VantagePoint Magazine Dorking & Villages - February 2015

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vantagepointmag.co.uk Dorking & Villages • February 2015

MAGAZINE

Greenhouse Gardening

A scrape from another driver’s parking error? A vandal scratch on the paint work? Or maybe you have misjudged a gateway, brushed a kerb with an alloy wheel, or scuffed a bumper corner?

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3 February 2015

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Vantage Publishing Limited2 Chestnut Suite, Guardian House,

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

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

Please visit our website or contact any of us below if you need any more information.

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Nick and Angie [email protected]

A scrape from another driver’s parking error? A vandal scratch on the paint work? Or maybe you have misjudged a gateway, brushed a kerb with an alloy wheel, or scuffed a bumper corner?

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

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

Have you ever returned to your car and found it has been damaged?Maybe a small, but annoying dent, caused by a door being opened against it?

T: 01483 608110 / 07967 778232www.smart-pro.co.uk

Bumper Scuff Repairs Dent Removal Paintwork Scratches & Chips

Alloy Wheel ScuffsThe local magazine produced by local

people for the local community,

Stefan ReynoldsEditor & Publisher

Contact the editor: [email protected]

Humphrey writes...It is offi cial - I am now a celebrity. I was walking in Godalming with him indoors (he is the one whose picture has been relegated below mine to the right) the week aft er Christmas and I was cheeringly accosted in the street, having been recognised from this magazine. What fame! As quite the most recognisable person on the team, I have been asked to be the new face of VantagePoint, at least this month. Woof!

I have suggested to the powers that be that there is not much in the magazine about dogs, or indeed other pets. So look out to see if that gets addressed in future issues, although I’m going to have to draw the editorial line at cats. Perhaps you, the reader, would like to send in your requests for topics and arti cles that you’d like to see covered? If so, you should [email protected] and let us know.

Having said that, I am now worried that our ‘Gog’ will pick dogs as his next subject. Except you love us, right? Unlike cyclists it would seem, if the postbag from last month is anything to go by...

The more observant reader might noti ce that we have moved offi ce - all the way from 6 Chestnut Suite to the rather larger 2 Chestnut Suite. This means that I now have much more space to lounge around and the run of the whole offi ce, which is lovely given the rate I am growing. As an added bonus, I think the new staff also have more room, which I am sure they appreciate.

Finally, I have been asked to menti on that the answers to the Christmas Quiz are now online at www.vantagepointmag.co.uk together with the winners’ names.

HumphreyChairdog

Contributors: Nick Farley, Andy Goundry, Penny Kitchen, Beth Otway

Print: Buxton Press

Cover: The Bicentenary Glasshouse at Wisley

4 vantagepointmag.co.uk

CONTENTS

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

The contents of this magazine are protected by copyright and nothing can be reprinted without prior

6 Jottings Your local community noticeboard

8 King Potato Nick Farley on the humble spud

14 Greenhouse Gardening

Hints and tips

18 Children’s London for Free Some ideas for February half-term

22 Dennis Brothers Britain’s oldest vehicle manufacturer

30 Garden Some tasks for February

32 Food Pancakes with a difference

35 Profi le Surrey Hills Society

36 Walk Albury Downs and St Martha’s Hill

38 Business Cards Small ads for trades and services

39 Win Enter our competitions

14 32

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Next Copy Date: 10th February 2015

Jottings is your community noticeboard for local events and information, edited by Nick and Angie CrisellTo feature here, please email us at [email protected]

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Next Copy Date: 9th February 2015

The fi rst thing I must menti on is that next month Angie and I are handing over the task of writi ng the jotti ngs to our esteemed editor Stefan. We are off for a holiday to grab some winter sunshine and rather than try to telegraph back our scribblings he has kindly off ered to take over for the March editi on. This can go one of two ways; we’ll either be welcomed back with open arms or he’ll say it’s a doddle and wonder why he hasn’t always done it himself. Watch this space!

Polesden Lacey are throwing open the doors of their Edwardian mansion house and inviti ng visitors to enjoy Glorious Glimpse tours at weekends in February. Many historic houses are closed to visitors during the winter, taking the ti me to carry out a vigorous cleaning schedule and other vital conservati on work. Polesden, however, is encouraging visitors to take advantage of their winter opening ti mes as a chance to see the conservati on work in acti on. The annual cleaning of the magnifi cent chandelier in the gold room is parti cularly popular with visitors. This year the chandelier, which boasts 4000 crystals, will be cleaned throughout the week of 13th-17th of April. Tours take place every 20 minutes between 11am and 3pm and last for 45 minutes. They’re led by Polesden Lacey volunteers, who convey a wealth of knowledge about the house, its rich collecti on of art and anti ques, and the infamous Mrs Greville who owned the house in the early 20th century. Visitors can choose from a variety of tour themes to discover diff erent aspects of the house in more detail. One tour enti tled ‘A Delicious House’ explains Polesden’s history as a party house at the centre of Edwardian society and why it was a

hotbed of salacious gossip. There are also interacti ve family tours, designed to engage younger visitors in the history of the house. On the ‘Terrifi c Treasures’ tour, younger guests are given magnifying glasses to examine the collecti on’s most fabulous artefacts in bett er detail, including a diamond-studded bookmark and a Roman sarcophagus. Family tours take place at 11.40am, 1.20 and 2.20pm. Glorious Glimpse house tours take place at Polesden Lacey on Saturdays and Sundays throughout February. For more informati on call 01372 452048 or visit www.nati onaltrust.org.uk/polesdenlacey.

The Abinger Lecture Society holds monthly meeti ngs with speakers giving presentati ons oft en with stunning photographs on a wide variety of subjects. The next meeti ng is on Monday 2nd February when the subject is ‘The White Rajahs of Sarawak’. The following one is on Monday 2nd March and is on ‘Egypti an Temples’. The talks are held in Abinger Village Hall at 7.30pm. Contact Michael Crane for further details, cranem@bti nternet.com or just pop along on the night.

This year Dorking Walkers conti nue their weekly walks which started last month. All the walks are about 4 miles and usually take 2 hours. This includes a short break halfway to scoff an apple or some other tasty morsel to recharge energy levels. They are meeti ng at the following car parks at 10am on the dates listed. 3rd/5th February Betchworth Church car park; 10th/12th February A25 end of Flanchford Road (dead end) or Black Horse CP (if lunching); 24th/26th February public car park behind St Mary’s Church off A246 West Horsley; 3rd/5th March Ryka’s

- YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD 11>Jottings

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There is much talk today about how fruit and vegetables will taste much bett er if you grow them yourself and, bett er sti ll, if you grow them ‘organically’, rather than buy them from a su-permarket or greengrocer. That’s not really a debate that I wish to get drawn into except to say that I learnt from my father at a very ear-ly age that the only thing that matt ers when it comes to the taste of fruit or vegetables is the variety of the parti cular fruit or vegetable that you’re eati ng. The taste and fl avour comes from the vegetable’s genes. Some taste bett er than others and growing them yourself is not going to change their fl avour. My father was wise in the ways of fruit and veg. He was the buyer for a very big fruit and veg wholesaler who not only supplied the big London vegetable markets but also every kind of outlet from the best London hotels and restaurants to The Royal Navy at Chatham and hundreds of schools in Kent.

A commercial grower’s requirements are diff er-ent from ours and this was never bett er illus-trated than with the tomato called ‘Moneymak-er’, which in the 1960s was practi cally all you could buy in the shops. The clue to its breeding lies in its unashamedly venal name: it was bred to please the commercial growers who wanted a heavy cropper with a skin like a shoe sole so that it didn’t get damaged in transit, and they wanted it to look good too. Taste was not a requirement and consequently it had no taste. None. It was just a good looking red container for water. Even if it had

been grown to perfecti on by The Angel Gabriel it would sti ll have tasted of absolutely nothing.

However, you can certainly make a diff erence by growing your own, not because you will grow things bett er than the farmer, because you probably won’t, but because you can choose the varieti es you want to grow. You can choose the best varieti es, you can avoid the ‘Moneymakers’ of this world and grow the tasti est varieti es which are either diffi cult or impossible to buy in the supermarket. This is parti cularly true in the wonderful world of the potato.

I am an unashamed potato-ist and I get a litt le peeved when peo-ple speak dismissively of the “humble” potato; the potato is far from humble. The potato is the king of vegetables. It is a vegeta-ble of infi nite culinary range and possibility. No other vegetable can be successfully cooked in so many diff erent ways. No other vegetable is considered to be an essenti al component of virtually every main course meal. Indeed, in the clichéd ‘meat and two veg’ the potato is not actually menti oned because it is automat-ically assumed to be present; it is not one of the two (implicitly lesser) vegetables. Meat and two veg actually means meat and potato and two veg. It simply goes without saying that potatoes will be part of the meal. If you were served meat with just car-rots and cabbage you would ask “Where are the potatoes?” The potato is far too important to be thought of as mere ‘veg’.

Choosing the right potato for a meal makes a huge dif-ference. When did you ever hear any of those TV chefs name the variety of potato they are using for a parti c-

ular dish? Do they assume it doesn’t mat-ter? Potatoes are specialists: some, if you like, are batsmen and others are bowlers; some are sopranos and others are basses. They really are that diff erent. Some pota-

toes are great for mashing, some for roasti ng or chipping and some for salads. Some have fl a-

vour and some don’t. The texture and the tastes

King Potato

Roast Mayan Gold

Nick Farley takes a look at the humble spud

9 February 2015

vary hugely. It is true that there are some potatoes that claim to be ‘all-rounders’ and are good for everything but since the char-acteristi cs needed for mashing and roasti ng are rather diff erent I don’t really see how this can be the case. Although I admit that there are one or two uti litarian varieti es that make a passable fi st of doing several jobs. But why make a passable fi st of some-thing when you can do it superbly?

Whilst it is, of course, possible to grow your own potatoes it simply isn’t realisti c to grow several varieti es and, much more importantly, it is defi nitely impossible to keep them in good con-diti on for any length of ti me aft er harvesti ng. Believe me, I’ve tried. Potatoes need to be kept in the dark and to be stored at the right temperature. Just chucking them in a sack in your shed is not going to do it. Fortunately for me, a potato lovers potato heaven exists just outside Tenterden, Kent in the form of The Po-tato Shop, a place where the potato is not humble and where it is rightf ully lauded. When I fi rst encountered the place I couldn’t believe that there was actually a shop devoted to potatoes. It’s not that long ago when a King Edward was one of the very few named varieti es of potato available to us. Many places simply called potatoes ‘reds’ or ‘whites’. Today at The Potato Shop you will fi nd all the usual well-known varieti es such as the ubiqui-tous King Edward, Désirée and Wilja, but it’s their range of the uncommon and unusual varieti es like Vitelott e, Mayan Gold and Pink Fir Apple that make the place so att racti ve to me. It’s not possible here to list and describe every potato they grow, the list is long, but I must menti on a couple of my favourites.

I had long held the view that far and away the best roasti ng pota-to is the old Victorian variety Golden Wonder (the one the crisps were named aft er) unti l, that is, Nicki Crawley, at the Shop, intro-duced me to Mayan Gold. Golden Wonder is unquesti onably a roaster par excellence but Mayan Gold pips it I think. You simply must try Mayan Gold, but don’t par-boil for too long – it falls apart very quickly and suddenly. If you want to impress every-one at Sunday lunch with your magnifi cent roast potatoes this is the potato to do it, but don’t try them for anything other than roasti ng or chipping.

Many years ago in the early 1970s I read about a very old po-tato called Pink Fir Apple and I tried to track it down. However it was quite impossible to get seed then. It had virtually dis-appeared from culture because of a virus which had infected all existi ng stock, but eventually new propagati on techniques enabled clean stock to be produced and now this wonderful potato is well known. The Potato Shop has it, of course, and they believe that they are the biggest grower of this special potato in the country and it is their best seller. It’s a knobbly old thing, the Pink Fir Apple, and that is why most people tend not peel it, in fact not peeling potatoes is becoming de rigueur. I am decidedly a peeler. I always peel potatoes, but each to his own I suppose. Anyway, Pink Fir Apple is one of those waxy varieti es that make wonderful salad potatoes and as this variety holds well it is also excellent as a simple boiled potato with good tex-ture and great fl avour.

