Soul-pop singer/songwriter Chrissie Huntley has won the opportunity to perform at the internationally renowned Glastonbury Music Festival which celebrates another sell out year and is set to welcome over 175,000 festival goers this June. A star on the rise, the Reigate-born 24-year-old is currently studying at the illustrious BIMM Institute …

Celebrating success at the UK’s most anticipated horticultural event of the year, the Silent Pool Gin Garden wins a prestigious silver-gilt medal at the Royal Horticultural Society’s world-famous Chelsea Flower Show 2019, where innovative design and horticultural expertise combine to showcase some of the country’s most exciting and inventive gardening …

The aim of food banks is to support local families in crisis who don’t have enough money to buy food. They are given enough food to feed their family (or themselves if they are single) for approximately 3 days. The reasons why people need to visit food banks include benefit …

Over 1,500. That’s how many manuscript submissions a literary agent recently told me she receives every year. It’s by no means atypical either. Most agents would proffer a similar number while you can probably double it for publishers. As an author, it’s enough to make your blood run cold. Is …

An exciting programme of over 120 events will be on offer to audiences at this year’s Guildford Fringe Festival, running from 28 June until 28 July across 12 venues from pubs and theatres to a natural burial reserve and the BBC Surrey radio studio.  Gag House Comedy Superstars will kick off the festival’s official Opening …

For those who know Birtley House Nursing Home, you may not be aware of the expanse of Woodlands tucked away around the house, and the lively community that is within your reach, an amalgamation of local artisans from in and around Surrey. At the gates you will be greeted by …

For the past 5 years, Meaby & Co Solicitors (formerly Hart Scales & Hodges) has supported Cancer Research and has been the base for local collectors to meet in order to raise money for this incredible cause. Each year, our members of staff join many local people to help collect …

2019 sees the 40th anniversary of the twinning of Guildford with Freiburg in southwest Germany: cue for celebrations by the Guildford Twinning Association in partnership with Guildford Borough Council. 40 years of a partnership which is still alive and meaningful! As proof of that, an artistic exchange between the two …

In the quiet village of Chiddingfold, there is a charming little tea shop. This tea shop is unlike one I have ever been into before, not only is it one of the most laid-back environments I have ever walked into, it is also a complete hub for locals, business meetings, …

On Thursday 16th May 2019, around 50 enthusiastic quizzers took part in a special Charity Music Quiz at The King’s Arms in Dorking. After four challenging rounds of ten questions each, together with a special 20-point picture round, ‘Dobby’s Angels’ emerged triumphant out of the eight teams taking part, with a very impressive score …

Charterhouse hosts the annual Flight Centre Schools Triathlon for the first time. On Sunday 12 May almost 800 children took part in the triathlon event at Charterhouse School in Godalming, raising £85,000 for Restless Development and other charities. Dr Alex Peterken, Headmaster of Charterhouse, said: “We are delighted to welcome …

On May 1st 2019 I visited The Wheatsheaf for lunch, as soon as I walked in I was amazing at how big the pub was, for being situated in the heart of Farnham and on one of the main streets, from the moment you walked inside off the road, it …

Fearne Cotton recently revealed she’s swapped partying for therapy. The radio presenter who has been open about her battle with depression said, “I don’t go to clubs. I spend any money I would have spent on a therapist every week.” Speaking of her husband musician Jessie Wood, she added, “My …

The team The team at St Catherine’s Hospice are familiar with conversations around end of life. They believe it is important that these discussions are had by both patients and their families to ensure that wishes are fulfilled and loved ones are able to contribute in their own way. Here, …

Leatherhead Rotary Club 10k Bluebell Run Sunday 5th May – Headley Heath, Headley The weather held for the annual Leatherhead Rotary Bluebell 10k run on Sunday 5th May. Although slightly cool it provided ideal running conditions for around 200 runners who turned up. The route is a delightful trail route …

In Place of War – Music for Medellin Donate your unwanted musical instruments and equipment to charity Young people are mentored by artists and learn the four elements of Hip Hop (MCing, break dancing, djing and graffiti) Thursday 6th – Saturday 8th June 2019 The Boileroom, Guildford ‘If it wasn’t …

It’s always a shock to the system going back to work after the Easter break, after a couple of four-day weeks, I think, one must ease themselves back in gently. What better way than to arrange a coffee first thing on a Monday? I met Jason Brett in a coffee …

The Friends of Brooklands School in Reigate would like to thank everyone who so generously supported the recent raffle in aid of the school at Cobbett’s Real Ales in Dorking. Brooklands School is a state-funded special school for children aged between 2 and 11 years with severe or complex learning …

Surrey Day this Saturday 4th May is a great day for Food Float to celebrate its tenth year offering local food to Dorking people! To commemorate, we have invited three producers: •  Honey man Paul Cleaver •  Debbie, Queen of jam and chutney •  Barry from Kingfisher Farm to tell …

Clandon Wood Nature Reserve presents a special Fundraising performance of Bizet’s Carmen in support of The Brigitte Trust Sunday 5th May – Tickets £49 Transforming the beautiful glass Pavillion at Clandon Wood into an intimate in-the-round performance space, Rogue Opera’s cast of six singers and pianist bring you the drama …

Festival of Chichester  Chichester is all set for an exciting summer celebration of the arts with the launch of the award-winning Festival of Chichester, which is set to build on the runaway success of its first six seasons. The festival, now one of the largest in the south, combines the …

Enjoy a fabulous day out in the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty! Surrey Hills Sculpture Garden & Arts Festival May 4th to June 2nd open everyday from 10am–4.30pm A stunning display of 160+ high quality sculptures set within the beautiful landscape of woodlands, meadows and lakeside in the …

Guildford Summer Festival, with official sponsor Silent Pool Gin, is back for its 36th year with over one hundred events to enjoy over the summer in Guildford. New events for 2019 include Animal Encounter Tours at Merrist Wood and the University of Surrey Conductors Concert taking place at Holy Trinity …

