This super tasty, delicious festive wreath is sure to be a hit with your guests
If you can’t indulge at Christmas, then when can you so when this dropped in our inbox it instantly had us salivating and putting in our orders.
Haslemere-based Olive & Bloom Grazing create mouth-watering grazing boxes and platters, full of an abundance of delicious fresh local produce and their luxurious Festive Wreath will make a charming centrepiece to any Christmas table.
Six festive cheeses from small independent makers: many are local, award-winning cheeses (usually Brighton Blue (Sussex), Isle of Wight Soft (Hampshire), Sussex Charmer (Sussex), Ewe Eat Me (Sussex), Wensleydale Winter Warmer with cranberries and a Boursin French cheese).
A selection of antipasti – cured meats, pickles, olives
Two packs of Peter’s Yard Sourdough Crispbreads
A 330g jar of Sussex Deerview Christmas Chutney
Fresh Fruit and nuts
They also offer vegetarian and gluten free options
This serves 6-8 (depending on portion size) | £80
This serving guide is based on appetiser sized portions.
Henley-based art publisher Hypergallery welcomes browsers and buyers to an exhibition of signed, limited-edition prints by music’s most extraordinary visual artists
A collection of exquisite limited edition prints and affordable works by a collection of talented artists who have worked with some of the most iconic musicians from the 20th Century will be on display at Hypergallery in Henley from November 26th.
Celebrating the Golden Years of rock music through the album cover art that put a face on it, visitors can view pieces featuring David Bowie, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, King Crimson, T.Rex, Peter Gabriel, 10cc, Jimi Hendrix, The Who, The Beatles, Elton John, Genesis, Donovan, The Hollies, Cream, Pentangle.
The featured artists exhibiting include:
Vincent McEvoy was the art director of Polydor in the 1970s. As such, he had unique access to some of the biggest names in Rock, including The Who, Bob Marley and Eric Clapton. In recent years he has rekindled his passion for silkscreens, producing powerful pop-artworks based on some of the wonderful and iconic memorabilia that he accumulated throughout his career.
Karl Ferris is the man behind some of the most recognisable images of Jimi Hendrix. The originator of psychedelic and infrared photography worked closely with Hendrix on his image, styling and of course the photographs. With subjects including Cream, The Hollies, The Beatles and Donovan, Ferris was right at the epicentre of the psychedelic revolution.
Terry Pastor is a graphic artist who has worked for clients all across the world, creating iconic imagery with masterful flourishes of his airbrush. Pastor is best known for two images that jump-started the career of a young David Bowie, Hunky Dory and Ziggy Stardust. He has revisited and ‘remastered‘ his original source material in the creation of his stunningly sympathetic editions.
Barry Godber was a friend of King Crimson lyricist Peter Sinfield and a regular visitor to the group‘s rehearsal room in the basement of the Fulham Palace Road Cafe. Using watercolours, Godber gazed into a shaving mirror and constructed one of the most fearful self-portraits ever to grace a record sleeve.
Hipgnosis created some of the most innovative and surreal record cover art of the 1960s, 70s and 80s for the biggest bands and musicians of the era including Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin and 10cc. For fifteen years Hipgnosis (Storm Thorgerson, Aubrey Powell and Peter Christopherson) thrived as one of the best known photo design companies and latterly movie makers, creating timeless rock iconography.
Alan Aldridge created imaginative designs and intoxicating colour-rich images that captured the dreams and hallucinations of a generation; in The Beatles Illustrated Lyrics, on album covers for The Who, Cream and Elton John, and on the notorious Chelsea Girls poster for Andy Warhol.
Richard Evans began his rock’n’roll career as a shoe designer in the early 70s, putting multi-coloured platforms under the feet of Elton John, Roxy Music and The Osmonds. It was at this time that he met Aubrey Powell and Storm Thorgerson and later worked at Hipgnosis with them as their graphic designer for several years. Eventually, he set up his own design studio, working with many big names in the music industry. Since 1976 he has worked closely with The Who, designing tour visuals, merchandise and, of course, album covers.
Sir Peter Blake was elected RA in 1981, awarded a CBE in 1983, and was knighted in 2002. His seminal art for Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band is probably the world’s best-known album cover, but Peter’s connections with pop music led to many other ventures in album packaging, including The Who, Live Aid, Paul Weller, Oasis, Ian Dury, Eric Clapton and Brian Wilson.
If you would like to visit, just drop Hypergallery a line at [email protected] or call on 01491 637021 to ensure someone will be at the gallery to welcome you.
A B Events Hire in Woking have fabulous creative ideas to help you wow your guests with a festive table that’ll really make you the host with the most
Christmas dinner is the time when friends and families come together to spread love and joy over the most special meal of the year. It’s also the perfect time to create an inviting show stopping tablescape for all the family to sit around.
