Music royalty at Guilfest

Karen Neville

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Karen Neville

Fabulous local festival Guilfest is back on July 5th & 6th with The Jackson, Razorlight & The Bay City Rollers and many many more

Guilfest is back in Stoke Park and they have a line up that truly offers something for everyone including the legendary Jacksons, Razorlight and The Bay City Rollers.

The Jacksons will headline the main stage on Saturday along with performances from Soul II Soul, Leo Sayer, Sleeper, Stereo MCs, Odyssey, The Marley Experience, Letz Zep, Bay City Rollers, Baby D, N-Trance, The Spice Girls Experience and The Rock Choir.

Sunday’s lineup will feature Razorlight headlining as well as KT Tunstall, The Amy Winehouse BAnd, Dutty Moonshine Big Band, Elvana, Altered Images, Dub Pistols, The Primitives, Skids, Sex Pissed Dolls, Voodoo Radio, Fuzzbox, Blondied and The Rock Choir.

In addition to the seven separate stages of music performing many genres, fashions and sounds, you can enjoy the comedy tent, dance tent, art & craft village with brilliant workshops, street theatre, delicious world cuisine, rustic beer & real ale bar, literary tent with interesting talks, cocktail bar, singing, dancing & drumming workshops and sessions, games tent, kids area, bushcrafts and open mic sessions.

Super Early Bird tickets are available online now. Super Early Bird tickets are limited in numbers and will only be available until 31st January 2025. These tickets do sell fast so grab yours while you can at the cheapest prices that they will be. Payment plan options are available.

Visit Guilfest for more and to secure your tickets.  

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Dorking schoolboy in Tom Hanks film

Karen Neville

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Karen Neville

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From Dorking to Hollywood: Finn Guegan to appear in new Tom Hanks blockbuster, with special screening at Dorking Halls on Sunday 19th January

Not many boys from a small Surrey village are able to say that they have appeared alongside Tom Hanks in a Hollywood film, but that is exactly what Finn Guegan can claim.

Finn, aged 14 from Westcott, is set to star in the new drama film ‘Here’ directed by Robert Zemeckis (Director of Back To The Future, Forrest Gump and Cast Away) being released across the UK this week.

Finn, who plays Young Richard in the new film, grew up around the Dorking area from the age of three, living in Betchworth and now Westcott, having attended St Martin’s and today The Ashcombe School in Dorking, where he is studying GCSE Drama alongside other subjects.

Having gotten into acting via family friends who run an actors’ agency, Shack Artists, who now manage his acting work, Finn has previously appeared in crime drama Grace on ITV and science fiction dystopian drama Silo on Apple TV, before going on to film Here alongside Tom Hanks, Paul Bettany and Robin Wright.

Based on the graphic novel by Richard McGuire and told in a nonlinear fashion, Here is the story of a single piece of land and its inhabitants throughout time and across generations. From the distant past through to the 21st century, Here captures the human experience in a tale of love, loss, laughter and life, often featuring events from different time periods simultaneously in multiple panes on screen.

Speaking about his time filming Here, Finn says: “I had an amazing experience filming Here at Pinewood Studios and I even got to meet Tom Hanks, who was lovely. I can’t wait to finally see the finished film at Dorking Halls.”

To mark the release of the film, Finn will be hosting a special screening of Here at Dorking Halls, the art deco theatre and cinema venue of Reigate Road, on Sunday, 19th January where he will provide a short introduction to the film with a hosted Q&A with more about his experience filming, his acting work and path from Dorking to the big screen.

Looking ahead to the hosted screening on Sunday, Keith Garrow, Dorking Halls General Manager, says: “We are delighted to have the chance to welcome Finn and his family for the special screening of Here at Dorking Halls. To have a local connection to the film makes it extra special and we are very proud of Finn’s role in the new blockbuster – we are sure it is just the start of his glittering film career!”

The special screening of Here, with an introduction by Finn Guegan, will take place at 8pm on Sunday 19th January at Dorking Halls with tickets now on general sale. The film will then run at the Dorking Halls’ Cinema from Monday 20th January.