Right - clockwise from top left : Vitelott e; Mayan Gold; La Ratt e; Pink Fir Apple

For more details about The Potato Shop, please visit www.thepotatoshop.com. They do sell by mail order, please call 01580 766866 or email [email protected] for further details.

FIND OUT MORE

Another potato which I didn’t know unti l Nicki gave me some to try is a 200 year old French variety called Vitelott e. This has a dark purple skin and unlike some potatoes with coloured skins its fl esh is also coloured and retains its colour when cooked. This looks spectacular in a salad and it makes the most wonderful mash too. However, I can understand that not every-one wants purple mash! In any case the reason to try it is not because of its colour but simply because it tastes good, although there will be occasions when you can capitalise on its colour for some culinary visual eff ect too.

Some of these potatoes are not heavy crop-pers and some are more diffi cult to grow and to keep than the more commonly grown com-mercial varieti es and this consequently, and un-derstandably, means that they will cost more. But in just the same way that we are prepared to pay a premium for the best cheese, meat or wine so we must expect to pay more for the best potatoes. They are defi nitely worth it.

Gone are the days when potatoes were adver-ti sed simply as ‘reds’ or ‘whites’ and I urge you to take advantage of the amazing choice that exists out there. You will fi nd that Edward is not the only Majesti c potato.

Roast Mayan Gold


A new nati onal event is coming to Surrey which promises to keep the whole family entertained this summer - the UK’s fi rst family festi val of sport, fi tness, dance and health.

With over 75 acti viti es to try, coaching sessions with sporti ng legends and live music, GoFest is a truly unique, three day festi val. Taking place 10th-12th July at Surrey Sports Park, the festi val promises to off er an acti on-packed weekend. With numerous specialist zones including GoBike, GoCompete, GoSplash, GoChill, GoFuel and GoStrut there will be plenty of acti viti es and entertainment for everyone and you never know, you might just fi nd you have a hidden talent for some of them.

Stars from the sporti ng world are already backing the festi val including football legend, Kevin Keegan and Olympic swimmer, Sharron Davies, who both offi cially launched the event recently. Commenti ng on the range of sports and acti viti es on off er, Kevin Keegan, OBE said: “At a ti me when we really need to encourage people to get more acti ve, GoFest provides a brilliant opportunity for families to come together and try something new in a fun environment full of enthusiasti c experts.”

Olympic Silver Medallist, Sharron Davies MBE is looking forward to spending ti me with her family at GoFest. “As a mother of three I’m incredibly keen on fi nding sports and acti viti es that the whole family can enjoy. That’s why GoFest is the perfect choice for my family - we can get competi ti ve in the races but also just give acti viti es a go that we wouldn’t usually have the chance to try. ” It is hoped that 15,000 people will visit GoFest, with camping and free shutt le busses available nearby to give the weekend a true festi val feel.

The brain child of local entrepreneur Paul Farris, the festi val was created to encourage families to spend quality ti me together whilst getti ng acti ve and trying new sports. Farris said: “We’re thrilled to launch our fi rst festi val in Surrey and encourage families from across the region to ‘have a go’ at as many sports and acti viti es as possible at GoFest 2015.”

Also backed by local father Roger Black, GoFest has teamed up with charity partners, Macmillan and SportsAid, donati ng a signifi cant proporti on of ti cket sales to each charity. So don’t miss out, secure your ti ckets now at www.gofest.co.uk/ti ckets.

INTRODUCING – GOFEST!10th-12th July 2015 at Surrey Sports Park, Guildford.

What’s on offer at GoFest?GoBike - BMX displays, spinning classes, cycling Sporti v, mountain bike course, it’s cycling heaven!GoKids - A specialist zone for 5 to 11 year olds and the perfect opportunity for kids to let off steam.GoCompete – The place to become a GoFest champion at a variety of sports. Tournaments, races plus Kevin Keegan with his fantasti c SOKKA games.GoFit - Get sweaty and improve your fi tness, or try a new exercise class. Over 25 diff erent types of classes to try over the weekend.GoFuel – Our food and nutriti on zone, packed with top ti ps on eati ng well, live cookery demonstrati ons and kids workshops.GoSplash - Swimming lessons, Sub Aqua and a very wide array of watery pursuits.GoStrut - Dance classes for all ages and professional exhibiti on dances .GoTry - With the Rugby Union World Cup coming soon, what bett er way to learn the basics or brush up on your skills? Featuring Harlequins stars and coaches.GoTumble – Gymnasti cs and trampoline coaching with UK Flair, plus badminton acti on with Surrey Smashers pro team. GoSpike – Volleyball all the way with professional coaching, tournaments and challenges. GoToddle – For 2 to 4 year olds with a wide variety of games and acti viti es. Includes a crèche facility.GoChill – Massage, physio, Wimbledon big screen coverage and even outdoor spa baths.GoTeens - Laid back sports and chill-out spaces as well as a skateboard half pipe.VantagePoint is delighted to be a media partner for GoFest 2015.

We have one family ti cket up for grabs, please see this month’s competi ti on page.

11 February 2015

CP Burford Bridge; 10th/12th March Shere Village CP; 17th/19th March Hogden Lane CP off Ranmore Common Rd; 24th/26th March White Hart Pub CP New Haw Rd KT15 2DS. If you are interested, let June Letheren know on 01737 842084.

Dorking Folk Club has lined up some top class professional and entertaining arti sts who will be performing at Friends Life Social Club, Pixham Lane, Dorking RH4 1QA. On Wednesday 4th February it’s The Rosewood Trio - traditi onal and contemporary folk music with a host of instruments. On Wednesday 18th, Bram Taylor - rich vocals with guitar, concerti na and baritone ukulele. Moving into March, on 4th, Dan Walsh - UK’s fi nest young banjo player singer/songwriter. On 18th Ewan McLennan - stunning guitar and haunti ng voice. On the intervening Wednesday evenings there are ever-popular Singers nights for local performers. Full details at www.dorkingfolkclub.org.uk.

The Three Bridges spiritualist church, a very friendly and lovely well established spiritualist church has been around for many years and their doors are open to everyone. They are a self funded church so everything that comes in goes back into the church. There is a service every Wednesday evening. Their doors open at 7pm, and the service runs from 7.30

ti ll 9pm and everyone is welcome. It’s £4 on the door, which includes a raffl e ti cket that is drawn at the end of the service and a lovely cup of tea or coff ee. They are holding one to one reading evenings throughout the year as well as special clairvoyant evenings. They are currently fund raising for a new church roof and you can purchase a roof slate for £5 each with a picture and message in memory of a lovd one. February`s programme has : 4th Marlene Woolgar, 11th Graham Watson, 18th Brian Oxley, 25th Vicky Diprose The church is located in New Street, Three Bridges, Crawley RH10 1LW. You can call Monday-Friday 3pm-5pm. For more informati on, contact Tina on 07518 303618. Also more informati on at www.threebridgesspiritualistchurch.co.uk.

Watermill Jazz meets each Thursday evening at The Friends Life Social Club in Pixham Lane, Dorking. They have managed to get some disti nguished performers from the world of jazz and last year one of its concerts was recorded by the BBC and broadcast on Radio 3 in December. They have the following line-up of performers for the month: Tubby Hayes (5th), the Jo Fooks quartet (12th), Laura Jurd’s Chaos Orchestra (19th), and Mads Mathias (26th). Tickets are priced at £12- £20, call 07415 815784. Full informati on at www.watermilljazz.co.uk.

Mark Twain might have said that “golf is a good walk spoilt“.But if this were the cases then how would he explain why nearly 4 million people in the UK enjoy playing

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Have you considered taking up the game, but are not sure where to start? Do you play but struggle to put value on a full membership?

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Betchworth Park Golf Club, Reigate Road , Dorking RH4 1NZTel: 01306 882052 www.betchworthparkgc.co.uk

Jottings - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD <6 12>


Madame Butt erfl y, Puccini’s tragic tale of love and loss, is being performed on a stage suspended against the spectacular backdrop of Sydney Harbour Bridge and the famous opera house. On Thursday 5th February at 7.30pm this great opera is being screened at Dorking Halls. Later in the month, on Tuesday 24th at 7.15pm, Dorking Halls have a live relay from the Royal Opera House of Wagner’s highly dramati c The Flying Dutchman, with the Welsh baritone Bryn Terfel singing the role of the doomed Dutchman. Tickets for both screenings are £17; call 01306 881717.

On Saturday 7th February at 4pm, Dorking Chamber Orchestra will be performing at St Nicolas, Great Bookham. They have a concert of music from Georgian England. It will feature music by Handel, Arne, Boyce and Stanley, including an organ concerto by Handel and a selecti on of songs. The concert will start at 4pm and fi nish at about 6.30pm, with tea and cakes available aft erwards. Tickets are £12; call 01306 877176.

St Marti n’s Church is experimenti ng this year with a new format for the lunchti me recitals. There will now be one recital per month, held on the fi rst Saturday at 12 noon unti l 12.45pm. The recitals are free, with a reti ring collecti on in aid of the William

Cole Trust fund, which supports the young organ scholars at St Marti n’s. Coff ee and lunches are available in the nearby Christi an Centre. The recital on Saturday 7th February will be given by tenor James Lister with Mark Brafi eld at the piano. They will perform a selecti on of English songs, including music by Roger Quilter and Ivor Gurney. Call 01306 884229 for more informati on.

This month sees the Dante string quartet play the fi rst of three concerts for the Dorking Concertgoers Society. Taking place at Dorking Halls on Sunday 8th February at 3pm, their programme includes a quartet by Haydn, Schubert’s Death and the Maiden quartet - whose haunti ng second-movement variati ons are based on one of Schubert’s own songs - and a quartet by the Hungarian composer Kodály, one of the founders of Hungarian nati onal music. The Dante quartet has an excellent reputati on so this should be a very good concert; two further concerts will follow in March. Tickets are £20, call 01306 740619 to book.

The Horsley Floral Decorati on Group (affi liated to NAFAS) is a friendly aft ernoon fl ower arranging club. They meet at East Horsley Village Hall on the second Tuesday of each month (except August) at 2pm. They have a varied programme of demonstrators/speakers/in-house entertainment, trips, internal competi ti ons (opti onal), sales table, refreshments, etc. Visitors and new members are very welcome (February AGM members only). Why not try them out (fi rst visit free) for fun, fl owers and friendship. For more details phone Yvonne on 07976 281060 or Beryl on 01483 831422.

Ewhurst Horti cultural Society’s next meeti ng is on Tuesday 10th February. There is a talk with slides by Paul Gallivan on ‘Woolbeding Gardens’ in the Glebe Centre at 8pm. Refreshments and raffl e. Visitors welcome.

Horsley Decorati ve & Fine Arts Society meets at East Horsley Village Hall on the second Wednesday of the month from October to July for lectures on a wide variety of subjects. The lecture on 11th February will be Carti er: Jeweller of Genius by Judy Rudoe. Coff ee from 9.45 to 10.15am. Lecture from 10.30 to 11.30am. Visitors (£5) and new members welcome. For more informati on and the full programme visit their website www.horsleydfas.org.uk or phone Chris on 01483 280021.

In January, Polesden Lacey launched a new social walking group called Silver Strollers aimed at people aged 70 plus. The fi rst of its kind at Polesden, the group will meet on the fi rst Friday of every month at

www.architecturesurrey.co.uk

Jottings - YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD <10

13 February 2015

9.30am outside the Cowshed coff ee shop, to enjoy a free scenic, guided walk in good company. The Silver Strollers will become one of several social groups that meet at Polesden Lacey, which is situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and looked aft er by the Nati onal Trust. The Dog Walking Club, which meets on the second Tuesday of every month, has proved hugely popular with locals and approximately 20 dogs turn up each month to take their owners for an hour-long walk around the 1400 acre estate. Those looking for a more strenuous challenge might try a longer walk with the Polesden Plodders, who meet for a hike on the third Wednesday of every month. To fi nd out more call 01372 452048 or go to www.nati onaltrust.com/polesdenlacey.