You don’t need to get your tinsel in a tangle, styling a festive table doesn’t need to be expensive and can be created using handmade decoration, hiring items, and using what you have at home.
Here are our top tips for creating a festive table that’ll make you the envy of all
Start with thinking of a theme. Will you go for a white wonderland table, Elf candy canes or something like a natural Scandi Nordic look? Having a theme can add instant fun or a luxurious element to the tablescape. Plus, it helps with the décor decisions.
Do you have enough seats for everyone or chairs that match? You can hire extra chairs and benches to make sure your guests aren’t sitting on the floor or guests aren’t on office chairs. Have a matching set to give your table the extra wow factor. You could hang a little Christmas wreath, mistletoe, bells, or big bow to the back of your chair. This is a great way to bring your theme into all areas of your Christmas tablescape.
Linen always adds a luxurious feel to a table, but you don’t need to necessarily buy it! This can be hired for a fraction of the price. If you don’t want a full tablecloth, you could always use a runner down the centre of the table. This will add texture, a pop of colour without covering the whole table. Napkins matching the colour scheme will look wonderful, plus, you could be creative and fold your napkins into Christmas trees!
Incorporate all the beautiful festive foliage and pretty winter flowers into your table set up. Why not go foraging for ivy, holly, mistletoe, and fire tree to create a table runner? Then add in elements like pinecones, small baubles, faux foliage in golds/silvers etc. Remember to think about the height of the centrepiece, your guests need to be able to see other, without a great big candelabra blocking their view! Use odd numbers of items, it creates a much more pleasing effect on the eye.
A cost-effective décor idea is to make pomanders and place along the table runner and decorate pillar candles by slicing oranges and drying them, to then tie them with cinnamon sticks and twine around the candle. A Christmas tablescape wouldn’t be complete without some fairy lights intertwined around the foliage, and main centrepiece.
A great tablescape is all about layers! At AB Event Hire we’re conscious about the environment and stay away from one-use plastic throw-away items. Instead of buying new tableware, hire it in at a fraction of the price. Not only does it help reduce waste, but we can wash it up for you too! Use matching plates, cutlery and glasses to create an instant cohesive feel to the tablescape. Charger plates add a special element to the table, they can add textures and colours without overpowering the setting, these can easily be hired in too.
Personal touches – will you create name tags for each guest or leave a little Christmas present at their seat? A handmade salt dough decoration or a candy cane with a name tag on could make a heartful gesture to a family member.
For more information about how to hire items & tips on creating Christmas tablescapes, head to AB Event Hire social media pages @ab_event_hire or our website www.abeventhire.co.uk.
AB Event Hire is a family fun wedding, event & catering equipment company. They’re based in Woking and can supply you with all the items you might need to create a perfect festive celebration. Get in touch, they would love to hear from you. Telephone number 01276 856440 and the office email is [email protected].
Celebrate the season in the great outdoors at Hill End centre just outside the city
Escape the hullabaloo of Christmas preparations with a day in nature to help you reconnect and chill out at a family forest day at Hill End. The outdoor activities base just outside Oxford city centre has been inviting people to take part in unique outdoor learning experiences for just over 100 years.
And at this chaotic time of year what could be better than releasing in the open air with the chance for children to run free and play games, follow the winter trail as a family, make creative crafts using natural materials and just sit around the campfire and toast marshmallows.
Enjoy the Christmas holiday fun on Tuesday 20th from 1pm to 5pm and on Wednesday 21st from 10am to 2pm.
These self-led open days are just £8.50 per person and include a jacket potato or soup and hot drinks in the Friends of Hill End pop-up café.
The month starts with a fun evening keeping warm by the fire, singing carols and Christmas songs and festive story time on Friday, 2nd December from 4:30pm to 6:30pm.
Tickets, £6 Friends adult member / £3 child and £8 non-Friends / £6 child, include hot drinks, marshmallows and mince pies. Booking essential in advance, visit https://hill-end.org/news/christmas-sing-along/
A visit to Hill End offers visit the opportunity to be closer to nature, with the space and time to explore and appreciate the wonders of the natural environment.
The multi-award winning family owned group has scooped two more honours to add to its collection at the 2022 awards
Forest Care, a multi award-winning, family-owned, and managed group of four purpose-built private residential nursing homes in beautiful Surrey and Hampshire countryside locations, has scooped two more awards at the Surrey Care Awards 2022.
The annual event celebrating expertise and compassion in individuals and teams working in adult social care, was held on Friday 18th November at the Copthorne Effingham Gatwick Hotel and attended by over 230 guests.
