To coincide their new production of HENRY V, the award-winning Guildford Shakespeare Company have launched ‘Your Imaginary Forces’, a project calling on aspiring artists to engage with the play and the company to submit creations that will feature as part of the new online show. The open call is to …

Asked to depict a scientist, too many children draw a white man with ‘mad professor’ hair. Former primary school teacher Abby Harper of education resource experts PlanBee says, why not show them that science and technology has always been the domain of brilliant, creative women. 10 women trailblazers in science …

It’s almost spring! Whether you feel that it starts on the 1st March (meteorological start of spring) or 20th March (astronomical start of spring), put a spring back into your step and spend more time outside or in your garden. The warmer weather is uplifting and the sights and sounds …

The awards are a celebration of those in local authorities who are championing the arts against all odds. Judges include high-profile figures in the arts and sciences: Le Gateau Chocolat, Helen Czerski, Mariella Frostrup, Paul Hartnoll, Adrian Lester CBE, Francesca Martinez, Petra Roberts and NCA Chair Samuel West. Mole Valley …

MVDC are looking to create a short social media campaign aimed at helping two age groups that have become particularly vulnerable to loneliness during the pandemic: 18-30 year olds and over 65s. We’ll be pointing them towards all the help available both online and offline, and giving some tips on …

Locally, The Meath is well known for supporting adults who live with complex epilepsy and disabilities to live a fulfilled life, as independently as possible. Locals who have visited their quirky café and upcycling workshop, Changing Perceptions on Godalming High Street, or volunteered with The Meath will have experienced a …

Contributed by Sheila Sutherland On February 24th, Ronald Lazarus, formerly headmaster of Godalming Junior School, reached the amazing age of 100 years old. Ron now lives in Shalford having moved there in 1975 after living in the Godalming area for a few years. Ronald was born in Weymouth Dorset.  He …

As they are unable to run their well supported Dog Show at the annual Easter Fair, Guildford Lionsare offering you the same opportunity to ‘Parade your Pooch’ and win recognition, certification, and exposure on Social Media … and at the same time, by making a small donation to their Funds, …

Air Ambulance Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS) is committed to remaining fully operational 24/7 and is standing shoulder to shoulder alongside NHS colleagues in the fight against COVID-19. Thanks to the rapid response from the team at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust …

Our friend Gwyn Phillips from AppArt on our local artist Steve Kinder What a wild card! Steve Kinder took part in Sky’s Landscape Artist of the Year and won the wild card section of the competition. Steve along with 50 artists took part in the third episode of this year’s …

The popularity of ‘Grow Your Own’ continues to rise, with 38% of British adults saying that they use their garden or outdoor space such as a balcony or window box to grow their own herbs, fruit and vegetables (according to a YouGov survey for the HTA in 2020). Growing your …

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Nick Owen, journalist & presenter, meets David Munro who talks about his love for the County, his role and the challenges the Police Force face keeping Surrey safe. I’m spending a day with David Munro who is the Police and Crime Commissioner, seeking re-election to that job in May next …

What a relief!  The pressure is off Year 6s with the cancellation of SATs. After a year of disruption and with schools still closed, it seems only fair. We are still waiting for details about returning to school and any element of teacher assessment that may be adopted but at …

CREST21 – Surrey’s first ever Sustainable Business Awards are now live. The CREST21 Sustainable Business Awards are a chance for the many businesses and organisations in Surrey, operating in and around Woking that are working towards a sustainable future to shout about it. Free to enter the awards have been …

Experience Guildford, the town’s Business Improvement District (BID), is urging businesses and residents to join them in supporting Revo’s campaign to reform business rates for UK high street and town centre shopkeepers to ensure greater parity with their online counterparts. Revo is a membership organisation that supports the people and …

Getting motivated to exercise outdoors during the cold, dark winter months can be challenging. Keeping physically active this winter, while the gyms and sports facilities are closed due to COVID-19, presents us with a unique challenge. Regular physical activity is strongly associated with a reduced risk of chronic conditions, such …

One side effect of Covid is that many over 50s have found themselves in an unscheduled gap year. Some had already retired, others have been furloughed or made redundant, but with many ‘confined to barracks’ with time on their hands, they’ve invented their own gap year. It has been aided …

The Therapy Garden is a horticulture and education charity that uses gardening to generate positive change. We work with adults and teenagers with learning difficulties, physical disabilities and mental health challenges and offer school-age teenagers interventional education opportunities.  Based in the village of Normandy, the charity was established in 1998 …

Like many other organisations, the Surrey Sculpture Society has had to change its plans due to the current circumstances, including having to adapt their first live event of 2021 into a virtual on-line exhibition. The Society will now present their Sculpture Showcase arts event via their website – surreysculpture.org.uk – …

Hello Dorking (Dorking Town Partnership) brings you all the latest news, offers, and highlights that Dorking has to offer. Embracing heritage, culture, and spirit – Hello Dorking supports local businesses and the greater community with the historic Market Town of Dorking. Follow their social media @HelloDorking or visit their website …

MyTutor speaks with experts in the field of education to bring parents and children top advice during this time. Nationally representative research shows how 59% of British parents agree their child’s education has been negatively impacted by the pandemic. With Boris Johnson’s recent announcement that schools are to be closed …

Guildford Shakespeare Company’s (GSC) are accepting submissions and referrals for their free dramatherapy sessions for teenagers with mental health difficulties and their parents from 26th April. Now in its third year, With My Eyes is a unique course of free dramatherapy workshops for young people aged 12-18, which also involves …

Wey & Arun Canal Trust volunteers clocked up an impressive 21,807 hours of work in 2020, despite the limitations of lockdown. The figure was just 5,614 down on the previous year, showing the dedication from working party members, boat crew and back office volunteers to the Trust and its aims. …

The British public has a newfound appreciation for their homes. In the past year, we’ve spent more time in our homes than we may have desired. However, the need to make our homes cleaner, more hygienic, and more comfortable has been rightly recognised. If you’ve ever looked for some expert …

