in 1984, the Foundation’s art heritage plays a key role in fundraising to support key species such as elephants, rhino, tigers, snow leopards and painted dogs. In 2011, DSWF launched TigerTime to help raise awareness and funds for wild tigers. TigerTime has a social media reach of over 650,000 on Facebook and 33,000 on Twitter and with celebrity supporters including Ricky Gervais and Stephen Fry and reach over 20 million with one tweet.
DSWF is based in Shalford, Surrey. For more information see: www.davidshepherd.org and www.tigertime.info
All images by CPG Photography
Polesden Lacey Food Festival
28/09/15 15:45
Sujet Saenkham is Australia’s hottest Thai chef
He learnt to cook on the family farm in a remote Thai village before moving to Australia, and he now has a critically acclaimed restaurant empire in Sydney. He’s coming to the UK to publish his cookbook Spice I Am and bring real Thai food to Britain’s dinner tables.
London events with pop-up kings Chateau Marmot sold out in hours but lucky folk in Surrey will be able to see him cook and buy a signed copy of his book Spice I Am (and more importantly taste his amazing food!) at 12noon on Saturday 3rd October in the demo tent at the Polesden Lacey Food Festival, nr Dorking.
The festival is run by Fantastic British Food Festivals, who are based in Leatherhead, and will also showcase local producers and food businesses from 2nd to 4th October. For more info visit their website here >>> LINK
Help our hedgehogs!
26/09/15 15:22
Gardeners encouraged to unite to save the nation’s hedgehogs
Wild About Gardens Week: Monday 26 October to Sunday 1 November 2015Wild About Gardens Week, the annual celebration of garden wildlife hosted by the Royal Horticultural Society and The Wildlife Trusts, is 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.
Hedgehogs are in trouble – they have declined by 30% in the last 10 years alone and there are now thought to be fewer than one million left in the UK. 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 the humble hedgehog, packed with events, competitions and opportunities to get stuck in. This will include:
• A national call to action to create hedgehog holes in fences – a handy 13cm by 13cm template can be downloaded from the Wild About Gardens Week website.
• A competition to design the best hedgehog home. There will be three categories: individual, group and school. The prizes will range from a trail camera to a visit from a hedgehog expert. Closing date: Monday 9 November 2015.
• A host of hedgehog-themed events around the UK, from talks and workshops to community activities. At RHS Garden Harlow Carr, a new garden will be launched in participation with Hedgehog Street, showcasing hedgehog friendly planting and design. Add your event or search for those happening near you at: www.wildaboutgardensweek.org.uk/events
• A downloadable new booklet, available from the Wild About Gardens Week website, will demonstrate steps you can take to help hedgehogs in your garden.
• All information at: www.wildaboutgardensweek.org.uk
Twiggy, Patron of the British Hedgehog Preservation Society, said:
“Seeing hedgehogs in our garden when I was a child was a magical experience. Now we all need to help these special mammals – and there’s so much that gardeners can do to reverse their decline. You can cut a small hedgehog hole at the bottom of your garden fence, leave wild nesting and hibernation areas, ditch the slug pellets and check that bonfire before striking the match! All so easy to do. Please help these wonderful creatures”
Hedgehog facts and figures:
• Hedgehog numbers have fallen by 30% since 2002
• Today there are estimated to be fewer than 1 million hedgehogs left in the UK. The main drivers are thought to be: declining hedgerow quality; the over-management of parks and green space; loss of gardens to paving/decking; reduced insect prey from chemical use in gardens and on farmland; loss of grazing land; the fragmentation of land by roads, fencing and increasing density of native predators.
• Adult hedgehogs travel between 1-2 kilometres per night over home ranges between 10-30 hectares in size.
For more information about how to help hedgehogs please see notes below or our new ‘Get creative for hedgehogs this autumn’ booklet – now on the website.
Best of British at Drake's in conjunction with Nyetimber
26/09/15 11:36
An exceptional dinner that will include some wines from Nyetimber's rare library stock
This will be held in November at Drake's Restaurant in Ripley, Surrey. Chef Steve Drake is passionate about using locally sourced ingredients wherever possible and his love of local produce extends to the wine list at the Michelin-starred restaurant in Ripley, Surrey, which he and Serina Drake opened in 2004. Since then their business has consistently won accolades for the innovative, creative and skilfully prepared food and superb service. Now, following a visit to the company's Sussex vineyard by Steve and sommelier Michael Fiducia, a special ‘Best of British' dinner will take place on November 12 in conjunction with Nyetimber English Wines."We have been serving Nyetimber at Drake's for some years now," said Steve, "but after the chance to taste the different vintages and variants while enjoying Nyetimber's lyrical, bucolic setting, which dates back to the Domesday Book in 1086, I jumped at the chance to host a dinner with these amazing English sparkling wines. We have really enjoyed creating this special menu and selecting appropriate Nyetimber wines to pair with the different courses."
Steve and Michael have put together a menu that showcases some of the very best autumn ingredients to complement the wines. The five-course menu, plus ‘snacks' on arrival, water, coffee and petit fours, accompanied by matching wines (including some from Nyetimber's rare library stock), includes dishes with pumpkin, Devon crab, monkfish and roast guinea fowl.
The full menu and further details on how to book can be found on the Drake's website - drakesrestaurant.co.uk. On the night, representatives from Nyetimber - including its winemaker - will be on hand to introduce the wines and answer questions.
National Trust Volunteers
23/09/15 12:56
The National Trust is a household name
Some would argue that the oak leaf is an intrinsic part of British culture, as familiar to you and I as a pot of tea or David Attenborough’s voice.Did you know that we are the largest voluntary conservation charity in Europe? Our moto is to protect areas of historical and ecological value for ever, for everyone. It is this need and duty to protect these fragile and irreplaceable sites which drives us forward, choosing new sites, pioneering new schemes and continuing to maintain our properties.
Membership, donations and the indomitable tea rooms all help to finance and support these efforts. However we are the largest voluntary conservation charity, the very foundation of the National Trust is built upon the loyalty and dedication of our volunteer army.
It is easy to see the National Trust as one vast charitable machine but in reality it consists of pockets of land and property, each needing its own individual regime of care and attention. Here in the Surrey Hills we are lucky to be surrounded by many such pockets, in fact just down the road is Box Hill, a beautiful and fragile mosaic of grassland and woodland. Hundreds of visitors walk, drive or cycle the world famous Zig Zag every day to take in the stunning sites and scenery that Box Hill has to offer. Box Hill has its own volunteer regiment at whose feet this beauty can be laid.
Every Wednesday and every Thursday come rain or shine, our volunteers help restore and conserve Box Hill, for both ecological reasons and for you the public to enjoy. We are always looking to expand and add to our teams, with local people, who care about nature, and who have a sense of ownership and pride at having access to Box Hill. All ages and genders are welcome, whether you are working or retired, an athlete or a dog walker, there is a space for you in our team. We need people to help keep Box Hill beautiful, the more people we have the more we can do, the bigger the projects we can embark on and the more events we can host. The more that we as a community put in, the more that we’ll get back.
The National Trust needs volunteers, the National Trust needs you!
Gina T. Box Hill Assistant Ranger
If you’d like to get involved, ask for more information, or even just have a chat please contact David Benjamins Box hill Ranger.
Email: david.benjamins@nationaltrust.org.uk
Phone: 07770887673
JCA Interiors is a finalist in design award
15/09/15 20:43
JCA Interiors Announced as Finalist in SBID International Design Excellence Awards 2015
London based interior design company JCA Interiors has been shortlisted for this year’s SBID International Design Excellence Awards.Against a prestigious international field, their Surrey country mansion project has been chosen by a select panel of industry experts as one of only two British companies to reach the final in the visualisation category.
JCA Interiors’ in-house team created the high quality 3D visualisations as part of their interior design process. The visualisations were extremely detailed including specific pieces of furniture modelled to the nearest millimetre. As an interior design practice, having this 3D technology in-house enables JCA Interiors to show clients the exact design before implementation. Adjustments can be made quickly and easily until the client is completely satisfied with the design.
The whole interior design of the Surrey country mansion was balanced by the mixture of contemporary and classic blending together creating an elegant scheme which was enhanced by the use of texture, lighting and great attention to detail, comprehensively demonstrated in the 3D visualisations.
Jenny Allan, founder of JCA Interiors said “We are very proud to achieve this recognition at an international level and I believe it demonstrates our dedication to providing the best possible services to our clients.”
The public are now invited to vote for the finalists as their votes will be counted towards the overall results. See JCA Interiors’ whole project entry here >>> LINK
The SBID International Design Excellence Awards are recognised as one of the most prestigious in the interior design industry.
For more information on JCA Interiors see their website www.jcainteriors.co.uk
RHS Garden Wisley
18/08/15 12:45
Hosts Surrey Sculpture Society Trail
22 August – 27 September 2015RHS Garden Wisley welcomes the Surrey Sculpture Society into its beautiful grounds for the annual Surrey Sculpture Society Trail. This event brings together unique art works created by some of the most renowned artists, both established and emerging, from the South East.
The sculpture trail will open to the public on 22 August and run until 27 September 2015. Visitors to RHS Garden Wisley will discover a wide range of sculptures located throughout the grounds. The sculptures are made in stone, metal, bronze, resin, glass, ceramic, wood and found objects, and will be available to buy for a range of prices.
Teresa Martin, Surrey Sculpture Society’s exhibition manager for the event, said: “The Sculpture Trail at the RHS Garden Wisley in 2015 will echo some of the surreal aspects of the Alice in Wonderland garden with a diminutive ceramic merchant’s house and highly magnified plant forms on the Rock Garden that play with your sense of scale. There are intriguing and enchanting modelled forms cast with durable metal resins and some glorious celebratory shapes carved in stone, while the glass sculptures are stunning this year. The sad and the joyful aspects of our world are touched on by the artists, and some will definitely make visitors smile as they wander through the trail and find another piece round a corner in these magnificent gardens.”