To book tickets for Here at Dorking Halls, call the Box Office on 01306 881717 or visit https://www.dorkinghalls.co.uk/whats-on/film-list

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Pride and Prejudice Festival

Karen Neville

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Karen Neville

This year marks Jane Austen’s 250th birthday, a special programme and new events are planned throughout the year at her house in Chawton to celebrate

Celebrations for the much-loved author’s birthday begin with the first festival from January 23rd to 28th focusing on Jane Austen’s best-loved novel Pride and Prejudice.

A pianist will play throughout the festival on the 1813 Clementi square piano bringing the house to life. Explore the house with a fun P&P trail and discover items left by characters from the novel including Lydia’s abandoned game of Lottery Tickets and Mary’s copy of Fordyce’s Sermons.

Step into Lizzy’s muddy shoes or Darcy’s riding boots. Grab a bonnet and fan or top hat and greatcoat and pose as Jane’s characters in the pop-up photo station.

Enjoy pop-up talks on Friday 24th, 2pm; Saturday 25th, 1pm and Tuesday 28th, 11.30am. Join a stitching circle with your own sewing, knitting or embroidery and chat as Lizzy, Jane and their sisters would have done or how about taking inspiration from the spirit of Jane Austen and join a creative writing session.

Test your Pride and Prejudice knowledge at Goldfinch Books in Alton with a quiz night on 23rd themed around all things Pride and all things Prejudice! Expect some Austen, but be prepared to answer questions on all types of literature with Austen-themed prizes to win.

The Pride and Prejudice Festival will build on the success of the museum’s annual Pride & Prejudice Day on 28th, the anniversary of the novel’s publication. For full details of all events visit Events | Jane Austen’s House

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Scintillating Soirées at Breinton

Karen Neville

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Soirées at Breinton invite you to their recitals for winter/spring 2025 featuring top class musicians who will inspire us and indulge us with their fantastic programme choices

Look forward to a season of fun, exciting, varied and diverse musical choices, each with its own uniqueness at Soirées at Breinton in 2025.

The new year starts with Variations & Contrasts by Kazakhstan pianist Alim Beisembayev on Saturday, 4th January. He is a current BBC Radio 3 Young Generation Artist who made his debut at the BBC Proms on two days’ notice and is a frequent performer at the Wigmore Hall.

Don’t miss an unrepeatable opportunity to learn about the fascinating composer, Sir William Sterndale Bennett, on the day of the 150th anniversary of his death (February 1st, 1875). Hiroaki Takenouchi, an excellent pianist with vast experience and depth of knowledge, champions the music of Sterndale Bennett. The programme on Saturday, 1st February includes Sterndale Bennett’s most accomplished work, the Piano Sonata in F minor.

Enjoy budding young talent at the Local Young Performers Soirée on Saturday, 15th February. The highly popular annual event this year features Hanhan Qu (flute), Yash Saran (piano), Morwenna Rees (saxophone) and Laura Lin (cello).

Breinton loves piano trios – the dynamic range of sounds and tones brought together by violin, cello and piano. The newly formed Bechsten Trio is comprised of violinist Preya Mitchell, cellist Guy Johnston and pianist Emmanuel Despax, all of them recognised internationally and widely in demand. They will perform Beethoven’s piano trio Ghost and Mendelssohn’s exquisitely beautiful Piano trio in D minor and more on Saturday, 5th March.

Take your seat for an evening of ‘All Debussy’ on Saturday, 5th April when Pascal Roge who has played with major orchestras across the globe brings this programme to Breinton for what promises to be an enthralling evening.

The Breinton Recital Society formed in 2009 and provides top quality concerts by world-class classical music performers. What started out as casual, small musical gatherings, with an audience made up of family, friends and neighbours, soon turned into a significant concert venue for many music enthusiasts, not only from Woking and neighbouring areas, but also more recently from all over UK.

