Prevent car theft

Karen Neville

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Karen Neville

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Is your vehicle attracting thieves? Don’t let car thieves get an easy ride.

Keyless car theft or ‘relay theft’ is when a device is used to fool the car into thinking the key is close by. This unlocks the car and starts the ignition.

Thieves only need to be within a few metres of your car key to capture the signal, even if it’s inside your home. This means that even if your car and home are secure, thieves can still unlock, start and steal your car.

How to protect your keyless entry car

• Fit a steering wheel lock as a physical deterrent. Some models can link to pedals and gear sticks.
• Consider blocking in your keyless car with another non-keyless entry car if you have one.
• When at home keep your car key (and spares) well away from the car.
• Put the keys in a screened or signal-blocking pouch, such as a Faraday Bag.
• Re-programme your keys if you buy a second-hand car.
• Turn off wireless signals on your fob when it’s not being used.

You can also find the information on Thames Valley Police website at Prevent theft from a vehicle | Crime Prevention.

If you have seen anything suspicious, have CCTV or Dashcam footage of suspects, or any information regarding car crime in your neighbourhood, please report this by using the Thames Valley Police online reporting portal at https://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/ or by calling the non-emergency number 101. If a crime is in progress, dial 999.

If you wish to remain anonymous or don’t want to speak to the police you can pass any relevant information via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 free of charge.

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Fun & fundraising

Karen Neville

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Karen Neville

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You’re all set for a great night out at Caversham Rock ‘n’ Ale Festival

Rock and ale – the perfect combination and the perfect way to enjoy a Saturday!

Now in its 13th year the annual Caversham Rock ‘n’ Ale Festival features three outstanding local bands, two bars, both provided by Caversham’s top hostelry, The Last Crumb, food including a hog roast and vegetarian food options as well as children’s entertainment at Our Lady & St Anne’s School Playing Fields, Washington Road/ Southview Avenue, Caversham RG4 5AA.

The event raises money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association and since its inception has raised well into five figures for the association.

It is a family and community event and people of all ages are welcome along to join in the fun and fundraising on Saturday, 7th September from 6.30pm.

This year’s line-up features Code Red who will be opening the evening with a set of indie, pop and rock songs to get everyone going. The Skavengers are back by popular demand with boss sounds and ruder than rude ska classics and originals skanks and Dino’s bring you all the banging 80’s classic rock covers you know and love to rock along to.

Tickets adult – £15 + £1.50 booking fee = £16.50, child (under 16) – £5 + £0.50 booking fee = £5.50. Under-5s go free (but still need a ticket),

Book at Caversham Rock ‘n’ Ale Festival 2024 (wegottickets.com)

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Sinodun Players stage Broadway show

Karen Neville

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The Sinodun Players are staging the off-Broadway contemporary show The Last Five Years in the intimacy of The Corn Exchange’s Studio Theatre

The Last Five Years is an emotionally powerful and intimate musical, which has captivated audiences and critics alike earning cult status.

Cathy, a struggling actress, and Jamie, a budding novelist on the brink of wild success, are 20-something in New York who meet, fall in love, marry, and divorce over the span of five years. Cathy tells the story from the end of their marriage; Jamie begins from when they first meet.

As the musical unfolds, Jamie shares his story from the spark of their relationship’s giddy beginning, whilst Cathy’s side is told in reverse, from the end of their turbulent partnership. The two characters cross paths just once, as their stories collide in the middle of the show.

It has been performed in many productions around the world and a film adaptation was released in 2015.

This production stars Freya Jacklin-Edward (BBC Singers, session singer for major films plus principal opera roles) and Poppy Jackson (actor and musical theatre singer) as Cathy with Andy Rainsford (Oxford Operatic singer & actor) and Jake Willett (trained at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts and actor/singer for over 20 years) as Jamie supported by a four-piece orchestra.

Performances Tuesday 10th to Saturday, 14th September. Tickets £15, book at cornexchange.org.uk

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M is for murder & mystery

Karen Neville

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Karen Neville

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‘Queen of Crime’ Agatha Christie lived in Wallingford for 42 years and wrote most of her novels here while living quietly by The Thames. Each September, Wallingford celebrates her with a variety of events

From exhibitions and talks, to ‘who dunnits’ and art workshops, there’s something for everyone to enjoy from September 6th to 8th honouring the best-selling author.