Stephanie Fudge, Head of RHS Garden Wisley, said, “The Surrey Sculpture Trail at RHS Garden Wisley is an extremely popular event. The art is so beautifully presented and visitors can enjoy the garden setting at its best with the Mixed Borders in full flower. We enjoy seeing the sculptures change each year, and we love working with the Surrey Sculpture Society.”
Enjoy the delights of the trail when you visit for the floral extravaganza of the late-summer RHS Wisley Flower Show, 8 – 13 September, and the creative inspiration from spectacular colour of the the spectacular colour of the varied late-summer plantings throughout the garden.
Normal garden entry applies. For more information visit www.rhs.org.uk
Music Nights at Epsom and Sandown Racecourses
21/07/15 08:05
Summer evening music events at your local racecourses
Sandown 22 July - Evening Flat Racing ft. Rule The World
Evening racing followd by Rule the World (Take That tribute) performing live in Surrey Hall. Join us and take in a summer's evening of thrilling racing at Sandown Park followed by live music from Rule The World, the UK's leading Take That tribute band! 'Rule The World have been recognised as the number 1 Take That tribute act in the world. They've been featured on ITV1′s Daybreak and have had rave reviews from many people including TV personality Ricky Tomlinson, Jason Orange's mother, Denise Van Outen and now Mr GARY BARLOW himself. The ONLY Take That tribute show in the land to have ever been praised by Take That's lead singer! Now in their 5th year touring, the band are professionally trained and are currently appearing in top theatres and events up and down the country. The show ensures an accurate portrayal and is a true impersonation of the sounds, look and feel of the sensational 'Take That' live in concert. Featuring all the favourite's including 'Greatest Day', 'Back For Good', 'Million Love Songs', 'Patience', 'Relight My Fire', 'Never Forget', 'Shine', 'Pray' and many more. As a one-off we are offering a considerable discount on hospitality to allow people the chance to sample our fantastic restaurant packages.
Book now here >>> LINK
Sandown 23 July - Mayor’s Pantomime Raceday
Join us on this Thursday afternoon, and enjoy thrilling racing against a stunning London backdrop. This summer’s afternoon of entertainment, includes thoroughbred flat races, live music, plus a fun filled mascot race at around 3pm! Chelsea Foundation are proud sponsors of our annual Mayor’s Pantomime Mascot race. This year's community spirited event includes mascots from Elmbridge Borough Council, Sparks Charity Foundation, Surrey Advertiser as well as The Jockey Club's very own Sandown Sparkie, Epsom Ellie and Kempton Kev! Don't miss these novices shuffling towards the finish line in pursuit of coveted mascot racing victory! Why not make your day extra special by booking into one of our restaurants. Organise a group of 10 or more for a further discount on top of the advance booking discount. This fixture is sponsored by Unibet.
Book now here >>> LINK
Sandown 29 July - An evening at the races with Boyzone
Having sold over 25 million records worldwide, Boyzone are one of Ireland and the UK’s biggest boybands. Known for hits including ‘Love Me For A Reason’, ‘Words’, ‘No Matter What’ and ‘When The Going Gets Tough’ they have had a total of 18 UK top 10 singles, with 6 hitting the number 1 spot and have tallied up 5 Brit Awards. Recently celebrating their 20 years as a band, they released their sixth studio album ‘From Dublin to Detroit’ last year, featuring their favourite songs from the Motown era. ‘An Evening At The Races’ offers a value for money experience unlike any other this summer. Alongside incredible headlining performances, the action kicks off earlier in the evening with 6 races - giving fans the chance to witness up close powerful equine athletes who are stars in their own right, and enjoy the thrilling drama and spectacle of them racing for glory. Whether you fancy a flutter or a dance with friends and family the event is certain to be an odds on favourite for all, with tickets only £35. This fixture is sponsored by Unibet. Click the logo below for an exclusive offer.
Book now here >>> LINK
Epsom Downs 30 July - Girls’ Night Out
Local ladies, come and let your hair down at Epsom Downs Racecourse's Girls Night Out, on 30 July. Gather your glamorous group for an evening of flat racing, cocktails and a live set from Heart DJ Toby Anstis! Our best dressed competition is also back by popular demand, so enter your stylish self and be in with a chance to win some coveted prizes. This year, leading jewellery franchise-Pandora, will be rewarding one lucky winner with a £250 shopping spree in their Epsom branch. As if that wasn't enough- we will have free hand massages from a holistic and clinical therapist, Jungle Body Zumba Demonstrations and live music from the beautiful vintage duo-Verity and Violet. This summer's evening of entertainment is not one to be missed, book your tickets now!
Book now here >>> LINK
RHS Garden Wisley
03/07/15 17:25
Summer Adventures in Wonderland at RHS Garden Wisley 22 July – 31 August 2015.
Don’t be late for a jam-packed summer of Adventures in Wonderland at Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Garden Wisley, Surrey. Join the celebration of the 150th anniversary of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland with free family activities every day.
In the same year that plantsman and former President of the RHS Edward Augustus Bowles was born, Lewis Carroll created the nonsensical and magical world of Wonderland. EA Bowles, too, harboured a passion for the weird and wonderful, and famously had an area in his garden devoted to his botanical curiosities. Bowles’ Corner at RHS Garden Wisley pays homage to this great plantsman with a selection of ‘interesting’ woodland plants.
This summer, discover a world of wonder at Wisley inspired by the logic-twisting tale of Lewis Carroll, sponsored by Witan Investment Trust. Enjoy horticultural highlights come rain or shine, outstanding mixed borders, fragrant rose gardens and sensational panoramas creating a feast for the senses. You’ll be welcomed to Wonderland with an Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland Top Terrace bedding scheme. Admire the wacky and wonderful design. Clashing colours and the White Rabbit lead you from reality to Wonderland, where you’ll find a 3-D sculpture of a caterpillar relaxing on a mushroom. This design was created by Wisley second-year horticulture Diploma students.
Explore, cook, play and plant your way to the perfect summer with gardening-inspired activities for all ages. Free activities include gardening, arts and crafts, music, theatre and puppet shows. Have an ‘un-birthday’ with a session of Eat Me, Drink Me cookery, or face painting on Tuesdays (payable and bookable in advance).
Follow the clues for curiouser and curiouser encounters throughout the garden with the Mad Hatter and the March Hare, the Caterpillar and the Cheshire Cat – and, of course, Alice herself. Discover the many bronze sculptures by the renowned Robert James Workshop around the garden. Take on the adventure, explore down the rabbit-hole willow tunnels, play flamingo croquet… you’ll be grinning like a Cheshire Cat this summer at Wisley.
2015 is the Year of the Sunflower, and this summer you’ll spot lots of them around the garden. From single blooms to multi-headed, toddler-sized to several metres tall, sunflowers are diverse. The giant flowers will be just like being in Wonderland. All over Europe many gardens as well as trials gardens will be celebrating the wide variation and uses of sunflowers. At RHS Garden Wisley you’ll see dwarf sunflowers in containers, agricultural, border and cut sunflowers for an RHS Award of Garden Merit trial. Be sure to vote for your favourite in the RHS People’s Choice during the summer months.
Eat the Queen of Hearts’ jam tarts at the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party Picnic
Join Alice and her friends for fun and entertainment at the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party Picnic. Wear your most creative hat and gather your friends! Pick up a picnic including your jam tart. Seating is limited: pre-booking and pre-payment will be required. For more information visit www.rhs.org.uk. Normal garden admission applies.
Bring your family along for a full day of fun every day of the holidays. Activities each day, some bookable in advance, visit www.rhs.org.uk for what’s on when.
Harambee 2015
03/07/15 11:03
In aid of The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
Harambee 2015 marks our biggest event of the year as we welcome key speakers, wildlife conservationists and special guests to celebrate the work of the DSWT and all that has been achieved for wildlife over the past 38 years. On Friday 25 September we will be welcoming over 200 guests to London’s prestigious Landmark Hotel to our flagship event Harambee 2015 which will raise vital funds and awareness for our life-saving projects in Kenya. Our guests include our Patron actress Kristin Davis, HRH Prince Michael of Kent and our founder Dr Dame Daphne Sheldrick.Guests will begin the evening with a delectable drinks and canapé reception in The Drawing Room accompanied by a live pianist from 6:30pm. The evening will then continue from 7:30pm in The Ballroom as guests will be seated for a delicious 3‐course meal followed by speeches, entertainment, live music and what is set to be a lively and exciting auction.
The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (DSWT) exists to protect and conserve wildlife and habitats in Kenya. Best‐known for the rescue and hand‐raising of orphaned infant elephants and rhinos through our renowned and successful Orphans’ Project, we offer a future for these animals in the wild when grown. Alongside the Orphans’ Project, we operate nine fully mobile Anti‐Poaching Teams in the giant Tsavo Conservation Area, providing front line protection for wildlife through the removal of snares and the arrest of poachers.
For more information about booking a place please visit www.hedswt.org.uk
The Loxwood Joust
23/06/15 11:08
A festival of mediaeval mayhem
1 & 2, 8 & 9 August 2015 The Loxwood Meadow, Loxwood, West Sussex RH14 0ALTHE LOXWOOD JOUST – is the UK’s premiere MEDIAEVAL FUN DAY OUT taking place at the enchanted Loxwood Meadow. The Loxwood Joust is the most spectacular mediaeval festival in the Realm with an unrivalled programme of mediaeval mayhem.
Step back in time and experience the verve and vigour of a world where lives were harsh and hearts were passionate at this unique, fun and educational day out for all the family! Each day from 10am to 6pm. The Loxwood Joust’s unrivalled programme of mediaeval revelry guarantees a day out like no other. A fast-paced, all action jousting tournament will amaze and astound whilst daring displays of weaponry, archery and cannon fire will enthral as fully armoured knights prepare to meet in a thunderous battle.