Surrey FA will be supporting local charity The Amber Foundation through a dedicated County Cup Final fixture. The Saturday Premier County Cup Final on Wednesday 24th April will be partly staffed by Amber residents, who will also be raising funds for the charity on the night. Supporters can come and …

Over the past few years, we’ve all become more aware of the dangers of our over use of plastic and the damage that this material can do to us, our environment, and to creatures of all shapes and sizes who live in the rivers, oceans, and in the landscape around …

As Spring begins, and thoughts of Winter fade away, the garden once again becomes a place to spend time, rather than just a pleasant view from the kitchen window filled with memories of warmer weather. Now what to do with all that space?  A Playhouse for the children?  A Greenhouse …

Sowing seeds is a wonderfully cost-effective way to garden.  Many hardy annual plants can be grown from seed this month, providing us with a quick and easy way to fill our gardens with beautiful flowers, in a wide range of colours and forms. Many annual plants provide a valuable source …

This year’s GUTS Motor Tour will run on Sunday 22nd September and, rather thrillingly, our destination is Arundel Castle, by kind permission of the Duke of Norfolk. We have been invited to park and picnic on the lower lawns with the castle as a wonderful backdrop for photographs. We have …

We’re big cricket fans here at VantagePoint, so we were delighted to attend an Evening with Aggers & Tuffers at New Victoria Theatre in Woking yesterday. Jonathan ‘Aggers’ Agnew is an extremely accomplished raconteur and interviewer, and Phil ‘Tuffers’ Tufnell was very amusing, telling his stories of his time in …

Blenheim Court is a new luxury care home in Liss lying within the beautiful open countryside of the South Downs National Park offering the highest level of residential, nursing and dementia care. Purpose built and designed around the needs of its residents, the home provides luxurious interior designed accommodation with …

This is a varied walk with one or two steep ascents. It passes through some of the most delightful woodland. It is fine at any time of the year, but especially in the spring because of the lambs and the bluebells. For larger map, please visit www.fancyfreewalks.org.uk. 1. Take the …

On Saturday 23rd March 2019, a sell-out audience of over 500 people filled St Mary’s Church in Horsham to hear over 70 members of the world-famous London Welsh Male Voice Choir perform a very special concert in aid of the Motor Neurone Disease Association. VIP guest at the concert was …

On Thursday 4th April 2019, around two dozen members of Dorking Business Breakfast Group attended the group’s weekly meeting at Betchworth Park Golf Club to hear Catherine Illingworth from BOOM! Credit Union give an excellent presentation about ethical lending. Ms Illingworth explained how BOOM!’s products and services help local people …

Don’t know how to apply for Universal Credit to help with your living and housing costs? Citizens Advice can help you with your initial online claim. Alex* contacted Citizens Advice in distress because she didn’t know how to start making a claim for Universal Credit (UC) and was worried that …

‘GREY COLOURS A FARMHOUSE ATTRACTION’;A PLEASANT GLIMPSE OF OLD ENGLAND This was an unusual heading of an article in the Farnham Herald commenting on a very early exhibition in the 1970s . The young reporter arrived on a bicycle from Farnham completely drenched from head to foot by torrential rain …

Vantage Publishing, publishers of VantagePoint, was set up in 2009 with the sole purpose of producing a brand new free community magazine for the Godalming area. Its founder, Stefan Reynolds, had the idea after being involved in a government sponsored market town appraisal, which had found that there was a …

G Live – Tuesday 20 April to Saturday 4 May Dirty Dancing is back, exploding with heart-pounding music, breath-taking emotion and sensationally sexy dancing. Seen by millions across the globe, this worldwide smash hit tells the classic story of Baby and Johnny, two fiercely independent young spirits from different worlds, …

“History cannot give us a program for the future, but it can give us a fuller understanding of ourselves, and of our common humanity, so that we can better face the future.” I was invited to have a tour around The Spike Heritage Centre by John Redpath General Manager of …

There’s something new and very exciting appeared on Farnham Heath Nature Reserve this Spring and it’s caught the attention of the BBC! ‘The House of Invisible Hands’ is a permanent wooden structure constructed out of oak with walls of chestnut coppice by sculptor Walter Bailey. The inspiration for the piece …

Follow the link to buy your tickets online: http://tiny.cc/98qf4y Visit the website for more details: https://www.maryannweeks.co.uk/mothers-womens-day-event-at-guildford-aveda-mumfest-2019-tickets-now-available/  

Have you discovered #MySurreyHills videos? Here is Jude, a runner. Each month they will introduce you to a new person. What they all have in common is the Surrey Hills and the love they have for the area, something we at VantagePoint share!

Arundel Castle in West Sussex is set to commence its busy events calendar with a brand-new adventure for families and history enthusiasts alike, Combat at the Castle, on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th April. The weekend of 12th century escapades will follow the Castle’s reopening on Tuesday 2 April, offering …

On Wednesday 13th March 2019, over 80 members, partners and friends from seven Rotary clubs across northeast Surrey attended a special event organised by Leatherhead Rotary Club at Betchworth Park Golf Club near Dorking. After enjoying an excellent three-course meal, everyone present was richly entertained with a special balloon debate, …

The Peach Pub Company, which runs two pubs in Surrey, The Richard Onslow in Cranleigh and The Duke of Wellington in East Horsley, has been named in The Sunday Times 100 Best Companies list for the third year running.  Peach was crowned number 48 in the 19th annual edition of …

The Stranger on The Bridge. “As I walked into the middle of the bridge, I was oblivious to the stream of commuters walking past me. And in turn, the commuters were seemingly oblivious to me- the man teetering on the edge. All except for one” Jonny Benjamin MBE On Thursday …

Back when it all began Our first ever session was in East Grinstead at The Jubilee Community Centre on Tuesday 24th February. The centre was packed, and I kept asking people as they arrived if they had come for choir. But no, they had come for pancakes, served by The …

Surrey based entrepreneur, JoAnne Temple, has launched a new and exclusive photography experience which aims to celebrate and empower girls aged 4 – 18 years. The new venture, Frank & Bloom, is a service designed for parents in the Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire area who want to embrace their daughter’s …