Throughout the weekend the view the special exhibition: “At Home with the Queen of Crime’ which takes you behind the scenes of Agatha’s home life while Ordeal by Innocence features paintings by artist Laura Hope at Wallingford Museum. (Entry by Museum ticket £6). Details Wallingford Museum.

Explore Wallingford in Rhythm and Rhyme with the Queen of Crime – pick up a leaflet from the Town Information Centre, and find the clues on 10 information boards around the town to solve the crossword.

Join a guided walk with a touch of Midsomer Murders and visit Christie’s grave at St Mary’s Church, Cholsey.

Pit your wits at a ‘Murder Mystery’ themed quiz on Friday when you can also listen to an illustrated talk on The Mysteries of Miss Maple. Book in advance at » The Mysteries of Miss Marple.

Join local artist Emma Souter on Saturday for a morning of creativity sketching the statue of Agatha Christie ‘en plein air’ at Kinecroft and why not stay for the Big Picnic with Agath afterwards?

Students from Wallingford School will perform two short murder mystery plays ‘Afternoon at the Seaside’ and ‘The Patient’ on Saturday afternoon.

At A is for Arsenic – the poisons of Agatha Christie, learn about the chemicals Agatha Christie used to kill off her characters and help solve a murder on a day out or evening on the Bunkline working out “who dunnit” in a murder mystery. In the evening experience Murder on the Wallingford Express complete with meal on the train. Watch as the story unfolds, listen out for clues, get those grey cells working, question the cast if you wish to try and piece together the puzzle.

Maritime Murder: A Vintage Voyage Riverboat Experience will feature professional actors bringing to life the gripping tale inspired by the queen of mystery, Agatha Christie. Enjoy treats prepared by the renowned Soph’s Loafs and a pay as you go bar, will be available on board.

The Shellfish Cow will be offering a special murder themed cocktail, Mollies will be holding a Murder Mystery evening on Saturday 7th with a fabulous interactive acting troupe as entertainment and The Keep will be serving up Agatha Christie inspired cocktails.

There are talks and art to get involved in, a special event for children and even an Agatha-inspired run and the chance to enjoy Gosford Park at the Corn Exchange too.

For details on all the events and how to book visit Agatha Christie’s Mystery Weekend

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Surrey Hills Wood Fair

Karen Neville

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Discover traditional woodcrafts, be inspired by master craftspeople and enjoy an immersive day out in the woods at Surrey Hills Wood Fair 2024 in Cranleigh this month

The much-anticipated 14th annual Surrey Hills Wood Fair promises to be the biggest and best celebration yet where you can discover traditional woodcrafts and new attractions.

Renowned for its unique blend of nature, activities, culture, and community, it is gearing up to offer an unforgettable experience for families and nature enthusiasts alike on September 7th and 8th.

Marvel at the traditional craftsmanship in the new woodworkers’ village with a group of highly skilled wood workers from the Surrey Sussex coppice workers. Step back in time with the authentic medieval village enactment, and be captivated by thrilling displays and demonstrations in the new action-packed arena including jaw dropping displays from The Adams Axemen.

The fair at Fish Pond Copse, Bookhurst Road, Cranleigh, is the perfect opportunity for families to reconnect with nature and each other. With 90+ stalls featuring local wood, artisans, crafts, delicious food and drink, and a host of free activities, there is something for everyone.

Children can enjoy hands-on experiences such as willow weaving, driving a digger, axe throwing, tree climbing, and exploring the forest school’s mud kitchen. Parents can relax and take in the lively music and entertainment throughout the day or have a go at rock climbing, mountain biking or more relaxing mindfulness walks in the woods.

This event is not just about fun; it’s a celebration of the rich heritage and natural beauty of the Surrey Hills. Support local artisans and learn about traditional woodcraft techniques, sustainable forestry, and the importance of environment conservation. Witness the majestic Shire horses in action pulling carts and logs and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of the event.

Enjoy live music and entertainment from local musicians and savour a delicious selection of Surrey Hills’ food and drink, including sustainably made beer, local rum or gin, freshly ground coffee, tempting ice cream, and handmade chocolate or fudge. Culinary delights range from African stews to Scandinavian dishes and freshly made pizza.