Forest Care’s Holly Lodge, a specialist dementia residential & nursing Home in Frimley, Surrey wins ‘Nursing Home of the Year’. The panel recognised the specialised environment that Holly Lodge had created through its suite of high street destinations to encourage sensory stimulation for reminiscence, its innovative trips into the community for residents, and the excellent feedback from relatives. Alarico Bustamante, Home Manager at Holly Lodge said: “We are thrilled and so proud to receive this award, it means so much to the team here who feel that their continuous hard work, love, care and commitment towards the residents has paid off.”
Handyman David Fielding who recently celebrated his fifth year at Forest Care’s Cedar Lodge Residential & Nursing Home in Frimley, Surrey picked up the ‘Unsung Hero’ award. The panel noted the great lengths David goes to beyond his job remit, supporting residents and regularly taking them to hospital appointments and shopping, making a lightweight board for a resident to continue her artwork and fixing a precious broken grandfather clock which brought much joy to the owners. David said: “Receiving this award was a wonderful surprise, I feel so proud, but I accept this award on behalf of everyone at Cedar Lodge who all really care about what they do.”
“I am delighted and very proud for two of our finalists winning awards on Friday. It is a fantastic achievement for them, and our small group, to be recognised in this way, particularly when the standard of all the finalists is so high. It is testament to the wonderful work they continue to do every day in striving to ensure the best possible care is delivered to our residents,” added Mark Vickery, Director at Forest Care.
Enjoy festive fun activities for the whole family at Bracknell’s leading shopping centre
Shoppers at The Lexicon will be greeted by glittering lights, a 10-metre Christmas Tree and festive market stalls, as part of an array of festive activities for all the family from Saturday, 26th November to December 24th.
One of the borough’s spectacular forest giants, Will Wildwood will return to Princess Square, dressed for the festive season complete with festive forest foliage and frost-tipped sparkling lights to help raise money for Bracknell Foodbank. Every time someone uses the Winter Will Wildwood slide, The Lexicon will donate 20 pence to the foodbank up to a maximum of £5,000.
There’s a Snowflake Trail for families to follow around the town centre, using spectacular artwork created by local children with a chance to win a fabulous family prize from Cineworld and Gymfinity.
But, the star of the show is a magical virtual sleigh ride. Families will be transported across the world as they give Santa’s brand-new sleigh a trial flight before Christmas Eve.
Begin your journey by being transported into a virtual bay using a VR headset with a fully immersive experience including 360-degree views and matching movements. Hold on to your hats everyone, this could be a bumpy ride!
Birchgrove believe the home you live in should be as individual as you, find out what they can offer
When we think of retirement, most of us envision a lifestyle that allows us to socialise and take up new or forgotten hobbies. Yet, the reality is that many people in later life in the UK end up living an isolated life or are overwhelmed with everyday chores such as the upkeep of a large family home, which can lead to a drastic decline of a person’s health, wellbeing and quality of life.
Glenda Jones from Woking was afraid that her mother, 90-year old Matilda, was facing exactly this scenario. She said: “My mother had no time doing the things that she really likes. Her quality of life could have been a lot better. We also became aware of the need for her to have people around her a bit more.”
Determined to help her mother find a suitable property that could improve her overall lifestyle and wellbeing, the search led them to Birchgrove, the specialist developer of modern retirement communities for the over 65s. “I like the fact that they are communities of people not a collection of apartments,” Glenda adds.
You will never find two Birchgrove developments the same, because Birchgrove believe the place you call home should be as individual as the people and neighbourhood it sits within. Birchgrove makes sure that every community is not only future-designed to suit people’s needs as they age but has character to complement the local area. Thoughtful spaces that bring people together help forge communities where people feel grounded and at home.
Apartment living has its perks; no lawns to mow or gardens to weed yet you can still enjoy the beautiful surrounding area from your own outside space as every apartment has its own balcony or patio. Great thought has gone into creating beautiful, shared spaces where people can enjoy company in the club room or snug bar or grab a bite to eat in the restaurant if they don’t feel like cooking.
There’s also a wellness studio and beautiful landscaped gardens which include a greenhouse. Regular events and activities are readily available and form part of the friendly community everyone who lives in a Birchgrove community so enjoys.
If you would like to find out more about living at a Birchgrove community contact the team who will happily talk through the options and tailor something that works to support your individual needs. Call 020 3929 5599 or visit www.birchgrove.life
Christmas trees, a market and children’s theatre can all be enjoyed at Ramster Hall and Gardens this season.
Set in 25 acres of stunning woodland, hills and lakes, Ramster Garden in Chiddingfold is known for its spring colour but with winter on our doorstop the focus shifts.
Ramster is selling premium Christmas trees and beautiful festive wreaths from November 26th outside its Tea House. Festive treats including, mince pies and mulled wine will be available from the Tea House.
Choose from three different types of Christmas trees including Premium Nordmann Fir, Premium Fraser Fir and Norway spruce. Advice will be on hand to help you select your perfect tree.