The main concert stage is where performances from the internationally acclaimed singing group the Mediaeval Baebes will enchant and soothe. Wander the massive Living History Village in the ‘Mediaeval Meadow’ – a totally authentic recreation of a mediaeval battle camp and browse the Mediaeval Market Place where traders and hawkers vie for your attention as companies of actors, wandering minstrels, the Court Jester and dance troupes entertain and delight throughout the day.
Try your hand at archery, sup fine ales and dine on local organic fayre while the little ones can enjoy their very own Children’s Kingdom – a festival within a festival where the Mediaeval Groat is the currency! This “Mini Mediaeval Mayhem” includes Have a go Archery, Pelt the Peasant, Face and Wound Painting and of course the “Bouncy Castle”.
The Loxwood Joust is excellently located just off the B2133 between Wisborough Green and Loxwood and has ample Free Parking.
THE LOXWOOD JOUST FESTIVAL TICKET PRICE, ADVANCE TICKETS VALID FOR ANY ONE WEEKEND FESTIVAL DAY
SAVE ON ADVANCE TICKETS: Adult: £12 / Child (4-14): £6 / Under 4: Free
GATE: Adult: £15 / Child (4-14): £7 / Under 4: Free / Seniors: £13 / Family (2 Adults & 2 Children): £40
Visit their website here >>> www.loxwoodjoust.co.uk
We’re off to see the Wizard, the Wonderful Wizard of Oz!
22/06/15 20:03
Guildford Summer Youth Project 2015
Do your kids have a passion for dance, drama and singing? Are they keen to work backstage on sound and lighting design? If so, join Dorothy and all her favourite friends from The Wizard of Oz, in this year’s Guildford Summer Youth Project.Now in its 8th year, Guildford Theatre School is staging a musical adaptation of The Wizard of Oz at G Live in just 2 weeks! There are two courses available (performance or technical), followed by two performances.
From 17– 29 August your children will learn new skills, make new friends and have fun as they work with professional theatre practitioners to produce the shows. They’ll learn the lines, tread the boards and master the dance routines of this family classic. The performers’ course is perfect for those aged 8-18, who love acting, singing and dancing or who want to have fun during the summer holidays. At £300 for two full weeks of childcare, not only is this great fun but also good value for money.
If your kids are keen to get hands-on experience of working backstage at a theatre, the technical course is just the ticket! From 24 – 29 August your children will work with a professional team to design the set, build the props, create the special effects, and operate the sound and lights for the Wizard of Oz performances. This one week course is only £120, and is the perfect chance to get experience in a working theatre with help from tutors.
The workshops culminate in performances of The Wizard of Oz on Fri 28 August at 7pm and Sat 29 August at 2pm. Both shows will be open to friends, family and the general public, and will give students the chance to perform on G Live’s main stage!
With the summer holidays fast approaching, both courses are the perfect way to keep your kids entertained.
Guildford Summer Youth Project 2015: The Wizard Of Oz
Performance workshop: 17 – 29 August, 10am – 5pm (Mon – Fri only) £300 (£250 siblings).
Technical workshop: 24-29 August, 10am – 5pm (Mon – Fri only) £120.
Performances: Fri 28 August 7pm, Sat 29 August 2pm. Tickets: £6.00*, Concessions: £5.00* (*plus booking fees)
GLive.co.uk or call 0844 7701 797 (10am-6pm, Mon-Sat)
Lanson goes to Loseley for an afternoon of Champagne, tea & flowers
16/06/15 12:59
Lanson goes to Loseley for an afternoon of Champagne, tea & flowers
Loseley Park and leading Champagne House, Lanson, are co-hosting an afternoon of Champagne and English Tea in the beautiful Walled Garden at the Stately Home in Surrey. On Wednesday 15th July at 4pm Paul Beavis, MD of Lanson International and an authority on Champagne, will give a talk about our favourite festive drink and bring examples of Lanson Champagne to sample along with a full English Tea provided by Caper & Berry, Loseley’s exclusive caterers.
The Head Gardener and Mike More-Molyneux, owner of Loseley Park, which has been his family home since 1568, will also show guests around the award-winning Walled Garden. This has been described as ‘pure enchanted magic’ by The Lady Magazine, and ‘ablaze with colour to inspire visitors’ by The London Evening Standard. Tickets are £50 each with £5 going to the children’s charity Shooting Star Chase. To book please visit www.loseleypark.co.uk or call (01483) 405119.
Discover Brown’s London Art Weekend
16/06/15 10:01
Above: Artist Mat Collishaw and Chef Mark Hix in HIX Mayfair with the F-lamed duck artist dish. Behind, ‘Lame Duck 1, Lame Duck 2 and Lame Duck 3’ by Mat Collishaw
Discover Brown’s London Art Weekend’s programme of talks, art tours, recommended walks and the Artists menu at HIX Mayfair 3 - 5 JULY 2015, MAYFAIR AND ST JAMES’S
The second Brown’s London Art Weekend will take place in Mayfair and St. James’s from 3 - 5 July 2015. For 150 years Mayfair’s galleries and auction houses have welcomed the world’s greatest art collectors, and this event is the ultimate celebration of this London heartland, rich with art galleries. Experience the unrivalled quality and diversity of this key art market destination as 100 galleries and auction houses open their doors to the public for this exciting event. With talks, walks, and 100 exhibitions to see, Brown’s London Art Weekend offers a unique opportunity for art lovers to explore the capital’s greatest private galleries.
Brown’s Hotel will be hosting a programme of specialist art talks over the course of the weekend, covering topics from ‘How to start your art collection’ to ‘Fashion in Art’ and ‘The history of art in Mayfair’. Each talk will be hosted by a leading art expert and will last 45 minutes at £30 (including refreshments). Find the full programme at www.brownslondonartweekend.com Mark Hix, Director of Food at Brown’s Hotel, has collaborated with artists whose works are displayed in HIX Mayfair at Brown’s, creating an innovative, seasonal and delicious menu including dishes such as: Glen Ligon’s inked spelt with cuttlefish and sea purslane, Peter Peri-Peri Dorset blue lobster and Lancashire spring chicken and Mat Collishaw’s f-lame’d duck with New Forest cherries (see image above). This special Artists Menu will be available in HIX Mayfair from 3 – 5 July 2015. For those who would like a creative tipple, Hix presents The Artist’s Collection, a palette of colourful mini cocktails (£20 per palette of 4 mini cocktails).
Brown’s London Art Weekend is once again led by Brown’s Hotel, situated on Albemarle Street, surrounded by the many galleries taking part in the event. The understated elegance of Brown’s Hotel and its location make it a popular choice for art collectors, gallery owners and artists.
Brown’s London Art Weekend, now an annual event, received very positive feedback in its first year. “A gateway to the extraordinary range and quality of art works and art expertise to be found in London’s premier art district” Emma Crichton- Miller. Each participating gallery will be open from 11am – 5pm on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 July 2015, many of which will be hosting talks. Guests are advised to sign up to talks at www.brownslondonartweekend.com
A large team of volunteers will be on hand to help visitors navigate their way between the discrete upstairs salons of old master dealers to the cavernous white halls of the leading contemporary galleries and auction houses, and whilst it will prove almost impossible to take in everything on offer, there will be a series of suggested themed routes and formal tours from Brown’s Hotel. Paul Smith, Nicole Farhi and Kate Bryan are amongst those who have recommended themed art walks around their favourite galleries. The full programme of talks, tours and walks that will be taking place over Brown’s London Art Weekend can be found at www.brownslondonartweekend.com
The Overseas Property Show 2015
16/06/15 09:10
Making Surrey residents' holiday home dreams come true
• 2014 Overseas Property Show tour attracted more than 3,000 visitors
• Overseas Property Show coming to Guildford, 27 & 28 June 2015
• Free tickets available at www.theoverseaspropertyshow.com
• Cyprus added to list of destinations for this year's show
Following a hugely successful UK tour in 2014, which attracted more than 3,000 visitors in just the first six shows, the much-anticipated Overseas Property Show is returning to Surrey. The show will arrive in all its glory this June, with experts on hand to discuss the merits of owning property overseas, as well as what to watch out for, for those who are new to second home ownership.
Appearing at the Holiday Inn Guildford on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 June 2015, the show will present properties from Portugal, Cyprus, Spain, Italy and the US to UK buyers looking to pick up a home in the sunshine. From holiday apartments to retirement villas and primary residences, the free-to-attend Overseas Property Show has something for everyone. The prevalence of high net worth individuals in the Guildford area makes it the ideal location for this prestigious event.
International property expert Chris White, Founding Director of boutique real estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal, will be available with his expert team to talk buyers through property ownership in Portugal and how they can turn their dreams of a second home in the sunshine into a reality. Chris comments, "The Overseas Property Show is the perfect resource for UK buyers who want to own a home overseas. Whether it's for holidays, to live in fulltime or to use as a means of earning income, second home ownership can be a fulfilling and rewarding activity, but many buyers are unnecessarily daunted by the prospect. The Overseas Property Show offers the chance to ask questions of property professionals who have lived and worked overseas for years and can share their knowledge, hints and tips of how to get the best from overseas home ownership."
Chris and his team will also be presenting buyers with a range of stunning second home options in Cyprus, through Ideal Homes International. Basking in more than 340 days of sunshine per year, Cyprus has long been a favourite with British second home buyers, with its sandy beaches, turquoise Mediterranean waters and fresh cuisine tempting many to turn their holiday home dream into a reality with a Cypriot property.