Leatherhead Community Associati on has started the year with a new programme of events covering a wide-ranging number of topics. ‘Tea and Talks’ have an aft ernoon about the fabulous Fabergé Eggs on Friday 13th February, on Friday 13th March there is a talk on Lavender Fields, not a subject oft en covered, and on Friday 10th April there is to be a guided tour of one of Surrey’s pretti est villages - Shere. There is no charge for any of these visits. Table Tennis and Snooker are available every Monday aft ernoon and Scrabble can be played on each second and fourth Wednesday of the month. All these events are open to non-members, but the members’ programme is even more interesti ng. Visits take place monthly throughout the year and to menti on just a few - there is a visit to the Bank of England, a tour of the Houses of Parliament, a visit to Bletchley Park, and even a day at the races. Members can also take advantage of the many plays and operas that are shown at the Leatherhead Theatre, and they can also join one of the many and varied walks, both long and short, that are arranged every month. Why not consider becoming a member of the LCA, it’s only £5 a year and will off er you a very wide range of events covering numerous diff erent interests. If you join now your membership will be valid unti l 31st March 2016. For full informati on phone Sarah on 01372 360508, visit their website www.leatherheadca.org.uk, or call into the Leatherhead Insti tute, on the left at the top of the High Street and pick up a newslett er which has all this informati on and more. On Tuesdays to Fridays you could also have a cup of coff ee in the newly decorated library!

‘Swinging to Victory’ is on Saturday 14th February at 2.30pm at G Live in Guildford. In partnership with The Royal Briti sh Legion, this is a celebrati on of the morale boosti ng hits performed by the star singers and big bands of the 1939 to 45 period – many of which

have become the classics of today. Performed by a full 17 piece Big Band and 4 Singers the performance features over 30 memorable songs including We’ll Meet Again, I’ll Be Seeing You, Moonlight Serenade, Serenade in Blue, What a Swell Party, Ma I miss your apple pie, and I’ve Got Sixpence. There will be Big Band Classics from Count Basie, Tommy Dorsey, Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman plus many more, as well as hit songs of the period as sung by Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra and Ann Shelton. 50% of the Astor Big Band’s profi t, plus a collecti on at this performance, will be donated to the Royal Briti sh Legion, so please do dig deep for this fantasti c cause. To book, call 014383 739047 or go to www.GLive.co.uk

Here’s an idea for Valenti nes night. On Saturday 14th February The Showstoppers are set to return to The Electric Theatre with their award-winning show - Showstopper! The Improvised Musical. Back by popular demand, the group will perform their incredibly successful show (in which they take suggesti ons from the audience for ti tles, storylines and musical styles) on Saturday. The enti re 90-minute producti on of Showstopper! The Improvised Musical is just that, 100% improvised, making their second visit to Guildford. It’s your chance to see a performance that has never been seen before and

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I became a ‘real’ gardener the day I got my fi rst greenhouse. Armed with that litt le 5ft x 7ft structure I soon realised I could dramati cally increase both my garden producti on and enjoyment.

Of course, with a greenhouse comes a whole new panoply of problems to contend with: overcrowding, venti lati on, insulati on, seedlings drying out too fast or damping off , thriving pests... But I haven’t met a greenhouse gardener yet who doesn’t think the advantages outweigh these frustrati ons.

While visiti ng West Dean Gardens near Chichester I had the chance to pick the brains of down-to-earth expert Anne Swithinbank of the long-running Radio 4 programme Gardeners’ Questi on Time. A Kew-trained horti culturist and former glasshouse supervisor at the RHS Gardens, Wisley, there isn’t much she doesn’t know about gardening under glass.

West Dean has 16 Victorian glasshouses situated within the

restored walled garden. As visitors to the gardens and their popular Chilli Fiesta know, they are packed full of seasonal fruit and vegetables, as well as exoti c fl owers.

“Any kind of cover can revoluti onise your gardening,” said Anne. “You’ll fi nd you can steal a march on the season and soil conditi ons by raising young plants in pots and modules for planti ng out later.”

Anne’s parents bought Anne her first greenhouse when she was 11 years old, but today she is equally a fan of simple cold frames and porches. “Use as wide a range as you can to extend your growing season.” She recommends using greengrocers’ boxes filled with compost to grow salad leaves and parsley which, she had proved would germinate in winter: “I have to take photos for magazine articles in winter, which is how I learned that this can be done.”

Another suggesti on: if your greenhouse roof is high enough,

Keen greenhouse gardener Penny Kitchen learned a few ti ps from Gardeners’ Questi on Time expert Anne Swithinbank, and off ers some advice of her own.

Below: An att racti ve, useful additi on to any

garden


Above: The Palm House and Parterre at Kew

15 February 2015

use raised bed kits in there to grow everything from carrots to brassicas.

UnheatedApart from extending the growing season, a greenhouse is a boon for protecti ng tender plants in winter, although Anne admitt ed she no longer heats her Devon greenhouse and uses fl eece to protect her really tender plants. This not only saves fuel but, in fact, her plants seem to thrive.

If you are getti ng on in years and fi nding the garden chores too much, Anne recommends a greenhouse for pott ering and perhaps inspiring a collecti on of decorati ve plants. “Everyone seems to be growing vegetables these days,” she said, “however a greenhouse enables you to extend your passion for beauti ful plants.”

Buying and setti ng up“Buy the biggest greenhouse you can aff ord,” was her advice, “and absolutely don’t buy one without one or more roof vents. Ask for extra louvres for a side wall.” Even in winter you sti ll need venti lati on to avoid grey mould.

Shading paint is the simple and inexpensive way to protect plants from scorching. In the hot weather, also remember to hose down hard surfaces, which will keep humidity-loving pests like red spider mite at bay.

If you have a group of related plants in the same size pots, then capillary matti ng in a tray is the easy way to keep them watered.

Don’t forget to feed“Amateur gardeners never feed plants enough,” said Anne. “Aft er six weeks the compost nutrients are used up and you must provide your plants with more – nitrogen-rich during acti ve growth and high potash in winter to toughen the plants. In commercial glasshouses where the temperature is maintained, they feed the plants throughout the winter.”

The other ‘sin’ is failing to pot-on enough. The plants’ roots require repotti ng in incremental

stages, not going from starter pot to large pot in one fell swoop “otherwise the roots will suff ocate”.

Anne’s advice to “inspect your plants with your glasses on!” struck a chord with me! She pointed out that unless you are sharp-eyed, plants in your greenhouse can become host to scale insect, mealy bug and other pests without you realising, unti l you fi nd yourself with a

serious infestati on. “Try SB Plant Invigorator (an environmentally friendly pesti cide, mildewcide and foliar feed) or soft soap soluti on, but if aft er a couple of sprays, the problem persists, it is ti me to try biological controls,” she said.

Grow your ownStart garlic off under glass, one clove per small pot, along with broad beans, to get a head start. Some annual fl owering climbers do bett er in a greenhouse, so why not train one up the frame where it can provide gentle shading as well?

A cold frame is a very useful stage between greenhouse and garden, enabling seedlings to harden off before they face the elements. Save money by raising your bedding plants from seed – it’s possible with a greenhouse. Grow tender plants such as chillis, basil and cape gooseberries which require under-glass protecti on.

Another big advantage to being the owner of a greenhouse is that you can keep uncommon plants such as Gloriosa lily from year to year instead of resigning yourself to their loss over the winter. In fact, if you keep other lilies in pots in the greenhouse they will remain safe from the lily beetle, which can devastate the plant outdoors.

West DeanThe 16 splendid glasshouses were all built between 1890 and 1900 and were completely derelict before their restorati on in the early 1990s (see overleaf). They are magnifi cent

Famous nearby glasshouses to visit

Below: Anne Swithinbank

Above: Exoti cs in a porch


examples of Victorian craft and ingenuity, but are very labour intensive.

They are repainted on a four-year cycle; the exteriors over summer when the weather is kinder, and the interiors over winter when the houses can be empti ed. In additi on they are hand scrubbed from top to bott om, inside and out, each winter, a process that takes two gardeners two months to complete.

There is always colour on display from the large collecti on of plants on show, including exoti c plants, orchids, strawberry plants, fi gs, nectarines and peaches.www.westdean.org.uk/garden/home.aspx

RHS Gardens, WisleyBuilding on the cathedral-like glass structure of the Bicentenary Glasshouse at Wisley started in 2005. It covers an area equal in size to 10 tennis courts and rises to 140ft in height. It has three climati c zones, recreati ng tropical, moist temperate and dry temperate habitats.

The Glasshouse showcases a world-class plant collecti on – the RHS’s extensive tender plant collecti on is housed here, including diffi cult to grow, rare and endangered species, hundreds of orchid species and old culti vars of Solenostemon (Coleus), among others.

Entering The Glasshouse is like walking into a jungle with tree ferns, tall palms, lush-leaved creepers and dazzling fl ower displays. Visitors to The Glasshouse from 17th February to 8th March will enjoy the colourful added bonus of

the annual ‘Butt erfl ies in the Glasshouse’ event, something to thrill all ages. www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley

Kew GardensYou are spoiled for choice at Kew Gardens: glasshouses at this world-famous site range from the grand Temperate House (above) down to the more inti mate and elegant Waterlily House. Both of these are Victorian masterpieces.

The Temperate House is the largest surviving Victorian glasshouse in the world, covering 4,880 square metres and extending to 19 metres high. It was built to house the many species of semi-hardy and temperate plants Victorian plant collectors were bringing back from around the globe.

Unfortunately for today’s visitors, but a good thing for future generati ons, the Temperate House is closed unti l 2018 for vital restorati on. There is a fascinati ng short video on Kew’s website showing the work involved in moving some 4,000 precious plants and repairing the structure which fi rst opened to the public in 1863.

Other glasshouses at Kew include the Princess of Wales conservatory (opened in 1987, and containing 10 computer-controlled climati c zones under one roof), the Davies Alpine House and the Bonsai House.www.kew.org

Penny Kitchen is a Farnham based writer and editor. She can be reached by email at [email protected].

17 February 2015

will never be seen again! Tickets are available from The Electric Theatre Box Offi ce on 01483 444789 or are available online at www.electrictheatre.co.uk.

If the children have been stuck indoors this winter, then February half term, 14th to 22nd, is the perfect opportunity for the family to get outside and have some holiday fun at beauti ful Nati onal Trust places near you. Join in for some outdoor escapades; pull on your wellies and rush through gardens on an adventure trail, make pancakes around the camp fi re, or craft y artworks in a mansion. You could also try ti cking off some of the Trust’s ‘50 Things to do before you’re 11 ¾’ challenges such as hunti ng for bugs, building dens and making mud pies. Visit www.50things.org.uk for lots of ideas to get cracking.

More half term fun at RHS Wisley with Wakey Wakey Wildlife, taking place from 14th-22nd February. Learn about butt erfl ies, their special senses, and how to plant their favourite fl owers. Make pipe cleaner dragonfl ies, fl apping butt erfl ies or caterpillar hats. Acti viti es vary daily, so please check our website for details. Events are free once you have entered the garden. Don’t forget that Butt erfl ies in the Glasshouse runs unti l the 8th March, where you can see exoti c butt erfl ies take fl ight among plants in

the tropical paradise of the Glasshouse. Marvel at the colours and sizes of the butt erfl ies fl ying around Wisley’s ‘jungle’, if you’re lucky one might even land on you! Normal garden entry applies. Beat the queues and pre-book a ti me slot for weekends and half term on our website. Round off your trip with one of the butt erfl y-decorated cookies and cupcakes that the Taste of Wisley bakers are making.

On Sunday 15th February Guildford Rambling Club is meeti ng at Alfold Crossways at 10am for an 8.5 mile walk to Cranleigh and back. On Thursday 19th February, starti ng at 10.30am, the club will lead a 5 mile morning walk from Abinger Roughs. Visitors are welcome. See www.guildfordramblingclub.org.uk for more details.

On Wednesday 18th February at 7.30pm, Verdi’s Rigoletto performed by the Russian State Ballet and Opera House will be screened at Dorking Halls. It’s an opera filled with drama and good tunes and is the story of a hunchbacked court jester and his beautiful daughter and of love and revenge which misfires with tragic consequences! Tickets are £30-34, call 01306 881717.