  What: Tunsgate Quarter 1st Birthday Tea Party When: Saturday 16th March, 11am – 3pm Where: Tunsgate Quarter, Guildford Price: Free In celebration of its first birthday, Tunsgate Quarter, Guildford will be hosting a complimentary tea party for shoppers, including live performances, family entertainment and in-store promotions. Taking place on …

A CELEBRATION OF LOCAL VINEYARDS OFFERING OUTSTANDING WINES, BEAUTIFUL VIEWS AND A WARM WELCOME. A new collaboration of five multi-award winning vineyards have announced a special launch weekend on 8th 9th June 2019, to celebrate the formation of a new English wine region – ‘Vineyards of the Surrey Hills’. This collection …

As a member of the Surrey Hills Enterprises I was delighted to have had the opportunity to attend the very first awards event at the Barnett Hill Hotel in Wonersh on Wednesday 27th February. It was not only a chance to see a newly developed and refurbished local hotel first …

Albury Estate Spring Event with pop up pizza from Wood Fired Larder managed to dodge the week-end rain on Saturday.  A great selection of pizzas were available and I sampled the Mediterranean vegetable pizza which was delicious…vegan and the all day breakfast pizzas were also poplar choices! The Wood Fired …

Maxine has recently introduced the Open House network to the areas of Petworth, Farnham, and Godalming  bringing you a dedicated, competitive, affordable, and personal service from beginning to end. With experience as a lettings assistant and property inspector Maxine has a passion for property,  personal experience of buying and renovating …

The Guildford Fringe Weeks launched in February this year and have been a huge success in terms of making theatre more accessible and affordable in the town. From 8-13 April at The Back Room of The Star Inn you can see three different plays. The themes of these plays include …

As you will know from last month, I just adore growing fruit and vegetables. Any form of edible gardening is a soul-enriching experience, which I would encourage you to try. Last year, I ran a tomato trial, to discover delicious, productive, and reliable tomato varieties. My tomato seeds were sown …

Like or loathe winter, it’s a time of year that can cause difficulties for us all. Sadly our pets can encounter problems so we need to be more vigilant at this time. Below are a few guidelines. Outside When you are walking your dog ensure you avoid any areas that …

Charlotteville was a small village immediately adjoined to Guildford and is claimed to have been the town’s first suburb.  With all the shops now closed and with the pubs disappearing, the identity of The Village as it was known has largely disappeared. In the late 1960s the community centre (also …

Dog Holiday Entrepreneur Trisha Tattersall Launches Barking Mad Search for A New Business Owner ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A CHANGE IN CAREER AND LOVE DOGS? Farnham (and surrounding area), leading dog care provider, Barking Mad is now offered for sale. Circa. £38k The successful applicant will be offered a dream …

Lisa was kind enough to invite the VantagePoint team to come along to one of her corporate group classes, for those of you who know us, the term flexible might not automatically spring to mind. But we were determined to give it a go! In a world that is so fast paced …

Spring has sprung in Hampshire and as everyone looks ahead to an exciting new season, the team at https://www.fourseasons.com/hampshire/ is delighted to announce the return of its famous Wild Carrot Seasonal Socials. Presenting a dining event with a difference, the Wild Carrot team of food and drink experts takes guests on …

It was with great excitement we announced the opening of our new Guildford Office at the beginning of January.   When we first established Watson Thomas in 2013, we could only hope that others would share in our vision of a modern family law firm, which strives to offer a clear …

Phil Kemp visits two providers of care for seniors and meets those committed to their well-being. When I was invited to visit two residential care homes over the Christmas period, I must be honest and confess that I had mixed feelings, given that I have had family and friends in …

It’s worth saying that I am impressed by the range and number of local articles you include in VantagePoint. That aspect of the magazine appears to be growing, which is good. Makes it all the more worthwhile to receive … and read. Steve Garnsey, a reader

I can hear you mutter ‘’all walking is healthy, what is so special about this one?’’ Walking for Health is about organised and risk-assessed short community group walks. It is the name given by Dr William Bird (MBE), who started the first health walks in the early 90s. He felt …

Art is French play by Yasmina Reza which premiered in Paris in 1994. The UK rights were acquired by Sean Connery who commissioned Christopher Hampton to do an English translation and it arrived in the West End in 1996 with Sir Tom Courtenay, Ken Stott and the late Albert Finney. …

It has become a way of life now. We spend hours a day scrolling through social media and looking at the most amazing destinations in the world. Looking longingly at these images and thinking, how amazing it would be to go and visit them and experience the beauty in person. …

1. With Busbridge Church on your left, set off along Hambledon Road up a gentle gradient until the road becomes blocked. Cross over Home Farm Road and continue along Hambledon Road. After about 100 metres, the gradient turns downhill and you enter a natural gulley with steep sides. After a …

An undulating walk from Ranmore Common in the Surrey Hills, through part of the National Trust estate of Polesden Lacey. From the walk there are good views of the Mole Gap, London, and on a clear day, the South Downs. Please note that there is admission fee if you wish …

This book on Haslemere, using material prepared by a number of local people tasked with producing the town’s Design Statement, has been put together by Fay Foster. After extensive research she has written much additional content bringing the history up to date.  The aim has been to paint a picture …

I’ve been meaning to message for ages! We’ve had the most amazing response thanks to your articles about us in Vantage Point. Lots and lots of new customers. Thank you so much for helping us spread the word in such a wonderfully put publication. Very best wishes, Annabel from Keep, 18 Downing Street, …

                              https://dshaircreations.co.uk/ Photograph of before and after my treatment at D’s Hair Creations.  There really is nothing better than leaving a hair salon with a new do. Every time I step out of a hairdresser, I …

We’ve had fantastic feedback on our recent blog in Vantage Point Magazine about our open day in Leatherhead. https://www.vantagepointmag.co.uk/what-did-you-do-today-that-made-a-difference/  I just wanted to thank you! Kind regards, Caroline – See Ability