Surrey residents have the opportunity to explore properties in Cyprus, Portugal and more this month by joining the Overseas Property Show at the Holiday Inn Guildford on 27 and 28 June. Doors open at 10.00 am and close at 6.00 pm on both days.
For further details and to claim your free tickets, visit www.theoverseaspropertyshow.com
The Brooklands Double Twelve Motorsport Festival 13-14 June 2015
11/06/15 16:55
Record Line-Up as Final Entries for Festival Weekend Announced
Historic racing cars with Brooklands History vie with modern Classics in a thrilling weekend of motorsport competition, stunning car displays and a site packed with music and entertainment for all at Brooklands Museum.
This two-day extravaganza is held on 13-14 June and will feature Speed Trials and a Concours on Saturday; Driving Tests on Sunday; and action on Test Hill on both days.
Each year there is something different at the Double Twelve and for 2015, the Ford Escort Mexico Mk 1 will be getting some attention on this, its 45th birthday. The organisers are pleased to reveal that both the winner and the 8th placed cars of the 1970 London to Mexico World Cup Rally will be appearing at the event. These are the only two surviving works-prepared cars from that event and they have not been seen together for over 20 years.
The Campbell Car Park area will be occupied by 2CV Adventures who are inviting the public to take part in their Tin Snail Challenge: driving a 2CV seems quite simple until you learn that they have reverse steering for added hilarity. Times around a course will be recorded and a prize will be awarded for the fastest.
Music comes from vintage chanteuse Noelle Vaughn who will be selecting hits from the 1940s to the ‘60s to match some of the entries on show and extra food and drink outlets will give plenty of choice no matter where you’re watching the action. Special activities will be laid on for children, including ‘Peg Car Making’, races up Test Hill and pedal planes and cars for the under 5s.
Places are now full with over 100 entrants in the Double Twelve Speed Trials which take place on the Mercedes-Benz World circuit on Saturday, including cars with genuine Brooklands pre-war history such as James Cheyne’s Halford Special and Aston Martin “Razorblade” (driven by Colin Shaw), Terry Crabb’s ERA R12C and Ian Baxter’s Alta single-seater. Pre-1918 racers include a pair of American vehicles, John Dennis’ Packard Twin Six and Hugh Mackintosh’s Hudson Super Six.
With over 50 entries for the Driving Tests, which make full use of the Museum site on the Sunday, there is a truly eclectic mix of competitors, ranging in engine size from Guy Lachlan’s odd little 692cc Berkeley B95 Sports up to Neil Thorp’s 4.2 litre supercharged Hudson Spikins Special, and with apparently non-sporting saloons like Andrew Atherton’s Austin 1800S and Gus Manley-Clarke’s Rover 110 mixing it with agile pre-war sports cars. The historic landmarks of Test Hill, the Members’ Banking and Finishing Straight provide the ideal terrain for these tests which have their spirit in that most celebrated era of British Motorsport of the 1920s and ‘30s.
Entries in the Double Twelve Concours d’?légance include a pair of rare Alpine 110 sports car and two more of the Cars with genuine Brooklands racing history which will have competed in the Saturday Sprint – Paul Baker’s Richard Bolster Special and Julian Grimwade’s Fazer Nash Single-Seater. The weekend culminates with the prize-giving ceremony in the main Paddock on the Sunday with the largest final score achieving the coveted ‘Double Twelve Champion 2015’.
In addition to the activity of the festival itself, Brooklands Museum will be operating its other attractions including the Napier- Railton Race Experience in the 4D Theatre and the Concorde Experience, opening up its aircraft and Motoring Village for visitors to explore their world-class collections of cars, motorcycles, bicycles and the period charm of the Clubhouse, all from the bygone era which made Brooklands a destination of choice which continues to this day.
A full list of Classes and up-to-date Festival information can be found on the Museum’s website: www.brooklandsmuseum.com
Award Winning Salon Group Comes to Weybridge
10/06/15 16:07
Rush Hair is about to open a fantastic new salon in Weybridge
The award-winning salon collective Rush Hair, is about to open a fantastic new salon in Weybridge High Street. Having celebrated their 20th anniversary in 2014, the salon group synonymous with providing clients with fantastic service and great hair at an affordable price is set to open its newest salon at 22 High Street, Weybridge on Saturday 20 June 2015.The team at Rush has a wealth of experience in creating the latest on-trend styles offering only the best advice, treatments and services to their clients. From style and cuts to their award-winning colour services, speedy services menu and blowdry packages. Rush are industry leaders and their stylists are regulars at London and Milan Fashion Week, working backstage at Mary Katrantzou, Central Saint Martin’s and Gareth Pugh. Now the Rush Hair experience is heading to Weybridge.
Weybridge Franchise Owner, Debra Freeman-Thorpe has joined the Rush Hair team after a colourful career - most recently working for a large publishing company in Dubai. Debra arrived back in the UK late last year and embarked on her franchise journey with Rush Hair after visiting a franchise exhibition. ‘I'm looking forward to a wonderful journey with Rush, and since the start of my journey the Rush Hair team have been amazingly supportive. The whole process has been a whirlwind of activity. Being brought up in Surrey I’m very much looking forward to building a successful business and contributing to the local community. I can’t wait for the salon to open its doors.’
•••••Grand Opening Saturday 20 June 2015•••••
Come and see us on Saturday 20 June from 10am for the grand opening. Meet Debra and the team and enjoy some refreshments, nibbles, free face painting for kids and L’Oreal goodie bags. We look forward to seeing you there. Rush Hair has over 60 salons based in London and the South East with over 11,000 clients visiting every week and a total of 52 industry awards including London Hairdresser of the Year.
For appointments at Rush Weybridge please call 01932 506 011 or visit www.rush.co.uk
Rush Weybridge, 22 High Street, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 8AB.
It's Festival Time... Again!
09/06/15 10:27
Back for the second year The Phoenix Festival is even bigger and even better!
We are delighted to announce that the Phoenix Festival returns to the famous Crawdaddy Club venue at Richmond Athletic Ground on Sunday 5th July with all profits going to The Genesis Research Trust.
Enjoy ten hours of live music for just £10 in this intimate venue. There will also be a BBQ on the terrace and drinks are available at Member's Club prices. Now that's what we call a good deal!
The Line Up so far...
Robin Bibi
Olivia Ruby Tiger
All Night Workers
Devil Drives
Blue Bishops
The Mustangs
The Others
Plus guest slots from Martin Turner (above, the original founding member of Wishbone Ash), Paul Cox and Sophie Lord.
To book your tickets for The Phoenix Festival visit www.wegottickets.com
This is a family friendly event - children 14 and under go free.
New Surrey American Football Team Hosts Tournament
05/06/15 12:22
Cobham Cougars U17 American Football team and the ACS International School
The new Cobham Cougars U17 American Football team hosts the third tournament in the British American Football league on Saturday 20th June, 1pm, at the ACS International School, Portsmouth Road, Cobham.The Cobham Cougars are currently 3 & 3 - won three, lost three - two of those losses were by just a single score. The Cougars have been training together since March and are the only U17 youth team in the South West London area, taking in players from the Kingston, Weybridge, Leatherhead and Woking areas.
Sponsors Oxberry and Crestron invite local residents to visit the event and watch the new youth team in action. As massive in America as the Premier League is here, the National Football League is getting a following among teenagers in London partly due to the NFL games played at Wembley in September and October in recent years.
For more information contact Coach Scott: sbarlow@gmail.com Barlow or Caroline Stammers: carrie@oxberry.net or call 07774 904592
Write on Kew
20/05/15 14:26
A Literary Festival in Kew Gardens, 24-28 September 2015
Kew Gardens is to launch its first ever literary festival this autumn. From Thursday 24th to Monday 28th September 2015, the Gardens will welcome a host of world famous authors and writers from all genres for a series of scintillating talks and events. Festival highlights include Margaret Atwood, Mel Giedroyc, Michael Morpurgo, Esther Freud, Neel Mukherjee, Bill Bryson, Iain Sinclair and Ella Woodward.Stunning surrounds, breath-taking architecture and over 250 years of science and history make Kew Gardens a perfect location for a new London literary festival. Each ticket includes full access to the Gardens for the day, and many of the talks will take place in Kew’s listed buildings, including the Nash Conservatory and Museum Number 1, overlooking the iconic Palm House.
Visitors will immerse themselves in the rich world of books as beauty, creativity and knowledge come together at the festival. Come and soak in the landscape in between thought-provoking talks, as the season moves into the mellow hues of autumn.
Richard Deverell, Director of Kew Gardens says: “We are delighted to be launching a new London literary festival. Kew is so much more than just a botanic garden, and as an organisation with over 250 years of knowledge, creativity and burning scientific passion behind it, I am thrilled to be welcoming some of the world’s best writers and thinkers.”
The Festival’s programming directors Anne Elletson and Tanya Burgess say: “Books and nature both stimulate the imagination and take us to new and unexpected places; and what better place than Kew Gardens, a science institution and botanic garden to provide a new London platform for debate, discovery, creativity and a flow of ideas.”
For more information and for tickets, please visit www.kew.org
Emperors and Admirals on Bookham Commons
13/05/15 09:33
Join National Trust Ranger on a walk to discover more about the vibrant butterflies that live on Bookham Commons
Early summer heralds a glorious display of butterflies on Bookham Commons in Surrey; in fact, yearly sightings of these beautiful creatures mean that Bookham Commons are amongst the best woods in England to see one of the UK’s largest butterflies – the purple emperor. Join National Trust Ranger, Ian Swinney, on Sunday 5 July for a two hour guided walk of the commons looking at these fabulous insects.
Ian, who is one of the National Trust’s longest serving Rangers, has a real passion for Bookham Commons and the myriad colours of these bold and blowsy creatures. “Each afternoon male purple emperor butterflies gather at two special clumps of trees and put on amazing territorial displays” Ian says. He continues “the purple emperor season begins around 24th June, peaking in the second week of July. By August the butterflies are over”.