Wild, wellness-boosting holidays without the need for a passport   London, United Kingdom (3 February 2021) – More than ever, travellers are looking to use holidays as an opportunity to boost their sense of wellbeing and improve their mindset, taking part in mentally and physically restorative activities to instil a …

Mandira’s Kitchen Celebrates Mothers Day Mothering Sunday on 30 March will fall at a still uncertain time.  As we look forward to the date now, its almost impossible to plan, not knowing if lockdown will have lifted and if we will be able to meet up with our mothers to …

Kani House- the very best garden buildings.  Kani.House is an independent family-run business, passionate about designing and building the very best garden buildings right here in Surrey. Kani.House has spent four years developing and testing a unique super-insulated building system that provides far more comfort and longevity than standard timber construction, and …

 Made to Measure- Ryan Tuck    As many of you know, this year I moved home. I had been living in the same house in Guildford for the past seventeen years. Yes, SEVENTEEN years. When one has been in a house that long, it is easy to take things for …

An activity for every day With children and young people’s mental health so badly effected by lockdown and prolonged absence from school, this year’s Children’s Mental Health Week has a particular resonance. Former primary school teacher Laura Steele of education experts PlanBee has gathered a week’s worth of fantastic FREE …

Godalming Museum is 100 years old!  In January 1921 the former Borough of Godalming founded a public museum in Godalming’s Old Town Hall, also known as The Pepperpot. Although the museum’s collection is now looked after by The Godalming Museum Trust, in 2017 the town’s museum service returned to its …

If lockdown has left you yearning to get out of the house, then why not pop one of Phyllis Tuckwell’s Skydive or Wing Walk days in your diary. They’re the ultimate outdoor activity, and what’s more, by taking part you’ll be raising money for a vital local charity. Phyllis Tuckwell, …

Rushmoor Male Voice Choir have increased their online activity during the current pandemic lock-downs. When it became obvious that it was going to be a long while before the choir could get together or perform in person they turned to technology. Their Zoom “social calls” have been supplemented by online …

If recent interruptions to schooling have taught us anything, it is the benefit of nurturing students to be independent learners, particularly for parents struggling to home-school perhaps whilst themselves working from home. But the benefits of independent learning go far beyond the once-in-a-lifetime circumstances of the 2020 pandemic. There are …

Are you sure my body is housing an ‘ecosystem?’ I hear you ask sceptically. Yes, you got that right, an ecosystem of tens of trillions of bacterial cells (beneficial or detrimental; your choice). They have far reaching effects from the health of your skin and your mood, to heart health …

Following the success of their live online Murder Mysteries in lockdown last year, enjoyed by some 750 households, GSC return with a brand-new case for families and friends to solve. 1955. Soho, London. The Verona Lounge is the crown jewel of London’s coolest cabaret bars; frequented by everyone from film …

Squire’s Garden Centres expect ‘grow your own’ to increase in popularity in 2021 The popularity of gardening continues to rise, with research by the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) showing that lockdown in 2020 created another 3 million more gardeners. With people spending more time at home again in 2021 it …

Households across Surrey will soon be asked to take part in Census 2021 on 21 March. The census gives us the most accurate estimate of all the people and households in England and Wales and has been carried out every 10 years since 1801, except 1941. This will be the …

Haslemere Museum is delighted to announce the appointment of a new Chairman of the Board of Trustees following the retirement of Alan Perry on 6th January 2021.   At the same virtual meeting it was confirmed that the new Chairman is Christopher Boobyer BSc (Hons). Chris Boobyer has held senior positions …

We often take nature for granted, but research shows that gardening, or spending time surrounded by nature, can reduce stress levels and improve wellbeing, something we could all do with in these testing times. With National Houseplant Week last week, International Squirrel Appreciation Day on 21st January, and the Big …

Mandira’s Kitchen Lockdown Valentine’s Day Special It is highly unlikely that anyone will be able to book a romantic dinner for two in a restaurant to celebrate Valentines Day 2021 but that doesn’t mean romance is dead! Mandira’s Kitchen have put together a romantic Indian meal for two that can …

Going on a walk can revive us. Whether we explore quiet forests, look out over a rugged headland towards the sea or stroll around our favourite park, spending time in nature can give us a sense of peace. For many of us, walking has become even more important for our …

Here we have three reasonably easy courses for you to enjoy in January. They are not especially decadent and yet neither are we counting the calories. January can be such a dispiriting month that there is little point in making it worse by not eating enjoyable food. The Thai broth …

Guildford Fringe Theatre Company (GFTC) is looking ahead to Winter 2021 with its next professional pantomimes now on sale. Godalming’s family pantomime, Cinderella, will play the Borough Hall from 11 – 26 December 2021. GFTC celebrates its 10th Adult Panto with Aladdin One Rub Too Many the Adult Panto playing …

New Year’s resolutions can be a good starting point for making longer term health and lifestyle improvements, but most people who set New Year’s resolutions do not stick to them. Reasons for quitting include a lack of time, a lack of support from other people and feeling daunted by unrealistic …

For many the uncertainty brought about by the spread of the pandemic has led to depression and anxiety about how they will survive financially in the months to come. While coronavirus and redundancy scored the most hits on our National Website in the early days of the pandemic, debt is …

  Many parents enjoyed teaching their children at home during the first lockdown, but for others, the prospect of having to dust off their teaching skills again fills them with dread.   What programme of work should they follow? Should the children guide the learning or should it be imposed, with the …

Drawings of galleon for 1952 Humpty Dumpty story paved the way for famous logo, says son of artist’s agent Copies of original 1950s designs for the Blue Peter ship emblem by TV artist and presenter Tony Hart will come to auction at Ewbank’s in Surrey on 29th January Consigned from …

This hilly, circular walk has some interesting views.  The walk was submitted by Guildford Rambling Club and appears in the January issue of VantagePoint. However, due to COVID, there is now a small diversion, so please use this version!  (www.guildfordramblingclub.org.uk) From the car park, continue along the road as it …

This month is Dry January, when lots of people around the UK stop drinking alcohol for the month and try to address the effects of overindulgence during the festive season. If you have not yet joined in, it is not too late! Drinking too much alcohol can increase your risk …