Tickets are excellent value, with advance tickets priced at £12.50 and £15 on the day. Best of all, children under 16 can attend for free, making it an affordable and memorable family outing. Free parking is available on-site, and friendly dogs on leads are welcome.

For more information and to purchase tickets for the celebration of nature, community and craftsmanship, visit Surrey Hills Wood Fair 2024 – Surrey Hills National Landscape

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Join charity Plantathon for Squire’s

Karen Neville

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Support garden centres’ charity of the year programme and get involved in fundraising for local causes

Squire’s Garden Centres is inviting customers to come along to its centres on Friday, 6th September to join its charity Plantathon and help support Squire’s year of fundraising for its local charity organisations, marking the start of its Charity of the Year programme.

Taking place from 10am-3pm, at 15 of Squire’s garden centres**, the Squire’s teams at each centre – as well as charity volunteer helpers – are looking forward to welcoming customers for a fun and rewarding day planting up containers. The completed pots will be available for customers to purchase on the day, between 10am-3pm, with profits from the sale of each container going to each centre’s Charity of the Year (see list below).

Customers are encouraged to come along and support – to chat, ask questions – and are very welcome to pitch-in and plant-up pots too, in aid of some brilliant community causes close to each centre.

Each container will include a selection of autumn bedding plants, a centre piece feature plant, plus some daffodil bulbs to bring added cheer in spring (early September is the perfect time to plant spring flowering bulbs), all planted in peat free compost. The planted containers will be available to purchase for £12 each, representing fantastic value for money, while also helping local charities.

Sarah Squire, Chairman of Squire’s Garden Centres, comments: “We are looking forward to hosting our Plantathon initiative once again this year! It’s a wonderful way to welcome the autumn planting season, while marking the start of our work with our local charity partners for the next 12 months.

“We would be delighted to welcome visitors to our centres to get involved and help plant their own pot up – or just pop along and show their support for our colleagues and charity, which is local to the centre and often close to the hearts of many colleagues. Each centre works with their chosen charity to support their activities in the local community, as well as raising awareness and much needed funds at special evens throughout the year.

Charity of the Year – 2024/25

Charities chosen for the coming year are:

Badshot Leaspace2grow  Farnham’s community wellbeing garden, connecting local people in nature. space2grow.space
ChertseyLittle Roo Neonatal Fund  The Little Roo Neonatal Fund raises money to provide support for St. Peter’s Neonatal Unit, enabling it to continue providing the highest standards of intensive care for babies. ashfordstpeters.nhs.uk/littleroo
CobhamCobham Area Foodbank  A project founded by local churches and community groups, working together towards stopping hunger in the local area.  cobhamarea.foodbank.org.uk
CrawleyAge UK Crawley Branch  Offering services for older people, their families and their carers ageuk.org.uk/westsussexbrightonhove/activities-and-events/crawley/
FrenshamThe Green Hub Project for TeensThe Green Hub Project for Teens is a local community project serving Surrey and Hampshire and surrounding areas, supporting teenagers facing social, emotional and mental health challenges. greenhub.org.uk/
HershamHome-Start ElmbridgeWorking alongside families to give compassionate and confidential support for parents and their children. homestartelmbridge.org.uk
Long DittonWalton CharityA local charitable foundation, working with the community and local partners, aiming to build an Elmbridge community free from poverty and that thrives waltoncharity.org.uk
MilfordThe Fountain CentreA small independent cancer charity within St Luke’s Cancer Centre at the Royal Surrey Hospital, providing holistic and emotional support and information to as many patients as possible. fountaincentre.org/
ReigateSASH Charity (East Surrey Hospital)The charity for East Surrey Hospital and services provided by Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust. Raising funds for to create great experiences for patients and staff. sashcharity.org/
SheppertonSpelthorne Dementia SupportA small group of local volunteers who make a positive difference to the quality of life of people living with dementia, their carers and families. spelthorne-dementia-support.org.uk/
StanmoreSt Luke’s HospiceSt Luke’s is a charity providing specialist end of life and palliative care to people in Harrow and Brent, enabling them to achieve the best possible quality of life. stlukes-hospice.org/
TwickenhamHomeLinkA local charity dedicated to the wellbeing of older people and their unpaid carers. homelinkdaycare.co.uk/
WashingtonRockinghorse Children’s CharityThe official fundraising arm of the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital, Brighton. Raising money for life-saving equipment, projects and services for sick babies, children and young people. rockinghorse.org.uk/
West HorsleyOakleaf EnterpriseOakleaf is based in Guildford offering a range of services to its clients to empower them to gain the skills, training and confidence needed to manage their mental health and return to work. oakleaf-enterprise.org
WokingWoking & Sam Beare HospiceA charity that cares for thousands of patients and their carers and families each year, specialising in holistic care for patients with life-limiting and terminal illness. wsbh.org.uk/
WokinghamCLASPSupporting people with learning disabilities in the Wokingham Borough and run by its members.  CLASP employs people with learning disabilities and offers voluntary opportunities. claspwokingham.org/

