Round & About Magazine

Author: Karen Neville

Up for a challenge with WSBH

Karen Neville

What are you doing this month? How about taking on the June Triple Challenge or having a go at dragon boat racing, all in aid of Woking & Sam Beare Hospice

Three consecutive weekends of fundraising events begin with the Open Water Swim Challenge on June 14th before riders take to their bikes for the Downslink Challenge on 21st and finish with the Go Grab Life Walk on 29th.

Swim in the serene surroundings of Shepperton Lake in the 400metre swim challenge for those who have previously experienced open water swimming and are over the age of 18. If you haven’t done open water swimming before, you will need to contact Shepperton Lake for an induction swim to go through safety rules followed by a swim test to ensure you are confident and comfortable swimming in an open water environment.

Back on dry land, it’s time to tackle the challenging 83-mile off-road cycle ride from Worplesdon to Shoreham-on-Sea and back again along the scenic Downslink Trail. This is a serious endurance ride, expect around eight hours in the saddle but you’ll be rewarded with superb scenery, and a professional support team to keep you motivated and safe. There’s the option to do a shorter 50-mile version too.

If you prefer a ‘gentler’ challenge then perhaps the Go Grab Life Walk at De Vere Horsley Estate is for you. You’ll be enveloped in history and heritage at every turn on the 4km or 8km (two laps) route around the estate taking in Horsely Towers and the lake.

Full details at wsbh.org.uk/event/june-triple-challenge/

The name Go Grab Life was inspired by patient Nicky Newman, a breast cancer campaigner who shared her journey on social media. Her positive and honest outlook inspired others to “Go Grab Life” and make precious memories. Nicky was cared for by the hospice in 2023, providing palliative care to her whilst living at home before coming into the hospice.As Nicky said: “Go Grab Life, you never truly know what is coming round the corner, so don’t take anything for granted.”

The walk is at 11am and includes free parking and entry to the Big Day Out, a family fun afternoon with live music, kids activities, food and drink and a classic car show also at Horsley Towers.

With your support Woking & Sam Beare Hospice can continue to care for patients and their families when they need it most.

June begins with the wacky fun of the Dragon Boat Races at Goldsworth Park Lakes on 8th. Get your Dragon Boat teams of family, friends, colleagues or team mates together and see if you can be crowned ‘champions of the lake’.Teams must be a minimum of 13 people (12 rowers plus a drummer) up to a maximum of 17 (16 rowers and a drummer), with a minimum of 3 races for each team.

There’ll be stalls, refreshments including Pimms, a tombola, hot food and children’s activities to enjoy too. Please visit wsbh.org.uk/event/dragon-boat-races/ for more & to enter.

Discover more articles from the Surrey area.

June 3, 2025
Holiday I spy

Karen Neville

This month, author & journalist Michael Smith tells us about Ryszard Kukliński and his involvement in plans for the invasion of Western Europe

The two greatest western spies inside the Soviet system during the Cold War Oleg Gordievsky, who died recently, and Oleg Penkovsky were both recruited by MI6, but there was another key agent whose name never gets mentioned.

Ryszard Kukliński was a senior Polish Army officer working with Soviet colleagues on plans for the invasion of western Europe. These ‘unambiguously offensive’ plans involved the use of tactical nuclear missiles and accepted that the inevitable response by NATO would lay waste to his homeland. When an outbreak of protests in the 1970s in Poland was brutally crushed – with around 40 people shot dead by troops and militia – he decided to act.

He proposed to his bosses that he and some colleagues take a sailing trip by yacht along the German, Danish, Dutch and Belgian coasts. It would look like a holiday but would actually be collecting intelligence and photographing naval bases and NATO warships. Then he arranged to meet up with CIA officers in Holland and offered to spy for them. They supplied him with tiny Minox cameras and he photographed every document that came across his desk, more than 30,000 in all over the nine years during which he was in play. A car would meet him on a Warsaw back street at night so he could hand over the unprocessed film and his reports. There were numerous fall-back plans to avoid surveillance and even if “casuals” – civilians with no link to the Polish authorities – were spotted, the car would drive round until the CIA handler was absolutely certain no one could spot them.

Kukliński delivered regular updates of the latest Soviet plans for the invasion of western Europe, and details of every new piece of Soviet military equipment as it was introduced – including the SS-20 Saber intermediate-range missiles based in Poland and East Germany and targeted at western Europe. He also supplied a complete breakdown of how every Warsaw Pact unit would be deployed in an attack on the West.