The Post Baker. There are numerous benefits to being a dog owner, and the good by far out way the bad, however a dog is for life and not just for Christmas and dogs need a walk every day. Come rain or shine. I do sometimes wonder if dog owners …

Jon Courtenay, this year’s winner of ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ is joining forces with home-stage.co.uk for a free online concert to raise funds for the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal. The event will be live streamed on YouTube on Monday 28th December 2020 at 7:30pm. With a soundtrack including all his …

Mulled wine, fluffy snowflakes, hot chocolates & Christmas movies (plus rising utility bills as we try and stay warm). Yes, the next few months have plenty  going  for  them  but  as  the  colder  temperatures  descend  on  us  and  the longer nights become the norm, looking after our immunity should be …

Tradition has it that we take our Christmas down on Twelfth Night (12 nights after Christmas Day), which is either the 5th or 6th January, depending if you’re counting Christmas Day or Boxing Day as night one. But regardless of when you take your tree down, what’s the best thing …

Chichester Cathedral is delighted to present The Chichester Nativity, a major new art installation which heralds the heroes of the COVID-19 pandemic from the local community and across the Diocese of East and West Sussex. The artwork will be presented in the Cathedral to mark the period of Advent and …

A Christmas Carol Service takes place outside at Lawns Polo Ground on Christmas Eve to enable the local community to come together to embrace the festive spirit safely after a challenging year. Everyone is welcome to attend this free event but a small donation on the evening would be much …

How about making your Christmas tree even greener this year – by recycling it! Local charity Phyllis Tuckwell is offering a Christmas tree recycling service to raise money to help fund its care, so by signing up you’ll be helping both the environment and Hospice Care. To make the most …

All across Hampshire, Surrey and West Sussex, the National Trust is bringing festive traditions to life at their country houses, atmospheric gardens and wintery countryside. New for 2020 is their Peter Rabbit™ winter adventure activity trail at various sites including Hinton Ampner, Polesden Lacey and Petworth House… Hampshire Surrey West …

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This year local specialist care home, The Meath Epilepsy Charity has been unable to bring in their usual, vital, fundraised income from events and have been met with unexpected costs posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to specialist residential care for adults who live with complex epilepsy and disabilities, …

Godalming Museum has launched an online shop with all profits going to support the Museum during this difficult time.  Visitors to the shop will find Godalming themed gifts including Pepperpot mugs and, exclusive to Godalming Museum, the Gertrude Jekyll range of porcelain.  There are local history books about Farncombe, Godalming …

Community engagement for the planning of the long overdue redevelopment of Guildford’s North Street is set to begin this month, as St Edward Homes is set to agree terms with Guildford Borough Council (acting as landowner and regeneration authority) on its landholdings. St Edward, a joint venture between the Berkeley …

Like many, Godalming Band has reimagined their activities this year, replacing the sight of a traditional brass band in the street with a virtual band popping up on screens at home. Through the summer, members of the band recorded six videos from their own homes and pieced the recordings together …

We are a nation of bird watchers. From the red breasted Robin to the resident Great Tit, Blue Tit, colourful Goldfinch and Chaffinch, Blackbird, Starlings, Sparrows and more, we can’t get enough of these wonderful creatures. Small garden birds need to eat regularly, particularly during cold weather when they use …

A Christmas Carol Service takes place outside on Christmas Eve to raise the Midhurst community spirits.   A Christmas Carol Service takes place outside at Lawns Polo Ground on Christmas Eve to enable the local community to come together to embrace the festive spirit safely after a challenging year. Everyone …

Celebrate Christmas in Tier 2 with Mandira’s Kitchen Tier 2 restrictions mean normal Christmas Celebrations are so different this year, so Mandira’s Kitchen is adding two options that might help you celebrate that difference. A Festive Thali in the Gazebo experience is available from 6pm to 8pm on December 16, …

The White Horse, Hascombe. Hascombe has several beautiful trails to walk, and I have taken advantage of these routes a few times, walking past the white horse pub and always commenting about how welcoming and quaint it was. A couple of weeks ago, I went in for lunch and I …

With Christmas not too far away, local charity Phyllis Tuckwell invites you on a magical tour of some of the best displays of festive lights in the area. Follow their map and drive from house to house, enjoying the sight of twinkling fairy lights, sparkling Santas and shimmering stars. Phyllis …

It’s been a tough year for everyone, but there’s plenty for families to enjoy this Christmas – with the National Trust and Peter Rabbit™. Read on to find out more about the activities you can explore – from your own home, and in Polesden Lacey’s beautiful gardens. Peter Rabbit™ winter …

In line with the latest government guidance, Dorking Halls will reopen on Thursday 3rd December. There are lots of festive, socially distanced shows, world-class event screenings and new films on throughout the month.   Customer safety is the priority, and the Halls has comprehensive safety measures in place following the latest …

This year local specialist care home, The Meath Epilepsy Charity has been unable to bring in their usual, vital, fundraised income from events and have been met with unexpected costs posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to specialist residential care for adults who live with complex epilepsy and disabilities, …

It is no secret that the arts and entertainment industry has been very badly affected by the current pandemic. Thousands of creative and driven people have had to find new ways to earn a living and new ways to support each other. The battle for anyone in these industries to …

World’s largest garden wildlife survey returns, 29-31 January 2021 Over its four decades, Big Garden Birdwatch has highlighted the winners and losers in the garden bird world. In 2020, nearly half a million people took part, counting almost eight million birds over a three-day period. For many people, garden birds …

The Air Ambulance Kent Surrey Sussex have been working on an exciting alternative to their talks offered to groups throughout the year. They love to get out into the community and talk to people about how they work, innovate and save lives, but sadly this year has been very different. …

It’s rare for us to live through a phenomenon which affects us in the UK at the same time as people right across the world. Not often in our lives have we experienced a threat that is shared by our global neighbours as wide ranging as Ethiopia, Lebanon and Nicaragua. …

Giant gingerbread men, polar bears and even a snow leopard can be spotted on a very special Christmas trail at Painshill. The festive fun is being created by the people who brought the spectacular dragon statues to the park and encourages families to walk a trail full of amazing animals, …