The Godalming Music Festival began in 1947 as a competition for choirs. Piano classes were added in 1962, with stringed and wind instruments in 1966. 1968 saw further growth with the addition of speech and solo singing. An organ competition was instituted in 1977 and dance introduced in 1991. Whilst …

Annum Salman, a Pakistani spoken word poet and author of her debut poetry book “Sense Me,” recently released a spoken word video titled “Anna.” The four minute video combines her poignant words with the contemporary dance of Vasnica Srishinkar, who is a dance student at the University of Surrey. The …

“Your ears might have been burning on Saturday when we showed ‘The Guernsey Literary and Potato Pie Society’ because we had so many new people who had seen our advert in VantagePoint and an audience of 72, so thank you very much indeed. ” Jane, Fernhurst Films  

        http://theguildfordspice.com The VantagePoint team ventured out for a press lunch to celebrate another month done and all five magazines complied and off to the printers. This time we were off to The Guildford Spice for a nice warming curry, on what can only be described as a …

Patrick McIntosh isn’t a man afraid of a challenge! Not content with trekking to the South Pole or beating cancer three times, Patrick is taking on his next challenge – his Lifecycle. And supporting his local hospice, St Catherine’s Hospice, in the process. Patrick is attempting to cycle around the …

Sir Alfred Hitchcock’s The Lady Vanishes arrived in great style last night at Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, with a fabulous cast led by Juliet Mills and her husband Maxwell Caulfield. The play begins in an Austrian railway station, the German eagle and swastikas flying overhead. The train heading to Zurich …

Most people hope that their estate will pass on to their children and grandchildren eventually. But this will not happen for many, unless careful arrangements have been made to protect their assets from being taken towards the end of their life to pay for care home fees. The solution to …

In the dead of winter, myself and my boyfriend were invited to an event put on by Amanda, from Sage and Season. We pulled into a country lane and weaved down and down until we arrived at what looked like a school, gymnasium from the outside. Not too sure what …

SeeAbility are looking for extraordinary people.  We already have some working for us and we need more!  Come and join us for coffee and cake and meet the team at our open day on 8 February at the Millenium Centre in Leatherhead… Here at SeeAbility we put the people we …

Godalming boasts a vibrant community of independent outlets, providing an exciting opportunity to explore all manner of arts and crafts, and also find all of the essentials you need to be creative at home. This beautiful corner of West Surrey has always attracted artists, and a new initiative started by …

Happy New Year! There’s a high chance, as you read this, that two things have happened over the last month or more. 1 – You’ve enjoyed Christmas (in reality it was most of December!) and are feeling the effects of too much alcohol, sugar and carbohydrate rich foods? 2 – …

“Look at me! Look at me! Look at me NOW! It’s fun to have fun but you have to know how!” Families of Guildford and surrounding areas are in for a theatrical treat as Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre will play host to the anarchic musical extravaganza The Cat in the …

The black cab is a world-famous London icon: convenient, functional, and a common sight on London’s roads. Unfortunately, though, their diesel engines are a major source of pollution. That’s why London’s Mayor announced that from 1st January 2018 all new taxis must be diesel-free and able to run entirely on …

So it is January and you have no money and need to limit your calorie intake after Christmas. Try these cheap but tasty ideas, all using our favourite vegetable, the humble potato! Recipes taken from http://www.lovepotatoes.co.uk. North African Spiced Baked Eggs with Potato Ingredients: 2 large pre-boiled fluffy potatoes (such as …

Our walk is taken with kind permission from the Ramblers. It is a circular route in the Surrey Hills AONB which passes sleepy Surrey mill hamlets and ‘hammer’ ponds and climbs to a 360-degree view from Leith Hill Tower. It follows wide, well maintained bridleways to Friday Street, then along …

David Fuller Menswear is based in Church Road, Great Bookham in Surrey, within easy reach of Guildford, Epsom, Dorking and Croydon. After 53 years’ time, retirement is drawing near and with no one to take on the shop, David Fuller is having a retirement sale. David Fuller has been primarily …

Tucked away in Downing Street in Farnham are two relatively new businesses each dedicated to providing the opportunity for all of us to make our own contribution to help not only improve the environment and reduce waste – but also to lead healthier lives. Okomoko is a welcoming little café …

Back in November, VantagePoint’s Jesse Boon visited Mark Hargreaves at the home in Warren Road, Guildford where Pewley Down Vineyard is located.  The vineyard is not widely known, as it is much smaller and not nearly as heavily-promoted as many of the larger ones in Surrey. Having retired after working …

This is an easy walk to get the new year started, only 5 miles and completely flat. It is also very charming, with some lovely, far-reaching views of the local countryside. At its beginning and end, it has the lovely village of Crondall to explore, with its Anglo-Saxon roots and …

We have just received this lovely email from this month’s Crondall walk, which will appear online tomorrow and which Humph enjoyed doing before Christmas! Dear Stefan Just to let you know that we did the Crondall walk today, and how much we enjoyed it.  It was just the right length, …

On 3rd January 2019, VantagePoint’s Jesse Boon went along to one of Malgosia Underwood’s Pilates classes in Dorking.  Jesse has attended numerous classes with different instructors over the years, and was impressed by the level of support Malgosia provided and knowledge demonstrated during the class.   In 2007 Malgosia Underwood …

Heralded as one of the first of its kind in the UK, the Hannah Peschar Sculpture Garden continues to exhibit contemporary sculptures in a truly magical environment. The story started thirty five years ago, when landscape designer Anthony and his wife Hannah bought some land in Surrey. Having grown up …

Abbot’s Hospital wins National Lottery support Abbot’s hospital will be 400 years old in 2019. As we prepare for this big year we are excited to announce that we have received a National Lottery grant of £92,000 for our project, “400 years of Abbot’s Hospital: A year of celebration”, in Guildford, …

https://www.neomorganics.com/wellbeing-blog/guildford/     New Neom Neighbours- Last Wednesday I was invited to the opening of the new Neom Organics shop in Guildford. This is not my first encounter with Neom Organics, as a lady who suffers with sleep deprivation, I have tried a number of things, from lavender oil on …

https://www.britanniaguildford.co.uk/ The Britannia, Guildford.  There is nothing more comforting than walking into a cosy traditional pub in the winter. Stepping out from the cold into a warm, dimly lit pub, with the smell of mulled wine in the air and the sound of general chatter filling the air. On Friday …