The white admiral is another butterfly commonly seen at Bookham Commons, so much so that in most years the rare black admiral colour form also occurs. These butterflies can be seen in shadier places, from mid-June until late July whereas silver-washed fritillaries are abundant during July and August in Bookham’s woods; look for them feeding on the nectar of brambles and thistles.
Emperors and Admirals is a two hour guided walk with Ranger Ian Swinney on Sunday 5 July from 10am until 12noon. Tickets, which need to be booked in advance, cost £10 per person and can be booked by calling 01372 220644.
Did you know – 5 facts about the butterflies of Bookham Commons
1. The purple emperor is Britain’s largest and most impressive butterfly. It inhabits three annually used territories on Bookham Commons. The female wing span is 70-92mm.
2. The favoured food of the purple emperor is goat willow and grey willow
3. The white admiral has a graceful flight and soars and glides close to the contours of oak trees. It’s smaller than the purple emperor and has more rounded wings.
4. White admiral females look for shaded honeysuckle leaves to lay their small, shiny grey/brown, sea-urchin-like (including the spines) eggs.
5. The silver-washed fritillary is a large orange-brown butterfly chequered with black spots. The male is brighter in colour but the female is slightly larger.
About Bookham Commons
In the summer the commons are buzzing with butterflies. Silver-washed fritillaries patrol along rides in June and July, and white admirals gracefully glide over bramble flowers. And, if you’re very lucky, a magnificent purple emperor might swoop down near you on a warm summer morning in July.
New Ashgate Gallery Tea Party
12/05/15 15:09
Free drop in workshop activities suitable for all the family based on the idea Mad Hatters Tea Party.
On Saturday 6 June at New Ashgate Gallery, Farnham, GU9 7PS, www.newashgate.org.uk 11am – 3.30pm
The New Ashgate Gallery invites you to celebrate the launch of their summer craft collection, to do this they are inviting members of the public to attend a free drop-in workshop day, inspired by the Alice in Wonderland iconic storyline: the Mad Hatters Tea Party, celebrating its 150th Anniversary. All of the activities are to inspire the public (in particular young people) to create their own crockery designs based on a Tea Party. Surrey Open Studios artist Clare Waterhouse will be demonstrating her pottery, offering additional inspiration to the theme of the day.
The 6th June is also the start of this year’s Surrey Artists Open Studios. During studio visits; members of the public can vote for your favourite artist who could become the Surrey Artist of the Year 2015 and win a solo show at New Ashgate Gallery. The New Ashgate Gallery supports and celebrates the quality and diversity of local and nationally produced craft. The gallery wishes to raise the awareness of their services and the craft makers they represent; highlighting the unique collections of ceramics ideal for a Tea Party, in particular a unique ceramic collection.
The New Ashgate Gallery Tea Party involves four free half day workshops in local schools including South Farnham, Abbey and St Andrews schools; in additional to the free drop in activities at the New Ashgate Gallery on Saturday 6 June.
More information: The New Ashgate Gallery is a destination to view and buy the best of affordable contemporary art and craft by established and emerging artists and makers. New Ashgate is dedicated to promote and champion the best contemporary art and craft in the market place and to provide an unparalleled resource in Farnham, Surrey and beyond. The Gallery curates an exciting programme of changing exhibitions and has an affordable gift shop. As a not-for-profit charity, it also fosters emerging artists and makers through mentoring and touring exhibitions, working in partnership with organisations such as the University for the Creative Arts and the Crafts Council.
Contact: Caroline Jackman Gallery Director
New Ashgate Gallery, Waggon Yard, Farnham, GU9 7PS,
Telephone: 01252 713208,
Email: caroline.jackman@newashgate.org.uk
Website: newashgate.org.uk
Gallery Open: Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 5pm
Sasha McVeigh “I Stand Alone”
17/04/15 16:04
New album to be released 8 June 2015
Meet Sasha McVeigh. An impeccably talented country singer who has taken the US country music scene by storm.Two and a half years ago, Sasha took a two week trip to Nashville with a plan to perform a handful of shows. What resulted was two weeks of solid bookings at venues such as Tootsies Orchid Lounge, The Rutledge, The Bluebird and various others up and down Broadway. The reception she received meant Sasha subsequently returned to Nashville numerous times for extended periods in 2012 to 2014. During one of the trips, Sasha recorded her first EP made up solely of original material. Music from the acoustic EP has received airplay in the US and UK including Coast to Coast AM in the States. Sasha has also been BBC Introducing’s Artist of the Week three times.
This May, Sasha will be releasing her debut album ‘I Stand Alone’, the money for which was raised using Kickstarter, the world's largest funding platform for creative projects. The album is undoubtedly personal. A collection of songs detailing the life of a young singer/songwriter who has hit the big time in a country not her own. A fresh voice which encapsulates the meaning of ‘country music’ in every way.
The catchy ‘Someone To Break My Heart’ speaks of needing a muse in the form of a heartbreaker to use as inspiration to write a decent song. The seductively rocky ‘Hot Mess’ describes the dual personalities of each person and having the urge to do something crazy and unexpected. The delightfully trademark-country ‘Time Of My Life’ describes a fond memory of a young love which oozes happiness.
In the US, Sasha has completed two successful tours in the summers of 2013 and 2014 where she performed at some of the biggest country music festivals. In April, Sasha will embark on a co-headline tour of the UK and Ireland with American singer/songwriter Sonia Leigh.
‘I Stand Alone’ is home to a selection of endearing and charming tunes that will warm the heart of any country music fan. Sasha McVeigh is on the up and this year she’s out to prove it. "These past few years have been part of a journey, a journey that's far from over,” says Sasha. “I feel incredibly blessed for all the opportunities that continue to present themselves and for the support of my fans, friends and family. There's a lot to look forward to in 2015 and I just can't wait to get started!"
UK Tour Dates
April Co-headline tour with Sonia Leigh
08/04 London, Water Rats
09/04 Bristol, The Exchange
10/04 Basildon, Culpeppers
11/04 Nottingham, The Bodega
12/04 Glasgow, Oran Mor
13/04 Leeds, Brudenell Social Club
14/04 Leicester, The Musician
15/04 Manchester, The Roadhouse
17/04 Milton Keynes, Fort San Antone
19/04 Dublin, Whelan's Upstairs
21/04 Exeter, Phoenix
22/04 Birmingham, Hare & Hounds
May
17/05 Dartmouth, Dart Music Festival
24/05 Hay-On-Wye, Hay Festival
29/05 Worcester, SevernSounds Festival
Listen via Soundcloud here >>> soundcloud.com
Follow on Facebook here >>> www.facebook.com
Follow on Twitter here >>> @sashamcveigh
Website here>>> www.sashamcveighmusic.com
Calling all bird lovers to witness one of nature’s most beautiful spectacles
17/04/15 11:33
Dawn Chorus Walks at Leith Hill
The National Trust has a lot to celebrate this year. From the 250th anniversary of the construction of Leith Hill Tower, to one of nature’s most beautiful delights – the dawn chorus. Forming one of the highest points in the Surrey Hills, Leith Hill is a great tapestry of rich ancient woodland and open heathland, both of which entice migratory and local birds, all of whom sing to their heart’s content at this special time of year. May mornings are especially glorious at Leith Hill as dawn comes early; its sounds echoing through the beautiful rhododendron glades and bluebell-carpeted woodland. This year the National Trust is inviting guests to join them for an early start to witness this spectacle for themselves with keen ornithologist and National Trust Ranger, Sam Bayley.
Sam, Lead Ranger for Leith Hill says “Although the dawn chorus can be heard all year round, the end of April and early May is when it’s at its peak. It’s the beginning of the breeding season and our resident birds are in full song and they are joined by our returning summer visitors from Africa, all keen to stamp their claim on the variety of habitats that Leith Hill has to offer. In the Rhododendron Wood we are likely to hear and see the majority of our woodland birds such as woodpeckers, warblers, finches and thrushes, whilst up at Leith Hill Tower we may get lucky and see red kites and ravens. This time of year is very exciting for me as we wait with baited breath to see if all of our hard work over the winter months to improve habitats encourages our wildlife to thrive”.
Join Sam for a dawn chorus walk, and hot breakfast roll, on Sunday 26 April or Sunday 10 May. Both events start at 5am and last until 8am and cost £15 per person. Tickets need to be booked in advance by calling 01372 220644. Dogs on leads very welcome.
About Leith Hill
Leith Hill is the highest point in south east England and is set within the beautiful Surrey Hills. Its gothic tower rises majestically above the surrounding hills and from the top you can see sweeping views towards London in the north and the English Channel in the south. Leith Hill has been popular with visitors since the Victorian times and you can enjoy similar pastimes today but with a modern twist; visit our tower and peer through the free telescopes or follow our self-guided trails through ancient woods, the scented Rhododendron Wood and across open heathland. There’s plenty of space for family adventures and many lovely spots for picnics too. Delicious light snacks are available from our Tower’s servery. More info here >>> www.nationaltrust.org.uk
About the National Trust
The National Trust is one of the most important nature conservation organisations in Europe with over 1,000 sites covering 250,000 hectares, including coastal sites, woodland and upland areas; many of which are rich in wildlife. In Surrey alone, the National Trust looks after 5,620 hectares of land and 3,305 hectares of countryside. Find out more here >>> www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Both images Credit John Millar
Angela Lizon's Menagerie of paintings combine for a disquieting and humorous show
16/04/15 15:45
Angela Lizon revels in combining unlikely and surprising images within her paintings, and intriguing new works will be unveiled in her solo show Menagerie.