Poor mental health was already the most common cause of long-term sickness absence in UK workplaces, and no one knows just how much worse it will get due to COVID-19. With large swathes of the UK in second lockdowns, SMEs need to pay extra attention to the mental health of …

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Friday 18th to Monday 21st December 2020 A Unique Christmas Experience for all the Family On the Wintershall Estate, Surrey Experience the real Christmas story and walk with Mary and Joseph on their journey to Bethlehem, live at Wintershall this Christmas.  Walk through the stunning grounds of the Wintershall Estate and …

Twenty very talented PPA Guildford 2019 Musical Theatre Graduates had a great response from their You Tube video singing Play from the show Finding Neverland which they put together to raise money and awareness for the theatre charity Acting for Others which is so important at the moment with theatres …

Beautiful steel windows, doors and screens from the Clement Windows Group Clement Windows Group are at the forefront of steel windows manufacturing, producing an innovative range of steel windows, doors, screens and rooflights for both private residences and commercial projects. Clement specialise in windows for refurbishment projects, particularly period or …

Curated by Dapper & Suave – Christmas Markets 2020 Need something to look forward to this December? Dapper & Suave have been working hard during lockdown to make sure their popular Christmas markets still happen this year, by meeting COVID regulations and social distancing guidelines. Timed entry tickets mean these …

A well sign-posted but not too demanding a walk for all the family taking in both Gibbet Hill and The Temple of the Four Winds, each with superb views – on a clear day you’ll glimpse the London skyline. Make your way to the eastern side of the Devil’s Punch …

The Surrey Cook Book is the latest addition to Meze Publishing’s ‘Get Stuck In’ series of regional cook books, this time taking us South East through the enticing culinary landscape of Surrey. The journey unfolds through the beautiful Surrey Hills, an area renowned for its farming community and array of …

Mane Chance Sanctuary in Compton needs your help this Christmas.  Their popular Christmas events have had to be cancelled due to the Covid-19 Pandemic and they have a shortfall of £15,000 in their budget.  They have some wonderful virtual fundraising gifts and events that you can buy or take part …

We are ‘Rotary in Godalming’ and are pleased to introduce ourselves to you! You may have seen us out and about in the Town before the pandemic but now we are concentrating on helping those in need with a COVID support scheme and a fundraiser for our Community Store. We …

Joshua Merricks, a local A level student, writes about how he was incredibly moved by an awe-striking video game he played over the lockdown period Having grown up in the countryside in the Farnham area, I feel as if I have a significantly greater appreciation for nature and the world …

  These will include various Christmas treats such as mince pies, crackers, chutney, chocolate, cordial, and hot cocoa. This is intended as a small gesture, a way to help those who are struggling to mark the festive season at a time of year which can be particularly challenging for people …

Stefan Reynolds pays tribute to the newly crowned greatest radio comedy of all time Lockdown has been a great period for the radio. Who can fail to have been helped along with cheerful music, a decent play or some wonderful comedy? It was such a great shock when the magnificent …

Robins are with us throughout the year but many people only begin to really notice them around Christmas time. The robin’s association with the festive season is believed to have begun when scarlet-jacketed postmen were delivering Christmas cards, and the similarly-coloured robin redbreast soon became linked to this tradition. Their …

Chilly evenings and falling leaves can only mean one thing – Christmas is on its way! This year, Phyllis Tuckwell’s annual Santa Fun Runs are going virtual, so you can complete your festive run wherever you like! “Because of Coronavirus, we’ve had to cancel many of our Fundraising events this …

Saturday 21st November at 10am sees Farnham Repair Café launch a new virtual initiative – Repair Connections – aimed to bring the local community closer together in lockdown. The Farnham Repair Café (FRC) has built up a loyal local audience in recent years and it has become clear that people …

The Brooklands Museum’s Concorde will feature in two episodes from the fourth season of the critically-acclaimed Netflix series, The Crown, due to be aired in January 2021. Filming completed earlier this year in March, and took place on board, and outside the Brooklands Concorde, recreating Princess Diana’s first official trip …

Get ahead with your Christmas shopping and help support small local businesses with an online shopping week. The St James School (Elstead) PTA are holding a digital Christmas market to raise funds for the school and to boost the local economy. With the high streets closed this is the perfect …

Next Steps Surrey virtual event gives GCSE students and their parents/carers a chance to find out more about their next steps. It will allow them to ‘meet’ local education providers, find out more about apprenticeships and hear from employers. On the 24th November there will be two events: at the …

Guildford Fringe Theatre Company is pleased to announce the talented line-up of West End performers who have been cast in Surrey’s ONLY family pantomime this winter, Beauty and the Beast, which plays The Borough Hall, Godalming, from 12th-26th December. With countless West End credits behind them, the full pantomime cast …

Vulnerable and older people living with dementia face real challenges this winter as the coronavirus pandemic continues. In response, local charity Dementia Support is now offering its services three different ways – by phone, online and, when possible, face to face at its dementia hub, Sage House in Tangmere near …

Now the clocks have turned back, and it is obvious that, it is definitely autumn. This change in seasons is usually accompanied by festivities, bonfires, and warm indoor get-togethers with friends. However, the events of this year have meant that, sadly, many of these gatherings will not go ahead as …

Based in an 18th century granary barn on the Cowdray estate in the picturesque village of Lodsworth, Langham Brewery nestles in the beautiful South Downs National Park. The brewery’s passion is to produce innovative, distinctive and flavoursome real ales using the finest quality ingredients and traditional craft skills. They have won many …

Stride it out with Sight for Surrey’s Sensory Steps Challenge today. Support our ‘2020 Year of Vision’ and look after your mental health and wellbeing by setting yourself a steps challenge today and raise money for Sight for Surrey. We all seem to love monitoring our steps, how far we’ve …

Local charity The Prostate Project says: “We’ve built a world class, state of the art Urology Centre, now let’s kit out a Research Lab to match it!” A new £100,000 diagnostic imaging device to detect prostate cancer has arrived at The Stokes Centre for Urology, thanks to local charity, The …