  At a recent editorial meeting, it was our Lauren who came up with the idea of tasting various smoked salmon in the December issue and give our verdict to readers. As you can imagine, we all warmly embraced the idea. I researched the contact details for all the major …

 For more information Call Amy Brown on 07825 613 969 Local Balloon Professional Earns Recognition as Certified Balloon Artist   Amy Brown of AJ’s Balloon Decor in Thursley, Surrey recently earned Certified Balloon Artist (CBA®) status. This required a series of tests, including oral and practical examinations. The certification was …

Here is another Downland walk that you will remember for its beauty and originality. A Norman church, a secret orchid hillside and a Bronze-Age burial site are among the surprises, along with two excellent country pubs, both of which the Editor can recommend! The views from Linch Down are particularly …

There’s something quite magical about a secret garden, writes Beth Otway. Did you know that Farnham has its own secret garden hidden away in the town centre? If you venture towards the back of Sainsbury’s car park in South Street, you’ll have the chance to discover the Victoria Garden for …

On Saturday 17th November the Milford Pumas girls teams had a surprise visit from England and Chelsea Women’s whilst training at Rodborough School. Milford Pumas has a growing girls section of the club and now up to over 80 players from U7-U14.  Carly was really excited to see the number of girls playing …

Aromatic beef with orange and apricots Ingredients: 450g/1lb lean braising or topside steak, cubed, 5ml/1tsp fennel seeds, 5ml/1tsp ground coriander, 2 sprigs fresh thyme, 1 garlic clove, peeled and finely chopped, 2 small onions, peeled and sliced, 2 carrots, peeled and roughly chopped, 50g/2oz dried apricots, chopped, 50ml/2floz orange juice, …

Enjoy a visit to one of the lesser known islands in the Caribbean, says your local Personal Holiday Planning Concierge service, Tony Chant from Not Just Travel. In this issue we share some of what we learnt on our recent visit to this beautiful island. Grenada is the ‘spice island’ …

This walk takes you through woods and fields from Puttenham Common top car park to The Sands and, optionally, Charles Hill and back through the small hamlet of Gatwick. This walk has a few options within it which are described in the text and shown on the map below. The …

Zoe Blake takes a look at a common problem in house pets It’s that time of year many pet owners fear, as the weather turns colder, the heating comes on, and the fleas appear. Did you know that the fleas on your pet represent only about 5% of the flea …

Andy Thompson commemorates the 100th anniversary of the end of WWI ‘The War That Will End War’ wrote the famous Surrey-based writer HG Wells in October 1914 as he reflected on the opening weeks of what was to become known as the Great War. The chiming bells at 11 o’clock …

Jo Butler from Physio 1to1 on the benefits of keeping active ‘Health is wealth’ is a saying we don’t use enough in daily life. Unfortunately ‘Time is money’ tends to get quoted far more often. We live in a wealth-focussed landscape but it is really our health that will ultimately …

It’s been a great year for Handpicked for Dorking, who are now proud to be part of Surrey Hills Enterprises, alongside VantagePoint. Handpicked is excited to announce their second Christmas market, bigger and better and building on the success of last years event. The Christmas Market with the best selection …

This interesting walk takes you through woods and fields, up and down hills and offers some splendid views. It was submitted by Guildford Rambling Club (see guildfordramblingclub.org.uk) Turn left along the road and walk about 300 yards to find a tunnel, on the right, under the A3. You will need …

Explore a lesser-known region of Croatia, says your local Personal Holiday Planning Concierge service, Tony Chant from Not Just Travel! In this issue, we whisk you away to a lesser-known but equally enticing region of Croatia, the peninsula of Istria in the far north of the country. It’s a perfect …

Last Friday 12th October, I was invited along to the Georgian Hotel’s first Spanish Tapas and Wine evening, and a fun evening was had by all. On arrival, we had an opportunity to try four Spanish wines brought along by the local wine merchant, the Haslemere Cellar whilst listening to …

We are very pleased to be able to announce that VantagePoint has been awarded the Trade Mark Surrey Hills in recognition for the support we have and continue to give to the Surrey Hills AONB family. We have supported the Surrey Hills since 2009 when we first started publishing our …

Merrist Wood Golf Course is deemed one of Surrey’s longest golf courses measuring just under 7,000 yards. When played from the back tees the golf course offers a stern challenge for the most accomplished of golfers. The forward tees also provide an excellent test for the less proficient player. Jesse …

When word got out in the VantagePoint office that I was planning a trip to the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre to see Vulcan 7, my colleagues Lauren and Claire immediately expressed their eagerness to join me, and so the evening became somewhat of a team outing. Adrian Edmondson and Nigel Planer …

I  try and avoid superlatives most of the time, but occasionally they are necessary. Our meal at the Japanese Grill at the Beaverbrook near Leatherhead warrants quite a few. Before I start with the plaudits, I must kick off by admitting that this is an expensive restaurant. We are possibly …

Phil Kemp meets Bill Biddell for a tour of the estate’s hop garden and oast The Hampton Estate at Seale near Farnham has been growing hops for hundreds of years and are the last commercial growers in Surrey. They specialise in Fuggle hops for beer production which are revered and …

South of East Horsley there is a large hilly forested area criss-crossed by paths many of which are known only to locals. Hidden in the woods are many surprises, especially the stone bridges built in the 1800s by the Earl of Lovelace to transport his timber wagons. This walk visits …

  Apple Tarte Tatin Serves 2-3 Ingredients: 3 – 4 Pink Lady apples, 100g unsalted butter, 100g caster sugar, ¼ vanilla pod, a pinch of ground cinnamon, 2 sheets puff pastry, egg wash to brush. Method: 1. Place soft butter in smaller sauce pot and spread evenly on bottom. 2. …