For one of the most dangerous decades of the Cold War, the US – and therefore the UK – had unprecedented detail of Soviet military capabilities and plans, intelligence which led to major changes in the locations, size and operational plans for NATO forces in Germany and western Europe. Had a war been fought, NATO commanders would have known precisely what Warsaw Pact forces would do at every turn, allowing them to preempt or counter any attack.

Want to chat spies or books with Michael? Get in touch at editor@roundandabout.co.uk

May 28, 2025
Channel challenge

Karen Neville

Helen Jenkins from Godalming has always wanted to swim the Channel and now at the age of 53 she’s taking on the challenge in July

I just have to keep swimming until I hit the sand in France” – put like that it sounds simple enough but Helen Jenkins who admits to being “nervous but excited to see if all the hard work and training will pay off” is under no illusion as to what lies ahead in her 33km challenge.

Growing up Helen was a competitive club swimmer at Cranleigh ASC and told school friends that swimming the Channel was her dream. In 2021, with four other swimmers from Godalming Masters she completed an English Channel relay in 15 and a half hours but knew she wanted to give solo a go.

“I never thought I’d have the opportunity but now that my children are older and more independent, I have a bit more time and headspace to devote to this challenge. It’s quite a ‘selfish’ thing to do given the amount of time devoted to training whilst juggling work as it means I’m out most evenings and weekends. Now seems the right time whilst I still have some energy. The average age of a Channel Swimmer is early 30s, I’m now 53 so have left it quite late to start marathon swimming,” she says.

Helen has been training hard for the feat over the past two years, attending a swim camp in Dover in October last year and in Menorca over Easter. Over the past few months she has increased pool training to 30km a week and longer sea swims in Dover. She explains: “To be allowed to attempt a Channel swim, you need to complete a six-hour swim in water under 16 degrees and I’ve now done three times six-hour swims and also a 10-hour swim on the swim camp in April where I swam 27km. The Channel will likely take me about 15 and a half hours.”

Apart from the temperature – the swim, scheduled for between July 19th and 23rd, is weather and tide dependent – Helen will also face changes in conditions while swimming, the tide, injury and jellyfish but despite all that she is hugely motivated by her aim to raise £20,000 to be split between five charities – RAF Benevolent Fund, Pleasant Valley Camp, Charlie’s Promise, Young Minds & Dementia UK – which all have personal connections for her.

“Everyone is incredibly supportive of me and I have an amazing family and friends who are on this journey with me,” says Helen. “Some of them think I’m nuts to be taking on this swim. They’ve been following my ups and downs and keeping me going with words of encouragement.

“Having a challenge in life is often what keeps us going, both physically and mentally. Being a woman of a certain age has added complications over the last few years but having always been a swimmer, I know being in water is my happy place where I can go to switch off or unwind so would encourage anyone to give endurance swimming a go!”

For more about the swim & Helen’s chosen charities see https://gofund.me/135ae85d

May 27, 2025
Regency Week celebrates Jane Austen’s 250th

Karen Neville

Pat Lerew tells us how JA250 is being marked throughout the year with special events and celebrations taking place in the county and nearby cities Jane Austen knew and loved

For all Jane Austen fans, but especially those in Hampshire, 2025 is a very important year as it’s the 250th anniversary of her birth in Steventon.

Alton and Chawton are no exception so this year Jane Austen Regency Week, June 21st-29th, will be bigger and better than ever, with record numbers of visitors expected and some ticketed events already sold out. Fortunately, several events are free or non-ticketed so can still be enjoyed by all. The welcome reception on the evening of June 20th at Alton House Hotel is one and Regency Day in Alton from 10am until 3pm on June 21st is another.

Regency Day will expand this year to cover the whole High Street from Normandy Street to Drayman’s Way, with stalls, petting animals, carriage rides, a French market, a craft market, entertainment and children’s rides. A parade will form up in the Market Square at 10.30am behind the Carriage and Horses and make its way to the top of Crown Hill where, at 11am, Caroline Knight, Jane Austen’s five times great niece will formally open the new Jane Austen Garden outside the Assembly Rooms and unveil the commemorative sculpture.

The events in Chawton on Sunday, 22nd June are all sold out but the tour and teas at Wyards on Monday 23rd still has some spaces as does the sewing and embroidery workshop at Chawton. There are tickets available for all the book readings at Goldfinch Books throughout the week.