A magical adventure awaits you and your family this Christmas as the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre is thrilled to announce its production of The Snow Queen, running from Friday 11th to Thursday 24th December 2020. When Kai falls victim to the power of the Snow Queen, his best friend Gerda sets …

Mandira’s Kitchen aim for 1001 free meals and counting… Local business Mandira’s Kitchen pledged to provide 250 freshly made nutritious meals for children combating holiday hunger during the half term school holiday and distributed from Park Barn centre. This 250 pledged meals rose to 500 after incredible support from the …

Following the recent lockdown announcement, Guildford Fringe Theatre Company revises its performance schedule for Jim Cartwright’s play Two including ONLINE broadcast, alongside live performances Monday 2 – Wednesday 4 November live at The Back Room of the Star Inn, Guildford Thursday 5 – Saturday 7 November, streamed ONLINE nightly at …

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Shallot, Pumpkin and Red Pepper Soup with Candied Shallot and Pumpkin Seeds Ingredients: For the soup: 4 red peppers, deseeded and cut into quarters, 30g butter, 1 tbsp rapeseed oil, 6 shallots, diced and peeled, 750g pumpkin, peeled and diced into 2cm pieces, 1 red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped, …

Local charity Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice Care is on the ho-ho-hunt for houses to join its Christmas lights display this festive season! Each Christmas, families and friends love seeing houses decked out with twinkling fairy lights and sparkling Santas, deciding which is their favourite and marvelling at the creativity of each …

In 2019, Godalming Museum was awarded £63,900 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to carry out an exciting community archaeology project at Witley Camp, with help from Surrey County Archaeological Unit and The National Trust. Once a bustling military camp home to 20,000 British and Canadian soldiers and a veterinary …

The Wey & Arun Canal Trust has begun work on a major restoration project in Surrey as the charity’s bid to resurrect the abandoned canal moves up a gear. In what will be a two- to three-year project largely carried out by volunteers, a new canal cut and two bridges …

Showstopping illuminated trail returns to Kew Gardens this winter  Wednesday 18 November 2020 to Sunday 3 January 2021 from 4pm–10pm (advance booking only)  New route takes visitors through Kew Gardens’ beautifully illuminated Rose Garden Other highlights include a canopy of stars, neon-wrapped trees and another spectacular light show at the …

Watts Contemporary Gallery’s annual In Print exhibition opens on 5th November, this year featuring work by more artists than ever before to support contemporary practitioners in what has been an extraordinarily challenging year.  In Print: 20/20 Vision brings together over 100 original prints by twenty leading artists to celebrate the …

A new walk-through coronavirus testing facility has opened for those with symptoms to book appointments at the University of Surrey Campus, Guildford School of Acting Car Park 1, in Guildford as part of the Government’s UK-wide drive to continue to improve the accessibility of coronavirus testing for local communities. Testing …

Halloween is approaching fast and the shops are filling up with spooky costumes, decorations, pumpkins and sugary treats. It can be difficult to avoid overindulging on sweets and chocolate at Halloween, but there are some healthy swaps you can make. Before you head out to buy bags of sugary and …

Guildford Fringe Theatre Company  announces the cast for its professional production   D!CK The Adult Panto  playing The Back Room of The Star Inn,   25 November 2020 – 9 January 2021  Guildford Fringe Theatre Company is pleased to announce the cast for its professional adult pantomime, D!CK The Adult Panto, which will play The …

Wendy Mundie writes: “I am the Lady Captain at Betchworth Park Golf Club in Dorking – a Harry Colt designed course overlooked by Box Hill – and during the lockdown, I published a regular Newsletter ‘Fore Ladies’ and included the section the Betchworth Bugle.  The intention was to keep everyone …

The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre is delighted to announce further events in its October and November 2020 programme.   Following its success last month, Theatrical Digs returns for another two performances on Saturday 31st October. A sparkling theatrical entertainment highlighting the pleasures and perils of Life Upon the Wicked Stage, Theatrical …

Calling all schools! Phyllis Tuckwell’s annual Reindeer and Elf Runs will be taking place this November and December in local schools across West Surrey and North East Hampshire, and they’d like you to join in the fun! This festive fundraising event sees local schoolchildren dress up as either reindeer with …

With different parts of the country under different lockdown rules, the idea of celebrating Halloween may seem an impossibility. But Catherine Lynch of education experts PlanBee says you can keep your children spooked out – and stay within the law. Halloween 2020 is going to be a bit different to …

Guildford Fringe Theatre Company presents  Two by Jim Cartwright  Performed by Laurie Duncan and Claire Marlein  The Back Room of the Star Inn, Guildford  Monday 2nd–Saturday 7th November 2020 (excluding Friday)                Guildford Fringe Theatre Company presents a new professional production of Jim Cartwright’s gritty play, Two, at the …

5/6th, 12th/13th & 19th/20th December Shopping local for your Christmas gifts is easier than ever this year with all of Mole Valley District Council’s car parks free of charge on three festive weekends in December.  A great incentive to support your local retailers and hospitality venues, linger a little longer …

The Cellar community is delighted that Alex has taken over the old Cellar premises in Crown Court and we are already enjoying a relationship of shared promotion and service to the local community. Talking to Alex I have found that we have many coincidental warm links through family and patients …

This really is a most wonderful walk and is highly recommended. Humphrey and I did it recently with a friend on one of those perfect days we had. It is a circular walk through the gentle county of East Hampshire, far from the bustle of the towns, on paths that …

Karen Doidge Hill has always been very creative, with her first love being fashion design. She grew up in Cornwall before moving to London to study at London College of Fashion. After graduating, she opened a boutique which also had concessions in Top Shop. With the advent of children, she …

HRH The Countess of Wessex GCVO visited Surrey Hills producers and retailers to experience first-hand their ‘field to fork’ collaboration, following the path from ‘Provenance Cuts’ at Coverwood Farm, to Surrey Hills Butchers and Squires Food Hall in Frensham. The Countess’s visit highlighted the importance of local food production, the …

Sometimes change can lead to good things. If your business is in the position to be hiring at the moment, chances are you and your team are fairly busy, and business is going well. After finalising your recruitment process, which may have been arduous with applications at an all-time high, …