Late summer is a lovely time to visit the seaside, as long as you are away from the crowds. This is a 5 mile circular walk with some of the best panoramic views of the harbour at Chichester. There is always something to watch on the water, whether it is …

There will not be many foodies out there who will not have heard of The Ivy restaurant. It has been a staple on the capital’s dining scene, much-loved by actors, celebrities and those from the arts. First opened in 1917, it has occupied its landmark building in London’s West End …

The Community Foundation model is a global, philanthropic movement operating in over 1,800 communities worldwide. In the UK, there are 46 Community Foundations. At the heart of the concept is the simple theme of ‘local giving for local need’. Laura Thurlow, Chief Executive at the Community Foundation for Surrey, explains …

Heritage Open Days, England’s largest cultural festival, takes place in September. The programme of events for Mole Valley has been published online and in booklet form with over 70 events organised throughout the district, all of them free to visitors. There is a special emphasis on telling the stories of …

Join in and celebrate Guildford’s architecture and culture for free during Heritage Open Days on 13th-16th September. Over 90 events and activities will be available in the borough during the four-day event with properties opening their doors to visitors. The event provides a rare opportunity to explore some of Guildford’s …

It’s Heritage Open Days time again! Farnham will once again be celebrating this increasingly popular occasion, inviting visitors to come and explore the town’s best buildings and beautiful green spaces, and the good news is that all visits are free! All the details with essential information about booking, are in …

Phil Kemp meets artisan cheesemakers Pam and Francis Gimblett Operating from a well-equipped micro-dairy in the Surrey Hills near Haslemere, Pam and Francis Gimblett produce a fragrant soft washed-rind cheese they endearingly call Floyd, to their own unique recipe developed through sheer hard work and undoubtedly mixed with an intuitive …

Sindy Hammond from The Party Company offers some general advice Every child is different and has certain views on their perfect party. My 4 year old wanted a mermaid/unicorn/shimmer and shine party for all of her friends, so we compromised on the theme and thankfully not all her friends were …

Volvo, it seems, are on a roll. Once beloved only of a small yet discerning band of folk, these days they are a company who are regularly in the news. Whether declaring their latest outstanding safety record (nobody has lost their life in a car-to-car accident in an XC90 – …

This interesting classic walk takes you through woods and fields and through Petworth Park and back. Lots of views. Enjoy a picnic in the park unless you are an NT member and can go to the café by the house. The walk was submitted by Guildford Rambling Club (see guildfordramblingclub.org.uk). …

At last some good news for Haslemere’s frustrated banking customers!!  Barclays, HSBC and now Nat West have deserted Haslemere but thanks to the Haslewey Post Office there is now a new way to do your personal banking.  Conveniently located in the heart of Weyhill with free parking, the new Post …

As my car rumbled down the road, the Surrey Hills dominated the skyline in front of me. I still find it hard to believe that I am an hour outside of London. Don’t get me wrong, I have been a Guildford girl half my life but the contrast in scenery …

This is a calming walk through quiet green meadows and woodland, with one or two surprises, especially the church at the tiny village of Itchingfield. This walk is taken with permission from www.fancyfreewalks.org. 1. Directly opposite the pub, take a narrow path signposted as a bridleway. In 200m or so, …

On Friday 1st June a couple of the VantagePoint team went for lunch at the Giggling Squid in Guildford.  It was a sunny afternoon, so we decided to sit at a table outside by the cobbles of Chapel Street, which was reminiscent of eating outside a restaurant on holiday in …

I must confess that although I’ve personally never taken a particularly active interest in cricket I was genuinely bowled over by what I was to experience during my visit to The Oval Cricket Ground. I’d seen images of The Oval of course on television, but to experience for the first …

Are you a local wine lover? Then the Albury Wine Club is for you!  Albury Vineyard is located in the beautiful Surrey Hills just outside Guildford and produces award-winning English wines from its 12 acres of organic grapes. Membership of the wine club for 2018/2019 starts on 1st May and …

This is a walk of extraordinary variety showing you many different aspects of the Surrey countryside between Dorking and Guildford. There are just a few nettles around the stiles but little mud and the route is fine for a dog. The stile count is moderate. It is a bit text …

This little society is celebrating its tenth anniversary in 2018 and they have much to be proud of, says Diane Cooper. From tentative beginnings at their inaugural meeting in Denbies, they have developed into a robust, well-managed, volunteer-led group that gets involved in many local initiatives and is now well-recognised …

Phil Kemp meets the show organisers to find out what makes this agricultural event so popular On the 28th May, Guildford’s Stoke Park hosts the country’s biggest one-day agricultural show welcoming visitors from far and wide – visitors who not only want to enjoy the excitement of watching competitive events …

In the first of two articles to commemorate 100 years since its end, Andy Thompson reflects on WWI. When the guns of WWI finally fell silent at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 Britain began to count the cost. Of the 6 million …

The 12th Chichester Cathedral Festival of Flowers takes place from 31st May to 2nd June, when the Cathedral will be transformed with over 80 stunning flower arrangements using over 50,000 blooms. Over 60 arrangers from the Petworth, Midhurst, Petersfield and Haslemere area (including the Midhurst Flower Club) are working together …

This walk explores some hidden and unusual aspects of Farnham’s history and celebrates the launch of the town’s second free walking festival which runs from May 20th-June 3rd. Farnham has an interesting part in ensuring walkers’ rights of way, played a key part in the 1940 invasion defence preparations and …

With sales increasing, Stefan Reynolds borrows a motorhome for a weekend to check it out Meet ‘Henry’. He is an Autotrail Imala 715 2-4 berth motorhome which I borrowed for a long weekend just before Easter, when I headed up to the Cotswolds for a couple of nights to check …

The National Garden Scheme (NGS) is the most significant charitable funder of nursing charities in the country, donating over £50 million so far. They help garden owners open their beautiful gardens to the public, sharing their passion and raising impressive amounts of money through entry fees, teas and slices of …