There are also tickets available for all the events on Tuesday, 24th June, though the teatime discussion about Pride and Prejudice is selling fast. The talks and walks on Wednesday, 25th June still have tickets available and the talk about Jane Austen’s pelisse at the Allen Gallery is free while the actual pelisse is on display at the Curtis Museum throughout Jane Austen Week.

The organ recital at historic St Lawrence Church on Thursday 26th is also free as is the viewing of the Jane Austen Book Collection at Alton Library and there are tickets available for the tour of Chawton House and garden. The film Becoming Jane will be showing at Gilbert White’s House in Selborne in the evening.

Staying in Selborne on Friday 27th there is a choice of tours or sewing or visit Jane Austen’s house in Chawton for a discussion on textiles and dress. Back in Alton on Saturday, 28th June there is a children’s craft morning at Alton Library, two historian’s tours during the day and a country dance in the evening.

The final day on Sunday, 29th June starts in Chawton with a tour of Jane Austen’s House, moves into Alton for a walking tour of 19th century breweries and hostelries and concludes at St Lawrence Parish Church for Choral Evensong lead by their renowned choir.

Full details of all the events for Jane Austen Regency Week 2025 can be found at janeaustenregencyweek.co.uk

Pat Lerew

May 27, 2025
The Surrey Hills Country Fair

Karen Neville

Experience the future of countryside skills with demos and fun family activities at Merrist Wood College, Guildford, June 21st & 22nd

Immerse yourself in the heart of Surrey’s countryside at The Surrey Hills Country Fair, a weekend full of traditional country skills, local craftmanship and family-friendly activities for all.

Held in partnership with Surrey Hills Enterprises and Merrist Wood College, the event showcases the best of rural life and countryside skills and celebrates the beauty, heritage, and Surrey Hills living.

The new event invites you to experience the innovative side of rural life, meet local producers, and enjoy activities like animal care, arboriculture and sustainable land management.

Enjoy tractor rides, pony rides, tree climbing, and more. Young people can explore what’s on offer at Merrist Wood College through interactive demonstrations in horticulture, arboriculture, and animal management.

Witness expert demonstrations in forestry management, horticulture and animal husbandry, brought to life by Merrist Wood’s talented teams and students. Meet a wide range of animals, learn from veterinary students, visit the nocturnal enclosure and more.

Explore an array of stalls featuring handcrafted goods, unique artwork, and traditional crafts from local makers. Enjoy music and performances that bring the spirit of the countryside to life.

Savour delicious bites and beverages from local producers with the finest Surrey has to offer.

Tickets at surreyhills.org/event/surrey-hills-country-fair-2025/

May 27, 2025
Petworth through Turner’s eyes

Image: James Dobson

Karen Neville

A new exhibition of J.M.W. Turner’s studies of Petworth celebrates a remarkable landscape seen through the eyes of Britain’s most renowned artist at the National Trust house and park from June 21st to November 16th

For the first time in 20 years, a wide range of J.M.W. Turner’s artistic studies of the extraordinary landscape at Petworth House and Park will be exhibited in the very place that inspired him. Visitors will be able to discover more about his methods, and the impact Petworth had on Britain’s most celebrated artist.

Turner’s Vision at Petworth will include oil paintings and works on paper on loan from the Tate and several private lenders. This range of objects gives a fascinating insight into Turner’s artistic approach, his experiments with colour and use of materials. They tell the story of his connection with the Petworth landscape, and with George O’Brien Wyndham, 3rd Earl of Egremont (1751-1837) who collected many of his works.

In addition to the works on display in the exhibition, visitors will be able to see the 20 oil paintings by Turner on permanent display in Petworth House, then step into the very landscape which inspired him: Capability Brown’s 700-acre deer park and Pleasure Garden.

Petworth House Property Curator Dr Emily Knight said: “We’re excited to show visitors another aspect of the work that Turner produced during his visits to Petworth, from the remarkably expressive sketches and studies that reveal his experimentation as an artist, to the calm grandeur of his finished paintings such as Dewy Morning (1810). This exhibition will enrich people’s understanding of a place that played such a significant role in his life.”

Born on 23rd April 1775, J.M.W. Turner is widely considered to be one of the most influential British artists of all time. From humble beginnings, he travelled the length and breadth of the country to capture its dramatic scenery, redefining landscape painting in the process. Today he remains a touchstone of British cultural life – the face on the £20 note – and the painter behind some of the most iconic images of the natural world ever created.