Curated by Coates and Scarry at Gallery 8, Duke Street St James, London, Menagerie opens Monday 20 April. In Menagerie, Lizon’s highly distinctive menagerie of works, cats can be seen wearing Native American headdresses, pugs sport paper doily collars, paying homage to the Jacobean neck ruff and babies cavort on the backs of ostriches.
Such juxtapositions give her familiar, well-loved and often kitsch subjects unsettling and often humorous qualities. Straightforward images of an animal or a child are completely transformed into paintings which are less sentimental, more complex, supremely unnerving and almost otherworldly.
Her placement of cheap theatrical accessories, plastic props and nylon costumes or a bold change in scale metamorphoses these diverse images of people and pets. Working originally from the kitsch, girlish imagery that could be found within her daughter’s bedroom posters, a simple magnification in scale enables a conversion from the small and innocuous into the monstrous.
This effect can be seen in the over-sized, glass-eyed guinea pigs that accompany a tiny ballet dancer in several works or the enormous overbred flat-faced cats, a motif to which the artist returns repeatedly.
Lizon’s painting process often begins with a photographic image which is subtly manipulated to achieve a specific kind of tension and the painter cites Eastern European fairy-tales and her Catholic upbringing as instrumental to the shaping, style and subject of her unique painting practice.
In particular, her images of children seem to echo the famous seventeenth-century paintings of the Spanish royal family’s children by Diego Velázquez, in their striking contrast between their youthful, cherubic faces and the absurd, over-elaborate decoration of the clothes.
In other of her recent paintings, ceramic figurines are prominent. Lizon says of these figures “These are items which are valued, treasured and sometimes reviled as expressions of personal identity, taste and class. Such ornaments are mass produced and often end their lives in charity shops. The journey from treasure to trash, and the memories within that, fascinate me.”
Lizon elevates their status by assembling tiny paintings of these figurines to resemble the large group portraits and salon-style hang of bygone eras.
Painting in oil allows Lizon to build up her paintings in layers with the finest of surface details: the liquidity of a teardrop, the soft warmth of fur, the particular smooth gloss of a ceramic glaze and the scratchy sheen of nylon. Her traditional techniques enable her to engage with art historical portraiture on a deeper level.
Chippy Coates of Coates and Scarry says “Each of Lizon’s paintings contain numerous stories and experiences, brought to the surface by the expressions, objects and costumes that are embedded within her works. They contain a clear wit and charm, counterbalanced by a creeping sense of unease.”
Menagerie - from Monday 20 April 2015 until 2 May 2015, 1100 until 1900 everyday, at Gallery 8, 8 Duke Street, St James's, London SW1Y 6BN.
www.coatesandscarry.com
Monster Returns to Brooklands Italian Car Day on Saturday 2 May
16/04/15 14:35
A fire-breathing aero-engined monster, a Formula 5000 car and hundreds of other exotics will star at Brooklands Museum’s annual Italian Car Day
Every square inch of Brooklands Museum’s 32-acre site will be crammed with Italian sports and super cars and motorcycles of all ages, each of them with that inimitable Mediterranean twist, for the 22nd Italian Car Day to have been organised at Brooklands in conjunction with Auto Italia magazine. The event, on Saturday 2nd May, is one of the biggest in the Museum’s calendar, with over 1,200 examples of Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Alfa Romeo, Lancia and Fiat cars on show.
One of the highlights on display will be the amazing ‘Il Drago Ruggente’. Built on a 1924 Delage chassis, it is powered by a 27-litre Isotta Fraschini V12 engine from a World War 2 Caproni bomber. It is owned by Glenn Billqvist, who will be bringing it from Sweden especially for this event.
Max Wakefield’s rebuilt Lola T332 will be in action on the Mercedes-Benz World circuit in the midday parades as a tribute to the former Italian female Lola and F1 racer driver Lella Lombardi, together with ‘Il Drago’ and selected Fiat 500s, Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Maseratis, Lancias and Alfa Romeos, amongst others. Later in the afternoon, the action will return to Test Hill on the Museum site.
Supporting the event this year is prominent UK Ferrari specialists Hoyle-Fox, which will be displaying a “concours” Ferrari 330 GTC and a recently restored rare right-hand drive Dino 246 GTS in the desirable ‘Chairs and Flares’ option - so called because of its Ferrari Daytona seats, widened wings and Campagnolo wheels.
Throughout the day, the Paddock in front of the Clubhouse will be reserved for especially rare and interesting cars, with an extensive trade village selling models, spares and collectibles and additional food outlets around the site ensuring no-one goes hungry or thirsty.
The Museum’s motoring and aviation displays will be open as usual, including the Concorde Experience, 4D Theatre Napier-Railton Race Experience (extra charges apply) and the F1 Simulator. Entry for this event starts at £13 for adults if purchased in advance or £16 on the day, with family tickets at £35 in advance or £40 on the day. Advance tickets are available online until April 27 from www.brooklandsmuseumshop.com and from the Museum Shop in person until May 1.
Italian cars should enter the Museum site via the Campbell Gate off Brooklands Road (with a fast access lane for ticket holders). Parking for visitors in non-Italian cars will be in The Heights off Wellington Way - please follow event signage on the day. Gates open at 8am for ticket holders and 8.30am for those paying on the day.
Ruth Langsford and her family on Family Fortunes
23/03/15 14:00
Essence magazine featured on Family Fortunes
If you saw family fortunes on Sunday 22 March on ITV you might have spotted our magazine in the Ruth Langsford family segment. Ruth appeared on our front cover back in September 2014 and one of her family can be seen reading it in their intro sequence. See the Youtube video below if you missed it at around 6 minutes.Silvermere Strength and Fitness Opening Weekend!
19/03/15 14:20
Are You Ready?
We are bridging the gap between high performance centres and the commercial gym.Bringing a results driven facility with something fresh and inspiring to Surrey.
Opening weekend 28-29th of March. Come down and be a part of the next big thing in Surrey.
Sign up HERE to take advantage of our founders membership offer.
Beaulieu’s Simply Porsche Event
18/03/15 16:33
Sunday 7 June 2015
On Sunday 7 June, Beaulieu’s popular Simply Porsche rally, held in association with The Independent Porsche Enthusiasts Club (TIPEC), will be welcoming Porsche owners to display their vehicles in the grounds of the National Motor Museum for the day.
This fantastic rally is open to all Porsche owners, with all models of the marque eligible to join the display, from the 911 to the 356, vintage to brand new. This is a great opportunity to view hundreds of Porsches, meet other like-minded enthusiasts, browse a selection of trade stands and enjoy a great day out at the Beaulieu attraction.
See the National Motor Museum’s stunning collection of over 250 vehicles, plus A Chequered History, a new display section celebrating the adrenaline-fuelled world of motor sport, devoted to two stories, Grand Prix Greats and Road, Race & Rally.
Grand Prix Greats tells the story of Grand Prix motor racing from the Edwardian pioneers through to 21st century F1 cars, exploring the engineering excellence of these phenomenal machines and the men who drove them to their limit. Road, Race & Rally features competition cars from many different disciplines displayed alongside historic road-going sports cars and honours the courage of their fearless drivers.
As with all Simply Rallies, visitors to Beaulieu on the day of the event will be invited to vote for their favourite vehicle in the People’s Choice Awards. The owner of the winning car will receive a Beaulieu Trophy in an afternoon presentation ceremony and will be given the opportunity to lead a cavalcade of Porsches through the attraction.
For entrants arriving in a Porsche and joining the event in the Beaulieu grounds, entry prices are adult £10 and child £5. Tickets are available to purchase on the day or in advance by telephone on 01590 612888 or online at www.beaulieushop.co.uk. For all Porsche-related trade stand enquiries, telephone 01590 614614. All other visitors should enter Beaulieu via the Admissions Hall at normal Beaulieu attraction admission prices.
Entry into the Beaulieu parkland with your Porsche is from 9.30am with catering available in the Brabazon Restaurant. Admission to the event includes entry to the whole Beaulieu attraction including World of Top Gear and On Screen Cars. Visit Palace House, home of the Montagu family since 1538, enjoy the peaceful serenity of 13th century Beaulieu Abbey and explore the grounds with a ride on the high-level monorail or open-topped veteran bus.
Simply Porsche is part of Beaulieu’s calendar of Simply events, which includes a wide variety of themes covering a range of makes and models.
For more information please visit www.beaulieuevents.co.uk or join the conversation with @Beaulieu_Hants on Twitter using #simplyporsche.
Following Foxes are set for the imminent release of their self-titled debut EP
03/03/15 17:00
Founded in Guildford, Following Foxes are set for the imminent release of their self-titled debut EP.
Coming off the back of a bunch of local radio play, an array of vibrant shows and an inventive music video this release will cement the expressive four piece’s place as a top emerging talent in the British rock scene.
“Whether you’re looking for a great summer song or a bunch of young hotshots to sign, stop here and think about this.”
Lead singer/guitarist Gid Sedgwick, bassist Mike Chapman, guitarist Alex Hill and drummer Steve Price blend the easiness of cheerful summer vibes with tenacious rhythms and heartfelt vocals, the perfect treat for every pop, indie, folk and rock fan’s ears. With a rainbow of influences including Biffy Clyro, City and Colour and progressive pioneers Pink Floyd, Following Foxes have it all covered from emotive, insightful lyrics to raw rocking groove.
“Mother Brother, Following Foxes’ second single, lives up to expectations effortlessly”
The young four-piece ventured onto the live scene in 2014. Sharing stages with fellow talent – Winters Island, Yearbook and Cavalier, they quickly made a name for themselves across popular local venues with their well-crafted and spirited stage presence. After a selection of shows in London, including a performance at the prestigious Metropolis studios, it wasn’t long before they were picked up by local radio stations Eagle FM, Kane FM, Radio Woking and Radio Warwick, earning a spot on the station’s playlists as well as a few interviews along the way. The band also found themselves with repeated appearances and an interview on BBC Introducing,
Following Foxes are ready to take the UK by storm with their fresh combination of warming choruses, catchy hooks and edgy riffs, and if you don’t believe us, here are a few words from people who would most definitely agree.