A self-guided Artisan Trail showcasing the best of Surrey Hills food, drink and craft artisans. Surrey Hills is launching its Artisan Trail on Sunday 18th October at Denbies Wine Estate in Dorking to showcase the extraordinary range of local food, drink, art and crafts in the Area of Outstanding Natural …

Phyllis Tuckwell’s virtual quizzes are returning for the autumn, so round up your team, log on, and get your thinking caps on. The quizzes will take place monthly, on Wednesdays 21st October, 18th November and 16th December, and each will be themed. October’s theme will be ‘Quiz of Quizzes’, with …

On Thursday 22nd October 2020 @ 6.30pm at Grayshott Social Club, Hill Road, Grayshott, Nr. HINDHEAD, Surrey GU26 6HL, Grayshott Folk Club presents: Zoё Wren Zoё is a fully-licensed London busker who came to entertain us last November as support to Irish trio cua. She is a talented singer/guitarist/song writer, …

Guildford School of Acting (GSA) is delighted to announce the establishment of the Ella Balinska Scholarship. Offered by GSA graduate and Hollywood actress Ella Balinska, the scholarship will be a financial award to one first-year student on the Acting BA (Hons) course in 2021, who is part of the Global Majority …

Walk east, past Ryka’s café, through the car park of the Burford Bridge Hotel and then a few yards along the A24 towards Dorking. Just past the roundabout take a path left, down into a field by the side of the River Mole. Walk around the edge of the field, …

Hambledon, like many other villages across the country, have set up Community Speed Watch groups to try and encourage drivers to slow down through villages and country lanes. This involves police-trained volunteers spending time by the roadside in set areas, recording and reporting drivers exceeding the limits. One of Hambledon’s …

SLOW DOWN! In 2019 there were 462 pedestrians and 98 cyclists killed in road accidents. I’m Somebody’s today announced a new range of t-shirts and hoodies. The clothing range is blazoned with a personalised message asking drivers to slow down. Juliet was inspired to create the brand, to highlight the …

The National Garden Scheme supports the importance of World Mental Health Day on October 10th, and its theme ‘mental health for all’. “The National Garden Scheme has long recognised the importance of gardens to our mental and physical health and wellbeing through our Gardens And Health initiative,” says CEO, George …

Local charity Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice Care is looking for more volunteers to help it provide its vital care for patients and families who are living with an advanced or terminal illness, such as cancer. It has volunteer vacancies in many different areas of its care. If you fancy flexing your …

There are just a few more days to visit the fascinating exhibition about Godalming’s Saxon founders at Godalming Museum. ‘Godalming’s Secret Cemetery’ tells the story of the discovery and excavation of a remarkable archaeological site in the centre of the town, which turned out to be a 9th – 12th …

A Surrey-based care home group and a City Livery Company have teamed up to delight residents with a virtual classical music concert, all as part of a pilot study designed to see if music can help boost residents’ moods during the COVID-19 pandemic. CHD Living, which owns and operates 13 …

Pegasus, specialist later living developer, will launch Taylor Place in Dorking on 10-11 October. Prospective purchasers will be able to make a one to one appointment to view the stunning new two-bedroom show apartment. The development on London Road, overlooking Pippbrook Bowling Green, offers an exclusive collection of 22 one- …

Here at SHP we are so pleased to announce more additions to our growing schedule of Pilates, Yoga and Tai Chi classes! Due to huge demand, from next week we are adding another signature dynamic Pilates class-spaces are limited and going FAST, please book early to avoid disappointment https://www.surreyhillsphysiotherapy.co.uk/classes/! From …

This is an easy, relatively flat walk which offers some interesting views and pleasant countryside. The walk was provided by Guildford Rambling Club (guildfordramblingclub.org.uk). Duck back into the park at the back of the car park and go right. Then take the path right, between the cricket pitch and the …

Shaped by COVID-19 policies and concerns, the UK workforce is becoming gradually more remote. The number of businesses committing to a remote workforce is growing in number just as alternatives to the traditional office setting become a key talking point. But, for many, careers have been developed and nurtured in …

An invitation to review a restaurant at this time was unexpected but very agreeable, as you imagine. Giggling Squid in Guildford was a new venue for me and business partner Marcus, although we have previously had a very good ‘tapas style’ lunch in their Farnham branch when it opened a …

This autumn, back by popular demand, Watts Contemporary Gallery returns with its annual group ceramics show, following its successful debut in 2019. Watts Ceramics 2020 brings together work by nine leading ceramicists to demonstrate the diversity of contemporary practice and celebrate the long tradition of pottery at Watts Gallery – …

At first working from home was a solution. It was a way to stay safe, follow the Government’s coronavirus guidance, and avoid the daily commute. However, for many it’s starting to become a problem. Meetings are creeping into the diary during what would have been the time you were reading …

Struggling to find something for the kids to do this half term? Want to get them out of the house or looking for childcare alternatives? Look no further than GoFest Active’s Multi-Sports Camps, we’ve even got a special 15% off deal for VantagePoint readers. Simply enter code NEWS15 when you …

Launching 19th September 14 one and two-bedroom apartments Within walking distance of Godalming’s famous market town Mainline train connections to Guildford (8 mins), London Waterloo (50 mins) and Portsmouth (57 mins) Situated in the historic market town of Godalming, Amber Lodge by Shanly Homes is an exclusive collection of just …

Heathland Artworks is a FREE outdoor art exhibition and a wonderful opportunity to explore Farnham Heath this autumn. From 1-30 October come and discover delightful artworks all created by local emerging artists studying Craft, Fine Art and Textiles at the University for the Creative Arts in Farnham. The students took …

This is a flat walk through attractive countryside which offers some splendid views. The walk was submitted by Guildford Rambling Club (see guildfordramblingclub.org.uk). From Dunsfold – from the parking, go along the far side of the road, right, until reaching a lane going left, along the side of a tiny …

The majority of the route for this walk is along woodland paths and tracks. The walk can be strenuous in places, with a steep descent at one point to reach Holmbury St Mary and a steady climb after the pubs. The scenery is stunning with the finale being Holmbury Hill …