This exhibition is part of Turner 250, a year-long festival of special exhibitions and events. Taking place throughout 2025, the programme celebrates 250 years since the birth of J.M.W. Turner.

Turner’s Vision at Petworth can be seen in the Exhibition Room at Petworth House, 21st June to 16th November. £10 admission per adult, £5 per child. Under 5s go free. Normal admission to Petworth House also applies.

For further information, please visit: nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/petworth/turners-vision-at-petworth

May 27, 2025
Gardening: What’s best in a Summer Bedding?

At last it’s June and that officially means no more frosts and the seasonal summer bedding can be planted out in abundance!

I like to add these flowers to existing planting and pots for a bit of colour and variety but my favourites are wild flowers and hardy annuals.

What is summer bedding?

^{Keukenhof Gardens in Spring}

The term summer bedding originates from Victorian times and many still traditionally plant beds of organised summer flowering plants. You can see this type of planting in parks, gardens, roundabouts and outside stately homes and botanic gardens. It has become less popular in gardens as we move towards a more wildlife friendly type of gardening. These plants are great when filling gaps in borders, and adorning the patio in pots and baskets. Then we get to enjoy them all summer long!

^{Pink & Red Pelargonium}

Should I have tender perennials or annuals?

This always causes confusion as Pelargoniums and Petunias are tender perennials sold as annuals. Meaning they are not frost hardy and need to be over wintered inside or bought new each year. Cosmos and Tagetes are half-hardy annuals. These need to start growing in the greenhouse and will die at the end of the season. Most summer bedding plants need feeding, watering and dead-heading to maintain flowering. Take particular care with the hanging baskets which may need plunging into a bucket of water to rehydrate!

Pink Cosmos

Marigold flower/Tagetes erecta

^{Pink & Purple Fuchsia}

Fuchsias: perfect for summer bedding

These deserve a special mention as they are one of many shrubs people use for summer bedding. They can be hardy – Fuchsia magellanica which can stay out all winter. Or tender – most of the summer bedding ones with cultivar names like ‘Dancing Flame’ and ‘Lady Thumb’. The tender need winter protection. It’s all about where they grow in their native habitat. They flower non-stop all summer and are well worth investing in.

Spider Plants

Can my houseplants be put outside in summer?

Often spider plants and other houseplants can be put outside in containers during the summer. But be careful to acclimatise them as, like us, they can get sunburnt!

Check out Cathie’s Gardening School for courses and workshops, garden mentoring and consultancies.

Want more gardening tips?

Find lots more of our gardening ideas here

May 27, 2025
Sport Godalming welcomes first Ambassador, Yaz

Karen Neville

Junior international bowls player Yaz Hasan is aiming to inspire in her new role with Sport Godalming

Yaz Hasan is a woman on a mission to change the perception of bowls and show it’s for everyone.

Having started bowls at the age of eight at Godalming & Farncombe Bowls Club, Yaz is now a junior international both indoors and outdoors and has become the first Ambassador for Sport Godalming.

She has represented England across the British Isles with the most recent international success for the Women’s Under-25 International Squad in Aberdeen in February, where she was part of the winning squad, beating Wales, Ireland and Scotland to become champions.

Yaz is keen to help Sport Godalming, a charitable organisation aiming to support and promote sport in the town and surrounding villages.

“I’m delighted to be teaming up with Sport Godalming so even more young people can benefit from mentoring and support to follow their dreams of playing sport. Their help has proved invaluable as I progressed from complete beginner to the junior international I am today. I am excited to help others fulfil their potential, with the help of Sport Godalming.”

Yaz has been a part of successful outdoor clubs in both Egham Bowls Club and more recently at Southey Bowls Club, while remaining at Egham Indoor Bowls Club.

Simon Crowther, Chairperson of Sport Godalming, welcomed Yaz to her new role, saying: “She will be a great Ambassador due to her focussed and determined nature. But, also her unique understanding of what it is like to be a young athlete striving to be the best.”

May 21, 2025
Black Down and Hindhead NT supporters

Karen Neville

Bob Daniels is chairman of Black Down & Hindhead Supporters of the National Trust, a charity helping to conserve and protect nature reserves around Haslemere. He tells us about their work and ask you to help buy more ponies!