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Chinese New Year always makes us aware of the amazing benefi ts of living in multi culturalLondon. The biggest offi cial celebrati on outside Asia takes place every year in Trafalgar Square. It’s crammed with the stuff that kids love: dragons and lions, marti al arts (with sti cks!), magic, fi recrackers, noodles, drums and loads of people having fun (if you’ve got really litt le ones, we’d take a backpack or carrier rather than a pushchair). The parades generally start around 10am, with the main ‘Dotti ng of the Eye’ ceremony at noon in the square.

Chinatown itself is always rammed, but if you’re feeling brave, explore its narrow streets and back alleys for a more authenti c (and loud) experience. Try some dim sum, hear earsplitti ng fi reworks being let off in the street and get chased by enormous dancing dragons. Kung Hei Fat Choi!

With London less than an hour by train, why not visit the capital with the children or grandchildren for a half-term or weekend treat. We have picked three good, and free, reasons to visit the West End in February, all extracted from a great book called Litt le London.

There is much to do in London that is free all year round, all you have to do is get there. The good news is that children under 5 travel free at any ti me on London buses, the tube, Docklands Light Railway (DLR), and London Overground (London trains) when accompanied by an adult with a valid ti cket. All children aged 5-10 years can travel for free anywhere at any ti me without a ti cket on buses and up to four children between 5-10 years accompanying an adult who has a valid ti cket or Oyster card can travel for free without a ti cket or Oyster photo-card on the tube, DLR, and London Overground.

Dance with dragonsat Chinese New Year*Chinese New Year always makes us aware of the amazing benefits of living in multicultural London. The biggest official celebration outside Asia takes place every year in Trafalgar Square. It’s crammed with the stuff that kids love: dragons and lions, martial arts (with sticks!), magic, firecrackers, noodles, drums and loads of people having fun (if you’ve got really little ones, we’d take a backpack or carrier rather than a pushchair). The parades generally start around 10am, with the main ‘Dotting of the Eye’ ceremony at noon in the square.

27 Gerrard Street, W1D 6JN chinatownlondon.org FreeThe main parade is on Sunday 22nd February 2015.

Charing Cross, Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus

Chinatown itself is always rammed, but ifyou’re feeling brave, explore its narrow streetsand back alleys for a more authentic (andloud) experience. Try some dim sum, hear ear-splitting fireworks being let off in the street andget chased by enormous dancing dragons. KungHei Fat Choi!

FEBRUARY 29

008_115_Little_London.indd 29 29/10/2013 07:22

London for Free

Dance with dragonsat Chinese New Year*Chinese New Year always makes us aware of the amazing benefits of living in multicultural London. The biggest official celebration outside Asia takes place every year in Trafalgar Square. It’s crammed with the stuff that kids love: dragons and lions, martial arts (with sticks!), magic, firecrackers, noodles, drums and loads of people having fun (if you’ve got really little ones, we’d take a backpack or carrier rather than a pushchair). The parades generally start around 10am, with the main ‘Dotting of the Eye’ ceremony at noon in the square.


Charing Cross, Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus

Chinatown itself is always rammed, but ifyou’re feeling brave, explore its narrow streetsand back alleys for a more authentic (andloud) experience. Try some dim sum, hear ear-splitting fireworks being let off in the street andget chased by enormous dancing dragons. KungHei Fat Choi!

FEBRUARY 29


*The National Gallery offers freefamily fun on Sundays and in the holidays.

Visit www.nationalgallery.org.uk.~

Somerset House run free family workshopseach Saturday afternoon for 6-12 year olds

and some sessions for under 5s too.www.somersethouse.org.uk

Litt le London: Child-friendly Days Out and Fun Things To Do by Kate Hodges and Sunshine Jackson. Pub-lishing by Virgin Books, £12.99Illustrati ons © Nicole Thompson

*Don’t forget that parking is freein many places on a Sunday andno congestion charge will apply,so you might want to consider

driving.

P O PCORN

14 LITTLE LONDON

Snuggle upwith a classic tv show

at The Mediatheque

The Mediatheque at the BFI is a great place to spend awintry afternoon. The room, packed with viewing stations,is where the public can access the BFI’s vast archivesof films, TV programmes, public information shorts andadverts, then settle down to watch them. You simply goin, tell reception how long you’d like to stay and they’llshow you to your screen, and you can browse the collectionfrom there. There are themed collections available (retro

children’s telly treasure trove The Kids Are Alright is a greatplace to start), or create your own playlist. You can turn upon the day, but to be absolutely sure of a viewing station(especially at weekends), book in advance by telephone.

The main BFI auditorium often has family-friendlyscreenings on Sunday lunchtimes, so you could combine avisit to a film with a trip to the Mediatheque. Afterwardsyou could even treat yourselves to one of The Riverfrontcafé’s brilliant burgers.

Belvedere Road, South Bank, SE1 8XTbfi.org.uk/archive-collections/introduction-bfi-collections/bfi-mediatheques020 7815 1346FreeOpen Tuesday 1pm–8pm, Wednesday–Friday 12am–8pm,weekends 12.30pm–8pm

Waterloo, Embankment, Charing Cross


Children’s


19 February 2015

London for Free

For more ideas, visit www.golondon.about.

com/od/londonforfree

*

*The National Gallery offers freefamily fun on Sundays and in the holidays.

Visit www.nationalgallery.org.uk.~

Somerset House run free family workshopseach Saturday afternoon for 6-12 year olds

and some sessions for under 5s too.www.somersethouse.org.uk

FOODCHILDREN

P O PCORN

14 LITTLE LONDON


at The Mediatheque







The Mediatheque at the BFI is a great place to spend a wintry aft ernoon. The room, packed with viewing stati ons, is where the public can access the BFI’s vast archives of fi lms, TV programmes, public informati on shorts and adverts, then sett le down to watch them. You simply go in, tell recepti on how long you’d like to stay and they’ll show you to your screen, and you can browse the collecti on from there. There are themed collecti ons available (retro children’s telly treasure trove The Kids Are Alright is a great place to start), or create your own playlist. You can turn up on the day, but to be absolutely sure of a viewing stati on

(especially at weekends), book in advance by telephone.

The main BFI auditorium oft en has family-friendly screenings on Sunday lunchti mes, so you could combine a visit to a fi lm with a trip to the Mediatheque. Aft erwards you could even treat yourselves to one of The Riverfront café’s brilliant burgers.

P O PCORN

14 LITTLE LONDON


at The Mediatheque







Every year, over the spring half-term holiday, the Southbank Centre hosts a fun-packed series of events geared totally around kids’ literature and performing arts. There are shows, live bands and lots of book-related acti viti es (there are over 60 separate events taking place over the week-and-a-bit festi val). We especially love the free art workshops led by children’s illustrators (our lot adored the pop-up-bookmaking class they att ended), the truly groundbreaking interacti ve theatre events and superspecial author readings.

As well as paid-for shows and classes, there’s tons of free stuff happening. Maybe you’ll stumble across a dinosaur-petti ng zoo, a bicycle-powered disco or an opera for babies. If it all gets too much, there’s a parenti ng room on Level 2 for quiet ti me and breastf eeding. Tiny bums will appreciate the small toilets on theSpirit Level at the Royal Festi val Hall.

36 LITTLE LONDON

Let yourimagination runEvery year, over the spring half-term holiday,the Southbank Centre hosts a fun-packed seriesof events geared totally around kids’ literatureand performing arts. There are shows, livebands and lots of book-related activities (thereare over 60 separate events taking place overthe week-and-a-bit festival). We especiallylove the free art workshops led by children’sillustrators (our lot adored the pop-up-book-making class they attended), the truly ground-breaking interactive theatre events and super-special author readings.

As well as paid-for shows and classes,there’s tons of free stuff happening. Maybeyou’ll stumble across a dinosaur-petting zoo, abicycle-powered disco or an opera for babies. Ifit all gets too much, there’s a parenting room onLevel 2 for quiet time and breastfeeding. Tinybums will appreciate the small toilets on theSpirit Level at the Royal Festival Hall.

Belvedere Road, SE1 8XXsouthbankcentre.co.uk020 7960 4200Free–£££Open 9th to 22nd February 2015

Waterloo, Embankment, Charing CrossThere’s a great selection of chain cafés around the Southbankcomplex; our kids absolutely adore Wagamama and Giraffe, butyou’re also more than welcome to bring your own food and eat itat the tables in the foyer spaces.

at theImagineChildren’sFestival*

wild


Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX southbankcentre.co.uk020 7960 4200Free–£££Open 9th to 22nd February 2015

Belvedere Road, South Bank, SE1 8XTbfi.org.uk/archive-collecti ons/introducti on-bfi-col-lecti ons/bfi-mediatheques 020 7815 1346Free

WE NEED…YOU To join our team shaping a Neighbourhood

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To make a difference please contact:

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West Horsley NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN

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The Neighbourhood Plan will be part of the statutory development plan for the area. It

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21 February 2015

G Live presents not one, but two stalwarts of comedy as Jasper Carrott and Alistair McGowan split the bill for an evening of laughter on Thursday 19th February at 7.30pm. Jasper Carrott has been a staple of the Briti sh comedy circuit with a career spanning more than forty years. His numerous TV credits include An Audience with Jasper Carrott , Carrott ’s Commercial Breakdown, The Detecti ves, and the hugely popular game show Golden Balls. In 2008 he was awarded the Lifeti me Achievement Award by the Briti sh Comedy Awards. Sharing the microphone, will be master impressionist, stand-up comic, actor and writer, Alistair McGowan. He is best known to audiences for The Big Impression, one of BBC1’s top-rated comedy programmes and a BAFTA award winner for Best Comedy Programme. Tickets are £26, a £2 per ti cket booking fee applies, capped at six per order. Fee-free booking for Friends of G Live; Groups of 8+ please call 0844 7701 797 to buy fee-free. Alternati vely go to www.GLive.co.uk or call the Box Offi ce on 0844 7701 797 (10am-6pm, Mon-Sat.)

Dorking Museum and Heritage Centre are having a Family Acti vity Day on Saturday 21st February from 2 to 4pm. This month, the subject is ‘Fossils’. Go along and handle the fossils in the Museum and

have a go at making your own fossil print. For families with children up to age 10. All materials provided. No need to book - just drop in. All children must be accompanied. Normal admission applies: Adults £2, Children £1 (under 5’s free) Family Ticket £4.50. For more informati on call 01306 876591, email [email protected] or go to the website htt p://www.dorkingmuseum.org.uk/.

The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford has announced a vibrant and varied New Season programme of events both on the Main Stage and in the Mill Studio. They will be opening the nati onal tours of both Alan Ayckbourn’s Roundelay and William Gaminara’s hilarious new comedy The Three Lions, and Ray Cooney’s Move Over Mrs Markham will open in Guildford prior to its London transfer. The Season also features Tom Conti in Twelve Angry Men which comes direct from its record-breaking West End run and Wendi Peters in Joan Litt lewood’s fabulous musical Oh What a Lovely War. Do have a look at their new brochure; you can view it online at htt p://asp-gb.secure-zone.net/v2/index.jsp?id=1223/1555/9490&lng=en

The Friends of St Mary Magdalene will be presenti ng The Mikado, a Gilbert and Sullivan Opera performed



Most folk enjoying a quiet drink in the Wetherspoons pub at the bott om of North Street in Guildford will be unaware that they are relaxing on the site of Britain’s oldest-established vehicle manufacturer. Indeed one of the oldest in the world, with a history which can be traced back to 1895 and the closing years of the Victorian era.

During Queen Victoria’s reign, the industrial revoluti on had seen both the birth and rapid development of the railway system, off ering comparati vely fast ways to transport both goods and people over relati vely long distances. As the 19th century ended however, that railway supremacy was about to be challenged, and subsequently beaten, by a new form of road transport – that powered by internal combusti on engines.

Few of the pioneers of this second industrial revoluti on can have imagined how their early inventi ons would develop. Certainly one John Dennis would not have done so when he left his nati ve Devon in 1894 to join Filmer & Mason, a fi rm of ironmongers in Guildford High Street. As a country boy, John’s interests lay in farm machinery, and soon aft er arriving in Guildford in 1895 he built a bicycle, using parts bought through his employer. This fi rst machine was soon sold profi tably, leading to the manufacture and sale of further cycles, and, aft er a period working for a cycle manufacturer in London, John was able to set up his own business in 1895, selling his Speed King and Speed Queen cycles from The Universal Athleti c Stores at the bott om of Guildford’s High Street. John’s brother, Raymond, then only 17, soon moved up from Devon to join John in his growing business.