“Tunes like this make me proud to live in Guildford.”
Website: www.followingfoxes.com
Youtube channel: www.youtube.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/FollowingFoxes
Oakley Hall Hotel Offers
27/02/15 15:32
Join our Glasshouse Dining Club
By 31st March for your chance to win a Romantic Getaway...
All new Glasshouse Dining Club members will be entered into our free prize draw – one lucky person will WIN a luxury Romantic Getaway to enjoy with their loved one!
The winner will get a one night Dinner, Bed & Breakfast Stay for two people, with 1Ž2 bottle of champagne in their bedroom on arrival, traditional Afternoon Tea, and 3 course dinner in our 2 AA Rosette Glasshouse Restaurant. Before enjoying a good night’s sleep in one of our exquisite bedrooms – followed by a delicious full English Breakfast the following morning.
It’s absolutely free to join the Glasshouse Dining Club and you will be able to enjoy 10% off your restaurant bill all year round*, as well as hearing about special offers before anyone else.
JOIN AND ENTER
Wedding Fayre - Sunday 1st March
Meet over 50 wedding suppliers and view our new Garden Suite...
Enjoy lunch in our stunning Glasshouse Restaurant or make a day of it with a Champagne Afternoon Tea.
Free admission
FIND OUT MORE
If you know somebody getting married or still looking for a venue - please feel free to pass this invitation on!
Easter is just around the corner!
Indulge with a delicious Easter Sunday Lunch from £35 per person
Why not join family and friends on Sunday 5th April for a traditional three course Easter Sunday Lunch or Afternoon Tea complete with a FREE chocolate Easter Egg for all the children.
Lunch is served between 12 - 2pm at £35 per adult and £14.95 per child.
Afternoon Tea between 3 - 5pm at £22.95 per adult and £9.95 per child.
VIEW OUR MENUS
BOOK BY EMAIL
Or call 01256 783350
Ah, if only the weekend could be longer?
Enjoy a very Lazy Sunday from just £64.50 per person
Weekends are never long enough! Well now with our amazing Lazy Sunday stay offer you can make your weekend last that little bit longer. Finish off your weekend with a relaxing three course Dinner, Bed & Breakfast stay in one of our luxury bedrooms - the perfect way to put off Monday morning!
Join us on any Sunday and stay in either our courtyard or brand new main house bedrooms, from just £129 per night in a Deluxe Room.
Book your Lazy Sunday Stay online
Or call 01256 783350
Executive Bedrooms, Courtyard Suites and Four Poster Suites are also available. See the full offer details.
Taste Sensation Sunday
27/02/15 14:03
TASTE SENSATION SUNDAY
Treat your taste buds to a truly splendid gastronomic experience by visiting ‘Taste’, an exciting new food and crafts festival hosted by King Edward’s School in Witley.
The event is being run by seasoned event organisers Splendid Fairs and Festivals and is free to members of the general public. ‘Taste’ will see the School’s exhibition hall transformed into a bustling food market, showcasing the very best culinary delights produced by locally sourced producers. From scrumptious sushi to award winning curry sauces and pickles, from perfect pizzas to artisan breads and pastries, the list of delicious gourmet goodies on display is endless - and even if you don’t buy, you certainly won’t go home hungry after visiting the wide range of exhibitors! The festival will also include an array of stalls featuring local crafts.
Exhibitors include:
The Tinderbox – Woodfire pizza
Flax & Mallow – Country garden gifts and accessories
Let’s Sushi – Packed sushi and sushi ingredients
RSPB – Conservation work
ollo foods – Award winning curry sauces and pickles, Indian street food
Jenny Robbins – Handmade fused glass pieces, pendants, dishes, platters and bowls
Chalk Hill Bakery – Artisan breads and pastries
Chilli Jam Factory – Chilli jams, chutneys and traditional / unusual jams
Taste of Vietnam – Offering delicious traditional cuisine from Vietnam
Spotted Beetroot Designs – Handmade jewellery
Dulci Bella Marshamallows – Handmade handpiped marshmallows and lollipops
Bee Cosmetics – Honey, honey fudge and natural skin care products made from beeswax and honey, beeswax candles and polish
Cocoa Antics – Hot chocolate spoons
My Secret Kitchen – ‘secret’ products to transform any meal
Garlic Wood Farm – Serving steak burgers, rare breed pork and herb sausages
Jimmy Ginger’s Fine Chillies – Savour the hottest tastes in town
Podgy Pieman – pick of the finest pies and sausage rolls
Riverford Home Delivery – Organic vegetables, fruit and meat delivered directly to your door
The Ice Cream Bike – Cool down with the ultimate iced treat
Sugarush – selection of sweet treats
The Art of Curry – Freshly cooked artisan curry sauces
Taste is open from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm on Sunday 22 March. Ample free parking is also available.
For further details contact info@splendidoccasions.co.uk or marketing@kesw.org.
Treat your mother at Watts Gallery
27/02/15 11:33
Treat your mother at Watts Gallery, an Artists’ Village – Sunday 15 March
Visit Watts Gallery this Mother’s Day and see the sumptuous new exhibition, Liberating Fashion: Aesthetic Dress in Victorian Portraits, featuring exquisite portraits by G F Watts, Frederic Leighton, Edward Burne-Jones, Lawrence Alma-Tadema, James Tissot and many more.
Treat your mother to a delicious cream tea with freshly made scones and local clotted cream and jam or chose from a wide selection of cakes and hot food in the Watts Gallery Tea Shop, rated 4 out of 5 stars on Trip Advisor.
All mothers can also enjoy 10% off in the Shop on Mothering Sunday. Chose from a range of unique gifts and exclusive Watts Gallery products.
Address: Watts Gallery, Down Lane, Compton, Guildford, Surrey, GU3 1DQ
Telephone: 01483 810 235
Email: info@wattsgallery.org.uk
Watts Gallery is a company limited by guarantee (company number 6147572) Registered office as above. Registered Charity Number: 313612 VAT Reg. No. 924 8349 02
The ABBA REUNION Tribute Show
27/02/15 09:01
CAMBERLEY – Camberley Theatre Saturday 7 March 2015
From the Director, Producer and Choreographer of the Award Winning ‘Abba Mania’ Musical Starring the original ‘Frida’ from London’s West End!
Following a 4 month run in London’s West End, Strand Theatre in 2001 and successful International tours selling out theatres, stadiums and concert halls, this award winning, critically acclaimed Abba Tribute performer, producer, choreographer and director together with The Reunion Group, created “The ABBA REUNION Tribute Show”.
The 4 real members of ABBA have been saying for years that they will never reform so with this in mind the producers ( The Reunion Group ) decided that they would give the fans the next best thing! Not just another ABBA Tribute band.
Now in it's 10th year, the show has become Internationally recognized as one of the top world-class authentic ABBA experiences, not to be missed!
They have toured and sold out numerous prestigious UK theatres, plus India, Norway, France, Holland, Sweden with, East Africa, Latvia, Belgium, Germany, and Australia in place for 2015/2016
“The Abba Reunion Tribute Show” gives Abba fans, old and new, the opportunity to once again get together and re-live the addictive Abba phenomena that swept the airwaves and discos during the 70’s and 80’s in a truly feel good party style concert. From Mamma Mia to Dancing Queen, all of the hits are performed with unrivalled authenticity from both an audio and visual perspective complete with live band. There is a huge focus on the 1977 and 1979 live world tour footage plus the iconic pop video looks that feature the famous flamboyant costumes and dance moves.
This year sees a jaw dropping recreation finale of the Euro vision winning song, Waterloo.
Visually, the performers are transformed into the famous four Abba members, Agnetha, Benny, Bjorn and Anni- Frid ( Frida) by using top of the range professionally made wigs, make-up and hand made replica costumes. Each character has been studied by means of video clips, both live and studio performance, to mimic the movements and mannerisms enabling a more true to life presentation of how Abba really were.
Meticulous scrutiny and strict vocal tutoring have been applied to recreating the voices of Abba, especially the major differentiating qualities of the 2 female voices of Agnetha and Frida, who together, make the legendary Abba sound. From a musical stand point, again, careful attention to detail has been employed to create the complete Abba facsimile using only professional industry musicians.
In such a hugely over saturated Abba tribute market, quality, commitment, reputation and professionalism are of major importance when booking to see a show. With these factors in mind you can be totally assured that this band perform their superb replica concert show to the highest standards possible, making them ‘better than their rivals Bjorn Again’, Express and Star.
Tickets for The ABBA REUNION Tribute Show are available from Camberley Theatre
Box Office No: 01276 707600
Website: www.camberleytheatre.biz
2015 Shere Hill Climb Entries Open
20/02/15 11:11
Shere Hill Climb takes place on 6 September 2015 and entries open on 1 March
The event takes place on a closed public road in the Surrey Hills, four miles from Guildford. Although only in its third year it’s already become one for the diary for anyone with the slightest interest in cars.
The organisers are looking for interesting cars that you rarely see on the roads these days, they don’t necessarily need to be valuable The car and driver must be road legal but no competition licence or preparation is required. There are only 135 spaces available, last year’s entry was heavily oversubscribed with many rare and exotic cars, ranging from a 1907 aero engine Berliet to a bright green two week old Lamborghini Aventador. You can get the flavour of the event from the videos and photos of previous years posted on their web site.
The cost of an entry is only £65 per car, with details and entry form available at www.sherehillclimb.co.uk
The hill climb course ascends by 300 feet over a distance of nearly a mile with a series of challenging corners along the route. There are panoramic views across the Surrey countryside, London and the Wembley Arch can be seen in the distance. Around four thousand spectators are expected, so if you don’t fancy taking part but would like to watch the action, the event kicks off at 9.30am. The event raises money for seven local charities. Last year, the event raised an impressive £13,000, the organisers hope to beat that figure this year.