All the musicians are carefully hand-picked for the audience. They are engaged to provide an exciting and interesting programme. The unique ‘recital room’ means that you will be sitting so close to the performers; you can feel and witness all the excitement including their expressions, breathing and humming!

All recitals start at 7.30pm and are held at Breinton, a private home in Heath House Road, Woking GU22 0RD. To book visit Soirees at Breinton

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Jane Austen anniversary

Karen Neville

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Karen Neville

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GSC bring their ‘five star’ Pride and Prejudice back to Guildford

Three actors will conjure 17 unforgettable characters over a breathless 120 minutes in Guildford Shakespeare Company’s ‘sparkling’ Pride and Prejudice.

After premiering in Guildford in February last year, the company are bringing the much-loved story back this February for the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth.

Hearts are set racing when eligible bachelors descend on Meryton, sending the Bennet family into a frenzy of emotions and passions. At the centre of all the excitement, the meeting of Lizzie Bennet and Mr Darcy ignites one of the most famous love stories of all time.

Complete with Regency dances, dresses and desires, the faithful adaptation is beautifully choreographed by Amy Lawrence and designed by Neil Irish.

GSC co-founder and producer Matt Pinches said: “When so much work, talent and dedication go into making a piece of theatre it is incredibly rewarding when all that commitment and love receives another life, to be shared with even more people. It’s also very special to know that we’re playing a small role in the 250th anniversary global celebrations of one of the greatest novelists in the English language.”

Enjoy Pride and Prejudice at Holy Trinity Church Guildford, February 13th to March 1st. Book tickets at PRIDE & PREJUDICE 2025 – Guildford Shakespeare Company

GSC began in 2006 with the aim of creating ‘exceptional theatre in extraordinary places’. This tour of Pride and Prejudice goes on to board Cunard’s Queen Victoria at Fort Lauderdale travelling to Lisbon via Bermuda.

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Journey with the Sinodun Players

Karen Neville

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Karen Neville

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Music, laughter and hilarity await with Sinodun Players’ Dick Whittington

Join the Sinodun Players for a magical adventure with Dick Whittington, the classic pantomime filled with laughter, music and fun for all ages.

Follow young Dick and his loyal cat as they set off to seek fame and fortune in London, where the streets are said to be paved with gold, but the journey is not without mishap and mayhem as befits any panto.

Packed with hilarious characters, dazzling costumes, stunning scenery, colourful lighting and plenty of audience participation, this heartwarming tale is the perfect New Year treat for the whole family.

Don’t miss out on this unforgettable journey written by Alan P Frayn, directed by Tom Mackriell and with musical direction by Sue Huntingford-Ledger and Gaby Clements and choreography by Virginia Chell, From Friday, 17th January to Saturday, 1st February.

Tickets: Adults £18 and £15, Under 16’s £10. Book now at cornexchange.org.uk

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Godalming Rotary clubs’ Young Citizen Award

Karen Neville

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Rotary in Godalming member Colin Simmons invites nominations for this year’s Young Citizen Award and shares news of the chosen charity for 2025 of Godalming Woolsack

Following the success of our award in 2023 and 2024, the Rotary Clubs in Godalming are running our Young Citizen Award again in 2025.

Our late member Malcolm Keene worked tirelessly inspiring the young in Godalming. So, in his memory, the Rotary Clubs in Godalming, in conjunction with and supported by Malcolm’s wife Barbara, wish to reward and inspire a young person or group of (up to 6) young people who have made outstanding contributions to our local community and deserve recognition.

This may be as a carer, fundraiser for good causes, involvement with voluntary organisations or similar tasks that a young person has, or group of young people have, done to benefit the community that often has not been recognised.

If you know a young person, or group of young people, aged between 10-18, who is/are doing good things within the community, then please nominate them for our award.

The nomination form is available at Godalming Woolsack Rotary website or send an email to [email protected].

A cash prize together with a commemorative plague will be awarded to the young person or the group of young people that the judging panel (comprising of Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Godalming and the Rotary Club of Godalming Woolsack) consider to be the most deserving. The judging panel’s decision will be final.

All nominees, including each member of a group, will receive a certificate recognising their nomination.