In a far-sighted move, John and Raymond built, in 1897, a motorised tricycle fi tt ed with a single-cylinder De Dion engine. Although inevitably primiti ve, this machine must have

been reasonably eff ecti ve, for as company folklore recalls, John became one of the fi rst, if not the fi rst person, to fall foul of motoring law by being prosecuted for ‘driving furiously up Guildford High Street at the speed of 16 mph’. A not inconsiderable fi ne of 20 shillings was repaid many ti mes over as the Dennis brothers used this incident in their adverti sements as proof of the machines speed. Then – as now – speed sells!

Motorised tricycles soon gave way to motorised quadricycles, which although far from substanti al vehicles, set the scene for a move into building motor cars in 1901. This was facilitated by a move from the outgrown High Street premises to an old army barracks in North Street.

In 1901 motor cars were sti ll a rarity, with probably no more than 500 in Britain, however the Dennis brothers conti nued to invest in their belief in the future of motoring, they expanded further with a purpose-built offi ce and factory – the Rodboro Buildings on Onslow Street, now the home of JD Wetherspoons amongst others. Indeed, so successful were sales of the Dennis Brothers products that the fi rm moved into part of the new factory even before the rest was completed.

Interesti ngly, fi nal assembly of cars was carried out on the third fl oor, the lower fl oors being given over to stores, offi ces, showrooms and component manufacturing. A large lift was therefore required to carry the fi nished cars down to ground level.

As the sales of motor cars increased, and as more manufacturers jumped on the bandwagon, the Dennis brothers looked for diversifi cati on opportuniti es. They quickly realised that the principles developed for moving people via motor cars could be adapted to move goods, thereby providing signifi cant benefi ts to businesses large and small who had hitherto been reliant on horse-drawn transport.

In 1904, Dennis built their fi rst commercial vehicle, a 15 cwt van for Harrods department store. Shortly aft erwards, their fi rst bus followed, which plied between Kingston-upon-Thames and Richmond.

Rapid success in sales of this broadened product range meant that the capacity of the Rodboro Buildings factory was again soon exceeded. A new 10 acre site was purchased at Woodbridge Hill, then a greenfi eld site on the edge of Guildford. Never ones to spend money unnecessarily, one of the fi rst buildings on the site was reputedly a disused Mission

Dennis BrothersBritain’s oldest vehicle manufacturer company was established in Guildford. In the fi rst in a series, Andy Goundry tells the story.

The very fi rst Dennis commercial vehicle, the 1904 15cwt. van built for Harrods. (Dennis Society).

23 February 2015

Hall from Brixton which was dismantled, transported 30 miles, and re-erected to become No. 1 shop.

A further broadening of the Dennis range in 1908 proved to be signifi cant, when a fi re engine was produced for the City of Bradford Brigade. Traditi onally, fi re engines had been horse drawn, and used steam-powered pumps, with inevitably slow response ti mes. In contrast, Dennis’s Bradford appliance could be on scene quickly and pumping immediately, thanks to its White & Poppe petrol engine. The success of this revoluti onary appliance initi ally led to London and then other fi re brigades throughout Britain, and indeed throughout the world. The name Dennis soon became synonymous with Fire in the public’s eye.

Sales success in fi re engines was matched by thriving orders for buses and other heavier vehicles, at the expense of the original passenger cars. Indeed, in 1909 the company issued a statement to confi rm that it was sti ll building ‘passenger cars’. In truth however, the manufacture of Dennis cars was a relati vely short-lived era, with comparati vely few ever having been built. Fitti ngly two of the very few remaining cars belong to John Dennis, grandson of one of those original Dennis brothers, and can be regularly seen parti cipati ng in the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run.

By 1910, Dennis’s claimed proudly, and justi fi ably, that their fi re engines operated all over the world, from Auckland to Zanzibar, whilst over 1,000 Dennis lorries and vans were at work moving goods around the country.

Perhaps one of the company’s greatest strengths in these pre-Great-War years of rapid growth came from its ability and readiness to produce vehicles for specifi c uses, alongside their more standard ranges. This fl exibility was made possible by the Woodbridge Hill factory making complete vehicles rather than just bodies or chassis.

By 1910 the factory was producing 1,000 vehicles annually. The factory was extended several ti mes, covering over 260,000 square feet by 1916 – massive by any standards.

Even before then, war was in the air, and Dennis, which became a public company in 1913, took the decision to cease passenger car producti on in favour of concentrati ng on commercial vehicles. In part, this was in response to the Government’s recogniti on that the coming

war would need far more in the way of reliable mechanised transportati on than was readily available. Thus the Government devised the ‘subventi on scheme’, whereby the owner of a lorry approved by the War Department, who made that vehicle available for use for the war eff ort, would be rewarded with a payment of £110. The vehicle types approved for this subsidy were subjected to rigorous testi ng by the War Department, thus owners who parti cipated in the scheme not only received the cash subsidy but invested in the vehicle in the knowledge that it had successfully passed these tests.

Dennis was in the forefront of manufacturers submitti ng vehicles for these tests. Their vehicles successfully completed the tests without too much change. The foresight of both the Government and Dennis paid off as over 7,000 of these reliable vehicles were built over the war years, seeing honourable and trusty service in all theatres of war.

The Woodbridge Hill factory toiled day and night during the war to produce these vehicles, leading to the directors receiving a lett er of encouragement from Lord Kitchener.

Ironically, at the end of the war this eff ort resulted in a vast fl eet of surplus lorries no longer needed by the military. These found their way back to the UK and at a stroke destroyed the market for new lorries and indeed buses, thereby precipitati ng the Dennis business into its fi rst real challenge in a new and uncertain future.

From top:

Two adverts dati ng from 1925 and 1928 (www.gracesguides.co.uk).

An iconic 1914 Dennis N Type, immor-talised in an Airfi x kit. This vehicle is sti ll

owned by Alexander Dennis Ltd. and can regularly be seen competi ng in the

London to Brighton Historic Commercial Vehicle Run. (Andy Boulton)

Pictured here in the early years of the 20th century, the Rodboro Building was not in fact named unti l it was occupied by the Rodboro Boot & Shoe Company

in 1917 aft er Denis moved to Wood-bridge Hill. (Dennis Society).

Andy Goundry spent his working career in vehicle design and development, with almost twenty years in senior engineering and management roles at Dennis. Since reti rement he has conti nued a close involvement with vehicles, writi ng for specialist magazines and websites, as well as producing his own motoring website www.autonews.uk.com.© Andy Goundry 25th September 2014

ABOUT THE AUTHOR


by Utopians Unlimited, on Saturday 21st February at 7.30pm. The performance will be at St Mary Magdalene Church, South Holmwood RH5 4JX (down the A24 from Dorking - entrance from Betchets Green Road). Tickets are £10 and available from Sue Tanton on 01306 885939 or Rev. Virginia Smith on 01306 885349. Utopians Unlimited, founded in 1980, stage two G&S shows each year in churches, mostly in the Croydon and Redhill areas, for church fund-raising and enjoyment.

The Probus Club of the Horsleys extends an invitati on to reti red or semi-reti red business and professional men to join them at their monthly luncheons. A three course meal is followed by an interesti ng speaker (recent ones include Peter Alliss, Steve Rider and the Chief Constable of Surrey) and various group acti viti es are organised during the year. Ladies Luncheons are held twice yearly when wives, partners and friends can att end. Potenti al members are welcome to come to a lunch as a guest before joining. Just contact David Lush on 01483 280267.

Horsley Garden Society holds fl ower and produce shows, meeti ngs, lectures and visits that bring together those with an interest in gardening. They hold a plant sale which is open to the public, along

with three shows at which members compete for awards and trophies with their fl owers, fruit and vegetables, homecraft s and handicraft s. All acti viti es take place at the West Horsley Village Hall. Their gardening year conti nues with a talk on Wednesday 25th February at 8pm by Mr Nick Morgan MHort (RHS) on Propagati on. Anyone interested in membership at the modest cost of £8 per annum should contact the chairman, Roger Lindsay, email [email protected] or the membership secretary, Terry Lazenby, email [email protected].

St John’s School in Leatherhead has a delightf ul concert coming up on Saturday 28th February. Pianist Andrada Brisc joins conductor Nicholas Smith and the Surrey Philharmonic Orchestra in an eclecti c and exciti ng programme from the masters of the classical period. The programme includes Mozart’s Overture The Impresario, Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3 in C minor and Haydn’s Symphony No. 99 E fl at. The event will take place in the Old Chapel at 7.30pm. Tickets are £14 (adults) and £9 (concessions – children under 18 years and students). Contact the Surrey Philharmonic Society for ti ckets on 01372 276949, or email [email protected]. More informati on at www.surreyphil.

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25 February 2015

org.uk . Following up this concert there is a change in musical style on Wednesday 11th March when Mark Crooks Jazz Quintet will be performing in the Old Chapel. Starts at 7.30pm. Visit: htt p://ojs.stjohnsleatherhead.co.uk/schoolevents for details.

The Internati onal Banff Mountain Film Festi val World Tour is returning to the UK and Ireland from 24th January to 6th June. The Festi val will bring inspirati on and big screen adventure to Dorking, with the Festi val being held at Dorking Halls on Thursday 5th March. This is their sixth year and it will be bigger than ever before. I hope to be able to give you more details of what will be showing next month but in the meanti me you should be able to fi nd informati on at www.Banff -uk.com. There is a tour trailer showcasing a litt le of what the festi val is all about.

The Nati onal Vegetable Society Surrey District Associati on AGM will be held on Saturday 7th March 2015,from 11am - 12.30pm, at The Lovelace Room, East Horsley Village Hall, Kingston Avenue, East Horsley, Leatherhead, Surrey KT24 6QT. Followed by lunch in East Horsley, please contact Beth Otway to pre-book for the lunch [email protected] 01483 420989.

On Saturday 7th March, The Vivace Chorus will be welcoming Tasmin Litt le to G Live in Guildford. She has performed in some of the most presti gious venues in the world and it is a great opportunity to see one of the UK’s best known musicians in acti on. She will be playing Mendelssohn’s violin concerto, oft en considered to be the fi rst romanti c violin concerto, and will be accompanied by the superb Brandenburg Sinfonia. Other items on the programme follow a nauti cal theme: Delius’s sad and beauti ful Sea Drift , the lusty and patrioti c Songs of the Fleet by C.V. Stanford and the intense and rolling melodies of Mendelssohn’s Fingal’s Cave. There will also be another Mendelssohn favourite, Hear My Prayer, which contains the much loved treble solo ‘O for the Wings of a Dove’. Tickets are from £10 - £32 and are available online at www.GLive.co.uk or by phone on 0844 7701 797. Further details at www.vivacechorus.org.

I can’t really believe that I’m already talking about Mother’s Day but hey, it’s coming up fast. If you would like to treat your Mum, then you might like to consider a special cruise on The Wey & Arun Canal, Loxwood. They have been really popular in past years. These special cruises will be running on the canal on Mothering Sunday, 15th March. A

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Sir Winston Churchill, arguably one of the most admired and recognised fi gures in history, was once asked “Are you ready to meet your Maker?” In a typically amusing response he utt ered “I am ready to meet my Maker. Whether he is ready for the ordeal of meeti ng me is another matt er enti rely”. This ever present combinati on of wit and wisdom perfectly illustrates the man behind the statesman, which is something that visitors to Chartwell are able to gain a unique insight into.

Chartwell was Churchill’s much-loved home in Kent and was so dear to his heart that he once said “A day away from Chartwell is a day wasted”. For 40 years, between 1924 and 1964, Chartwell was his place of comfort, escape and relaxati on. From his passion for painti ng and building brick walls to feeding the fi sh and enjoying the beauti ful landscape, Chartwell proved a welcome tonic to counter the stresses and strains of politi cal life. It was however also a living and working household, with Churchill himself oft en based in his study where he was known to pace up and down, dictati ng to one of his army of secretaries and contributi ng to the 30 million words he wrote across his lifeti me.