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Henry Moore exhibition at the Lightbox

Karen Neville

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Big names and innovative artists are at the heart of The Lightbox’s latest exhibitions

Visitors to The Lightbox can enjoy two special exhibitions into autumn giving greater opportunities to “experience the best contemporary and modern art”.

Material Thinking, until October 13th, brings together for the first-time selected work by major artists from The Ingram Collection with work by contemporary artists associated with the Fine Art programme at the University of Gloucestershire (UoG), recognised as one of the country’s most innovative art schools.

Focusing on artists who use varied, unusual or unexpected ways of making, the exhibition will explore The Ingram Collection – one of the most significantly publicly accessible collections of modern British art in the UK – as a historic context for artists working today, prompting conversations about what it is to make things, between disciplines and across generations.

Curated by Professor Angus Pryor (UoG), selections from The Ingram Collection have been chosen in response to painters, sculptors and film makers working on the UoG Fine Art programme. He said: “Material Thinking will highlight how artists across generations incorporate observation, action, reaction, accident, impulse and instinct into their artistic practice, moving step-by-step to their final artwork.”

Henry Moore in Colour is organised in partnership with The Henry Moore Foundation and runs until November 3rd offering a rare opportunity to see colourful drawings by Moore spanning the artist’s career.

Best-known as one of the most influential and innovative sculptors of the modern era, Moore (1898-1986) was also a remarkably talented and prolific draughtsman, producing nearly 7,500 drawings over seven decades. These works from The Henry Moore Foundation include examples of his best-known works such as the large ‘presentation’ works from the 1930s and the Shelter drawings – commissioned by War Artists’ Advisory Committee during WW2, the Shelter drawings were influential in achieving widespread popular recognition for the artist following their display at London’s National Gallery.

Sebastiano Barassi, Head of Henry Moore Collections & Programmes said: “Henry Moore in Colour reveals his profound love and appreciation of the unique characteristics and possibilities of drawing, for its own ends and as a tool to inform his work in other media. Moore continued to draw until the end of his life. This exhibition attempts to reveal the numerous ways in which it enabled him to study, express, and experiment.”

Sarah Brown, Director of The Lightbox, added: “Our collaboration with The Ingram Collection and The Henry Moore Foundation is at the heart of both exhibitions and we are grateful to all our partners for making our season so exciting.”

A programme of events accompanies and the exhibitions, including the Material Thinking Symposium on September 13th.

For further information about both exhibitions visit The Lightbox

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Could you be James Bond?

Karen Neville

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James Bond fantasies can easily unravel as Michael Smith reveals in his latest account of spies and secret lives

The popular image of a spy as epitomised by James Bond all too often leads people to imagine they can be spies.

FBI Special Agent Richard Miller was supposedly a professional paid to look for spies, but he was 48, seriously overweight and widely expected to be fired for a series of lapses that included leaving the keys in the door of the FBI offices overnight. He did have one potential asset.

Svetlana Ogorodnikova, a slim, pretty, blonde Russian, had emigrated to the US in the early 1970s hoping to become a Hollywood actress. She was all too happy to play a Mata Hari role by helping Miller to recruit the KGB man as his own agent, and turn himself into a hero, a top spy.

The KGB officers in San Francisco were rightly suspicious and rejected the approach. But their bosses in Moscow ordered them to go ahead. When the KGB said yes, Miller and Ogorodnikova celebrated and ended up making love. “It was just something that happened,” Miller said. “She was a very attractive woman. It just sort of came with the territory. I had a James Bond kind of fantasy.”