Ahead of Chelsea next week, we revisit this article we first published in March! VantagePoint’s gardening writer, Beth Otway interviews David Neale from Neale Richards Garden Design, a long-time advertiser in VantagePoint, about his garden for Silent Pool Distillery. Beth Otway: I’m so excited for you David!  When I last …

Summer must be on the way as we can now announce the programme for Music in the Park 2018. You can look forward to over 18 concerts on Sunday afternoons, starting from 13th May. All the regular concerts take place from 3pm to 5pm at the bandstand in the Phillips …

British Asparagus & Cheese Brunch Muffins Ingredients: 12 spears of British asparagus, 400g self raising flour, 200g Cheshire cheese, cut into small cubes, 125g butter, 1 small bunch chives, snipped into pieces, 150ml milk, 100ml plain yogurt, 1tsp English mustard, 2 eggs, salt & freshly ground black pepper. Makes 12 …

Lurgashall Mill © Copyright Keith Edkins Quintessential rolling English countryside, following a river course with lakes, wetlands and wildflower grassland to an ancient woodland. This walk leads you on a very pleasant circuit through typical Sussex countryside, with part of it following the River Lod running south from Mill Pond. This …

Don’t be a car badge snob! How many of us stay loyal to one particular brand of car, perhaps because it is built in Britain, or maybe it’s seen as being of higher quality than lesser makes? Yet, the increasing globalisation of the car industry means that brands associated with …

  The Sandals 2 for 1 sale is now on Fantastic Caribbean All-Inclusive offers for 2018 and 2019. For details and your own personal quote contact Tony Chant at Not Just Travel on 01428 748440, tony.chant@notjusttravel.com or www.facebook.com/NotJustTravelTonyChant  All holidays are ATOL and ABTA protected.

Phil Kemp visits the award-winning vineyard on the Hog’s Back The chalky south-facing slopes of the North Downs provides a perfect setting to reward a small group of pioneering vineyard owners for their forward-thinking adventure, this being to establish English wine as not only a popular choice for wine-lovers but …

By Mike Stockbridge of Elstead Chiropractic and Therapies Clinic Hard to believe, but every year, chiropractors, osteopaths and masseurs are inundated with victims of gardening injuries!  “As the weather begins to warm up and we head out into our gardens again, garden–related injuries are not uncommon but, as a multi-disciplined …

This walk is in a figure of eight, both roughly 5 miles, so if you want a shorter walk, you could do one leg at a time. The walk description is provided by Guildford Rambling Club and readers are welcome to join them on their walks (guildfordramblingclub.org.uk). 1. Walk down …

Some new travel offers from our partner Travel Dream. Click here.

Watercress Soup Ingredients: 1.5 onions; diced; 3 cloves garlic; peeled and crushed; 3 medium potatoes; peeled and sliced; 300g watercress; 1 vegetable stock cube; 125ml double cream; 75g unsalted butter; salt and pepper; 1 tbsp olive oil; 2 litres boiling water. Serves 5. Method: 1. Heat the olive oil in …

We had a great meal at the Morn Hill Brasserie a few weeks ago, which is at the Holiday Inn near Winchester. They have offered VantagePoint readers a special offer: Enjoy two courses plus a glass of wine* from the lounge menu for only £20pp* Valid Monday to Friday 12pm–3pm …

Spring has finally sprung, and for us at Expert Home Tips, this means one thing and one thing only: it’s time to Spring Clean. These two short words and the encompassing large tasks that lies ahead can be surprisingly intimidating, but they needn’t be. Spring Cleaning should be seen as …

The countdown starts to the annual Godalming Run on Sunday 13th May and organisers are calling on you to enter a 1K Fun Run, tough 5k race or challenging 10k. By taking part you will help to raise funds for Sport Godalming’s Go for Gold Champions Fund, benefitting aspiring Olympians …

Surrey Hills is one of England’s finest landscapes, covering a quarter of the county of Surrey. It is a spectacular landscape, rich in wildlife and heritage. In 2018, Surrey Hills celebrates the 60th anniversary of its designation as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Celebrations include a range of events …

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Puttenham lies on the dividing line between the chalk downs to the north and greensand to the south, and was referred to in the Domesday Book of 1086 and called Reddesolham. To the west of the village is Puttenham Common, the remains of what was once a large area of …

Some new travel offers from our partner Travel Dream. Click here.

The satin finish to the outside is good to grip with gloved/wet hands and the wrist strap is useful to steady the bottle when filling. The catch and lock to open/close the lid can be operated one-handed and, once shut, the bottle doesn’t leak even when inverted (can happen when …

The word gastronomic and Holiday Inn do not usually sit easily alongside one another, but in this case they very much do. The Holiday Inn Winchester is just outside the city, just off the A31 near the Science Centre. I was unaware that most Holiday Inns are actually franchises and …

I am so excited now that spring has arrived!  There a choice of so many lovely jobs that you could do over the month ahead to set you and your garden and allotment up for a successful year ahead. Prune Figs. The latex that figs readily emit when you prune …

This walk has very little in the way of ups and downs and passes over downs and through pretty woods and fields. The walk was submitted by Guildford Rambling Club (see guildfordramblingclub.org.uk). 1. Cross the green and the A283 and enter the road signed to Grayswood. After a few yards …

Now that the Christmas decorations are long gone, if you find yourself wondering how to add a renewed freshness to your home, if you dream of an energising, yet relaxing sanctuary, then you might wish to consider growing some new houseplants and bringing some living greenery to your home. It’s …

This walk takes you through woods and fields with several ups and downs, to a lunch stop in Shamley Green. The walk was submitted by Guildford Rambling Club (see guildfordramblingclub.org.uk). Visitors to these walks are welcome. 1. Go out of the right-hand side at the back of the car park, …

Volvo intend to make their cars among the safest on the road and have pledged that by 2020 nobody will be killed or seriously injured in a new Volvo. This quest has been so successful that safety experts Euro NCAP have just assessed the recently launched Volvo XC60 SUV as …

Obesity rates are increasing for our pet dogs, says Zoe Blake So it’s that time of year when we all make those New Year’s resolutions. Lose some weight, eat better and try and have a healthier lifestyle… sound familiar? But what about our dogs. Is it time for them to …

Nearly 13,000 people have signed up to our e-newsletter, which features local events, advance information, special offers and more. This includes the Jottings for all five of our areas, so you can find out what is going on slightly further afield. Why not join them? Simply click here and sign-up now!