It is in the context of his home that the Nati onal Trust are delighted to announce the opening of ‘Death of a Hero’, an exhibiti on to mark the 50th anniversary since Churchill’s passing and the spectacular state funeral that followed.

For the generati on who remember the horrors and ever present fear during the years 1939-

1945, Churchill is a hero whose courage, tenacity, resilience and perseverance allowed him to lead Britain and its Commonwealth through the darkest days of the WWII. The pride and grati tude felt for his bravery and leadership conti nued through the remaining years of his life and upon his death in January 1965, the sense of loss reverberated around the world. The lying-in-state which followed drew more than 300,000 people, who had queued for up to eight hours in the bitt er January cold, to pay their respects. When the day of his state funeral came, well-wishers from across the globe descended on London and stood in silence on the streets, watching the procession and remembering the man who saved their country from the horrors of the Nazi regime.

Chartwell’s ‘Death of a Hero’ considers his fi nal hours, the momentous occasion that was his state funeral, the impact his death had on

Above: Churchill’s study at Chartwell

(Andreas von Einsiedel)

Below: Churchill seated at his study

at Chartwell

In 1915, Churchill leased Hoe Farm House in Hascombe, nr Godalming, Surrey for the summer months. One Sunday at Hoe Farm, Churchill noti ced his sister-in-law, Gwendeline, painti ng in watercolours. She encouraged him to try his hand but dissati sfi ed with the medium he decided on oils. Four pictures of Hoe Farm by Churchill remain. Churchill found oil painti ng to be the most complete physical and mental relaxati on and he took his paints and canvases everywhere. By the end of his life he had painted more than 500 pictures - landscapes, interiors, sti ll life and portraits.

DID YOU KNOW?

Death of a Hero

27 February 2015

the world and the legacy he has left us today. Perhaps most exciti ngly, it includes a number of never seen before items; condolence gift s sent to Lady Churchill; the working documents of those organising the funeral; a number of beauti ful commemorati ve pieces and newly-restored works of art. Some have been hidden for half a century and are on public display for the fi rst ti me in Chartwell’s history.

So what does ‘Death of a Hero’ consist of? The fi rst thing that is most noti ceable is the glorious technicolour that the organisers have used to depict Churchill’s funeral. And why not? Churchill loved pomp, pageantry, regalia and ceremony, all of which were encapsulated on 30th January 1965 and are remembered through poignant photographs and original colour footage. Alongside this sti rring imagery are over 60 objects, the vast majority of which have never been seen before. These are made up of archive collecti ons from Chartwell, personal mementoes from the Churchill family and objects kindly loaned from those directly involved in the proceedings of January 1965.

If you are lucky enough to go and see ‘Death of a Hero’, which is open unti l 1st November 2015, there are a few parti cular gems that you should keep your eyes peeled for. There’s the last ever photograph taken of Churchill, which Lady Churchill selected of all the photographs of her late husband, to be displayed forevermore on her desk at Chartwell. For collectors of porcelain there is a newly-created Crown Derby fi gurine of Chartwell’s newest tenant, a marmalade cat called Jock VI. He earned his residence thanks to a sti pulati on from the Churchill family themselves that a cat looking like Churchill’s own beloved pet, was to be in situ at Chartwell for as long as it was in the hands of the Nati onal Trust. It has been said that Churchill was so close to the original Jock that he sat at the foot of his master’s bed for the fi nal hours of his life.

‘Death of a Hero’ is part of Churchill 2015, a commemorati on of the great man’s life which sees a number of exhibiti ons and special events in museums and locati ons close to the Churchill family across the country.

‘Death of a Hero’ runs unti l 1st November 2015, 11am-3pm. Gift Aid Admission prices £6.90 per adult, £3.45 per child and £17.25 per family. The house will be open from 28 February 2015. For more informati on on Chartwell visit www.nati onaltrust.org.uk/chartwell. Follow the conversati on on Twitt er @ChartwellNT #Churchill2015

FIND OUT MORE

Then there’s the unique and moving pieces which depict the reacti on to Churchill’s passing. These include the fl ag that fl ew over the United States Capitol in Washington on the day he died, which was lowered to half mast and then posted to Lady Churchill aft er the funeral as a symbol of remembrance from the American people. The pieces that depict the day of Churchill’s state funeral itself are arguably the most emoti ve, ranging from family invitati ons to the event and the gift given by Lady Churchill to the man responsible for organising the funeral, the Duke of Norfolk. That gift was a set of gleaming gold spurs which are kindly on loan from Arundel Castle especially for this exhibiti on.

Also on loan from Arundel Castle is the Duke’s original working copy of Operati on Hope Not, the aptly-named codename for the planning of Churchill’s funeral. This appears as a folder containing unique and fascinati ng documents outlining all aspects of the logisti cs for the day.

Beyond the pieces focussing on Churchill’s passing and state funeral are a number which have been specifi cally chosen to represent his achievements, his conti nuing legacy, and how we remember him today. These range from examples of his arti sti c and literary accomplishments, acknowledgement of his keen interest in scienti fi c and technological development, and various depicti ons of one of the most recognisable men in history.

One of the most moving of these depicti ons is a signed photograph of Sir Winston Churchill alongside King George VI, Queen Elizabeth, Princess Elizabeth (later HM Queen Elizabeth II) and her sister Princess Margaret on the balcony at Buckingham Palace on 8th May 1945. The photograph was so dear to Churchill that during his ti me at Chartwell, it hung on his bedroom wall. It was in that moment that his status as a hero was cemented in history, and it is for everything that that moment represents, that he should never be forgott en.

There was a superb quote from Churchill’s widow, Lady Clementi ne Churchill, that the team at Chartwell kept very close to their hearts throughout the preparati ons for the new exhibiti on. Aft er the funeral and just before she reti red to bed, she turned to her youngest daughter and said “You know, Mary, it wasn’t a funeral – it was a triumph”. These words frame Chartwell’s commemorati ve exhibiti on wonderfully, and are the words that Chartwell hopes visitors to ‘Death of a Hero’ will keep in the forefront of their minds when considering the loss of one of the most loved statesmen in history.

Above: Chartwell from the garden (Robert Miller)


‘Coff ee & Danish Pastry Cruise’ will depart at 11am and Cream Tea Cruises will depart at 2.30pm and 4.30pm. Black ti e service will enhance the relaxing treat for Mums! The trips take 1½ hours. Tickets cost £13 for adults and £9 for children. Incidentally, themed Easter Cruises will be running on all four days of the Easter weekend from Good Friday, 3rd April to Monday 6th April. The boat departs from the wharf beside the Onslow Arms on the B2133 in Loxwood and travels along the decorated canal and through a restored lock. If you would like to book seats for one of the Mothering Sunday or Easter cruises or enquire about private charters call The Wey & Arun Canal Trust offi ce on 01403 752403 or email offi [email protected].

The Surrey Police Band, formally known as the Police Unity Memorial Band, is heading for a great new year during 2015 and they’d like you to come and play with them! They are looking for wind, brass and percussion players to join their fun and friendly band which rehearses each Thursday in Guildford, and perform various gigs and concerts throughout the year. If you are grade fi ve or equivalent, and would like to go along to a rehearsal for a free taster session then please get in touch with them at [email protected] – no scary auditi on and lots of friendly fellow musicians who look forward to welcoming you! This year they will be raising money for the Children’s Trust, the UK’s leading charity for children with brain injury. The specialist services provided by the Children’s Trust come at a cost which is not fully met by statutory sources, so the charity relies on voluntary donati ons from supporters. By supporti ng the Surrey Police Band this year, you will be helping to fund building works, key members of staff , new equipment, leisure and play acti viti es and much, much more! If you don’t play an instrument but would like to get involved, why not go along and support them at one (or more!) of their concerts during 2015? You can keep in touch by checking online at www.surreypoliceband.org.uk, by becoming a ‘fan’ on Facebook at htt ps://www.facebook.com/SurreyPoliceBand or by following them on Twitt er at htt ps://twitt er.com/PoliceBand1 .

The Unatt ached Group (TUG) recently enjoyed a splendid Christmas dinner dance at the Drift Golf Club, East Horsley. 45 members were wined and dined in a great Christmas atmosphere and then danced away the calories to a live band playing a variety of music including the old Christmas favourites; by all accounts a great evening. 16 members also returned to the Isle of Wight for a winter bash (they went there in August and it was such a great success that they

returned for a pre Christmas helping). Meals, theatre trips, walks, quizzes etc are all planned for early 2015 and another leisure weekend away in Somerset in February is being looked forward to by 30 members .TUG is a Surrey/ Hampshire based group of about 80 single people who enjoy ti mes together including a weekly pub meet and chat night. New members would be most welcome and informati on can be obtained at www.theunatt achedgroup.co.uk or Maggie on 07855 008897.

The National Vegetable Society Surrey District Association’s next meeting is on Thursday 19th March 2015 at 8pm in the Lovelace Room, East Horsley Village Hall, Kingston Avenue, East Horsley, Leatherhead, Surrey KT24 6QT. Geoff Denton, from the Pathology Department at RHS Garden Wisley, will be joining us for an informative talk about ‘Vegetable Diseases’. The talk is free for NVS members, £3 for guests and visitors and £1 for members of affiliated societies. Guests and visitors are always very welcome. For more information contact Beth Otway [email protected] or telephone 01483 420989.

On Saturday 21st March, get ready to ‘Swing into Spring’ at the Dame Vera Lynn Trust’s Charity Spring Ball for Children with Cerebral Palsy. It takes place in the beauti ful surrounds of the Felbridge Hotel and Spa in East Grinstead. Guests will enjoy a drinks recepti on with magical entertainment by David Stewart followed by a delicious three course meal and musical entertainment by top band, The Regular Joes, singing sensati ons, the Swingti me Sweethearts and Katherine Samuelson. Plus win amazing prizes at the raffl e and aucti on. Tickets for this presti gious event are on sale now £75 - to book your ti cket contact Catherine Bristow at the Trust offi ce on 01403 780444 or email [email protected]. Find them on facebook www.bit.ly/DVLTSpringBall.

The Nomad Theatre is a bit of an insti tuti on in East Horsley and I have to admit it played a not inconsiderable part in my life when I was growing up there. All my family were members and acted at one ti me or another. I didn’t, although got close when cast for a part in a forthcoming producti on. However, aft er just one reading through rehearsal it was suggested that I should pass the part on to my cousin as I couldn’t possibly carry on with some important exams coming up. Talk about a subtle hint! Anyway I digress. The theatre is in need of some new blood and is putti ng out some feelers for new recruits. If you have ever thought of being part of a team that puts on shows and keeps a theatre running this could be


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GARDEN

Some tasks forFebruaryWith Beth Otway

I enjoy the quiet romance of February in the garden; here are some jobs you can be getti ng on with.

To enjoy the best fl owering display from your Wisteria you need to prune it; you’ll enjoy more fl owers of bett er quality, and it will look ti dier. At this ti me of year the structure of the plant is clear of foliage so it’s easy to see where to prune. Using secateurs, cut back each side-shoot to two or three buds, don’t worry about which directi on the bud faces, just count two to three buds and make a cut. It’s worth checking any ti es you have supporti ng your Wisteria and replacing any that are too ti ght or damaged - it’s far easier to do this now before the plant gets growing.

Sweet peas are wonderfully cheery fl owers to have. They are beauti ful as cut fl owers with a heavenly scent; I can’t be without them. You can get away with sowing Sweet peas in March, but you’ll have bett er plants, with longer fl owering stems if you sow now. I have never found any need to chip or soak Sweet pea seeds to aid their germinati on. If you have trouble with mice, you can pre-soak your seeds for up to 24 hours in liquid paraffi n to deter the rodents. This works a treat! Sweet peas should be started off in tall containers which allow for their long roots; root trainers, the cardboard tubes from toilet rolls or deep plasti c pots all work well. I enjoy sowing a mix of colours; I always include ‘Gwendoline’ a beauti ful rose pink, ‘Jilly’ a rich cream and ‘Naomi Nazareth’ a prett y pale lilac-blue. These varieti es are all highly scented with long stems and large, frilly fl owers, which make them ideal for cutti ng.