At Oakleaf, we believe that creativity and better mental health go hand in hand. During these extraordinary Covid-19 times, our creative workshops have found a new virtual platform, forming an online community for our clients. We have been running online Art Therapy as an alternative to our in-person workshops, and these …

Thirty-five years ago on September 21st 1985, there was frantic activity on the banks of Loch Ness as a ‘monster’ was hoisted from its depths. This ‘monster’ was Wellington Bomber N2980, nicknamed ‘R for Robert.’ During a training exercise with 20 Operation Training Unit, based at RAF Lossiemouth, on December …

From 2nd October 2020 to 29th January 2021 Mole Valley District Council (MVDC) working with Dorking Town Partnership will offer free parking every Friday from 3pm in St Martin’s Walk, Wathen Road, Southside and West Street car parks. The Park for Free after Three initiative, funded by Dorking Town Partnership, …

We may not be able to turn water into wine, but children can turn stones into seeds this October and November at Squire’s Garden Centres! The garden centre is asking children under 16 to paint a pebble or stone to look like a vegetable. They can pick up a free …

This is an easy, flat, figure of 8 walk, running past a lake and alongside the historic Wey Navigation. The walk description is provided by Guildford Rambling Club (guildfordramblingclub.org.uk). Facing the back of the shops, head right, passing behind the houses until emerging on Newark Lane (the B367). Turn right …

In memory of a beloved father and footballing legend My dear Dad, Ralph Morris, died in September 2019, aged 91. He was a gifted footballer in his younger years. During his National Service in Malaya in the late 1940s, he represented RAF Butterworth, playing with distinction all over the peninsula, …

Citizens Advice Guildford has helped 268 people with employment issues since lockdown. Benefits and Tax Credits, Employment, Housing and Universal Credit are the top issues it has dealt with during the pandemic. Becky Jeffrey, Chief Officer of Citizens Advice Guildford, said: “We have helped people with a huge range of …

Prologue Youth Theatre Company  Prologue Youth Theatre Company aims to provide high-quality workshops to help young people develop their creative, social and personal skills.  With weekly workshops for young people aged 9 to 25, Prologue Youth Theatre Company supports young people in order to develop performance skills and nurture creativity. Prologue …

It’s always a treat going to David and Lynn Paynter’s fabulous house and magnificent garden near Haslemere for their annual Art & Soul Exhibition as part of Surrey Artists’ Open Studios. This usually takes place in June, so it was lovely this year to see their garden in a different …

  Local charity Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice Care is in need of more volunteers to help in its 18 charity shops, which are located across West Surrey and North-East Hampshire. If you’re a people person, you’ll love the social interaction that volunteering in Phyllis Tuckwell’s busy shops will bring, as you …

We all experience stress from time to time. There are many things that can lead to us feeling stressed. It can come from the news, our jobs, financial insecurity, health issues and personal problems. Feeling constantly stressed and overwhelmed can lead to a rise in blood pressure and resting heart …

Access to one of Guildford’s most important heritage sites has been improved following completion of the latest restoration works at the Chilworth Gunpowder Mills. Coinciding with the 100th anniversary of its closure, in 1920, repairs to the 1880s steam-powered mill buildings on the site include improvements to three bridges, strengthening …

Spiced Flatbreads These are a staple in my house, not just at work. I make them with lots of things, just on their own with some dipping sauce or maybe stuffed with sundried tomato and mozzarella. Love curry? Love making it at home – these are a great substitute for …

Those who follow these articles will know that we have been closed since 16th March in line with Government guidelines to keep our members and volunteers safe from Covid-19. Our manager, Jules, retired on 1st May, which was already planned, and we interviewed and appointed a new manager. We were …

Late summer sun, slow change in hues of leaves whose days are nearly done, dues paid for the year, so they may either linger on, through autumn’s shifts, or drop tomorrow, an early gift to the earth below, and all the things about to grow in gardens, fields and water …

Don’t take our word for it – this is what 2 of our regular advertisers have to say about VantagePoint!: Andy Jones, A2B Pest Control Francesco Bartolomei, The Talbot Hotel, Ripley

Absolute Hair and Beauty.  This year has been an absolute roller coaster, from small local businesses all the way up to the supermarket giants. It really has been a year that no one will ever forget. Many independent business owners became local heroes in lockdown, stepping up and going above …

Six Dorking artists who are taking part in the Surrey Artist Open Studio event have decided to stay open even if the event does not go ahead. This event takes place 19 September to 4 October, 11am – 5pm. Studios are open on various days throughout this period, please check …

Financial abuse, one of the many forms of domestic abuse, is rarely talked about. However, it’s not uncommon even here in Surrey. It’s often linked with other forms of domestic abuse and usually it’s hidden from family and friends. What is financial abuse? Research from Citizens Advice shows that financial …

Until 4 October, visitors to Watts Gallery – Artists’ Village can experience Forest Listening, an audio visual installation by artist Liz K Miller.  The installation, which will be sited in the Limnerslease woodland, brings together the sounds of a rainstorm recorded from beneath the forest floor with visualisations of these …

Local charity Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice Care is launching a pilot online version of a selection of its Living Well sessions, to connect patients who have been and still are unable to come to the Hospice or Beacon Centre during the pandemic. Phyllis Tuckwell’s Living Well service helps patients and their …

Every time I visit Bourne Mill Antiques in Farnham I find something strikingly out of the ordinary that I have never come across before.  It’s a charming labyrinth of rooms, each offering items from a different trader.  Over the five floors, there are over 80 traders, who are the heart …

“Every adventure requires a first step” The Cheshire cat, Alice in Wonderland. Every time I have the pleasure of visiting the Hannah Peschar Sculpture Garden I feel as if I have fallen onto the set of Alice in Wonderland. This magnificent garden is filled, not only with exquisite sculptures, but …

Rotary in Godalming are setting up a job club for anyone who finds themselves made redundant or without work due to the Coronavirus Pandemic. The present circumstances can make a job search especially challenging. So, it is even more important that you do yourself full justice when applying! Our trained …