Explore a fantastic variety of stalls run by local artisans selling food, drink and gifts at Ramster Christmas market on December 3rd and 4th, 10am-4pm. Includes gin, fudge, art, jewellery, beauty and homewares. For an extra treat, Ramster is being joined by the Lammas Handbell Ringers on Saturday 3rd who will be playing Christmas carols in the morning. Free entry and parking.
Ramster Hall presents the Gingerbread Man: A real treat for children aged two to seven years as they join our hero on his adventurous journey in search of somewhere better. Some amusing characters are encountered on the way but not all are as friendly as they may appear. Finally, our champion learns that there is no place quite like home.
Performed inside Ramster Hall on Saturday 10th December (60 minutes)
The Community Foundation for Surrey is helping to provide positive solutions for the community especially as we battle rising energy costs
At the Community Foundation for Surrey, we bring together local donors and charities to provide positive solutions in our communities for local people and disadvantaged individuals.
The need
Poverty is the catastrophe about to happen in Surrey for many people struggling to meet the cost of high energy bills this winter.
Surrey is often thought of as one of the best places to live in the UK. However, there is a hidden side to Surrey, with pockets of deprivation and places of hidden need. Too many people, especially children, are living in poverty in the county.
23,000 children in Surrey are impacted by poverty.
Child poverty has been rising in every district and borough in Surrey for the past five years.
8% of Surrey’s older people are affected by poverty.
“Cutting back on food, skipping meals, not replacing children’s shoes and winter coats, and using debt to make ends meet” … are just some of the ways how parents are coping (Surrey County Council Report to Cabinet on Child Poverty, Jan 2022)
Can you help?
We urgently need donations to our Winter Poverty Fundraising Campaign. With your kind support, together we can combat poverty this winter in our community.
If you’re eligible to receive either the Winter Fuel Payment or the Energy Rebate and you’re in the fortunate position of being able to manage without it, please consider donating the money so that we can use it to award grants to organisations who are providing urgent help to those in economic crisis.
We’re fortunate to have received a matched funding pledge – so that every £10 that you donate will be doubled to £20.
Every penny of donations received will be used to support organisations helping those most in need throughout our county – food banks, community pantries, community meal services, warm hubs, baby banks, and support with fuel poverty and debt advice.
Santa’s Post Office and Snow Windows herald the start of the festive season
The Fleet Business Improvement District has launched their family activities this Christmas. They are completely free and offer an amazing experience and are a great reason to visit the town.
The Fleet BID has commissioned Snow Windows to decorate 24 windows in the town. Each window has been personally designed by artist Tom and features elements particular to that business. Each window is a unique piece of art and both children and adults will enjoy being able to visit the windows and spot the details that make each artwork so special.
Santa’s Post Office also makes a welcome return to Fleet launching in Hart Shopping Centre at the Fleet Christmas Festival on November 23rd. Families can visit the enchanting Post Office to meet the Christmas elves and write their letter to Santa. Children can post their letters in the special Post Box and watch its magical journey to Lapland. Even better this is completely free.
One delighted parent, who visited in previous years said: “We went in today with my two kids and they loved it! Both my husband and I were so impressed and felt incredibly lucky to have something so special in Fleet. A real testament to a wonderful community. A massive thank you to Fleet BID for putting something so special together that local families can enjoy!”
Volunteers from Fleet Guide are manning the Post Office, helping them to raise awareness of the great work they do in our local community.
Tracey Shrimpton, Fleet BID Manager said: “We are very excited to bring these free actives to Fleet this Christmas. Santa’s Post Office is a magical experience and Snow Windows have worked with companies such as Harvey Nichols and celebrities including Jamie Oliver, Kirstie Allsopp and Chris Moyles so we’re extremely lucky to have been able to bring them to Fleet.
“We recognise that families may find the pressure to spend money stressful this Christmas and we’re delighted that we can offer something very special for families to enjoy that they can do completely free of charge.
“We are lucky to have such a fabulous range of committed small business owners who open their doors every day to offer customers unique services and products, with local staff to provide help and advice. The High Street is facing many challenges right now and our mission is to support businesses in Fleet with a number of activities to improve the trading environment and this is a great opportunity for people to show their support for local businesses which are the lifeblood of our community.”
In addition to Fleet BID’s activities a committed team of volunteers are organising the annual Fleet Christmas Festival taking place on Wednesday 23rd November from 2pm to 9pm with over 130 market stalls, family entertainment, choirs and Christmas songs, Vegan Village, community stalls, Hart of Craft market in the Shopping centre, Santa’s Grotto in The Harlington, Autism Friendly Fleet Chill Zone in the shopping centre and the Christmas Lights switch on at 6.30pm. The Festival Committee have also organised a Christmas Trail which runs until December 9th with prizes to be won.