The closing date for nominations is Friday, 11th April with an award evening planned for Friday, 9th May at the Burton Pavilion, Milford.

The photographs here show last year’s winner Andrew Busby receiving his award with his family from the mayor plus a photo of all the winners with the mayor and his consort and the Woolsack YCA committee.

The Rotary Club of Godalming Woolsack President, Graham Sopp, has chosen the Godalming & Villages Community Store as his Charity of the Year. A very generous donation was made on behalf of the Woolsack Club of £1,000 to the Chair of the Community Store Estelle Spencer to ensure their clients had access to fresh fruit and vegetables over the Christmas period.

This donation funded vouchers which Community Store clients could exchange for fresh fruit and vegetables at DMF Fruits, owned by Danny Taylor, when they operate at the Pepperpot in Godalming.

To find out more about Godalming Community Store and how you can help visit Godalming & Villages Community Store

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Swan Lake at the Hexagon

Karen Neville

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Daniela Dimova, artistic director of Varna International Ballet, shares her thoughts ahead of Swan Lake and The Nutcracker at the Hexagon in February

Founded in 1947 and renowned for their award-winning soloists and magnificent corps de ballet, the Varna International Ballet team have been delighting audiences for decades at home in Bulgaria and aboard with quality performances.

Led by artistic director Daniela Dimova, with music director and chief conductor Peter Tuleshkov, Varna International Ballet presents much-loved classics to charm audiences who are new to ballet and balletomanes alike.

“Ballet is a universe where roles constantly change,” Daniela tells us. “Without an audience, a ballet performance cannot take place. The audience with their applause feed the artists with positive energy, which gives strength for new achievements.

“Varna International Ballet is a troupe that is young, energetic and have lots of performing experience, with a long history. Sixty years ago, the world’s first international ballet competition was held in Varna, which immediately made this city one of the ballet capitals of the world.

“The National Opera and Ballet Theatre in Varna has been trying to keep the ballet bar high. Thanks to Bulgaria now being within the European Union, it is possible to invite talented dancers from all over the world more actively, and nowadays the company includes dancers from 10 counties.

“Today Varna International Ballet is one of the most active and creative European companies, with seven ballet premieres in the last year. All three productions the company is bringing to the UK (Swan Lake, Romeo & Juliet and The Nutcracker) are audience favourites and all three of them have a special place in my heart.”

Shakespeare’s tale of primal passion and timeless tragedy Romeo and Juliet is set to Prokofiev’s soaring score, with emotionally charged choreography by Sergey Bobrov and Bakhytzhan Smagulov that befits the world’s greatest love story. From the grandeur of the masked ball to the intimacy of the lovers’ balcony, this story of duels, bitter family feuds and love that cannot be is unmissable.

“Prokofiev’s Romeo & Juliet has a powerful music score and original choreography,” adds Daniela. “We follow activity and new productions of ballet companies worldwide with great interest. We are thrilled to be bringing our highly talented company of dancers and musicians back to the UK. We can’t wait to perform for the British audiences again and to bring these magical ballets to life on stage.”

The Nutcracker is on at 2.30pm & 5pm on 2nd February, and Swan Lake 7.30pm on the 3rd. Book your tickets for this & more at What’s On at The Hexagon | What’s On Reading

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Entente Cordiale?

Karen Neville

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The newspapers are currently full of the activities of Russian, Chinese of Iranian spies in Europe but the European countries have never been too averse to spying on each other either as author & journalist Michael Smith explains

One of the most scandalous cases occurred nearly a hundred years ago in December 1925 when John Leather, the Paris representative of the Burndept Wireless Company, two young Frenchwomen were arrested by French police and charged with espionage. The French press revelled in the sensational story of the British spies and their two French “Mata Haris”, who were tasked by Leather and his assistant William Fischer to befriend French officers and obtain details of military aircraft bases for MI6.