If you would like to grow plants benefi cial to bees and other pollinati ng insects, now is a good ti me to sow Ageratum houstonianum, Calendula offi cinalis, Nigella damascena, Cosmos bipinnatus, Machaeranthera tanaceti folia, Verbena bonariensis and Papaver rhoeas. Ornamental grasses and roses need pruning this month. Remove any old dead leaves from your rose plants, as well as any lurking around in the soil, and then feed your roses with a specially designed rose feed and

mulch with compost or well-rott ed manure.

Now is also a good ti me to divide congested clumps of snowdrops and replant. If you’re looking to buy Snowdrops in ‘the green’ please only buy from reputable growers to avoid purchasing bulbs that have been stolen or dug up from the wild. A number of other plants can be divided now: Achillea millefolium and Achillea fi lipendulina, Eranthis hyemalis (winter aconites), Solidago canadensis (Golden rod), Lily of the Valley, Echinops ritro (Globe thistle), Michaelmas daisies and Sedums.

Provide food and fresh water for garden birds. Put up bird boxes, taking care not to positi on the nest boxes close to feeding stati ons, as the competi ti on will usually prevent a nest box being successful.

In the greenhouse: sow aubergines, tomatoes, chilli, celery, celeriac, cabbage, leeks and onions.

Outside: sow cabbages, peas, parsnips – sow radish in the same row as parsnips: the radish seed will germinate and grow quickly, before the parsnips, which germinate very slowly. Sowing them together in the same row makes the best use of the space. Plant sea kale, shallots, onion sets, Jerusalem arti chokes and rhubarb.

If your garden lacks interest at this ti me of year, why not plan a trip to your local nursery or garden centre and treat yourself to a new plant or two? To help insects, look out for the ‘Perfect for Pollinators’ logo when making your selecti ons.

FIND OUT MORE

Beth Otway

For more gardening ideas and updates, please visit Beth’s website at www.pumpkinbeth.com.

31 February 2015

for you. You don’t have to be a performer to feel part of a team; at the theatre they always need people to do the crucial jobs that support every producti on. For example, serving behind the bar, being front of house, helping to look aft er the wardrobe or props, building and painti ng sets and scenery, helping with repairs and maintenance, working on the box offi ce, helping with publicity or training as a chaperone. If you or someone you know would like to be involved then email [email protected] and they will get back to you. The theatre and faciliti es are superb considering they are an amateur company so do give it a go.

Dorking Choral Society had a very successful autumn in 2014. In October their new conductor Hilary Campbell taught the whole of Hadyn’s Nelson Mass in one aft ernoon and conducted a spirited and well received evening performance before a small but highly appreciati ve audience. November saw a lively and dynamic performance of Handel’s Dixit Dominus with professional soloists and orchestra to considerable acclaim before a discerning audience in St Marti n’s Church. Then in December Hilary conducted their Christmas concert with St Joseph’s School choir. The choir was in good form and St Joseph’s children sang beauti fully in response to

Hilary’s gift ed coaching and conducti ng. They are very grateful to those who supported their concerts and are now preparing to compete in the Leith Hill Musical Festi val in April. Together with other choirs in their Division and with the Festi val Orchestra and professional soloists, they will be singing Mozart’s Requiem on 9th April and hope that as many as possible will go along and enjoy this sublime work.

Have you, or do you know someone, who has suff ered a stroke? Mole Valley Stroke Club off ers an opportunity for stroke survivors to meet together, support each other and enjoy social events in an understanding environment. Family and carers are welcome to go along or to take a break. For more informati on e-mail Jacqui at [email protected] or call 07733 485124.

I menti oned a while back that we now had a local disti llery. Well apparently Silent Pool Disti llery have come up with a gin that has fl own off the shelves since going on sale locally just before Christmas. The Albury Limited Release has a disti ncti ve aromati c blend of Kaffi r Lime, Bergamot, Linden and Elderfl ower complementi ng the Juniper and the numbered bott les proved an instant hit. Director Ian McCulloch was thrilled. “It tastes fantasti c with a

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Pancakes with a difference

Ingredients

For the pancakes50g plain fl our2 large free-range eggs175ml milkMild olive oil (not extra virgin), for fryingSalt

For the souffl e300g undyed smoked haddock fi llet300ml milk1 small onion, sliced1 bay leaf40g unsalted butt er, plus butt er wrapper40g plain fl our2 large free-range egg yolks100g Gruyère, Emmental or Cheddar, grated3 large free-range egg whitesA litt le soft ened butt er, for greasing284ml carton double cream (plus a 142ml carton if serving 6)50g Parmesan, freshly grated (use 85g/3oz if serving 6)

Serves 4 as a lunch or supper dish, 6 as a dinner party

Souffl é pancakes Arnold Bennett

1. Tip the fl our and ½ tsp salt into a blender, add the eggs and milk and whizz to a smooth batt er. There’s no need to let the batt er stand as it only has a litt le fl our in it – you can use it straight away.2. Put a non-sti ck 16-18cm omelett e or crêpe pan over a high heat and wait unti l you feel a good heat rising. Brush the pan lightly with oil then pour in about 2 tbsp of the batt er, using a small ladle, and quicky swirl it around the pan to coat. Cook for 30-60 seconds, then loosen the edges with a small palett e knife and check underneath. It should be a mid golden-brown colour. Carefully fl ip the pancake over and cook the other side for 20-30 seconds. Slide the pancake out onto a paper towel. Repeat with the remaining batt er, oiling the pan in between and stacking the pancakes on top of each other, then leave to cool.3. Lay the haddock, skin-side down, on a board and hold it at the tail end. Using a serrated knife, make a nick between the skin and fl esh at this end. Pulling the skin hard towards you, slide the knife away from you in a sawing moti on – the skin will come away easily in one piece. Put the fi sh, milk, onion and bay leaf in a shallow pan. Top with the butt er wrapper, butt erside down, and bring up to the boil. Remove from the heat and leave for about 7 minutes, unti l the fl esh is fi rm.4. Lift the fi sh out of the pan and put it on a plate. Strain the milk into a jug. Press down on the fi sh with your fi nger, and watch the fi sh separate into perfect fl akes. Check for any stray bones and discard them.5. Melt the butt er in a medium pan and sti r in half of the fl our with a wooden spoon. Remove from the heat, sti r vigorously, then cook for 30-60 seconds over a gentle heat, sti rring. Repeat with the remaining fl our. Now sti r in the hot milk, in stages.

6. Scrape the sauce into a bowl and whisk in the egg yolks – the warmth of the sauce makes it absorb the yolks bett er. Now whisk in two-thirds of the Gruyère, which will melt into the sauce. Switch back to using the wooden spoon and gently fold in the fi sh to retain the whole fl akes. Now’s the ti me to taste it as everything’s in except the egg whites, which are neutral. Grind over salt and black pepper and fold in.7. Whisk the egg whites in a metal bowl with a balloon whisk unti l they form sti ff peaks, then fold into the warm sauce with a rubber spatula unti l evenly incorporated. Liberally butt er 4 or 6 small grati n dishes (measuring 20 x 11.5cm across the top). Lay a pancake in each dish so that half lines the base and the other half overhangs. Divide the souffl é between the pancakes and fl ip over the overhanging halves to loosely enclose. Preheat the oven to fan 170C/conventi onal 190C/gas 5.8. Bring the cream to the boil in a pan, then remove from the heat. Whisk in the remaining Gruyère and season. Ladle the sauce over the pancakes and top with the Parmesan. Stand the dishes on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, or unti l the mixture has risen and the top is browned.

Gordon Ramsay celebrates Pancake Day in his own inimitable style – with some very posh pancakes which are absolutely delicious. Recipe from Good Food magazine, February 2004

33 February 2015

FOODFOOD

1. Place the fl our, milk, eggs and a pinch of salt in a bowl and whisk to a smooth batt er. Add a small splash of oil to a small nonsti ck pan over a medium heat then wipe with kitchen paper. When the pan’s hot, add a ladleful of batt er, ti lti ng the pan to spread, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes each side, unti l lightly golden. Set aside. Repeat unti l you’ve used all the batt er, stacking the pancakes to one side.2. Melt the smashed chocolate, butt er and a pinch of salt in a heatproof bowl over a pan of gently simmering water (don’t let the bowl touch the water), sti rring occasionally. 3. Meanwhile, smash the toasted nuts in a pestle and mortar, or in a clean tea towel with a rolling pin, unti l fi ne. By now your chocolate should be melted, remove from the heat, sti r through 200ml of cream and a handful of bashed nuts. Whisk the remaining cream with the vanilla and sugar unti l thick. 4. To build your cake, spread a blob of cream over a serving plate or board, pop a pancake on top and press gently. Spread some chocolate over the pancake and top with another pancake. Keep doing this, alternati ng between cream and chocolate, unti l you’ve used all the pancakes, remembering to keep some cream back for the top. 5. Smooth the sides with a spatula

or palett e knife to ti dy up the edges, then pour the remaining cream on top. Let it drip down the sides and spread to cover the cake. Press the remaining nuts around the sides, then scrape over a few grati ngs of dark chocolate. 6. Decorate the base with some lovely fresh raspberries, if you like, then serve.

Ingredients

3 cups self-raising fl our3 cups milk3 large free-range eggsSea saltOlive oil150g good quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa solids), smashed, plus extra to serve50 g unsalted butt er, cubed180 g hazelnuts and brazil nuts, toasted600 ml double cream1 tbsp vanilla extract1½ tbsps golden caster sugar1 punnet raspberries, to serve

Serves 12

Jamie Oliver’s Pancake Cake

Pancakes, chocolate, cream... this pancake cake has got the lot, and you don’t even need an oven. Recipe from www.jamieoliver.com.

This is no normal cake – it’s all the things people love parcelled up in one big, beauti ful bundle. Pancakes, chocolate, cream... delicious! It’s quite unusual, but I say embrace it and you won’t be sorry. You don’t even need an oven, so it’s great if you get caught out and have to rustle up something quickly. Best of all, it’s forgiving – you can cover any lumps and bumps with the topping and it’ll sti ll look amazing.


very full and interesti ng fl avour because it contains a large botanical mix,” he said, “Gin fans and even people new to gin would taste a massive contrast between this and mass produced supermarket gins.” The half bott les with an ABV of 40.2% are available via www.silentpooldisti llers.com or local stockists including Kingfi sher Farm Shop in Abinger, Quaich in East Horsley, The Drummond Arms in Albury and Bertram Bees in Westcott . Ian McCulloch and James Shelbourne began working on the disti llery project in 2013, converti ng redundant farm buildings at Sherbourne Farm on the Albury Estate next to the Silent Pool. The fi rst spirit disti lled at the Silent Pool in November was an apple brandy made from cider from Birtley House, Bramley. Looks as if they may be on to a winner here! For more informati on contact Ian McCulloch at ian@silentpooldisti llers.com.

Ewhurst Stoolball Club are looking for new members. Pre-season training started in January in preparati on for their breakthrough season in the Surrey Ladies A League. New comers will be welcomed to learn the game in a friendly but competi ti ve environment. Contact [email protected] for more informati on.

The nati on’s favourite choirmaster, Gareth Malone, brings his choir Voices to G Live on Wednesday 16th

December 2015, in a brand new show. Last year, Gareth began a hunt to fi nd the UK’s most talented young singers to form a new youth choir that embodied the future of choral music. The result was Gareth Malone’s ‘Voices’, who went on to release an album featuring covers of contemporary hits from arti sts including Keane and Alicia Keys. Lots of noti ce in case it sells out!