But the fantasy was spiralling out of control. The KGB sent Ogorodnikova to Moscow to be briefed on what to do and it was agreed that Miller would be paid $50,000 in return for handling over anything the KGB wanted. Ogorodnikova took Miller to the Consulate-General for a meeting with the KGB boss, but the normally teetotal FBI officer was so nervous that he had a few drinks to calm his nerves and became very drunk. He got out of the car in the full view of the FBI surveillance team watching the building, who photographed him with Ogorodnikova and soon identified him.

The FBI set up a surveillance operation against them Operation Whipworm – she was Whip, he was Worm. They bugged Miller’s and Ogorodnikova’s phones and cars, recording an agreement to fly to Vienna to seal the deal. But the trip never went ahead. They were both arrested and jailed.

* Read more stories about spies who never became famous in Michael Smith’s book The Anatomy of a Spy, published by History Press

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Guildford Jazz & Soul Festival

Karen Neville

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Guildford Jazz & Soul Festival features 16 events across 14 venues and is celebrating the best in UK and local jazz and soul from September 4th through to October 17th

Guildford Jazz has always been about bringing the best, established UK jazz artists to Guildford. Why go to Ronnie Scott’s when you can have the same experience in Guildford?

Its first jazz and soul festival naturally includes many of the sort of artists who you could see at major venues and festivals across the UK. Headline acts include Natalie Williams Soul Family, who make a rare appearance outside their monthly sold out residency at Ronnie’s, and Bill Laurance, the five times Grammy award-winning pianist and founding member of Snarky Puppy.

Other national artists already booked to appear include jazz pianists Jason Robello and Gwilym Simcock, award-winning saxophonist Tony Kofi and the Organisation, rising jazz stars vocalist Emily Masser and saxophonist Alex Clarke, BBC Radio Jazz Records Requests presenter Alyn Shipton talking about his latest book and performing music from the Jerry Mulligan Quartets as part of the Guildford Book Festival, The Soul Sanctuary Gospel Choir and guitarist Pete Roth.

Guildford Jazz’s founder, jazz bass player Marianne Windham explains why now is the right time for the festival. It was decided four years ago to organise the first locally curated Guildford Jazz Festival but just a week before it started lockdown hit. Since then Guildford Jazz has continued to grow and thrive.

It has teamed up with venues such as the Boileroom and The Stoke and attracted audiences at outdoor events and festivals and prides itself on being part of the community and having a reputation as one of the leading jazz clubs in the country.

She continues: “There are many lovers of live music locally who are still unaware of the world class music available on their doorstep. Rather than sit back and wait for them to stumble across us, we thought we would take the plunge and commit to a major high-profile festival to bring great live jazz and soul directly to music lovers who may not have heard of us, in venues across Guildford and in the streets, churches, restaurants, cafes and bars, wherever they normally hang out.

“We hope that the festival will bring the joy of live music to new listeners, bring more people back into the centre of town and be the next step in our journey to make Guildford a UK hub of creative live music.”

Many of the events are free. More information about Guildford Jazz, the festival and how to book tickets at Guildford Jazz

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Step out with Guildford Walkfest

Karen Neville

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Walkfest, the month-long celebration of walking, invites you to get out and explore Guildford and the surrounding area

Now in its 18th year, Walkfest is a community project run entirely by volunteers which acts as an “umbrella” to bring many groups together and promote walking, learning and enjoyment. 

Walkfest is designed to get people of all ages and abilities out and about, in and around the beautiful town and surrounding countryside. Whether you are looking for short informative walks, long rambles or anywhere in between, Walkfest has something for you. 

There are over 40 walks for you this year with a number of new locations, routes and providers. 

The festival starts on September 1st with the opportunity to discover the ancient yews of Newlands Corner and finishes on 30th with a walk up to Merrow Downs. 

The month-long event also invites you to take a stroll around Little Compton, discover the Guildford story on a guided walk, observe birds on a stroll around Ockham Common, take a circular walk along a section of the historic River Wey Navigation, explore Worplesdon & Merrist Wood, take a CAMRA countryside pub walk between Wanborough and Godalming or how about Chilworth Gunpowder Mills and beyond or you can explore Whitmoor Common. 

For the full list of walks and details, visit guildfordwalkfest.co.uk 
Walkfest couldn’t run without support from Guildford Borough Council, Guildford Dragon, C & H Marketing and Surrey Hills Society.  They say a big “thank you” to the organisations and individuals who have contributed to the programme. 

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