One of the two women, a 24-year-old model called Marthe Moreuil, had been seduced by Fischer, while the other, a dancer named Andrée Lefebvre, was run by Leather himself. He, Fischer and their colleague Oliver Phillips all denied espionage, but it emerged in the French press that both Leather and Fischer had links to British intelligence. The Foreign Secretary Sir Austen Chamberlain insisted in the House of Commons that the British government had absolutely no knowledge of “the activities of the firm in question”, sidestepping the fact that it was not the company, but the employees, who were being accused of espionage.

The deliberately misleading denial did not fool many MPs, not least because it well known within the British establishment, and probably the French counter-espionage service as well, that Leather was a cousin of Desmond Morton, a senior MI6 officer. The service’s “Chief” Hugh Sinclair had made too many enemies within Whitehall to expect any help in covering up the scandal.

Clearly well-briefed, the Labour MP Ernest Thurtle told the House of Commons that Chamberlain’s denial was a ‘diplomatic falsehood’. Ordered by the Speaker to withdraw his remarks or be suspended, Thurtle refused to do so and walked out to cheers from the Labour benches.

Leather was sentenced to three years in jail and handed a 3,000-franc fine, Fischer and Phillips received two-year jail sentences and 2,000-franc fines and the two women lesser sentences of six months and 500-franc fines each. The Foreign Office subsequently made very clear to Sinclair that it had made “a gentlemen’s agreement” with the French that neither country should spy on the other. It is an agreement that is unlikely to have held for any length of time.

Michael Smith’s book Six: The Real James Bonds in published in paperback by Biteback.

Want to chat spies or book with Michael? Get in touch at [email protected]

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Godalming Operatic Society celebrates 100 years

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Enjoy the splendour of Gilbert and Sullivan with Godalming Operatic Society’s production of The Yeoman of The Guard, February 19th to 23rd at Godalming Borough Hall

Godalming Operatic Society is going back to where it started to celebrate its centenary with its upcoming show The Yeoman of The Guard.

Widely regarded as one of the country’s leading Gilbert and Sullivan societies, GOS was founded in 1924 and had its first production, The Yeoman of the Guard, on February 19th, 1925. Now exactly 100 years later, February 19th, 2025, the curtain will rise again.

Set in the Tower of London, The Yeoman of The Guard tells of the arrival of a travelling troupe of performers sparking forbidden romances, fantastical plots and unrequited love. It’s full of delightful tunes including When a Wooer goes-a-Wooing, and Free from his fetters grim.

Yeoman is considered by many to be Gilbert & Sullivan’s finest work, a view also expressed by both of them. Darker than many of the other G&S operas, the pathos is well balanced by much joyous and colourful music which ‘bubbles with wit and good humour’.

This special production will be accompanied by a professional orchestra, this year expanded to 24 players, under the direction of Musical Director, David Wright. The production will be fully staged with spectacular costumes and scenery.

With the exception of the war and Covid, Godalming Operatic Society has put on a major Gilbert and Sullivan production every year, including the more rarely performed works such as The Grand Duke and Utopia Ltd.

In addition to a fully-staged opera each February, in June or July they put on a smaller scale work, often at a smaller local venue such as the Wilfrid Noyce Centre in Godalming. Previous summer productions range from a concert version of Aida to The Zoo by Arthur Sullivan and most recently the 2019 Summer concert A Night at the Opera featuring a wonderful selection of grand opera arias, ensembles and chorus pieces.

Over the years the Society has won many awards and accolades from NODA for its productions, costumes and more.

New members are always very welcome. Previous experience is not necessary – it is enthusiasm that counts! The Society has a very active social side too with regular events and trips to see other shows, supporting other amateur operatic and musical theatre groups in the local area and further afield. The first point of contact is Chairman, Lee Power, at: [email protected]

To book tickets for Godalming Borough Hall, February 19th to 23rd, please go to Godalming Operatic Society event tickets from TicketSource. or call 0333 6663366.

The Yeomen of the Guard will also run February 27th to March 1st at The Leatherhead Theatre. Visit Events from January 3, 2025 – December 10, 2025 – The Leatherhead Theatre or phone 01372 365141.

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