The Black Down & Hindhead Supporters of the National Trust is small local charity which traces its origins back to 1906.

Sir Robert Hunter, one of the founding members of the National Trust, was instrumental in securing Hindhead Commons and the Devil’s Punchbowl for the nation and then needed someone to look after it. He founded the Hindhead Commons management committee whose members included Sir Arthur Conan Doyle as Fire Marshall. We have expanded our remit to cover all NT landscapes close to Haslemere including Black Down, Marley Downs and many others.

Membership of the National Trust supports management of every NT property whereas the funds we raise are spent only on local projects, for example:

Ponies: The ageing Exmoor ponies that are so important for conservation grazing at Hindhead and the Devil’s Punchbowl need replacing to achieve a 30-strong herd. To ensure a spread of ages we are purchasing about four a year and so far we have bought 13! Could you help us fund a pony?

Beavers: Through generous local donations we provided £60,000 to support the Wilder Valewood project which seeks to enhance biodiversity and includes a beaver enclosure. The valley now has an impressive series of ponds, large and small, and increasingly extensive wetland created by the beavers.

Iron Age Fort: The NT recently purchased Castle Copse, on the southern end of Blackdown, and we provided funds for rhododendron removal and an archaeological dig which revealed a Bronze / early Iron Age Fort. Come to our Educate & Inspire talk at the Haslemere Educational Museum on June 4th to find out more!

Emley Barns renovation: The three historic barns at Emley Farm, part of the NT Hindhead portfolio, were in a state of disrepair and were recently designated as ‘at risk’ by Waverley Borough Council. The National Trust has been successful in its application to DEFRA, obtaining 80% of the costs of essential urgent repairs to stabilise the structures. The committee provided the 20% matched funding needed for the project.

Grayswood Pond: We gave £5,000 to refurbish the NT pond and paths opposite the school in Grayswood.

Sir Jonathan Hutchinson: Refurbishment of the monument to Sir Jonathan Hutchinson on Marley Heights, eminent physician and founder of the Haslemere Educational Museum, was recently completed.

We are delighted to fund such an eclectic range of projects and we hope readers might be interested to become a member and/or donate via our website: blackdownhindheadntsupporters.org

May 14, 2025
Unearth gardening at Godalming Library

Karen Neville

A new exhibition at Godalming Library is exploring the transformative power of gardening as Laura Bridger tells us with Unearthed

In May Godalming Library will be hosting an exhibition from the British Library Living Knowledge Network called Unearthed, which focuses on gardens, plants and community sustainability.

Unearthed, which runs from May 1st to 31st before moving on for a tour around Surrey libraries, is an exhibition exploring the transformative power of gardening, tracing personal stories alongside global histories. It celebrates gardening as a force for creativity, resilience and connection. From the people who have fought for the right and space to garden to the stories of the plants we use for food and medicine, discover how gardening has shaped our lives, our communities, and our planet.

Alongside the exhibition there will be several events happening at Godalming Library throughout the month of May, with a focus on plants and gardening starting with a launch event on the evening of Thursday, 1st May.

Throughout the month we will be operating a seed swap at the library so please pop in and have a look. If you have seeds to donate, please make sure they are labelled clearly.

Godalming Library will be hosting a series of gardening talks. These include the following:

• A talk on Ecological Gardens by local charity What Next? on Wednesday, 7th May at 3pm

• A talk by the co-founder of Green Hub project on the benefits of gardening for teenagers’ mental wellbeing on Tuesday, 13th May at 6pm

• A talk on the Winkworth Arboretum on Wednesday, 14th May at 2.30pm

• A talk on Munstead Wood and Gertrude Jekyll on Tuesday, 20th May at 4pm

Local author/illustrator Susie Darnton will be running a botanical drawing workshop on two dates in May. These events are suitable for adults or children aged 9+ and will take place on Saturday 17th and Tuesday, 27th May at 10am. All materials will be provided in this beginner friendly, mixed age workshop, where you can learn how to draw various flowers.

There will also be some activities for children running at the library. We will have green themed storytimes every Wednesday in May at 11am with a special storytime and craft session on Wednesday, 28th May for half term. There will be some craft sessions including making cress heads and paper flowers and a Create a miniature garden on a dinner plate competition.

l For a full list of events and activities happening at Godalming Library, their details, and how to book, please visit our website: tinyurl.com/golibevents

May 14, 2025