Reusable bags these days are more and more becoming a trending alternative to single-use plastic bags. Giulia Mauri shows you how to decorate an ordinary blank canvas bag to make it into something special to be carried around the high street with pride. It’s an ideal project to be done …

Ladies Boot Camp EVERY SUNDAY Meet at the front entrance to the Clubhouse. Ladies Only Outdoors at 10:15am for an hour The First Session is FREE

If you would like to walk with a group, here are some suggestions: Walking for Health Walking for Health is England’s largest network of health walks with over 400 active schemes, helping people across the country lead a more active lifestyle. For more information on all their walks, please visit …

In light of the continued successes of the Guildford Gazelles Women’s Rugby Team as well as the fast growing sport of girls rugby across the UK, Guildford has started a dedicated girls rugby development group at the club. The club is rightly very proud of The Gazelles who play in …

Could you find time for a brisk 30 min walk daily? The benefits can be truly inspirational, says Linda Routledge In general terms we all know that walking can be a great form of exercise, and the majority of us may well concede that we don’t walk nearly enough. Whilst …

Humphrey, the VantagePoint dog, is delighted to have been named as the nation’s favourite dog! He certainly is ours…

1. Follow the track up from the car park on Tennyson’s Lane and make your way through a gate onto Black Down. Following the track up, you will pass the National Trust (NT) donation box and notice board. In autumn, the steep banks on either side of the track are …

Cranleigh is Surrey’s largest village and the locals are justly proud of it. This panhandle walk begins from near where the railway station once stood, but that sadly was lost to the village during the infamous Beeching cuts of 1965. Since then the track has been transformed; nowadays it leads …

Andy Goundry with tips for safe winter motoring The winter may be upon us, but most of us will need to use our cars, even though the seasonal weather could bring hazardous driving conditions. So what can you do to make driving safer? First, let’s start with correcting a widely-held …

I treasure the joy I experience when I find the perfect gift for a special person. I will share this joy with you by mentioning the best products that I have tried and tested this year, to help you find superb presents for your loved ones this Christmas. There are …

Phil Kemp has his Christmas palate tantalised and teased by Kevin Depree of The Godalming Food Company Every year in the run-up to Christmas, we invariably suffer from a promotional tidal wave of publicity from the large manufacturers and national retailers who want us to fill our homes with their …

Christmas for me is a time for family traditions, whether long-established ones or newly added. This recipe is my mum’s mince pie pastry recipe; although she sadly died almost 17 years ago a lot of my recipes that I use today constantly evoke her memory. I have a small A6 …

This is a lovely walk along a great and unspoilt beach, just perfect for some post-Christmas exercise with the family and dogs. Just one factor that might influence your choice of date: it may be best not to go during a high tide. This is because the shingle on the …

Zoe Blake looks at some of the things to consider before getting a cat In recent years the cat has overtaken the dog in being the most popular pet in the UK. There are an estimated 11 million cats living in households, so why the sudden surge in cat ownership? …

Phil Kemp visits a family-owned and run traditional agricultural estate – and unravels one of Surrey’s best-kept secrets. If you have ever taken the road between Puttenham and Seale you will have undoubtedly seen an impressive hop garden nestling on the southern slopes of The Hog’s Back, an imposing 500ft …

Now is the time to prepare for your winter sports holiday, says Naomi Dinneen from Physio 1to1 in Godalming A week in the Alps, or your favorite alpine destination, is great fun… but also hard work. Unless you are an endurance athlete, this is the only time you will exercise …

Woolbeding Landscapes This is a gentle walk taking in wildlife, riverside views, and wide open landscapes. Gentle, easygoing underfoot, some stiles and slopes. Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome. Please note that there may be livestock in some areas. Face the signboard, take the path to your right; cross a …

Phil Kemp is inspired by stone carver Simon Keeley’s introduction into how even beginners can transform a rough block of stone into a work of art. The art of stone carving can be traced back over thousands of years and has laid an inspiring and fascinating trail throughout human history. …

This 10-mile walk takes you through woods and fields to a lunch stop in Charlwood. The walk was submitted by Guildford Rambling Club (see guildfordramblingclub.org.uk). 1. Continue along the Newdigate Road for about ¼ mile, passing Palmers Farm, to find a footpath, left, by the start of the track to …

Andy Church, from GoCruise, looks at some of the themed cruises that are now available In a previous article we discussed cruising for the first time, and why cruising can be for everyone. In this article, we will look a little closer at cruises which are designed to attract those …

Two hills for the price of one! This walk shows off some of the best views in Surrey from two of its best hilltops overlooking the Weald of Sussex. It seems longer than it really is because of the enjoyable ups and downs. It is a fine walk, well worth …

Ian Coult tells us about Godalming In Bloom Each summer, the committee of Godalming in Bloom runs a friendly, light-hearted competition for those in Binscombe, Busbridge, Farncombe and Godalming who love gardening and are willing to show their pride and joy. Whether it is a small patio overflowing with plant …

Celebrating nearly seven years of success and moving to new larger premises, Neals Store & Workshop are offering 20% off all furniture and repair and restoration services in October. There is a wide range of upcyled, antique and painted furniture to choose from, with some stunning unique pieces. The repair …

Neals Store & Workshop, is one of the area’s hidden gems, in fact it is a best kept secret that many would happily keep to themselves, a throwback to an age when affordable quality and customer service really mattered. The business is one of the community’s success stories, a small …

The Meath Epilepsy Charity, Godalming, is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year. That’s quite a remarkable feat in itself; at a time when some of our biggest high street names launched around the same era have bitten the dust, the Meath continues to grow from strength to strength! The charity …