Are you looking to get fi t or simply looking for a New Year challenge? Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance is appealing for runners and cyclists to sign up to a number of challenge and fi tness events in 2015 as the charity celebrates its 25th anniversary. The charity has places available for the Brighton Marathon on April 12th and the London10k on July 12th. All entrants will be supported and given sponsor forms, a fundraising pack, training guides, an air ambulance running vest and a chance to see the helicopter and meet the crew. Riders are also needed for the charity’s Double 100 Cycle Challenge on September 27th, a 100-mile or 100km bike ride which will this year include a 25-mile route. Other events in the fundraising calendar include the GS Avanti Kenti sh Killer on February 15th, Hasti ngs Half Marathon (March 22nd), Paddock Wood Half Marathon (March 29th), Brighton 10k (April 12th), Warrior Run (April 19th), Tonbridge Triathlon (May 4th), London to Brighton 100k Challenge (May 23rd/24th), BUPA London 10k (May 25th), Reigate Half Marathon (September 20th), Bexhill Triathlon and Duathlon (September 27th), and Barns Green Half Marathon (also September 27th). For more details about the air ambulance’s challenge and fi tness events go to www.kssairambulance.org.uk/involved/challenge.

Finally, Fernurst Films sent us a lovely email. “Great success! The last ti me we had a full house at Fernhurst was when we showed our very fi rst fi lm eight years ago, and on Saturday we did it again with The 100 Year Old Man... It really was a mini triumph and we have you to thank for that because there were so many people there for the fi rst ti me from all over who told us they’d read about it in VantagePoint, your ears should have been burning!”. This just goes to show how widely VantagePoint is read, so keep (or start) sending in those Jotti ngs and if you run a business, why not adverti se with us?

FIND OUT MORE

More Jotti ngs are available online at vantagepoint-mag.co.uk. To send in an entry, go online or email us atjotti [email protected].

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35 February 2015

PROFILE

The Surrey Hills Society has been going for six years and has close to 1,000 members. Not only does this membership charity take an acti ve role in protecti ng the unique landscape and charac-ter of the Surrey Hills, it also gives its members an opportunity to explore and enjoy the area with like-minded people. We off er a wide range of acti viti es to suit all age groups, and opportuni-ti es to visit many to places that are not normally open to the public. Members are kept informed either through our website or with a newslett er delivered to them three ti mes a year, fi lled with stories about the Surrey Hills, the events we’ve run and those that are planned. The Surrey Hills stretch across the chalk North Downs that run broadly across the centre of Surrey, from Farnham in the west, above Guild-ford, Dorking and Reigate, to Oxted in the east. The grandeur and beauty of these hills embrace an amazing variety of landscapes from rolling chalk downs and fl ower rich grasslands, to acid heaths and woodlands. They cover more than a third of the county so it’s quite likely that you’re probably never far away from discovering your own special spot of local beauty. Or come out with us and explore!

Our members are a diverse bunch, some more acti ve than others, some happy to volunteer

to help or run events that interest them, others happy to come along and support but not wanti ng to be involved in the organ-isatrion of acti viti es. We’re proud that we manage to achieve a great deal considering we only have one paid staff member.

What members do all have in common though is a real interest in the conservati on and preservati on of the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) for future generati ons. As we develop, we’re starti ng to be able to support small-scale con-servati on projects. For example, we have raised funds to install a water-drinking fountain on Leith Hill, which will benefi t walkers, horse-riders and cyclists.

With ‘future generati ons’ in mind, the Society’s events team has recently started organising events for diff erent age groups. These include a guided walk ending with a visit to a local hostelry for those in their 20s and 30s, and other events aimed at family groups, such as craft -making or private visits to local farms that are educati onal as well as fun. One of our aims is to encourage and educate these younger age groups as they are the future custodians of this beauti ful county in which we are lucky enough to live.

We already run a full and varied events programme for our core members, but we’re happy to encourage non-members along to events so that they can see what we’re all about. The kind of events we’ve run in the past year include: a private visit to a sculpture garden; a day discovering all the local foodie delights around the Reigate area (from producti on to menu); a visit to Gatt on Community Theatre at Reigate Fort and a day exploring the Wott on Estate, near Dorking. Each year, we’re very involved in running the Surrey Hills Wood Fair in Bramley, a fi rm favourite with our members and also att racti ng larger family groups. We also support the Ride London cycle event and see this as a fund-raiser for the Society.

Surrey Hills Society

FIND OUT MORE

Learn more about us by taking a look at our website www.surreyhillssociety.org and discover the varied range of events we’ve got planned for this spring and summer. Best of all, come and join the Society this year! An annual family membership is £25, or £15 for a single membership – prett y good value we hope you’ll agree.

Devil’s Punchbowl, Hindhead


Starti ng with your back to the refreshment ki-osk, turn half-right, head downhill across the grass to pick up a stony path and bear right along it, soon passing a yellow waymarker post, indicati ng that this is part of the North Downs Way. Now follow a splendidly scenic path, be-low the edge of woodland on the right and with extensive views over the downs to the left . At a fork take the left -hand path and do the same at the next fork, keeping along the right-hand edge of woodland. Soon the path enters the trees, bends to the left and heads down to a lane A.

Cross over, go up some steps and turn left , at a North Downs Way sign, along an enclosed, wooded path that heads downhill, parallel to the lane on the left , to a T-juncti on of paths in front of a house B.

Albury Downs and St Martha’s Hill

The walk

From the starting point on the Albury Downs near Guildford – part of the North Downs and one of its fi nest viewpoints – this walk twice descends below the crest of the downs and twice climbs to regain it. Open downland interspersed with frequent, attractive wooded stretches makes for a good, varied walk, especially when allied with superb and extensive views from the highest points at Newlands Corner and St Martha’s Church. Of the two climbs the fi rst one that ascends St Martha’s Hill is quite steep and strenuous; the second that returns you to the start is more gradual. The shorter version includes only the latter, easier ascent.

At this point those who wish to do the shorter version of the walk should turn left to rejoin the main route aft er 200 yards at J below.

Turn right here, leaving the North Downs Way, along a path that keeps by the left -hand edge of woodland; later this path broad-ens into a track. Conti nue, passing through a farmyard to reach a lane C. Cross over, take the enclosed track ahead at a public bri-dleway sign, and at a crossing of tracks by a Pewley Down infor-mati on board, keep ahead into woodland. The track curves left to a T-juncti on where you turn right, rejoining the North Downs Way along a track between wire fences. Over to the right, houses on the edge of Guildford can be seen. The track keeps along the right-hand edge of Chantry Wood – along this secti on the North Downs Way coincides with the Pilgrims’ Way – fi nally going to the right of a cott age to a crossing of tracks D. Turn left along an enclosed path beside Chantry Lodge, sti ll keeping along the right-hand edge of Chantry Wood, and on reaching a road bear left .

B

A

C

JD

E F

G

H

START

37 February 2015

Neither the publisher nor the author can accept any responsibility for any changes, errors or omissions in this route. Diversion orders can be made and permissions withdrawn at any ti me.

WALK

DISTANCE: 7 miles. Shorter version 2¼ miles

OS MAPS: Landranger 186 (Aldershot & Guildford), Explorer 145 (Guildford & Farnham)

STARTING POINT: Newlands Corner

START GPS WAYPOINT: TQ 043 492

REFRESHMENTS: None directly on the route, but the Percy Arms in Chilworth is a short detour between points F and G. The Drummond Arms in Albury is also recommended but a short drive from the start/fi nish point

Image above: Newlands Corner – one of the fi nest viewpoints on the North Downs Way

conti nuing through woodland to reach a junc-ti on. Keep straight ahead, passing to the right of a ruined warti me pillbox, and at a juncti on of three tracks take the left -hand one that leads through a car park to a lane J.

Here you rejoin the shorter route. Turn right and aft er 50 yards bear left along a straight, fence-lined path which runs below the crest of the Albury Downs on the left , later conti nuing along the left -hand edge of woodland. Once more this is part of the supposed line of the Pil-grims’ Way. At a public bridleway sign turn left , along another enclosed bridleway. Pass to the left of a farmhouse and at a yellow waymarked post beside the barn head up across the fi eld towards Albury Downs. At the top go through a gate and conti nue uphill, bearing right across grass to rejoin the stony path, which will take you back to Newlands Corner.

Aft er 50 yards turn left E over a sti le at a public footpath sign and walk across the middle of a fi eld, later conti nuing by a hedge on the right. Turn right through a hedge gap near a farm, turn left to conti nue in the same directi on, now along an undulati ng track, eventually going through a gate onto a lane F. Turn right and almost immediately right again, at a public footpath sign, to conti nue along an enclosed path which descends to a lane. Turn left here and where the lane bends sharply to the left keep ahead, passing to the left of a lodge. Conti nue along a gravel track through the grounds of Chilworth Manor.

The track curves left , keeping to the right of the manor house. At a fork turn right and go along a rough track between fenc-es. Aft er 50 yards turn left G, at a public footpath sign, along an enclosed path which heads steeply up St Martha’s Hill, the most strenuous part of the walk but leading to one of the fi nest views in Surrey. On the upper slopes of the hill the path crosses a sandy track and conti nues up to St Martha’s Church H, 573ft high and a superb viewpoint looking out over the North Downs, Guildford, along the greensand ridge and across the Weald to the distant South Downs. This isolated hilltop church (the parish church of Chilworth) was rebuilt in 1850, partly from the stones of the original Norman church that stood on the site. It is one of the major landmarks on the North Downs Way.

At the church, turn right along a broad, sandy track that heads downhill, with grand views along the greensand ridge ahead,

This is Walk 21 from the Pathfi nder Guides Surrey Walks, published by Crimson Publishing (www.crimsonpublishing.co.uk).

Map ©Crown copyright 2014 Ordnance Survey Media 019/14


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Contact Marcuson 01483 420173

or Carol on 01483 [email protected] [email protected]

“Morning, just wanted to let you know that we have had an amazing response from your ad! Thanks so much.”

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“Fantastic response to my fi rst advert in the VantagePoint. Can I continue with a full page for the next six months in two editions?!”Ian Parr, Smart-Pro (First time advertiser in February VantagePoint)

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have no cash alternative. Only one entry per person per competition and prizes will only be sent to homes with a GU, KT and RH postcode.

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WIN A FAMILY TICKET FOR GOFEST 2015GoFest is the UK’s fi rst family festival of sport, fi tness, dance and health. Taking place on 10th-12th July 2015 at Surrey Sports Park. This unique festival provides the perfect opportunity for families to enjoy sport and exercise together. Whether it’s trying something new, competing in your favourite sport or relaxing to some music – there promises to be something for all of the family.

We’re giving away one full weekend ticket to one lucky family. To be in with a chance of winning just answer the question below.

Q: Where is GoFest 2015 taking place?

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

WIN A PAIR OF VIP TICKETS TO THE GENIUS OF MOZARTJoin Southern Pro Musica and solo pianist Lucy Parham at Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre on Sunday 22nd March at 7.30pm for an evening celebrating The Genius of Mozart.

We have two VIP packages to give away, including two top price tickets, interval drinks, complimentary programmes and the opportunity to meet the soloist and players after the concert (subject to agreement on the day of performance).

The programme includes the sparkling brilliance of the overture to Mozart’s opera Don Giovanni, the magnifi cent Symphony No. 41 (Jupiter) and presents Guildford favourite Lucy Parham as the piano soloist in the mighty Piano Concerto in C minor.

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WIN A FREE ADVERT IN VANTAGEPOINT MAGAZINEVantagePoint is offering local businesses a free quarter page advert in the edition of their choice in March. We publish fi ve magazines in the wider local area and with guaranteed delivery by the Royal Mail, we offer the very best way of advertising to the widest possible local audience.This competition is open to all local businesses and if you do not have a suitable advert, we will design one for you free of charge.All you need to do is answer the following question and send us the answer, together with your name, company name, full contact details and the edition in which you would like to appear (Dorking, Farnham, Godalming & Cranleigh, Guildford or Haslemere, Midhurst & Petworth).Q: What is the total circualtion of all our editions?We will contact the winner by the 9th February to sort out the quarter page advert prior to insertion in the March issue, which goes to press on the 13th February for distribution week commencing 2nd March - so please ensure you will be available to supply or approve an advert at short notice. Only one entry per business.Please enter online atwww.vantagepointmag.co.uk by 8th February 2015.

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Operated by Places for People Leisure Ltd in partnership with Mole Valley District Council.A one-off start up fee of £25.00 is applicable. Terms and conditions apply.

£25.99 a monthGym Membership

DORKING SPORTS CENTREReigate Road, Dorking, RH4 1SN01306 870180 www.dorkingsportscentre.co.uk

Documents

VantagePoint Magazine Dorking & Villages - February 2015