For further details please contact Esmond Foster
Email: info@sherehillclimb.co.uk
Tel: 07901598871
Miel de Botton ‘Magnetic’
20/02/15 09:15
Debut album release March 9 2015
On this, her debut album, Swiss-born, London-based Miel de Botton presents a collection of deeply personal songs, in English and French, and breathes new life into her beloved chansons (Jacque Brel et al) with sensitive interpretations and innovative arrangements. Produced by Andy Wright (Simply Red, Eurythmics, Jeff Beck, Imelda May) at Abbey Road, South West Studios and State Of The Ark Studios, ‘Magnetic’ is presented on two discs and is the sensuous, exultant sound of a woman who is finally following her path; a woman just hitting her stride.
With coverage in the Evening Standard, You Magazine and The Telegraph, Miel’s music and story is starting to spread, and fast. Her first headline performance at Chelsea’s infamous The Pheasantry in November 2014 sold out, she was invited to be a special guest singing with the Jerusalem Youth Chorus at the Aldwych Theatre on their December UK Tour and played a special acoustic set at the Chelsea & Westminster Hospital as part of their healing arts programme. Miel will return to the stage on January 27th when she performs a sold out show at The Purcell Room on London’s Southbank. Promising an evening that will take the audience on a trip of passion, sensuality and romance, Miel will also be joined by some very special guests from the worlds of dance and music.
Listen to Miel de Botton - Magnetic HERE
Listen to Miel de Botton - Magnetique HERE
Miel is clearly a woman who loves passionately and she expresses this in her songs; she dreams of a kiss from a stranger in her “dark nights” in ‘Embrasse Moi’. The charming acoustic ’Vivement la Joie’ is a burst of carefree happiness, Miel sounding like a footloose Vanessa Paradis. “It’s a poem I wrote to cheer myself up – a tiny ode to joy!”
An excruciatingly painful love story becomes ‘Beautiful You’ (“Don’t tell me that it was only a lie/I know what I saw…”), and that lost desire is also expressed in ‘Something More’. Despite all this unrequited longing, she is full of hope that things will turn out well and she believes her songs are about finding a way to heal from past pain. ‘Forest Prayer’ and ‘Dazzle Me Diamond’ are heart reaching songs about sensuality and love and the joy to be found in our lives. ‘Dazzle Me Diamond’ really is about diamonds – but this synth-heavy track is mystical too, expressing a longing to be in the presence of their strength, clarity and purity. “I need your rainbow lights to reach the dark corners of my mind.”
The majestically bare, Morricone-esque mantra ‘Bad Men’ is many a woman’s rallying cry, slowly stripping layers off those debonair men who talk about forever but can’t seem to follow through. This honest song explores the pain and pathos that underlies such relationships. With her title song, ‘Magnetic’, she talks of making her “voice become audible”, of not being “left to lie in the dark”. This is an epic ballad, almost a desiderata, in which she asks to be attracted magnetically to a beautiful life.
Mixing maturity and youth, this is a woman flexing her muscles, making life make sense. As she says, “I’m experiencing a depth of fulfilment I have never known.”
For more information please contact Republic Media
Email: info@republicmedia.net
Tel: 020 3213 0135
Whats on at the Riverhouse Arts Centre
19/02/15 10:01
Whats on at the Riverhouse Arts Centre
There's a real treat for Jazz fans tomorrow, Friday, because the acclaimed Trish Clowes Quintet comes to Riverhouse featuring award winning pianist Gwilym Simcock, whom many of you will have heard perform in his solo concert last Autumn.
On Saturday afternoon, Poet Wendy Cope joins us for afternoon tea, readings, book signing and a Q and A. We are also excited to welcome Piers Lane as our next International Piano Series performer on February 28 so book now!
Join us for our first Story Story Night on March 6. It's the latest craze in storytelling for Adults. We will have a line up of fascinating experienced Storytellers in the first half (details below) and then open mic after the interval. Tickets for this stimulating evening are just £5! For the Kids, we have Lucky Dip Disco this Sunday 22nd. Our next Story Cafe 'Farmer Duck' March 1 at 3pm and book now for our fun packed Easter Show Signor Baffo's Restaurant on April 4. Simon Heath has been 'cartooning the cafe'. Come and see what he has created with children (and adults) attending his free workshops. His last day is Friday, so you can still get involved.
Riverhouse Arts Centre: Manor Road, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey KT12 2PF
Email: arts@riverhousebarn.co.uk
Box Office: 01932 25335
Website: www.riverhousebarn.co.uk
Guys and Dolls at King Edward's Witley
16/02/15 14:12
Guys and Dolls - a musical fable of Broadway by Damon Runyon with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser, which is the School’s major production this academic year.
The production features significant collaboration between the performing arts departments of Drama, Dance and Music and involves more than 50 pupils, ranging from 13 to 17 years old. The musical nature of this production allows access to a range of performance styles and pupils are benefiting from working alongside professional choreographers during rehearsals.
The obsessive gamblers of New York congregate to mount an all-time monumental dice game on which everything hangs for desperate Nathan Detroit and suave Sky Masterson, will wily Detective Brannigan of the New York Police Department, the mob and a host of girlfriends from the ‘Hot Box’ cabaret get in the way? Find out by joining us for one of our performances.
Tickets are £5.00 per adult and £2.50 for concessions available through the Box Office. Contact boxoffice@kesw.org or telephone 01428 686 700.
Cranleigh Show’s new June date is looking good
16/02/15 12:59
Cranleigh Show will be held on the Summer Solstice, June 21, this year, in a radical move away from its traditional August slot.
The change was prompted by the increasingly crowded late summer calendar, with a host of conflicting public and sporting events, including the huge RideLondon 2015 cycle race. The new June date is already looking to be a good choice as competitors and traders have responded with enthusiasm.
Laura Goldsmith from Rudgwick, who shows her Ryeland sheep at Cranleigh, said June was a much better date for families who often were on holiday in August, and for farmers who needed to harvest their fodder crops.
“And it is brilliant that the show has moved back to a Sunday,” she said, “As it enables people to have Saturday to prepare their animals for the show ring.”
Top arena billing this year is shared by two nail-biting entertainments - scurry racing, a first for Cranleigh, and Dylan’s Stuntworld –motorcycle aerobatics back by popular request. Scurry racing is a high speed, exhilarating, fiercely competitive sport, in which pairs of feisty ponies harnessed to a four wheel scurry carriage gallop against the clock through an obstacle course.
James Dylan’s motorcycle stunt repertoire is even more hair-raising as his team-mates egg each other on to more and more gravity defying flights – hanging on by just the handlebars.
Cranleigh Show is a traditional agricultural show, so it is a great way to see immaculately presented cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and poultry. And it is one of the most family friendly shows in the area, with loads of activities and entertainment for young and old.
The Countryside Arena celebrates the Dog! Richard Curtis is bringing his Dancing Dogs while the Warrenby Gun Dog team will demonstrate the consummate obedience of working dogs. Bring the family dog to have a go at Racing Lurchers, Dog Agility and the Companion Dog Show.
Don’t miss out discounts are available for early bookings. Go to www.cranleighshow.co.uk
‘Do Not Be Afraid’
11/02/15 10:15
‘Do Not Be Afraid’ Art Exhibition Opens at Guildford Cathedral in time for Lent
Catherine Clancy’s work inspired by great poets and hope
Guildford, 17 February – 6 April 2015: Artist Catherine Clancy is holding an exhibition in Guildford Cathedral titled, “Do Not Be Afraid”. Her evocative abstract paintings and impressive sculptures are the culmination of a year’s work, which form this ground-breaking exhibition. The work is timely; as people prepare for a period of abstinence Clancy mirrors in image what is felt in the heart.
Clancy speaking ahead of the exhibition said: “All of us in our lives face dark times, from the loss of a loved one, to the loss of a relationship, or health and financial problems. My work looks at how we face down these fears, how we have to go through the dark to emerge into the light. Ultimately this is a journey about the return of the spirit after desolation and despair”.
Clancy has chosen the title ‘Do Not Be Afraid’ as reference to the visitation of the Angel Gabriel to Mary during the Annunciation. She wishes to illuminate Mary’s ability to say ‘yes’ when truly scared. The title also refers to a more recent example of bravery when the poet Seamus Heaney said: ‘Noli Timere’ – ‘Do not be afraid’ as a last gift of love and reassurance, to his wife as he passed away. In response to, and in support of the exhibition, a series of lectures will be given at the Cathedral over Lent, exploring the same title, “Do not be afraid”.
The exhibition’s opening work takes inspiration from Eliot’s poem the ‘The Four Quartets’, beginning with despair where all seems lost, to a spiritual awakening. Clancy is also influenced by other poets such as Robert Graves, Robin Robertson and the writings of some of world’s great philosophers, charting the journey from darkness to a more hopeful place. This triumphant moment is beautifully captured by her painting ‘A Blinding Brightness.’
Clancy’s work is profound and will arrest the soul. Her use of oil and colour is stunning. The well-known Irish philosopher Richard Kearney commenting on Clancy’s work in her catalogue said: “Beautiful images and hugely moving text”.
Catherine Clancy works as both a painter and a sculptor. Catherine holds a PhD in Philosophy and Fine Art from University of the Arts London. Prior to this she studied at Central St. Martins. The exhibition opens at Guildford Cathedral on 17th February 2015 and runs for seven weeks. The opening times are from Monday to Saturday 9.30am – 4.30pm
For more information contact: Catherine Clancy – Artist
Email: catherineclancy@me.com
Telephone: 07903 354278
Website: www.catherineclancy.co.uk