New decade, new digs for design agency Deep in the undergrowth of Surrey a troop of design specialists have nested in a recently converted barn. Silverback® – as in the gorilla – is the name of Malcolm Gilbertson’s team of designers and marketeers, who have roamed just over the border …

New exhibitions, 12 September – 7 November Our local landscape, the beautiful green countryside, has given us so much joy during the recent lockdown. The Painting Farnham season celebrates Farnham, the historic market town, Craft Town and a World Craft City, nestled in the rolling Surrey Hills. It showcases new …

These recipes are by Ben Jupp, Head Chef of Cowdray Farm Shop & Café  – www.cowdray.co.uk/cowdray-farm-shop/ Cowdray Bara Brith (Tea Loaf) Ingredients: 225g mixed fruit, 175g black strong tea, 125g dark brown sugar, 225g raising flour, 1 egg , 4g baking powder Serves 4 Method: 1. First boil the kettle …

A healthy, well-balanced diet is important for managing your weight and preventing serious health problems, including heart disease. The Eatwell guide is a visual tool that represents government guidelines on healthy eating. In this Healthy Tip, we give you some tips for planning a healthy, well-balanced diet using the Eatwell …

Surrey Heritage has been highly commended in this year’s national Archives & Records Association (ARA) Archive Volunteering Award for its Surrey in the Great War: A County Remembers (SGW) project.  The award aims to recognise and celebrate outstanding work involving volunteers within the archive sector and to promote good practice …

In school years and sporting age groups, children can be almost a year apart in age and this represents challenges for the children born later in the academic calendar. The sporting disadvantage to the younger child in the age group is known as the ‘Relative Age Effect’. This is stark …

Enjoy a visual experience of Petworth – we are going digital on the weekend of 19th & 20th September! The Petworth Heritage Weekend team were aiming to build on the success of the last 3 years and we were planning a bigger and better event for this year, but the …

Background In 2019 Heritage Open Days festival celebrated 25 years. It was established originally as England’s part of a Pan European event. The central principle is to offer free access to buildings which are normally closed to the public but now it includes tours and events which bring local history …

Could you be more Creative? Online Cartoon classes for children and adults who love to Doodle Do you like to doodle? Would you call yourself creative? Did you know that cartoons help?! Meet Sarah Jane Vickery, a Godalming artist and creativity coach who’s developed unique online art classes to help …

The morning walk starts with a stiff climb up onto Mickleham Downs and there is a corresponding climb down later but your efforts will be rewarded by some splendid views and you can always soothe your aches in the Running Horse at lunchtime. The afternoon is less strenuous but no …

  DLo Hairdressing  Lock down was a challenging and testing time for all of us, especially when it came to lock down locks. With some women frantically scouring the internet for home hair dye kits, whilst others tried their hand at sheering their husbands. I speak from experience when I …

The new school year will soon be with us: make sure youngsters feel calm about what lies ahead. Former teacher Catherine Lynch of education resources and lesson-planning experts PlanBee has ten tips  As families struggle to deal with the fall-out from exams chaos, don’t forget that younger children also need …

This year’s festival will explore Hidden Nature with a mixture of  in-person and online events www.heritageopendays.org.uk 11th–20th September 2020  England’s largest festival of history and culture returns in September, and for the first time, the programme will include a mix of virtual tours and digital experiences as well as in-person …

Rotary Clubs of Godalming, together with Citizens Advice Waverley, have launched a new fund to ensure financial support and advice is available to all those in need, across the borough of Waverley. Rotary’s Waverley Covid Support Fund has been set up in anticipation that job losses and economic hardship are …

The rescheduled annual Petworth Park Antiques & Fine Art Fair is due to return to the grounds of the National Trust’s Petworth House this autumn.  Organised by The Antiques Dealers Fair Limited for the sixth successive year, this much loved fair opens in The Marquee, Petworth Park, Petworth, West Sussex …

When elderly parents need to downsize, it can be an ordeal for the whole family. Penny Kitchen talks to a woman who knows how to help from first-hand experience. Amanda Fyfe was a successful businesswoman with a young family when she realised that her parents, aged 75 and 85, needed …

Although this can take a while to prepare, it is well worth the effort. Using lots of flavoursome organic vegetables, served with homemade Soda bread and a light green salad, it’s a sure fire hit with the whole family. Ingredients: 2 aubergines cut into chunks; 2-3 courgettes cut into thick …

This walk has very little in the way of ups and downs as it passes through woods and fields south of Midhurst, then, at one point, briefly climbs up to skirt the South Downs. The walk was submitted by Guildford Rambling Club (see guildfordramblingclub.org.uk). From the bottom of the car …

In its first 100 days from 20th April 2020 to 28th July 2020, the Godalming & Villages Community Store provided 12,180 days’ worth of food and hygiene products to those in the community facing food insecurity. The purpose of the Community Store is to support those in our community who …

Full Steam Ahead – 10th June–17th July 2021 It’s been a ‘challenging’ year, but what has kept us going is to focus on the future: 2021 at Grange Park Opera, Surrey. This season covers a deliberately broad range of productions from the traditional, a rarity for connoisseurs, to a brand …

Emma Marchington MRCVS, of Brelades Vets in Dorking, offers advice to anyone thinking of getting a dog There is a lot to consider when getting a new dog. Whether you have had dogs for years, not had a dog since your childhood or a first time dog owner, it is …

Local artist, David Paynter, who operates under the banner of The Artful Gallery, is hosting 21 guest artists, including a winner of BBC’s ‘Home is where the art is’, at his studio and six acres of grounds in Haslemere in September.  Around 100 works will be on show, including paintings, …

“The top concern for millions of people right now is weathering the escalating employment crisis.” –Dame Gillian Guy, Chair of Citizens Advice. People in our local community facing redundancy after a period on furlough are turning to us in ever-greater numbers. This is the story of one of those people. …

Back pain is a normal occurrence which on average happens once or twice a year. The back, as with any other part of the body, is made up of bones, ligaments and muscles and these structures can from time to time become injured, sore, strained and sprained and take a …

From the starting point on the Albury Downs near Guildford – part of the North Downs and one of its finest 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 …